I’ve been asking a few speakers how they get their gigs. Here’s a general list from their responses of what really works:
- Past clients – This depends on the opportunity for repeat business, if it’s a conference keynote slot then it may be difficult to gain repeat business every year
- Clients that book you for other things, eg training, consulting, coaching
- Book Sales – ‘We loved your book so much we were wondering what else you do…’ And, strangely, potential clients don’t have to read your book to be sold!
- Product Sales – Same as book sales: We loved it and we want more!
- Speaker Referrals – supporting your fellow speakers is good for everyone.
- Colleague Referrals – referrals from colleagues who work in other fields. Keep them up to date with your current topics, research and thinking.
- Client Referrals – The best way to have this happen is to do a great job!
- Speakers Bureaus – Generally as a direct request to the bureau.
- Articles – In particular in trade magazines and newspapers as these position you as an expert.
- Email Marketing – “I’ve been receiving your emails for a while and now we have an event coming up…”
- Submit Papers – Mostly for academic presentations at conferences.
- Google Adwords – Who pops up in the search results when you type in your area of expertise? Be found for your keywords.
- Webinar Audience – This is one way to book yourself! Run a live event for your audience and you never know who might be listening. You might then be asked to deliver online or face-to-face.
- Public Seminars – Like webinars, this is another way to book yourself and be found by your prospective audience.
- Linked In – Participate in groups and share your expertise. And make sure your profile is well written for any enquiries that follow.
- Content Marketing – Jason Fox shared recently that he secured a presentation in Finland after the client had watched one of his video presentations online.
Did I miss any? Love to hear your thoughts about which ones work best for you…
