One of my favorite parts of my job over the past year or so is having had the
opportunity to participate in speaking engagements at conferences and local business chapters. In addition to helping me add credibility to what I do, I’ve been able to connect with people offline, and create additional opportunities for myself and my firm. While I’m not an “expert” by any means when it comes to securing these opportunities, there are a few steps I’ve taken that have helped me do so that I thought might be helpful for those looking to do the same.
1. Connect in the real world. You can be the smartest person in the world with great credentials, but without a strong network of the right connections, you will most likely fall on deaf ears. Get out there and meet some folks, especially those in charge of the events you are interested in speaking at. Your in person introduction will make that online submission to speak a stronger sell.
2. Get your house in order. It goes without saying that without a mildly successful blog, social network, or career, you might have a hard time joining the speaking circuit. The good news is you don’t have to be a Fortune 500 executive or world famous blogger. Just make sure you have a well contributed, commented on, blog, and an active social audience. You have to show that you have some sort of audience/credibility first.
3. Pitch something memorable. I actually worked my way in by coming up with a session that I genuinely thought would attract an audience. The session was titled “Social Media Solutions On A Budget”. Find something you are knowledgeable about, and add a spin to the title that will surely not only entice an audience, but the attention of a show’s organizer.
4. Leverage an ally. If you know someone connected to the show or organizer in any way, make sure you include a name drop in your submission. The fact is sometimes it’s more about who you know, then what you know, especially when it comes to getting your foot in the door.
5. Kill it onstage. There is no doubt that the only factor that will really have you maintaining your speaking circuit card is delivering a world class presentation. I pride myself in giving everything I’ve got when given the opportunity. Be entertaining, informative, and most of all, HELPFUL. That is the key. Be sure to give your audience actionable information that they can walk away with.
I know for many these tips may not seem like rocket science, and quite frankly they are not. But they are the steps that I have taken and found success with. For those of you on the speaking trails, would love your tips as well in the comments.
And for those of you wanting to see my walk the talk and happen to be attending SES Chicago 2011, be sure to check out my session or simply stop by and say hello!
These are great Jason. Much of what you’ve mentioned are also applicable when getting radio and TV interviews.
Thanks for sharing.
Good point. I actually need to apply my own advice to score a couple more of those!
Thanks for this helpful article about public speaking. It is definitely something that you need to train yourself for – otherwise you might feel like a deer caught in the headlights.
..that’s never a good feeling!
Thanks again for the tips and keep up the great work, Jason!
Great list of tips. Here is one I’ve had lots of luck with.
Shoot for the stars. Seriously. I’ve applied to speak at conferences that were way above my profile level and got in. I even applied a week or so prior to the event.
The last one where I got in at the last minute was Blogpaws, huge event in the pet blogging realm. I got in cuz someone canceled. Now I have a contact, a track record, and an invite to speak at the next one.
I pulled the same thing with TED. Didn’t get in this time but the organizer was interested enough to suggest we meet up in person for a discussion about future speaking opportunities.
In short, you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. Wayne Gretsky said that I think…
Great add Dino. Definitely agree here, especially considering once you are finally able to break through, it makes it much easier for future shows.
@JasonYormark:twitter ,
Nice list – great reminders!
One thing I’ve been working on is “killing it on stage.” We can always do better, and I am crafting as your post comes out. So I appreciate your words!
Chicago is not so very far for me – wish SES 2011 would have been an opportunity to connect.
So, good luck on your presentation…..kill it! 🙂
~Keri
Too bad we can’t connect there! Maybe in the near future. Thanks for stopping by!
Solid article, Jason! I am a firm believer of giving the more in value than what they pay you in cash! I look forward to digging through you site some more!
Great post. I would also include to make sure that you practice and learn the art and skill of not being shocked when mistakes happen. Practice means that when things fall out of place, you know what should be next so it appears nothing went wrong. Always, always finish on time. If not, you may not get the next opportunity if you have a reputation to overrun, no matter who you know.