It’s no surprise that experts have customers coming to them and don’t have to work hard to drum up business. When you implement your inbound marketing strategy, you’ll need to do all you can to build momentum and expert status.
One way to build momentum and quickly jump to expert status is through public speaking. Public speaking that is highly educational and informative is another inbound marketing tactic that positions you as someone who provides value.
Public speaking events that are “salesy” usually turn people off, but a seminar or webinar from an expert who is well-versed on a subject leaves people inspired and motivated to take action.
Experts Speak and Share Their Knowledge
Public speaking is daunting for many; it’s right at the top on people’s list of worst fears. What’s important to remember, however, is that even the most practiced and experienced speakers get nervous and sometimes fumble their words. It’s the overall speech that matters, and when we hear a good presentation, we automatically elevate the speaker and label him or her an expert.
Getting Speaking Opportunities
If you want to achieve expert status, so you have more customers approaching you, here are some steps to get there. Here’s how to become a public speaker:
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Write
If you haven’t already started a blog to add value to your website, start today. The first step to getting speaking opportunities is to write about subjects you’re knowledgeable and passionate about.
If your company has a blog, start contributing there as well as to other well-known websites. If you’re not a confident writer, get a copywriter or assistant to help you out. Have a writer interview you and then piece together your thoughts and advice.
And remember, don’t forget to promote what you write on social media.
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Create Your Own Opportunities
Creating your own opportunities is another way to get your foot in the door and to get video clips of yourself speaking to send out to other event planners. If you’re doing a seminar, you’ll have to tap into your database and invite an audience. Webinars also allow you to tap your database and attract other interested prospects online without the upfront work or cost of organising a venue.
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Apply to Speak at Industry Events
The next step to becoming a public speaker is to apply at industry events and conferences. Identify relevant industries and upcoming conferences that would benefit from your skill set. Most of these will likely have speaking opportunities that you can apply for.
Videos of yourself speaking and blog posts will help you pitch your message. The more speaking you do, the more invitations you’ll get, and the more invitations you get, the more you’ll achieve expert status. Plus, the more you speak, the better you’ll get.
Your Strategy for Public Speaking
If you’re pursuing public speaking, creating your own videos should be part of your content strategy. The process will give you excellent practise; however, if you’re not great with video technology, it’s best to hire someone to help you out. Your videos are your fist impression, so the investment for professional quality will benefit you in the long run.
With webinars and live streams, you won’t have the same face-to-face interaction with your audience, however, if you do them properly, your audience will benefit in the same way they would if they were in the same room as you in a conference. You can also record your webinars and live stream videos for future use.
Speaking at an Event vs Running Your Own Event
When you’re running your own event, you get to essentially handpick the audience and work the room more than you would if you were speaking at an event. The downside to running your own event is that it requires a lot of organising and the majority of the people you get in front of, you’ll likely already know.
Speaking at a pre-planned event or conference will get you in front of a wider audience. To these people, you’ll likely be unfamiliar, so you have the opportunity to expand your reach. If you speak at a well-known event, this will lend to your credibility.
Tips for Preparing Your Speech and Presentation
- Keep your message clear and concise—your audience will only remember a handful of points (3-5).
- Have one idea you want your audience to remember after hearing you.
- Tell a relatable story in order to connect with your audience and create rapport.
- Know your audience profile and their interests, so you can craft an engaging speech.
- Remember that you’re adding value and educating, not selling.
- Practise, practise, practise— in front of friends, family, or a mirror.
- Time your speech and make sure your speech is shorter than your time slot. Rather finish a bit early and leave time for questions than run out of time during the actual speech.
- Stay consistent with your brand and brand voice.
Quick Tips to Get Started as a Public Speaker
- Decide on the messages you want to get across
- Consider how your message might attract opportunities
- Practice your message by writing blog posts
- Organise an informational event for your own contacts
- Identify industry events and conferences and submit pitches
Public speaking is a powerful tool and inbound marketing technique you can use for your business. Continue to refine and implement your inbound marketing strategy, so your customers can find you.
If you don’t have your own platform to build your blogging or public speaking profile, find out more about developing your online brand via websites, apps, software, and more by clicking here.