By DanRam
I love sharing public speaking tips and this week I want to talk about the often neglected aspects of the business behind the public speaking.
I’ve spent years learning these essential fundamentals because while most coaches focus on not having the “ums” and the “ahs” and making sure your content is attention grabbing for your audience, the business of public speaking is what will make event planners want to work with you over and over again; getting you invited to speak to new audiences at new events.
Here are my 3 tips to bulletproof your Public Speaking Business, helping you create a sustainable speaking business.
1 Brand Value is Everything
Events don’t hire you because you look good on stage or because you are an expert. Event organizers hire speakers and Emcees because of their perception of who you are. That perception is based on the book that you write, the caliber of clients you coach, your credentials and accomplishments, and your presence online.
This then begs the question: Where are they finding you? Is it on social media, on websites, or other platforms. Having a consistent brand story and showing how that story correlates to your brand value will be a key factor in setting you apart from other speakers in your niche.
The bigger the stages and the bigger the personalities you associate with, the bigger your brand perception will be. The more accolades you win, the higher ranked your books and business are, the greater your perceived worth will be to an event organizer.
2 It’s about the client not the platform
I find too many speakers infatuated with the idea of themselves on stage in front of a massive audience rather than focusing on the people that are hiring them. For me, my clients are everything. I have invested in those friendships because I value them. “Client” is actually a strange word because the people I work with are some of my closest friendships; I’m at their birthday parties and we even go on holidays together.
Genuinely invest in the people that hire you. Authentically care about the people you are working with and you will find yourself doing your best work and performing at your highest potential. Make it less about the platform and more about the client.
3 Follow-Up
While It is a given that you WILL get inquiries and people asking you to speak, you will also be surprised how many speakers act like creative artists. Creative artists are known to respond when they are back from holiday, when the mood hits them, or when they finish other work.
Avoid this temptation at all costs because a critical component to increasing your brand value involves immediate follow up. If you get an inquiry, respond to them within an hour. Even if it’s something like, “Hey thanks so much for reaching out about this opportunity, I’m in a shoot right now, I’ll give you a call this evening, or I’ll check in with you first thing tomorrow morning. It’s super important to follow up and the follow up must be consistent over the life of the contract. You will need to follow up regarding logistics, your travel, what you’re going to be speaking about, your preparation, and every other detail involved in the event and the lead up to the event.
Make sure your business acumen for following up is as good as your speaking skills.
When combined, these 3 skills will set you apart from others in the field and will give your impactful message the wider reach it deserves.
I hope these skills help. As always I want to create a conversation around this so please comment below exactly what YOU think are some of the essential ingredients for a thriving speaking business.
Dan Ram ignites the stage as an in-person event and virtual event MC/ Moderator & Speaker at over 100 events a year. He has shared the stage with international luminaries including President Barack Obama, Sir Richard Branson, Reid Hoffman, Nico Rosberg, and Grammy-winning artists and celebrities. He has also been recognized as a Top 40 under 40 leader 2020 as well as a Top 100 Yale Alumni in Technology 2021. Level up your communication skills through his course and mastermind “Speaking Success”. His passion is to inspire people with his motto ‘Start Now Start Simple’ in building a future we all want to live in.
Thanks for these timely reminders Dan! I think the skill I need to hone the most is my follow up. I think I could increase my opportunities without increasing my outreach by improving that ONE thing. Thanks!