How to get paid speaking gigs

by Jaimie Abbott

Public speaking can be a lucrative career. Many speakers are in high demand and can command a substantial fee for their services. But how do you go about getting paid speaking gigs? Here are some tips to help you get started.

1. Define your niche and message
   First, you need to define your niche and message. What topics are you passionate about, and what do you have expertise in? Determine what sets you apart from other speakers and what value you can bring to your audience.
2. Develop your brand
   Next, you need to develop your brand. This includes creating a professional website and social media presence that showcases your expertise and value. It's essential to have a clear, concise message that tells people who you are, what you do, and why you do it. A strong brand will help you stand out from the competition and make it easier to land speaking gigs.
3. Network
   Networking is critical to getting paid speaking gigs. Attend industry events, join professional organisations, and connect with other speakers, event planners, and industry leaders. Use social media to network with potential clients and build relationships with other professionals in your niche. The more people you know, the more opportunities you'll have to get in front of the right audience.
4. Pitch to event planners
   One of the best ways to get paid speaking gigs is to pitch yourself to event planners. Research events and conferences in your niche, and reach out to the event planners to pitch your services. Be sure to include your value proposition, a clear description of your topic, and any relevant experience or credentials. Make it easy for event planners to see why you're the best speaker for their event.
5. Build a speaker profile
   Creating a speaker profile is a must. This is your chance to showcase your experience and expertise to potential clients. Include testimonials from past clients, a list of topics you can speak on, and any media coverage you've received. You can also list your fee range so potential clients know what to expect. A professional speaker profile can help you stand out and make it easier to land paid speaking gigs.
6. Leverage social media
   Social media is a powerful tool for speakers. Use it to share your message, build your brand, and connect with potential clients. Post regular updates on your speaking engagements, share your insights on your niche, and connect with other professionals in your industry. Be sure to use relevant hashtags to help people find your content and increase your visibility.
7. Use a speakers' bureau
   Speakers' bureaus can be a valuable resource for speakers. These organisations work with event planners to find the right speakers for their events. They often have an extensive network of contacts and can help you land paid speaking gigs. However, they typically take a commission on your fee, so be sure to weigh the cost versus the benefits.
8. Offer value
   Finally, it's important to offer value to your audience. Provide actionable insights, entertaining stories, and practical advice that people can use in their personal or professional lives. Focus on delivering value, and the paid speaking gigs will come.

In conclusion, getting paid speaking gigs takes time and effort. You need to define your niche, develop your brand, network, pitch to event planners, build a speaker profile, leverage social media, use a speakers' bureau, and offer value to your audience. But with persistence and dedication, you can build a successful career as a paid speaker.