ļ»æJaimie: Welcome to today's episode!
I've dropped it a little bit late because I'm literally just recording it today, Monday, the 27th of May. I guess the reason I was late is because I am prepping for a couple of things. My Paid to Speak launch doors are opening June 4th. If you want to join the waitlist for that, they will open this Saturday. You do score a bonus one-on-one session with me if you join from the waitlist. Just go to jaimieabbott.com.au/paidtospeak. But if you're not sure about the course, I'm actually running a free three-day challenge. It's the second time I've run this challenge properly in a launch, and it's called Speak and Earn. Over three days next week, starting from next Monday, you're going to learn how to put together your speaker toolkit. I'm even going to give you a Canva template which you can use to put together your speaker's bio. We'll learn what other things you need as well, like a four- and six-page bio.
On Day Two, Tuesday, the 4th of June, we're going to learn how to pitch yourself as a paid professional speaker. And on Day Three, Wednesday, the 5th of June, you're going to learn how to find ways to achieve speaking gigs. Don't miss it! Go to jaimieabbott.com.au/speakandearn and you can jump on. It's free, nothing to lose. All the sessions will be posted in a pop-up Facebook group with almost 200 people. So, what have you got to lose? Jump in at jaimieabbott.com.au/speakandearn.
Anyway, back to today's podcast episode. Today, I thought I'd dive into a topic that every aspiring and established speaker dreams about, and that is how to score repeat paid speaking gigs. Repeat engagements are like the gold standard in the speaking world because they not only provide financial stability, but they also solidify your reputation as a valuable and impactful speaker. So grab a notebook, settle in, and let's get started.
Number One: Deliver Unmatched Value
The first and most important step is not just to show up and give a decent presentation. You need to exceed expectations. How do you do that? Here are a couple of tips:
1. Know your audience: Tailor your content to meet the specific needs and interests of the audience. Do your research and understand what they care about.
2. Engage and interact: Make your presentation interactive. Ask questions of the audience, do polls, or have activities like "turn to the person next to you" to keep them engaged.
3. Provide actionable takeaways: Ensure that your audience leaves with actionable steps they can implement immediately. This adds tangible value to your talk.
Number Two: Build Strong Relationships
Relationships are the key to repeat business. Here are some strategies to build and maintain strong connections with event organisers:
1. Follow up after your event: Send a personalised thank you note to the organiser. Mention specific details from the event to show that you were engaged.
2. Stay in touch: Periodically check in with past clients, share updates or free resources, or just touch base to see how they are doing.
3. Be professional: Always be professional and easy to work with. This means being punctual, responsive, and adaptable.
Number Three: Consistently Update Your Speaker's Toolkit
Inside my Speak and Earn Challenge, you'll get an exclusive Canva template to pitch yourself as a one-sheet PDF. Hereā€™s what you want to include in your toolkit:
1. A professional speaker's bio: Ensure itā€™s polished and highlights your expertise and unique value proposition.
2. A compelling speaker reel: This can be expensive, but even a basic version will help. Keep it updated with fresh footage of you speaking.
3. Testimonials: Collect and showcase testimonials from past clients as social proof of your value.
Number Four: Offer Custom Packages and Follow-Ups
Offering custom packages can increase your chances of securing repeat gigs. Hereā€™s how to do it:
1. Tailored packages: Create packages that cater to different needs and budgets. Include options for follow-up sessions, workshops, or ongoing consulting.
2. Exclusive content: Offer exclusive content or workshops for repeat clients, like a deep dive into a particular topic.
3. Loyalty programs: Consider implementing a loyalty program where repeat clients get discounts or additional services.
Number Five: Leverage Feedback
Feedback is a goldmine for improvement and repeat business. Hereā€™s how to make the most of it:
1. Request feedback: After each engagement, ask for detailed feedback. Use this information to improve your future presentations.
2. Act on feedback: Show your clients that you value their opinions by making visible improvements based on their suggestions.
3. Share your improvements: Inform clients about how you've implemented their feedback. It makes them feel valued and keeps you memorable.
Number Six: Stay Top of Mind
You need to be visible and relevant to stay top of mind. Here are some strategies:
1. Content marketing: Regularly publish articles, videos, and podcasts related to your speaking topics and share these with your network.
2. Social media: Stay active on social media, sharing insights, event highlights, and client testimonials.
3. Newsletter: Send out a regular newsletter with valuable content, updates on your speaking engagements, and tips for your audience.
Number Seven: Network and Be Part of the Community
Being an active part of the speaking community can lead to repeat gigs. Hereā€™s what to do:
1. Attend events: Attend industry events both in person and virtually to network with other speakers, organisers, and potential clients.
2. Join associations: Join organisations like Professional Speakers Australia (PSA) for resources and opportunities for speakers.
3. Give back: Mentor new speakers or volunteer to speak at community events to build your reputation and connections.
There you have it, my top tips for scoring repeat paid speaking gigs. Remember, the key is to deliver exceptional value, build strong relationships, and stay top of mind. If you follow these strategies, you'll be well on your way to becoming a sought-after speaker with a calendar full of repeat engagements.
Don't forget, next Monday, the 3rd of June, through to Wednesday, the 5th of June, I'm running my free Speak and Earn three-day challenge. You can join now at jaimieabbott.com.au/speakandearn. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and give me a five-star review. Share it with your colleagues and fellow speakers. Until next time, keep speaking and earning.
