Sharing your message is how you make a difference; it’s how you change lives. Speaking is how you share that message. And speaking to the right audience is how you expand your reach and grow your business. These are things you already know; things you’ve heard me mention before, right?

But where do you find the right audience? What’s the best way to seek out those perfect speaking opportunities that will put you in front of your ideal audience?

First, you need to determine the kind of speaking gigs you’re looking for, as discussed in a previous article, The Top 5 Platforms Speakers Use to Share Their Message. Then you need to decide on the best audience to receive your message. You can start by making a list of the industries, groups and organizations you know about that fit with your message. This will be a good starting point for making the right contacts.

Once you’ve done that, you’re ready to begin searching for the perfect speaking engagements. The following tips will help you search the right places for the right events:

1. Internet. By far, this is the very best place to begin your search. Simple searches of keywords related to speaking or speakers in your expertise or industry will typically result in numerous hits on calls for speakers.
2. Industry publications. Industry publications specific to your particular passion or area of expertise are a great place to find speaking opportunities. Both online and printed publications will usually promote upcoming conferences and events where speakers are needed.
3. Local special interest or service clubs. Most communities have a Chamber of Commerce, as well as Rotary, Kiwanis or other service clubs that can open up many opportunities for speaking. Try contacting these organizations about speaking, or even better, become a member if you can.
4. Colleges and universities. If you happen to live in a college community, the opportunities are almost endless—from student clubs, fraternities and sororities, to being a guest speaker in a class relevant to your expertise. Speaking to young people who are facing graduation can provide a wonderful platform for many topics, such as how to successfully integrate into the workplace. This could include such things as building self-esteem, handling peer pressure, mastering time management, and the list goes on.
5. Professional organizations. Seek out the appropriate professional organizations or groups that fit with your passion and pitch yourself to them as a speaker at their next event. If you are a member of any such organizations, such as Business Networking International, for example, start there.
6. Corporations.  Companies large and small are always looking for professionals to speak at their events as keynote or motivational speakers, or someone to work within their organization to inspire and motivate their own employees.
7. Word of mouth. This is a great way to find speaking gigs. Get involved in your own professional organizations or community groups and let your colleagues know that you are available for speaking engagements.
8. Social media. Of course social media plays an important role in your search for speaking gigs. If you’re not active on social media, don’t wait another minute to take the social media plunge. Get involved on the best social media sites for you and begin sharing bits of your passion, your knowledge, and yourself to your connections. Let it be known that you are available for speaking, and once others see you are an expert in that area or that you are passionate about a particular subject, they will remember you if they are in need of a compelling speaker, like you!

Once you start speaking you will increase your visibility. You never know who is in the audience who may either hire you for their next event or know someone looking for a great speaker. And keep in mind that conference planners book speakers about a year out, so you have no time to waste. Get started now to secure those great gigs for next year!

My challenge to you this week is to begin your search for speaking engagements. Follow the tips above and make a list of prospects to contact. Be sure to keep an accurate record of your contacts so you can follow up later. And that’s a topic for a future article!

Researching, pursuing and tracking potential speaking opportunities does take a significant amount of time and effort. One of the ways we support our valued clients is by handling this task for them. The IBS team is highly skilled at matching the right gigs to the right speakers. We would love to help you by taking this tedious work off of your task list. Contact us today and let’s get started!