4 Tips to Successfully Launch Yourself as a Professional Speaker
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Finding ways to leverage your knowledge into professional
opportunities is common. It is the basis for salary negotiations and is a
fundamental part of working as an educator. However, you don’t have to
hold a traditional job or work for an educational institution to share
your knowledge for pay.
Many professionals find great success as public speakers. But, it isn’t the easiest profession to break into.
If you are interested in turning your knowledge into an event that
people are willing to pay for the privilege of attending, here are some
tips to get you started.
1. Understanding Speaker Fees
Speaker fees include all of the revenue a speaker receives
for a speaking engagement. This fee is negotiated before the event,
often with the event’s sponsor, and can be based on per hour, per
speech, per day, or per event fee structure. At times, additional items
such as hotel stays and required flights are also included in the
discussion.
The amount of money a speaker can command is often
based on their level of expertise and how popular they are within the
public speaking sector. Top-billed motivational speakers can often
require fees at $5,000 per engagement or higher. Celebrities and former
politicians have earned fees upwards of $200,000 for a single
appearance.
2. Marketing your Talents
A
big part of a speaker’s success is based on their marketing techniques.
Just as a resume helps you secure a job, your marketing material is
what attracts potential sponsors to your offerings. In many cases,
successful speakers also operate websites and blogs that showcase their
talents and abilities; these sites often include free content to help
attract potential sponsors based on their web searches on the topic.
Professional
networking within your niche can also be helpful and may be fairly
simple if you currently work in the field that you wish to cover. Attend
local events and conferences, and take the time to mingle with those
who may be interested in your services.
In some cases, the easiest
way to market your skills is to give them away for free. You can let
potential sponsors see what you have to offer by taking positions at
events dedicated to your preferred topic which can lead to paid offers
in the future. This can also be ideal if your subject works well in the
non-profit center, as it can help you create positive associations to
your personal brand.
3. Speaker Associations and Speakers Bureaus
Many
speakers find success while working with a Speakers Association, such
as the National Speakers Association. Often, the associations and
bureaus help members find speaking engagements, negotiate speaker fees,
as well as marketing the member’s availability. They also provide a
built-in network of other professionals who may have an interest in your
topic of choice.
While membership in such organizations is not
required, as you can choose to work independently, it can be helpful to
those first entering the public speaking realm. Additionally, you can
often belong to an association or bureau while seeking opportunities on
your own. This allows you to expand your efforts beyond what you may be
able to handle on your own.
4. Courses and Guides
Some
noted professionals, such as Jason Hartman, offer insight to those
looking to break into the public speaking business. Information is
provided on how to find an audience, topic development, event
structures, and material delivery. You can also locate information about
successful marketing strategies.
Courses, podcasts, and blogs may
be available at no cost, while others will charge a fee to access the
material. Depending on the material provided, even content for which you
had to pay can result in enough professional engagements to justify the
expense. Just as you pay for a college education, much of this is no
different. Think of it as an investment in your future, and see where it
takes you. More Info:.lifehack.org
