Speaking Gigs, it’s the land of thousand dollar checks and millions of twitter followers! Yet, many of us will actually never get to those points of reference, one can build quite the reputation and authority status by speaking at various events and meetups. Which, just like writing a book, gives one an astronomical amount of social klout.

Speaking Gigs can be top of the sales funnel or the end, meaning you speak to then funnel folks into buying something from you or you funnel folks into buying you as a speaker (or something else, but to make this example easier, let’s just say those two)

Top of Funnel

In this case you are using your speaking gig as critical mass to funnel attendees to purchase a product or service. Below you will see an example of five steps to reach your end goal of a product or service sale. 

1. Speaking gig
2. Go to my page, sign up for info
3. Custom content
4. Follow up
5. Hard sell book, membership, product, etc

End of Funnel

In this case you are using your social proof or klout to funnel into a speaking gig. Each number is a step leading to your end goal. 

1. Blog post or social post
2. Sign up for a list
3. Webinar
4. Upsell your ability to speak in person or webinar for company/group/etc

For us, we’ve paid speakers a ton of different ways: cash, travel, buying their books, etc. It really depends on what outcome they are looking for. Some are looking for top of funnel and some are looking at speaking gigs to be their bottom or their deal closer.

Where do you find and land speaking gigs and how can they help your business?

 

1.  To start don’t look for a huge audience, find the right audience

2. Ask Your Network

3. Head to Meetup.com and find your target event, reach out to the head and pitch a concept

4. How To _____ (insert the blank)

5. How I Turned X into Y

6. Educate on hot topic

7. Dummies Guide to

8. Apply to Speaker Conferences in your field

Don’t focus on your industry rather those who need your services in other industries. Now that you know where to find and land speaking gigs, how can you make money? 

1. Have a minimum speaker rate. 

Don’t freak out on this, you can start small, say $250 just to get your feet wet. The last thing you want to do is  to charge thousands of dollars and not return the value. When I first started doing speaking gigs for money, my first rate was $250. Now, I start at $1,000 a talk and require a video in return. 

Just because someone wants you to speak, doesn’t mean you should. There has must be value both ways. Imagine the time spent of producing a quality talk + the slides and practice associated. If you receive no monetary value or a stack full of leads, is it worth your time.

In business, if it is not beneficial for you, if it is not worth your time. Take a hard look at the value you create for others and be certain to receive value in return.  

2. Bring up money early

As mentioned earlier, many folks use speaking gigs as different avenues. Some use speaking gigs to get to the masses, while others use it as their sale. 

3. If money isn’t available, ask for an HD Quality video

Sometimes, companies just don’t have the money to pay you. While you may just say no, the audience may be your target customer or a route you have been exploring. If they cannot pay you, ask for a copy of your talk. This way you can use your talk to help support you in finding additional talks. 

4. Get Testimonials

Ask your audience and the event you spoke at for a return of the favor. How was it, what did you get out of my talk. Then, if your messages to future prospects, you can share how well you did. 

5. Own Your Topic

Pick a few topics you are a rockstar at and find folks that are looking for education. 

6. Look in different places

Often times, the obvious isn’t a good fit. Say you were trying to sell a dog toy, likely you would try to sell at Petco or Pet Smart. But, selling a product in a big box is hard. Instead, find where your customers are. At a dog park or animal hospital, make friends there and upsell. 

Same situation with a speaking gig. Don’t always look at meetups or conferences, find businesses and mastermind groups or consulting groups that have networks they are trying to educate. Often times, these groups have higher budgets than a conference may. 

It’s okay to mix and match how you approach your talks. Sometimes your talk may be for a sale and other times it could be a way for you to introduce yourself to a new group. Just analyze beforehand so you know what you are getting yourself into.