When Your Voice Is Your Business

Do you know more than other people in your area about some subject? Can you speak in an entertaining and informed manner on this topic? Will people actually listen to you when you talk? If you answered yes to these questions, you might have the makings of a good career choice, namely that of public speaker or professional seminar presenter. There are always different organizations that are on the lookout for speakers for their events—many of them with fairly large budgets. Once they know that you are working the circuit, they will hire you to come to give talks of different lengths, and the better that you do in your first few, the more likely you are to be asked back not only to this one but for other organizations as well.

In the Beginning, There Was Free Speech

To get started, you should create business cards and consider building a web site. Offer your services to prominent organizations, but do it without charge the first time. You want to be able to build a portfolio that will look impressive to others, including the people who will be paying you for these services. Make sure that you do not mention that you spoke free or everyone will expect to get your services free, too.

When you do approach an organization for a paying job, look for information on how much they have paid in the past so you have a good starting negotiating point.

Appear to Be the Go-to Expert in the Field

There are several ways to make yourself look like an expert including having a well established, well made web site, professional press kit, and of course, a book or a number of published articles in your name does not hurt either. If you cannot get any of your articles accepted in magazines, for instance, or you are not getting past the reading editor, consider self publishing the book or posting your articles on your web site or as part of a blog. The more that you get your name out there, the more attractive you will look to the organization as the expert that they want to hear from.

Never Stop Networking

As soon as you are done with your first appearance, head off the stage, wait a few minutes, and then go back out to meet and greet. If people approach you with positive feedback, make sure that you give them your information. Even if they are not in charge of booking talent for their club or group, they might be able to pass that information to the right person. The more contacts that you make, the better your chances of making that second booking. Signing up for a professional newsletter or becoming part of an industry related group is also important so that others in the field can help point you in the right direction.

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