Virtual tips for the savvy business owner!

Now that you’ve written the perfect speech and polished those presentation skills, it’s time to begin marketing yourself as a public speaker. We’re talking now about moving beyond the obvious presentations you might make to clients or industry peers to a whole new type of exposure for your business.

Here are five things you can do to jump-start your public speaking career:

1. Preserve a high-quality recording of every speech you make. Video is best, but if that’s not possible, at least carry an audio recording device and make your own copy, rather than depending on your host’s AV equipment.
2. Post your recorded speeches as .mp3s on your websites and blog, and syndicate them as podcasts. Create a separate page on your website dedicated to promoting your public speaking talents. Feature sample speeches for site visitors to download and give them several ways to contact you if they’re interested in booking.
3. If videos of your speeches are available, post them on YouTube and tag them carefully so someone interested in your topic can find you. Using the tools available on YouTube, you can also embed the videos on your website.
4. Join local, state and national business organizations. When you create your public profile for each group, mention that you do public speaking and on what topics. You’ll be surprised how many event planners are desperate for speaking talent. One more tip: volunteer to participate in panel discussions. You won’t be presenting a rehearsed speech, but you’ll have the chance to present yourself as an expert.
5. Use the power of social media! Let your “followers” on Twitter know you’re now booking speaking engagements. Post photos and recordings of recent speeches on your Facebook and LinkedIn pages. After a speaking gig, mention it in your blog posts, i.e., “When I spoke at the AMA’s annual convention last week, the audience raised some interesting questions…”

There are thousands of groups looking for knowledgeable, engaging speakers for their monthly meetings, annual conventions and awards dinners. Get the word out when you’re ready to step behind the podium and market yourself consistently through many avenues. It’s free marketing for your business and the skills you gain might just open up a whole new career!

Filed under: Marketing tips, Speaking