The Secrets of Great Speakers: 8 Ways to Get Referred and Grow Your Bottom Line

Giving a speech or signature talk, whether through the web or in person, can be a great way to build business, generate networking opportunities, and get new client referrals. Many people are nervous about things like this, but it gets easier once you do it a few times, and it also helps to be thoroughly prepared. If you’ve been invited to give a speech or are eyeing such opportunities for the future, here are some things to keep in mind.

Clear title: The title of your speech should clearly express what your audience will get from listening to you. It should be so clear that even a child would understand what the takeaway is.

Plan to leverage the event: Plan to leverage the event: Create an irresistible offer. Have something to trade with your audience for their contact information.

Prepare: Even if it’s a free event, don’t skimp on your preparations. Remember that the attendees are giving you one of their most valuable assets-their time. Keep this in mind, and treat them with respect.

Smart PowerPoint use:Too many PowerPoint presentations are filled with an overabundance of graphics, bullets, and wordage. If you’re going to be using a slide presentation, keep it simple.

Organization: Send your marketing materials as a single packet of information to the event planner or host. This will make you look professional, which will make them more likely to ask you to come back again and recommend you for other events.

Make promotion easy: As a speaker, one of your main goals is to help the host or event planner fill the seats. You can make this easier for them by sending them a full packet of information that emphasizes your most marketable qualities. Be sure to include these pieces of information:

• A brief bio
• Photos or links to your photos
• A quick summary of your benefit-driven talking points
• A short blurb for use in a blog, newsletter, or email
• A longer blurb for use in sales copy; make sure it strongly emphasizes the takeaways of your speech
• A few short status updates for Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc., benefit-driven and 130 characters or less
• Articles or links to articles written by you about your topic
• Information on where and how attendees can get your irresistible offer.
• Your cell phone number in case any emergencies arise on the day of the event

Involve your host: If you’re planning to sell something during the call or event, give your host the opportunity to become an affiliate so that they can earn as well. This will make them more motivated to promote the event.

Don’t reinvent the wheel: You don’t have to redo all of these steps every time you give a talk. Use the same material again and again, revising it as you go along.

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