1001 ways to make money as a speaker

Becoming a professional speaker -- whether part-time or full-time -- can put you on the track to a rewarding and lucrative career. Speakers get paid to share their passion with audiences, some of whom will be in interesting and exotic places. While it can be very satisfying, it is a career that is challenging to start. Competition is stiff, but with a solid game plan, you can rise to the top. The first step in becoming a speaker is to select your topic and approach.

Do you have expertise in a particular field?

Are you promoting a cause? Will you be informative or motivational? Will you do seminars three hours and longer or keynotes and after-dinner speeches 45 minutes? It goes without saying that whatever you do, you must be entertaining. It also helps if you are a celebrity or have become known from some newsworthy event. Most people do not fall in those categories, so you must make the extra effort to earn a place on the podium.

1, Ways to Make More Money as a Speaker, Consultant or Trainer: Plus Rainmaking Strategies for Dry Times: Plus Rainmaking Strategies for Dr - cilywadojup.web.fc2.com

The basic tools to promote yourself include a website, demo CD and brochure. Because public speaking is performance-based, prospective clients naturally want to see you in action. A website can tell them a lot about you, but they will also want to see and hear you speaking before a live audience.

This might not be possible if you are just starting out, but it must be one of the first tools to obtain. A brochure is a handy reminder for people to take back to their organization to share with others. Convincing a prospect and then an audience that you know what you are talking about can be a challenge.

One of the most effective ways to establish yourself is to write articles. There is nothing like seeing your name in print to establish your expertise.

Write about your speaking topic. Or better yet, interview an expert in your field.

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That tells readers with whom you associate. Target local business publications and trade association magazines.

Once your articles have been published, you can include them in your website and distribute them to potential clients. Public speaking can be daunting. After all, most people place it high on their lists of things that scare them, like death and rattlesnakes.

Ways to Make Money as a Speaker | Your Business

One way to grow professionally is to join Toastmasters, a group that will help you refine your stage presence. At the same time, you need to contact local civic groups about speaking in front of them, such as the Rotary, Kiwanis and Optimist Clubs, which often feature guest speakers at their meetings. Be sure to ask for a reference letter from the president, who can write you a letter on company stationery, which you can add to your portfolio.

There are other national speaker organizations similar to Toastmasters.

1, Ways to Make More Money as a Speaker, Consultant or Trainer: Plus Rainmaking Strategies for Dry Times : Lilly Walters :

Check to see if you have a local chapter where you live. Networking with peers can only help get you experience, including paid speaking engagements. Thomas Metcalf has worked as an economist, stockbroker and technology salesman.

A writer since , he has written a monthly column for "Life Association News," authored several books and contributed to national publications such as the History Channel's "HISTORY Magazine. Define Your Purpose The first step in becoming a speaker is to select your topic and approach.

Build Your Tool Kit The basic tools to promote yourself include a website, demo CD and brochure. Establish Credibility Convincing a prospect and then an audience that you know what you are talking about can be a challenge.

Build Your Clientele Public speaking can be daunting. Consider a Career in Public Speaking Advanced Public Speaking Institute: Top Ten Ways to Make Money Public Speaking CNN: Launching a public-speaking career.

About the Author Thomas Metcalf has worked as an economist, stockbroker and technology salesman. SHARE SHARE TWEET EMAIL. Good Marketing Strategies for New Restaurants What Is SMB Marketing? What Are Some Ways a Private Swim Instructor Can Advertise? Examples of Fitness Program Marketing.