“I just want to get booked more often.”
This sentiment resonates with many speakers, from those in our mastermind to my private coaching clients. Does it sound familiar to you?
So, what’s the plan to achieve this? Do you have a strategy for consistently reaching out and fostering connections until opportunities arise?
Effective outreach isn’t about pitching; it’s about building relationships. The most impactful initial contacts are driven by genuine curiosity.
Consider the difference:
- Generic Pitch: “Hi, I’m a speaker on ABC.”
- Curious Approach: “Hi, I’m calling about your XYZ Conference in September. I noticed that Janet Jones was your keynote speaker last year. Would you have a moment to discuss your goals for this year?”
If the idea of “selling yourself” makes you uneasy, shift your perspective. Think of it as “matching” – determining if your expertise aligns with their needs.
My colleague Anthony Steers uses a helpful analogy: the pizza flyer. When a flyer is dropped off, there’s no expectation of an immediate order. The hope is that when the need for pizza arises, they’ll call.
Similarly, by expressing curiosity and “dropping off your flyer,” you’re planting a seed. You nurture the relationship until they need a speaker with your specific expertise.
There are various ways to nurture these connections:
- Email Newsletters: Maintain visibility and keep your topic relevant for potential clients.
- Social Media Videos: Share insights and showcase clips from your presentations.
- Books: Use your book as a lead generator and include a compelling opt-in to further nurture those leads.
- Exceptional Presentations: Deliver such impactful presentations that they naturally lead to future bookings. This “be good” marketing approach is often the most effective.
Ultimately, a great presentation is a powerful marketing tool. If you’re looking for more speaking engagements, follow some of these ideas consistently, and you will see results.
I’ll see you soon Wealthy Speakers!
