Written by: Oriel Ross McKinney, Senior Level Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Being a featured speaker or panelist at an event is an incredible honor and presents an exciting opportunity to further your business. There's no doubt you want to give a compelling performance that captivates the audience and helps propel your brand forward.
Although being a speaker is a great way to provide information and discuss your passion, many business owners fail to use the opportunity to its fullest advantage. I can't tell you how often I've seen someone miss out because they didn't maximize their speaker benefits!
Don't let the chance to present your knowledge and expertise go to waste; these ten tips can help you get the most out of the event and grow your business along the way!
Get Paid!
Payment is an area that many people feel uncomfortable discussing, so they end up underselling themselves and don't receive the compensation they deserve. If you struggle in this area, having a form that asks the event coordinator to provide you with information regarding their speaker budget and your intended honorarium can make the process less intimidating.
It also serves as an excellent basis for negotiations if needed. I always recommend receiving everything in writing to protect yourself and streamline the payment process.
Request A Copy of Attendees
One of the best parts of speaking at an event is the room full of eager attendees already interested in what you offer. There are few other instances where you'll find yourself with such a large potential client base right at your fingertips.
Requesting a copy of the attendees and their contact information is an excellent way to market those in your niche, increasing your opportunity to convert sales!
Request Signage
Signage is a powerful marketing tool and allows a significant number of people to see you and your business with minimal effort. Requesting signage space legitimizes your message and makes people more inclined to purchase your products after the event.
Adding a picture puts a personal touch and helps potential customers feel connected to you, making them feel at ease and increasing their trust in your message.
Request Ad Space
Requesting ad space in the program book and on the event website is another way to easily market yourself and your business to a large number of people. Having your information prominently displayed on the website allows you to reach those unable to attend the event, giving you a farther reach to potential customers.
Sell Your Products
Selling your products at the event is one of the most important and effective ways to maximize your speaker benefits. Everything you just said is resonating in the attendees' minds, making them much more likely to purchase your products.
You can also stuff the swag bag with your promotional items, so everyone leaves with a reminder of you, what you said, and the products you sell. Selling your merchandise at the event allows you to make the most profit without worrying about overhead, making it a very lucrative opportunity.
Have A Landing Page Ready
Collecting emails is a powerful marketing tool, so having landing pages ready for attendees to opt into your email list is essential. Ensure you have a powerful lead magnet that draws them in and makes them exciting to hear more about everything you have to offer.
Ask For A Video Recording
Asking for a video recording of your presentation gives you the opportunity to use it for your own marketing purposes down the line. You can use the video as a teaser for providing an email address, as a free incentive when purchasing other products, or use clips as an advertisement for your business.
There's something very powerful when a customer sees you speaking in front of a group of people; it helps legitimize your business and compels them to purchase your products. It also allows you to work as your own advertiser, letting potential customers see your passion and knowledge and making them excited to learn more.
Provide A Survey Link And Incentive
At the end of your presentation, provide attendees a survey link to provide feedback on how they believe you did and areas you can improve. It may be a bit difficult to read any constructive comments, but it's an opportunity to get rare direct feedback from potential customers, which you can use to better your business.
Getting people to complete surveys is notoriously challenging, so providing them an incentive to do so helps ensure a higher completion rate. You can offer a raffle for a gift card, a link to a free ebook or similar product, or anything else that aligns with your business and can excite attendees.
Utilize Social Media
Social media is an excellent resource you must utilize to give your business the best chance at growth. You can broadcast the first thirty to sixty seconds of your speech live to draw people in and make them interested in what you have to say.
You can also use it to promote your future speaking events by using teaser clips and photos of what attendees can expect.
Use Content For The Future
Taking the best content and sound bites from your speech and using them in future posts is ideal for connecting with customers and making them look forward to what you have to say. It's a way to build trust with your followers and legitimize your business.
For better or worse, social media has the power to make people believe and trust what they see advertised in front of their eyes. By seeing your face and hearing your voice, current and potential customers are more inclined to purchase your products, making your business thrive!
Maximizing your speaking benefits is one of the best ways to propel your business forward. If you have any questions about growing your business, don't hesitate to book a call today with our professional business coach and consultant. She will use her expertise to help you get the most out of every business opportunity, so you can have the success you deserve!
Oriel Ross McKinney, Senior Level Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Oriel Ross McKinney is a renowned Business Strategist, Author, and Speaker. Known as The Small Biz Engine®, her experience includes a successful 20-year tenure in Business Strategy and Development, Finance, Non-Profit Management, and Entrepreneurship.
As the mastermind behind several success stories, brands, and businesses, she methodically assesses her projects and delivers profit-driven strategies again and again. Oriel hones in on business & socially conscious topics while unveiling success in a brilliant way. For those looking to transition from corporate workplaces to entrepreneurship, read her anchor chapter in the anthology, Soaring Beyond the 9 to 5, or tap into one of her signature F.U.E.L.® Academy courses.
On a personal level, Oriel's biggest challenge and gift are being a mom to two children who were born prematurely. In her spare time, she supports preemie babies and their families in any way she can. Her motto is “You’re your greatest asset; invest in yourself.”
