How to Make Money Speaking

Public speaking can be a rewarding and lucrative career. Learn how to take what you already know and turn it into a marketable topic.

If you want to be a successful professional public speaker, you must accomplish two things: (1) learn the skills to become dynamic on stage, and (2) turn your expertise into topics that get bookings. It's that simple … and it's that complicated.

Even if you become a great public speaker, however, it isn't enough. Your speech topic must offer something of real value to your listeners, and it needs to be something that people will pay to hear and learn.

If you want to make money as a public speaker, the first thing you need to do is make a list of what you know. What knowledge and skills have you developed over the years that could be of help to a significant number of people? What do you know that others need to know?

Give Your Audience a Benefit

Your topic must have a very specific benefit for your audience, and your title must make that benefit clear. Catchy is important, but don't lose the benefit. "The Power of Positive Thinking" may not be the world's most clever title, but the audience knows exactly what they're going to get. Never sacrifice clarity for cleverness.

You also need to be very clear and specific about your target market. Make a list of organizations or businesses that could most use your expertise. Make sure you're offering them something they need. If you aren't sure how valuable your expertise might be, do your homework. Read pertinent articles, and research the topics of other speakers.

Create a Press Kit

In order to make money as a professional speaker, you must be willing to either hire a public relations representative or become your own best advocate. This involves marketing. Your calling card will be your "press kit," which should include a professional photograph of yourself, information about your topics, your bio, testimonials or letters of recommendation, reprints of articles you've written, a video of a speaking engagement, and any media clippings and press releases.

Of course, if you're just starting out, you may have to make a "dummy" video. You needn't present an entire speech in the video, but make sure it looks professional. And always send a personalized cover letter with your press kit!

Besides your physical press kit, you will need a website to serve as your "online press kit." Add streaming video to your site, and create a business card with your website address.

The Power of Networking

Networking is vitally important. Give out your business card, and direct people to your website. Tell everyone you meet that you're a speaker, and get them excited about your topics. Ask them if they know anyone who would be interested. Give them 2 or 3 of your business cards, and ask them to pass them along. If you can refer someone to each person's business, take an extra business card of theirs as well. Of course, follow up and actually do as you promise, staying in touch with the people you meet.

In the beginning, you will no doubt have to get most of your bookings yourself. Speaker's bureaus and agents usually work only with speakers who have a long track record. Make contacts whenever possible, and send your press kit to your prospects. Create something free that your new prospects can order from your website, or enclose a postpaid return postcard with your press kit. You can offer a small booklet with information relevant to your topic or a CD containing a short Powerpoint presentation. The people who ask for your free gift will become your top prospects. Follow up with them to get bookings.

If you offer something valuable to your listeners and make yourself known by your target market, it's only a matter of time before you will be a sought-after public speaker.

Marketing Tips Provided to You by:
Matt Bacak, The Powerful Promoter
Author of Powerful Promoting Tips