For those of you who know me, you probably aren’t surprised by my interested in public speaking. Because, well, I like to talk a lot. I love to sit with my friends, family, or people who are new to me and take a moment to talk about whatever it is that we feel like talking about. I love sitting with a glass of wine, or coffee, or tea, or seltzer water with a slice of lemon and exchange thoughts, spending time with another person, and being pushed to think about an issue in a different way.
As I go into my fourth year of blogging…for real..I’m finding that I’m wanting to challenge myself in new and different ways. I’ve started a podcast, I’m actively working on providing value to my dear readers, and I’m saying yes to most of the awesome opportunities that are coming my way.
Like Public Speaking
About a month ago I shared that I’m part of an amazing Mastermind Group. This group is made up of super entrepreneurial people who are encouraging me to step up my business “game.”
As a group we’ve sent out proposals to present at conferences this fall and so far we have presented at two different conferences. First, we presented at the Type A Parent Conference (that had the best food ever) and Chicago Blog Week a brand new conference that launched this year. The experiences have been fantastic. I’m finding that I’m addicted to the idea of getting the word about: Mastermind groups, blog monetization, frugality, and more.
How To Make Public Speaking Happen?
Becoming a public speaker isn’t necessarily hard. But, you’re probably wondering how in the heck are you booking speaking gigs or at least getting the opportunity to present?
Here’s what I’m doing:
- Finding conferences and pitch a panel or send in a solo speaking pitch. These gigs are great because typically your attendance ends up being covered by the conference. This was a big deal for me this fall because I really wanted to grow my personal brand-but I couldn’t justify spending tons of money to do that. My Mastermind group and I are already in the process of putting together proposals to pitch for 2 large conferences that we will be attending next year. I am also putting together pitches for solo speaking gigs at those same events.
- Ask-I’m asking other speakers how they got their speaking gigs. There are tons and tons of opportunities to speak. Connect with other people who are doing this so that you can benefit from their wisdom-also, share your insights as well with others.
- Podcasting-I include my podcasting program as part of my public speaking strategy. I’m building up a portfolio of myself speaking with interesting people and providing value to listeners…who are the same as an actual physical audience.
- Going Local-After I return from my current conference I will begin looking for speaker opportunities in the Denver/Boulder metro area. I will say yes to both paid and unpaid opportunities as my goal is to really put work into learning how to present well to an audience.
- Practice, research, and prepare-I’m setting aside time during my week to do this. Just like everything else out there public speaking is a skill. So, I’m working on my skills!
Currently I have three talks that I can give that crafted towards very specific audiences.
- Corporate clients-I’m still researching how to connect with these types of clients.
- High School and College aged audiences.
- People who are at a crossroads.
My Goal
Is to inspire, energize, educate and motivate people who hear my speeches/talks. I want people leaving and saying that they can’t believe they learned so much and that they’re going to use the information that they learned to change their life.
Small goal.
Will keep you posted.
If you’re looking for a speaker for your next event please contact me at the following email address: shopmyclosetproject@gmail.com.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Michelle
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Good luck to your endeavor Michelle. Being a public speaker is really fulfilling especially when you see that your audience is having fun and look interested and know that they are learning something. Congratulations!
Thanks Jayson! I’m in the process of scoping out potential new speaking gigs for 2016. It’s a little scary but I’m looking forward to the challenge!
Good for you Michelle! Good luck!
Thanks Tonya, we’ll see how it goes LOL!
I’ve been doing more public speaking as well and I love it! I think its another good way (besides blogging and writing) to get your message out there and help people. Good luck!
I’ve really enjoyed it so far. Am planning on ramping it up in 2016. Sending you good vibes Cat-you’ll rock public speaking!
Good for you and good luck!!!
Thanks! I’ll keep you posted on how it goes.