How to Find Professional Speaking Gigs?

Finding speaking engagements is crucial for professional speakers looking to build their careers and expand their influence. With the right strategies and resources, speakers can secure a steady stream of opportunities. Here are some effective methods and suggested websites to help professional speakers find gigs, supported by relevant statistics.

1. Professional Speaking Bureaus and Agencies

Speaking bureaus and agencies connect speakers with organizations seeking talent. These agencies typically have established relationships with event planners and can provide a steady flow of opportunities.

Suggested Websites:

• National Speakers Association (NSA): Provides a platform for speakers to connect with event planners and access various resources.
• SpeakerHub: A comprehensive directory of speakers and speaking opportunities, facilitating direct connections between speakers and event organizers.
• BigSpeak: A renowned speakers bureau that matches top-tier speakers with corporate clients.

2. Online Marketplaces and Platforms

Online marketplaces have made it easier for speakers to find gigs by listing various speaking opportunities across industries and locations.

Suggested Websites:

• GigSalad: Connects speakers with event planners looking for talent for various types of events.
• Thumbtack: Allows professionals to offer their services, including public speaking, and receive job leads based on their expertise.
• eSpeakers: Offers a marketplace where speakers can create profiles, showcase their skills, and find speaking engagements.

3. Networking and Professional Associations

Networking remains one of the most effective ways for speakers to find gigs. Joining professional associations and attending industry events can lead to valuable connections and opportunities.

Suggested Websites:

• LinkedIn: A powerful networking tool for professionals. Joining relevant groups and actively engaging with industry peers can lead to speaking opportunities.
• Meetup: A platform for finding and building local communities. Speakers can attend meetups related to their topics of interest to network and find gigs.
• Toastmasters International: Provides a network of local clubs where speakers can hone their skills and connect with potential clients.

4. Direct Outreach and Cold Pitching

Proactive outreach can be an effective way to secure speaking engagements. This involves identifying potential events and organizations and reaching out directly with a pitch.

Suggested Websites:

• Eventbrite: A platform where speakers can find events that align with their expertise and reach out to organizers.
• Conferize: Lists upcoming conferences and events, providing speakers with opportunities to pitch themselves to organizers.
• 10times: A global event discovery platform that helps speakers find relevant events and connect with organizers.

5. Content Marketing and Personal Branding

Building a strong personal brand through content marketing can attract speaking opportunities. This includes maintaining a blog, creating video content, and being active on social media.

Suggested Websites:

• Medium: Allows speakers to publish articles and reach a broad audience, showcasing their expertise and attracting event organizers.
• YouTube: Creating a channel with speaking samples, tips, and insights can demonstrate a speaker’s abilities and attract clients.
• Twitter: Actively engaging in industry conversations and sharing insights can help build a following and attract speaking opportunities.

6. Referrals and Testimonials

Satisfied clients and audiences are excellent sources of new opportunities. Encouraging referrals and collecting testimonials can significantly boost a speaker’s credibility and lead to more gigs.

Suggested Websites:

• SpeakerMatch: Matches speakers with opportunities and allows them to collect and display testimonials on their profiles.
• GigMasters: Similar to GigSalad, it connects event planners with speakers and allows for the collection of client reviews and referrals.
• Clarity.fm: Enables speakers to offer their expertise through one-on-one calls and collect testimonials from satisfied clients.

Statistics Highlighting the Importance of These Methods

• Networking: According to a LinkedIn survey, 85% of all jobs are filled through networking, highlighting the importance of building professional connections.
• Online Marketplaces: A report by Technavio predicts that the global online event ticketing market, which includes platforms like Eventbrite and GigSalad, will grow by over $4 billion by 2023.
• Content Marketing: HubSpot reports that businesses that prioritize blogging are 13 times more likely to achieve a positive ROI, demonstrating the power of content marketing in attracting clients.

Closing Remarks from the Publisher

Welcome New and Loyal Readers,

Professional speakers can find gigs through a combination of networking, leveraging online platforms, direct outreach, and effective personal branding. Utilizing these strategies and suggested websites can help speakers secure a steady stream of opportunities and build a successful speaking career. By staying proactive and continuously enhancing their visibility and credibility, speakers can ensure they are top-of-mind for event planners and organizations seeking talent.