The business of speaking is all about making money.

There are three parts to the business of speaking for hire.

• The first is having the platform skills honed to the degree that you are comfortable, even appearing to be relaxed, as you present (see the section on Platform Skills in the website).
• The second is getting booked, or as so many seasoned speakers call it, getting a “gig.”
• The third is knowing how to make money once you are booked, at a venue, and scheduled to speak.

This section will address the second and third parts. The second part of the speaking business, “getting booked”, is the biggest hurdle for speakers wishing to speak professionally. This section could be a rather large book, however, I don’t have time to write it, and you probably don’t have time to read it. Soooo, I’ll just hit the high points. Speakers are booked for their topics. Speakers are rebooked for their platform skills which cause the attendees to take something away from the occasion, how they review the speaker, and the feedback the meeting planner and the higher ups hear from the grapevine about you and your speech. In other words, how were you received?

So how do you as a speaker get known for a signature speech? You give it, and give it, and give it. You refine it, and give it again. Your promotional items reflect it. You live it, breathe it, and have it on your business card. That doesn’t mean you only have one speech. Oh no! You have any number of speeches, but they all tie back to your signature speech. Let me give you an example.

My signature speech is about strategic planning. It is reflected on the back of my business card with, “Clarity – Focus – Action”. But I give speeches on many aspects of how a business should operate and be guided. I give one in particular on leadership, and how true leaders constantly carry the message throughout their business day and to every underling with whom they come in contact. They constantly tie the vision of the company back to the task being performed by that employee. True leaders are teachers, guides, monitors, cheerleaders, and, yes, visionaries.

Now, let’s say you have a speech booked. One would hope you’ve negotiated an exhibitor booth as a part of your compensation. (never pay for this). Spend some money and some time and prepare your booth to receive visitors both before your speech and especially after. Display all manner of items relating to the topic about which you are speaking. Backdrops, newspaper articles, brochures, business cards, books you’re written, AND a fishbowl to collect business cards for that free service you’re giving away. You know, the one you announced in your speech. (Folks like free stuff.) Man (or Woman) your booth throughout the conference. Don’t go home early. Stick it out. I’ve had people run up to me as exhibitors were breaking down their booths wanting to talk about their business and some work they had in mind for me.

This area is truly a gold mine for speakers. Attendees want to take a piece of you home because you’ve touched a cord inside them. Let them have it, only sell it to them. I could discuss this with you at length, because it’s such a rich and rewarding area of anyone’s business, but, better yet, hire me to coach you to become a public or professional speaker, and we’ll have a great time together.

If you would like to discuss your future, and the business of speaking contact me here for more information about individual coaching or request a complimentary coaching session here.