Proactively Seeking vs. Waiting for Public Speaking Opportunities: A Balanced Approach

As a public speaker, your approach to finding speaking engagements often involves a mix of actively seeking opportunities and waiting for offers to come your way. This blend of strategies can significantly enhance your visibility, expand your network, and ultimately propel your career.

Proactively Seeking Opportunities

Proactive public speaking involves taking the initiative to find and create your own speaking engagements. Here are some key strategies:

Networking

Engage with industry professionals by attending events and connecting with organizations. Building relationships and demonstrating your expertise can open doors for speaking engagements. Networking events, conferences, and seminars provide valuable opportunities to meet potential partners and clients.

Pitching

Reach out to conferences, workshops, and community events with well-crafted proposals for topics you’re passionate about. Tailoring your pitch to align with the audience and the event's goals can significantly increase your chances of being selected. Being proactive in your approach can lead to more speaking opportunities and help you stand out in the crowded market.

Building a Brand

Establish a personal brand through social media, a website, or a blog. Consistently sharing valuable content and building a reputation as an expert can attract speaking offers as individuals and organizations become aware of your expertise. A strong online presence can also help you connect with potential speaking engagements.

Waiting for Offers

While proactivity is crucial, it's also important to be open to opportunities that come your way. This approach can include:

Reputation

As you gain experience and recognition, opportunities may come to you based on your established credibility. Consistently delivering high-quality presentations and building a positive reputation in your field can make organizers approach you for speaking engagements.

Referrals

Previous speaking engagements can lead to referrals, where organizers approach you based on recommendations from others. Positive reviews and recommendations can significantly enhance your visibility and credibility in the public speaking market.

Combination of Both

Many successful speakers utilize a hybrid approach, combining active seeking with waiting for offers. This approach allows for a more diverse range of speaking experiences and helps build a robust portfolio. Balancing the two strategies can lead to a comprehensive network, a variety of speaking opportunities, and a well-rounded career.

Timing and Strategy

The best strategy often depends on your goals, experience level, and the specific context of your career. Being proactive can significantly enhance your chances of securing speaking engagements. However, it's also important to be patient and recognize that opportunities may come naturally as you establish your reputation and build your network.

Remember the wise speaker who once said, 'You cannot always control what comes into your business — but you can totally control what goes out.' Even when you're booked extensively, you still need to market yourself to potential buyers. Continuously promoting your expertise and maintaining an active online presence can ensure that you remain top of mind for speaking offers.

Think of it this way: Just like Starbucks commercials on television, you continually market to keep your brand in front of potential buyers and to avoid complacency. Whether you're actively seeking opportunities or waiting for them to come your way, a balanced approach can help you thrive as a public speaker.