Marketing to Major Buyers
The next step, after being thoroughly established as a regional speaker, is to make your pitch to those who either hire speakers for major events or who are the gatekeepers to the decision makers. If you have not already done it, it is time to join one of the organizations for professional speakers. The key ones are:
National Speakers Association:
Canadian Association of Professional Speakers:
American Society of Training and Development:
International Federation for Professional Speakers:
These hold regional chapter showcases where you can let others hear you, which becomes a way to get leads (and blessed are those who give because they shall receive, so always be proactive and generous in helping fellow speakers).
You should also join one or more organizations for the trades relevant to your topics, read their magazines, and go to their meetings to learn, to network, and, eventually, to speak. Some attendees will be potential buyers for meetings at companies.
It will hurt your credibility as an expert if you have typographical errors in the material you give to attendees, making them wonder if you are also sloppy with checking your facts. If you are not great at proofreading, get someone who is to help.
Nonbusiness meetings do not have a lot of buyers for paid speeches attending their conventions, of course, but if you give a particularly good presentation, you may be approached by someone who knows of opportunities. Associations for seniors may be interested in seminars on health, hobbyists will pay for workshops with experts, and sports enthusiasts will flock to those who can entertain and inspire them.
