Hey there, future industry leader,
Picture this: You’re walking onto a stage, the spotlight hits you, and a room full of eager listeners hang on to your every word as you share insights gleaned from your journey in the digital marketing space. Or imagine, your voice echoing through the speakers of thousands of podcast listeners as you share tales from the trenches, the lessons learned, and the strategies that work.
Yes, that could be you!
We get it, the digital marketing world is a vast ocean, and standing out can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. But here’s the real deal: speaking engagements and podcast appearances are like your personal spotlight in this grand stage, a chance to share your narrative, connect with a community that shares your passion, and grow a brand that is authentically you.
Think of it as having a coffee chat with a group of friends, where you are sharing stories of your adventures in the digital landscape, the dragons you’ve slain (hello, Google algorithm updates!), and the treasures you’ve discovered along the way (those marketing strategies that are pure gold).
But hey, we know it can feel a bit like stepping into the unknown, a journey without a map. That’s why we are here to guide you, step by step, to not just navigate but to thrive and make a name for yourself in the industry as a professional speaker through speaking engagements and podcasts that resonate with your personal journey and professional ethos.
So, if you’re ready to take the mic and share your story with the world, you’re in the right place, whether it’s for paid speaking gigs or podcast appearances.
Let’s embark on this exciting journey together, carving out a path that is distinctly yours, filled with opportunities to connect, share, and grow.
1. Identify Your Motivation
Adam Chronister Landing Speaking during Estonia’s First SEO Conference
Unearthing your true motivation is the first significant step towards landing speaking engagements and appearing on podcasts. Your drive may come from a desire to share success stories, provide valuable insights or influence others with your unique perspective.
Reflect on what you are passionate about and how this aligns with the needs of your target audience. It’s important to know that knowing your motivation helps not only land more speaking gigs but also makes each one more impactful.
Understanding why you want to be a speaker can help guide decisions in other aspects of your career as well – like content choices, event selection, negotiation strategies for paid speaking roles, and even improving public speaking skills.
Don’t forget to assess whether it’s about finding new clients or establishing yourself as a valuable resource in your field because having clarity here will give direction in taking those next steps toward growing a successful speaking career.
Why Do People Pursue Speaking and Podcast Opportunities?
- Knowledge Sharing: A platform to share your expertise and insights with a wider audience, fostering a community of learning and growth.
- Professional Branding: Elevate your personal or professional brand by establishing yourself as an authority in your field.
- Networking Opportunities: Create valuable connections with industry peers, potential clients, and collaborators, opening doors to new opportunities.
- Content Marketing: Enhance your online presence by generating rich content for various platforms, showcasing your knowledge and skills.
- Monetary Compensation: Yes, it can be a lucrative endeavor too! Earn income through speaking engagements and podcast appearances.
- Personal Growth: Develop your communication skills and build confidence in public speaking, which can be a rewarding personal journey.
A Personal Note
For me, the journey began with a desire to build brand awareness for my agency, Enleaf. It was a path filled with learning, growth, and connections that I value immensely. To get a glimpse of my journey and the insights I garnered along the way, check out this podcast interview where I delve deep into my experiences:
2. Choose Your Preferred Medium
Determining your preferred medium for speaking engagements is an essential step. This could range from podcast interviews, webinar appearances, local conferences, or international in-person events.
The choice heavily depends on your comfort level and where you believe your target audience will be most engaged.
There’s a certain thrill to live public speaking engagements that some speakers crave while others may lean more towards virtual events due to convenience or personal preference. Podcasts offer the chance to share success stories and provide valuable insights without the pressure of a live audience.
Weighing these options allows you to select a medium that aligns with both your personal style as a speaker and maximizes reach within your niche audience.
3. Build Your Online Presence
To land speaking gigs and podcast appearances, you need a strong online presence. Start by optimizing your LinkedIn profile, which is often the first place organizers and podcast hosts look when considering potential speakers or guests. Highlight your expertise, achievements, and relevant experiences in your profile.
Ways to optimize your LinkedIn profile for speaking events and podcast engagements:
Step 1: Profile Photo
Start by uploading a professional, high-quality profile photo. Use a clear headshot where you appear approachable and well-dressed. A smile goes a long way in creating a positive impression.
Step 2: Cover Photo
Choose a cover photo that complements your professional image. It could be an image related to your industry, your personal brand, or an event where you’ve spoken before.
Step 3: Headline
Craft an attention-grabbing headline that summarizes your expertise and showcases your speaking skills. For example, “Digital Marketing Strategist | Public Speaker | Podcast Guest.”
Step 4: Summary (About Section)
Write a compelling summary that highlights your expertise, accomplishments, and passion for speaking and sharing your knowledge. Use keywords relevant to your niche. Mention any past speaking engagements or podcast appearances.
Step 5: Experience
Update your work experience with relevant details. Focus on roles and achievements that demonstrate your expertise in the field you wish to speak about. Highlight any public speaking or podcast-related roles or experiences.
Step 6: Skills & Endorsements
List skills related to your speaking topics and experiences, such as “Public Speaking,” “Podcast Guest,” or “Content Marketing.” Ask colleagues and connections for endorsements.
Step 7: Recommendations
Request recommendations from colleagues, mentors, or clients who can vouch for your speaking skills and expertise. These can add credibility to your profile.
Step 8: Accomplishments
Under the “Accomplishments” section, add any speaking engagements, awards, certifications, or publications relevant to your niche. Include links to recordings or articles when possible.
Step 9: Featured Content
Utilize the “Featured” section to showcase your best presentations, podcast appearances, articles, or videos. This gives visitors a quick view of your speaking abilities.
Step 10: Connect & Engage
Expand your network by connecting with industry professionals, podcast hosts, and event organizers. Engage with their content, comment thoughtfully, and build genuine relationships.
Step 11: Join Relevant Groups
Participate in LinkedIn groups related to your niche. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and connect with group members interested in your area of expertise.
Step 12: Share Your Insights
Regularly share valuable content, insights, and updates related to your field. This positions you as a thought leader and increases your visibility.
Step 13: Reach Out to Event Organizers and Podcast Hosts
Actively reach out to event organizers and podcast hosts with personalized messages expressing your interest in speaking or being a guest. Highlight your expertise and how it aligns with their audience.
Step 14: Be Active on LinkedIn
Stay active on LinkedIn by regularly updating your status, sharing your speaking experiences, and engaging with your network. Consistency is key.
Step 15: Monitor Your Progress
Keep an eye on profile views, connection requests, and engagement metrics. Adjust your strategy based on what’s working best.
Optimizing your LinkedIn profile for speaking engagements and podcast interviews is an ongoing process. By following these steps and consistently showcasing your expertise, you’ll increase your chances of being noticed by event organizers and podcast hosts in your industry.
4. Create Valuable Content
Crafting high-quality content is a game-changer in capturing speaking engagements and podcast appearances. Make sure your content offers valuable insights to your target audience. Engaging topics with unique perspectives are what event organizers often look for.
Use social media platforms to share success stories, provide informative material, and showcase your public speaking skills. Leverage blog posts or articles to further establish yourself as an authority in your field.
Your content should be impactful enough so that potential clients will see you as a valuable resource.
5. Leverage Roundup Posts
Roundup posts are an excellent way to connect with industry experts and build your network. Here’s how it works:
1. Reach out to authorities in your industry with a specific question or topic.
2. Compile their responses into a blog post, citing and linking to their profiles or websites.
3. Promote the post and ask the experts to share it.
This approach not only helps you build relationships but also positions you alongside established authorities in your field.
Here is a roundup post we did in 2019 where we interviewed a number of experts in our industry.
6. Attend Conferences and Events
Attending conferences and events is a great way to network, gain exposure, and find speaking opportunities. By immersing yourself in these industry gatherings, you can connect with event organizers, other speakers, and potential clients.
Engaging in person allows for valuable face-to-face interactions that can be more memorable and impactful than digital communication alone. Additionally, attending workshops or industry-specific events can provide you with valuable insights and knowledge to further enhance your speaking skills.
Remember to actively participate in discussions and share your unique perspective to establish yourself as an experienced speaker within your niche audience.
To make the most out of these conferences and events, be sure to have a professional online presence that reflects your expertise as a speaker. This includes having an updated website or online portfolio showcasing previous speaking engagements, demo videos highlighting your speaking style, and valuable resources such as articles or success stories related to your area of expertise.
Utilize social media platforms to connect with conference organizers or event coordinators before the event by sharing relevant content or engaging in conversations surrounding the upcoming gathering.
By being proactive in building relationships prior to attending the conference or event, you increase the likelihood of securing future speaking opportunities at similar functions.
7. Overcome Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome is a common challenge, even for experienced professionals. Remember that everyone, from industry leaders to novices, experiences moments of doubt. Acknowledge your expertise and focus on the value you bring to the table. Embrace opportunities to speak or share your insights with confidence.
To overcome Imposter Syndrome, you need to:
- Recognize and acknowledge these feelings.
- Reframe success as a journey of growth rather than perfection.
- Seek support through open conversations with trusted individuals or professionals.
- Track and celebrate achievements.
- Challenge negative thoughts.
- Embrace continuous learning.
Additionally, practicing self-compassion, setting realistic expectations, and supporting others in their struggles with imposter syndrome can reinforce your belief in your abilities. By actively addressing imposter syndrome, individuals can break free from self-doubt and continue to achieve their goals with greater confidence.
8. Create a Highlight Reel
If you’re comfortable with video content, consider creating a highlight reel showcasing your speaking engagements or podcast appearances. A well-edited reel can serve as a powerful tool to impress event organizers and podcast hosts, offering a glimpse of your communication skills and expertise.
9. Pitch Yourself
To land speaking engagements and podcast appearances, you need to learn how to effectively pitch yourself. Start by identifying your target audience and the unique perspective or insights you can offer.
Craft a compelling pitch that highlights your expertise, experience, and speaking style. Keep it concise and engaging, focusing on what sets you apart from other speakers. Tailor each pitch to fit the specific event or podcast you’re targeting.
Reach out to event organizers or podcast hosts through email or social media platforms, showcasing your value as a speaker and explaining why your audience would benefit from hearing from you.
Be confident in promoting yourself and follow up consistently without being pushy.
Video Pitch Script Template
Here is a simple yet effective video pitch script. This script will help you reach out to podcast owners and potential collaborators. Let’s get started!
Template
Hey (Podcast Owner’s First Name), what’s going on?
My name is (Your Name), and I just came across your podcast, (Name of Podcast), here on (Platform Where You Found the Podcast). By the way, I want to say I absolutely love that name.
I checked out some of your episodes. I listened to 2 of your episodes, and well actually, if I’ll be honest, I only listened to an episode and a half, and I got maybe 10 minutes left on the second one. But when I went in and listened to the 2nd episode, I really, really loved your interview style.
You are great at interviewing! I’ve been on a lot of shows, and people are very awkward during interviews. But you were great in the interview.
I love your energy, I love everything you’re doing on the show!
I even checked out some of the episode titles, and I feel like there’s a nice potential opportunity that I can come in and serve your audience in a really tremendous way.
Again, (Podcast Owner’s First Name), I know you don’t really know me, but to make the long story short, my name is (Your Name) and (Your Story)
- First, pinpoint where you can incorporate their podcast name or topic into your story.
- Next, locate parts where you can incorporate your solution or offer to complement their offer/products.
So if you’d like to partner together and create this “Wow” moment for every single one of your listeners, then go ahead and let me know what the best next steps would be.
I included a speaker kit, speaker sites, and shows I’ve been on so you can check it out.
Aside from that, I’ll talk to you soon, (Podcast Owner’s First Name).
[Example 1]
Hey John, how’s it going?
I’m Adrian, and I recently discovered your podcast, The Story in your Head, on Podmatch. I must say, I absolutely love the name.
I’ve listened to a couple of your episodes. Admittedly, I only finished one and have about 10 minutes left on the second, but I’m already impressed with your interview style. You’re a fantastic interviewer.
Your energy and what you’re doing with the show really resonate with me. I’ve even taken a look at some episode titles, and I believe there’s a great opportunity for me to provide value to your audience.
To give you a quick background, I’m Adrian, and my life was profoundly impacted by my parents’ divorce. I carried the belief that I wasn’t safe for over 20 years, leading to anxiety and self-doubt.
As an entrepreneur, I tackled these issues by delving into the workings of the psyche. I wanted to understand how the mind operates, so I could manipulate it to become the person I wanted to be and achieve my goals. I’ve successfully used this knowledge to help other entrepreneurs overcome their fears and doubts without emotional turmoil.
My expertise lies in rewriting the stories people tell themselves. I use a method I’ve developed called the neural remapping method, which I believe would be highly valuable for your show.
If you’re interested in collaborating to create a “Wow” moment for your listeners, please let me know the next steps. I’ve included a speaker kit, speaker sites, and a list of shows I’ve been on for your reference.
Looking forward to speaking with you soon, John.
[Example 2]
Hello Kyle,
I’m Sarah, and I stumbled upon your podcast, The Creative Mind, while exploring podcast platforms. I want to express my admiration for the name; it truly captures the essence of creativity.
I’ve had the pleasure of diving into a couple of your episodes. To be completely candid, I’ve completed one episode and have about 10 minutes remaining on the second. However, during this short time, I’ve been captivated by your interviewing skills. Your ability to engage guests and extract insightful information is commendable.
Your podcast exudes a vibrant energy, and I appreciate the dedication you bring to your show. After perusing some of the episode titles, I couldn’t help but feel that I might have a valuable perspective to offer your audience.
Let me provide a brief introduction. I’m Sarah, and my journey has been significantly shaped by my passion for art and design. My upbringing in a family of artists ignited my creative spirit, but it also instilled self-doubt.
As an adult, I embraced entrepreneurship and embarked on a mission to understand the psychology of creativity. This led me to develop techniques for unlocking creative potential. I’ve successfully guided countless individuals in overcoming creative blocks and tapping into their full artistic capabilities.
My expertise revolves around helping people rewrite their creative narratives. I employ a method I’ve coined the “Creative Transformation Framework,” which I believe could be a valuable addition to your podcast’s content.
Should you be interested in collaborating to create an unforgettable experience for your listeners, I’d love to discuss the next steps. Feel free to review the speaker kit, explore my speaker sites, and take a look at my previous podcast appearances that I’ve included for your convenience.
I anticipate the possibility of connecting further, and I look forward to hearing from you soon, Kyle.
10. Be Persistent and Patient
Being persistent and patient is crucial when it comes to landing speaking engagements and podcast appearances. It’s important to remember that building your speaking career takes time and effort, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results.
Keep pitching yourself to event organizers, conference planners, and speaker bureaus, showcasing your unique perspective and valuable insights. Attend workshops and industry events where you can network with other speakers and potential clients.
Share success stories through articles or demo videos on your speaking website and social media platforms to establish yourself as a good speaker in the eyes of your target audience.
Remember, finding paid speaking opportunities requires perseverance, so keep honing your skills, staying active in the community, and never giving up on your dream of becoming a successful speaker.
Conclusion
Becoming a sought-after motivational speaker and podcast guest in the digital marketing industry requires dedication, persistence, and a genuine passion for sharing your knowledge. By following these steps and continuously honing your skills, you can successfully land more speaking engagements and paid speaking engagements, establishing yourself as a respected authority in your field. Remember that building your personal brand takes time, but the rewards are well worth the effort. So, go out there and find speaking engagements, book paid speaking engagements, and learn how to get speaking engagements. Make your mark in the world of digital marketing!
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