Are you on of those entrepreneurs who ‘could just die’ at the very thought of speaking in public? As an entrepreneur, I have learned that one of the best ways to grow my business is by way of professional speaking.

And you should be doing that, too.

I know why many of you get frightened just at the thought of speaking in public – you just don’t know what you don’t know. I believe in keeping things simple.

WE ALL LIKE SIMPLE!!!! 

Here are my best 3 tips to get you started:

1) WHAT WILL I TALK ABOUT?

This is the question I get most often. How many of you get asked to meet with people so they can ‘pick your brain for a minute”? Ya – many of you! And you are out and about meeting with people all the time giving away your expertise. Stop that!

Think about a virtual coffee meeting with one of those people. Consider it to be a 15-minute meeting – and think about the top 3 things that you are always sharing with people, based on your area of expertise. What are they? What are the most frequently asked questions that you get? Write those down.

Those become your top 3 talking points. Now, couple each of those with a really good, supporting, story. People love stories! Create an intro and a compelling close and you’re good to go. You’ve got a 30-minute presentation right there. Next…….

2) WHERE WILL I SPEAK?

This is the second question I get asked all the time. Well, there are speaking opportunities all around you. Consider a 10-mile radius from where you live and/or work. There are opportunities to speak at breakfast, noon and dinner every day. Groups are meeting all the time!

Think about your ideal audience – where do they gather? Get out there and network first and check out these ‘events’. If they are attended by your ideal audience, find out who organizes and coordinates the speakers. Give them a proposal – and get yourself in front of that group. Easy-peasy.

Once you get some experience, start to check out Associations. They have annual meetings – they must have annual meetings each year – and they are always looking for speakers. This is your best bet to get paid speaking gigs. Do a Google search. Get the name of the event coordinators and, once again, connect with them – find out if they hire outside speakers – and start to fill your calendar.

3) HOW DO I GET PAID?

You get paid once you get good. Become amazing at what you do and what you present. So, it’s critically important to be out there speaking all the time – every week. Master the skill – master your content.

If you have never been paid to speak, create an ‘entry level’ speaking fee and get out there and get some experience. You could start at something like $500/presentation. And increase your fee once you get experienced, gain credibility, people start to know you, develop a strong portfolio (speaker one-sheet, sizzle reel, etc.).

THIS IS NOT COMPLICATED! In fact, it’s fun – and it’s time to get your message out to the world.

My question to you is – what are you waiting for?

We’d love to hear! Please share your thoughts