How can you leverage your existing network to secure speaking opportunities?

2 Reach out to your network

Once you have a list of contacts, you need to reach out to them and let them know that you are available and interested in speaking opportunities. You can do this by sending personalized emails, messages, or calls that explain who you are, what you do, and how you can help their audience. You can also share your speaker bio, website, portfolio, testimonials, or videos to showcase your credibility and expertise. The key is to be genuine, respectful, and value-oriented, not pushy or salesy.

4 Join relevant groups and communities

Besides your existing network, you can also expand your network by joining relevant groups and communities where your target audience or decision-makers hang out. These can be online or offline, such as Facebook groups, LinkedIn groups, forums, clubs, associations, or events. By participating in these groups and communities, you can build relationships, demonstrate your authority, and showcase your value as a speaker. You can also look for opportunities to contribute, collaborate, or speak in these groups and communities.

5 Showcase your thought leadership

One of the best ways to leverage your network is to showcase your thought leadership and position yourself as an expert in your field. You can do this by creating and sharing valuable content that educates, inspires, or entertains your audience. This can be in the form of blogs, podcasts, videos, webinars, ebooks, or courses. By creating and sharing content, you can increase your visibility, credibility, and trustworthiness as a speaker. You can also use your content to generate leads, invitations, or inquiries for speaking opportunities.

6 Nurture your network

Finally, you need to nurture your network and maintain regular communication and engagement with your contacts. You can do this by sending newsletters, updates, tips, or feedback to your network. You can also acknowledge, appreciate, and celebrate their achievements, milestones, or events. You can also ask for feedback, suggestions, or testimonials from your network to improve your speaking skills and services. The goal is to keep your network warm, loyal, and supportive of your speaking career.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?