You're starting your own motivational speaking business. What's the best way to get your first client?

You need to have a clear understanding of your ideal client and how you can help create the most impact with the audience. In my case I have 25 years of experience in Construction so I know my target audience would be people that I understand all their pain points, struggles, and challenges based on working side by side with them previously. This allows you to create a strong message and build relationships to attract people and get opportunities for how you want to help them be successful.

Start speaking for free on the platforms you have free access to - your social media page, community, social functions/events, your alumni groups, free summit, religious organization, etc. This is the best visibility you can give yourself - to be seen in action, giving a motivational speech.

Public Speaking is a profession, a tough business and NOT only vocational. After 30 years "in the market", consider conducting market research to validate the demand for your niche. This involves analyzing trends, participating in relevant online forums, and engaging with potential audience members on social media to ensure there's a market fit for your unique perspective and content. Trial and error to validate.

Build your website and promote yourself as a speaker. Don't call yourself trainer, coach or anything else but focus on your communication 100% on your role as a speaker. It doesn't mean you can't offer anything aside, but you shouldn't communicate it on your website.

Accelerate trust. This will help you to win your first client. To do that you need to make a video highlight reel. Less than 2 minutes that gives a sense of your presentation style, motivational energy and include a soundbite or 2 of testimonials from people who have experienced your speaking. You can use photos and videos and music that matches your every. Video shows proof of your capability and is the fastest way to generate a new client other than a personal recommendation. You got this!

Nowadays it′s imperative to also leverage modern content platforms such as LinkedIn Pulse, Medium, or even podcasting to share thought leadership articles or talks that showcase your expertise and help to create your portfolio even if you don′t have any other references. This approach not only enriches your portfolio but also helps in building an online presence that's crucial for credibility and visibility (just like Aristotle once said: know, like, trust).

Este es un desafío emocionante, estoy completamente de acuerdo con los pasos comentados en el artículo y me gustaría a?adir alguno más que también considero importantes. Solidifica tú marca personal, es muy importante para diferenciarte de tus competidores. No subestimes el poder del networking: participa en eventos relacionados, colabora con otros profesionales y aprovecha cualquier oportunidad para presentarte y compartir tu mensaje. Considera ofrecer charlas gratuitas o a precios reducidos al principio para demostrar el valor que puedes aportar. Y por último, la perseverancia y la confianza en tu habilidad para inspirar a otros son fundamentales para abrir puertas y conseguir tu primer cliente.

Be intentional about networking. I strongly encourage the use of a more structured approach to networking, such as creating a list of 'warm contacts' and planning personalized outreach strategies for each. Take advantage of the potential of using CRM tools to keep track of communications and follow-ups.

Offering to speak at local community events, workshops, or meetups for free or at a nominal charge are excellent ways to gain visibility, experience, and testimonials. This grassroots approach can be a powerful way to demonstrate value and build a reputation in the early stages.

New Content: Continuous learning and professional development in the motivational speaking industry is not an option, it′s a MUST. Attending speaker training workshops, enrolling in public speaking courses, and staying updated with industry best practices is essential. Mindset and Resilience: Learning how to deal with rejection, maintaining motivation, and the importance of resilience are very underestimated aspects. Sharing personal anecdotes or stories from well-known speakers who overcame early challenges can be particularly inspiring. Feedback: Collect and act on feedback from every speaking engagement. Constructive criticism can be invaluable for refining your presentation skills, content, and audience engagement strategies.

The key to landing your first client lies in showcasing the transformative power of your message. Choose a strategy that positions you as an expert while also giving a taste of the impact your work can have. An easy place to start is sharing valuable insights and tips on social media, especially on platforms where your ideal audience uses.