As a motivational speaker, you may want to expand your reach and impact by speaking in different regions or countries. However, finding and securing speaking opportunities abroad can be challenging and time-consuming. In this article, you will learn some practical tips and strategies to help you find speaking opportunities in different regions or countries.
Before you start looking for speaking opportunities, you need to have a clear idea of where you want to speak and why. Consider your goals, your niche, your audience, and your budget. Do some research on the culture, language, and market of your target regions or countries. Find out what topics are relevant, what problems are common, and what solutions are in demand. This will help you tailor your message and your pitch to the specific needs and preferences of your potential hosts and attendees.
Networking with industry professionals and organizations globally. Use social media platforms like LinkedIn to connect with event organizers, fellow speakers, and professional groups. Join speaking associations and forums that offer global exposure. Collaborate with international speaking agencies. Attend industry conferences and workshops, both in-person and virtually, to expand your network. Offer to give webinars or online talks, which can lead to physical speaking engagements. Tailor your topics to suit diverse audiences and cultural nuances. Consistently showcasing your expertise online can attract global opportunities.
Start with LinkedIn, tell people where you are prepared to work, and also add it to your Google profile, website, etc. Join a professional association and find someone who is already presenting overseas and see if they can connect you. You will be competing with other speakers who do not require travel costs therefore adjust your fees accordingly. You can offset the higher fee by targetting countries that pay a higher rate. Never sell yourself short, if you reduce your fee to get an overseas gig then you will look cheap and clients are prepread to pay if you are a great presenter.
One of the best ways to find speaking opportunities abroad is to network with local speakers and organizers who are already active in your target regions or countries. You can use social media platforms, online forums, podcasts, blogs, and newsletters to connect with them. You can also attend online or in-person events that they host or participate in. By building relationships with local speakers and organizers, you can learn from their experiences, get referrals, and access opportunities that may not be advertised publicly.
Social media is an amazing tool nowadays. It is not only a platform to showcase your talent, but it also helps you network with people across the globe. Social media has made people more approachable and transparent, hence making it easier to find more sources and resources for your career. All you need to do is make a strong network and have the courage to ask. Opportunities will come your way.
To attract speaking opportunities in different regions or countries, you need to showcase your expertise and value as a motivational speaker. You can do this by creating and sharing high-quality content that demonstrates your knowledge, skills, and insights on your niche topic. You can also use testimonials, case studies, and media appearances to highlight your credibility, reputation, and results. By showcasing your expertise and value, you can position yourself as a sought-after speaker who can deliver value to your hosts and attendees.
Promote yourself in as many ways as possible - social media, website, contact speaker bureaus - and promote yourself with short video clips, professionally filmed speaker reels, as many ways as you can. More hooks catch more fish!
Another way to find speaking opportunities abroad is to apply to relevant events and programs that are looking for speakers. You can use online platforms, directories, databases, and newsletters that list and promote speaking opportunities in different regions or countries. You can also search for specific events and programs that match your niche, topic, and goals. When you apply, make sure to follow the guidelines, deadlines, and formats of each opportunity. You also need to craft a compelling pitch that showcases your topic, your message, and your value proposition.
Once you have found and applied to speaking opportunities in different regions or countries, you need to follow up and follow through. You need to keep in touch with your hosts and organizers, confirm your availability, and clarify the details of your speaking engagement. You also need to prepare your presentation, your materials, and your logistics. You need to deliver your speech with excellence, professionalism, and enthusiasm. And you need to follow up with your hosts and attendees, solicit feedback, and express gratitude.
Finding speaking opportunities in different regions or countries can be rewarding and fulfilling for a motivational speaker. By following these tips and strategies, you can increase your chances of finding and securing speaking opportunities that align with your goals, your niche, and your audience.
Often, you will have to go back time and again before you get the gig. Never say never, always keep asking. I hvae a folder of clients who have reached out - under the heading of proposals - which I return to each month. A short prompt from you with something different each time may be enough. One client took 3 years before eventually saying, YES.
Always be patient, polite, and energetic. Clients remember those who perservered and were humble while waiting. Give people something first - offer to meet with them at a time/place to suit them, if you know they have a particular need then see if you can help with what you offer, and do so without seeking a fee. Lastly, never ever give up. It can be a lonely and sometimes disappointing career, but the effort is always rewarded. The harder we work the luckier we get.
As a speaker, too often we may want to look for many opportunities to reach many people but I think it may depend on the right time, patience, and we may want to use the opportunities we’ve had before to help us get in any other opportunities they may have a connection with. The people that we helped with speaking for them at their events, is our referrals to the people, and events they know in other regions or states. When the timing is right, and we’re networking with what we have, we’re using many things for us to grow stronger to reach as far as possible.