How can you use your influencer status to transition into speaking, writing, or consulting?

Identify your niche before you start pitching yourself as a writer, speaker and consultant. There has to be a clear idea and value you can offer

A great niche has a few characteristics: - It isn't too cluttered with people - You can be the first, best or only - You address a problem that businesses know they have

Transitioning from influencer to industry authority isn't just about identifying your niche, but about deep-diving into it and truly mastering it. Consider a TikTok influencer who's gained fame with innovative dance moves. They have expertise in dance, influencer marketing, and social media marketing. Within these sectors, there's potential to become a respected authority. By studying the paths of established leaders in these domains, understanding their challenges and strategies, and adding their unique perspective, they can be recognized not just for their follower count, but as thought leaders in their craft. After all, true industry respect comes from depth of knowledge and expertise, not just visibility.

Your audience size isn't the defining characteristic of a "Thought Leader" but the quantity of knowledge, effective communication, and ability to impact your audience for the better. Once you are considered a thought leader, your words and ways of thinking becoming of immense impact and therefore become a product which can be packaged and sold as a public speaker, advisor or consultant.

Having the right assets is vital. People will google you and look you up so you need to invest here. The most important assets are: - A solid linkedin profile - A personal website - A great video After that you could consider - A blog - YouTube channel - Instagram - Facebook For things like book deals publishers will look to your audience size as a signal of credibility.

If you're aiming to delve into public speaking, writing, or consulting, the best way forward is to simply start doing it. Craft content showcasing you in these roles. Want to be a speaker? Host a webinar or give a talk at a local event and share it. Interested in consulting? Offer free mini sessions and record testimonials. By actively engaging in the roles you aspire to, you not only build a portfolio but also naturally position yourself in that space. People trust what they see, and when they witness your expertise firsthand, they'll be more inclined to seek your services. It's a blend of 'show and tell' and 'walk the talk'.

You can start with original content that is more in the educational front than entertainment. Showing a level of sophistication and intellect will slowly gain you authority. Once you have built a small portfolio of content in that given style and your niche; you can start reaching out to events (the programing director or producer), podcasts (the hosts or show runner) or companies and pitch your relevant skills and knowledge and how you can be of value to their current goals. Once you start getting used to speaking and generate content (video, stills, screenshots from event site) you can package it and use that as your deck to earn other opportunities.

Invest time upfront creating a great littoral template and pitch deck. So many great speakers and coaches lose business because they don't present themselves well. Create a power point deck (canva is great for this) that strategically walls through who you are, what you do and the problems you solve.

The best way to get speaking and advising opportunities is to go to the people directly. This means go to conferences a year before and see how they run their conference. Meet the brand reps in person on the show floor so they can see your charisma and skills. You can "apply" via email and just be bland or you can show drive and go to them and tell them you are looking for more opportunities. If you are traveling, reach out to relevant events and offer your services to open the channel of communication.

When crafting a pitch as an influencer, it's essential to remember that your unique selling proposition (USP) isn't just your follower count, but your authentic connection with your audience. Begin by sharing a story or experience that defines your influencer journey. Highlight specific campaigns or partnerships that had tangible results, showcasing not just the numbers, but the narrative behind it. Tailor your pitch for each opportunity, emphasizing how your unique perspective can add value. And always, always remember to show passion. Your enthusiasm for your niche will be infectious, making potential partners or clients excited to work with you. Think of your pitch as a bridge connecting your past successes with future collaborations.

You should also learn to be discerning. Sometimes, value is not always financial, it could be an opportunity or access to people or places you otherwise can't enter. Measure that perceived value to you on a case by case basis when starting out. Don't be afraid to mix and match between a financial rate and an intangible one. Just be sure to always clarify this distinction in your invoices and paper work. Eg. If your usual rate is $300 and you're offering a discount, be clear about standard rate and discounted rate. This ensures that client remembers the real value of the service when making referrals too. For anything else, sign an MOU to avoid getting cheated or swindled out of your payday or alternative value.

Set your prices based on your value, not your time. I've been a speaker and consultant for 20+ years and have invested hundreds of thousands of dollars to master my craft. Clients aren't paying me to speak for an hour. They are paying for to transform their audience. I can do that based on the investment I've made in myself. They pay me for the impact to their audience, not the hour of my time.

Setting your rates? Here's a strategy: 1. Research the rates of peers in your niche. 2. Start with competitive pricing to attract initial clients. 3. As demand grows, increment rates. 4. Balance your initial affordability with the value you bring. Begin engagements at a competitive price point—think $1,000. As your authority scales, so should your fee, potentially reaching $100,000+. Always match pricing with reputation growth. Never undervalue your expertise; let your rates reflect your ascending influence.

Evaluate the true impact of where you spend your time. Don't feel the need to do everything. Focus your time and effort on the areas that have the biggest impact like getting clients or growing your audience. Use automation and AI smartly to accomplish more with less time.

Time management evolves with your influencer journey. Initially, seize every opportunity to build experience. As your value and expertise grow, become selective—time is a premium asset. Employ tools like calendars and apps for scheduling, and assert clear boundaries with clients and partners. Eventually, reserve your time for high-value engagements that recognize your worth. Your time isn't just a resource, it's a strategic tool for career growth.

Transforming influencer presence into a career in speaking or consulting demands a dedication to self-improvement. Influencers should harness their natural storytelling ability, enhancing it with formal public speaking training and impromptu speaking clubs like Toastmasters. Staying updated with the latest industry literature and attending workshops can also sharpen their expertise. Crucially, influencers can gain valuable insights by soliciting and acting on audience feedback after each speaking engagement, turning each experience into a stepping stone towards mastery.

I guess it all boils down to building and showcasing your credibility as an authority figure in your chosen niche. Tell/share your stories, be part of communities where you can be seen and contribute productively. Network in all the right circles so people know your name and can vouch for you in some form. And if you're doing a complete career switch, build your portfolio actively and begin to reposition yourself in subtle ways so your audience gets comfortable with your new direction. In both scenarios, never stop learning, updating your skills, upgrading your profile and creating value. Nothing happens overnight, but consistency would bring you desired results, everytime.