How I Get Strangers to Book Me as a Speaker at Their Events

I get asked this question all the time: “Kim, how do you get people—strangers, no less—to book you as a speaker at their events?”

Let me be crystal clear: it’s not about being “lucky.” It’s about being strategic.

If you’re tired of speaking to crickets, waiting for someone to magically invite you to their stage, I’ve got some news for you: It won’t happen unless you make it happen.

But here’s the good news: I’m going to share the exact strategies I use to get booked by people I’ve never even met. And trust me, if I can do it, so can you.

1. Post Consistently with Purpose

Posting on social media isn’t about vanity metrics. I’m not here to collect likes; I’m here to collect leads. Every post I make is a breadcrumb leading potential clients and event organizers right to my doorstep.

Here’s the trick: Post with value and frequency. Give insights, share behind-the-scenes moments, and show your expertise in your niche. When people know you’re the go-to authority on a topic, they’re far more likely to want you on their stage.

Pro tip: The content doesn’t need to be earth-shattering every single time. It needs to be consistent. That’s what builds trust.

2. Leverage LinkedIn Like a Pro

Everyone tells you to connect with people on LinkedIn, but here’s what they don’t tell you: Don’t just connect—engage.

LinkedIn is the most powerful professional platform out there, and it’s the perfect tool to get on people’s radar without being spammy. Comment on posts from event organizers, share their content, and show up in their notifications. Don’t be a stalker, be a contributor.

Your goal is simple: Get them to notice you before you ever pitch them.

And when you do reach out, make it about them—not you. Ask how you can help their event shine.

3. Be a Podcast Guest

Podcasts are today’s most underutilized, high-impact speaking stage. You want to be seen as an expert? Get yourself in front of a microphone.

Here’s why: Every podcast episode you guest on is a permanent, searchable piece of content. Event organizers listen to podcasts to find new talent and fresh perspectives. Plus, it’s an instant credibility boost. If a podcast host is willing to bring you on their show, that’s social proof that you know your stuff.

Bonus: Make sure to ask the host to mention you’re available for speaking gigs at the end of the episode. Never hurts to remind listeners how they can work with you.

4. Offer a Signature Topic

Event organizers aren’t looking for just any speaker. They’re looking for the speaker who has something special to say. That’s why I always offer a signature talk that directly addresses the pain points of their audience.

It’s simple: If you want to stand out, don’t talk about everything. Talk about what makes you unique. Position yourself as the authority on a single subject and watch the invites roll in.

And here’s where it gets interesting: Once I’m booked for one event, I always offer something extra to the organizer. A free breakout session? Sure. A social media shout-out for their event? Done. When you deliver more than they expect, they’ll rave about you to their network—and suddenly, you’re getting booked again and again.

5. Testimonials are Everything

In this business, social proof is your best friend. People want to know you can deliver. And nothing proves that better than glowing testimonials from past clients and event organizers.

If you’re just starting, offer to speak for free in exchange for a testimonial or video review. Those few sentences can be worth thousands of dollars down the road when they help you land paying gigs.

Pro tip: Keep collecting testimonials even when you’re well-established. A fresh one from a high-profile client never hurts.

6. Follow Up Like a Pro

Lastly, never underestimate the power of the follow-up. It’s not enough to pitch once and hope for the best. Busy event organizers have a million things on their plate, and your email can easily get lost in the shuffle.

The fortune is in the follow-up. Send a friendly reminder. Be persistent, but not annoying. Show them that you’re eager to add value, not just get a paycheck.

The Bottom Line:

Getting booked as a speaker isn’t rocket science, but it’s not something that happens by accident either. You need to be intentional. You need a system. And you need to work that system every single day.

It’s not glamorous, and it’s not overnight. But with the right strategies in place, you can go from “unknown” to being the go-to speaker that event organizers can’t stop talking about.

So what are you waiting for? Get out there, and make your stage appearance inevitable.

With these strategies, you'll find yourself on stages you didn’t even know existed, booked by people who didn’t know you yesterday but can't imagine their event without you tomorrow.

Now, go out and get noticed.

— Kim Walsh Phillips