Networking as a Speaker: Building Relationships That Lead to More Gigs

Imagine this: you just delivered a killer presentation, and someone in the audience approaches you with, “We’d love to have you speak at our next event.” Sounds amazing, right?

But what if those opportunities weren’t left to chance? What if you could actively build a network that brings those gigs straight to you?

Here’s how you can become a networking pro and unlock more speaking opportunities.

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?1. Start with a Clear Networking Goal

Before you dive into building connections, ask yourself: What do I want to achieve? Do you want to get booked for specific types of events, build relationships with event planners, or expand your network of fellow speakers?

??Smart Tip: ?Set clear, measurable goals like connecting with 5 event organizers per month or attending one major industry event each quarter. Knowing your “why” will make your networking efforts more focused and effective.

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2. Leverage the Power of Social Media

Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and even Instagram can be goldmines for building your speaking network. Follow event organizers, fellow speakers, and industry influencers. Engage with their content by liking, commenting, and sharing their posts. This simple interaction can put you on their radar.

??Pro Tip: Use LinkedIn to search for event planners and send personalized connection requests.

A message like, “Hi [Name], I love the work you did with [Event Name]. As a speaker specializing in [Your Topic], I’d love to connect and share ideas!” can make a great first impression.

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?3. Attend Industry Events and Conferences

Speaking engagements often come from in-person connections. Attend conferences, workshops, and networking meetups in your industry—not just as a speaker but as a participant. These events are filled with decision-makers who book speakers.

??Action Step: Introduce yourself to event organizers and share a brief “elevator pitch” about your expertise. Keep it conversational and memorable without being overly salesy.

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4. Join Speaker Associations and Industry Groups

Being part of professional organizations like the National Speakers Association (NSA) or joining local networking groups can help you meet other professionals in your field. Fellow speakers can be great allies, sharing tips, leads, and even referrals.

??Pro Tip: Participate actively in these groups. Share insights, offer advice, and engage with members. When people know you and trust your expertise, they’re more likely to recommend you.

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5. Build Relationships, Not Just a Rolodex

Effective networking isn’t about quantity; it’s about quality. Focus on forming genuine connections with people. Instead of seeing a new contact as a potential client, think of them as a long-term collaborator or advocate for your brand.

??Smart Tip: Follow up after meeting someone new. Send a thank-you email, connect on LinkedIn, or share a resource that might interest them. Showing genuine interest makes you stand out.

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?6. Offer Value Before Asking for Anything

People are more likely to remember and help you if you provide value first. Share resources, offer advice, or help promote someone else’s work. For example, if you know an event planner is looking for speakers, recommend someone in your network who would be a great fit.

??Action Step: Regularly post valuable content that helps others, like tips on public speaking or lessons from your experience. This positions you as an expert while providing value to your audience.

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7. Ask for Referrals (The Right Way)

If you’ve done a great job at a previous engagement, don’t hesitate to ask for referrals. Event organizers and fellow speakers often have extensive networks and can recommend you for future opportunities.

??Pro Tip: Make it easy for others to refer you by providing a concise description of your expertise, along with a link to your portfolio or LinkedIn profile.

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?8. Follow Up and Stay in Touch

Networking doesn’t stop after the first meeting. The key is to nurture your relationships over time. Send holiday greetings, congratulate your contacts on milestones, or simply check in with a friendly message.

??Smart Tip: Create a simple spreadsheet or use a CRM tool to track your contacts, conversations, and follow-up dates. This ensures you’re staying top-of-mind with your network.

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9. Collaborate with Other Speakers

Partnering with other speakers can open up new opportunities. For instance, if a fellow speaker knows of an event that needs a different topic, they might refer you—and vice versa.

??Action Step: Offer to co-host webinars, panel discussions, or other events with fellow speakers. Collaboration not only builds rapport but also introduces you to their audience.

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?10. Keep Networking After the Gig

The end of an event isn’t the end of the networking process. Use the opportunity to thank organizers, engage with attendees, and share highlights on social media. Tag the event and its key players to keep the connection alive.

??Pro Tip: Post-event, send a personalized note to the organizer, expressing gratitude and interest in future opportunities. This simple gesture can set you apart.

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Build Bridges, Not Just Contacts

Networking as a speaker is about more than handing out business cards—it’s about building trust, offering value, and fostering genuine relationships. When you approach networking with authenticity and consistency, the opportunities will follow.

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Remember: The stronger your relationships, the more your speaking business will grow.

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Ready to take your speaking business to the next level?

Let’s work together to craft a networking strategy that opens doors to more gigs and long-term opportunities.

Book a FREE consultation today, and let’s get you connected to the right people who can elevate your speaking career! Book Your Call Here