You’ve seen the posts: “Speak at TEDx to 10x your business, attract clients, and unlock opportunities you can’t handle!” It sounds like the dream, doesn’t it? Stand on the iconic red circle, share your message with the world, and wait for your business to explode. But let’s break it down and question if this is really the magic bullet everyone believes it to be.
The TEDx Dream: The Hype vs. Reality
Let’s start by getting clear on something: Securing a TEDx talk is a massive achievement. But, does it really guarantee a business transformation? If you think that just stepping off that stage means you’ll suddenly be flooded with clients and opportunities, think again.
- Where is your TEDx event? You might have landed a TEDx opportunity, but let’s consider the event itself. In today’s world, TEDx events are popping up everywhere. From small local venues to large-scale events, there’s a big difference in how much each of these events gets promoted. Just because you’re on a TEDx stage doesn’t automatically mean you’ll have the visibility to match. So, how much is the event itself really being publicised?
- The moment you step off the stage—what happens then? You’ve spoken, you’ve nailed it, and it feels amazing. You’ve delivered your message to a live audience, and you can’t wait for it to be shared with the world. But the real question is: What happens next? You step off the stage, and then what? You go celebrate, wait for the YouTube upload, and hope for some viral magic. But let’s face it: a viral talk doesn’t guarantee an influx of business.
- The Waiting Game So, you sit and watch the views rack up. You hope for millions, just like the success stories you’ve seen. But here’s where the real question lies: Even if your talk hits those big view numbers, does the phone suddenly start ringing? Have you received a flurry of emails? Has your business truly grown as a result of those views? What happens when the “buzz” starts to fade, and those views stop increasing?
The Hard Truth: It’s Not Just About the Talk
A TEDx talk can undoubtedly boost your profile—but it’s not an automatic ticket to success. If you're waiting for the world to come to you, that could be a big mistake.
- What is your positioning really worth? TEDx doesn’t just magically position you as an expert. Sure, it gives you credibility on a subject matter, but what does that really mean in terms of how your audience views you? How does your talk fit into your larger strategy? What exactly are you offering when people hear your message? Without clarity on your positioning, that moment on the TEDx stage could be nothing more than a flash in the pan.
- The value of networking beyond the audience So, you’ve spoken on the TEDx stage, and it felt great. But when you look at the room full of attendees, are you really connecting with the right people? Have you been simply content with delivering your talk and heading off stage to go and celebrate?
- Waiting for things to happen It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that once your talk is out there, the world will come to you. But here’s the question: Are you actually doing anything to make that happen? When your talk is uploaded, are you simply watching the numbers climb, or are you actively seeking opportunities to connect with potential clients or partners?
- The reality of post-talk visibility What happens when your TEDx talk is up and the views plateau? Are you letting your moment of visibility fade, or are you making the most of it? With so many people hoping for a viral moment, the difference between success and missed opportunity often comes down to what happens after the talk is over. The question is: how are you using the exposure to keep the conversation going?
- TEDx isn’t a guarantee of more gigs One of the common misconceptions is that TEDx will open the floodgates for more speaking engagements. But when you’re on speaker bureaus or associations, how many other speakers are in the same position as you? Are you relying on them to bring in business, or are you taking the initiative to create more opportunities yourself? Without a strategy to build on the TEDx moment, it could just remain as a title next to your name.
The Takeaway: TEDx Isn’t the Endgame—It’s Just the Start
I haven’t even delivered a TEDx talk yet, so you might wonder, “How do you know?” Well, let me put it this way: I’m part of numerous speaker associations, I’ve spoken on international stages for pay, and I deliver corporate talks every month—generating income and sustainable growth. I’ve built credibility through my own work, so when I reach out, people and companies already know who I am. A TEDx talk, in my view, is simply an extension of an accomplishment, not the ultimate game-changer.
People often ask how I secure those corporate gigs. Here’s the truth: It’s not about waiting for associations or bureaus to hand you opportunities. It’s about what you do! How you build genuine relationships, and how you capitalise on any exposure you’ve gained.
Whether your TEDx talk gets one view or one million, the real question is: What’s your next move? If you’re sitting back and waiting for clients to find you, you’re not tapping into the true potential of that platform.
The amount of people I know who have done a TedX talk and are no further forward on the speakers circuits or with a business that has been "x10" as so many like you to believe to sell a program.
A TEDx talk is just the beginning.
Any speaking engagement is just the beginning.
What matters is what comes next—the steps you take to turn that moment into real, lasting success for your business.
Surround yourself with someone who understands how to position you, build your brand, leverage your expertise and skillset, and has access to networks that can open doors. That’s the formula for success.
