Being a guest speaker in front of the right audience can be an excellent way to attract new business. Many clubs, organizations, conventions, and trade shows seek guest speakers who can provide useful information to their audience. The opportunity to speak in front of an attentive group can certainly boost your business, whether you are a service or product provider. Design your speech or presentation so that the audience leaves with useful information that will help them. Avoid giving a sales pitch; this will be a turn-off for both the audience and the speaker-coordinator. Here are a number of reasons why being a guest speaker can attract more business: You are perceived as an expert in your field. You have an opportunity to get free publicity to promote the event. You have the opportunity to hand out information to each attendee (with your contact name on it). You can ask for names and addresses of attendees to build your contact database. You can chat one-on-one with the attendees after the meeting. Check out your local Chamber of Commerce, local trade shows, or your local Convention Center. In some cities there are Professional Meeting Planners who often seek speakers. Your participation as a speaker at one event may lead to other contacts in the industry. |
