| Professional speaking is one of the easiest ways | | | | conversations. Add the media to your master |
| to enhance your career. Opportunities abound; no | | | | press list and send them announcement any time |
| matter how experienced or inexperienced. The | | | | you are speaking. |
| more you speak the better you will become. You | | | | Note: Don't just blast a boring announcement. |
| will establish a reputation as someone | | | | Spice it up with some clever opening subject line. |
| knowledgeable in your field and people will contact | | | | 6. Speaking enables you to come back with |
| you for speaking opportunities as a result. | | | | report on other events and activities. Make sure |
| Everyone has to start somewhere. Here are 10 | | | | you listen to the other speakers not only as a |
| ways learning to be a speaker can enhance your | | | | benchmark to your expertise but to learn |
| career. | | | | something new. If you are an employee, be sure |
| 1. When you speak you automatically assume the | | | | and follow up your presentation with a report to |
| role of an expert. People are coming to hear what | | | | your boss. Send a note to associates on anything |
| you say, right? That routinely positions you in the | | | | you found of interest. |
| role of an expert. The more credentials you add | | | | 7. Often you can attend other sessions free of |
| to your "expert" status the more valuable you | | | | charge. Take advantage of this opportunity. Some |
| become. | | | | times conferences are running concurrent tracts. |
| 2. Speakers get high profile visibility. Look to get | | | | Maximize your time there. |
| your name included in programs, brochures, email | | | | 8. As a speaker you get face time with |
| announcements, agendas and other handouts, | | | | executives that you may not any other way. The |
| press announcements and online posting of | | | | higher the level of conference, the higher the level |
| conference materials. This is especially important | | | | of attendee. You may use this as a vehicle to |
| when you are starting out and are not being paid. | | | | meet someone you have been trying to track |
| Ask up front what type of PR they will be doing | | | | down. |
| for the event. | | | | Note: After is better than before. Also use the |
| NOTE: Pay attention to important submission | | | | networking sessions which are commonplace to |
| deadlines. | | | | work the attendees and speakers |
| 3. As a speaker, you get to meet other | | | | 9. Recruiters are always on the lookout for high |
| colleagues and associates. It?s a place where you | | | | profile candidates. If you are in the market for a |
| can chat up your competition without any | | | | job, this is an excellent way to have the best |
| repercussions. Look to see who's on the agenda | | | | jobs (through a recruiter) seek you out. It |
| and make sure to meet as many other speakers | | | | showcases your expertise in the best possible |
| as you can. Ask them to keep you in mind at | | | | way. Don't be surprised when colleagues call you |
| other events where they might be speaking. | | | | because they have seen your name showcased in |
| 4. Speaking can open doors to people you want | | | | print. |
| to meet. It?s easy to pick up the phone and ask | | | | 10. Look for an angle to market yourself for free |
| someone to come to your event or send them | | | | exposure. If there is no money form the |
| an email invitation. Even if they can't attend it will | | | | engagement, look for other ways to make up for |
| position you as someone of note. It?s also a | | | | it: a free booth, a place to sell your stuff, |
| great way to follow up with a copy of your name | | | | additional days at the hotel at the staff rate, |
| in print as an expert on the program. | | | | discounts for attendees. |
| 5. The media looks for speakers at conferences | | | | Remember, no matter what the opportunity look |
| and events as potential interviews. Make a point | | | | for the way to spin the exposure to showcase |
| of introducing yourself to the media. It gives you | | | | yourself in the best light possible. |
| an excellent way to follow up for future | | | | |