Latest news with #speaking
Forbes
6 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
20 Effective Ways To Secure Speaking Gigs As A Business Leader
Man presenting in front of audience A business's success rarely depends solely on the products or services it offers. As consumers look to connect more with the people working within a business, online and offline speaking engagements not only offer entrepreneurs the chance to boost their reputation as a business expert but also significantly increase sales. Regardless of an entrepreneur's longevity in the business market, finding the right-fit speaking events that align with their skills and knowledge can be difficult. To help, 20 Forbes Business Council members share effective ways business leaders can secure speaking gigs and highlight their expertise. 1. Proactively Leverage Your Existing Network My advice is don't wait for an invitation. Instead, be proactive and leverage your existing network. Many conference organizers prioritize social proof as they evaluate potential speakers. If you're a vendor, consider joining forces with one of your client partners to pitch a case study presentation highlighting your partnership and proven ROI. - Scott Paddock, Wondr Health 2. Go Where Your Audience Is Start by showing up where your audience already is. Contribute to panels, podcasts or industry groups, even if they're small. Build a track record of insight, not self-promotion. One tip is to make your experience relatable. Event organizers want voices that can actually teach and not just talk. - Henry Pershin, 3. Create A Professional Speaker Kit One effective way to secure speaking opportunities is to create a professionally designed speaker kit. A well-crafted kit showcases your expertise, audience impact, testimonials, awards and press coverage, offering event organizers a clear snapshot of your value as a speaker. It not only builds credibility but also creates a strong first impression that sets you apart in a competitive landscape. - Jason Fernandes, AdLunam Inc. 4. Personalize Your Pitch Tailor your pitch to what the organizer and their audience care about: real-world examples and outcomes. At Legence, we don't just talk, we deliver results. For example, we bring customers and executives out on stage to share how we're cutting emissions or improving building performance through case studies. It's a chance to highlight impact, build trust, showcase our work and spark the next opportunity. - Jeff Sprau, Legence 5. Lead With Substance Over Hype One effective way to secure speaking gigs is to lead with substance over hype, especially in industries like blockchain where trust and credibility matter. Publish clear, insightful perspectives on complex topics that impact the real world and that the general public can relate to. Event organizers are looking for thought leaders who offer real-world clarity with authenticity, not just buzzwords. - Boris Bohrer-Bilowitzki, Concordium 6. Create High-Quality Content One effective way to secure speaking gigs is to create and share high-quality, insightful content. These can be articles, videos or podcasts that showcase your expertise and unique perspective. This builds credibility and attracts event organizers seeking authentic voices. One tip is to proactively pitch tailored topics to niche events, demonstrating how your insights solve their audience's specific challenges. - Sahit Muja, Albanian Minerals 7. Share Insights On LinkedIn One way I've consistently landed speaking gigs is by sharing insights regularly on LinkedIn. When you post with clarity and consistency, event organizers notice. One pro tip is to build relationships with conference hosts early. Comment on their posts, share their work and be clear about how your expertise aligns with their audience. - Anna Anisin, Data Science Salon 8. Interact With Online Communities And Networks Engage with online communities and network at events to build your presence. A key tip is to reach out to event organizers with tailored proposals, demonstrating how your insights can benefit their audience. By being proactive and authentic, you'll position yourself as a thought leader ready to inspire. - Paula Ferrada, Inova Healthcare System 9. Offer To Speak For Free Start by offering to speak at anything, anywhere for free to build your experience, your expertise (it is a craft) and your reputation. This will inevitably lead to more work, including paid work at better events. - Craig West, Capitaliz 10. Take An Account-Based Marketing Approach Treat this like account-based marketing. This means researching each event and personalizing outreach by tailoring the offering to what the organizers are looking for. Look into what type of talks are typically selected. Then, set up personalized drips and keep following up. Deep research with AI can be a superb hack for this. - Noa Eshed, Bold Digital Architects 11. Make A Website Create a website specifically focused on you as a speaker. Include videos of you speaking so companies can see how you are on stage. Start by targeting associations in your area of expertise, as they are always looking for speakers. - Erin Stafford, Stafford Company 12. Showcase Your Mission At NRS, we found our voice by championing independent merchants and small retailers against the dominance of large chains. Highlight your unique mission, including how your expertise empowers the "little guy" to compete and thrive in a world designed for giants. This specific, relatable advocacy offers a compelling story that stands out to event organizers seeking fresh, actionable insights. - Elie Y. Katz, National Retail Solutions (NRS) 13. Find Podcast Guest Spots Don't underestimate the power of podcast guesting's long-tail effect. Although it may not directly lead to landing speaking gigs, being a guest on podcasts puts you on the radar as a thought leader and often boosts your credibility among event organizers. This can ultimately result in you landing speaking opportunities at their events. It can then naturally progress and convert into future speaking opportunities on other stages! - Alex Sanfilippo, PodMatch 14. Become An Author Authorship is a meaningful way to share one's insights and learned experiences, enabling you to help others while providing a personal understanding of yourself in the process. Though it's time-consuming in the long run, in addition to maintaining a social media presence and engaging online, others have a way to manage requests to speak at events. Being able to speak more on what was penned can be a wise path. - Paul L. Gunn, Jr., KUOG Corporation 15. Share Your Unfiltered Experiences Sharing the real, unfiltered side of building a business consistently through video and on social media has been a game-changer for me. It builds trust, positions you as someone worth listening to and keeps you top of mind. Show up at industry events, ask good questions and build real relationships. And once momentum kicks in, keep showing up and amplifying your presence without hesitation. - Aaron Harper, Rolling Suds 16. Develop A Pitch Playbook Treat your ideas like products with a clear promise, structure and outcomes. When I created a playbook from our cold email insights, people didn't just read it; they invited me to speak on it. If you make your expertise portable and practical, your content becomes a calling card that speaks louder than any pitch. - Samuel Darwin, Sparkle 17. Focus On Your Niche Stick to what you know best. I run an agile digital marketing agency that offers a range of services, but when I'm invited to speak, I focus on enterprise SEO, paid search strategies and lately, how AI is reshaping search marketing. I rarely talk about topics like social media advertising, not because I don't understand them, but because I don't personally manage those campaigns. My team does. - Al Sefati, Clarity Digital, LLC 18. Prioritize Value Lead with value, not your resume. When pitching for speaking gigs, tailor your topic to solve a real, timely problem for their audience. Include a compelling title, two to three key takeaways and why it matters now. Event organizers book solutions, not self-promotion. Show them you're there to serve, not just speak. - Miriam Groom, Mindful Career 19. Remain Authentic Next to preparing for your audience by understanding their key pain points and expectations, I think it's crucial to stay authentic. Despite all the expertise you might have, I've seen people fail by trying to play the role of someone they aren't. Personally, I admire business experts who share what they struggle with and what they don't know. This makes them approachable and trustworthy. - Michael Wegmüller, Artifact SA 20. Network Networking is a powerful tool for securing speaking opportunities. Attend industry events, engage with key players on social media and build relationships with event organizers. By demonstrating your expertise in conversations and offering to contribute to upcoming events, you can position yourself as a go-to speaker. - Michael Freitag, CRITCH
SBS Australia
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- SBS Australia
Bonus Practice: #91Asking for a job reference (Adv)
Speaking out loud will help to improve your English speaking fluency and will make it easier for you to remember new vocabulary. This bonus episode provides interactive speaking practice for the words and phrases you learnt in Episode #91 Asking for a job reference (Adv). Don't be shy - just try! Allan Claire, could I list you as a referee on my job application? Claire Of course. Feel free to put me down as a referee. Allan Thanks, I'd really appreciate it if you could put in a good word for me. Would you it okay if I passed on your details? Claire Absolutely. Would you like me to highlight anything specific if they contact me? Learn the meanings of the phrases used in this dialogue: #91 Asking for a job reference (Adv) SBS English 22/07/2025 15:36 English SBS Learn English will help you speak, understand and connect in Australia - view all episodes. Subscribe to our newsletter for monthly updates on our free lessons and resources.
Entrepreneur
02-07-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
How I Built a Multi-Unit Franchise Operation Without Leaving My Day Job
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. I've spent decades as a business and management speaker, presenting to leaders about performance, leadership and building strong teams. But early in my career, I started to feel a little uneasy. I was offering advice to audiences filled with managers and experienced business owners, many of whom had far more hands-on experience than I did. I didn't want to be perceived as another speaker who talks theory but lacks real-world credibility. I wanted my insights to be grounded in experience, not just inspiration. Then one day, flipping through an airline magazine, I saw an ad for Edible Arrangements. Something clicked. Franchising intrigued me because it's a model that combines consistency and variability. Everyone follows the same system in similar markets, but performance varies. That meant there had to be a variable. If I could identify it and make it work for me, I wouldn't just build a business — I'd gain insights I could bring to my clients. My goal was never to leave my speaking career. It still is my primary passion. But I wanted to supplement it with a business that would sharpen my message and grow my income. That's how I ended up opening an Edible Arrangements franchise in 2006. Let me be clear: there was nothing "part-time" about this venture. Opening a franchise meant taking out a loan, signing a 10-year lease, investing in a buildout, managing employees, and serving customers. It required full commitment—even if I couldn't be there every day. Related: Is Franchising Right For You? Ask Yourself These 9 Questions to Find Out. We faced our share of challenges, especially early on. But eventually, we built one of the highest-volume locations in California. Later, I acquired a struggling second location and made it profitable within a year. We won awards for best customer service and manager of the year out of more than 1,000 stores worldwide — all while I was still traveling for speaking engagements. So, how did I do it? Here are six key strategies that made it possible: 1. Choose the right franchise model Not every franchise is suited for absentee ownership, no matter what the sales team says. I chose a brand that allowed for it, but quickly learned that success still requires deep engagement. You don't have to be physically present all the time, but you do have to be mentally present. I looked for a business with clear systems, brand standards, and strong corporate support. I also spoke with other franchisees to ensure my dual-career setup was realistic. I wasn't just an investor—I was still a leader, just one leading from a distance. 2. Build systems that work without you If I weren't going to be in the store every day, I needed systems to maintain visibility and accountability. Each night, the closing employee sent me a detailed report on sales, issues and feedback. I installed security cameras to monitor the store remotely and verify open and closing times. I could also log in to our system from anywhere to review dashboards and performance data. Cross-training was another key strategy. Every team member could handle multiple tasks, giving us flexibility and protecting against staffing gaps. 3. Hire (and keep) the right people Finding the right manager changed everything. My first two hires were solid but didn't stick. The third, Jennifer, joined nine months in and stayed for the rest of my ownership. She even worked with the new owner for a year after I sold the stores. Jennifer and I were in daily contact, even when I was on the road. When I was home, I'd visit at least once a week to stay connected with the team. I didn't work shifts, but I maintained presence. I wasn't micromanaging — I was culture managing. Related: Connected for Success: 4 Crucial Values of an Interconnected Organizational Culture 4. Lead the culture — even remotely Culture doesn't just happen — it must be shaped. We talked often about who we were as a team and what kind of environment we wanted. We trained slowly, coached consistently and gave employees the chance to lead. Their input helped us innovate, meet goals and stay aligned. When team members proved themselves, we gave them more autonomy. That investment paid off in loyalty and performance. The stores didn't just feel like mine — they felt like ours. 5. Let go of control (strategically) No one ran the business exactly like I would have. No one sold as much or cared as deeply. But they didn't have to. I learned that if the team could operate at 80% of my personal standard, that was enough for success, and it gave me space to keep speaking and open a second location. Letting go gave others room to step up. It made Jennifer's job easier. And it allowed me to focus on growing the business, not just running it. 6. Manage by the numbers When you're not on-site, metrics become your eyes and ears. I watched weekly sales, average ticket size, expenses and customer reviews religiously. I studied every P&L. I also tracked individual employee performance so Jennifer could coach in real time when needed. She managed the floor. I managed the numbers. That structure kept everything moving, even when I was out of town. One of the proudest moments of my franchise journey was winning the best customer service award. It wasn't just about sales—it was about the culture we'd built. That award confirmed what I'd come to believe: franchise success isn't about working harder. It's about working smarter, creating systems and growing people. The experience didn't just strengthen my speaking content — it transformed it. I had real stories. Real wins. Real setbacks. It all added authenticity to my message. You don't need to give up your day job to build a successful business. But you do need to take that business seriously. Put systems in place. Lead your people. Watch your numbers. And above all, trust the team you've built. That's how you grow something great — even when you're not there to see it.
Forbes
24-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
The Parallels Of Leadership And Keynote Speaking
getty There's no shortage of people calling themselves speakers these days. Between TEDx inflation, social media influencers on lecture circuits, and AI-generated speaker pitch decks, the barrier to entry into the keynote world seems practically nonexistent. But as world-leading speaker bureau agent and author Maria Franzoni reminded me, booking stages—repeatedly and profitably—requires something much more rigorous. Franzoni would know. She's spent over 25 years in the business, booking the likes of Neil Armstrong and Liza Minnelli, while mentoring hundreds of speakers across the globe. 'Everybody's a speaker,' she said, 'but not everybody gets booked.' Her new book, The Bookability Formula, is poised to become a manual for anyone serious about the speaking business. But underneath the tactics lies a deeper truth: leadership in the keynote industry requires more than a polished story or viral content. It calls for a grounded, practical commitment to relevance, value, and humility. What sets apart the sustainable speaker from the one-time sensation? Franzoni offers a few blunt truths that apply not only to the stage but to leadership itself. Be Relevant, Not Just Resonant The myth of the keynote as a 60-minute stage monologue has been eroding for years. 'It used to be you'd come in, deliver, and go out. Now, clients want partners,' Franzoni explained. 'They want someone who helps move the audience from point A to B. That hasn't changed, but the way speakers get there has.' It's precisely what also sets good leaders apart. They're there to help their team members shift from one level to another. Furthermore, Franzoni's research at both the London Speaker Bureau and her own agency revealed a shared characteristic among the top 1% of booked speakers: they consistently upheld relevance. They didn't adopt a trendy or generic approach. They were relevant to a specific, pressing problem a client was trying to solve. And they could articulate that relevance quickly and clearly. 'Many speakers can talk for half an hour and still leave you wondering what they actually do,' she said. 'The best? You know exactly what they solve, for whom, and why it matters within minutes.' That point is reinforced by a survey from global events company Freeman, which found only 1% of attendees preferred celebrity speakers, while 37% favored industry leaders and subject-matter experts. The results underscore the point that relevance and credibility consistently outweigh fame when attendees engage and apply what they've heard Make Yourself Easy to Work With In a world of contracting attention spans and increasing complexity, frictionless experiences win. 'Easy beats everything,' Franzoni said. 'Easy to find. Easy to book. Easy to work with. Easy to listen to.' While it may sound simple, this principle is more often violated than upheld. Franzoni has seen contracts botched, client briefings skipped, and speakers show up without knowing the audience. The result? No return bookings and reputations lost in the backchannels of speaker bureau conversations. 'People don't have time for stress," she pointed out. 'Meeting planners want a safe pair of hands.' I am reminded of the purpose statement that helps guide TELUS' Chief Communications & Brand Officer, Jill Schnarr: "Be easy to." Schnarr argues that trust is built through a leadership style of being easy to work with, do business with, have a meeting with, and so on, but is lost when that reliability and "easy factor" disappear. Being dependable and easy to work with in leadership is not optional; it's foundational. According to Franzoni, the best speakers act like leaders in any business context. The most effective speakers prioritize listening before offering advice, respect the client's context, and never prioritize their reputation. Focus on Value, Not Volume Maria Franzoni In the digital era, it's tempting to equate reach with reputation. Franzoni rejects that outright. 'It's not about being known by everyone. It's about being known by the right people.' Being bookable, as she puts it, is not about popularity but about value. She sees the shift playing out on social platforms as well. While some speakers plaster LinkedIn with "humblebrags" and selfies, Franzoni recommends a subtler approach. 'Start conversations, not a pitch,' she told me. 'If your content is valuable, they'll look you up. You don't have to sell in every post.' The ability to build rapport without resorting to theatrics is increasingly rare. 'We're all a bit tired of 'icky' selling,' she said. 'Talk about your topic. Share outcomes. Make your clients the heroes. You're not the star of the show.' That idea aligns with the broader trend of audience-first content design. A report from Edelman's 2024 Trust Barometer showed that people crave utility and transparency from thought leaders, not self-congratulatory noise. In speaking, as in leadership, generosity is the real differentiator. In addition, Edelman's 2024 Thought Leadership Impact Report (in partnership with LinkedIn) surveyed more than 3,500 B2B decision-makers and found that 73% of people believed that thoughtfully empathetic content is a more trustworthy basis for assessing organizational competence than marketing materials alone. Celebrate Contribution, Not Celebrity There's a final point Franzoni makes that deserves amplification. While celebrity speakers serve their purpose—bums in seats, as she puts it—they're often not the ones delivering the most value. 'Not one of the most-booked speakers we studied was a celebrity,' she said. 'They were celebrated, yes, but for the contributions they made.' That small semantic shift—from celebrity to celebrated—speaks volumes. The best speakers don't posture, and the same is true for the best leaders. They solve problems and prepare ahead of time. They build enduring partnerships because their content (and ideas) help their clients become better at what they do. Think of it not as a formula for fame but as a long-term strategy for impact. Franzoni puts it this way: 'Most people will pay more to solve a problem than to achieve a goal.' Whether you're on stage, in a boardroom, or running a team, the question is the same: what problem are you solving, and for whom? If you can address that with clarity, humility, purpose, and substance, you won't need to pursue the bookings. You don't need to chase the leadership accolades. But you already know that. Watch the full interview with Maria Franzoni and Dan Pontefract on the Leadership NOW program below, or listen to it on your favorite podcast.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Charles Clark and Journey Speakers Bureau Launch the Premier Roster of America's Top 100 Speakers
TAMPA, FL / / May 17, 2025 / World-class athlete, bestselling author, and renowned keynote speaker Charles Clark is raising the bar for the speaking industry with the national expansion of Journey Speakers Bureau-a speaker-led agency delivering elite talent and transformational results for high-stakes events across the country. Journey Speakers Bureau is the only bureau founded and run by professional speakers, giving clients insider access to what truly makes an event unforgettable. At the core of this groundbreaking model is a bold promise: the most memorable events come from the greatest speakers-and Journey has built the ultimate roster to prove it. "At Journey, we don't just book talent-we elevate experiences. Our clients aren't just hiring speakers. They're securing results, ROI, and reputation. That's what makes us different," says Charles Clark. Each speaker listed on the Journey Speakers platform goes through a rigorous approval process, ensuring the top 100 speakers in the U.S. make the cut. The bureau offers a wide range of expertise across 10 in-demand categories, with a deep focus on motivation, mental health, leadership, workplace culture, and resilience. Speaker fees range from $10,000 to $50,000+, allowing planners to find the right voice for their vision. Unlike traditional bureaus, Journey is rewriting the rules of speaker booking by offering: The only curated Top 100 speaker roster in the USA No hidden or extra fees-transparent pricing with no surprises A 10X ROI Guarantee, including unlimited pre-event strategy calls and fully customized keynotes White-glove event support, from booking and travel to post-event feedback Top brands like Taco Bell, Pluto TV, and Amazon trust Journey Speakers and Charles Clark because they deliver beyond expectations-and with speakers who know what it means to own the stage. Whether you're planning a corporate summit, leadership retreat, or a university commencement, Journey Speakers Bureau offers a seamless and stress-free way to connect with powerhouse voices that leave a lasting mark. The Result: Flawless delivery. Stress-free planning. Impact that lasts. Book the Top Speakers for Your Signature the only speaker bureau with the Top 100 Speakers in the USA. About Charles Clark & Journey Speakers Charles Clark is a world-class sprinter turned motivational speaker and founder of Journey Speakers Bureau. With over a decade of experience inspiring global audiences, Charles is known for helping individuals and companies thrive in high-pressure environments. His mission through Journey is simple: connect the right voices to the right rooms-and help events become unforgettable. Media ContactWebsite: Person Name: Avery ColeContact Email: Booking@ Tampa, FL, USA SOURCE: Journey Speakers View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
