It’s no secret that most people are more afraid of public speaking than death…
But if you’re reading this, you’re probably intrigued by the idea of starting a side hustle as a public speaker.
The thought of stepping onto a stage and addressing an audience might not be the first thing on your radar. I mean, don’t you have to be Brene Brown or Tim Ferriss for those kinds of gigs?
Well actually, no. All you need is a captivating message to share.
As a public speaker, you have the opportunity to make a real impact on the lives of others and share your knowledge and passion with the world. Plus, let’s not forget about the potential financial rewards that come with a successful speaking career!
You might even end up delivering a powerful TED talk that makes you famous!
In this week’s newsletter, we’ll walk you through the exciting world of starting a side hustle as a public speaker.
From discovering the key message you were born to share to setting rates for your speaking services, we’ll cover all the essential strategies you need to succeed.
So, whether you’re an aspiring speaker or simply curious about the possibilities, get ready to unleash your inner charisma, inspire others, and make your mark on the world through the power of public speaking.
Remember, the stage is waiting, and your voice deserves to be heard!
This week’s newsletter brings you:
- Trends – Discover the single most important piece of marketing you need to help you kickstart a public speaking side hustle!
- Strategies – Learn all the tips, stories, and valuable advice to help you kick-start your public speaking side hustle.
- Tool of the Week – Not so much a tool this week, but an organisation that could be the perfect training ground to hone your speaking skills!
Trends
How exactly do you kickstart a side hustle as a public speaker? This research could prove illuminating!
The most impactful of all marketing techniques
Did you know that writing a book could be the perfect segway to starting a career as a motivational speaker?
In fact, according to this data we found, writing a book is THE single most effective way to be seen as an expert. So if you’ve got a book to share, you’ve got a great way to start landing speaking opportunities!
Strategies
Ok so now that we’ve got your mind ticking, let’s get into how to actually start a side hustle as a public speaker when you have no experience.
How to get started when you have no experience
Starting as a speaker with no prior experience might seem daunting, but fear not – there are practical steps you can take right now to start paving your way to success.
First and foremost, if you have a day job, try and leverage it as a training ground for which you can hone your public speaking skills.
Volunteer to give presentations or lead team meetings. Embrace these moments to build your confidence in speaking and refine your delivery.
If that’s not your thing, another option is to face the camera. Starting a YouTube channel or vlog can be a fantastic platform to start practicing your speaking. Recording yourself speaking allows you to analyze your performance, identify areas for improvement, and gain valuable feedback from viewers. Remember, it’s okay to start small; the key is consistent practice and growth.
If you really want to supercharge your journey as a novice speaker, consider joining Toastmasters, an international organization dedicated to helping individuals improve their public speaking and leadership skills. Toastmasters offers a supportive and nurturing environment where you can practice speaking in front of a friendly audience.
The other thing you’ll need to do is get crystal clear on your message. Discover your unique story that only you can tell and the passion that fuels it. What message were you born to deliver, share, and spread to the world?
Defining your core message will give you purpose and direction as a speaker. It will also help you connect with your audience authentically, making your presentations more compelling and impactful.
Along the way, don’t be discouraged by any initial stumbling blocks. Every successful speaker began with no experience at some point. Embrace each opportunity to learn, adapt, and improve. Be open to feedback and continuously seek ways to grow as a speaker.
Remember, every great speaker was once a beginner, and with dedication and persistence, you can develop your voice and make a meaningful impact through public speaking. So, take that first step, embrace the journey, and watch yourself grow into the confident and influential speaker you were meant to be.
Find your “Superhero” name
In the world of motivational speaking, setting yourself apart is vital. Building your personal brand is the key to differentiation.
The following tip comes from a successful speaker named Jullienn Gorden (more on him later). He suggests that rather than just calling yourself a motivational speaker, instead give yourself a unique “Superhero Name” like “The Purpose Finder” or “The Empowerment Dynamo.”
This distinct identity will instantly capture attention and emphasize your niche expertise.
It creates a memorable and authentic image that resonates with your audience, setting you apart from the crowd. Embrace your special powers and let your “Superhero Name” reflect the essence of your message, inviting curious people to find out more about who you are and what you do.
How to find clients who will pay you to speak at events
Finding clients who are willing to pay you to speak at events requires a strategic approach that involves showcasing your expertise, engaging with your target audience, and leveraging your unique story. Here are some effective steps to achieve this:
- Be Visible and Shareable: Increase your visibility through various channels like vlogging, blogging, or offering free speaking gigs. By consistently sharing valuable content and engaging with your audience, you position yourself as an authority in your field and attract potential clients.
- Tailor Your Message: Understand your target audience’s pain points and interests. Tailor your content to address their needs and preferences. Whether through video, written content, books, or other formats, ensure your message appeals to the specific audience you want to reach.
- Leverage Video for Impact: Video is a powerful medium to connect with your audience. Record compelling speeches and deliver your story passionately to a live audience. Use these recordings as promotional material on your website, social media, and speaker platforms to showcase your skills and build credibility.
- Associations and Conferences: Explore opportunities to join associations like APCA (Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities) and NACA (National Association for Campus Activities).
- Networking and Referrals: Build a strong network within your industry and among event planners. Attend conferences, workshops, and networking events to meet potential clients. Encourage satisfied clients to refer you to others, as word-of-mouth referrals can be a powerful tool in the speaking industry.
- Offer Value: As you gain more exposure, focus on delivering exceptional value in your speaking engagements. Satisfied clients are more likely to recommend you to others and become repeat customers, further expanding your client base.
- Be Professional: Maintain a professional image and invest in high-quality promotional materials, such as a well-designed website, professional photos, and a polished speaker reel.
Remember, building a client base as a motivational speaker takes time and effort. Stay persistent, continuously improve your speaking skills, and always seek opportunities to reach new audiences. With dedication and a clear focus on delivering value, you’ll increase your chances of finding clients who recognize your worth and are willing to pay you to speak at their events.
What is the typical sales process for a speaker?
The typical sales process for a speaker can be a relatively long journey, spanning from six months to a year or even longer.
Prospective clients often first encounter speakers at events, conferences, or workshops where they deliver captivating talks.
These live appearances serve as powerful showcase of your skills and expertise. When individuals or event organizers witness a speaker in action and are impressed by their performance, they may inquire about booking them for future engagements.
Building a successful speaking career often relies on cultivating a reputation for excellence and dependability. Having repeat clients and word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied customers becomes crucial in establishing credibility and attracting new opportunities.
When clients have experienced firsthand that you can deliver value and engage an audience effectively, they become more inclined to book you again for future events or recommend you to others.
One crucial element to help you get booked is video footage that captures your speaking abilities. As potential clients may not have the opportunity to witness you live before making a decision, videos serve as valuable promotional tools.
A well-curated speaker reel, showcasing different speaking engagements and topics, allows clients to assess your style, presence, and ability to connect with audiences.
Check out this example of a speaker reel!
Overall, the sales process for a speaker relies on a combination of live appearances, repeat business, and impactful video material.
By consistently delivering exceptional performances and maintaining a strong online presence, you can cultivate a steady stream of inquiries and bookings, ultimately building a flourishing and successful speaking career.
Setting rates as a speaker
Setting your rates is a critical aspect of your business. Your fees should account for the sacrifices you make, like leaving your family, travel expenses, and turning down other opportunities to commit to an event.
But most importantly, your rates should reflect the immense value you bring to your audience.
Take inspiration from success stories like Jullien Gordon, a side hustler who evolved his pricing strategy over time. Starting below $2000, he now confidently charges $4000 plus travel per speaking engagement.
Beyond the speaking fee, he recognizes the potential to generate significant revenue through book sales and other products during his appearances, which can lead to five-figure earnings per gig, depending on the contract and event.
Check out this short interview with Jullien below.
Remember, one valuable insight can be transformative for your audience, so charge accordingly.
Your expertise, experience, and the unique perspective you offer are invaluable assets that deserve fair compensation. Don’t undervalue yourself or your message. Embrace your worth and charge rates that align with the value you provide.
Confidence in your pricing will attract clients who appreciate your expertise and are willing to invest in the impact you make on their audience.
Is it a viable side hustle?
Determining if becoming a motivational speaker is a viable side hustle largely depends on your personal circumstances.
If you have young children or significant family commitments, you may need to reconfigure your approach to accommodate your responsibilities. This might mean limiting the number of speaking gigs you take on each year to strike a balance.
On the other hand, if you’re a single person with no major attachments, you might have the flexibility to go all-in on your speaking hustle for a few years. Embrace the opportunity to build your brand, gain experience, and establish yourself as an expert in your field.
As you progress in your speaking journey, consider the long-term vision for your side hustle. Focus on securing higher-paying gigs while reducing the frequency of speaking engagements.
Simultaneously, explore opportunities to productize your messages, such as writing books or creating online courses.
Tool of the Week
To supercharge your journey as a novice speaker, consider joining Toastmasters, a renowned international organization dedicated to helping individuals improve their public speaking and leadership skills.
Toastmasters offers a supportive and nurturing environment where you can practice speaking in front of a friendly audience.
Through various structured programs and regular meetings, you’ll gain valuable experience, receive constructive feedback, and learn from fellow speakers on how to refine your delivery, enhance your storytelling abilities, and effectively engage with different audiences.
Toastmasters also provides a safe space to experiment with different speech styles and techniques, helping you build confidence and overcome any initial stage fright.
Embracing the Toastmasters community can be a transformative experience, accelerating your growth as a speaker and providing you with a solid foundation to shine on any platform.
So, seize the opportunity, step into the spotlight, and let Toastmasters empower you to become a captivating and influential public speaker!
