Speaking (either at other people’s events or your own) is a great way to build your business. Not only is it a good way to showcase what you do, but it also builds awareness of your business and increases your reputation. You can also sell from the back of the room or collect the names and contact details of the people you’re speaking to, to contact them later.

But how do you get started on the speaking circuit?

Well, the first thing you need to do is to start attending the events that you’d like to speak at. Before you approach the organisers, you’ll need to go along, find out what happens at the event and get to know the format. Once you’re comfortable with knowing what goes on, then you can talk to the organisers and ask them if you can speak.

Now most events are desperate for good quality speakers, so if you ask nicely and they have regular speakers at the event, chances are they’ll snap you up. You might not been speaking for a while if they already have speakers for some of their events, but once you’re in the diary, your first task is accomplished.

Don’t forget to contact the organiser and send them over some information about your business plus a photo so that they can promote the event for you. Check where the venue is and what equipment will be available.

Nearer the time, your next job will be to prepare for your talk. At this point, it’s vital that you think about what your objective is for your talk. Is it to share your expertise; gather contacts or sell at the event?

One of the reasons why people are disappointed by the lack of customers they get following a speaking event is that they don’t have any objective in mind for speaking – if you know what you want to get out of it and try to accomplish that goal when you speak, you’ll be much more likely to get the results you’re looking for.

Take your goal and then structure your talk around achieving that goal. For instance if you’re looking to gather contact details, then make sure you bring a box for everyone’s business cards at that event and give them a free gift that they want to receive in exchange for their contact details.

If you want people to buy from you at the event, structure your talk around that and then ask for the business at the end. Bring order forms with you and make sure you have some means of processing their payments. People may not have brought cheques or cash with them to the event and only have cards on them when you speak. How will you process these payments?

Think everything through before the event and make sure you’re prepared.

After the event, follow up with people – hopefully they will have been left with a good impression of you after the event, so now is your chance to remind them who you are and what you offer.

That’s my brief guide to helping you get the most out of speaking.