If you want to earn top dollar for your speaking skills, it's clear you'll first have to become the go-to expert in your niche. You're likely already working toward that goal, and probably have been for some time, but if you're not quite there yet, here's how to get a jumpstart on your career.
1. Listening Skills
People who have credibility don't feel the need to "prove it" all the time. Nothing shows your insecurity "I'm insecure and insincere" spouting pat answers to questions that haven't been asked.
Therefore, when a customer speaks, use your listening skills and listen with all your concentration. Take a few seconds to consider what was said, and only then make a remark, ask another question, or tell a brief story to move the conversation along.
2. Video
This is where a lot of people struggle. Myself included. Maybe you hate the sound of your voice or you hate how you look on video. You'll need to get over it. Your potential event planners or conference promoters need to get to know you better.
They want to see how you come across on video and engage an audience. Also they want to see your communications skills. If you do not come across as confident, then you need to know how to improve your communication skills.and video is the easiest way for you to see that and work on it.
So do whatever you need to do. Get a makeover, hire a video coach, and start sharing what you know on YouTube and other video channels. Let your brilliance nd credibility shine!
3. Writing For Brand Building
Books - This is the big daddy of content, Having a real, physical book can skyrocket your credibility and pave the way for the rest of your speaking career. Now you are seen and perceived as an expert. This is where your writing skills will come into play.
You can use your book to gain attention and interest on the front end promotion of a webinar. You also can include it as a bonus within a new product package or sell it on the backend of your speaking engagement.
4. Blogging
You want to share value. You can do that by giving speaking tips, using speaking tools and tactics, and be consistent with your blogging. This is a great way to grow your influence and an audience at the same time.
Being consistent creates confidence and credibility in you and brings a steady stream of traffic to your website, If your writing skills are not that great then hire a Virtual Assistant to help you out with that task.
5. Speaking/Keynote
Nothing says "I'm an expert" quite like getting to take to the stage and speak in front of a group. And speaking is powerful in expanding your brand/credibility influence.
Chances are your expert status has already attracted the attention of event organizers and you've been asked to speak. If you have, and have turned down the opportunity, now is the time to boost up your confidence and make the leap. If you haven't, then go out and actively seek opportunities that are a good fit
Don't be afraid to start small-at your local Chamber of Commerce or a recurring MeetUp group-but keep an eye on the big stage, too, and be open for the chance to wow a crowd with your expertise and speaking skills. Practice by speaking anywhere and everywhere. You want to be known as a keynote speaker and get paid for your speaking skills.
Remember, too, no matter which credibility-boosting method you're using, it will only work if people know about it. So don't just start a podcast, market it. Don't step onto a stage of any size without shouting about it to the rooftops, and never ever write a book without a big launch. Credibility and visibility go hand in hand, so do everything you can to get the word out about your achievements.
Deborah Northcutt is the owner of http://www.FreeYouUpVA.com. I help public speakers get more speaking gigs, I get you out of overwhelm and stress by doing the things that you don't have time to do like responding to speaker requests. Visit my website and fill out my contact form. Let's talk.
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