134 - How to Find Paid Speaking Gigs: Insider Tips From a Speaker Booking Pro

Send us Fan MailFinding paid speaking gigs is tough, even when you're not a newbie. The difference between speakers who stay booked and those who struggle usually comes down to strategy, not talent.That's why I was thrilled when Susan MacConnell of Diversified Sales Solutions, who advises aspiring and mid-level speakers on landing opportunities, agreed to join me on the podcast. In this interview, Susan shares practical strategies for networking, applying to events, and leveraging platforms to grow your speaking engagements. Top Takeaways 🔹Common misconceptions about speaking careers🔹Strategies for finding and applying to speaking opportunities🔹The importance of follow-up and persistence in securing gigs🔹Using platforms and bureaus to grow your speaking business🔹The role of diversity and networking in speaking engagementsChapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Background01:03 The Business Side of Speaking02:12 Common Misconceptions About Speaking Careers03:04 Applying for Speaking Opportunities and Follow-up04:06 Mistakes to Avoid When Seeking Gigs04:54 Evaluating Free vs Paid Opportunities06:10 Using Video and Testimonials Effectively07:09 Building Relationships with Event Organizers07:57 Leveraging Platforms and Bureaus09:02 Negotiating and Asking for What You Want09:59 Tips for Advanced Speakers and Bureaus11:10 The Power of Referrals and Networking12:11 Diversity and Inclusion in Speaking Engagements13:11 Resources and Platforms for Finding Gigs14:01 The Importance of Being Organized14:57 Final Tips and Encouragement 🔷If you're ready to stop thinking about video and start doing it, sign up for my Smarter, Faster, Fun Self-Paced Video Bootcamp. Start anytime, learn on your schedule.   Visit ➡️ SFFVideoBootcamp.comJoin me in The Lab on Substack, my space to test, tweak, and share smart ideas worth chasing, especially around video, content strategy, and showing up online without burning out (or wasting your weekends) Click Here📌 When you’re ready to make creating engaging social media videos a priority, I offer 1:1 coaching and done-with-you video services. 😉 Click Here *********************************************➡️ Need more? Check out the 300+ videos on my YouTube channel Click here for my YouTube channel  ********************************************  For additional insights, connect with Annette Richmond and Black Dog Marketing Strategies on social media. Substack: https://substack.com/@annetterichmond LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annetterichmond/YouTube: ...