(by Vanessa Emerson, FDSI )
Are you looking to advance your career? Do you believe your knowledge, skills, and experience could help others achieve their goals? Have you considered becoming a speaker or consultant?
Many seasoned professionals feel compelled to give back to their industry and grow as business and thought leaders.
If you’re asking yourself, “Can I do this?” read on for three tips on starting your professional speaking or consulting business.
1. Determine your big why: Clarify vision/define your plan
Before diving into the specifics of your new business—like the who, what, where, and how—start with “why.” Chuck Blakeman, author of Making Money is Killing Your Business, emphasizes that “why” is the most crucial question in business. Begin by identifying your ultimate destination and the lifetime goals this venture will help you achieve. Design a business that aligns with your desired lifestyle by setting clear goals and creating a strategic plan to reach them. Blakeman’s book offers a concise, insightful guide through this process.
2. Who, what, where: Developing content and experience
Choose your training or speaking topics based on your experience and passion. When your topic offers clear benefits to the audience, your enthusiasm will help sell your programs to meeting planners and potential clients. Next, transfer your ideas—such as course outlines, notes, and stories—from your mind to your computer. This will make it easier to develop and refine your material.
Just get started!
- Participate in your local Toastmasters Club, which offers a nurturing environment where you can gain confidence and skills while developing course content.
- Hone your training and speaking skills through hands-on workshops designed specifically for dental consultants and speakers, such as the Dynamic Speaker Institute fellowship program.
- Attend National Speakers Association meetings to learn about the business of speaking and training. Visit www.nsaspeaker.org to find your local chapter.
- Contact your local societies and study clubs about opportunities to speak for their meetings.
3. How to get the word out: Tips for marketing yourself
Develop marketing materials that showcase your programs and distinguish them in the market. A well-crafted speaker marketing packet and an effective website are essential tools for every speaker. Examples can be seen at www.TheEvolvingExpert.com
- Establish yourself as a leader in thought in your topic area by blogging, participating as a guest expert on webinar or writing a book or e-book.
- Submit articles to industry publications.
- List with online directories, such as Dental Speakers Bureau.
- Nurture an active, business-focused social media presence.
- Network with colleagues, meeting planners, sponsors and other industry VIPs to help bring exposure to your programs and expertise. Dynamic Speaker Institute offers networking opportunities through membership and meetings such as WEvolution.
If you’d like to learn more, email info@VanessaEmerson.com with “e-Book” in the subject line and we will email you a complimentary copy of “So… You Think You Want to Speak in Dentistry?”
Allow the process to unfold naturally, step by step. Take one action today to move toward your goals. Don’t let analysis paralysis take hold! Don’t wait until your content, skills, and marketing materials are perfect.
Reach out to industry consultants and speakers for advice. Look for a mentor. You’ll find that our field is filled with generous professionals who understand that together we can create a greater positive impact, influencing overall success and growth.
Email Dental Speakers Bureau founder, info@VanessaEmerson.com, to schedule your complimentary consultation and move forward as a speaker/consultant today!