Speaking Engagements
Speaking on stage sounds like a dream reserved for polished experts with massive followings, but what if you could actually make money and land clients from smaller, more intimate speaking gigs? Krista Martin is about to blow the lid off that myth and show you how everyday entrepreneurs can leverage speaking opportunities to grow their business. She’s not talking about landing $10,000 keynote spots at massive conferences, but real, actionable strategies for getting in front of the right audiences and converting them into paying clients.
This episode is packed with practical tips on how to craft a talk that actually sells, build your confidence, and create speaking opportunities that don’t require you to be a rockstar overnight. Whether you’re terrified of public speaking or just looking to expand your business visibility, Krista’s approach will make you realize that speaking success is way more accessible than you ever imagined.
You’ll hear…
- Why speaking on small stages can transform your business faster than you think.
- How one unexpected team member’s departure led to Krista’s most powerful event performance.
- The surprising strategy of turning a single speaking opportunity into multiple engagements.
- Why your “future self” energy matters more than perfectly scripted presentations.
- How to create a talk that activates audiences instead of just educating them.
- The counterintuitive approach to building client trust through strategic speaking.
- Why practicing in front of 10 people might be more valuable than chasing big keynotes.
Key Moments:
- [00:02] Speaking Beyond Traditional Stage Presentations
- [05:39] Crafting Effective Speaking Opportunities With Strategic ROI
- [13:20] Building Confidence Through Small Speaking Engagements
- [22:34] Essential Elements of a Compelling Talk Structure
- [29:15] Developing Personal Energy and Stage Presence
- [33:10] Practicing and Refining Your Speaking Skills
- [36:47] Discovering Unique Speaking Platforms for Business Growth
The Power of Speaking Opportunities
Speaking is more than just standing on a stage. It’s a holistic approach to building your business and establishing credibility. Whether you’re presenting virtually or in-person, a well-crafted talk can be a powerful tool for attracting clients and positioning yourself as an expert in your field.
Rethinking Speaking Opportunities
Don’t limit yourself to traditional large conference stages. Small speaking engagements can be incredibly valuable. Consider opportunities like local business groups, employee resource groups, yoga studios, or even niche professional gatherings. The key is to focus on reaching your ideal clients, not just the size of the audience.
Crafting a Compelling Talk
A successful speaking engagement is about more than just sharing information. It’s about creating an experience that activates and inspires your audience. Start by establishing your credibility and building trust. Create a talk that validates your audience’s challenges and provides clear, actionable insights without overwhelming them.
The ROI of Speaking
Speaking isn’t just about getting paid – it’s about generating business. Even a small group of 10-15 people can potentially result in two or three high-ticket clients. Calculate your potential return by considering the audience size, your conversion rate, and the value of your offerings.
Developing Your Speaking Presence
Your energy and confidence are crucial. Practice speaking from a place of authenticity and passion. Don’t get caught up in scripting every word – instead, develop a flexible framework that allows you to speak naturally. Embrace smaller speaking opportunities as chances to refine your message and build confidence.
Maximizing Speaking Opportunities
Be strategic about your speaking engagements. When traveling for one event, reach out to local groups to create a mini speaking tour. This approach can help you maximize your time and potential client connections. Remember, being a sought-after speaker is about providing value and building relationships.
Continuous Improvement
Speaking is a skill that develops over time. Don’t be afraid to practice, record yourself, and seek feedback. Each speaking engagement is an opportunity to refine your message, connect with your audience, and grow your business.
By approaching speaking as a strategic business tool, you can create meaningful connections, establish your expertise, and ultimately drive business growth.
About Krista:
Krista Martin, MBA, CPCC, PCC, is the President & Founder of Make Your Mark and Talks that Convert. As a sought after speaker and business coach, she teaches her clients how to leverage speaking to fill their coaching programs, stand out in the market, and scale to multiple six figures.
Through building and selling her first “side biz”, 12+ years in corporate, and scaling her own coaching business to 7 figures, she discovered how keeping things simple allows you to create faster results and have more fun.
She supports homeless animals and shelters with the goal of all pets living in a happy and healthy home. To find out more about Krista, visit: www.makeyourmark.com
Connect With Louise:
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