8:00 AM
No matter what kind of speaking you do or what your topics are,
you need to belong to a strong professional organization. The fact is
our speaking businesses are not islands unto themselves. Rather they are
affected by the interdependent activities of other professional
speakers. Here are three good examples of those interdependent
activities and how they can directly benefit you.
1. Further develop your speaking and business skills.
Professional speaking organizations often provide training in creating
powerful and persuasive presentations, including performing and
theatrical methods. They offer guidance on topic expertise and research
methodology. Additionally, they provide information on business
management, sales, and marketing, not to mention the standards of
conduct and integrity expected among professional speakers. By joining
professional speaking organizations you continue to invest in your
speaking skills and ability to manage a successful speaking business.
2. Build credibility as a professional speaker.
Use the brand name of the associations you join to build credibility.
Add their logos to your website and business cards. Mention in your
press releases and media kits which organizations you belong to and how
long you've been a member. Talk up any awards, certifications, or
training you received from the associations you belong to. Aligning
yourself with well known organizations will help event planners trust
your qualifications and help audiences trust your message.
3. Network with other speakers.
Connect with members of the association you join by attending live
conferences or participating in online forums. Develop strategic
relationships with fellow speakers. Identify those who share your
message and themes and increase your exposure by tag-teaming at events.
Partner with speakers you can fill in for should they receive a speaking
invitation they need to decline. Learn from the experience of other
speakers on how to find the best events and which ones to shy away from.
Find someone in the association willing to coach you through some of
the anxiety of being a speaker. Expand your knowledge and possibilities
by networking with those who have the experience and success you are
striving for yourself.
While each and every organization is
different, joining a professional speaker association like the National
Speakers Association, Professional Speakers Guild, American Speakers
Bureau, or Toastmasters is critical to our overall success. Whether
we're kicking off a new speaking career or have been making a living at
it for years, a continued investment in our skills, credibility, and
relationships will help us be more effective in speaking well and
convincing others we speak well.
