7 Strategies Maximize The Perks of Conference Speaking
Conference speaking is something that many entrepreneurs fear. However, fear of failure or embarrassment is hardly a reason to keep you from giving conference speaking a shot. Despite the long hours of preparing, pitching your topic, and coordinating travel as a conference speaker, there are several perks and business benefits you can cash in on. And despite conference speaking being a lot of hard work, the confidence and perks you receive from delivering an excellent conference presentation can provide countless business benefits. In this article, we’ll explore some of the perks you can expect for your next conference speaking opportunity.
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7 PERKS OF CONFERENCE SPEAKING
To my surprise, most conferences do NOT offer much in the way of monetary compensation unless you are a hired keynote speaker. And for this reason, most conferences won’t be worth your time to pitch. Why? Because conferences can be obscenely expensive for associations and industries. The more they can cut costs on conference speakers, the more they can spend toward other conference benefits. So, instead of seeking a big cash payoff, consider these XX of the most noteworthy advantages that you may want to consider when deciding on whether or not to speak at an industry or professional-level conference.
1. Your Credibility Instantly Increases
Speaking at an industry or professional-level conference instantly improves your credibility factor. If you’ve wondered what credibility has to do with conference speaking, here is what you need to know. Speaking at a conference on a particular subject automatically enhances your appearance as an expert in your field. It helps you build credibility because it shows that you are 1. well-versed on your topic area, 2. a leader in your field, 3. recognized as an expert by the mere fact that you are selected by a committee to present.
An example of how your credibility instantly increases is noted in post-conference bookings and sales. Once an ideal client attending the conference hears you speak, you leave a (hopefully) positive mark on them. And your conference presentation sets up your expertise which enhances that critical marketing edge: The ‘Know, Like, and Trust Factor’. When a prospective client gets to know, like and trust you through seeing you live, they are 100% more likely to seek you out for further expertise. This leads to higher sales of your products and services you offer. So, being a conference speaker instantly enhances your credibility and sets you up as an expert in that particular field.
2. Conference Speaking Provides Ample Networking Opportunities
When speaking at a conference, another perk is the countless number of networking opportunities available to meet, greet, wine and dine with peers and other industry leaders. Networking enhances your KLT factor too. And when people get to know you and what you do, it becomes a critical turning point in your professionalism. Once people are fully aware of your expertise in a particular field, your business results will show. And you become that much closer to reaching the next level of business performance through untold networking connections.
3. Dazzle Your Niche & Deliver
Speaking at conferences at a professional level is a great way to connect with your target audience. Use the time before and after your conference presentation to communicate directly with them. Conferences provide ample opportunities to assess your products and services. Focusing on your ideal client niche research during and after your conference presentation will often increase sales revenues as more people understand what you offer and how it can help them. So, one of the greatest advantages of conference speaking is that you can easily target people from your niche who are most likely to use the products or services you offer. And, when you are a conference speaker, you can drop ‘breadcrumbs’ throughout your presentation with various examples and opportunities to demonstrate what it might be like to work with you. These well-placed examples will speak directly to your target niche and are very likely to increase potential client’s interest, especially if you tie a valuable free offer as an opt in.
4 . Conference Speaking Is An Instant Opportunity To Promote Your Business
As we discussed above, speaking at a conference presents you with countless opportunities to build your business. You’ll be able to get your message across to hundreds of prospective clients and customers seated there. But, that is not all; you will also get the golden opportunity to distribute business cards, samples or small giveaways as a token of goodwill that will, in turn, increase brand recall.
Also, you may publicize your involvement in the event on your official social media page and accounts to reap even greater benefits.
5. You Will Absolutely Polish Your Presentation Skills As A Conference Speaker
Presentation skills do not come naturally for most people, but there are those who are born for it. Regardless of your natural aptitude for conference speaking, presenting to groups is a skill, and because of this, you can get better at it. The good news is that when preparing your conference presentation, you’ll practice many times before you go live. However, you will become more confident each time you deliver content and repetition helps you polish your presentation skills simultaneously. Your first presentation may not be as amazing as you expected it to be, but if you consistently practice and continue to invest in yourself, soon you will speak and present like a pro. After all, practice makes perfect.
6. Use Conference Speaking To Amp Up Your Social Presence
If you are lagging on the social media marketing side of your business, never fear. Conference speaking provides you with content, visuals, and lots of material that can be converted to social media marketing. For instance, you can use quotes, examples, case studies, and research to launch an entire marketing thrust for you and your products. One of the most popular things to share on social posts is quotes… and your conference presentation will provide you with many. So, before you say no to this opportunity, consider how much fuel it can add to your marketing sweet spot!
7. Conference Speaking Financial Rewards
Last but not least, let’s remember that there are pros and cons to the financial payoff of conference speaking. So, that is why financial rewards are last on the list of conference speaking perks because they are often the longest-term payoff. Although you must consider the financial investment vs. gains when pitching any professional conference, you should definitely consider financial rewards as a long-term goal when you consider all the conference speaking perks. And, if you ace your topic and become a celebrated expert in your field, you’ll not only make extra cash for conference speaking, but you also get to promote your latest products on the side. In fact, some conference keynote speakers can make as much as $20,000 per gig. Add this paycheck to various other lovely perks like accommodation, food, VIP parties, and airfare, and why wouldn’t you consider conference speaking as a long-term business marketing strategy?
If this is your goal, keep practicing and perfecting your conference presentation. You must be a great presenter in order to nab such great benefits because after all, speaking at conferences to make money is more of a numbers game. The more conferences you speak at, the more money you will make as people discover you as a great presenter.
CONCLUSION
Whether public speaking is your strength or if you’re just considering the opportunities, don’t shy away from conference speaking. Even if you only focus on a couple of the perks above, you will soon be able to reap the benefits of conference speaking. And with lots of practice and determination, public speaking can become one of the best ways for you to market your business. Don’t be afraid. Because once you get the hang of it, you’ll see the conference speaking perks show up almost instantly! Try speaking at conferences to get the more business exposure, enhance your credibility and grow your business exponentially.