What Happened When I Added Speaking to my Marketing Strategy
Speaking at events or in front of any kind of audience used to terrify me! I used to think public speaking was a “love or hate” kind of situation, but now I’m not so sure. For me, I still get super nervous every time I speak in front of a big audience, but the reality is I absolutely love it after and I definitely love what speaking has done for my business since it became an integral part of my marketing strategy. Since launching Your AJency, I’ve spoken at events with brands like Mastercard, Enterprise Nation and the Home and Gift Buyers’ Festival, as well as delivering masterclasses to female business owners on how to get visible and improve their marketing strategy.
So what happened when I added public speaking to my marketing strategy and how can it help you in your business? In this blog, I’ll reveal everything I’ve learned and there’s even a chance for you to come and talk to my community! Keep reading to find out how….
Why speaking at events is one of the best things you’ll do for your business
When you’re running a small business, at some point you have to decide if you’re going to keep it as a passion project or turn it into a commercial enterprise. And to grow your business into a commercial success, you need to boost your business PR and get visible. By now, anyone that has followed me for a while will know how much I believe in the power of visibility for catapulting your business to new heights.
Masterclasses have become an increasingly popular way for you to connect your business with new, warm audiences. Hosting a masterclass also helps position you as an expert in your field and starts to build trust with your potential clients/customers from their first interaction with you. Whether you’re a chef talking at a food festival, an interior designer talking about the latest trends at a design show, or a photographer showcasing their work at a wedding fair, all of these opportunities allow you to get in front of your dream clients and build a connection with them. Whichever industry you’re working in, there are public speaking opportunities for small businesses - you just have to find them. Google is a great place to start if you’re really struggling, but also look at the types of events that you enjoy going to, and see how you might be able to fit in as an expert - then you just have to pitch your talk so you can meet your potential new clients! It’s one of the reasons I love speaking at events so much. Connection is essential to a good marketing strategy, and when you’re faced with customers in front of you, it’s a golden opportunity to start a conversation with them.
Some ideas for industry-specific public speaking opportunities
Make-up artist: Approach your favourite department store and see if they want to collaborate with you on a masterclass for customers where you’ll teach a makeup skills class using their products.
Accountant: Look to see if there are any small business networking groups in your area where you could go along as an expert. Deliver a talk on how to set your small business up for financial success. Here are some of my favourite groups business networking and co-working groups in Manchester.
Interior Designer: Consider some of your favourite interiors stores and ask whether they would like to host an event about a particular theme that you are passionate about, e.g. sustainable interiors; monochrome interiors; restoring antique furniture. If you’re a member of BIID, they also have public speaking opportunities for interior designers.
Cake Maker/Decorator: Get in touch with food festivals where they have panel talks or expert masterclasses and pitch your idea for a talk/demonstration of your cakes. Also check out this amazing cake-maker membership from Kate Tynan - @thecakebusinessclub. Maybe you have something to share with them!
PR Exec: If you work in PR, you probably spend most of your day getting your clients noticed. But why not look for opportunities to cement yourself as a PR expert? Approach universities or colleges where you could deliver a guest lecture on PR, or approach tourism boards and Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) to see if you can deliver a talk to the businesses in their area.
Personal Stylist: Work with an independent boutique to host a styling evening or event where you’ll show styling tips for the next season. Aim the masterclass at your niche, whether that’s “post-maternity fashion” or “fashion for over 50s” to make sure your ideal clients are the ones who will be turning up.
Copywriter: If you’re a copywriter, we already know you’re great with words, so think about where else you could show up for your small business? There are some amazing copywriting podcasts who regularly look for guests. Why not pitch to a podcast like The Copywriter Club Podcast? Not sure where to start landing a guest appearance on a podcast? We’ve got you covered with this blog….
The possibilities for public speaking opportunities for small businesses really are endless. And if you really can’t find an opportunity you like the sound of, create your own and host your own event!
Public Speaking Goes Hand in Hand With Collaboration
Collaboration is such a powerful tool in any small business’ marketing strategy, and it’s also a sure-fire way to build a community of like-minded female business owners too. In fact, one of the things I’ve loved about speaking at events in the last year is the amount of inspiring female founders I’ve got to collaborate with - many of who have since featured in my Moments to Motivate blog series.
If you’re not feeling ready to deliver a masterclass in-person to an audience, why not look for ways to collaborate with other small businesses online or offline to boost your confidence, and your business visibility? Here are my top tips for collaborating with other small businesses.
GEt noticed with your next speaking opportunity for your small business
Remember I said at the start that I had an exciting opportunity for my Your AJency blog readers? Well here it is…
If you’re looking for a public speaking opportunity for your small business, what about doing a LIVE with me? I have committed to doing at least 2 lives a month with a talented female business owner who can help my clients get more visible from confidence building, technical tips or by sharing your stories of how you became more visible.
Any questions? Drop me an email and let’s chat! I’d love to help you with your next speaking opportunity for your small business!
