karmaSpeaker: interview
The path of a professional speaker is a long and winding one. Every career is different and there’s no playbook for how to make it in this industry. But a lot can be learned from those who have succeeded that can help guide you in the right direction. That’s why we spoke with 18 real-world professional speakers about the biggest things they wish they’d know when they started their careers. Here’s what they had to say.
My Quote:
“The biggest thing I wish I had known when I first started doing speaking gigs is to have a clear call-to-action before ever picking up the microphone,” says Baily Hancock, Collaboration Consultant, Workshop Facilitator, and Host of the Stop, Collaborate & Listen Podcast. “I’ve always used speaking, teaching, and being a guest on podcasts and panels as a way to market my business, but for the first year or so I only ever had a passive CTA like, ‘Follow me on Instagram or visit my website!’ And that’s fine, but it’s not going to enable people to connect with you directly via getting on your email list.”
She adds, “If you’re using speaking as a marketing tool, then it’s imperative that you have a clear, concise, and actionable CTA such as, ‘If you want to be featured as a guest on podcasts to grow your community, download my Podcast Pitch Email Template at www.PodcastPitch.me!’”
