You booked that speaking gig that you really wanted, congratulations! You have undoubtedly marketed and courted the event planner, and sold them on why you were the best candidate for their event.

91% of speakers stop marketing themselves to a client when they have closed the deal. This is a HUGE mistake! We are in a relationship business, not a transaction business.

Here are 3 strategies that will help you create an awesome buzz with the audience, and a loud “cha-ching” at your event!

1. Why Speakers Should Record a Welcome Video 

This begins the rapport with the audience. The last thing you want is to run into someone at the hotel and hear, “Oh really…you’re the speaker…what do you speak about?

“The format that I use is usually something like, “Hey XYZ group, I’m The Shef and I’m really looking forward to meeting you at your event in (location) on (date).” Short and sweet. Here is an example of a video that I shot for a convention last week.

 

2. Speakers Who Call Audience Members Build Great Rapport

Sometimes what an event planner thinks the audience needs to hear and what the audience really wants to hear are two different things. This 15 minute phone call sends the message that you are not delivering a “canned” presentation.

Even if someone you are calling tells you that they really need to address a particular topic which you were already planning on discussing, you can leverage it. A comment like, “When Carl and I were talking about what would make this program a home run for your group, he mentioned that we should discuss the topic of XYZ.” BAM! Instant rapport, instant credibility. You are one of them, not just some guy or gal who is doing their schtick.

3. Speakers Should Submit Articles to Industry Publications

Most organizations have online and/or offline publications which are sent to their members on a regular basis. If the only blurb they see of you is part of event promotion, it is likely to get filtered by most people’s marketing noise filter.

Great content breaks down the marketing noise filter. I often recommend that they run a story with a bio box in their publication, even if the convention is months away. When you build value first, they feel the rapport and will be excited to see you at the event.

What do you do to build sizzle and anticipation with your audience? Share this post on your social media pages!