If you want to be a speaker or are already one, you’ve probably heard how important it is to speak at conferences and events. From marketing to strategy to money, getting your name out there and giving a talk at the right time can help you in many ways. The problem is that getting a speaking job isn’t always a one-time deal. It is a long-term commitment that requires constant work to keep your brand visible and up-to-date with the latest trends. Here’s everything you need to know about booking celebrity guest speakers so that your conference appearance doesn’t go to waste.
Be ready to book a show with a lot of famous people – There is no bad time to book a famous person. A talent management company expert says that celebrities make great guest speakers when you want to bring attention to a cause or show off a product. Think about it this way: what would you do if you wanted to invite Jennifer Lawrence, who is very generous with her time, to a party? You’d book the most marketable stars in the business and give them a chance to share their knowledge with the audience. That’s why they have famous people as guests. You’re more likely to find them through networking than through search results, so make sure your social media and events are linked.
Know who you want to talk to. One of the best ways to figure out who you’re likely to talk to is to do some research on your audience. You can do this online by using websites or software that keeps track of data about your audience and how they act. You need to figure out who your target audience is and who their closest friends are. Influencers are always in demand. They are the people who create and share content that affects the audience you’re trying to reach. It’s a great way to figure out who the content’s ideal audience is and who their closest influencers are.
Learn about the people you’re going to talk to. If you’re going to give a keynote speech, it’s a good idea to learn about the other speakers ahead of time. This will help you talk to their followers about what you’ve done and what you’re planning to do in the future. You’ll also be able to spot trends and problems that other speakers might not even be aware of. Get to know the people you’re going to talk to on a personal level as well as a professional one. Ask them about their life, their work, and the things they like to do. This will give you a better idea of who you’re likely to talk to and put you in touch with many interesting people.
Be ready for long meetings and calls. Experts often complain about being too busy, but you have to be busy too if you want great service from your speakers. If you don’t book your guests in advance, scheduling an appearance for a single social media moment can turn into a 24/7 event. You’ll have to find time in your busy schedule for these long meetings and calls. Even if you have other things to do during the day, a good rule of thumb is to make it your top priority for at least two hours. You may need to focus a bit, but you can do this.
Network, network, network. The connections you can make through networking are endless. If you have the chance to talk to influential people or other speakers, don’t just stand there and mumble. Make small talk and then introduce yourself to the people in charge of social media and the people who work for a talent management company. Ask them what their networks are called and how you can join in. Networking is at the heart of this business, and it will always be important to your efforts to book appearances.
