You're starting out in public speaking. How crucial is networking in your early career?

Chat with other speakers, event folks, and even the audience. They can: Help you learn the ropes (tips and tricks!) Open doors to cool speaking gigs Be your speaking dream team (work together!) Everyone can teach you something. So be friendly, listen up, and who knows? Your next big speech could be just a chat away!

It’s not what you know it’s who you know. 🤷🏽♂️ The fastest way to “skip steps” in your public speaking journey is simply to learn from other people’s mistakes. If you can apply knowledge such as focusing on your avatar instead of yourself and the mistakes you could make, you’ll see yourself before a more confident speaker a lot faster than just through experience. It could also be a good way to make some contacts you could set up talks with through other speakers. Don’t sleep on networking!

If you're networking to do more business, your overall approach is wrong and can be tiring for many, from the very start of your conversation, however hard you may be trying to hide your (long-term) intentions! If you're networking to get inspired, learn more about what others are doing, how their energy and communication style affect you, find or strengthen your motivation, you're on the right track!

it is not who you know, but who knows you. Networking is not the aim, it is the tool to get you to more knowledge, opportunities, learning, etc

Networking seems to work when your subject matter is unique. I focus more on reputation. After every keynote I solicit testimonials from sponsors, and post their quotes on my website. It's also critically important to add references to any speaker proposal.

the key thing is to be part of a community and not an outsider. The outsider's main objective is to take (sell, get information, etc) - in a community, you give and you take. Members of the community need to know that you do both

Consider each networking opportunity as a chance not just to meet but to truly connect with others on a meaningful level. Incorporate the biblical principle of "giving and it will be given to you." Offer your help, knowledge, or connections freely, without immediately seeking something in return. This generosity can set you apart as a memorable and valued contact. Additionally, embrace the using personal stories or challenges that you've overcome. This not only humanizes you but also creates a deep connection that typical business conversations might not forge.

Building rapport within an industry or speaking sector is about both credibility and reliability. Very few event organizers will book an entirely unknown speaker. Word of mouth and the credibility that goes with it from the rapport you have built previously is vital in this space. To do so, Quality over quantity is key. Specifically understanding where you should be focusing your time (and with who) is the sweet spot to ensuring you are meeting the right people within the right sectors who can then recommend you and endorse you.

once, at a wedding, my former boss (whom I somehow considered as a mentor), was looking at his shy child and said that at his age (8) he always had a story to tell. That stuck in my head. In every conversation I have, I always want to have "a story to tell" (or more).

Consider framing the mentor-mentee relationship as a strategic alliance that benefits both parties. For the mentor, this partnership extends beyond simply sharing wisdom—it's an opportunity to refine their own skills, gain fresh perspectives, and remain connected with the latest trends and emerging talents in the public speaking circuit. Engaging with a mentee keeps mentors intellectually stimulated and deeply engaged in their field, potentially sparking new ideas and strategies. A mentor's endorsement can significantly amplify a mentee's visibility, opening doors to speaking engagements and collaborations that might otherwise be inaccessible.

To maximize your speaking engagements, think of networking as your secret weapon. Instead of waiting for public listings, build relationships with key industry figures. Attend events, join speaker groups, and engage on social media. These connections often lead to exclusive opportunities shared within trusted circles. By being proactive and visible, you ensure that when an opportunity arises, you're the first person they think of, giving you access to high-quality engagements that can rapidly advance your career and enhance your reputation.

EVERY conference or event is worth your time. You can always learn from the topics or the speakers there and you might be finding one or two people that could be your next sponsors for a speaking engagement. Nurture those relationships: it like watering plants

Public speaking is as much about the cult of personality and power of delivery as it is the subject matter. Personal brand feeds directly into this - both from a features point of view eg: Your reliability, ease to work with, punctuality and value for money, through to your persona, inspiring approach and gravitas when on stage. A mix of both is desirable and will lead to word-of-mouth referral. After all, people will always want a subject matter expert, but will soon divert away from one with a reputation of being hard to work with or who lacks dynamism.

Your brand will emerge once you find your style and your voice. Don't force it and don't look for one. It will come naturally and might take more than you think, but if you persist it will. Be genuine and be comfortable with the way you appear in public.

learn and read about diverse topics. This will help you connect the dots and be a better speaker. Marketing, psychology, product, leadership: they are all interconnected!

Continuous learning is at the heart of evolving as a public speaker. Networking isn't just about expanding your opportunities; it's about staying abreast of industry trends, understanding audience expectations, and gaining fresh perspectives from fellow speakers. Engaging in discussions and attending talks by seasoned professionals is instrumental in refining presentation style and content delivery. Every interaction offers a chance to learn and grow, ensuring that skills remain adaptable and impactful in an ever-changing speaking landscape.