How Speaking to Associations Can Help Consultants Attract More Clients

As a consultant, establishing credibility is a key component of growing your business and attracting new clients. One effective way to do this is by speaking to associations within your industry or niche.

Speaking engagements provide a platform for you to share your expertise, showcase your knowledge, and connect with other professionals in your field.

Even if your entire business is currently built on referrals, speaking at association events is a sure fire way to get in front of more prospects, establish credibility and find more clients – even when you don’t get paid to speak.

Building Credibility through Speaking Engagements

Speaking at association events is an excellent way for consultants to build credibility within a specific industry or niche. By delivering a well-researched and engaging presentation, you can showcase your knowledge and expertise to a captive audience.

Associations  are always looking for speakers. And as a consultant YOU ARE AN EXPERT. So that’s how you need to promote yourself.

Association events often feature speakers who are considered thought leaders or experts in their field, so being selected to speak isn’t always easy. But if you make getting on stage a priority, you can market yourself accordingly.  By simply adding a “Speaking” page to your existing website you are showing meeting planners that you are prepared to help them out.

And when you get on stage and knock it out of the park, you’ve got a room full of potential clients who are more likely to seek out your services.

Networking Opportunities

In addition to building credibility, speaking engagements are also valuable networking opportunities. Associations attract professionals who are passionate about their work and committed to staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends and developments. By connecting with other professionals in your field, you can expand your referral network, make new contacts, and potentially secure new clients in the industries you want to target. Remember prospects buy from people they know, like and trust. Because you’ve been on the stage, you are known and trusted. Networking is your chance to be liked as well!

Exposure to a Wider Audience

Speaking engagements at association events is the way to showcase your expertise at scale. Instead of working the phone for one pitch at a time, these events can allow you to showcase in front of hundreds – sometimes thousands – of prospects.

When you speak to an association, you are in front of a diverse audience that you may not have been able to connect with otherwise. Sometimes these audiences deliver unexpected connections and opportunities that you may not have even considered –  potentially opening up new markets for your services.

Potential Media Coverage

Finally, speaking engagements can also lead to media coverage. Remember media isn’t just tv, radio and newspapers. It also includes podcasts, industry magazines and more. If your presentation is well-received, you may attract the attention of journalists or other media professionals who are looking for expert commentary on industry-related topics. This exposure can exponitially increase the reach of your business, as it builds your brand, attracts new and interested clients, and establishes you as a thought leader in your field.

If you are a consultant, speaking to associations is an effective way get your services in front of more of the prospects you need to grow your business. Deliver an engaging and content-rich presentations and you will open the door to countless new opportunities