The Power of FREE Speech

The Power of FREE Speech

ByReen Waterman

When you mention “free speech,” most people think of the First Amendment of the Constitution that guarantees freedom of speech. However, for people wanting to make new connections and generate more business, there is no greater vehicle than using the power of free speech.

So, how  can you speak for FREE and earn new business? Amazingly, many business, religious, and civic organizations like Rotary, Knights of Kiwanis, Elks, chambers of commerce, and other associations have weekly meetings and invite guest speakers to speak 15-30 minutes on a topic of interest. The Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce, for instance,  has multiple local councils that meet monthly and all need speakers.

You can also pay to sponsor an event. Event sponsor fees range from small to large but are all worth considering. Event sponsors help defray the cost of an event, and you get good exposure and a few minutes live talk time in front of an audience of potential new customers.

Here’s How to Speak Up:

  1. Research local organizations schools, and businesses that seek volunteer speakers
  1. Create a bio (with photos is best) of yourself that you can send that shows you are an expert in your field.
  1. Create a list of topics on which you can speak
  1. Create brief 15-30 minutes talks and prepare PowerPoint presentations. In your slides, be sure to make your contact information highly visible as people will often take a photo with their phone and call you later. (I use Canva because it makes incredible slides!)
  1. Send a quick e-mail to the organization leaders who schedule speakers, follow up with a phone call.
  1. On the day of your talk, show up early and mingle. Stay after the event to hand out cards and answer questions

After the event, follow up with the organizer for a testimonial and mention that you would be available for future speaking engagements or could fill in on short notice should another speaker become unavailable.

This is a superb way to build your contacts, develop more self-confidence, and become known as a local business expert.

Reen Waterman

Reen D. Waterman, Jr., with a successful business background in real estate for more than 35 years (where he co-owned two real estate companies), became the professional real estate columnist for APG, Media of Chesapeake, a national media outlet, with his column “About the House.” He is the primary author of the couple’s most recent book, “Helpful Homeowner Hacks” and prolific magazine writer for a number of regional magazines.

Similar Posts