Podcast Summary: Social Media Decoded – Episode: “Speaking Engagements: How to Get Booked and Build Your Brand”

Host: Michelle Thames
Release Date: January 29, 2025

Introduction

In this insightful episode of Social Media Decoded, host Michelle Thames delves into the strategic world of speaking engagements. Aimed at creatives, influencers, business owners, and entrepreneurs, Michelle shares her personal experiences and actionable strategies to help listeners land speaking gigs, build brand credibility, and leverage these opportunities for business growth.

The Power of Speaking Engagements

Michelle begins by highlighting why speaking engagements are a pivotal element for brand building:

1. Establishing Expertise:
   “When you're on stage, you automatically are seen as an expert, a credible thought leader.” (02:15)
   Speaking on platforms positions you as an authority in your field, enhancing your reputation.

2. Unlocking Opportunities:
   Engaging in speaking events opens doors to networking, collaborations, and potential clients, expanding your professional horizons.

3. Income Diversification:
   For entrepreneurs seeking additional revenue streams, speaking engagements offer a viable option to monetize expertise.

Michelle emphasizes that securing speaking opportunities isn’t a matter of luck but requires a strategic approach, consistent positioning, and active engagement where opportunities arise.

Leveraging Threads to Land Speaking Gigs

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to how Michelle utilized the social media platform Threads to secure her upcoming speaking engagement in Florida.

1. Visibility Goldmine:
   “Threads might seem just like another social media platform to you, but it's not. It's a gold mine for visibility.” (04:50)
   Michelle explains that Threads is ideal for conversations and authentic interactions, making it easier to showcase expertise and connect with event organizers.

2. Authentic Participation:
   Unlike platforms that prioritize polished content, Threads thrives on genuine dialogues and bite-sized expertise sharing. Michelle shares how her post about being a multi-passionate entrepreneur resonated with the community, leading to her speaking opportunity.

3. Strategic Posting and Engagement:

   • Consistency:
     “The key, again consistency. Optimize your bio. Make it clear about how people can connect with you.” (06:20)
     Regular, value-driven posts keep you top of mind for potential opportunities.
   • Optimizing Bio:
     Michelle advises refining your bio to clearly communicate who you are and what you offer, enhancing first impressions.
   • Engaging with Others:
     Following and interacting with like-minded entrepreneurs fosters genuine relationships, increasing the likelihood of collaboration and bookings.

Pitching Yourself as a Speaker

Michelle transitions into actionable steps for listeners aiming to pitch themselves effectively:

1. Crafting a Speaker One Sheet:
   “A Speaker one sheet is like your resume for speaking engagements. It should include your bio, speaking topics and past engagements and testimonials.” (07:10)
   Utilizing tools like Canva, Michelle recommends creating an appealing and concise one sheet that highlights your expertise and previous speaking experiences.

2. Highlighting Audience Value:
   Focus your pitch on what the audience will gain rather than just personal achievements. Emphasize the specific takeaways and transformations your session will deliver.

3. Leveraging Existing Content:
   Integrate your podcast episodes, blog posts, or videos that align with your speaking topics to build credibility and demonstrate your knowledge.

4. Starting Small:
   Begin with local or virtual events to build experience and a portfolio that can attract larger speaking opportunities in the future.

Visibility and the Elevate and Empower Community

Michelle underscores the critical role of visibility in attracting opportunities:

1. Consistent Presence:
   “Visibility is everything... the more you show up, the more opportunities that you will attract.” (08:20)
   Maintaining an active presence on platforms like Threads and social media ensures you remain visible to potential event organizers and collaborators.

2. Elevate and Empower Community:
   Michelle introduces her Elevate and Empower group coaching program, designed to help entrepreneurs enhance their visibility and branding. The community offers:

   • Personal Branding:
     Strategies to develop a compelling and authentic personal brand.
   • Effective Pitching:
     Guidance on how to pitch yourself persuasively for speaking engagements.
   • Networking Opportunities:
     Access to a network of like-minded women entrepreneurs supporting each other’s success.

   “This isn't just about speaking engagements. It's about building a brand that people can't ignore.” (09:45)

Conclusion

Michelle wraps up the episode with an encouraging message:

“Landing speaking engagements doesn't have to feel out of reach, friend. It's very doable.” (10:15)
She reiterates the importance of utilizing social media effectively, being consistent in your efforts, and actively engaging to build meaningful connections. Michelle invites listeners to join her Elevate and Empower community for tailored strategies and accountability to make 2025 a breakthrough year for their brands.

Notable Takeaways:

• Strategic Use of Social Media: Platforms like Threads can significantly enhance visibility and lead to speaking opportunities.
• Consistency is Key: Regularly sharing value-driven content and engaging with your audience fosters credibility and attracts opportunities.
• Community Support: Joining coaching programs and entrepreneurial communities can provide essential support and resources for growth.

Quotes Highlighted:

• “When you're on stage, you automatically are seen as an expert, a credible thought leader.” — Michelle Thames (02:15)
• “Threads might seem just like another social media platform to you, but it's not. It's a gold mine for visibility.” — Michelle Thames (04:50)
• “A Speaker one sheet is like your resume for speaking engagements. It should include your bio, speaking topics and past engagements and testimonials.” — Michelle Thames (07:10)
• “Visibility is everything... the more you show up, the more opportunities that you will attract.” — Michelle Thames (08:20)
• “This isn't just about speaking engagements. It's about building a brand that people can't ignore.” — Michelle Thames (09:45)
• “Landing speaking engagements doesn't have to feel out of reach, friend. It's very doable.” — Michelle Thames (10:15)

Whether you're aspiring to be a speaker or looking to amplify your brand's presence, this episode offers valuable insights and practical strategies to help you navigate the journey towards successful speaking engagements and sustained business growth.