Making the Most of a Speaking Campaign: A Few Simple Steps Will Help Boost the Marketing Potential of Speaking Engagements

Whether working with external consultants or on their own, attorneys must avoid shortcuts and take the time to plan and define all their objectives before embarking on speaking plans. Aside from the obvious goal of bringing in new clients, other objectives are equally important, such as building strategic alliances with trade organizations, increasing newsletter subscriptions, exposing the firm to new prospects, and networking with other panelists. Having well-defined objectives will minimize disappointment and frustration and provide a better gauge for return on investment.

After the speaking engagement, when new clients and referrals don't call, attorneys begin to question the viability of the speaking engagement as an effective marketing tool. What the attorneys fail to understand is that it's not the delivery, style, tone, and subject matter of the speech itself that lead to success but what they do with the business development opportunities before and after the speaking engagement.


Most speaking engagements are booked several months in advance. This lag time allows for ample networking opportunities with other panelists and the host organization. It also provides a perfect opportunity to test your ideas for the presentation itself with both the organizers and other panelists.

The organizers have a vested interest in having a successful program. Their feedback will be invaluable: they will know what the audience will be looking for and can provide guidance as to which direction to take. In addition, they can introduce you to important contacts on different committees and alert you to cross-marketing opportunities, such as writing articles for the organization's newsletter.

At a minimum, the speaker should meet the committee/event organizers at least once. These people are usually working with the same target audience that the law firm seeks to reach. Your cooperation-sending your bio promptly and responding to their requests expeditiously-will help you put your best foot forward. Meeting with the organizers and coordinators to "break bread" will go a long way toward cementing these relationships and alliances. Once the program is over, it will be very difficult to network with the organizers, as most will have turned their attention toward the next event.

Another way to solidify relationships with committee members is by finding out how the organization plans to promote the event. Ask them if it's appropriate for you to invite guests and what your firm can do to publicize the program. Inviting your clients and prospects has two advantages: it shows that you are a sought-after speaker and increases attendance. While most host organizations expect speakers to market their events to their target groups, by asking for permission, you are taking a step forward to make working together a positive experience for everyone involved.

Most organizations and trade groups don't like to give attendee lists to speakers before events. They are afraid of speakers making unsolicited calls. A good way to collect business cards is to offer a white paper or something else of value during your presentation. Ask your listeners to write "yes" on the backs of their business cards and pass them along; this technique guarantees getting almost all the business cards.

If one of your objectives is to increase your number of prospects, make sure you leave the attendees wanting more. Offer to send them a special report or article or other information that is not in your presentation materials. Not only does this act as a prequalifying mechanism, but it also provides a perfect opportunity for you to follow up with them after the day of the presentation.

Having a qualified audience does not lead to or guarantee business immediately. Attorneys must bear in mind that most of their audience won't be on the same timetable. Most attendees are focused on gaining new insight into subject matter. In the process, they are getting to know, like, and trust you. By taking an educational approach to the presentation rather than delivering a hard-core sales pitch, an attorney can build credibility and increase his or her profile.

Audiences often want to keep in touch with speakers but are concerned about the unsolicited approach. The educational approach opens lines of communication between attendee and speaker at a slower, more comfortable, low-pressure pace. Attendees get an opportunity to know, like, and trust you, making it more likely that they will subscribe to your newsletter, visit your website, and give you their business cards.

While presentations may showcase an attorney's legal expertise, audiences often will not know the differences between a good and an average attorney. However, they will quickly get a sense of whether they feel comfortable with you and can do business with you. Thus, it is imperative for attorneys to let their personalities come out in their presentations. A good way to do this is by focusing less on the facts and more on storytelling. Being accessible after the presentation will provide opportunities to mix and mingle with attendees on a one-to-one level.

Getting references and testimonials regarding the presentation may not be important when you are starting a speaking campaign. However, as your engagements become more prominent, and thus more competitive, testimonials and references can greatly increase your speaking opportunities.

Although often overlooked in this technological age, don't ignore the importance of sending a handwritten note or thank-you card to committee members. This demonstrates that you took the time and value the relationship with the event organizer/planner. A handwritten note or thank-you card is far more effective than a quick email.

Putting together a good speech takes time and effort. It makes sense, therefore, to integrate the speech into other marketing activities. For example, a speech can be included in a firm's internal newsletter or published under an attorney's byline. It can be distributed to bolster strategic alliances and attract prospects. Also, upcoming speaking engagements can be advertised on the firm's website.

By taking advantage of business development opportunities before and after speaking engagements, you can maximize the success of a speaking campaign.

About the Author

Paramjit Mahli of Sun Communications Group is a former journalist who has worked with international news organizations, including CNN Business News, and now helps small to mid-sized law firms get in front of their target markets effectively, efficiently, and expeditiously. Her job is to let lawyers do what they do best-practice law-while she takes care of their communications and marketing programs.

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