Those who speak in their industry make more money than those who do not speak in their industry. As a speaker, presenter, panelist, or media advisor, you’ll gain exposure to your target market through multiple channels. Develop and practice a 7-second, a 30-second, and a 2-minute talk about you and what you offer, and attend training or seek assistance on how you’ll represent your brand.

The groups I recommend for interaction in a business setting include Business Networking International http://www.bni.com, a weekly networking group with people in different industries in your local area, the public speaking group Toastmasters http://www.toastmasters.org, where you increase your abilities to give extemporaneous and prepared speeches, and any women’s groups or green business groups in your local community.

To find other potential opportunities, visit the Green Chamber http://www.greenchamberofcommerce.net/ or Eco-Tuesday http://www.ecotuesday.com.

Find a chapter, event, or get-together near you and start to build your network. Meet others. There are more eco-conscious and sustainably-oriented business owners in your area every day. A quick search will help connect you to them.

To increase your panel and speaking opportunities, prepare a series of talks that fill some
need in your potential target market. The format of your talk may include 30-45 minutes of lecture, followed by a question and answer period. Prepare slides and workshop materials to help inform and educate your audience. Then, go find the audience: connect with local women’s networking groups, community colleges, alumni groups, trade groups, schools, industry associations, chambers, libraries, or other groups who require speakers on a regular basis. Remember to identify some talk titles and have e-versions of your video clips, slideshows, and resource lists.

• Consider finding a green business group and offering your talk for one of the meetings. You’ll meet other local merchants.
• Consider joining other green business owners to create a panel on your topical area. Host an event. By creating engaging, relevant, and interesting presentation material, you build your audience and reach more people who are interested in buying your services and products.
• Consider advocating for “green” by writing to your local newspaper or trade publication.
• Consider offering introductory training courses in your field to increase the potential market for your services and products.
• What are other ways to spread the word?

Make sure to add public speaking opportunities to your list of business-building in the next year.

(photo by theilr)