We are evangelists with a message.
We bring about positive change and action through our words. Should there only be the spoken word?
As professional speakers, we are very clear on:
- The change that we will bring about.
- Who our client is and what content they consume (and how, where).
- Understanding their needs, wants, and the change they seek
When I communicate with my mother, I use Whatsapp or direct communication; Facebook chats with my wife, Instagram with my elder daughter, and Telegram or Discord with my younger kid.
My core message might be the same, but how I communicate differs.
It is the same with our clients, for whom we exist.
Those who listen to us and take action: Our clients.
Those who book us: Associations, Corporates.
And those who refer us or talk about us in their circles: Influencers. Our talk cannot be the only product in offering. That is what I call “Insular Thinking.” We need to think like the clients.
We need to have products to create deeper awareness about our brand and our message.
“Hi, hello” products that allow our potential and current clientele to get a feel of what we stand for.
- “Hi, hello” products that allow our potential and current clientele to get a feel of what we stand for.
- We need some products for use as a prop or tools to underline our message during our talk.
- Then, we need to have some products for reminders and follow- on action. To ensure that the change we evangelize is put in motion. Consistently.
Here are a few products that dovetail into our speech. The speech that we deliver becomes the foundation for each of these products. The products become a touchpoint to strengthen our connection with our micro- market.
I am talking about products as something tangible.
Layered speech (not a one-trick pony): Do I have multiple messages to give? Can each of them be a separate speech? When they buy one speech, are they motivated to look for other talks I can deliver?
Do I have multiple speeches ready and listed on my website and collateral?
Speech to book: This is the simplest. Check out the two images that are attached. These are concise books that accompany my talks. Instead of saying, I will share the ppt, why not share the crux in a talk book? It is practical, a ready reckoner, and something that the clients would be happy to pass on to others – to those who matter. Of course, it is not a simple transcription and copy-paste work. There is scope here to add on content, to add value.
Standalone book: A well-written book is a must, in my opinion, for a professional speaking business. This is one product line that continues to help book more speeches for me.
Book to course: Do not listen to the voice in your brain that tells “Oh, but there are so many courses already!”. Yes, there are. But do you have one? Why not? I use my video courses as a follow- on to my talk. I direct people to check them out as it has more exercises and scope to continue our interaction.
A quiz or a game: Directly connected to your speaking niche, do you have a quiz or a game that your clients can play? This is used as a teaser for them to get a feel. And as a follow-on to the talk. I mostly use it in the middle of a masterclass as a disruptor!
Community Subscription Model: Do I have content that I can make exclusive to a small set of my clients? Will they be willing to pay a subscription to this effect? This is a recurring product model specific to one group of clients.
Masterminds: Another subscription model variant with a small subset is dedicated to my clients. After my talk, a group interaction is signed on for a prescribed period. This particular product allows me to bond better with the clients.
Flashcards: Reminders and flashcards, Affirmations, Action statements – all towards underlining your key message and forming another connection with your clients.
Downloadable cheat sheets and value-add material: This is a non-negotiable product line. Does your website have these connecting points?
The devil inside your brain is screaming right now. “Oh, I am a speaker. I cannot do all these!”.
Shout out back aloud. “I am a professional speaker. I am an evangelist. I will get my message across through various products and touchpoints, for my specific client segment.”.
I am a creator. I am an evangelist.
Unashamedly so.
