How Entrepreneurs Can Leverage Speaking Opportunities- Why Speaking Opportunities Can Change Your Business
- Sara Lowell
- Feb 16
- 4 min read
Public speaking is one of those things that we may not think of when we’re in business. Take it from us, we didn't think so and we can see this podcast as a way of public speaking. Typically, when we think of public speaking, we think a big stage or a TED talk
Yeah those are the more obvious types, but let’s shift the perspective.
Speaking isn’t just about getting up on a stage to share an idea—it’s a business strategy that can open doors, build trust, and drive serious growth. If you're an entrepreneur looking for a more powerful way to connect with your audience, speaking might be the tool you're missing.
Why Speaking Opportunities are Important for entrepreneurs
How can entrepreneurs leverage speaking opportunities.
How to use Speaking Opportunities to grow your business
Why Speaking Opportunities are Important for Entrepreneurs | How Can Entrepreneurs Leverage Speaking Opportunities
This world we live in is so heavy on social media, email marketing, and content creation to build their brands. And while those tools are essential, they don’t always create deep, lasting connections.
Think about the last time you scrolled past a post. Did it truly grab your attention? Did it make you feel connected to the person behind it? Probably not. I mean, there are sometimes where you might post to post but we have to figure out a different way to get out there, to get our message out there in a more meaningful way.
Now, compare that to hearing someone speak; this can be in person, a podcast or a workshop. You hear their voice, their passion, their expertise. You see their energy. You feel their conviction. That’s powerful. Speaking allows you to connect in ways that a LinkedIn post or Instagram story simply can’t replicate.
More Than Just a Talk | How Entrepreneurs Can Leverage Speaking Opportunities
Speaking isn’t just a one-time engagement; it can be a system that continuously generates leads and opportunities.
Here’s how:
Brand Authority: The moment you step onto a stage, you position yourself as an expert. You’re no longer just another person in your industry—you’re the go-to resource.
Lead Generation: When you provide value in your talk, you naturally attract potential clients. Add in a simple call to action, like a QR code for a free resource, and now you’re growing your email list in real time.
Networking: After you speak, people will come up to you with questions, thoughts, and opportunities—partnerships, collaborations, and even paid contracts.
Speaking Opportunities vs. Having a Booth at an Event
Ever tried having a booth at a conference? You might talk to hundreds of people, but those conversations are fast and easy to forget. Plus, you’re competing with dozens if not hundreds of other vendors.
Now, imagine being the person on stage. Instead of hoping someone stops at your booth for five seconds, you have their undivided attention for 30-45 minutes. You control everything. You build the connection. And when you step off that stage, you’re no longer just another attendee, you’re the person they want to talk to.
How to Use Speaking to Grow Your Business
If you’re new to speaking, don’t worry—you don’t need to start with a massive stage. Here’s how to get started:
Identify Your Ideal Audience – Who do you want to reach? Where do they gather? Look for conferences, industry events, networking meetups, and virtual summits where your target audience is already paying attention.
Refine Your Message – What is the one thing you want people to walk away with? Keep it clear, impactful, and actionable.
Incorporate a CTA (call to action) – Whether it’s a free download, a strategy call, or an email sign-up, make sure you have a way to stay connected with your audience.
Leverage Your Speaking Engagement – Capture video clips, share key takeaways on social media, and follow up with attendees to keep the momentum going
Should You Consider Speaking? How Can Entrepreneurs Leverage Speaking Opportunities
Maybe you’ve never thought of yourself as a speaker. Maybe the idea of getting on stage feels a little nerve-wracking. But if you’re an entrepreneur, you’re already speaking every day—in meetings, in sales calls, in conversations with your team. Why not use those skills on a bigger stage?
Speaking isn’t just about sharing knowledge—it’s about building relationships, positioning yourself as an expert, and creating a long-term strategy for growth. Whether it’s a local networking event or a podcast, the right stage can transform your business in ways you never expected.
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On Entrepreneur Encounter, we welcome Blair Bryant Nichols. He shares insights on leveraging speaking engagements to grow a business, discusses the evolution of speaking as a business model, emphasizing the importance of soft skills and emotional intelligence in client acquisition. Blair outlines a sustainable speaking strategy, focusing on identifying ideal audiences and crafting compelling messages. He provides actionable advice for aspiring speakers, encouraging them to start speaking early and to view speaking as a valuable business tool rather than just a side gig.
Get to know Blair Bryant Nichols:
Owner of BBN Creative Management for Diverse and Mission-Driven Talent, is a seasoned expert in building strategic speaking platforms for speakers and business leaders; with a background representing top authors and managing diverse projects for founders, entrepreneurs, and celebrities. Blair specializes in helping his clients understand the strategic landscape of public and corporate speaking, emphasizing the need for a diverse portfolio of offerings to compete effectively.
Blair holds an M.B.A. from UCLA-Anderson with a specialization in Entertainment Management and a B.A. in Literature from American University, complemented by his post-grad training at the Columbia Publishing Course. Outside of work, Blair enjoys traveling, literature, board games and spending time with his husband Gray and their Shepherd- mix rescue dog Aspen in his homes in West Hollywood and Lake Arrowhead.
Connect with Blair Bryant Nichols:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbn_creativemgmt/
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