How to Find the Right Stages Speak On and Get Booked!

As speakers, we all want the same thing: opportunities to get in front of the right audiences and, yes, paid speaking gigs. But here's the thing: the desire for paid speaking opportunities often overshadows the need to invest in a clear and strategic approach to finding stages.

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of landing that first paid gig, but the truth is, without a solid stage strategy, you may be missing out on the bigger picture—the long-term results that help you achieve your broader business goals.

The key to long-term success as a speaker isn’t just about booking as many gigs as possible or chasing after paid opportunities. It’s about developing a stage strategy that works for you consistently, grows your business, and positions you as an expert in your field.

Let’s break down why focusing on a stage strategy matters—and how it can help you achieve your business goals.

Step 1: Stop Chasing "Paid" and Start Building a Strategy

As entrepreneurs and speakers, it’s natural to want to be compensated for your time and expertise. Paid speaking opportunities can be an incredible revenue stream. But here’s the reality: many speakers get stuck in the cycle of chasing paid gigs without thinking about how those opportunities fit into the bigger picture of their brand and business growth.

If you focus only on the “quick wins” of paid opportunities without a strategy behind them, you could find yourself constantly hustling to land the next gig, rather than building momentum that serves your long-term goals.

Instead of just aiming for paid opportunities, consider how each speaking engagement fits into your overall stage strategy. Ask yourself:

• How does this gig align with my message and target audience?
• Will this opportunity help me build valuable relationships or long-term connections?
• How can I leverage this stage to offer something valuable and create consistent follow-up?

When you approach speaking engagements with this mindset, you’ll be more selective and strategic, ensuring that each gig serves your ultimate business goals—not just filling your calendar with paid opportunities.

Step 2: Define Your Message and Audience

(I share more on this topic in another blog- click here to read it)

The foundation of a great stage strategy starts with clarity on your message and your ideal audience. Without this clarity, it’s easy to end up on stages that don’t resonate with your audience or align with your business goals.

To create a stage strategy that delivers long-term results, start by answering these questions:

• What is my core message?
• Who am I trying to reach, and where can I find them?
• What value can I offer to this specific audience?

Having clarity on these aspects will allow you to identify events and stages that align with your business vision and help you grow your influence and income, instead of just chasing gigs for the sake of being booked.

Step 3: Identify the Right Stages

Not all stages are created equal. If you’re only targeting paid speaking gigs, you might overlook some amazing opportunities that could set you up for long-term success. Instead of just looking for the next paid gig, think about stages that allow you to showcase your expertise in a way that attracts your ideal audience.

Here’s how to start identifying the right stages:

• Research the event organizers: Are they known for hosting events that attract your ideal audience? Look for events where people who need your expertise are already gathering.
• Evaluate the event’s mission and theme: Do they align with your values and message? Will your talk fit into the event’s overall narrative?
• Check out the speakers they feature: Are they in a similar field, or do they complement your expertise? If the event draws speakers that are aligned with your style and message, it’s a good sign.

By intentionally seeking out stages that align with your business goals, you’ll create a speaking strategy that not only brings you paid opportunities but also helps you build the foundation for future success.

Step 4: Build Long-Term Relationships, Not Just Gigs

One of the most important elements of a solid stage strategy is relationship-building. When you focus on cultivating genuine connections with event organizers, fellow speakers, and audience members, you create a network that opens doors for future opportunities—not just one-time gigs.

Here are a few ways to build lasting relationships through speaking:

• Follow up after your talk: Send a thank-you email to the organizer, share feedback, and express your gratitude. Let them know you’d love to stay connected for future opportunities.
• Engage with the audience: Take the time to connect with people in the crowd, answer questions, and offer additional resources. Your audience is your future network, and they can open doors to more opportunities down the line.
• Network with other speakers: Many of the best opportunities come from fellow speakers who can recommend you or even partner with you in future events. Collaboration is key!

Building relationships ensures that you’re not just booking stages today—you’re setting yourself up for future opportunities, higher-value gigs, and a stronger speaking career.

Step 5: Create an Offer That Converts

It’s not enough to just be a good speaker—you need to have an offer that captures the interest of your audience and turns your speaking engagements into ongoing opportunities for your business.

When you’re crafting your talk and the offer you’ll present at the end, think about:

• What action do you want your audience to take after hearing you speak?
• How can you create an irresistible offer that feels aligned with their needs and your expertise?

Whether it’s booking a consultation, joining your email list, or buying a product, having a clear and compelling offer allows you to convert your stage time into long-term business results.

The Bottom Line: Invest in a Stage Strategy

It’s easy to get distracted by the allure of paid gigs, but focusing only on getting paid in the short term can prevent you from building a sustainable speaking business. A well-thought-out stage strategy allows you to align your speaking engagements with your long-term business goals, so you’re not just chasing paid gigs—but actively building a career that brings in consistent revenue and increases your influence.

The speakers who succeed long-term are the ones who take the time to build their strategy, refine their message, and nurture relationships with the right people. This takes time and effort, but the payoff is worth it.

Bonus Tip: Consider a Proven System for Stage Finding

If you’re ready to streamline your stage-I am just about to launch a new program- "The Stage Finder Formula". It provides a structured approach to finding the right stages that align with your goals and helps you build the relationships that will sustain your speaking career over the long term.

Want to jump in as one of the founders at an exclusive low price? (This offer is only available to the first 100 people!) Click here to grab your spot now!

Finding the right stages isn’t about chasing the next paid gig—it’s about creating a stage strategy that grows with your business and helps you achieve the impact and income you desire. The sooner you invest in this strategy, the sooner you’ll start seeing real, lasting results.