Author Topic: Public Speaking ideas, but need networking...  (Read 1410 times)

Le Poisson

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Public Speaking ideas, but need networking...
« on: March 17, 2015, 07:58:20 AM »
How do folks build a public speaking network for cash generation?

My full time job is in traffic engineering, and I am regularly asked (in my real job) to do presentations to Senior's homes, driving clinics, teen groups, Mom's and Tots groups, etc. on road safety, car seat use, and so on. My employer is very risk adverse since we are sued on a monthly basis. Since they are afraid that they will be sued over something I say in a presentation, or that a presentation would be used against them in court, they instruct me to turn down almost every public education opportunity I see. In 5 years, I have done 2 presentations. Which is unfortunate.

With all these leads, I have often entertained the idea of partnering with some other organizations on the side - like CARP, MADD, SADD, Colleges, etc. to put an engineering side to their campaigns. The conflict of interest in doing this could get me in hot water though, and its not worth it.

Before starting this job, I was speaking to large theatres on a number of topics and having a lot of fun doing it. I usually got really good response, and I know I can do presentations no problem. This was through the college I attended where my student job saw me motivating new students and encouraging employers to join coop and internship programs.

I have thought about going to amateur night at a local standup place to just get the edge back on my public speaking, but I'm not a standup by any means. I have run the Toastmasters gammut, and see it as a waste of money, and a self-serving organization (I could go way off topic on this, but I won't). I think I reached their silver or gold level. I don't remember. The fees are ridiculous and the books are a waste of money.

So my question is - I know I have the skills, but I don't know how to build a repertoire of subject matter outside my professional career, or how to land gigs without a 'set list'. Has anyone worked this as a decent weekend/evening job, and where did you land your leads? What sort of fees did you charge?


 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!