Networking with Speaking Engagements

Hi All,

This week we are sharing more effective networking planning. Speaking engagements are an efficient way to network. We share our thoughts on why, as well as practical tips for booking your next speaking engagement.

As an attorney, speaking about a legal topic expands your network in a variety of ways. It associates your name with your practice area in a new way. By speaking or giving a talk to your local community, you are providing value while also marketing your practice.

To put together a good talk on a topic, you should be well-versed in it. If you are giving a talk on a given topic, your audience will assume that you are an expert in a given topic.  You want to make sure the information you are prepared to deliver is, of course, accurate.  You also want to be conversant in this topic to field questions.  Questions might be directly about something you spoke about, but they also might go into a different area you didn’t touch on. 

Expertise and confidence are important here.  You do not need to be THE expert on a subject, but you do need to be an expert. Your ideal audience is going to want to hear your expertise on a particular topic.  Speaking gives you the opportunity to meet and network with people interested in the topic you are discussing. Whether they are potential clients or potential referral sources, this is a great opportunity for targeted networking.

The benefits for you are clear, but this isn’t a one way street. The organizations that sponsor these events are seeking people to present interesting relevant content. The attendees are seeking information. Presenting on a topic that you have expertise in is a mutually beneficial engagement. So how do you get started?

You first want to define both your audience as well as you general topic. Defining your audience and identifying your topic will take some work, but it is well worth the time and energy. 

Once you have your audience and your general topic ideas, you next need to connect with an organization that will bring you in to speak. Because you know the audience you’d like to reach, look to where those people are. If you want to speak to non-attorneys about a legal topic, you may look to your local government councils, town library, senior center, or PTA. If you want to speak to other attorneys, your best bet is to reach out to your state or local bar association to seek to present a topic for a continuing legal education seminar. 

Once you’ve determined your audience, topic and organizations, reach out with a topic proposal. Since speaking for an organization is mutually beneficial, your proposal will likely be well-received and appreciated. Once you have secured a speaking engagement, prepare your talk, make sure it addresses your audience and their specific needs. Will you give a broad overview or a more nuanced delve into a topic?  Ask yourself, what the message you are trying to deliver through this talk - what is the point of it all.

Be sure you comply with your state’s rules of professional conduct. And at the beginning of your talk, give a disclaimer that you are not giving legal advice. If you have time for Q and A, let your audience know that your happy to answer general questions but not case specific.

After your presentation, take time to meet the attendees, bring plenty of business cards, and be ready to network in a new way.

If you haven’t worked speaking engagements into your networking plan in the past, consider reaching out and putting a speaking engagement on the calendar.  Speaking engagements are a great way to expand your network as well as benefit your local community with important legal education. 

Let us know where you’ll be speaking next!

Have a great day!

Haley & Amy

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Please keep in mind that your jurisdiction will have rules of professional conduct that you must follow. This discussion does not focus on the any such rules, including the rules from the jurisdiction where we practice. Rather this is a discussion of tips we have found helpful in managing client expectations in our own experiences. This should not be taken as legal advice.

We make absolutely no guarantee, expressed or implied, that by following the advice you will make any money or improve current profit, as there are several factors and variables that come into play regarding any given business or career. Primarily, results will depend on the business model, the conditions of the marketplace, the experience of the individual, and situations and elements that are beyond your control. As with any business endeavor, you assume all risk related to investment and money based on your own discretion and at your own potential expense.

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