Networking: The (Not-So) Secret Strategy to Landing Speaking Opportunities
You’ve done the research. You know who to reach out to at each of the major conferences in your industry. You’ve perfected your application answers and refined your pitch. But you just can’t seem to crack the code for booking paid speaking gigs, let alone turning those engagements into ongoing opportunities.
Or, maybe you’re like some of our clients, who’ve enjoyed minimal success on the speaking circuit but have stalled out trying to move up to the next level. What got them where they are isn’t helping them get where they want to go next.
Sometimes, the simplest solution is the one right in front of you.
The average professional speaker earns between $4,500 and $7,500 per engagement, with top speakers commanding $10,000+ per event. Yet despite this lucrative potential and high demand for industry voices, many qualified professionals struggle to secure speaking opportunities because they're overlooking their most valuable resource: their existing network.
A widely circulated 2016 LinkedIn article cited that 85% of critical jobs are filled through networking. More recently, a 2025 article from Keevee highlights the same findings. Given these insights, it’s reasonable to infer that networking similarly influences the acquisition of speaking engagements.
The relationships you cultivate within your industry and professional sphere have the potential to form powerful connections that, when leveraged effectively, can uncover speaking opportunities. In fact, if you were to examine your existing network, it’s likely you already have the connections you need to become a sought-after speaker!
You’re probably thinking, well, great, I’ll tap into my network for leads. But where do I start? I don’t have the time or the money to take everyone I know out for coffee to talk about speaking opportunities.
Well, good news! That’s what our team at Rhetorik is here to help with! In this article, we’ll focus on effective networking approaches to transform your existing relationships into speaking invitations …
Your Network is Your Most Valuable Speaking Asset
Opening doors to speaking gigs often requires a multi-faceted approach that blends strategy, persistence, and relationship-building—and the ideal place to start is with your existing network. You’ve honed your skills and built your expertise to the level where you have something to contribute on stage. You wouldn’t be here if you hadn’t.
And we’re pretty sure you didn’t build that expertise in a silo. You are surrounded by team members, decision-makers, clients, and industry colleagues who have seen you in action. They’ve worked alongside you, seen the projects you’ve completed, watched you problem solve, and have been the recipient of your proficiency, skills, and experience.
You’ve built TRUST. That trust factor is why leveraging your existing relationships is a vital part of building your speaking platform.
The Trust Factor
A 2022 EventMB Survey revealed that 73% of event organizers prefer to book speakers who come through trusted recommendations. That’s due to the trust transfer principle—the psychological phenomenon where trust in one person transfers to another person through their connection or recommendation. Research suggests that candidates who come through referrals are five times more likely to be selected.
When someone in your network vouches for you:
You gain immediate credibility.
There’s reduced perceived risk. Event organizers worry less about you not being a good fit because of the solid recommendation.
Your proposal gets moved to the top of the pile, giving you higher priority consideration.
You’re given the benefit of the doubt. Any minor concerns about fit or experience are often overlooked in favor of the trusted recommendation.
You’re more likely to gain direct access to an actual human being than getting lost in automated responses.
Beyond the Submission Form
Speaking of automated responses, have you ever submitted an application for a speaking event and either never heard back or only received automated, generic responses? Yeah, us, too. According to SpeakerHub data, there’s a less than 3% conversion for being selected for a speaking engagement as a result of using a speaker directory of submission form.
Alternatively, building relationships or tapping into existing connections with people within the organization you want to speak with can bypass the formal application process. That know, like, and trust factor people are always talking about? Yeah, it really can help get your application to the top of the pile, while your expertise gets you the rest of the way.
The Power of Network Proximity
Even in the online business world, relationships matter. Whether your personal connections are local or through online platforms, technology just can’t replace the value of building relationships. Most people are only two to three connections away from someone who can book them as a speaker.
As you think of your network, consider colleagues, clients, former classmates, and people you’ve met at conferences or previous work events. Perhaps you had a lively conversation with a friend’s spouse who happens to know the person organizing the local industry meet-up. Sounds convoluted, but that connection may be the “in” you need to get in front of decision-makers for the event.
Mapping Your Network for Speaking Opportunities
If you’re anything like us, you prefer actionable methods for going about finding the right connections inside your network. So, let’s talk about a few!
LinkedIn Network Mining
LinkedIn is a powerful resource for diving into your existing network. Use these steps to mine your connections for potential speaking engagements.
Step 1: Use LinkedIn’s search filters to find connections with titles containing “event,” “conference,” or “program manager.”
Step 2: Next, scan your connections’ recent posts for key opportunities that haven’t hit formal application channels yet.
Step 3: Periodically check LinkedIn’s “Events” tab to see who within your connections is hosting or participating in upcoming events where your expertise might be valuable.
Pro Tip: Save these strategic searches to receive automatic notifications whenever new potential speaking opportunities appear in your expanding network. This simple automation turns LinkedIn from a static resume site into a dynamic speaking search engine.
Expanding to Second-Degree Connections
Did you know that within LinkedIn, your network grows exponentially at the second-degree connection level? LinkedIn Data has shown that the average professional has approximately 400 first-degree connections inside the platform and 160,000+ second-degree connections.
As you identify key connections that align with your speaking goals, take the connection a step further by looking for mutual connections that get you closer to event organizers. A simple Google search provides additional strategies for optimizing your LinkedIn Profile, engaging with content and groups, and leveraging premium services to expand your search for event organizers through the platform.
Building Your Opportunity Contact List
Whether you’re working with leads from LinkedIn, or through outside contacts, developing a master opportunity contact list can be helpful in managing connections. This strategic categorization framework can prove useful as you compile your contact details:
A-list: Include contacts with direct connections to events of interest. These contacts should be the first ones you reach out to for opportunities.
B-list: These contacts include people who could introduce you to event organizers. They serve as warm-introduction targets.
C-list: These contacts are industry influencers who can increase your visibility, although you may not have a direct connection to them
The Art of the Warm Introduction
Now that you have your list of contacts let’s look at how to make the most of warm introductions.
The Psychology of Introductions
According to a Harvard Business Review networking study, warm introductions receive responses 85% of the time, compared to just 15% for cold outreach.
Why do warm introductions work? Well, people are more likely to respond to someone introduced by a trusted source because of social proof. Social proof is a psychological phenomenon in which people are more inclined to trust and engage with someone vouched for by someone they already know.
In follow up to our discussion of the trust factor referenced earlier in this post, the trust mechanics at play with warm intros open more doors because of the following:
Built-in Trust Factor: People naturally lower their guard when an introduction comes through a mutual connection, making them more receptive to conversation.
Psychological Reciprocity: Being introduced creates a subtle sense of obligation, prompting the recipient to give the introduced person a fair chance or at least a response out of courtesy.
Validation Through Association: If a mutual connection sees value in you, the person being introduced is more likely to assume that you’re worth their time and attention.
Getting Practical: A Template for the Perfect Introduction Request
Here’s an example of a template you can use to request an introduction to a mutually beneficial contact.
TEMPLATE: Hi [Connection Name], I noticed you’re connected to [Target Name] who organizes events for [Organization]. I’ve been developing talks on [Your Topic] that would be valuable to their audience because [Specific Reason]. Would you feel comfortable introducing us? I’m happy to draft a brief note you could forward if that would be easier. [Your value offer to them, something you will share with them as a thank you for their introduction.] Thanks for your consideration!
Here’s why this template is effective for increasing success rates:
Personalized Greeting: Acknowledges the relationship rather than sending a generic message.
Transparent Purpose: Your request is specific and targeted, demonstrating purposeful networking rather than random connecting.
Value Proposition: States your offer and positions you as a resource, not just someone asking for a favor.
Reciprocal Value: Acknowledges the relationship is two-way and follows networking etiquette of giving before receiving.
Here’s a real-life example using this template:
Hi Jennifer,
I noticed you're connected to Dr. Marcus Chen, who organizes professional development events for the Midwest Healthcare Alliance. I've been developing workshops on "Implementing Trauma-Informed Care in High-Volume Practices" that would be valuable for their audience. Recent healthcare policy changes require these approaches, yet many clinicians report feeling underprepared for the transition.
Would you feel comfortable introducing us? I'm happy to draft a brief note you could forward if that would be easier. As a thanks, I'd be glad to share our assessment toolkit that your wellness center could use for staff training purposes. Thanks for considering this!
Best, Elena
This approach works across industries because it follows the same fundamental principles: demonstrating relevance, offering clear value, minimizing the burden on your connection, and providing something in return.
The Value Sandwich Approach to Warm Introductions
Relationship Economics tells us that strategic relationships hold measurable value, similar to financial assets, and can significantly impact professional success and business growth. The Value Sandwich approach to warm introductions transforms a transactional request into a relationship-building opportunity that benefits all parties involved and creates the foundation for ongoing professional relationships.
You use the Value Sandwich approach by offering something of value both before and after requesting an introduction. Examples of this might be leading with a genuine appreciation for something about your connection’s work, sharing a relevant resource, or referring to a past interaction where you had a meaningful exchange.
After making your request, you can promise to follow up with them detailing the outcome of the introduction, offer exclusive access to content or events you’re developing, and commit to reciprocal introductions that they would find valuable.
The Importance of Following Up
You did it! You reached out to your current contacts, and they came through by introducing you to opportunities you’d likely never have uncovered on your own. So, what’s next? Professional Follow-Through is a key component of using your network relationships to further your career. If you miss this step, you can guarantee your colleagues won’t be providing introductions in the future.
Here are a few best practices for maintaining relationships after an introduction has been made.
Respond quickly to the contact that responds to the introduction (within 24 hours).
Keep communication professional and well-written.
Be thoroughly prepared for any meetings that result from the intro.
Deliver exceptional value to justify the connection’s faith in you.
Express gratitude to both your connection and the new contact.
Never misrepresent what was discussed or promised.
Follow through on all commitments made during the process.
Reflect positively on your connection through your actions.
If you’ve worked in a professional setting for any length of time, these may seem second nature to you. That’s great! But they still bear repeating. A little professional courtesy can go a long way in building a robust, growing network of relationships, that prove mutually beneficial over time.
Conclusion
Here’s the bottom line: Whether you are just starting your speaking career, you’ve been speaking for years, or you’re a long-time veteran of the stage, relationships matter. The connections you make both inside and outside your chosen industry can serve to grow your platform, or reduce it.
Here are a few key takeaways to keep in mind.
There is inherent value in your existing network. Building strong relationships within your network grows a trust factor that can help you get in the door on opportunities that might otherwise be closed to you.
Mapping your network through tools such as LinkedIn, and maintaining an organized contact list can help make an otherwise overwhelming process feel more manageable.
Mastering the art of the warm introduction and implementing professional follow through is critical to maintaining a good rapport with your connections.
Bringing value, and expressing gratitude, to those who help you on your speaking journey pays dividends.
Action Steps:
“Speakers who systematically leverage their networks report 3x more bookings within a 12-month period (Speaker Success Survey).” However, don’t lose confidence if it takes some time for bookings to start rolling in. According to the Speaking Industry Report, the average professional speaker reports that it took 7 months of consistent networking to secure regular speaking engagements. This process is a marathon, not a sprint!
30-60-90 Day Action Plan
First 30 days:
Identify your top 10 potential connector contacts.
Request three strategic introductions.
Create a simple tracking system for your speaking network.
Days 31-60:
Secure your first speaking opportunity through your network.
Begin engaging with second-degree connections.
Implement your first value exchanges with key connections.
Days 61-90:
Convert initial speaking experience into new connections.
Begin climbing the opportunity ladder.
Establish a regular network nurturing routine.
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The Rhetorik Agency specializes in converting dream speaking opportunities into revenue-generating relationships. For a full list of services, go to https://www.rhetorikagency.com/services.