One of the biggest benefits of managing a virtual support team for coaches, speakers, and service-based companies is getting a first-hand look at the ins and outs of running a business. Working with a diverse array of clients has given me the opportunity to see what works and what doesn’t.
And one of the biggest issues I’ve noticed throughout my years in the industry is that coaches and speakers often lack fundamental supporting materials to accompany their pitches. Believe me when I say that you’d be surprised how frequently this happens.
When everyone is vying for the spotlight, it’s not enough to just have the perfect pitch. You also need to provide the right supporting materials that will drive home your message and make you stand out as the clear choice.
Here are three things that you absolutely must do when getting ready to pitch yourself out in order to help you book more gigs.
#1. Create an eye-catching speaker one-sheet
A speaker one-sheet is a snippet of you, summed up in one page. Your speaker one-sheet should include:
- Topics
- Areas of expertise
- Past events for social proof
- Contact details
- Your rates, if applicable
When designing your speaker one-sheet, you want to be sure it follows the “3 C’s” criteria:
- Clear – Avoid jargon and unnecessary wording
- Clean – Ensure your one-sheet is tidy and easy to follow along with
- Customized – Your one-sheet needs to be customized to your brand
Your goal should be to create a one-sheet that grabs the reader’s attention, provides a digestible, clear message of why you would be a good candidate, and avoids overwhelming or distracting them by putting too much on the page.
As they say, “less is more”
#2. Develop your speaker reel
A speaker reel, also known as a “sizzle reel,” is a compilation of past speaking engagements that highlight your expertise as well as the energy you provide on stage. This is critical because if a prospective client can’t hear your voice and see you in action, it becomes harder to visualize how you’ll bring engaging energy to their event. On the flip side of that coin, the ability to get a first-hand view of your stage presence can get them excited about the opportunity to work with you.
A great sizzle reel will take some time to develop, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a great format to follow to be sure you have everything covered. You should include:
- An introduction with your name and your expertise provided either by yourself or by a third party
- An elevator pitch as to why the prospect should hire you and how their audience will benefit from your expertise
- During your elevator pitch is a great time to add in a voiceover, while powerful images and music are running in the background to bring some energy into the video (remember, the right music is key, because you want the prospect to feel energized by your presence)
- Mini video highlights from past events that not only reflect your energy but also the energy of the audience to reflect their engagement and interest – remember, it’s important to show how you capture the room
- Keep your video at roughly 2.5 minutes as this is long enough to capture their attention but short enough that you don’t lose it
#3. Design a media page for your website
Your media page is meant to act as a public archive for your past work. It’s a point of reference that your prospects can look to in order to become more familiar with you, your style, and the value you’ll bring to their audience.
It should be comprised of a combination of past speaking events you’ve done, podcast interviews you’ve been part of, and guest blog posts that you’ve developed. Strive to make it a well-rounded presentation that provides insight into what you can offer as well as social proof to make them feel confident in booking you for a gig.
Similar to the speaker one sheet, you want to be sure to keep the design simple and easy to follow so that it’s not too distracting on the eyes.
Despite the importance of having these supporting materials available, many speakers still don’t – and it can cause them to lose out on speaking gigs that should’ve been theirs. If you’re in that category, take some time to put them together. In doing so, you’ll be in a better position when stepping into your next pitch and will significantly increase your odds of landing the gig.
About Amanda Scocozzo
Amanda Scocozzo, C.P.C. is a business strategist working with coaches, speakers, and service-based business owners to help them step up and stand out in business. Amanda’s passion is designing customized blueprints for her clients that propel them forward through actionable steps with a clear pathway to delegation and the support of Virtually Empowered’s virtual dream team. Her mission is to give our clients back the gift of time, as she handles all of your business needs so you can focus and flourish doing what you love.
Amanda Scocozzo, C.P.C.
Business Coach | Strategist | Founder
