The Power of Speakers: Bridging Connections and Breaking Stereotypes

Written By: Lissi Daniels | It's been almost a year since I made the switch from property management to being a full-time speaker, and while I've had some great opportunities and made valuable connections on this path, there have also been some quiet times, as is typical with any new business endeavor. I remember attending a networking event and when I mentioned that I was a speaker and no longer in property management, the person I was talking to seemed to lose interest. It was disheartening to see how quickly they withdrew from the conversation, not realizing the value that I could bring as a speaker to their company.

There's a common misconception that speakers aren't potential business connections because they're not seen as someone to sell to. This couldn't be further from the truth. Speakers have the potential to be powerful connectors and catalysts for building meaningful relationships.

When we take the stage, we bring not just our words but also a wealth of knowledge, experience, and a network of contacts that could be invaluable to others. As speakers, we're there to support, connect, and inspire. We could also be beneficial to your business by bringing our expertise and experiences, and the services we offer, whether they are fractional or contract services. By doing so, we can contribute to your businesses and build relationships that can be mutually beneficial. You never know who you can assist or who can help you in return.

So, the next time you encounter a speaker at an event, don't overlook the opportunity to engage with them. Strike up a conversation, build a connection, and you may find that they can be your biggest cheerleaders in expanding your network and reaching new heights in your business endeavors. 

Think about it - we've spent countless hours preparing for our speech, researching our topic, and practicing our delivery. We've honed our skills and refined our knowledge. And when we take the stage, we're not just sharing information, we're sharing a part of ourselves.

Some of my best business connections have come from speaking engagements. I've had people come up to me after my speech and share their own experiences, offer to collaborate on projects, or even introduce me to other people in their network. It's truly amazing what can happen when you take the time to connect with someone.

I often wonder if this is just my perspective or if any of my fellow speakers feel the same. 

So, the next time you attend an event with speakers, remember that we're not just voices on stage. We're real people with real value to offer. Who knows, we just might be the bridge you need to connect you to new opportunities!