Public speaking at industry events and conferences has long been an effective way for lawyers to build their authority and reputation.
But there are some challenges.
- You can’t just waltz in and expect to be selected to speak. You have to build your authority and reputation outside of those events before you are recognized and invited (or accepted) to speak.
- Being a good lawyer doesn’t mean you’re a good speaker.
- You can build your reputation and authority, and an email list, through less demanding forms of content creation. Articles, a blog, a newsletter, interviews, podcasts, and the like, provide much greater exposure and many more leads. And your content will live online forever, continuing to do so.
On the other hand, speaking at a convention or industry event offers a big benefit. It allows you to put on your bio that you spoke at said event.
They invited you to speak, so you must be good at your job.
So, do it once or twice. Get yourself invited to a panel discussion or to the center stage. You’ll forever be able to say that you did this, as I shamelessly do when I mention speaking at an ABA convention.
But there is one additional benefit for speaking at these events. You get to meet influential people, which can lead to referrals, introductions, and other marketing and business opportunities.
And this should be your primary goal when you attend any event, even if you’re not one of the speakers.
It just takes one. Because if they are the right one, it can lead to massive growth in your practice and career.
How to take a quantum leap in your practice
