If you want to get booked as a professional speaker, you need to stand out. In a crowded marketplace filled with competent speakers, event organizers are looking for someone who offers more than knowledge—they want someone unforgettable. The secret to this lies in branding, and there’s no better metaphor than the iconic International Orange of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Just like this vibrant hue sets the bridge apart from its surroundings, your brand needs to shine distinctly against the backdrop of your competitors. But standing out isn’t a one-time effort—it requires continual maintenance and refinement.
Be Bold: The Lesson of International Orange
When the Golden Gate Bridge was being constructed in the 1930s, it could have been painted in a standard steel gray or even a deep cobalt blue. However, the architects chose International Orange, a bold, warm color that contrasted beautifully against the muted tones of the bay’s fog and cliffs. The decision wasn’t just aesthetic; it was strategic. The color made the bridge visible to passing ships, creating both a functional and memorable landmark.
For professional speakers, the lesson is clear: bold branding is a necessity. What’s your version of International Orange? What makes your message, delivery, and personality distinct from others in your field?
Start by asking yourself these questions:
- What’s the unique perspective you bring to your topic?
- How does your story set you apart from other speakers in your niche?
- What elements of your style—humor, storytelling, visuals—leave a lasting impression?
Create a Memorable Contrast
Standing out isn’t just about being bold; it’s about being different. The Golden Gate Bridge’s orange stands out because it contrasts with its environment. As a speaker, your message and brand should do the same.
Take a moment to evaluate your competitors. Are most speakers in your field focused on a particular approach or delivery style? If so, how can you introduce something fresh? For example:
- If leadership speakers focus on corporate success, emphasize stories of grassroots leadership or community-driven change.
- If mental health speakers focus on statistics, consider weaving in personal, relatable stories to connect with audiences on a human level.
This contrast not only grabs attention but also ensures your message resonates long after the applause fades.
Maintain Your Brand
Here’s the thing about the Golden Gate Bridge: it’s not just painted once and forgotten. A team of 49 workers constantly repaints the bridge to ensure its International Orange shine never fades.
The same principle applies to your speaking career. Staying relevant requires ongoing effort to refine and maintain your brand. Consider the following strategies:
- Update your content. As trends evolve, ensure your presentations incorporate fresh insights, examples, and research.
- Invest in your visuals. From your website to your slide decks, your branding should look polished and professional.
- Solicit feedback. Regularly ask for feedback from event organizers and audiences to identify areas for improvement.
Think of your brand as a living entity—it needs care and attention to grow and thrive.
Building Your Platform to Get Booked
Once you’ve established your distinctive brand, leverage it to create a strong platform. Here’s how to get booked as a professional speaker by showcasing your unique voice:
- Optimize your online presence. Your website and social media profiles should clearly communicate your “International Orange” brand. Include video clips of your talks, testimonials, and a clear value proposition for event organizers.
- Network strategically. Attend industry events and conferences, and engage with other speakers and organizers. Your brand is amplified by the relationships you build.
- Deliver consistently. Every speaking engagement is an opportunity to reinforce your reputation. Ensure your delivery matches the promise of your brand.
Final Thoughts
To get booked as a professional speaker, you must embrace the “International Orange” strategy. Be bold, create contrast, and maintain your brand with care. Like the Golden Gate Bridge, your unique message and presence can become an iconic landmark in the speaking world—visible, memorable, and consistently inspiring.
So, what’s your International Orange? Define it, refine it, and let it shine. Your next speaking engagement might just be a bold step away.