Lesson #5: How to Get Paid Gigs Really Fast
How To Start Getting Speaking Engagements
Learn how to start getting speaking engagements right away. There are so many places that can book you starting next week. They are in every country. In this video, you will find out how.
Question for me? Scroll down to ask me.
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I am a Haitian-American and I am excited to get started doing this. I am curious as to whether you ever speak to Haitian charities or Haitian-owned business events. You would be fantastic for events like these and their audience would be inspired by a story like yours.
My mock book cover has been designed and it sparked something in me to finish it within 6 months. I am an executive officer at my Toastmasters club and I am using this as a way to practice various aspects of my keynote speech which is a work-in-progress.
Thank you for your videos. I am very proud of what you are doing!
Thank you Rene.
This video has added value to my life and after 12 years of Pastoring I now understand how to ask for referrals after your video.
It’s my pleasure, Ira. Most of us are shy when it comes to asking. If you add value and help someone, it’s your duty to offer them the opportunity to help them further.
Hello Mr Rene,
Thank you very much for the tips
This video is amazing…..l will kick off soon.
Being bold and never to be so cheap was an amazing advice from you sir… Thank you so much.
Love your simplicity! Taking it in and writing notes! Thankful for the fact that you care! God bless
Thank you Rene! You are very amazing!
I am french and i want to be a motivational speaker. I don’t known to speak well english but when i hear you i am very motivated. Thank you very much!
Thanks so much Rene. That information about the civic clubs was an eye opener. I will start searching for them and anything similar to that. I understand why it is important to speak for free, you have to expose yourself and among the people who meet in this venues own or know people who need professional speaker. Great point to ask for business on your speech. Your videos makes sense in every way. I understand now to be great you just need to start small, where you are and whatever you have. No wonder even a big tree comes from a small seed. Thanks so much i need to put into practice what you have said. Thanks, God bless you Rene.
You’re doing amazing job of motivating people who have passion to become speaker. This passion is God’s voice because not everyone feels the desire to take this up. I am inspired by you and looking forward to become one of the successful speakers the world has ever seen. 🙂 God bless you Rene.
Dear Rene,
I love your videos and your advice. Thats the right way to start. Fee or No fee….referrals and exposure is what counts in the beginning. I feel so excited to start doing this…..I have to start working on the speeches first….
thanks a million
It’s my pleasure Divya. You are absolutely right. Thanks for your feedback.
Mr. Rene,
I have thoroughly enjoyed your videos. I look forward to the next one. When I see them in my email, I get excited as if I have just won the lottery…lol
Very few people will share the information that you do…unless they were asking for big bucks. I just want you to know that you will get the big bucks just because you are willing to share with others, freely.
I am joining the Toastmasters next week. I want to build my confidence of speaking in front of others. Now, I have been Ministering for years. You, would think I would have no problem. I just want to be more polished…while maintaining my own identity.
I enjoy motivating and inspiring others…it does just as much for me as I know it will do for others.
You are definitely a God sent, Mr. Rene. I refer to you as my mentor. Smile Thanks again for being such a wonderful person, and I pray you will continue to have great success.
Candee
Hi Candee,
You are really awesome! Yes, I tried to give great content. As a result, I get a lot of emails from so many people asking questions. Unfortunately, I don’t have the time.
I’m so glad you are joining Toastmasters International. As a minister, it should be easier for you to do this. Keep pressing on!
Hi Rene,
Would a (professional) blog or weekly podcast be a viable substitute for a book or cd as far as credibility goes?
Thanks,
Josephine Dorss
The answer is yes Jojo. A podcast will elevate your status and credibility instantly. That makes you a publisher. However, make sure you have the right gears for quality audio.
Love the idea of asking for referrals!
Yes! You got it! If you don’t ask you won’t receive. But, seek to give first. Seek to deliver a presentation that is an amazing gift to the audience.
Thanks Rene, it was educative, informative and motivative
You are welcome!
Hi Rene, thank you again. Every time I watch your video I feel so inspired and motivated!. The information you share and the way you do it is great. And things are happening…I got offered to speak in our local community centre about happiness and mindfulness. I am a little bit scared but also excited. I started putting the key points and ideas together. I have a question: my big problem is I find it difficult to keep an eye contact with my audience. Do you have any idea on how to overcome this problem? Thank you again. Karolina
That is great Caroline. Speak and change lives. You were born to do this. Feeling a bit scared and excited about a speaking engagement is great. That’s a confirmation. Use those emotions as fuel to keep pressing on. Over the years, so many of you have been telling me how you apply my teachings to get speaking engagements and write your books. That is so encouraging to me. Thanks for letting me know.
I am always inspired to take steps in fulfilling my dream when I watch your videos. The One pager is a brilliant idea and will work on having that done. I have had some experience speaking before and I know a few that may be willing to give me some testimonies. Thank you so much… no I have to figure out getting a great photo shoot done to pick my picture (lol)…. enjoying this soooo much with your help.
Thank you! Can’t wait for more!
Hi Rene,
You are simply a godsend to me. Am in Nairobi – Kenya and am set to start a new career….becoming a professional speaker.
Over the last one week, I have been able to write a memoir. Am looking at having the same published latest by new year. Am a Rotarian amd have never thought of launching my speaking career from there. Am starting next week. Thanks so very much for your kind help.
Good for you Kanyoro. However, be very careful about writing a memoir unless you are a big name in your country. You should write a semi-biography. That means you are teaching specific lessons through your life stories.
Hello Mr. Godefroy:
Thank you making learning to become and/or so VERY EASY to understand and activate. I am enjoying these videos very much; I am also saving each of them so that I can refer back to them as often as I need to.
I didn’t write a book yet, but do I ever have PLENTY of Life Experiences and Topics from which to draw in order to both get a small 100 pages Paper-back written. Just as importantly, maybe More importantly, I can list various Topics of which I am quite Proficient in Speaking on and start notifying Civic Clubs.
My question for you Sir is: After I get my book written, How do I Publish my book myself; how did you do that?
After having listen to LOTS of speeches from Mr. Les Brown, Mr. Jim Rohn, Bishop TD Jakes and multiples in the Network Marketing/Direct Sales (Holton Buggs, Dexter Yeager, Bill Britt…etc.) Industry and now You Sir, It is VERY CLEAR to me that I am and have been ready to LAUNCH this rocket not now but RIGHT NOW…LAST YEAR even.
I’m blessed my friend Rene, keep the video’s coming bro.
Ok Rene….. Now we’re getting to the meat….. I some work to but I have my speech almost complete. It is so amazing I am always one step ahead of the videos …… They are conformations that I’m on the right track….. Thank you so much!!!
Cynthia
Rene,
Again thanks for being so candid!! The ideas from this video spawned even more ideas respective to my abilities and areas of expertise. I’m loving your videos! Question, where should your fees start? As I said in a previous post I have 16 years of experience and have been doing state and national presentations during most of that time. So although I’m just beginning to call myself a professional speaker I’ve been doing it for my job as well as my research for quite some time. I already have lots of quotes from participants that I’ve obtained from their evaluations, which I do at the end of each presentation. As a private consultant my business partner and I have even been endorsed by Tony Dorsett (NFL Hall of Famer). What are your thoughts?
This video is amazing Rene, i am astounded by your transparency. I am starting a new venture as a youth motivational speaker and you are helping me lay a solid foundation
Awesome! Glad you found this page.
Hi Rene,
I want to comment on your videos. They are the best. They motivate me to do better everyday. I believe I am a motivational speaker at heart. I did lots of debates at school. Recently I was asked to speak at my friend’s wedding. When I finished everyone was teary. People stood up from theri chairs to give me hugs. One of the guests, a very old man told to take what God has given me further. He touched my hand and I was humbled.
I am glad I have found my calling.
Keep the videos coming. I am blessed to be part of this family.
Kind regards,
Nikki
Hi Nikki,
The wedding speech was your confirmation. It was God speaking to you anonymously. Now, you need to start making a bigger impact. It’s your time. Make an impact. Get paid so you can make an even bigger impact!
Rene, you are the man…big help. And my book i'm working on is amazing. Its truly going to change people's lives.
Cool! Go for it!
This was the best video so far. I have thousands of instructional videos and have done Keynote speaking and didn’t even realize!
Thank you very much!
Hi Nathan,
I appreciate your comment. Thanks for sharing! Do it now! Make sure you do something everyday that brings you closer to your dream. Do it even you can’t see the results at first. Keep the momentum going.
Dear Rene.Im really excited about this motivational speaking prospect.I had the opportunity to be the valedictorian for a class closing ceremony,last week and most people were impressed with the speech. The topic was ‘Against all odds’Whilst writing the speech i used some of your pointers and advice.Now im ready to take this further.
Awesome! You have a giant on the inside of you. It's time to unleash it Maureen. It's time to let go of your fears and meet your destiny. That speech you gave was a confirmation of what you are capable of. It was your first step. Now, keep stepping. Find an opportunity to give another one. Speak anywhere, any time, for free or a fee. You need platform experience.
I have had great success and my partner who was a judge for over 20 years. We will make the best of what you have to say.
Thank you!!!
Invaluable information in these vids, Rene. Many thanks and blessings for your ability to pay it forward. You set a good example for everyone to follow.
Cheers.
Z
It’s my pleasure Aziz. Press on!
Loved it Rene! Each video holds something special for those of us yearning to become professional speakers! Each one is a gem, leading to the mine of much bigger jewels! I will watch and re-watch this because I feel that I am ready and there are no EXCUSES! I Can do this! All this wonderful advice for free! Who does this? Most charge. I know I have done the research!
God got you Rene and uses us all for a purpose!
It’s my please Barbara. Thanks for sharing your gratitude with you.
iam so grateful for this video.thanx for be my mentor.
ovie
i have waited to this point to post a comment because buy now I expected to hear an introductory offer to something for a fee but all I have heard is encouragement and simple yet unique ways of accomplishing goals without the negative energy that makes them seem almost impossible. I am more confident than ever because the credibility bug that could have driven me to spend thousands of dollars and countless hours attempting to get the title Doctor in from of my name for that sole purpose just changed. I’ve learned a lot in a short time and I know it’s possible!
Thanks a bunch!!
@FCHJ That is so funny. Many of friend and peers are on me about this. They want me to sell your something. Well, I believe in giving incredible value with no strings attached. And I want you to have the same mindset. Deliver value first. Anyway, right now I don't have an offer except for my coaching program that is available which I don't promote because I can only take so many clients at a time. Enjoy the videos my friend. You deserve success. The world is waiting for you to start sharing your gifts and talents. Why wait? Why not now? Press on!
Each time I listen to you Renee, its like fanning a flame. I can just touch and relate to everything you say. This cause me to remind myself, that answers are like hidden treasures buried inside of us and they require just the right tools to get them out!!!!
Thanks again!!!!!
@SherylMinto Definitely Sheryl! You already have all the answers within. All you need is someone with accurate thinking to help you get in touch with what's inside of you. Again, momentum is key. Make sure you do something everyday toward your dream. Make a call. Write an article. Write an outline for your speech. Jot down a list of all your stories. Take a photo for your promotional materials. Buy a domain name. Get on your knees to ask God for focus and clarity. Anything!
Each time I listen to you Renee, its like fanning a flame. I can just touch and relate to everything you say. This cause me to remind myself, that answer are buried inside or us but it require just the right tools to get them out!!!!
Thanks again!!!!!
You are absolutely right Sheryl. You have already have all the answers inside of you. I’m only a trigger. What I share with is already within you. That’s why it makes sense to you. That’s why I resonate with you.
This is awesome information. You can’t place a dollar price on this one. Rene, you are a divine blessing. Simply thanking you isn’t enough to express my appreciation for your kind openness and lessons.
@successprovince You are welcome! May 2012 be the year you blossom into the person you truly desire to be for the world! Press on!
Rene,
You have greatly inspired me toward my new public speaking career. I am also a musician and have been pondering my book being, “Improve Your Voice”, as this subject I know much about. Your excellent marketing techniques I can relate to because some I have used toward my music networking.
I will send you a free copy of my book when it is finished!
Thank you Rene, I really appreciate all your valuable information.
Sincerely,
Art
You are welcome Art. Keep writing. Let me mention to you that you don’t have to restrict yourself to voice improvement. Yes, it’s a great topic. But, you can think of creative ways to merge your current skills with current problems.
For example, a person that doe not project when speaking can easily appear to be less credible. You can teach managers and supervisors how to project in order to command attention and be authority figures. You can also teach sales people
how they can double or tripple their current sales by using their voice to persuade and influence people to buy.
Do you see what I mean?
Hi Art, I look forward to receiving your book. You are right! Marketing is marketing. The same strategies you use to promote your music can be used for your speaking biz as well.
Rene,I don't mean sounding negative,but I keep asking myself one question over and over ,how do I motivate anyone when my I am underachiever.I have failed my final exams as an orthopaedic specialist twice which sets the tempo and my confidence levels far below.Infact I struggle to achieve simple things
I guess my question is how do I motivate others when I have weaknesses myself or should I use my experience to encourage others not to give up?Pardon me for being a difficult student,I just need to get my bearings right.
D. Sibiya
Dr. D G
You are probably measuring success by your bank account. Not good. Here’s what you need to keep in mind: Anytime you learn and apply something and succeed at it, you are qualified to teach it.
Simply put, even if you are failing at many other things, you are still qualified to teach this one thing. For example: If you are REALLY good at math or any other subject, you can teach students how to do the same. If you are an organized person, you can teach it.
If you raised positive and respectable kids, you can teach it to parents. I don’t care how much money you have, If you are an excellent time manager, I want to learn it from you. Got it? Here’s another way you can teach:
Teach from a reporter’s point of view. Research, read books, watch DVDs, etc. Compile your findings. Then teach. Malcom Gladwell, the author of Tipping Point, is not the expert. He is the journalist that knows how to research and report.
Great advice, Rene. I have been thinking about getting some stuff ready to get speaking engagements with churches, public schools…I never thought about civic centers, rotary clubs, kiwanis clubs…Thank you very much for your expert advice. Hopefully, there are still some quality videos coming up until I start making enough money to set up coaching sessions with you one-on-one.
Bernard Zoungrana
Thank you Rene,
Your advice is good and very helpful.
You are welcome Miriam. Glad I can help.
Dear Mr.Godefroy,
Great advice! You are truly a blessing.
Barbara Caldwell
Dear Mr.Godefroy,
Please keep the videos coming. I feel so blessed to have your guidance. Thanks again!
Barbara Caldwell
Dear Mr.Godefroy,
I am inspired to step out and speak. When I start it really won’t be a beginning, because I have had quite a few speaking engagements through the years. I began speaking as a young adult. My engagements have been sporatic, but now I realize that it is a part of my purpose.
Please keep the videos coming. I feel so blessed to have your guidance. Thanks again!
Barbara Caldwell
Rene,
Your advice is right on target – I was wondering these same thoughts, how do I get started. It’s getting your name, and products out there and moving on from that point.
Thanks
Right on! Start sharing your content. As I mentioned in one of the videos, you are NOT an expert unless you are able to take what’s inside your head and put it in a format people can digest. What you know intellectually never positions you as the go-to-person. It’s the physical representation of it that does so.
Greetings Rene:
Thank you, thank you,I have starting writing my book. Also, I have been playing your #4, over and over. I can only add you have been placed in my life by God.
Rene, please understand how much all of your information is so important to learn. And I look forward to the next video. I do know people that are members of these clubs too!!!!
Many thanks
Thanks for letting me know PiAnge. I am glad you find my videos helpful. I love the feedback.
Excellent motivational speech, Rene. Just viewed this video for the third time. You make everything seem so do-able…so within reach and achievable. I notice that you designate yourself first as a Humanitarian. Perhaps that explains why you are so freely giving us information for which others would certainly demand payment. As the ultimate reward for your efforts, I hope we'll all do well (or better!) and really make you proud. Many thanks for the humor, too.
It's after midnight, but I must do some work on my book before I sleep. May God continue to bless you abundantly.
Awesome Glenda. Yes, everything I share in the videos are really doable. It doesn't take a rocket scientist. You just need to do something. Take one step at a time. Make a list of things you want to do. Check off what gets done.
Hello Rene your advice has been very help full thank you for taking the time to make this videos for us francisco macias
its really great ren y i wish to get some more dont stop ok
Great information Rene. I am a professional speaker (in the making), I am speaking for free and would love to get more speaking engagements, and move to the next level – making a living speaking.
What’s your advise on how to move up the ladder?
Marcia
Definitely a very very informative tips from a pro, although still very scary but I believe I can overcaome it. Than ks Rene and more power
Even more dynamic , Iam going to get on it.
thank you ever soooo much.
warmly
joanne
Great advice Rene, never speak entirely for free. Speak for referrals, testimonials and repeat bookings.
you may even be allowed to sell your books CD DVD, etc at the back of room. if you do have product always leave at least 2 copies with the program chairperson as a gift. he may keep one and pass one on creating another referral. cheers John E Regan
John,
You are a pro. You always get it. That explains why you are impacting lives out there. On the surface, it may appear that one is speaking for free. But that is not so.
I am always baffle when a company pays me $10,000 for a keynote so that I can market and promote myself in front all their employees. Of course, I don’t blatantly promote.
Having said that, when one is getting started, it’s a great advice to accept any speaking engagement anywhere for any fee or no fee. I don’t care if it’s 5 or 10 people. Take it. My first $1,500 check came as a result of me speaking in front of 5 people at an Optimist Club.
One lady was the office manager for a big medical facility. She booked me.