Think about what target markets you want to reach with your public speaking and look for speaking engagements that will reach those audiences. Speaking to audiences outside your target market may be good experience, but may not grow your business unless people recommend your products and services.
The easiest way to find out what events your clients or customers attend is to ask them. They will often tell you about organisations that you didn’t even know existed. If your target market is business, you could contact your local chamber of commerce, SWAP group, or local associations of retired and semi-retired professionals and businesspeople such as Rotary, Lions or Probus clubs.
Once you’ve drawn up a list of potential speaking opportunities, contact the organisation and find out who’s responsible for arranging speakers. You need to develop an ongoing relationship with event organisers, so create a database and system for recording notes about your conversations with each person and organisation you contact.