Key team. members, and why you need them

Building Your Dream Team: How to Add Key Players to Your Speaking Career

Let’s face it—you can’t do it all. If you’re serious about growing your speaking career, you need the right people in your corner. Having a solid team helps you book more gigs, fine-tune your content, and free up your time so you can focus on what you do best—speaking. So, how do you build that dream team? Here’s a step-by-step guide.

1. Figure Out What You Need

Before you bring anyone on board, take a good hard look at your speaking business. What’s working, and what’s falling through the cracks? Do you need help with booking gigs? Maybe marketing isn’t your strong suit, or you’re drowning in emails and logistics. Get clear on what you need help with first—because if you don’t know what gaps to fill, you’ll just be adding people for the sake of it.

2. Build Relationships, Don’t Just Network

Networking’s nice, but relationships are where the magic happens. Instead of spraying your business card at every event, focus on building real connections. Reach out to people who can help you long-term, not just for a one-off gig. And don’t forget—it’s a two-way street. Offer value, ask how you can help them, and watch those relationships grow into opportunities.

3. Find a Good Agent or Manager

Let’s be honest—you’re not going to get into the big leagues booking all your own gigs forever. A good agent or manager is key to leveling up. They’ll help you find, negotiate, and land high-paying speaking engagements. But don’t settle for just anyone—find someone who believes in your message and has a track record of getting results.

4. Hire a Coach or Mentor

Even the best speakers need someone in their corner helping them grow. Whether it’s a coach who can fine-tune your delivery or a mentor who’s been where you want to go, get someone who can push you to the next level. They’ll give you the feedback you didn’t know you needed and keep you from getting too comfortable.

5. Get a Virtual Assistant (VA)

You should be focused on speaking, not on endless admin tasks. A virtual assistant can handle everything from managing your email to scheduling gigs and handling travel. Think of it as freeing up your brain space so you can focus on being creative and crushing it on stage.

6. Work with a Content Creator

If you want to be a full-time speaker, you need to be visible—everywhere. Consistent content is key. Whether it’s social media posts, blogs, or videos, you need someone who knows how to craft your message in a way that speaks to your audience. A good content creator will help you stay relevant and keep your message front and center.

7. Partner with Event Planners

Event planners are the gatekeepers to speaking gigs—build solid relationships with them. Don’t just show up for the event and leave; follow up, send a thank-you, and stay in touch. A lot of future gigs come from relationships built with planners—they’re the ones who’ll recommend you for the next big thing.

8. Connect with PR Experts

A solid PR expert can get you in front of audiences you never dreamed of. Whether it’s through podcasts, blogs, or media outlets, PR helps you build your credibility and keeps your name out there. They’ll know how to position your message in ways that resonate with journalists, event organizers, and the public.

9. Find a Speaking Community

Join groups like the National Speakers Association, Toastmasters, or other speaker communities. Surrounding yourself with people who get the business can offer you support, advice, and valuable connections. Plus, these communities keep you in the loop with trends, opportunities, and helpful resources.

10. Constantly Evaluate Your Team

Bringing people into your speaking career isn’t a “set it and forget it” process. You need to consistently evaluate who’s working, who’s delivering results, and who might be holding you back. Don’t be afraid to make changes when necessary. A good team evolves as your career grows.

Look, building a successful speaking career is a team sport. You can’t go it alone if you want to reach the top. By surrounding yourself with the right people—an agent, a coach, a content creator, and more—you’ll not only free up your time but also level up your game. Start by identifying where you need help, and be strategic in adding key players who can push your career forward.

Ready to build your team? Let’s make it happen.