The Secret to Building Your Platform: Create a Speakers Group in Your Community

How to Start a Local Speakers Group

Public speaking is one of the most powerful marketing tools you can use to grow your business and expand your personal platform. Whether you speak for free or for pay, every time you get in front of an audience, you gain visibility, build credibility, and create new opportunities. One of the best ways to leverage this potential consistently is to start a local speakers group, and here’s why doing so can transform your business and influence.

Building Your Platform Through Speaking

Speaking is not just about sharing information; it’s about positioning yourself as an authority in your field. Regular speaking attracts the attention of your peers, potential clients, and even media outlets. This increased visibility naturally leads to more business, partnerships, and opportunities you wouldn’t have encountered otherwise.

By forming a speakers group, you create a consistent platform where you can practice your skills, share your message, and be considered a leader in the local business community.

Attracting Experts and Building a Community

One of the most potent benefits of starting a speakers group is the type of people it attracts. The group will likely draw two main types of attendees:

• Subject Matter Experts: Professionals who want to add speaking to their marketing toolkit and gain confidence in presenting their ideas.

• Seasoned Speakers: Experienced presenters who are looking for ways to sharpen their marketing skills and mentor new speakers.

This creates a unique environment where everyone benefits: experts gain exposure, beginners gain guidance, and you gain notoriety as the organizer and facilitator of this valuable community.

Creating a Successful Meeting Format

Consistency is key. A monthly meeting held on a set day and time on Saturday mornings tends to work well, build trust, and make attendance easier. A simple, proven agenda might look like this:

• 30 minutes – Networking and introductions

• 30 minutes—one-minute elevator pitches from each attendee.

• 15 minutes – Break for refreshments, restrooms, and more networking

• 45 minutes – Marketing-focused presentation by a guest speaker

• 30 minutes – Mastermind session where attendees share business or marketing challenges and receive group feedback

This structure balances learning, interaction, and practical problem-solving, ensuring that every attendee leaves with value.

Managing Costs and Adding Value

While you can run meetings at low or no cost, consider charging a nominal fee to offset room rentals,
refreshments, and supplies. Libraries, churches, or hotel conference rooms are great low-cost venues.

You can also allow speakers, authors, and marketers to rent a small table at the back of the room to display their brochures, books, and materials for a small additional fee. This not only helps cover expenses but also gives attendees extra opportunities to connect with valuable resources.

Marketing Your Group for Growth

Attracting attendees requires a bit of promotion, but it doesn’t need to be complicated. Here are some easy ways to spread the word:

• Post flyers in community centers, coffee shops, and libraries

• Promote events on social media, Facebook, LinkedIn, and local business groups work well

• List your meetings on event platforms like Eventbrite, Events.com, or Nextdoor

Over time, word of mouth will become one of your strongest marketing tools as attendees share their positive experiences.

Creating the Right Environment

Finally, make sure the logistics are taken care of. A good meeting space should have adequate lighting, comfortable seating, and enough space for networking and breakout sessions. These small details go a long way toward making attendees feel welcome and engaged.

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Final Thoughts

Starting a local speakers group is more than just organizing an event, it’s about creating a thriving community where ideas, connections, and opportunities can flourish. When you consistently provide value through education, networking, and collaboration, you elevate your own platform while helping others do the same.

I started the Hartford/Springfield Speakers Network in the Hartford, CT area many years ago. I picked a
hotel that was located between the two largest area cities. The first meeting attracted about a dozen people and within a few months, meetings were 50+ strong. I charged a fee of $45 per person and waived the fee for the speaker of the meeting. To find featured speakers in the beginning, I would do searches on Linkedin and send them invitations to present, especially if they offered a service to other business people, such as coaching. Then, after a while, I opened up the opportunity to anyone who was a regular attendee.

If you’re ready to grow your influence, expand your network, and sharpen your speaking skills, consider launching a group in your area. The benefits will ripple far beyond the monthly meetings, and you’ll become known as the person who brought it all together.

Why Every Speaker (or SME) Needs a Podcast

Speakers are subject matter experts, and in today's crowded digital landscape, simply being a speaker or a subject expert isn't enough. You need to be seen, heard, and understood. While articles, webinars, and social media all play a role, there's one medium that stands out for its intimacy, reach, and ability to build genuine connection: the podcast.

If you're a subject matter expert (SME), a podcast isn't just a trend; it's a strategic imperative. Here’s why stepping up to the microphone can transform your influence and impact.

1. Establish Unmatched Authority and Credibility

Think of your podcast as an ongoing, in-depth conversation where you get to shine. Unlike a quick social media post or a brief interview, a podcast allows you to explore complex topics, share nuanced insights, and demonstrate your expertise over time. Listeners get to hear your thought process, your unique perspective, and your command of the subject. This consistent delivery of valuable content naturally positions you as a leading voice in your field.

2. Build Deep Connections and Trust

There’s something uniquely personal about audio. When someone listens to your voice directly in their

ears, whether they're commuting, working out, or doing chores, it creates a bond that visual content often can't replicate. They hear your passion, your enthusiasm, and your personality. This consistent, intimate interaction fosters trust and loyalty, turning casual listeners into dedicated followers and potential clients or collaborators.

3. Expand Your Reach Beyond Traditional Channels

Podcasting offers a new avenue to reach audiences who might not engage with your other content.
Many people prefer audio for learning and entertainment because it fits seamlessly into their busy lives. By having a podcast, you tap into a global audience of active listeners specifically seeking out information and insights in your niche. You become discoverable on platforms where your ideal audience is already spending their time.

4. Create a Hub for Evergreen Content

Unlike fleeting social media posts, podcast episodes have a long shelf life. A well-produced episode on a foundational topic in your field can continue to attract new listeners for years. Each episode becomes an evergreen asset that can be repurposed into blog posts, social media snippets, email newsletter content, and even form the basis for future courses or books. It's a highly efficient way to maximize your content creation efforts.

5. Open Doors to Networking and Collaboration

A podcast is a powerful networking tool. Inviting other experts, thought leaders, or industry influencers as guests on your show can lead to invaluable connections. It's a mutually beneficial exchange: they get exposure to your audience, and you gain access to theirs, while also deepening your professional relationships. These collaborations can lead to new opportunities, joint ventures, and a broadened professional circle.

6. Monetization Opportunities

Beyond direct influence, a podcast can open up various monetization avenues. This could include sponsorships and advertising, selling your own products or services, offering premium content through subscriptions, or even using the podcast to drive traffic to your consulting, coaching, or speaking engagements. Your podcast becomes a direct channel for converting listeners into clients or customers.

The Bottom Line

For subject matter experts, a podcast isn't just about sharing information; it's about shaping narratives, building communities, and cementing your legacy. It’s an investment in your personal brand, your professional growth, and your ability to make a meaningful impact.

Suppose you're a rising professional speaker or SME looking to elevate your presence, deepen your connections, and truly own your space. In that case, it's time to stop thinking about starting a podcast and actually start one. Your audience is waiting to hear from you.