Speaking Internationally
For finding international speaking gigs, I have tapped into
the international trade part of my brain and I've come up
with these tips:
1. Consulates and Embassies
If you are American, then the best thing to do is
contact the American embassy or consulate in the market you
want to break into. Almost all countries have these
types of commercial services. Some provide more
opportunities and funding than others. It also depends on
the market you want to get into, and if speaking is a
business sector that's in demand at the time.
The embassies are in the capital of a country, providing
primarily diplomatic services. The consulates are place in
strategic commercial areas of that country, providing
detailed market entry strategies and access to potential
buyers. They are paid specifically to help YOU get into that
market—to export your services as an American. There may
even be a subsidized trade show, conference or event that
the government will help you get into that focuses on your
topic or the speaking/training/education market.
2. Communicate with the Right People
You need to speak with the commercial trade officer who
deals specifically with the business sector of professional
training/speaking services. Depending on the size of the
country, or consulate itself, there may just be a person
responsible for business or education services in general.
Be friendly, be yourself, and get to know this person! If a
lead lands on the trade officer's desk from a big company
looking for a US speaker, you want them to think of you
before your competition.
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Click here for
a list of US Consulates and Embassies around the world
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Click here for a list of Canadian Consulates and
Embassies around the world
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Click here for examples of other consulates and
embassies
3. Local Allies
Talk to other, non competing companies in your area that
have gone to the market your interested in, and ask them
what their experience was there. They may have tips on how
your speaking services or topics would be received. In the
least, they can give you tips on visas, and other travel
recommendations. You may also find that you're not limited
to just the other English speaking countries around the
world. There are many English speaking corporations in
foreign countries, and others, who want US speakers for
variety and industry insight, depending on your business
sector and topic.
4. Visas: Get your Documentation in Order
Finding the leads is one thing, before signing a
contract, check out the visa situation. You need the proper
documentation in place before attempting to speak at an
event in a foreign country and being turned back at customs.
This should be done far in advance. It may just be a matter
of minor paper work, so don't let this stop you from looking
at foreign markets for your speaking business. For US
citizens, you can find information about visas on this page:
http://www.state.gov/travelandbusiness. For non-US
citizens, check with your own government for similar
resources.
Think of me the next time you need a speaker, trainer,
instructor or group facilitator!
Jennifer Henczel
The Communication Coach
www.TheCommunicationCoach.com
jh@TheCommunicationCoach.com
604-615-9622
