It sounds like you have some great ideas for expanding your business. I would agree that for larger corporations, approaching the Human Resources manager would definitely be a place to start. If you happen to have any contacts who are in HR departments, now would be a good time to take them to lunch and find out what it would take to get past the gatekeepers and have your information seen and heard by the decision-makers. You first have to market yourself and your talents to those who make the decisions as well as market yourself to your audience. Brochures, business cards and then something "unexpected" should do the trick. I do not know you or your business, so cannot give you an idea of what your "unexpected" could be, but, I once received a book to review about projects that you can do with your kids and the author included a paper had with a sticker that had her name, book and contact info on it. That was definitely unexpected and a perfect marketing tool to get my attention!

There are also many businesses whose sole job is to find speaking engagements for those that they represent. I do not know if they are considered agents or public relations people, but one that I have conversed with is Joyce Scott of Superbspeakers.com. If this type of firm takes you as a client, they schedule your engagements for a percentage of your fee.

Another thought that ran through my mind, while reading your letter, was that you could start small through your local community. Rotary clubs, Lions - anyone who has meetings that have guest speakers. These places generally do not pay a fee, but it is great (and inexpensive) marketing for you - and word of mouth is always a great way to sell yourself.

I used to work in a large hotel and we had salespeople who sold the rooms to conferences, meetings, etc. That could be a source for you as well, find out if they help with scheduling local speakers for the conferences that they schedule. Associations (such as bankers, insurance agents, etc.) are a good place to look for work. They schedule their meetings well in advance, so you would need to act now to get a spot next year.

There are so many facets of marketing that you could pursue. Narrow your focus down a bit and become an expert in that field...when you do that, you will be able to create a target audience list and sell yourself directly to them - and I am sure, if you are good at what you do, that people will start calling! 

Best,

About the PowerHomebiz.com Guide: