When does a gig become a GiG?
A gig becomes a potential lead only when it meets two essential criteria.
The objective of this document is to define the criteria that must be met for an opportunity (a "gig") to be considered a potential lead worthy of inclusion in a professional speaker's pipeline. This guidance aims to help speakers efficiently manage their time and focus on genuine opportunities.
Criteria for a Viable Gig Lead
A gig becomes a potential lead only when it meets two essential criteria:
1️⃣
Date of the Event
A specific date or range of dates must be associated with the event. This allows the speaker to assess availability and plan accordingly.
A specific date or range of dates must be associated with the event. This allows the speaker to assess availability and plan accordingly.
2️⃣
Contact Information
The speaker must have a way to communicate with the event organizers, typically through an email address. This ensures there's a path forward for discussions regarding the event.
The speaker must have a way to communicate with the event organizers, typically through an email address. This ensures there's a path forward for discussions regarding the event.
Rational
- Your most valuable asset is time. With a finite number of days available for speaking engagements, focusing on real opportunities maximizes the use of your time.
- Including only genuine leads in your pipeline prevents an overly optimistic view of potential work, allowing for better planning and resource allocation.
How to Identify and Process Potential Leads
Scenario 1: Cold Outreach
- When encountering a list of potential speaking opportunities (e.g., from an association's website or a publisher), verify each opportunity has both a date and contact information before adding it to your pipeline.
- Once an opportunity meets these criteria, initiate contact with the organizer to move the lead forward.
Scenario 2: Inquiries and Indirect Leads
- In cases where you are introduced to or contacted by someone expressing interest in having you speak, insist on obtaining specific event dates before considering it a genuine lead.
- If dates are not immediately available, propose potential dates based on your availability and the organizer's general timeframe (e.g., "spring of 2025") and mark these as tentative in your tracking system.
Managing and Advancing Leads
- After establishing initial contact and confirming event details, categorize the lead accordingly (e.g., "date on hold" if the event date is tentatively agreed upon).
- Use discussions about event timing to navigate fee negotiations, especially when aiming to fill slots during less busy times.
Key Takeaway
🔑
Do not clutter your pipeline with potential gigs that lack essential details. Focusing on opportunities that meet both criteria will streamline your planning process and enhance your professional efficiency.