Stop Waiting, Start Connecting: How to Supercharge the Speaker Selection Process Using LinkedIn
Feb 06, 2026
If you're a speaker, chances are you're regularly applying to "Call for Speaker" requests from conference organizers. As someone who is "Enthusiastically Self-Employed," the process of applying to speak reminds me of when I used to work in corporate and would be applying for jobs.
THE BLACK HOLE of Job Search can be similar to waiting to get booked and paid to speak.
Here is my follow-up process after I apply to speak at a conference. I shared this recently on a Speaker Friends Friday call hosted by the amazing Bobbie Carlton. And decided to copy it from the Zoom chat and share my process with you.
- Submit application for speaker.
- Follow their company page on LinkedIn (conference organizer or the conference itself).
- Add comment to their latest company page post. Do this weekly if they post regularly.
- Add a comment relevant to the post (do NOT pitch your speaking services).
- Connect with 2-3 employees. Do NOT mention you applied to speak. Do add a note and reference anything you have in common (industry, connections, etc.)
- Connect with anyone on the speaking planning team. They are often mentioned on the conference website (look for sponsorships, memberships, etc.).
- Send a monthly email to check in on the speaker process, and remind them of your topic.
- Connect with any names referenced in email responses. Do not mention the conference. But do include a personal note and reference what you have in common.
- Find past speakers; ask them how they were booked as a speaker.
- Search for hashtag & comment on it.
Note that I don't do this with every conference application where I apply to speak, but when I have the time, I find it helpful to increase your visibility and connections.
Questions about any of the above? Email me at [email protected] or book a Power Hour with me, and I'll guide you through this process. 🤩
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