Testimonials are free endorsements
Having someone endorse your services is a great way to promote yourself especially if the people that testify are reputable or famous. It is rather easy to get testimonials from reliable and even popular individuals. You can easily squeeze a positive review from almost anybody especially if you have delivered a successful and brilliant speech.
All you have to do is have a way to collect audience feedback after every event. Use the power of suggestion. In a questionnaire, ask questions like, 'What do like about the speaker?' or 'What parts of the speech moved or inspired you?' This way, you will get mostly positive reviews that you can use in your marketing materials as testimonials.
Aim for known people in your niche. The ones that are considered authorities in your chosen market will have the biggest positive influence. It is sometimes better to get the testimonials yourself from these important people. Use a recorder and have a brief interview and use their positive words to promote your services and products.
Always be networking and looking to expand your database
Every situation is a marketing opportunity. Always try to expand your database of prospective buyers. At some point, you could exhaust all your regular clients and if you do not have a back-up list of some sort, you will fun out of clients to pitch to. Keep in mind that the best time to network is when you've just given a great speech.
After a smashing talk, make it a point to collect names of companies present and their contact details to add in your database. This will come handy when you want to venture to new markets or try some groups you have never considered before. If they have heard you talk and liked it, you will have a good chance of getting an event out of them.
When still new or in a rut, speak for free to get into the radar
Speaking for free will inform or remind the market how good you are and how the public will benefit from your expertise. For new speakers, this is almost necessary to get started because you won't be able to get booked unless you're well known as an informative speaker. It is called exposure and any beginning speaker should be trying to get as much of it as possible.
Sometimes speakers who are having slow months or who just came back from a hiatus may need to speak for free to get back into the game. Consider it a boost for your career.
Create products and have a website
Speaker products do not only provide another source of income, they can build and enhance a speaker's credibility as well. They should be considered a marketing tool because they get your name out there and lend to your credibility on that topic. There are many speakers (and non-speakers by trade) who are getting booked to speak because of their books and other writings.
The Internet is the new frontier in business and marketing. Speakers can sell their products online as well as advertise and promote their speaking services.
