Do you want to grow your business beyond the traditional method of seeing clients? Becoming a media therapist can help you diversify your income and use your talents as a therapist in new and exciting ways.
Your expertise as a clinician is valuable not only within your sessions but to audiences consuming TV, radio, newspaper and podcast content. As a clinical entrepreneur, you can use your expertise to inform the public by appearing on TV talk shows, radio, podcasts and newscasts. Many of these speaking engagements are paid and may bring you more clientele and a wider audience. Following are some tips to help you promote your skills as a public speaker and start booking paid speaking engagements. Build your brand Creating a personal brand will help you find an audience that aligns with your entrepreneurial values and goals. You have to ask yourself what you can offer to clientele. Do you have a book you want to sell? Do you consider yourself an expert in a specific field? Promoting your work is an excellent opportunity to network and find opportunities. To be successful, you will need to market yourself enthusiastically. Build a social media following by being active and engaging. A social media presence makes for an easy way for people to connect with you and request your services. You can also market yourself by offering services on a website, creating and distributing a press kit and having high-quality videos of your speaking engagements. Find your niche Play to your strengths and passions. Ask yourself what subject(s) you are well versed in, what type of client you look forward to working with, and what skills you look forward to teaching. Form a network A network of other professionals can help you quickly find paid speaking opportunities. You can build relationships with reporters, potential clients and other industry professionals on social media, at conferences and within professional organizations. Practice your craft Don’t be afraid to practice by initially doing free speaking engagements. You don’t have to accept every opportunity, but the feedback and confidence you will gain speaking in front of an audience or on camera will help you grow as a public speaker. You can practice at annual conferences, college graduations, and as a guest speaker at organizations that align with your expertise and mission. You can also join organizations that can nurture your public speaking skills, such as Toastmasters International. Find opportunities to speak Some conferences may provide a speaker’s fee. Professional organizations like the Black Mental Health Alliance or The National Association of Black Counselors may have speaking opportunities. You can also leverage your network and connections with reporters and other professionals on social media to find paid speaking engagements. Be mindful of your value and what you’re worth. Consider how long it takes to prepare for and travel to and from engagements, and any other accommodations you may need when deciding on your speaker’s fee. Becoming a clinical entrepreneur is a rewarding journey for clinicians seeking new clients or who want to reach a wider audience and provide the public with critical information. Building a network, promoting yourself as an expert in your field and perfecting your public speaking will no doubt land you deals at conferences or on TV, radio and podcasts.
First published in Black Mental Health Today, Summer 2023 (Vol. 8).
