If you’re a professional speaker, you’ve probably felt it: companies and associations are tightening belts. Whether it’s politics, inflation, or the economy (likely all three), uncertainty in the marketplace can show up as fewer bookings, slower decisions, or inaction.
But here’s the good news. Uncertainty doesn’t mean you have to feel powerless. You can take control, and even create momentum when the market feels shaky.
Here are five ways to do it:
1. Double down on relationships. Past clients, champions, fans, and referral partners are your warmest options. Stay in touch so you’re the first call when they’re ready. This is why I always say try to establish yourself as more than a speaker. Your strongest position is “resource”.
2. Position for relevance, not just expertise. Frame your message around the issues decision-makers are worried about right now, for example, resilience, performance, working through uncertainty, and results under pressure.
3. Diversify your revenue streams. Don’t rely only on speaking fees alone. It’s why I say, “monetize your message”. Leverage your intellectual property into workshops, consulting, courses, membership groups, and tools – for example, my new AI app for speakers.
4. Control what you can. Outreach, pricing, visibility, and your message are all within your power. Focus there, not on the headlines.
5. Stay future-focused. The cycle will turn. Those who keep building now will be ahead when it does.
The bottom line: Uncertainty is real, but so is opportunity. The speakers who adapt, diversify, and stay relevant won’t just survive. They’ll thrive.
Question for you: What’s one way you’ve adapted your speaking business during uncertain times? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear your strategies.Copyright 2025, Lois Creamer. Lois Creamer works with professional speakers who want to book more business, make more money, and monetize their message.
Check out the newest edition of her book, Book More Business: Make MORE Money Speaking available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/ci7yWxz
Reach her in the following ways: Lois@BookMoreBusiness.com
314-374-4007
For more information on Lois’s business, check out https://www.bookmorebusiness.com.
