How to Find and Secure Speaking Gigs: Expert Strategies from Dannella Burnett

Are you a coach, business owner, or expert looking to grow your audience, income, and impact through speaking? In a recent podcast episode, Josh Elledge sat down with Dannella Burnett, founder of Speakers Need to Speak and Encore Elite Events, to share actionable strategies for landing more speaking gigs, maximizing stage opportunities, and building a sustainable speaking career.

Unlocking More Speaking Opportunities

One of the biggest hurdles speakers face is access—finding the right events that align with their expertise and goals. Dannella explains that traditional methods often leave opportunities hidden, while newer platforms and curated approaches can help speakers navigate the landscape efficiently. By focusing on quality over quantity, speakers can save time and gain exposure to the most valuable engagements.

Dannella also emphasizes that the speaking landscape has evolved. Paid gigs are no longer the only path to success; free or “pay-to-play” opportunities can generate significant long-term ROI when leveraged strategically. The key is understanding how each opportunity contributes to audience growth, brand authority, and revenue generation.

To overcome these challenges, speakers need both tools and guidance. Dannella’s approach combines technology, curated lists, and hands-on support to ensure speakers find the right events, submit successful applications, and optimize every stage for maximum impact. By using this system, speakers can grow their reach, income, and influence more efficiently than going it alone.

About Dannella Burnett

Dannella Burnett is the founder of Speakers Need to Speak and Encore Elite Events. With a background in culinary arts, event planning, and nonprofit engagement, she has developed a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed in the speaking world. Her mission is to elevate experts, thought leaders, and problem-solvers by helping them secure speaking opportunities that grow both their influence and business.

About Speakers Need to Speak

Speakers Need to Speak provides curated access to thousands of speaking opportunities each month, combining AI-powered matching with personalized support. The company helps speakers identify the best-fit gigs, streamline applications, and maximize stage potential, all with a flat-fee model that prioritizes the speaker’s success rather than agency commissions.

Links Mentioned in this Episode

• Speakers Need to Speak

Key Episode Highlights

• How to find high-quality speaking opportunities without feeling overwhelmed
• Paid, free, and pay-to-play strategies for monetizing speaking gigs
• The importance of aligning gigs with personal and business goals
• Using technology and curated support to maximize stage impact
• Actionable tips for building speaker assets like one-sheets and demo videos

Conclusion

The speaking industry is more accessible than ever, but success requires strategy, tools, and guidance. By following Dannella Burnett’s advice, speakers can identify the right gigs, optimize their presence on stage, and turn every opportunity into a stepping stone for growth and influence.

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