While many people believe that public speaking is a lucrative industry, having a career in speaking is only possible if you’re leading (keynoting) large events or doing custom speaking or training for corporations. Folks don’t realize that many conference speakers they watch at an event aren’t getting paid at all. It’s likely that they even paid thier own transportation and hotel costs.

The opportunity comes from the audience. Conferences are ideal opportunities to solicit work because those attendees sought it out. If they attend in person, their companies may have spent thousands or more to send them to the event. That means there’s both budget and a sense that they will come back with some answers… or opportunities… that can drive value. Speakers are often that opportunity.

I’ve had the pleasure of doing all of the above. While keynoting was an absolute adrenaline rush, I didn’t want to be on the road year-round. So, I chose my speaking opportunities carefully to identify companies that would be in attendance at the event that I thought could benefit from my talent.

There’s another challenge: conferences don’t often distribute the attendee lists to the speakers. That means you must do some self-promotion and leave a few questions on the table to draw prospects to the podium, after which you can trade business cards. There is a leadgen alternative that’s growing in popularity, though.

Now that everyone in attendence has their phone along with them, you can offer the opportunity to connect through your mobile device. Here are steps you can take to collect leads as a public speaker:

1. QR Codes: Display a unique QR code on the screen during the presentation. Attendees can scan the QR code with their smartphone cameras, which directs them to a mobile-optimized landing page or form.
2. Text Messaging: Provide a short SMS code that attendees can text to a designated number. Texting the code triggers an automated response, guiding the attendee to provide their information. Prompt the attendee to enter their details, such as name, email address, and any additional qualifying questions relevant to the speaker’s campaign, once they scan the QR code or text the SMS code. This information is automatically captured and stored in a centralized database or CRM system.
3. Email Responder: Set up the system to send an automated email response after the attendee submits their information, thanking them for their interest and providing additional resources or follow-up information. Mailchimp, for example, has a great email welcome automation for adding subscribers to a list.
4. Text Responder: Utilize multimedia messaging services (MMS) to send a personalized voicemail or video message to the attendee’s mobile device, enhancing engagement and creating a memorable experience. You can also send back your vCard so the attendee can immediately import your contact details.
5. Landing Pages: Develop mobile-optimized landing pages designed for lead capture using landing page builders. I’d highly recommend this with some leave-behind, like a PDF version of your presentation with an additional slide with your offerings.

Combine QR codes, SMS codes, and mobile-friendly lead capture forms to streamline the lead collection process, provide a convenient and engaging experience for the audience, and maximize lead generation efforts. By following these steps and integrating mobile technology with marketing automation tools and platforms, public speakers can effectively collect leads from their session attendees and build a strong foundation for future interactions with their audience.

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Originally Published on Martech Zone: 5 Steps To Capture Every Lead At Your Next Public Speaking Event or Conference