There are lots of great things about LinkedIn beyond professional networking. One of them is keeping up-to-date with professional reading. Last week, I discovered Jennifer Ellis, owner and founder of Life Enlightenment, a “management and consulting firm for celebrities, best-selling authors, and professional athletes.

Jennifer has a number of posts with marketing tips for authors. The good news –  no the GREAT NEWS – is that her ideas will help anyone trying to get more from their marketing and networking efforts.  We hope you enjoy her August 9, 2014 post about where to get started with speaking engagements.

August 9, 2014 blog post, reprinted here with permission. Images have been added and the article has been reformatted for the Mom’s Choice Awards audience.

Find More Speaking Leads

I often receive the same question as a manager of speakers. Consistently, people want to know where I find speaking leads. The truth is there is no lack of leads out there.

I have written an entire special report on the subject, but these are my Top 3 Tips:

1. Google it – http://www.google.com
I always find a plethora of leads using simple Google searches.

I also suggest setting up Google alerts (http://www.google.com/alerts) so that you are notified immediately via e-mail of the latest conferences in your genre.

2.Use Social Media
Are you using your social media strategically? Here on LinkedIn, I have one client in particular who receives at least three inquiries a week asking about booking her. Start joining groups, connecting with people, commenting, sharing, and getting your presence out there.

3. Look for Special Events
Many Convention and Visitor Bureaus across the country share information about what conferences are coming to town. Check them out. Do some research.

You can find a list of Convention and Visitor Bureaus at: http://www.cvent.com/rfp/convention-visitors-bureau-directory-ee12b9994b424e4f91f7d48ae60d170c.aspx

Want more tips like this? How about a list of websites you probably didn’t even know existed that will assist you in finding free leads? I have a special report called “Find All The Leads You Need” available for $15. If you are interested in purchasing it, connect with me through LinkedIn or through my website: www.Life-Enlightenment.com

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Readers may also want to read some of Jennifer’s other blog posts:

* The Top 6 Actions Authors Can Take to Create More Visibility (AND SALES) for Their Books (July 2014)

* The Touchy Topic of Sales (June 2014)