All right, o wise readers of mine, I’ve got a question for you. How do you get invited to speak at lectureships, workshops, etc.? For obvious reasons, it’s a plus for our ministry for our people to be visible and one of the best ways to be visible is to speak at public gatherings. For that reason, our ministry team is being asked to get more invitations to speak. But just how do you go about that?
To me, calling somewhere and asking to speak is really poor taste. It reminds me of what I used to do in first grade, when I would invite myself over to Stephen Templeton’s house every afternoon. I would ask Stephen: “Is it OK if I go to your house today?” and he was too nice to say no. Then my dad overheard me one day and told me not to do that anymore. Guess what. Stephen never invited me to his house again.
When I was in college, there were guys who practically lived outside the chapel office, begging for their chance to speak. I felt that I should wait for an invitation. It’s been over 25 years. I’m still waiting.
While living in Argentina, we worked with Amway for a while. One basic principle we learned was that you can’t promote yourself. Their teaching was that you build up your sponsor in people’s eyes, then they stand up and build you up. You talk about how great they are, they talk about how great you are, and everybody’s credibility increases. They taught that if you tried to promote yourself, you’d end up losing.
So do you have any suggestions for us? Should we swallow our pride and make the call, asking to be invited to speak? Should we call people we know and ask them to call these places? Or do we keep doing what we’re doing now, trying to make the most of the opportunities we get?
I guess churches have to start hiring agents. :)
An agent is someone you hire to get out and beg for you. and maybe lie a little. How much does the job pay? this economy is getting tough.
I thought you’d enjoy this post. :-)
Since I know you have been invited to at least one lectureship, surely after hearing you, others will invite you, too. I thought you had good messages and a good team effort.
Maybe I could be your agent? ;-)
Sure Jeanne. I’ll get Laymond to pay you. :-)
I have no idea — but your Amway description is strikingly similar to the ancient Patron-Client system.
In my case, it would help if I had something influential to say :) Your missions experience and your proximity to Abilene should make things easier for you, but I have absolutely no concept of the political workings at that level. All I have experience with is trying to get opportunities to speak more than the Wed PM invitation at the congregational level.
You just have to run with the RIGHT crowd…sometimes begging helps!
I’m in trouble then. Everyone I know is the wrong crowd.
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