Strategies for Speaking Engagements, Book Launches, and Brand Deals with Lauren Cobelo (Part 4)
Welcome to the final episode of our four-part series with Lauren Cobello, the founder and CEO of Leverage with Media PR, and a renowned national TV personality, three-time bestselling author, and a prominent figure in the world of entrepreneurship and public relations. In today's episode, we dive into the key elements of creating a PR strategy and leveraging it for speaking engagements and book launches to make more money within your business and creator lifestyle.
To start, it's essential to have a clear understanding of your message and the transformation you offer. Lauren recommends focusing on your story and why you wrote your book or started your podcast. People resonate with stories, and it helps them connect with you on a deeper level. By being authentic and sharing your journey, you can build credibility and attract brands and speaking engagements that align with your message.
If you want to book speaking engagements, it's crucial to create a speaker reel that showcases your speaking skills and TV appearances. Include clips from your podcast or interviews, along with any local or national TV coverage you've had. For local speaking gigs, consider writing articles in local newspapers or online publications to establish yourself as an expert in your community. Platforms like East Speakers can help you connect with event organizers and showcase your expertise.
When it comes to pricing for speaking engagements, Lauren advises having different price options, including a flat fee or a flat fee with book sales. Negotiating with event organizers to sell your books during the event can also be a great way to generate additional revenue. Research local chambers of commerce and industry-specific conferences to find speaking opportunities that align with your audience.
Brand deals can provide additional income streams and opportunities for collaboration. Lauren suggests identifying brands that align with your message and reaching out to their influencer relations team. Showcase your TV appearances and books to highlight your expertise and value. However, it's important to note that on national television, you cannot mention a brand or get paid by a brand without proper disclosure and contracts in place.
When pitching yourself or your book to media outlets or podcasts, avoid focusing solely on your book. Instead, share the story behind your book and the transformation it offers. Think about how you can tie your message to current trends or news topics to make your pitch more relevant. Personalize your pitches by researching the podcast or outlet you're reaching out to and consider how you can provide unique value to their audience.
Throughout the conversation, Lauren emphasizes the importance of strategy. Writing a book or launching a podcast without a clear plan can result in missed opportunities and lackluster results. Take the time to strategize how your book or podcast fits into your overall business goals and how you can leverage PR to maximize its impact. If you need assistance, consider working with professionals who can guide you through the process.
As a creator, monetizing your content is a common goal. By leveraging PR strategies, booking speaking engagements, and securing brand deals, you can generate additional income streams and expand your reach. Remember to focus on your story, provide unique value, and be strategic in your approach. By doing so, you can elevate your business, increase your visibility, and make more money in your creator lifestyle.
In the episode, we get into:
[5:31] How to use PR for speaking engagements
[8:14] Booking and leveraging brand deals
[11:35] How Lauren is using PR to book these engagements
[14:25] The similarities between getting your podcast visibility and getting your book out there
[16:15] What makes a writer a good podcast guest
[18:45] Newsjacking
[20:10] The responsibility of the author and interviewer
[23:25]The role AI can assist in getting your story out
About Lauren Cobello
Connect with Lauren
Lauren Cobello is the Founder and CEO of Leverage with Media PR. As a renowned national TV personality, 3x author, and a prominent figure in the world of entrepreneurship and public relations. She has an impressive track record of success and a charismatic on-screen presence and has captivated audiences on national TV on shows like the TODAY show, GMA, Dr. Oz, Rachael Ray, and hundreds of others for over a decade.
Lauren has solidified her position as the leading expert for coaching entrepreneurs on how to leverage books and media attention to bring their businesses to the next level. Entrepreneurs who are non-fiction authors have found her agency to be a go-to destination for help with their PR needs. Under Lauren’s visionary leadership, the agency has achieved remarkable growth and garnered recognition for its innovative campaigns that have transformed numerous entrepreneurs into household names.
Lauren Cobello’s exceptional journey, from a TV personality to a successful author and the founder and CEO of a thriving PR agency, showcases her unwavering passion, unwavering dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence. With each endeavor she undertakes, she continues to inspire and empower others to reach their full potential, leaving an indelible mark on the worlds of media, entrepreneurship, and public relations.
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