113: Networking Over Followers: My Strategy for Landing Speaking Gigs and Clients

I always get asked, ““Elaine, how are you even getting all these speaking gigs and clients when you don’t even have 5,000 followers on IG or LinkedIn!?”

Great question. And the truth is... I don’t. 😅

But what I do have are real relationships and a strategy that works offline.

I’m headed to the B3 Conference for Minority Business Owners next week in LA—where I’ll be speaking, pitching (as a finalist!), and meeting with procurement officers from companies that are actually hiring. There’ll also be corporate matchmaking tables to help you land real contracts, not just another stack of business cards.

And before you ask I know you're nosy, but I can’t name-drop because, you know... NDAs.

Let’s just say... you definitely know this company 😜

Want to join me IRL in Los Angeles on Thursday, May 8?

Click here to register and use the code B350 for $50 off and use that on gas cause you kno… LA 

I’ve also secured 2 more speaking gigs for July and August.

And no, I didn’t get them from a viral reel or perfect pitch deck.

In this episode, I’m sharing:

• How I really book speaking gigs and high-paying clients and I don’t have 5k followers
• 3 real-life stories of how I landed gigs and actual strategies and how you can too
• Tangible, non-sleazy networking tips you can use today without being a sleazy car sales-person

Resources Mentioned:

• Episode 61: How I Became #1 on Google, and how you can too with Andres Aguero, 30 mins | Listen on Apple or Spotify
• My 300+ client reviews: elainelou.com/reviews
• Want to network with companies like Disney, Bank of America, or Chase? Get certified via nmsdc.org
• Center for Executive Coaching (for you coaches who want that legit certification)

Where We Can Connect:
Schedule a Business & Career Review call with me to see if it’s a good fit to work together: elainelou.com/call
Check out our 314 client reviews
Follow the Podcast on Apple
Follow the Podcast on Spotify
Follow Elaine on Instagram: @elainelou_
Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn: Elaine Lou Cartas
Check out our other podcasts for Women of Color