The Overlooked Strategy That Can Win You More Gigs

Let’s talk about something most speakers completely overlook…

Continuing. Education. Credits.

I know, I know.  It doesn’t sound exciting.  

But the truth is, this little-known business strategy could become one of the best business decisions you’ll make this year.

This topic came up thanks to a note from premium subscriber Nancy Burger who asked whether it was worthwhile to invest the time and energy to get her speech accredited.

(Thanks Nancy!)

Really, any little bit of differentiation you can create for your speech is helpful… and continuing education is no different.

So, let’s look at the specifics of how this works, and you can make the decision whether or not it’s right for YOUR business.

CE Credits? Here’s What They Are—and Why They Matter More Than You Think

Many licensed professionals have to earn a specific number of CE credits annually in order to maintain their licenses.  Often, companies and associations will provide opportunities for their employees to earn credits by hiring speakers, hosting workshops, or providing access to other educational content.

For instance, Rachael told me that back in her teaching days, she had to complete a number of CE credits each year.  Thankfully, the school district often used teacher in-service days to host speakers who would come in and provide those sessions.

This isn’t just for teachers, it’s for a wide group of professionals ranging from legal, to accounting, to medical… contractors, real estate, financial services… and regulated industries like banking, insurance, and healthcare. Many professional associations and membership organizations will offer continuing education to their members.

My Loyalty Loop speech has been accredited in a bunch of different industries – HVAC, banking, association management, tourism, manufacturing, and even project management. 

It can be a really powerful differentiator and adds value to the event organizers.

4 Reasons CE Credits Are Smart for Business

One: High Perceived Value

To see the advantage of getting your own speech recognized as continuing education, think of it from an event organizer’s point of view…

There’s a high perceived value to attendees if they can offer a speech that is accredited by the organization to count towards a CE goal.  Perhaps they need to earn 15 credits in a year.  If your speech is worth 1 credit, then the audience gets great content and knocks out one of those credits that they won’t have to earn another way.

Start looking for this on agendas that you find for potential gigs.  Oftentimes, the organizers will even list that a session is worth X number of CE credits.

Two: Competitive Advantage

Next, getting your own speech recognized for CE credits gives you a competitive advantage when you’re trying to win a gig.

If two similar speakers are being considered for a speaking slot – but one counts towards CE and the other doesn’t – well… suddenly the decision is a lot easier to make! 

Then, there are some RFPs that specifically require your speech to count towards CE credits.  Your submission will go to the top of the pile while others are thrown in the trash.

Three: Market Access

Then, a speaker whose speech counts for CE Credits will have expanded market access.  Any speaker who can list CE Credits for their speech (or a willingness to apply for CE accreditation) will be prioritized by certain types of clients.

For instance, I’ve personally seen this with financial services events.  They only look at my speech because it counts for CE Credits.

Four: Fees

Finally, let’s mention fee justification. 

These CE Credits represent a quantifiable value beyond just the content you’re providing.  Organizations can actually save money by booking a speaker who delivers both content and credits in one single blow.

Think Bigger: The Long-Term Business Strategy Behind CE Credits

Now, let’s think more long term and look at how CEs can help your business on the strategy side.