Starting and growing a business was the furthest thing from my mind after graduate school. Not to mention, transitioning from chemistry to professional speaking and consulting was absolutely inconceivable. While working in a traditional scientist role in industry, however, I found that I had a knack for communicating complex ideas and data to civilians. I also noticed the need for all scientists to be able to get their messages across effectively to diverse audiences: colleagues, management, customers, the media, and investors. In every instance, reputations and money were always on the line. A well delivered message means that good science is supported and business gets done. But can helping scientists speak clearly and be understood when the stakes are high be turned into a business? Absolutely! As it turns out, running a speaking business has many similarities to other consulting businesses, but there are unique differences as well. Positioning and branding, having multiple product and service offerings and, in turn, multiple review streams, as well as ways to promote your business through writing might be more commonplace for a speaking business, but these business strategies are universally applicable to any small business. In this presentation, I will share with you lessons learned from starting a speaking business that might help you grow your bottom line.

Confessions of The Speaking Scientist®: Growing a business that helps scientists communicate when the stakes are high

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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