What Happens After TEDx?
You've dreamt about it.
You've visualized and manifested it.
Maybe you've even mentally prepared yourself for the increase in exposure and business that will come as a result.
Delivering a TED talk is a big deal! When you do the math, it works out that barely 0.02% of the global population has ever given one. Joining such an elite, exclusive group will certainly make a positive impact on you personally and on your business or legacy.
Or so you think/hope.
The truth? The answer to the question, "What happens after you deliver a TED or TEDx talk?"
Nothing.
And this isn't just my opinion or experience.
A very successful speaker who currently gets paid multiple 5 figures to speak for some of the largest companies said, "it took me about 8 months from the time I gave my TEDx talk to my first paid speech. It was not fast. I probably gave 10 paid speeches that year...it was a slow process."
To add insult to injury, this particular speaker had also gone SUPER-viral before giving their talk!
And this -- NOTHING happening -- isn't reserved only for TED and TEDx talks.
A recent Wall Street Journal Best-Selling Author told me, "Nothing happened after I went #1. Nothing! No calls, no bookings, no new clients. The phone didn't ring."
And yet, so many people go after these coveted opportunities and titles.
For me, having worked with a number of speakers (and even one speaker who's talk I designed that got picked up by Goalcast and received over 1 million views in the first week alone) I was prepared and I coach and mentor other people to prepare. Though, nothing can really prepare you for the nothingness that takes place after you've poured your heart and soul into a project.
So, the question is, how can you maximize your TED talk, your best-seller, or other achievements?
Perspective: the fact of the matter is that delivering a TED talk does put you in an exclusive group of people who have achieved this accomplishment. No matter what does or does not happen as a direct result of the talk, you have achieved something that can be leveraged as social proof of you, your ideas, and your work. So, instead of saying, "the phone didn't ring", you can say, "I will use this talk as a way to open the door, the conversation, the opportunity that will ultimately create what I want." Social proof is a big deal if you know how to leverage it.
Plan: when I designed my TED talk, I was very specific with every detail. I designed the talk to be evergreen and to stand as a piece that would represent who I am, what I believe, and the gift I wanted to deliver to the world. Most important was the last bit: the reason for anyone to care, listen, share, or take action on what I shared in the talk. So, I created a talk that delivered a singular, simple, and powerful message that was easily adopted by anyone. It didn't happen by accident. I had to revise (cut, cut, cut) and edit my message so that the talk would serve my bigger plan I had to use the talk (forever) to bring attention to the work.
Project: put another way, amplify! I use the talk as a billboard and a megaphone. I create content that relates to the talk. I talk about different aspects of the talk on podcasts. I created other talks that complement the talk that take people deeper. I use quotes and clips from the talk in social posts and for ideas for other micro-content and videos.
You see, the talk isn't the goal; it's the starting block. When you look at it that way, you give the talk the ability to exist in the world as it should – as a piece of you that will forever represent your vision and value you want to deliver to the world.
Understanding this allowed me to create a talk that I went 'all in' on and one that I am unashamed and unafraid to share with pride and an unstoppable spirit. What do you think? Watch my talk HERE and let me know if you can pick out my design elements that allow the talk to remain evergreen and accessible to all.
So, what really happens after TEDx? Anything you want, if you approach the opportunity with an open mind and some strategic planning that will position you as an expert or leader in your field.
What's your TED idea worth spreading?
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If you're an aspiring or existing TED/TEDx speaker, join the LinkedIn Community where you can learn more about making the most of your TED opportunity.
Want to design a talk and a plan that creates tangible results for you? Connect with me. Tell me your idea worth spreading and the outcome you'd like to achieve and I'll let you know how I can help you get there.
Davide Di Giorgio is the number one international best-selling author of Being UNapologetic, a keynote and TEDx speaker, youth advocate, Comparanoia™ expert, and a speaking and confidence consultant for students, teachers, parents, influencers and celebrities. His philanthropic endeavor, Project Being UNapologetic dares to tackle bullying and build confidence and self-esteem while funding dream projects for high school performing arts students. He is currently on a Global Wellness Celebration Tour spreading a message to Compare Less, Celebrate More!
To book Davide Di Giorgio for speaking, interviews, appearances, or consulting, contact him HERE