1st Personal Finance Speaking Opportunity Wednesday Night | Bloggers Lair | Yakezie Forums

Well, it's been one of my blogging-related goals for quite some time, but on Wednesday this week, I finally got a chance to speak about personal finances to a real life group of people outside the blogging world! 

The group was a Wellness Class that was focusing on regular habits as a way to reduce stress levels, and the teacher of the class invited me to talk about regular financial-related habits that reduce financial stress.

It was a really great way to share some of the things I've learned blogging over the past few years, and I was particularly impressed with how much interest and respect the class attendees had for my ideas, regardless of the fact that I am just a PF blogger and not a "financial professional." 

Overall, it was a very motivating experience to see how PF bloggers can really contribute good ideas and information to others. I'll definitely be looking for additional opportunities to speak at groups like this in the future!

I'm curious – has anyone has had success speaking with groups in real life about topics related to their blog? I'm beginning to think about what approaches to take in pitching this speaking service going forward, and would welcome any insight you all can give! 

I really enjoyed the opportunity to speak at the class! 

My thinking is that it would be pretty hard to START speaking at large conferences, so I figured something small like this wellness class was a good way to start getting my name out there. 

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20sFinances said:

Wow, that is awesome Jacob! Congrats!

 

I have yet to be invited to speak, but maybe sometime in 2012 (it's on the list of maybe's). I will be sure to keep you updated if I do. I know Buck has been toying with the idea of speaking… I can't wait to see other responses. Yakezie is going places. :)

Congrats Jacob. That is awesome. I really happy for you. Since I try to stay anonymous I haven't done any speaking opportunities.

Congrats Jacob. I'm so happy you got this opportunity!

Wow, I'm seriously impressed Jacob.  I would love to do something like this.

That is really great!  It is something I think I would like to do eventually.

Great job Jacob!

There are opportunities to do this with local schools I am sure; I think we can all agree that high schoolers education is lacking in basic finance.

I thought about reaching out to schools, but started questioning that avenue because I wasn't sure if there were any legal requirements or roadblocks to talking about finance to underage (below 18) people.

Any one have any knowledge in this area?

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Frugal Confessions said:

Great job Jacob!

 

There are opportunities to do this with local schools I am sure; I think we can all agree that high schoolers education is lacking in basic finance.

Post edited 10:38 am – December 11, 2011 by Buck Inspire

Congrats Jacob!

I was toying with the idea like Corey mentioned, but haven't executed yet.  Would love to see a post of your experience.  In the meantime, I launched a podcast to polish my speaking chops.  When I get to a point where I'm looking for a speaking gig, I can refer to my podcast so they have a better idea of what they are getting into.  It is a personal challenge to myself and another way to spread my message.  Inspiring stuff and good luck in finding your next opportunity!

My Personal Finance Journey said:

I thought about reaching out to schools, but started questioning that avenue because I wasn't sure if there were any legal requirements or roadblocks to talking about finance to underage (below 18) people.

Any one have any knowledge in this area?

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Frugal Confessions said:

Great job Jacob!

 

There are opportunities to do this with local schools I am sure; I think we can all agree that high schoolers education is lacking in basic finance.

Hi Jacob,

If you keep the focus of your speech to personal finance blogging and make clear that you are expressing personal opinions about personal finance, then you should be okay, and the age of your audience should not make a difference.

Regulations are primarily focused on those selling financial products (securities, insurance, banking, and other services) and those who hold themselves out to provide advice related to particular financial products — for compensation paid by the financial services industry and/or the client. Those who do this should already know the requirements.

Avoid speaking about particular financial products and expressing opinions about them, and you should be fine. When in doubt always think of what would be in the best interests of the people you are speaking to, and always disclose any self-interest factor that could have an influence upon what you are saying.

Larry