Everyone says they want to be seen, to get those big bookings and media features – but are you truly ready for the spotlight? I hear it all the time: “I want to be on Oprah. I want to speak on big stages. I want my story in major media.” Sure you do. Who wouldn’t? You want Oprah to notice you or a feature on Good Morning America; maybe you’re dreaming of your story on Tamron Hall or in the local business journal. But here’s the real talk: Wanting it isn’t enough. Right now, if you’re not getting those callbacks or media hits, there’s a reason – your digital presence simply isn’t media-ready.
It’s not that you lack talent or an amazing story. It’s that you haven’t put in the work to look the part online. In this game, hope is not a strategy. You can’t just wish for visibility; you must invest in the basics that scream “I’m a pro, not an amateur.”
Brand Basics You Must Have Before Seeking the Spotlight
Let’s cut to the chase. Before you pitch yourself to event planners, podcast hosts, or TV producers, get your house in order. Below are the essential brand assets every aspiring speaker, author, or entrepreneur needs to have on lock. If any of these are missing, incomplete, or unprofessional, fix that now – because without these, you’re not ready (and the media knows it).
-
A Professional Website & Domain: This is non-negotiable. If you’re trying to play on the big stage, you need a clean, up-to-date website on a professional platform (and no, a free site with “.wixsite.com” in the URL won’t cut it). A site with your own domain instantly boosts your credibility. If your website still has a “Powered by Wix” badge, you’re signaling that you’re not investing in your brand. Invest in a real website (WordPress, Kajabi, etc.) that positions you as a serious professional. Your name (or business name) .com is ideal – if you are the brand, owning YourName.com is essential. Media and clients will Google you; make sure what they find looks top-tier, not DIY.
-
Branded Email Address: Please get off the Hotmail, AOL, or generic Gmail account. Nothing screams “amateur” louder than emailing a producer or conference organizer from a generic gmail account. You want to be taken seriously? Use an email that matches your domain mine does. It’s a small step that shouts “I’m legit” before you’ve even said hello. Remember, your email often makes the first impression – and you wouldn’t show up to a networking event in pajamas, right? Then don’t show up in an inbox with a throwback email handle from 2001. Act like a pro. Be the pro.
-
CRM & Email List (Contact Management): If you’re managing your contacts and leads through random sticky notes or a cluttered spreadsheet, it’s time to level up. A CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system is what pros use to capture and nurture their audience. Whether it’s HubSpot, ActiveCampaign, Keap – pick one and use it. Collect emails at your events, on your website, through your social media, and have a system to stay in touch. Media opportunities often come from relationships and consistent follow-up. If you’re not organized, you’re leaving money and opportunities on the table. High-value clients and big media can tell if you have your systems together. Don’t let a lack of organization be the reason you miss out.
-
Quality Photos & Videos (with a Call to Action): Invest in high-quality headshots and a sizzle reel that show you in your element. Event planners and journalists will judge your visuals – are you camera-ready? A great speaker reel or promo video lets people see and hear your magic. But here’s the kicker: every video or media appearance should have a call-to-action. Don’t just impress – direct your audience on what to do next. Whether it’s “visit my website,” “grab my free guide,” or “subscribe for more,” make sure your viewers know how to connect further. (Pro tip: If your YouTube videos are just floating out there with no optimization or CTA, that’s a missed opportunity.) And for goodness’ sake, ensure your website has a media page and up-to-date info. If a producer Googles you and finds a barren site or outdated info, you can kiss that booking goodbye.
Bottom line: These assets are your foundation. Without them, expecting to get noticed is like expecting a mansion to stand tall on a shaky foundation – ain’t gonna happen. Each piece screams professionalism and shows you’re ready for the big time. If you’re missing even one, it’s costing you opportunities. As I often say, if you don’t have these ready to go, you’re basically “hoping for a miracle” – and hope is not a strategy.
Real Talk: Wishing Isn’t Enough (Show Up or Sit Down)
Let me give it to you straight, with love: simply wanting visibility isn’t enough. You can be the most gifted expert in your field, but if your branding and materials make you look like you just started yesterday, you’ll continue to be overlooked. People do judge a book by its cover in this industry. Positioning is everything. If your tools scream “cheap” or “DIY,” you’re going to attract people who treat you as such (or worse, you’ll attract no one at all).
I’ve seen brilliant folks remain invisible simply because they skip the basics. They’ll say they “don’t have time” to update their website, or they “don’t want to spend money” on professional photos, and then wonder why the media isn’t knocking on their door. Meanwhile, someone far less talented but with a polished brand is snagging the spotlight. It’s not personal – it’s positioning. As one of my recent blog headlines put it: you’re not getting booked not because you aren’t amazing, but because they don’t know you (and they won’t know you if you haven’t made yourself findable and impressive online).
So here’s the hard truth: if you truly want to be booked, featured, and paid as a speaker or expert, you have to look the part, sound the part, and show up as the part. That means professional presence across the board. No more half-stepping. If you’re not willing to invest in yourself – your brand, your tools, your presentation – why should anyone invest their time or platform in you? Next-level visibility demands next-level preparedness. Period.
From Overlooked to Overbooked: A Success Story
Still not convinced? Let me share a quick story of what happens when you do get your act together. One of my clients, Tony Gaskins Jr., came to me as a hungry 25-year-old author and motivational speaker. He had passion and potential, but no one knew who he was. Tony plugged into my process and did the work – he showed up media-ready and pitched himself like a pro. The result? Within one incredible month, Tony went from obscurity to appearing on Oprah and then landing a spot as a guest expert on The Tyra Banks Show. Yes, you read that right – Oprah and Tyra, all in the same month. Ain’t God good? 🙌🏾
Now, Tony’s story isn’t a fairy tale or luck. It’s a testament to what happens when you stop playing small and start presenting big. He followed the steps: established his brand presence, honed his message, leveraged my coaching, and when the opportunity came, he was ready to shine. Major visibility followed, because he had laid the groundwork and God opened the doors at the right time. And Tony is just one example – I’ve seen this transformation again and again. When you invest in looking like a pro, the world responds in kind.
(And in case you’re thinking, “Well, I don’t need Oprah,” consider this: my client Alison Vaughn got featured on local TV several times and even became a magazine cover story by making sure her brand assets were on point. Big or small, media opportunities flow when you show up prepared.)
Ready to Level Up? Step Into the Spotlight 🔥
Let’s wrap up the tough love. You say you want next-level visibility; now it’s time to act like it. No more excuses. If you’re serious about being seen, then show the world you’re serious. That means handling the basics we talked about and treating your personal brand like the million-dollar business it is.
The good news? You don’t have to do it alone. If you’re reading this feeling a mix of “okay, I hear you” and “where do I even start?”, I’ve got you. This is exactly why I created my Ready, Set, Go, Speak! program – to guide go-getters like you through the process of becoming media magnets step by step. If you don’t know where to start, join Ready Set Go Speak (ReadySetGoSpeak.com) — I will NOT let you be out here looking lost. It’s time to invest in yourself, get the right tools, and build a brand that commands the respect (and attention) you deserve.
Here’s your call to action (because you always need a call to action!): Visit PamPerryPR.com and check out the Ready Set Go Speak program today. Let’s get you media-ready, so you’re not just wishing for that spotlight – you’re owning it.
No more waiting for someone to discover you or hoping that just being “good at what you do” will cut it. If you want to be chased by opportunities instead of chasing them, do what the pros do: prepare, invest, and present yourself like the star you are meant to be. Your message is too powerful to whisper. So let’s amplify it, shall we? The stage is set – it’s your time to shine. 🚀
Dr. Pam Perry is a PR & marketing expert with 25+ years of experience helping speakers, authors, and entrepreneurs become visible, credible, and bookable. She is the founder of PamPerryPR.com and the Ready Set Go Speak program, and is passionate about turning “best kept secrets” into household names.