This is the advice I give to many people who ask me about giving a TEDx talk.
I have been helping organise TEDx events since 2015, and I have coached around 100 TEDx speakers over the past decade for TEDxRuakura, TEDxUoWaikato and others. So don't get me wrong, I believe that TED has a fantastic platform, and it can be huge for the right speaker.
But that is the problem.
There are many rules around TEDx, and if you are a coach or business owner, this can limit the effectiveness of what you want to accomplish. If you want to promote your products or services, you cannot do so directly through a TEDx talk. You will be better off finding a more appropriate stage.
However, if you want to build credibility and authority, TEDx can be a key component.
The challenge is to create an idea that is worth sharing that highlights your abilities without it coming across as promotional. This is challenging, but can certainly be done.
Simon Sinek's Golden Circle video is a great example, with 69m views this has not negatively impacted his business, but he doesn't promote his services in the video at all. This takes effort, but that effort has paid off for Simon.
In addition to coaching TEDx Speakers, I have coached Startup Founders at the local Startup Accelerator in the art of pitching for investment. And I have helped many business owners, activists, artists and others craft a talk that they can deliver from the stage.
I have developed proven frameworks that I am happy to share with your podcast or summit audience. 😃