Ways to Make Money as a Speaker

Okay, it's time to let the cat out of the bag about where the pockets of money are in this industry. It boggles me the narrow view some have of where the money is as a speaker.

Or maybe I just have a much boarder definition of the industry. The definition works for me, so you are more than happy to take it on for yourself too.

Paid to Speak (Keynote, After Dinner, Workshop host, MC, Trainer etc.)

This is the obvious route and yet many narrow the paid engagement purely down to the keynote. Look if you are on a stage sharing information, you're in the speaking industry. Full Stop!

Making money with this model requires a bloody good speaker profile. Especially if you want to charge top dollar.

Earning potential: 5-6 figures per gig.

Funnel Filler (aka Free gigs)

YES - these are a total money making opportunity. The strategy is just different. You'll need to be selective about the audiences you speak to, pick wrong and you'll be crying about doing lots of free events for no gain.

You'll also need to have a super compelling offer and a great way to convert either in the room OR post event.

You're talk needs to be lovingly crafted to beautifully lead into your offer and follow-up will be key!

AND before you cringe and move on, no you do not need to have a cheesy "run to the back of the room" sales pitch.

Earning Potential: 5 - 6 figures per gig

Pay to Play

I'll be honest this isn't a model I personally dabble in, but my husband has done so for great financial gain so I can attest that it works.

This is where you pay for the opportunity to be on the stage! AGAIN though, it's super important to only do this if.... you know your conversion numbers AND the audience is a great fit.

Otherwise it's not an effective use of money. You do not need to use this model to get great quality video footage, as I've collected a tonne of footage from paid or free gigs.

Earning Potential: 5-6 figures per gig

Host your Own Events

Screw finding a stage, create your own. You'll know who the audience is, they are all coming for you and you've got the ability to make money from the ticket sale and the up-sell.

Earning Potential: 5 - 6 figures per gig

In Summary

You'll notice that the earning potential is the same for all types of gigs! However the methodology to make money is different.

Firstly, it requires that you think bigger about that you'd like to do with your speaking business. Open your mind to bigger possibilities.

If you think it's difficult to get £2,000 for a gig, they you'll probably collect evidence to support that. You'll certainly not be showing up as a £2,000 a gig speaker. Whilst other speakers will be collecting £10,000 in business from a single speaking gig.

2020 is around the corner, my Christmas wish to you is that you'll play a bigger game in 2020. What level of game are you playing in 2020?

PM me to explore if the Find Speaking Gigs Incubator will be just the catapult you need to start the year.