I have been attending several talks about this very topic in the last couple of months. It appears there has been a shift of what we thought the speaking business looked like and what it actually is today. I have even revamped my business plan to adjust to the trends. In this topic today, you will hear what I have heard, and some thoughts as to “how can I make my speaking business successful”. To begin with I must say this; “you can do anything you set your mind to…” and that’s the truth.

What I have heard:

  1. You can’t make $10,000 in one hour speaking anymore, unless you are a celebrity or have a “beat all odds” type of story…with a visible vision of WOW!
  2. It is not enough to “be a speaker” because once you’ve spoken, there is no repeat business.
  3. There are not as many conferences as there used to be; therefore fewer speakers are needed!
  4. Live speakers are not needed; everyone is going online!

Everyone is trying to get into the business; your topic is not unique and therefore not sellable.

Now this is what I have learned:

  1. You can make great money, even $10,000 if you build your list, if you work a business plan and if you continue to invest in yourself to be unique and marketable.
  2. I agree it is not enough to be a speaker. Think of yourself as an expert that speaks, or a facilitator of expertise. If you saw my 2014 business plan, you would see that it includes, speaking, training, and consulting. Very different then several years ago.
  3. Wrong, there are so many conferences out there. Many are looking for a speaker for “free”. No worries, speak but ensure that if you waive your fee, you take home the wealth in product sales, strategic marketing and building those key connections…which all in turn will lead to an excellent fee.
  4. I am of the theory, that live speakers are in fact still a preference for many corporate and conference events. The benefit to us, is that we can speak live and then offer value added service by providing ongoing training, follow-up consulting and training tools in other venues such as online.
  5. It is true, with the online world as it is, many are seeing themselves as speakers and trainers. I will tell you as a World Class Speaking Coach, your message is never the same as your competitors. Find your niche, so that you know who to market accordingly. Remember, to make sure the way you share your message will be different to your competitors, and be authentic. The same audience will need to hear a message more than once, and with a different delivery in order to fully understand and take action on it. Instead of looking poorly at your competitors, work with them. Together we can change the world.

Be true to yourself, and go BALD. Do you BELIEVE in the message you want to share? Are you AUTHENTIC and present this way? Do you continue to LEARN by investing in yourself and your business? Do you have a DREAM to be a speaker? Then go for it! Enjoy the journey!