WHEN and HOW MUCH to charge for speaking?

"How do I find paid speaking engagements?"

"How much should I charge?"

"How do I get to be a $5,000+ speaker?"

These are some of the most common questions I receive from speakers who want to build a speaking business.

Knowing "when" to charge and "how much" to charge are extremely important in any type of business - but especially in speaking because this is how keynote speakers are PAID!

Speaking fee is determined by a variety of factors. Moreover, knowing how to position yourself to the meeting planner before ever giving them a fee amount is crucial as well.

** Just last week someone reached out to me about setting speaking fee. After our discussion, they followed my phone script on their prospect call and then created a tiered speaking proposal using my template provided in my book. A few days later they received an email from the meeting planner not only booking them for the speech, but going with option #2 which was $2,500 MORE than what tey quoted for option #1 standard speech!

Their success story inspired me to write this blog. I'm so proud of them! But now they have to prepare for that keynote and to be honest, they are terrified -- haha! But good news is that I'm working with them on their speech preparation as well.

Knowing how to set your speaking fee and position yourself to a potential client is crucial for your speaking business. You're likely going to be compared against several other speakers so you have to set your fee properly and position yourself to differentiate. If you don't know what I mean by this, then schedule a complimentary strategy call (click here) with me to discuss your speaking goals and explore how I can help you build your speaking business. These calls are complimentary.

Not only do my speaking fees typically double what most other speakers can charge, but I also know how to write proposals well and get the speaking gig to begin with.

So below are a few tips to help you begin setting speaking fee ... but remember, there isn't a "one size fits all" answer. There are other factors, but below are the biggies:

"When to charge for a speech?"

(from Module 4 in my book, PAID to SPEAK (page 140))

1. Is the meeting organizer contacting you? (as compared to you contacting them)

2. Have they seen you speak before or been referred to you by someone who has seen you speak?

3. Is the speaking opportunity a conference/event where attendees pay money to attend?

4. Is this a new industry that you are desiring to get into?

"How much to charge for a speech?"

(from Module 4 in my book, PAID to SPEAK (page 145))

1. How much does the group you are speaking normally pay? (hint: this is easy to find out!)

2. Set a standard fee and then tier your speaking proposal in 3 ways to provide a "menu."

3. Never quote fee before asking what their fee range is. Use my phone script template provided in my book.

** I do have a standard fee, but I also discount my fee for certain groups such as students, educators and non-profits. I decide if I discount, but they always know my standard speaking fee. Also, I always tier my proposals and I never give them my speaking fee without asking them their speaker budget first.

Stop dabbling in free speaking or speaking well under what you are worth. It's time that you know how to better position yourself to earn $2,500 - $4,500+ per speech from the start!

Setting your speaking fee appropriately allows you to make what your worth and feel good about being compensated like a professional. My book, PAID to $PEAK, walks you through a step-by-step process for building a speaking business.

If you're really serious about becoming a professional speaker or taking your speaking to the next level, reach out to me for a complimentary strategy session to explore how I can help. I look forward to hearing from you. See below.

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Desire to become a professional speaker?

Not getting the speaking business you had hoped for?

Click here to schedule a free strategy session to discuss your goals for speaking and how I can help you build a successful speaking business!

In addition to my own speaking business, I have a passion for helping and coaching speakers develop their own. Whether it's in crafting a speech, identifying target groups who can pay, and/or how to get the speaking gig itself, I can help. I've keynoted over 1,150 presentations in practically every industry you can imagine. My book, PAID to SPEAK, outlines a proven model for speakers. If you are serious about becoming a professional speaker, contact me for a free consultation. I don't want you to flounder like I did and be frustrated. If you're not a subscriber to these speaker articles, submit your email today!

Email: Kevin@KevinCSnyder.com

Website: www.KevinCSnyder.com

Social media: @ KevinCSnyder

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