How can you negotiate a last-minute event booking?

Relationship building is the key here. -strategize the approach and how will you address it -be friendly and professional -talk about your metrics and back it up with valid data in % -give a offering in take of something professional and be open to receiving and giving -effectively communicate clearly defining the outcome and end on a positive note.

Win-Win Potential: Realize both parties benefit; you get a deal, they fill a spot. Market Insight: Arm yourself with knowledge of rates and past venue deals. Act Now: Express urgency and a willingness to commit quickly. Flexibility Is Key: Openness to dates Swift Payment: Sweeten the deal with the promise of fast payment. Play the Field: Use the competition to encourage better offers. Beyond Cash: Suggest promotional perks in place of discounts. Contract Clarity: Scrutinize the fine print, including cancellation terms. Decision Maker: Be prepared to seal the deal on the spot. Relationships Matter: Use this as a stepping stone for future dealings. Plan B Ready: Always have an alternative option in your pocket.

Knowing your value and worth is critical as a speaker, and in whatever endeavors you pursue. In the rush of a last-minute arrangement, it's easy to settle for less, but recognizing the value you bring to the table will empower you to negotiate confidently. Knowing your worth will also demonstrate that you are a professional and set a standard of excellence for future engagements. Knowing your worth will help you to establish a solid foundation for a mutually beneficial relationship, where both parties acknowledge and respect the contributions you can bring to the table as a speaker.

The art of negotiation is a gift. Not everyone is good at it. As a leader, you can use this as a mentoring opportunity for management, teams or employee's. Typically when clients book last minute, there is no negotiation on pricing. Expect to pay more if you have not given your vendor ample time to organize the details. Most clients recognize that if they are coming to you at the 11th hour, they should be prepared to pay the price of whatever it is going to take for you to deliver on expectation. For years, my company charged for what they delivered and it was acknowledged and respected. If your a leader, then you know that your value comes from your relationships with both clients and vendors. Isn't that why they chose you?

As much as possible negotiate in person or via video conference and initially present a total economic value overview of the following: - Budget in hand - Project market reach in brand through PR/Print/Digital mediums - Be flexible for date/time - Leverage F&B spend for gratis space - Limit F&B charges by following menu of restaurants/events of that day

When confronted with such a budgetary dilemma I appreciate the opportunity to barter for balances (vending space or a future registration). However, I’ve also requested a donation to my nonprofit equal to what I’m losing. Often it’s simply another budget and most times what I’m speaking about is right in line with the nonprofit’s mission, leveraging the arts to create healthier families and communities.

When approached for a last-minute speaking event, I prioritize my existing commitments to ensure there's no conflict. Recognizing the organizer's predicament, often due to unforeseen circumstances from their headline speaker, I approach negotiations with empathy rather than leveraging it for higher fees. As a National Speaker Association member, I can recommend colleagues if I'm not the best fit or the timing does not work. Having been a paid speaker globally for more than a decade, I can help suggest creative, budget-friendly solutions that ensure their event’s success without compromising on quality or financial feasibility. This flexible, solution-oriented approach facilitates a mutually beneficial arrangement.

I also think it is important, if it is a last minute gig with budget limitations, to make sure your value is intact. If you give a 'discount' charge for it in other ways - more of a trade. This has led to wonderful opportunities for me that wouldn't have happened if I'd just dropped my fee. I might request video testimonials or Linkedin recommends or the opportunity to film the event. Or I might as for a few introductions. I then include this on the invoice so my value is clear.

Be mindful of your minimum fee. Consider these tips for negotiation: - If a reduction is necessary, secure a commitment for a higher price for the next opportunity. - Restrict the number of participants in the session. - Request inclusion for marketing your other offerings during the session.

My advice here is somewhat contentious and controversial. I usually follow my heart when it comes to these decisions. The challenge for budding speakers is that they may be sometimes tempted to accept any speaking engagement that comes their way to ensure financial gain. While that is perfectly acceptable, the challenge is to only accept speaking offers that match where you aspire to be. Schedule time to think about your future self. Where do you see yourself in 5, 10, 15, 30 years? What gigs would that person take? Which ones would they reject? As soon as that vision becomes visceral, and crystal clear, start executing on it unrelentingly. Your future self will thank you.

- I will quickly research the Venue and the Management. - Be Flexible with my Requirements: Be prepared to compromise on some of my needs.

I actually agree with this approach because keeping the lines of communication open in providing updates and giving reassurances where its needed, allows negotiations to be more accommodating and agreements are reached quickly.

Ich stimme zu, dass eine effektive Kommunikation ein entscheidender Faktor für erfolgreiche Verhandlungen ist. Es ist wichtig, klare Erwartungen und Anforderungen zu formulieren und gleichzeitig auf die Bedenken und das Feedback des Kunden einzugehen. Respekt und Durchsetzungsf?higkeit sind dabei von gro?er Bedeutung, da eine andere Haltung (Aggressive oder defensive) die Verhandlungen erschweren kann. Eine positive und professionelle Sprache finde ich ebenfalls wichtig, um die Vorteile und Ergebnisse der Pr?sentation zu betonen. Darüber hinaus ist es entscheidend, gut vorbereitet zu sein, um Einw?nde und Fragen souver?n zu beantworten. Dies tr?gt meiner Erfahrung dazu bei, Vertrauen aufzubauen und Verhandlungen erfolgreich abzuschlie?en.

One thing I’ve found helpful is the undercurrent of the urgency to spread your message. When one is able to express to the client ‘why’ you should be hired to speak for their audience for example if it’s a group of women, speaking on ‘Domestic Violence’ can not only make them self aware but also make them feel heard. Focusing on the ‘why’ helps in communicating effectively and confidently to make better negotiations.

Communicate your requirements clearly, leaving no room for assumption. Explain why you have these requirements so they don't misunderstand it for being rigid. Once you give a convincing justification, it can get accepted without hesitation.

Do not do any work without clearly written expectations of what the client expects and what you are promising to deliver. Ensure that you are also clearn on: - Your fee and when it will be paid - Travel arrangements and who will pay those (hint: your client should pay in almost every case) - What happens in the case the event is cancelled Ensure you get a signed agreement and a 50% of your fee before the event.

Documenting the verbally agreed-upon terms and conditions is justifiable. Even in the case of short-notice events, having a contract and a reasonable advance payment is crucial. Failing to formalize these agreements in writing increases the likelihood of a strained relationship, especially if circumstances take an unfavorable turn.

Yes, I won't commit to speak if the client won't commit with a 50% deposit or a full fee if the event is quite soon. I think this is a really important piece of the puzzle. It creates respect and makes sure you have something left if someone decides to cancel a date that you'd have booked to someone else.

Securing a last-minute event booking requires not just verbal agreement but also formalizing the arrangement with a written contract. This document should detail the terms and conditions of your engagement, safeguarding against potential misunderstandings or cancellations. It's a crucial step in establishing a professional and clear understanding between you and the client. Additionally, requesting a deposit or full payment upfront is prudent, particularly given the urgent nature of such bookings. This not only guarantees your compensation but also signifies the client's commitment to the event. Ensuring these financial and contractual safeguards are in place is key to a successful and secure speaking engagement.

Agreed. It should be written in simple words. Easily understandable. Percise and clear. Bullet points can be an option. Writing should be very easy and simple: 1+1=2

The strategy I recommend is always be ready to deliver a keynote. My keynotes are relatable to all audiences and can be adapted at short notice to meet the needs of the client and audience.

I rehearse a lot so I am ready to go at any time with a short notice keynote. I've been doing this long enough that I can personalise my 'base keynote' very easily for any audience with just a few changes.

Stick to the central theme at all times. Occasionally, get off course to connect your points with everyday examples, but promptly return to the main topic. Customize your language, examples, and activities to resonate with your audience for maximum impact. Practice the presentation to ensure proper timing and enhance your comfort level, ultimately boosting your confidence and allowing you to stay in control of the topic.

One thing I’ve found helpful is to continuously work on yourself every single day. Upgrading your own mindset ensures and elevated message delivery and the impact is everlasting. It also helps you deal with last minute preparatory issues that almost every speaker goes through in a more seasoned manner where you can go out there and convey your message confidently.

Preparation is the key. Practice is the key. More the practice more the chances. Readyness should be portrayed in your speaking, in presentation as if you are the EXPERT

Pay attention to relationship-building with the organizer, audience, and everyone involved. It's you, the speaker at the center stage, so all eyes are on you. Every action of yours matters. The after-event interactions matter equally well as that's when most people want to talk.

Negotiating a last-minute motivational speaking booking involves recognising your value, especially as a neurodivergent individual. State your fees and any last-minute premiums upfront, and be clear about your requirements. While maintaining your worth, remain adaptable to the client's needs. Ensure all terms are communicated clearly to avoid misunderstandings and insist on a written agreement to formalise the arrangement. Be prepared for quick decision-making, balancing your needs with the event's potential opportunities.

Motivational speaking holds a profound significance for me, extending beyond mere words to catalyze transformative breakthroughs. Every session becomes a dedicated endeavor to establish a profound connection between the conscious mind and the subconscious. It's not just about inspiring in the moment; it's about igniting a lasting shift that extends into one's life beyond the speech. Motivation, for me, is a catalyst for personal and collective growth, a tool to unlock untapped potential, and a medium to instigate positive change that endures long after the words have been spoken.

Some key points: if it’s truly a last minute opportunity, and you’re available, there’s generally more upside than downside. Provided: the audience is the right audience for you - demographically and # of participants, economically it’s a win, you get an opportunity for one on one meetings with all and contact information. Plus you are prepared and ready and participation will not negatively impact any upcoming events. Personally, I’m rather spontaneous, and when I can make an opportunity out of virtually nothing, I’ve always found success.

Consider the value of the opportunity, not just what you think your value is. * Do you need the work to build your portfolio? *Would doing the gig give you greater influence for future work? * Is the person offering you the opportunity a real fan of your work, or just an opportunist trying to take advantage of you? * Are you easily ready and available to do the work? The exchange of money should not be the only consideration. Every gig you take should be connected to your strategy to land a future gig. It doesn't matter if it is last minute.