Speaking Is NOT All About The Benjamins

Now they want me to pay them!

Rudy was bemoaning the fact that before Covid he was paid handsomely to speak at industry conferences and trade shows but now he was being asked to “buy a booth” or “sponsor part of the meeting” if he wanted to take the stage.

I’ve heard the same “offers” as I pursue targeted speaking engagements. The same complaint has been registered by other professional speakers as well.

New Event an Meeting Planners don’t know what they don’t know.

Or the new management in their organizations are pushing them to regain lost profits. They have no loyalty to proven speakers and believe the value of their stages is significantly more than a speaker that, to them, is unknown. These newbies are even offending professionals that travel via their own private jets with this attitude.

Too often they are dealing with corporate executives that are eager to trade their value for a podium. They will deal with fewer and fewer professionals as the word gets out that they are not willing to pay for the excellence that makes their events memorable.

The Benjamins are a score-card.

Every quality speaker spends significant time and effort preparing information that will help the audience. I have never interviewed one that generates real change that is all about the money. Those that touch audiences are all trying to make a difference. Those that transform individuals need to be paid for their efforts but that is not what drives them. Helping others is at the heart of what we do. Too often the new young breed of event and meeting planners are foolhardy and new to the business.

Overcoming absurdity.

How do you get over this lack of common sense? It depends on whether you are a professional speaker or a professional building your business by speaking (see book mention below).

Both of you should:

1.??? Decline the offer to pay to speak.ut speak for free if it forwards your business).

2.??? Provide solid evidence of successful actions taken by audience members after your appearances.

3.??? Offer to handle the follow-up to provide such data for the organization if they schedule you to appear.

4.??? Show your professionalism by adapting your presentations to fit the theme of the meeting or trade show.

5.??? Offer a paid workshop preceding the event tied directly to the organization’s objectives with shared revenue if the organization will agree to promotion to registrants.

The Takeaways:

• Their stages are valuable but no match for your industry knowledge and experience.
• Never let them forget that their members are the single most important element and have long memories.
• If they won’t work with you, walk away.

Stay credible because credibility leads to cash

I’m Jerry Fletcher, strategic messaging consultant and professional international keynote speaker. I find the words individuals and organizations use to become even more memorable and more profitable. Learn more at my web sites:

• Consulting website: https://JerryFletcher.com
• Speaking website: https://NetworkingNinja.com

?This is my latest book. Get more information and Order now at: https://jerryfletcher.kartra.com/page/keX271

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