Why Companies Should Pay to Bring You in as a Speaker (and How to Get Them to Say Yes!)

Many speakers miss out on lucrative corporate speaking opportunities simply because they don’t know how to position themselves as a high-value asset to organizations. The truth is, companies have budgets for training, development, and corporate events—they just need to see why you’re worth the investment.

If you want companies to pay you (and pay you well), you must demonstrate how your expertise solves a real problem for their team. Let’s dive into how to position yourself as the perfect speaker for corporate engagements.

1. Understand the Corporate Budgeting Process

Companies don’t just spend money on speakers for entertainment—they allocate budgets for leadership training, employee development, and corporate wellness. The key is to align your topic with their priorities.

Corporate budgets often fall under:

• Leadership & Executive Development – If your talk improves leadership skills, decision-making, or communication, you fit here.
• Sales & Performance Training – If you can help their sales teams close more deals or improve productivity, they’ll listen.
• Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) – Many companies invest in speakers who foster inclusive work environments.
• Mental Health & Employee Well-being – Stress management, work-life balance, and resilience are in high demand.

2. Position Yourself as a Business Solution, Not Just a Speaker

Corporate decision-makers don’t just want an inspiring talk—they want ROI. Instead of saying, “I’m a motivational speaker,” say:

?? "I help corporate teams increase productivity and collaboration through strategic communication techniques." ?? "I train sales teams on high-performance strategies that increase conversions by 30%."

Show them how your talk will improve their bottom line, boost engagement, or solve a pressing problem.

3. Craft a Corporate Speaker Proposal That Sells

A strong proposal is key to landing corporate contracts. Your proposal should include: ? A compelling summary of your talk ? The specific business challenge you address ? Expected outcomes and benefits for the company ? Testimonials from previous corporate clients ? Pricing and service packages (keynote, workshop, breakout session, etc.)

Bonus tip: Offer different levels of engagement, such as a keynote speech plus a follow-up leadership session, to increase your value.

4. Leverage Employee Development Programs

Many companies already have budgets allocated for employee development—your job is to tap into them. Reach out to: ?? HR Departments – They manage leadership training and corporate development. ?? Event Planners – They coordinate conferences, summits, and corporate events. ?? Sales & Training Managers – They invest in team performance coaching.

Research companies that actively invest in learning and development, and position yourself as a resource for their training initiatives.

5. Follow Up and Turn One Gig Into Multiple Bookings

One corporate event can turn into a long-term relationship. After your talk, follow up with: ?? A thank-you email summarizing key takeaways ?? An offer for additional training or coaching ?? A request for referrals within the company or industry

Companies love speakers who add value beyond the stage. Keep the conversation going and position yourself as their go-to expert for future needs.

Conclusion

Getting hired by companies isn’t about luck—it’s about knowing how to position yourself as a high-impact solution to their business needs. When you understand how corporate budgets work, craft a results-driven proposal, and follow up strategically, companies will not only pay to bring you in but will continue to hire you again and again.

Want more strategies to land paid corporate speaking gigs? Download my complimentary book, "Why Most Speakers Never Get Paid to Speak and How You Can," and let’s discuss how to get you booked!

Book a free strategy call with me here!

Christie Love - Williams CEO of Be Seen Be Loved and Xcel Training Solutions Communication and Connection Expert, Executive Coach, Corporate Trainer, and TV Show Host www.beseenbeloved.com | www.xceltrainingsolutions.com

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