How To Get Paid Every Time You Speak - REALLY!

For many, speaking or training is a full time business. Yet for other business owners, we use speaking/training as a way to market a business and bring in extra income. No matter which it is? all or part of your business gets paid!

Being paid means receiving money for the value you present. So first off, find places that will pay you. Even Community College Continuing Education programs pay the trainers by the hour!

However, sometimes it is customary for a group to NOT pay you with $$ - like the Rotary, Elks Club, or many associations. Other times, they won't pay you for speaking at an event, but will pay you to speak at a retreat or conference. What do you do when there is no money? Determine if the event is something that will give your business value. Ask yourself:

--Will at least 95% of the audience be your ideal client - i.e. your best fit, target market?

--What can they give you in return that will equal the value they are receiving?

--What can you ask for in return for the value they are receiving?

--Do you really want to speak to this venue for free?

Remember, you can always say no!

There are many ways you can be paid when cash isn't available. First decide what should you be paid. Then find ways to be paid that amount in full.

How?

Read on?

o Request that your business card or article you've written be placed on each person's chair who's attending the event.

o Let the audience know that you are not being paid and in return, you're giving them an evaluation to complete. On that evaluation, include things like: "I know a company or organization looking for speakers" and "I want to receive your ezine." Etc. etc.

o Do they have a conference room? Ask about using it for "x" hours in payment.

o Do they send their membership a newsletter? Request an ad, maybe business card size.

o Ask to put a flyer in their newsletter.

o Make sure that a bio including an active link to your site appears in their newsletter(s), any announcements they send, or on their web site. Ask them to keep it active for at least 6 months.

o When I speak for free, I give out the least amount of notes as possible - if any. I have people take their own notes AND tell them that the full notes can be found on a specific page of my web site for download.

o Put the notes on a CD or disk and have them pay for them (sell them in the back of the room, on a table between the coffee and bathrooms!).

o Bring books, ebooks, booklets, CD and other materials to sell in the back of the room. (Usually you do have to ask for approval to do this.)

o Ask if they have "education money." Sometimes they have money for that, but not for speaking. Then they can purchase a book for each person, and you'll make some money that way!

o Think "out of the box" for ways to be paid to be in front of your "ideal clients".

© 2004 Maria Marsala, business builder who helps service businesses owners increase their bottom line in less time. A former Wall Street trader and manager, she used her business expertise to create 6 S.I.M.P.L.E. Business Steps, a program developed to help her clients succeed in less time. Learn more and subscribe to our ezine at http://www.ElevatingYourBusiness.com