Why I Seldom Speak for No-Fee
(and why, if you are a speaker, should not).
As a public speaker, I don’t simply put up a PowerPoint presentation and drone on about my company or the price of peas in Lake Nebagamon (no offense to peas). My talks aren’t filled with the annoying “um and ahs”, with the same worn out stories used over and over since way back when Moses did a table topic about the tablets. This can almost bring attendees to tears; when that is not the effect you want. (If I hear the one about “peeling back the layers off an onion” story one more time, I’m going to cry).
Plus, whether I present a short 7 to 15-minute talk or a 45-minute keynote, you can be sure that the audience is totally involved (as when using the “pig being more committed than the chicken” in the ham or egg breakfast story. Sorry, I couldn’t resist). And I proactively present value, meaning exactly this, I provide information and tools that attendees will put to use to modify desired outcomes immediately; as in that very moment!
I do (on a very limited availability) offer what is called “no-fee” talks, which aren’t actually “free”; they are “no-fee” because something of value is always exchanged for my time. It may not be “money” so it could be getting the membership list so that I can use it to promote attendance for the event, be better prepared for the event, and follow up after the event. I may agree to do “no-fee” events as a way to introduce upcoming paid seminars and workshops; which is mutually beneficial to both the hosting organization and me. Event planners may provide a hotel room, a paid trip to the speaking location or some other creative “payment” in exchange for my tutelage (I just threw that in there to be sure you are still reading, and listening). I can also assist organizations in finding a business to sponsor my talk so they aren’t the payer. (If you are looking to book “yours truly” contact my office to explore and negotiate these options and more).
The biggest reason I charge for my speaking appearances couldn’t be better said than with this statement by my colleague, Russell Brunson:
Those who pay, pay attention.
Over the last decade, I’ve invited my friends or family members to sit in on events that others have paid $25,000 to attend. Not once in those 10 years has a single one of those people who sat in for free, launched a successful company. Yet in the SAME room sat people who invested in themselves. They heard the exact same information and, because they had invested money to be there, turned that same information into multi-million-dollar-a-year companies.
We only have 24 hours in each day and each hour’s value is only what we assign to it. Ter Scott! Life & Legacy Coach™
And like Brunson, I now have less time to coach one on one clients as my own speaking calendar fills. We all only have 24 hours in each day and each hour’s value is only what we assign to it.
Of course, most successful speakers want to “give back” just like any other accomplished person would. There is always the reward that goes along with teaching and seeing the results of one's work, which in my case is the improvement in the lives by all who leave my events. But this really needs to be a positive “side benefit” of the greater whole. This sentiment is why I believe, that there are still “starving artists” in the world. They value people and the positive change their art (whatever that art may be, painting, teaching or speaking) does for others; which is good, but this then temps them to charge less or nothing at all for their masterpieces. I and most successful artisans have learned that we need to do our very best in what we do and to charge accordingly. Or, we too (and our best work) will only be acknowledged after we are with all of the "Michelangelos" in the sky.
My goal is to be available to speak for those who value themselves and their own time and talents enough to respect the value my time and talents. In return, I continue to increase the value I offer by implementing the “Law of Compensation”, which both Earl Nightingale and Bob Proctor told me is based on 1) The need for what you do, 2) Your ability to do it, and 3) The difficulty there is in replacing you.
Regardless if you are a public speaker, public figure or John or Jane Q. Public, always give more in all that you do. You’ll never have to worry about receiving some sort of value in return. Then always consider your options before offering your services, whatever it is that you do; speaking, baking or candlestick making, on a “no-fee” basis.
Ter Scott is The Life & Legacy Coach™ whose mantra is, “Live your life to leave a legacy”. He presents to audiences worldwide and speaks about his “Major 8”™ wisdom with balance program. He is a speaker, author, and teacher of success and resides in Superior, Wisconsin.
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