Lea BongiovanniProject Manager| ConfidentialPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
I'm thinking about starting a new business as a keynote speaker giving talks to people about "Changing the Direction of Their Lives" and provide employee retention programs/workshops to companies.
I've started writing a business plan but I'd love some advice from people on what criteria/factors should I use to determine speaker and workshop fees? How do I build my network and get clients?
Any and all suggestions on how to just get started (even if I need to do some speaking engagement pro bono) would be appreciative.
Thank you Saving Changes...
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Deepa KalangiManager, Program Management, Author, Trainer| CVS HealthCharlotte, NC, United States
Hi Lea, this is a great post. I am eager to see the responses as well. I personally don't have any knowledge or experience about this idea. But love to hear what other people say or think. Saving Changes...
The people I know who do what you want to do have four things in common: - professional training (to become a coach, often with several certs) - experience as a speaker AND coach - lots of "pro bono" work to earn their reputation (speaking at conferences, writing blog posts and articles in professional journals, etc) - being part of a solid, valuable, and growing network that they cultivate continually
I guess the chance to be paid from the beginning is a small one.
I've explored this and spoken with a few public speakers about this. There's no formula for success, but there are a few things you should do:
* Find a mentor. Get to know a public speaker who is willing to guide you as you get started, but don't be too demanding. This is someone willing to help you, not someone you are paying for a service.
* Build a platform. People need to be able to find out about you; you need to establish a presence. It could be a blog, a book, or something else that helps get your name out there.
* Make sure you are solving a problem that is relevant to others.
* Network. Get involved in organizations where your message will be beneficial and evangelize your message. I agree with what Christina wrote, especially about being a coach.
* If there are local conferences where your topic is relevant, volunteer - do some pro bono speaking while building your network.
* You don't need to get involved with Toastmasters or a local speakers bureau, but both could help. This is where advice from a mentor would be beneficial.
* I'm not sure what to tell you about fees. I know that the bigger your name, the more you can charge, but you also need to be an engaging speaker that people enjoy listening to, or your fee won't matter that much.
I'm still debating about pursuing this for myself. If I do, it will probably start with a book and then speaking at local PMI chapter events.
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1 reply by Mayte Mata Sivera
Jul 11, 2017 1:07 PM
Mayte Mata Sivera
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Aaron,
Have you ever think about a tandem? I'm also in Utah :)
In my case, I did some educational speeches in Spain, and now I'm testing the waters in the American market. I've already done an educational session in my chapter. And few organizations in my area.
I shared the experience in this site blog for the chapter opportunity.
During my last volunteer opportunities, some organizations asked me about book presentation...and now I'm working on it.
There are some blog entries that explain how to calculate a fair price being a newbie...but is not the same a son/daughter of celebrity newbie that a project manager newbie in the speaker's world. Saving Changes...
I've explored this and spoken with a few public speakers about this. There's no formula for success, but there are a few things you should do:
* Find a mentor. Get to know a public speaker who is willing to guide you as you get started, but don't be too demanding. This is someone willing to help you, not someone you are paying for a service.
* Build a platform. People need to be able to find out about you; you need to establish a presence. It could be a blog, a book, or something else that helps get your name out there.
* Make sure you are solving a problem that is relevant to others.
* Network. Get involved in organizations where your message will be beneficial and evangelize your message. I agree with what Christina wrote, especially about being a coach.
* If there are local conferences where your topic is relevant, volunteer - do some pro bono speaking while building your network.
* You don't need to get involved with Toastmasters or a local speakers bureau, but both could help. This is where advice from a mentor would be beneficial.
* I'm not sure what to tell you about fees. I know that the bigger your name, the more you can charge, but you also need to be an engaging speaker that people enjoy listening to, or your fee won't matter that much.
I'm still debating about pursuing this for myself. If I do, it will probably start with a book and then speaking at local PMI chapter events.
Aaron,
Have you ever think about a tandem? I'm also in Utah :)
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1 reply by Aaron Porter
Jul 11, 2017 5:22 PM
Aaron Porter
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I've considered it. Right now, I am focusing on other things. I just started volunteering as a mentor in our chapter. I'd like to build up some experience doing that before pursuing more.
Have you ever think about a tandem? I'm also in Utah :)
I've considered it. Right now, I am focusing on other things. I just started volunteering as a mentor in our chapter. I'd like to build up some experience doing that before pursuing more.
...
1 reply by Mayte Mata Sivera
Jul 11, 2017 5:26 PM
Mayte Mata Sivera
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This is amazing news! If you have time will be nice that you'll share your experience in your blog, in order to encourage the people to volunteer in their local chapters!
I've considered it. Right now, I am focusing on other things. I just started volunteering as a mentor in our chapter. I'd like to build up some experience doing that before pursuing more.
This is amazing news! If you have time will be nice that you'll share your experience in your blog, in order to encourage the people to volunteer in their local chapters! Saving Changes...
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