From Free to Fee: How Experts Get Paid to Speak

You're already on the speaker's circuit, using concurrent session programs at industry events as marketing opportunities. Each year, you get return invitations, rave reviews, and high evaluations. Perhaps it's time to quit giving away your expertise and get paid. Makes sense doesn't it?

The transition from speaking for visibility to paid speaking is like jumping off a cliff: if you survive that first leap, the rest will seem easy. Here are four big changes you must make if you want to succeed.

1. Go Where the Gigs Are

The first change you have to make is where you speak. The easiest way to get paid is not with associations; there are too many speakers in those venues willing to speak for free. Instead, you need to compete in another arena—corporate special events.

The good news is that many professional services firms already have established relationships with corporate decision makers, so you have the ear (and respect) of the buyers. You don't have to go through the usual gatekeepers. But familiarity can also be an obstacle if your clients see you only as a teacher or trainer.