Should You Ever Speak at Events for Free?
Public speaking is a fantastic way to raise your brand visibility and establish credibility as an expert/thought leader in your field however every so often a debate will spark up on one of my social media timelines regarding speaking at events for free. It usually stems from events organisers requesting that speakers speak at their events without being paid.In this video I break down my perspective on speaking at events for free. Overall the aim should always be to get paid for your time and labour but as I discuss in the video there are some reasons why it's not always something you should immediately decline.
I've received messages from organisations who have found my profile online and want me to speak but upon asking about fees and logistics I've been told that the event in and of itself is exposure for my brand which is counter-intuitive since I must already be quite "exposed" if the organiser has found me. Now don't get me wrong there are valid opportunities and times when you might decide that you want to speak at an event without being paid. For instance TED Talk do not pay speakers and many people would love to speak at a TED event. I actually believe that it is perfectly reasonable to speak at an event for free if you want to but this comes down to a few factors:
The transparency and communications approach of the organiser - some organisers are honest and up front and present a compelling reason as to why it might be worth considering speaking for free. With this type of approach, when all the information presented to you properly it's easier to assess whether an event is for you or now.
Your own specific strategy with regards to public speaking and personal brand visibility - what do you want to achieve through your public speaking engagements and what do you need to do to achieve your public speaking goals?
The value add of speaking at the event, for example reaching new audiences and spreading your message.
Charity or community group - there are organisations that genuinely do not have a big budget but their impact if important, it's up to you to decide which causes you want to donate your time to
Practice - if you are new to pubic speaking or you're trying a new style of public speaking using events as an opportunity to practice and build your confidence is great.
If you want to improve your personal brand visibility and need guidance get in touch and book a session with me today.
This personal branding and visibility strategy day (7 hours) is ideal for business owners, entrepreneurs, creatives or professionals who want to raise their visibility and business credibility through dedicated and intentional personal brand coaching but have limited time to commit to ongoing coaching or simply want an intensive coaching session.
This coaching package is for you if:
You have been working hard in your sector for many years but do not get the recognition that you feel like you deserve.
You are tired of doubting yourself and limiting yourself in your sector.
You are often overlooked for exciting new opportunities in your sector.
You are ready for a breakthrough as a leader in your sector.
You have goals that you have buried because of your lack of confidence and concern with what other people will think.
You want to widen your circle of influence beyond the people who currently know you.
You are frustrated with the way your online footprint represents you.
You know something is holding you back and need a passionate, honest and pragmatic coach to take you to the next level.
Clients who have booked this package have left with renewed confidence in their goals and aims; established clarity as it pertains to how they position themselves in their industries and have attracted exciting opportunities which have led to career and business growth. Read what past clients have to say about the personal brand coaching sessions here.
What we will cover over the course of the day:
The Power of a Personal brand - how having a strong personal brand can open up new opportunities in your business or career journey.
Mindset and confidence review - discuss barriers and limitations and how to overcome them.
Harnessing your voice - Knowing and understanding what your message is, who your audience is and how to reach them.
Using PR to enhance your profile - Using public relations strategies to enhance your public profile.
Media training and visibility - how to engage with the press
Identifying your values & Knowing your purpose - Understanding what your brand is and how you can maintain your integrity and authenticity.
Social Media strategy - How to use social media platforms to raise your visibility.
Understanding your audience - unpacking who your audience is and why you want to engage with them
Public Speaking Tips - Advice and guidance on becoming a more confident public speaker.
Measuring Success - Assessing Long term goals and celebrating success.
How it works:
Pre-session mapping call and personal brand audit
7 hours of intensive personal branding and visibility coaching
Brainstorming and idea creation
Personal brand audit
Tangible measures to activate change
Framework to use post session
Client also receive a 60 minute photoshoot on the day at no additional cost, if for any reason the photographer is unavailable you can schedule a separate time slot. For sessions conducted remotely please send dates and times for availability for photoshoot. The 60 minutes is deducted from the 7 hour working day - if you decide not to undertake a photo shoot you will remain on the same schedule for a full day of coaching.
Lunch is included in the price for face to face sessions.
Face to face meetings can be held at a location of the client’s choice as long as there is minimal disruption - it can not be undertaken in a private residence. Travel expenses for outside London/UK must be paid by client.
Cancellations* must be made within 7 days of order being placed. After which point a refund will be made less a £50 termination fee. This is based on no work being undertaken. If work has already commenced services are not refundable but transferable.
Cancellations on the grounds of a change of business circumstances.