My first speaking gig - back in 1996 - was $250 and I was flown from St. Louis to Davenport Iowa where I stayed for 3 days and 2 nights w/expenses covered.
Great video! Thank you. I did stand up and radiowork in my 20s. I’ve only been speaking for free in the past, with the church (different congregations every Sunday for years, but I’ve walked away from organized religion.) I’ve also speak in the commercial roofing arena on running a eight figure business, the Hemp industry on subjects from manufacturing to retail & here lately teaching the Law of attraction, to get clients to sign up for my online courses. Now that I’m going through a divorce, I’m starting to think I should work at getting booked, to keep myself distracted and to share positivity with others. It’s very fulfilling and keeps me happy when I’m helping people.
I charged $1500 for my first speaking fee at a college for professional development week. It was a 45 minute workshop on perseverance. I am now ranging from 3500 to 5000 per speaking engagement. I love what I do. I remain competitive in the market and I do alot of research.
Great video Grant! My first gig was $500 but they also paid for my flight, hotel, and presented my wife and I with a nice gift card for dinner (we made it a vacation) I love these tips and really need to pull the trigger on one of your programs! Awesome insight in this video!
I just did my first gig and it wasn't paid but as I grow into this, this was one of my biggest questions. I struggle with this for two additional reasons. First, I am telling the story of the day that some officers risked their lives to save me. I feel that sharing this is how I say "thank you" to them. Second, I am on disability and at this point have to remain on it. I just spent 28 days in the hospital and have spent much, much more than that. With that, I have to be extremely careful how much money I take in. In my few upcoming offers I am asking for accommodations and travel. I do ask for feedback, reviews, referrals, etc. Especially speaking within the law enforcement community, good word of mouth is going to be one of my best marketing tools. I have something no one else can offer.
Great video, really helpful - thank you. I did a few free gigs first, but as you said, I got other value from those, including a great video I've used to promote myself in future. First paid gig was $1000. Something else that might help people's motivation when deciding what to charge - it's not just the time you're on stage you charge for - it's the prep time, travel time, etc. as well.
Hey Grant, another awesome video. My first paid speaking gig was roughly about 1000$ and has been pretty constant after that. I was hesitant of increasing my fee. Speaking is a part of what I do in addition to running my own start up.After watching your videos I believe it's time I confidently increase my fee since my experience does matter. Thanks for the insight! Keep the videos coming!
My first paid speaking gig was $2500 for 3 talks, plus part of my travel expenses were covered on top of that. It was a student leadership conference at a college.
Dinesh - we have a lot more resources available at thespeakerlab.com, including our podcast. Here are some episodes you might find helpful: thespeakerlab.com/jon-acuff/ thespeakerlab.com/thomas-frank/ thespeakerlab.com/maggie-rowe/
Great video! Love your podcast and the new youtube channel! My first speaking gig was in college when I made a speaking website for one of my classes... someone called me wanted to book a presentation and asked what "my fee" was! I just threw out $250 and they said yes immediately, haha! It seemed like so much money to me at the time :)
God called me out of darkness to share my testimony on the pain and damage of legal abortion and that it took the lives of my children. I spoke for free many times and still do, just to get the truth out there. However, I wrote a couple of books and been speaking internationally for 30 years now. I have a hard time asking for money. Sometimes I get standing ovations after my talks. The most I got was $2,000. However, now I feel I need to get more funds because I want to make a movie. Thank you, and where do I find that link to see how much I could ask for with all my experience on Radio, TV and speaking to thousands of people over the years?
How much did you charge for your first paid speaking gig? Let me know below.
The Speaker Lab $500 was my first
My first speaking gig - back in 1996 - was $250 and I was flown from St. Louis to Davenport Iowa where I stayed for 3 days and 2 nights w/expenses covered.
AWESOMENESS!!!
Great stuff
Great video! Thank you. I did stand up and radiowork in my 20s. I’ve only been speaking for free in the past, with the church (different congregations every Sunday for years, but I’ve walked away from organized religion.) I’ve also speak in the commercial roofing arena on running a eight figure business, the Hemp industry on subjects from manufacturing to retail & here lately teaching the Law of attraction, to get clients to sign up for my online courses.
Now that I’m going through a divorce, I’m starting to think I should work at getting booked, to keep myself distracted and to share positivity with others. It’s very fulfilling and keeps me happy when I’m helping people.
Excellent Video! This was very helpful. Thank you.
Thanks!
Another awesome video from one of my favourite industry experts!
Thanks Lauren!
I charged $1500 for my first speaking fee at a college for professional development week. It was a 45 minute workshop on perseverance. I am now ranging from 3500 to 5000 per speaking engagement. I love what I do. I remain competitive in the market and I do alot of research.
Awesome to hear Arletta!
Great video! Love it - speaking fee levels are such an important to topic and hearing best practices is super useful
Glad you found it useful!
Great video Grant! My first gig was $500 but they also paid for my flight, hotel, and presented my wife and I with a nice gift card for dinner (we made it a vacation) I love these tips and really need to pull the trigger on one of your programs! Awesome insight in this video!
Glad you found it helpful! We'd love to have you as part of the tribe ;) We'll keep an eye out for you.
I just did my first gig and it wasn't paid but as I grow into this, this was one of my biggest questions. I struggle with this for two additional reasons. First, I am telling the story of the day that some officers risked their lives to save me. I feel that sharing this is how I say "thank you" to them. Second, I am on disability and at this point have to remain on it. I just spent 28 days in the hospital and have spent much, much more than that. With that, I have to be extremely careful how much money I take in. In my few upcoming offers I am asking for accommodations and travel. I do ask for feedback, reviews, referrals, etc. Especially speaking within the law enforcement community, good word of mouth is going to be one of my best marketing tools. I have something no one else can offer.
Knowing what you are looking to get out of your speaking business is key - it sounds like you have that part pretty clear!
How much would schools or universities pay for guest lectures/speakers? I'm sure it's budget dependent. Do you have experience with this?
This is a really good video with great insight!👍
Thanks so much!
Great video, really helpful - thank you. I did a few free gigs first, but as you said, I got other value from those, including a great video I've used to promote myself in future. First paid gig was $1000. Something else that might help people's motivation when deciding what to charge - it's not just the time you're on stage you charge for - it's the prep time, travel time, etc. as well.
Yes, all the variables that go into being ready to deliver are important to factor in.
Hey Grant, another awesome video. My first paid speaking gig was roughly about 1000$ and has been pretty constant after that. I was hesitant of increasing my fee. Speaking is a part of what I do in addition to running my own start up.After watching your videos I believe it's time I confidently increase my fee since my experience does matter. Thanks for the insight! Keep the videos coming!
Anytime! Let us know how it goes with increasing your fee! It can be intimidating, but it is all part of growing. Best of luck!
My first paid speaking gig was $2500 for 3 talks, plus part of my travel expenses were covered on top of that. It was a student leadership conference at a college.
That is a great first gig Diana!
New subscriber 👍🏾💃🏽
Hello Grant, how to get the platform to get the audience ?
Dinesh - we have a lot more resources available at thespeakerlab.com, including our podcast. Here are some episodes you might find helpful:
thespeakerlab.com/jon-acuff/
thespeakerlab.com/thomas-frank/
thespeakerlab.com/maggie-rowe/
awesome vid
Thanks Dr. Kenny!
Great video! Love your podcast and the new youtube channel! My first speaking gig was in college when I made a speaking website for one of my classes... someone called me wanted to book a presentation and asked what "my fee" was! I just threw out $250 and they said yes immediately, haha! It seemed like so much money to me at the time :)
That is awesome! Amazing how time and experience can change perception - but not a bad start at all.
God called me out of darkness to share my testimony on the pain and damage of legal abortion and that it took the lives of my children. I spoke for free many times and still do, just to get the truth out there. However, I wrote a couple of books and been speaking internationally for 30 years now. I have a hard time asking for money. Sometimes I get standing ovations after my talks. The most I got was $2,000. However, now I feel I need to get more funds because I want to make a movie. Thank you, and where do I find that link to see how much I could ask for with all my experience on Radio, TV and speaking to thousands of people over the years?
Hey Denise, you can check out our speaker fee calculator here: thespeakerlab.com/speaking-fees-calculator/
I charge $1000. Awesome. I teach on anti-sex trafficking, protecting kids and I also charge $1000 for self defense.