Sources of Income for Professional Speakers

by Gail Cassidy Once you've become relatively comfortable giving talks, the time has come to create sources of income from this skill you've acquired.  To gain confidence and continue to improve, you can practice at places such as your local and nearby Rotary Clubs. They are everywhere, and each club needs 52 speakers a year. I know because I had to find them during my year as program chairperson. I became so aware of potential speakers whenever I spoke to anyone during that year that I easily filled the 52 slots. The speaking time allotted is less than half an hour, and that time is a great practice arena. After a few "freebies," you will want to start bringing in some money--$100, $500, maybe even a $1,000 initially.  I just googled professional speakers' bureaus and found over 390,000 sources. I recommend you look into them to find what their requirements are. You will not be in the Bill Clinton or Joe Torres category, commanding $500,000 or more a speech, but at least you will learn what you have to do to eventually play in that ballpark. Each of the opportunities below are potential sources of income. Look over the list and see which arenas appeal to you. My favorite for years was Training - in-house seminars and workshops. I have done all but three of the following and although in-house seminars and workshops were my favorite, I now prefer virtual seminars and speaking to promote my products. You, too, may change your mind after you have been involved with a variety of programs. SOURCES OF INCOME FOR PROFESSIONAL SPEAKERS: · Speeches · Public Seminars · Consulting · Coaching · Virtual Seminars (teleclasses) · Speaker products (books, tapes, videos) · Seminars to promote a client · Panels · Master of Ceremonies · Infomercial Host · Expert Witness · Moderator/Facilitator · Training - in-house seminars and workshops · Spokesperson · Radio shows · College presentations · Plus opportunities limited only by your imagination. If any readers have additional venues that you have tried, please let me know and I'll pass them on. For more about discovering your passion, look at Discover Your Passion, or the updated version, Profit From Your Passion