Do you want to become a motivational speaker? One of the questions that people will often ask you is your talent fee. Let me tell you something about the common experience. Then, find out how you can get out of the box.
Many speakers market motivational speaking like a commodity. So, people think that speaking is a commodity and every speaker is a vendor.
Sad but true.
New “motivational speakers” think that all you have to do on stage is to open your mouth and speak.
This is why many event organizers will call and ask you for a two-hour speech. Before they tell you their objectives, they ask you for your professional fee.
You tell them that you charge forty thousand pesos. They will tell you that they can only afford twenty thousand pesos. When that is settled, they want you to deliver your speech in an hour for half the price. Zany.
Your speaking meter is 40 thousand for two hours, 20 thousand for an hour. Well, 20 thousand pesos isn’t bad if all you have to do is open your mouth.
You cannot fault them. I have heard many motivational speakers charge this way. A university, five hours away from you, will ask you to deliver a 15-minute speech. Yes, for 25 percent of your talent fee.
Out there, you will meet people who do not understand what you offer. They refuse to listen because they believe you are like others who came before you.
You offer solutions, they think of taxi meter rates. It is like you propose social advancement, and your politicians think of SOP.
Because motivational speaking is an opportunity to make a tremendous impact and there is no factory for motivational speakers.
Value yourself. Help people see your true value.
Jef Menguin
