Today, we are pleased to welcome Toni Caruso, Executive Director of eWomenSpeakersNetwork and Executive Managing Director, eWomenNetwork Dallas, as our guest writer.
Toni empowers speakers to rise above the noise, share their unique message, and build thriving businesses by mastering the art of speaking. Toni is dedicated to helping others unlock breakthrough results. Welcome, Toni!
Let’s start by shattering a myth:
“If you’re not being paid to speak, you’re not a real speaker.”
Wrong. Dead wrong.
The truth is, some of the most successful business owners and entrepreneurs you admire didn’t start their journey with five-figure speaking checks. They built their businesses on free stages, pay-to-play spots, and every microphone they could grab— they walked away with way more than a one-time speaking fee.
Here is the trap:
Yes, it’s flattering to be offered a check for your expertise. A $5,000 keynote? Sounds nice. A $10,000 panel fee? Even better.
But here’s the catch:
You can’t pitch. At most corporate and association events, paid speakers aren’t allowed to make offers or collect emails.
It’s a one-and-done payday. That $5K check is nice, but when it’s spent, it’s gone.
The competition is fierce. Paid speaking slots are limited, and they often go to celebrities or household names.
When you focus solely on “getting paid to speak,” you’re chasing crumbs while the main dish is right in front of you.
Why Free (or Pay-to-Play) Speaking Is a Goldmine
Imagine this:
You pay $2,500 for a premium speaking slot at a conference. You deliver a killer 20-minute talk, tell your story, and showcase your expertise. At the end, you invite the audience to book a free strategy call or join your program.
Out of 100 attendees, just five sign up for your $5,000 offer.
That’s $25,000 in revenue from a single stage—plus new clients, new referrals, and new credibility.
Compare that to a $5K speaking fee. No pitch, no new leads, no lasting business impact. Which would you choose?
Real Numbers Don’t Lie
A 2023 report from SpeakerFlow revealed that most professional speakers average 20–25 paid gigs a year, but their revenue isn’t always coming from fees. The top earners? They combine speaking with coaching, consulting, online programs, masterminds, or VIP experiences—because that’s where the money is.
Free and pay-to-speak events aren’t “less than.” They’re marketing investments with sky-high ROI.
It’s a Mindset Shift
If you want to turn speaking into a business growth engine, here’s the shift you need to make:
1. Stop thinking like a guest. Start thinking like a CEO. Every time you’re on stage, you’re marketing your brand; you are the Chief Engagement Officer in your business.
2. Design your talk to sell. A well-crafted “signature talk” positions you as the go-to expert and moves people to action without sounding pushy.
3. Know your numbers. If your average client is worth $5,000 and you land two new clients per stage, that’s $10K per appearance. I would do that all night long!
Uncover your voice. Claim your message. Own the stage.
Take a 2-minute quiz to discover the speaker within—and how your unique style can amplify your brand, grow your impact, and open doors to paid opportunities. Click here for the quiz.
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