We recently connected with Evolve Benton and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Evolve thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?

Here’s a revised version of the article:

Why You Should Start Charging for Public Speaking from Day One

Conventional wisdom in the realms of public speaking and business coaching often suggests that newcomers should begin by offering their services for free. However, I’m a staunch believer that if you’re equipped with the right skills, passion, and leadership, you should start by charging a fee.

Most individuals capable of turning public speaking into a business have likely been doing it without a price tag for much of their lives. From presenting in university settings to participating in corporate meetings or even job interviews, many have already shared their expertise without immediate financial reward.

Rather than focusing on speaking for free, it’s crucial to establish a fee structure, deliver exceptional value, and adjust your charges as you garner more recognition and credibility in the market.

To determine an appropriate fee for your speaking engagements, I recommend concentrating on the three C’s of Success: Credibility, Conversations, and Contracts.

1. Credibility: Building credibility is pivotal. To assist my clients in achieving this, I advocate for an active presence on platforms like LinkedIn, crafting their own space by initiating live sessions on social media, and attending conferences tailored to their target audience.

2. Conversations: A significant part of success involves fostering the right dialogues. I guide my clients in developing strategies to engage with industry decision-makers, leveraging relationships, forming essential partnerships, and maximizing social media marketing tools.

3. Contracts: It’s crucial for emerging speakers and consultants to overcome their apprehensions about requesting honorariums and finalizing contracts that ensure they’re compensated for their expertise. The key isn’t just about initiating dialogues with the right people but also steering these interactions toward tangible results and commitments.

For those keen to delve deeper into devising a speaker’s fee that reflects their worth, I invite you to access our complimentary training here: https://www.speaking4profit.com/opt-in-speaking-fees-how-to-determine-what-you-should-charge

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Evolve Benton, known as the “The Speaking 4 Profit Coach.” A passionate poet, author, and staunch believer in the principle that abundance is our innate right, I proudly hold an alma mater affiliation with a historically black college.

I founded Speaking 4 Profit University, a dedicated incubator designed to hone speakers and consultants to not only share their expertise with excellence but also to ensure they are compensated for it. Our mission at Speaking 4 Profit University is to amplify diversity within the public speaking and consulting sectors.

With a unique specialty in championing the LGBTQ+, black, and brown communities, my objective is to navigate individuals within these demographics into the spheres of public speaking and consulting. I’m committed to guiding my clients towards achieving their initial 6-figure earnings and then scaling up to 7 figures, ultimately attaining financial freedom.

With over 15 years of expertise as a DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) practitioner, I’ve made impactful strides in corporate, higher education, and tech domains globally. Additionally, I’ve served a decade as a higher education administrator. In the recent two years alone, I’ve successfully aided my clients in generating revenues exceeding $2 million.

In 2020, I was recognized by Yahoo Finance as the top public speaking coach worldwide.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

In January 2023, I took the bold step of leaving my university position to fully embrace my entrepreneurial journey. If you’re contemplating a similar move, here are three key strategies to ensure a seamless transition:

1. Establish a strong financial foundation.
2. Formulate a comprehensive strategy for your full-time business venture.
3. Remember, it’s okay to return to employment if circumstances demand.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

In today’s digital age, where numerous social platforms promise connections and opportunities, LinkedIn stands out as the go-to platform for professionals seeking to expand their client base. But what makes LinkedIn the premier choice for finding new clients? Here’s why:

1. Professional Audience: Unlike other social platforms where the line between personal and professional blurs, LinkedIn has a predominantly professional user base. Most members are on the platform with a clear business intent, whether it’s job hunting, networking, or business development.

2. Targeted Searches: LinkedIn’s advanced search capabilities allow users to narrow down potential clients based on industry, job title, location, company size, and more. This specificity ensures that outreach efforts are targeted and yield higher conversion rates.

3. Credibility and Recommendations: LinkedIn profiles often serve as online resumes. Recommendations, endorsements, and a well-curated profile can instill trust and provide a level of vetting before a potential client even makes contact.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.speaking4profit.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evolvebenton/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/347714636462719
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evolve-benton/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdvhf4qMKXZed0loMD3NBZQ

Image Credits
I own all these photos.