
Overview
Starting a public speaking business can be a rewarding venture if you enjoy engaging and informing audiences. Here’s an overview to get you started:
1. Business Model
A public speaking business revolves around offering speaking services on various topics. This can include:
- Keynote Speeches: Delivered at conferences and large events.
- Motivational Talks: Aimed at inspiring and motivating audiences.
- Workshops and Seminars: More interactive sessions focused on specific skills or knowledge areas.
2. Identifying Your Niche
Choosing a niche is crucial. Consider what topics you are passionate about and knowledgeable in. Your niche should align with your interests, expertise, and the needs of your target audience1.
3. Building Your Brand
- Create a Unique Selling Proposition (USP): What sets you apart from other speakers?
- Develop a Professional Website: Showcase your expertise, past speaking engagements, and client testimonials.
- Networking: Build relationships with event organizers, companies, and other speakers.
4. Marketing and Promotion
- Social Media: Use platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram to promote your speaking services.
- Content Marketing: Write blogs, create videos, and share valuable content related to your niche.
- Public Relations: Get featured in industry publications and podcasts.
5. Financial Considerations
- Startup Costs: These can include website development, marketing materials, and travel expenses.
- Pricing: Determine your speaking fees based on your experience, the event size, and the industry standard2.
6. Challenges
- Finding Gigs: Building a client base can take time and effort.
- Competition: The public speaking industry is competitive, so standing out is essential.
- Consistency: Maintaining a steady flow of speaking engagements requires ongoing marketing and networking2.
7. Continuous Improvement
- Feedback: Always seek feedback from your audience to improve your presentations.
- Professional Development: Attend workshops and training sessions to enhance your speaking skills.
Starting a public speaking business involves careful planning and a lot of dedication, but it can be incredibly fulfilling as you get to share your message and make a positive impact on others.
What You Will Be Doing
As a public speaker, your primary role will be to deliver engaging and informative speeches to various audiences. Here are some key activities you will be involved in:
1. Research and Content Development
- Research Topics: Conduct thorough research on the subjects you will be speaking about to ensure accuracy and relevance.
- Develop Speeches: Write and structure your speeches to be clear, compelling, and tailored to your audience’s interests and needs1.
2. Presentation and Delivery
- Engage the Audience: Present your speeches in a way that captures and holds the audience’s attention. This includes using storytelling, humor, and other techniques to make your message memorable2.
- Use Visual Aids: Enhance your presentations with slideshows, videos, and other multimedia tools to illustrate your points effectively1.
3. Audience Interaction
- Q&A Sessions: Participate in question and answer sessions after your speeches to engage with the audience and clarify any doubts1.
- Networking: Interact with audience members before and after your speeches to build connections and gather feedback1.
4. Marketing and Promotion
- Promote Engagements: Use social media, your website, and other channels to promote your speaking engagements and attract new opportunities1.
- Public Relations: Work on getting featured in industry publications, podcasts, and other media to increase your visibility1.
5. Logistical Management
- Scheduling: Manage your calendar to ensure you are available for speaking engagements.
- Travel Arrangements: Handle logistics such as booking travel and accommodations for out-of-town events1.
6. Continuous Improvement
- Seek Feedback: Regularly seek feedback from your audience and peers to improve your speaking skills and content.
- Professional Development: Attend workshops, training sessions, and other events to stay updated on public speaking techniques and industry trends2.
By focusing on these activities, you can build a successful public speaking business that not only informs and inspires but also leaves a lasting impact on your audience.
Is there a specific aspect of public speaking you’re particularly interested in or would like more details about?
Qualifications/Skills Needed
To run a successful public speaking business, you don’t necessarily need formal qualifications, but certain skills and experiences can significantly enhance your effectiveness and credibility. Here are some key qualifications and skills to consider:
Qualifications
- Education: While a specific degree isn’t required, having a background in communication, business, or a related field can be beneficial1.
- Certifications: There are various public speaking certifications available that can enhance your credibility. These certifications often involve training in presentation skills, audience engagement, and business management2.
Skills
- Verbal Communication: Excellent verbal communication skills are essential for delivering clear and engaging speeches1.
- Presentation Skills: Proficiency in using presentation software (like PowerPoint) and other visual aids to support your talks3.
- Research Skills: The ability to research and gather reliable data to create informative and accurate content3.
- Interpersonal Skills: Strong interpersonal skills to connect with your audience and build relationships with clients and event organizers1.
- Adaptability: The ability to tailor your message to different audiences and adjust your delivery based on feedback3.
- Marketing and Sales: Skills in marketing and sales to promote your services and secure speaking engagements1.
- Memorization: Good memorization skills to deliver your speeches confidently without relying too heavily on notes1.
- Audience Assessment: The ability to assess and understand your audience’s needs and interests to make your presentations more relevant and engaging1.
Experience
- Previous Speaking Experience: Having experience as a public speaker, even in smaller settings, can help build your confidence and reputation1.
- Professional Development: Continuously improving your skills through workshops, training sessions, and feedback from your audience4.
By developing these skills and gaining relevant experience, you can build a strong foundation for your public speaking business and effectively engage and inspire your audiences.
Is there a particular skill or qualification you’d like to know more about?
What You Can Charge/Earn
The earnings of a public speaker can vary widely based on experience, reputation, niche, and the type of events you speak at. Here’s a general overview of what you can expect to charge and earn:
Speaking Fees
- New Speakers: If you’re just starting out, you might charge between $500 and $2,500 per talk1.
- Moderately Experienced Speakers: With some experience and a few successful engagements, you can charge between $5,000 and $10,000 per talk1.
- Experienced Speakers: Established speakers with a strong reputation and significant expertise can command fees ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 per talk1.
- Top-Tier Speakers: Highly sought-after speakers, such as bestselling authors, professional athletes, or celebrities, can charge $20,000 to $50,000 or more per talk2.
Annual Earnings
- Average Earnings: The average annual salary for a public speaker in the United States is around $101,2903.
- Range: Full-time professional speakers can earn anywhere from $50,000 to $300,000 per year, depending on their brand and the number of engagements they secure4.
Factors Influencing Fees
- Experience and Expertise: More experienced speakers with specialized knowledge can charge higher fees.
- Audience Size and Event Type: Larger events and corporate engagements typically pay more than smaller, local events.
- Market Demand: Topics that are in high demand can command higher fees.
- Geographic Location: Fees can vary based on the location of the event and the cost of living in that area.
Startup Cost/Unusual Expenses
Starting a public speaking business involves several startup costs and some unusual expenses you might not initially consider. Here’s a breakdown:
Startup Costs
- Website Development: Creating a professional website to showcase your services, past engagements, and testimonials. This can cost between $500 and $5,000 depending on the complexity and features1.
- Marketing and Branding: Initial costs for branding, including logo design, business cards, and promotional materials. Expect to spend around $1,000 to $3,0001.
- Professional Photography: High-quality photos for your website and promotional materials. This can range from $300 to $1,5001.
- Presentation Equipment: Investing in a good laptop, projector, microphone, and other presentation tools. This can cost between $1,000 and $3,0001.
- Travel Expenses: Initial travel costs for attending events and networking. This can vary widely but budgeting $1,000 to $5,000 is a good start1.
- Training and Certification: Costs for public speaking courses or certifications to enhance your skills. This can range from $500 to $2,0001.
Unusual Expenses
- Insurance: General liability insurance to protect against potential lawsuits or accidents during your events. This can cost around $300 to $1,000 annually2.
- Legal Fees: Costs for setting up your business structure (LLC, corporation, etc.) and drafting contracts. This can range from $500 to $2,0002.
- Professional Memberships: Joining professional organizations like the National Speakers Association for networking and credibility. Membership fees can be around $300 to $600 annually2.
- Content Development: Hiring a professional to help develop and polish your speeches or presentations. This can cost between $500 and $2,000 per project2.
- Virtual Event Tools: Subscriptions to platforms like Zoom, webinar software, and other tools for virtual speaking engagements. This can cost around $200 to $500 annually2.
- Backup Equipment: Having backup equipment like an extra microphone or projector in case of technical issues. This can add an additional $500 to $1,0002.
By planning for these costs and setting aside a budget for unexpected expenses, you can better prepare for the financial aspects of starting your public speaking business.
Other/Ongoing Expenses
How much will it cost to continue doing buiness?
Additional Income Streams
Absolutely! Diversifying your income streams can help stabilize your earnings and expand your reach. Here are some additional income streams you can consider as a public speaker:
1. Online Courses and Webinars
- Create and Sell Courses: Develop online courses on topics related to your expertise. Platforms like Udemy, Teachable, and Coursera can help you reach a wider audience1.
- Host Webinars: Conduct live webinars where participants can interact with you in real-time. This can be a great way to offer value and generate income through registration fees1.
2. Books and E-Books
- Write a Book: Authoring a book can establish you as an authority in your field. You can sell your book at events, online, and through bookstores1.
- E-Books: Create shorter, more focused e-books that can be sold on your website or through platforms like Amazon Kindle1.
3. Consulting and Coaching
- One-on-One Coaching: Offer personalized coaching sessions to individuals or small groups who want to improve their skills or knowledge in your area of expertise1.
- Corporate Consulting: Provide consulting services to businesses looking to benefit from your insights and experience1.
4. Membership Sites and Online Communities
- Create a Membership Site: Offer exclusive content, resources, and networking opportunities to members who pay a monthly or annual fee2.
- Online Communities: Build a community around your niche where members can interact, share ideas, and access premium content2.
5. Sponsorships and Brand Partnerships
- Sponsorship Deals: Partner with brands that align with your message and values. You can promote their products or services during your talks or through your online platforms2.
- Affiliate Marketing: Earn commissions by promoting products or services related to your niche2.
6. Merchandise Sales
- Branded Merchandise: Sell branded merchandise such as T-shirts, mugs, and notebooks at your events or through your website1.
- Digital Products: Offer downloadable resources like templates, guides, and checklists1.
7. Podcasts and Online Shows
- Start a Podcast: Share your insights and interviews with other experts in your field. You can monetize through sponsorships, ads, and listener donations1.
- YouTube Channel: Create a YouTube channel where you share valuable content. Monetize through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise sales1.
8. Workshops and Seminars
- Host Workshops: Conduct in-person or virtual workshops where participants can learn from you in a more interactive setting1.
- Seminars: Organize seminars on specific topics, charging attendees a fee to participate1.
By leveraging these additional income streams, you can create a more robust and sustainable business model as a public speaker.
How to Start Your Own Business
You have a great idea and want to start the business. Be your own boss, determine your own hours, all of the things that you have always wanted to do. However, make sure that your business will be a success. Having a great idea is only a part of the formula for success. Business planning can be exciting. It molds and defines your idea, your product, your company, and your goals. Your business plan is your road map for the future, it plans the course you will follow to be successful. Successful business planning involves the use of a logical sequence. Many business owners do not have business plans because they feel that the task for actually preparing the business plan is too hard to do by themselves. This is like going a vacation to a far away destination without planning how to drive there. You are going to become lost on the way, wasting time and money. Arriving to your destination on time and in the most efficient manner does not happen by accident. It comes from careful planning.
The Business Plan for Small Business
Get clear step-by-step instructions and expert tips on how to build your business plan. Whether this is your first plan or you are an experienced business plan writer, it's fast and easy to create a business plan with these easy to follow instructions. The Business Plan for Small Business is available for immediate download.
- The needed Excel® spreadsheets and the Word® documents are included.
- The workbook contains all of the instructions you need to complete your business plan.
- Designed and Customized for a Small Business
Some of the Features the Business Plan:
- Complete the business plan in eleven (11) steps.
- The workbook contains all of the instructions you need to complete the business plan for your Small Business.
- Contains samples, illustrations, charts, and graphs.
- Create a mission statement to synchronize your company's activities with a clear corporate vision.
- Detailed instructions on how to customize your business plan.
- Powerful forecasting tools and a complete, integrated financial plan.
- Prepare marketing and sales plans with systems for determining optimal strategies, tactics and pricing.
- Optional system to assess strategies prior to drafting plan.
- The charts and graphs that are important to you and your potential lenders are automatically created.
- Select from the list of products and services to help you choose what you will offer your customers in the operation of your Small Business.
- Sections included are:
- Personal Evaluation
- Cover Sheet
- Executive Summary
- General Company Description
- Products and Services
- Startup Cost and Capitalization
- Marketing Plan
- Sales Forecast
- Operational Plan
- Management and Organization
- Financial Plan
- Learn how to keep your business plan up to date.
- Impress your audience with a professional, attractive document in the format accepted by the SBA, investors, and major lenders.
- No writer's block; just follow the steps.
- Bank or Grant Funding. Will meet or exceed bank or government guidelines.
- In addition to the complete business plan, you are provided information references and website links to valuable business resources.
Where to Begin
How you Can Succeed
1. Realize your Potential
In order to succeed at anything, you need to see that you have the potential to reach your goals. For example, if you want to be a recording artist but have no singing ability, having success in this field is not likely. However, if you love working on cars and have a real talent for fixing engines and transmissions, and to you, success might mean working for NASCAR, you have potential to learn and achieve that success.
2. Don’t Look Back
Everyone has failures or mistakes from the past. To have success, you need to learn from your past and value those difficult lessons but do not every dwell on the past. Simply move forward and make better, more educated decisions from the lessons learned.
3. Dare to Dream
To succeed, you need to have dreams and aspirations. Be honest with yourself as to what you want out of life and what you want to give of your life. Allow your mind to dream and think big.
4. Business Plan
Create a Business Plan as your very first step if you are planning to build a business. Whether you will be searching for investors or not, this plan will be the blueprint to your success. The Business Plan will consist of market trends, financial planning, competitive analysis, exit strategies, marketing and promotional options, everything about your goal. When going before an investor, you will be required to have a Business Plan. This is by far the most important document of all. If your success were something personal, you would not need to create a Business Plan although a project plan would be a good option to allow you to keep track of everything involving your goal.
5. Don’t Give Up
To reach success, you have to persevere. Even Thomas Edison had to learn this. When he was creating the incandescent light bulb, it took him more than 10,000 times to get it right. Keep striving even when it becomes challenging.
6. Have an Unstoppable Attitude
You need to have determination. With good intentions, there may be a close friend or family member that feels it would be better if you focused your attention in another direction. Uphold your unstoppable attitude, determined to succeed.
7. Stop the Complaining
You might think there is no correlation between complaining and success when in fact there is a connection. When you are spending time complaining about the obstacles you are facing, you are wasting so much time being negative that you are actually losing chances to move forward. Instead of thinking of challenges as problems, think of them as opportunities.
8. Focus on Something you Like
To increase your chance of succeeding, you should concentrate your efforts on something you enjoy. When you start out, make a list of everything you find interesting. Then in a second column, write down the skills you have in relation to each of those items. This will help you narrow choices down based on interest and skill, which gets you started in the right direction for success.
9. Change your Circumstances
You have a choice in life to accept your position or change it. If you choose to plug along in life hoping that something will change for the better, you will not get very far. Always remember that when it comes to changing your circumstances, you can – you have that power. As an example, women who are in abusive situations often feel controlled and powerless to get out of the situation. They have the same choice of changing their circumstances as you do. If your circumstances lower the chances of success, you need to change them.
10. Have a Plan
Even if it is flimsy to begin with, you should construct a plan to include goals, milestones, deliverables such as contracts, business plans, etc., and accomplishments. This will provide you with a visual as to what you are working for, what milestones you have successfully met, and where you need to do better.
Market Research: Surveys and Questionnaires
Questionnaires are still very much the cornerstone for market research and the effectiveness of the questions will be determined by the quality and structure of the questionnaire itself. By ignoring this fact, the results you obtain may be irrelevant, inaccurate and even inconclusive. This E-book will help explain how to structure and develop your questionnaire in order to gain a response that can be used for an accurate analysis and constructive feed back.
Some of the Features of this Book:
- Ways of issuing questionnaires.
- Which people to target with your survey and questionnaire.
- Types of questions for the questionnaire.
- Examples of questionnaires.
- Structuring the questionnaire.
- Designing the questionnaire.
- Doing your sample survey with the questionnaire.
- Planning the survey.
- How to write the questionnaire.
- Survey fieldwork.
The Complete Basic Office
A good office setup is critical to smooth running business operations. Controlling purchases and expenses are a key ingredient to a healthy business, especially a new start up venture. This book gives you the information you need to professionally set up your office operation.
Some of the Features of the Book:
- How to determine the office supplies, equipment and furniture you will need for your business.
- Introduction to office supplies and equipment.
- How to buy or lease office furniture and options for second hand furniture.
- Keeping control of our office supplies.
- Complete listings on filing systems, desks, shelving, and chairs.
- Complete computer listings including PC, laptops, modems, monitors, mouse and keyboards, printers, scanners, photocopiers, fax machines and combined units.
- How to maximize connectivity, size and legal software.
- Links to government websites for business operations.
- 100 ways to increase your business.
- Free Reports including coupons and discounts and how pricing affects your business.
Paperback
How to Attract Clients/Customers
Three places to find new clients without a lot of work
1. Don’t ignore your own “Acres of diamonds” – ask your existing clients to refer some of their family, friends and associates to you. If they’re happy with your service they will be more than happy to do it and your job will be much easier since they are coming recommended by someone they trust.
2. Former employers and associates, both in your current field and in other related fields, can be a great resource for finding new business. Give them a call, talk about what you are doing and ask for referrals or better yet – have lunch and catch up with them and again, don’t be shy about asking for referrals!
3. Ask your current prospects who they know that may need your products or services. It may sound odd at first but give it a try and your opinion may quickly change. Especially if you’ve gone out of your way to help them.
Remember that the vast majority of people generally enjoy helping others. Everyone wants to feel good about themselves and one of the quickest, surest ways of doing that is to help others. When you ask the people in your circle of influence to help you by referring new clients, you’re helping yourself, you’re helping them by enabling them to help you, and you’re helping the potential clients by providing a quality product or service that they need.
For more information about obtaining and maintaining your client base, check out the resources in the "Where to Begin" section.
New Customer Development Program
How to get new accounts and new customers is the #1 concern of any business. How to get the new customers you need to provide the income your business requires is a matter of prime importance to survival and growth. Many businesses, large and small, approached new customer acquisition in a haphazard, unplanned, and uncoordinated way. The results are usually disappointing, expensive, and inadequate from the standpoint of a contribution of to the profitability and success of your business.
Some of the Features of this Book:
- The Six Steps to getting your new customers, clients and accounts.
- How to understand your customers needs.
- How to know who your clients are and where they are located
- How to conduct your own full scale market research with emphasis on the two ways to conduct your market research
- The four methods for getting your first customers for start-up businesses!
- How to implement a successful marketing program!
- How to use direct mail, telemarketing, printed materials, exhibitions, surveys, websites, promotions, press releases and public relations to acquire new customers, clients and accounts.
- How to develop a customer retention program.
- How keep your customers coming back!
- How to establish Loyalty and Rewards programs!
- Includes six bonus sections with information regarding community work, advertising, exploring business opportunities, financing your business, pricing policies and income goals.
Customer Care Program
Good customer relations will give you a sense of achievement, satisfied customers and the improved chance of further promoting your business. So, how can you ensure that your customers will stay loyal to your business?
Some of the Features of this book:
- How to improve customer care and customer relations.
- How to establish your Customer Relationship Management (CRM) program.
- Selling and building customer relationships over the telephone.
- How to handle customer complaints and establish solutions.
- How to establish the programs that will reflect your business.
- How to establish automatic email responses, set up telephone call centers, direct mail campaigns and loyalty cards.
- How to handle gatekeepers.
- How to establish customer loyalty programs.
- How to keep customers loyal to your business.
- How to make telephone sales and appointments.
- How to expand your customer database.
- How to encourage old and new customers to buy again.
- How to generate more profit with direct mail and email marketing.
- What you need to know about customer retention.
Associations/Organizations
There are an immense amount of small business associations and organizations for both general and specific businesses and industries. The ones listed here, offer broad information that affect all businesses, no matter what their size. These organizations provide support, education and resources for running your business.
I can think of no reason not to join any or all small business associations that are relevant to your business. Most charge a membership fee, but if you get one, two or even a dozen ideas that impact your bottom line for the positive, then it will be well worth the cost. Having an invaluable business partner—or maybe even a loyal customer down the line—is priceless for your business.
Think about what your goals are, where your customers are and what they need, and investigate how the association can connect you to the partners, networks, and customers you need to grow your business.
Industry Specific Organizations
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
Books/Magazines/Periodicals
Industry Specific Books & Publications
In this section you will find resources that are specific to your field of interest.
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
Education/Courses/Training/Videos
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
Websites
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
Blogs/Forums
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
xxx
Social Media
Not every social media company has industry specific links. Where I could find them I have tried to give you the best, otherwise I have provided links to general business social media accounts. Not all of these will meet your criteria, but things on the internet change on a daily basis and I will keep researching. If anyone accessing this site knows of a industry specific social media company please email me the information at
xxx
Flickr
xxx
xxx
KIK
xxx
xx
Periscope
xxx
SoundCloud
xxx
Tumblr
xxx
xxxx
Medium
xxx
xxx
Snapchat
xxx
Swarm by Foursquare
xxx
xxx
YouTube
xxx
Words to Know
Business Plan
Here is your tool for demonstrating how you want to establish your small business and how you plan to grow it into good financial health. When writing a business plan, it should include financial, operational, and marketing goals as well as how you plan to get there. The more specific you are with your business plan, the better prepared you will be in the long run.
B2B
abbreviation for business-to-business: describing or involving business arrangements or trade between different businesses, rather than between businesses and the general public
B2C
abbreviation for business-to-consumer: describing or involving the sale of goods or services directly to customers for their own use, rather than to businesses
e-business
the business of buying and selling goods and services on the internet, or a particular company that does this
Bootstrapping
Using your own money to finance the start-up and growth of your small business. Think of it as being your own investor. Once the business is up and running successfully, the business finance term and definition bootstrapping refers to the use of profits earned to reinvest in the business.
Employer Identification Number (EIN) Certificate
In order to be more easily identified by the Internal Revenue Service, every business entity is assigned a unique number called an EIN. When you start your small business, an EIN will be assigned and mailed to the business address. This number never changes, and you will be asked to furnish it for many reasons.
Articles of Incorporation
This is legal documentation of the business’s creation, including name, type of business, and type of business structure or incorporation. This paperwork is one of the first tasks you will complete when you officially start your business. Once submitted, your articles of incorporation are kept on file with the appropriate governmental agencies.
Income Statement
Here is one of the four most important reports lenders and investors want to see when evaluating the viability of your small business. It is also called a profit and loss statement, and it addresses the business’s bottom line, reporting how much the business has earned and spent over a given period of time. The result will be either a net gain or a net loss.
Statement of Cash Flow
One of the important documents required by lenders and investors that shows a summary of the actual collection of revenue and payment of expenses for your business. The statement of cash blow should reflect activity in the areas of operating, investing, and financing and should be an integral part of your financial statement package.
Bootstrapping
Using your own money to finance the start-up and growth of your small business. Think of it as being your own investor. Once the business is up and running successfully, the business finance term and definition bootstrapping refers to the use of profits earned to reinvest in the business.
Financial Statements
An integral part of the loan application process is furnishing information that shows your business is a good credit risk. The standard financial statemen packet includes four main reports: the income statement, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flow, and the statement of shareholders equity, if you have shareholders.
Lenders and investors want to see that your business is well-balanced with assets and liabilities, has positive cash flow, and will have capital to make expected repayments.
Net Worth
This business finance term and definition is an expression of your business’s total value, as determined by your total current assets less the total liabilities currently owed by the business. With your business’s most recent balance sheet in hand, you can calculate the net worth using a simple formula: Assets – Liabilities = Net Worth.
Featured Business

Business Name
xxx
Description
xxx
History
xxx
Marketing Tips
xxx
What I've Learned
xxx
Advice and Recommendations
xxx