Get Paid Even if it’s a No Fee Gig!

These days, it is getting tough to find highly paid speaking engagements and more often than not, speakers are being asked to speak for no fee. As much as I would like to receive a speaker fee every time I speak, I know that is just not the case these days. That's why I say "YES" to "no fee" engagements as long as I know that speaking will benefit my success in some way. Here are some of requests I ask of the event host or meeting planner:

-           Provide me with back of the room (BOR) presence to sell products and generate leads

-           purchase my products or books in advance and gift them to the audience

-           introduce me to other organizations that would have my as a speaker

-           introduce me to key people that could use my services

-           provide an attendee list with contact information for my use

-           hold a drawing to give away a product/service

-           get a copy of any video or photographs taken of me at the event for my use

Create your own list of requests to leverage your time at the event, not just on stage. There are other strategies to help you get compensated for your expertise and time. 

To help you, I am giving away a FREE CHECKLIST on QUALIFYING YOUR EVENT. It's yours for just signing up in the box on the right on my website: http://www.backoftheroomproductions.com

If you aren't familiar with back of the room marketing or sales; or maybe what you're doing isn't working, let's talk about that. In my 15 minute free consultation, ask your most challenging question and I'll give you a ready-to-use strategy and help you define your next step. Schedule your phone call here: www.borp.acuityscheduling.com

Alicia White, Founder and Creative Director of Back of the Room Productions™, helps speakers, coaches, consultants, and business owners give their message legs long after they leave the stage through professional branding and powerful products. From speaker sheets to back of the room products, clients receive high-level graphic design and expert branding strategy that leads them to business and speaking success!

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The difference between a FREE Discovery Call and Coaching Session

I read a post by a woman who supported the argument of "No Marketing of FREE calls or Discovery/Clarity calls. needed." In her preface, she states that "it comes from a place of 'begging' for business" and the calls "are disguised pitch tests." She also states that newer coaches believe that the free call offers a prospect insight into how great their coaching is by giving away a free session. In her article she notes that Tony Robbins doesn't give free calls. 

Well, I think there is a time and place for a free discovery call. These calls are definitely needed if the coach is new to the business or is targeting a different audience. They must establish the "know, like, trust factor" before people will buy. Not every one has the "know, like, trust factor" that Anthony Robbins has. I bet he gave away free calls to attract business before he became a respected expert and leader. 

The call is also needed to ensure the prospect is a good fit - if they aren't willing to do the work I give them, I don't want them as a client. Or they may not care for my style of design. The discovery call saves me time by eliminating difficult clients. 

However, it IS important to establish guidelines for the discovery or strategy calls. I advice clients to keep the call under 30 minutes. I also do not provide more than two strategies. If they need more advice, guidance, strategy, etc. they can pay for my value and expertise in a strategy session. 

Now, if you offer free coaching session to attract clients, then stop it. As a coach, you have value and to give it away is devaluing you and your expertise. It's not necessary to do this to attract clients. So, watch your labeling and make sure your free discovery calls are in fact discovery calls and your coaching sessions have a priced attached to it!

If you aren't sure about your coaching program or what you're doing isn't working, let's talk about that. In my 15 minute free consultation, ask your most challenging question and I'll give you a ready-to-use strategy and help you define your next step. Schedule your phone call here: www.borp.acuityscheduling.com

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Alicia White is a valuable resource for speakers, coaches, trainers and business owners who need solid branding strategy and professional, on-target marketing materials that make a lasting impression. With over 20 years of experience, Alicia has served in graphic design, marketing, and public relation roles for both the corporate and non-profit worlds.

Alicia is the founder of Back of the Room Productions™ and SpeakerSheets.com and an international best selling author. She is a two-time award recipient of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and Partnering Director of the Public Speakers Association.

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Masterminding Book by Lauren Midgley

Lauren Midgley,  speaker, author and founder of Courage to Succeed Consulting has co-authored the book Masterminding Our Way: The Power of 5 Minds. She along with four other brilliant business professionals share their stories on masterminding and how it helps them grow their business and get support in their personal life.

When I was growing Back of the Room Productions, I was part of two small masterminds and loved learning marketing and business development strategies as well as gaining insight on who to balance my work and home life. Today, I am part of a mastermind with my business coach Katrina Sawa, and while it is a virtual meeting, I still gain the support I need to improve my business practices.

It helps knowing that someone else is there to validate your actions, answer questions, help you solve challenges, or provide an alternatives to processes that haven't been working.

Great job on the  book, Lauren! Congratulations to you, Sarah Gilliland, Wendy Knutson, Nicole Smith and Shannon Thomas! Go buy the book!

Masterminding Our Way: The Power of 5 Minds

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The Power of Being Honest

Today, I opened up my email and saw a subject heading stating:
♥ We're Sorry. Can we try this again? ♥

This email was from a print vendor I have used in the past. I was intrigued. I usually just delete these promotional emails but the subject line caught my attention this time. Upon reading the first sentence, I realized this was a heartfelt message.  Overnightprint's Chief Management Officer, Michael Wolfe, described in detail how the company had let customers down.

He was brutally honest! A trait that so many of us push down for fear of rejection or for exposing our imperfections. He followed up with how the company will do better and extended an offer to customers to further express his gratitude for their understanding. He even gave out his personal phone number so people could call him directly!

I applaud you, Michael Wolfe, for being transparent and honest. For following up and for being willing to do what was uncomfortable but probably needed.

And because of this email, I was lead to design something to be printed. I want to take advantage of the improved services. This is the power of being honest!

It is a lesson to all business owners - we are human, we flub up. Take accountability and rectify the situation. Yes, it hurts the wallet when we have to spend more time correcting our errors, but this is business. And if you don't correct your errors and take care of your customers, you won't have any customers to care for at all.

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Alicia White, CEO and Founder of Back of the Room Productions™ and SpeakerSheets.com, helps speakers, coaches, authors, and business experts give their message legs long after they leave the stage through professional branding and powerful products. From speaker sheets to back of the room products, clients receive high-level graphic design and expert branding strategy that leads them to speaking success!

Sign up for valuable tips on public speaking!