I see a number of trends right now in Internet marketing – some I think are great and more than a few are not good at all. In today’s video I talk about:
- Is money flowing?
- Can a live event be profitable?
- Does it make sense to pay big money for a place on the stage at someone else’s live event?
I agree, Sue — people are loosening the hold on their pocketbooks as their confidence grows in the economy. I see more and more people in the coaching/consulting field putting on their live events, as well. I think you’re right on as far as what people want in an event — they want info, not a pitchfest. I still prefer the virtual model, though..:) I haven’t heard the “pay to play” model to speak at an event. Interesting. It’s not something I would ever do, but you make some great points re: questions to ask if you choose to pursue this.
Great insight into trends. Live events are popping up more and more. Good tips for thing to be aware of it you’re being charged to participate in an event.
There are SO MANY free or low cost opportunities to speak and get “out there” that you could keep yourself busy for years! I get the pay to play model, I really do … but I also think it’s getting out of control and unknowing business owners are being taken advantage of and in a way conned into thinking giant sponsorships and big ticket speaking gigs are an easy way to pay your way to success … Frustrating to see!
Sue,
I always say take the first step. No one starts on the fifth floor.
All the pay to play does is have someone ‘appear’ to be a really
good and experienced speaker at a venue. Meanwhile the person
is an imposter. They know it and any of us who were approached
with the offer know it too. I explain to my clients: “There are plenty
of opportunities to speak. Spend the time and effort to get good first.”
Enjoyed your topic.
Great tips, Sue. I especially agree with your advice on live events. Starting out locall and/or regionally is definitely the way to go. In regards to sponsorships and paying to speak on someone else’s stage, I think it can be a great way to grow your business if, and only if, you choose your opportunities wisely. You definitely want to make sure that you are dealing with someone you trust to follow through on their promises and you’ll also want to make sure that they have a plan for driving traffic to you. And of course your target market has to be a match. I think it is beneficial to both parties, the speakers and the event hosts, if everyone (including attendees) has a great experience. This model can work for all involved parties, but only if done correctly. Done incorrectly it is a terrible mess.
Sue, I agree with you about feeling the energy in 2013! I just came from the SoloPR Summit where I spoke in Atlanta so your suggestions on the close proximity are correct. I really enjoyed the small, niched conference and it was a huge success! Your pay to play example sounds like a nightmare! I’ve only ever been asked to one “pay to play” event and told them to forget about it! I get asked to speak at too many other events with no strings attached! Thank you for your insights. I always enjoy seeing/hearing you Sue.
I so agree with your points about paying to play Sue – there are so many other options and ways to get out and be seen other than paying for a vendor space and yes the organisers have not always thought through making sure you get value for your spend.
Yes, you’re right – sometimes what people are paying, they could go a long way toward hosting their own event.
Sue
Great video (and cute seeing the doggies in the background!)
I AM seeing more money flowing and am so pleased about this!
I do like your events discussion and it’s very timely as I am working on ideas for my own event. I’m in Sacramento and this area, together with San Francisco and even Reno would be close enough for folks to travel.
Interesting about the pay to play – I just exhibited at a women’s health event and was considering submitting a speaker proposal but they want me to purchase 4 tickets to the event to show my commitment – seemed strange to me especially since I am being paid to speak at similar events.
Thanks
Trudy
You are exactly right, Trudy – you are an established paid speaker now..and good for you!
Sue, great video. And I agree on all your points. As someone with expertise and knowledge, I really don’t want to be paying for stage time. I don’t necessarily have to make a huge speaker fee…in fact, I am presenting a workshop at a national conference of writers this summer and what I get is a small payment toward the conference registration, but…this is my market, the conference pulls over 2000 attendees so my opportunities for networking are fab. Plus, it’s a conference I enjoy going to and learn from anyways. So lots of benefits. Yes, I do have to pay airfare and hotel and meals. But I’m NOT paying any sum of money to speak/teach.
And I am also starting to sense that people are opening up their wallets a little easier…here and there. I’m still hearing stories, though, of people struggling to find work. So the shift, I think, is happening, but slowly.
As for creating my own live event…hmmm, I think I’ll hold off on that for a while. 😉
Paula,
I actually had you in mind when I was speaking. And still think a small regional workshop might work for you this fall. 😉
Sue