“Charge” for Your Speaking Services (Even if You’re Speaking for “Free”)
I attended an ICF Conference late June, and one of the speakers gave a fabulous tip about how to communicate and embrace the value of speaking services you are providing, even if you are speaking to a group for “free.”
You see, the reality is people don’t value free services very much. And, if you speak and lead many ”free” lead-generating sessions, you know the tremendous value of the content you are delivering, and your time is worth much more than you are charging.
It is imperative people know the value of the services we are providing to them when speaking to their group for no charge.
How can you communicate this value?
When you hand a meeting or event planner a simple document I will share with you in a moment, something *magical* happens.(Disclaimer: I am not a tax accountant, and am not providing tax nor accounting advice. Be sure to consult with your tax accountant to see if this type of in-kind donation can be applied in your business.)
Donate Your Services
When speaking for free, in most cases to a non-profit group, such as a Chamber of Commerce, organizations, charities, etc., you are donating your services. When you do this, and you do not charge, it is called an “in-kind donation.” In-kind donations are donations that are done in goods and services, rather than money (or cash).
As a speaker, providing free services, you are making an in-kind donation to the group. This donation may be tax deductible for your business, depending on your individual circumstances; this is where you are being “paid,” in a sense, for your services, through a potential income tax deduction.
To communicate the value of your free speaking services, before begining your presentation, hand the group organizer an invoice, that has this information:
Date: August 7, 20XX
Donated 1 Hour of Speaking Services, [title of program]
Monetary Value of Gift-In-Kind Donation $500
Balance Due $0
This way, the group will become aware of your value, and that you value your services. This is a huge self-esteem booster for you, because even though no money is exchanging hands, you are putting out into the Universe what your expected fees are.
And, this feels very good, and is a powerful attractant for clients, and money to flow to you for providing your free services.
Disclaimer: I am not a tax accountant, and am therefore not providing accounting or tax advice. Be sure to check with your tax accountant to see if this can be applied as an in-kind donation in your business.
I’m offering a FREE teleseminar that happens this THURSDAY, August 9, 2012—”7 Secrets How To Attract Clients Who Want to Hire You On The Spot.” Register now for FREE training on this topic at http://www.bonitarichter.com/speaktosell
