204: How to Earn $2,500 per Month as a Part-Time Speaker
Could one talk a month add $2,500 to your side hustle income? Speaker agent Li Hayes reveals how to go from your first free talk to paid keynotes as a part-time speaker, plus the mistake new speakers make most.
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- Guest Li Hayes shares that earning $2,500 per month as a part-time speaker by the end of your first year is a realistic goal if you are willing to put in the necessary work.
- Li, founder of the speaker management agency Go Leeward, shares how to transition from giving your first free talk to commanding $2,500 per gig.
- Before writing a single word of your presentation, you must figure out what the audience needs to ensure maximum impact.
- Speaking for free can be a strategic, smart move early on to build your portfolio, gain confidence, and secure testimonials.
- With the right strategies and mindset, even if you are an introvert, you can successfully build a lucrative side hustle as a part-time speaker.
- Practicing in front of honest audiences, such as through Toastmasters, is one of the best ways to prepare for paid speaking gigs.
What if a single talk a month could add $2,500 to your income?
It could be a boost to the side hustle you already have, or a brand-new side hustle of its own.
My guest today says that's realistic by the end of your first year if you're willing to put in the work.
One of the speakers she manages now earns $100,000 for a single hour on stage. When she started working with him, he was getting a mere $500 for a gig.
Li Hayes is the founder of the speaker management agency Go Leeward and host of the Path to the Main Stage podcast.
Today, Li walks us through;
- the path from that first free talk to $2,500 per gig
- the thing to figure out before you write a single word of your talk
- when speaking for free is a really smart move
- how to price virtual gigs (yes, there is a difference!)
- how to handle travel costs, and
- the biggest mistake new speakers make on stage.
And if you're an introvert like me who thinks this isn't for you, Li might just change your mind!
Plus, I share how one piece of honest feedback during a sales pitch led me to Toastmasters, and why practising in front of people who will tell you the truth, is one of the best ways to prepare for paid speaking gigs.
Do you like what you're hearing? Consider giving it a caffeinated thumbs up. We'd really appreciate it!
Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.
Connect with Li:
Path to the Main Stage Podcast
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Li Hayes?
Li Hayes is the founder of the speaker management agency Go Leeward and the host of the Path to the Main Stage podcast, specializing in helping speakers grow their speaking businesses.
How can I make money as a part-time speaker?
You can build a part-time speaking side hustle by starting with free talks to gain experience, refining your message, and gradually increasing your rates up to $2,500 per gig or more.
Is speaking for free a good idea for new speakers?
Yes, speaking for free can be a smart move when starting out because it allows you to build your stage presence, test your material, and collect valuable social proof and testimonials.
Can introverts be successful public speakers?
Absolutely. Many introverts succeed in public speaking by leveraging their listening skills, knowing their topic well, and preparing thoroughly, enabling them to deliver their talk with confidence.
