How to Get Paid for Speaking: A Speaker's Guide to Avoiding Non-Payment
Learn how to protect yourself from non-payment as a speaker and get paid for your services with Becflow's expert guide.
You spend months preparing a keynote speech for a high-profile conference, only to have the organizer cancel at the last minute without paying you a dime. Or, you deliver a fantastic presentation and then wait weeks for the client to transfer the payment. You deserve to get paid for your expertise. In this post, we'll show you how to get paid for speaking and avoid non-payment.
Why this keeps happening
Many speakers struggle with non-payment because they don't have a clear payment agreement in place, or they send invoices too late. Without a deposit or contract, clients may feel little obligation to pay. Additionally, some speakers may not have a system for tracking their expenses and time spent on a project, making it difficult to calculate their final payment.
Real example
Sarah, a popular motivational speaker, was booked to deliver a keynote speech at a large corporate event. She spent weeks researching and preparing her presentation, but just a few days before the event, the organizer called to cancel, citing budget cuts. Despite her hard work, Sarah never received payment for her services.
The habits that fix this permanently
These are the non-negotiables for getting paid reliably in your profession:
How to implement this step by step
Step 1: Set a Deposit Policy
To ensure clients are committed to paying for your services, set a deposit policy that requires a percentage of the total fee upfront. For example, if you're booked to deliver a keynote speech for $5,000, you could require a $1,000 deposit. This will give you a financial stake in the project and encourage clients to follow through on their commitments.
Step 2: Use a Contract
A contract is a crucial document that outlines the terms of payment, including the amount, payment method, and deadline. Make sure to include a clause that specifies the payment terms, such as a payment schedule or late fees. For example, if you're hired to deliver a series of speaking engagements over the course of a year, your contract could outline a payment schedule of $2,000 per month.
Step 3: Send Invoices Promptly
Send invoices promptly after completing a speaking engagement to ensure timely payment. Use a professional invoice template that includes your logo, contact information, and a clear description of the services provided. For example, if you delivered a keynote speech to a conference, your invoice could include a breakdown of the services provided, including the date, time, and location of the event.
Step 4: Consider Package Deals or Retainers
Consider offering package deals or retainers to secure longer-term speaking contracts. Package deals can provide a guaranteed income stream for a set period of time, while retainers can give you a steady monthly income. For example, if you're hired to deliver a series of speaking engagements over the course of a year, you could offer a retainer of $2,000 per month.
Step 5: Track Your Expenses
Keep track of your expenses and time spent on a project to calculate your final payment accurately. Use a spreadsheet or accounting software to track your expenses, including travel costs, accommodation, and equipment rental. For example, if you're hired to deliver a keynote speech at a conference, your spreadsheet could include a column for each expense, such as travel costs, accommodation, and equipment rental.
The Becflow solution
Becflow's all-in-one platform helps speakers get paid faster by providing AI-powered contracts, payment links, and automatic reminders. With Becflow, you can set up a deposit policy, send invoices, and track your expenses in one place. Say goodbye to non-payment and hello to a stress-free speaking career. Sign up for Becflow today and start getting paid for your expertise.
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