Re: Speaking Fee Question

**"* F* <c*@mail.com>**

Lorraine's question brings up something that I often address when speaking about speaking - that is, the wisdom of having a written policy about when you'll speak for free, when for a reduced fee, and when for your normal speaker's fee. Not that you'll give people the written document, but writing it down helps YOU to remember. 

For example, my policy is that garden clubs, businesses and other small groups pay my normal speaker's fee and there is another set fee for large groups such as green-industry events. When a group such as a library calls I will say something like "Well, my normal speaker's fee is ________, but for groups such as yours I am willing to speak for half of that."  When a non-profit such as a neighborhood beautification group calls and wants me to speak I respond "My normal speaker's fee is _______ but my policy is that I'll speak for free to a group such as yours ONCE... should you want me back a second time you'll have to charge admission or join with another group so you can pay my usual fee.  Also, I'm wondering if I could sell my books at the end of the talk?"  

I think it's important to tell these groups what your normal speaker's fee is, no matter what you end up charging them. If they know that you usually make ________ for a talk they value it/you more.  And this is the reason that I will charge a reduced fee for a library but not do it for free - they value it more if they are paying something.

For some people their policy is that they only speak to local groups for free or for a reduced rate - I know someone who will speak to public schools for free and that's it.  Others use these sort of talks to try out new material or to promote consultation services. 

I had to come up with a policy about donations in general because every organization that is holding a silent auction in the area calls me to ask if I'll donate a talk, consultation or book.  I used to donate consultations but so many people ask now that I can't possibly do that anymore.  So I tell anyone who is asking for a donation for a good cause that I'd be happy to give them an autographed book but that because of limitations on my time I can't donate a talk or consultation. 

Of course you can be flexible, but if you have a set policy about these things it makes it easier on yourself and clear to those asking... and don't forget that over time many of these people will talk to each other or be on similar committees. I had a woman say to me recently "I am on the garden tour committee at the church and I know that you charged them _______ to speak at their wine and cheese event. Will you speak for the same fee to my garden club?"  Because I'd thought about it I could easily respond "No, my normal speaker's fee is __________ for garden clubs, but I charge half of that when I speak to SOME local non-profits."  (Many garden clubs are non-profit so I usually say "some")

all the best,
C.L.

C.L. Fornari
www.gardenlady.com
"Looking for inspiration and relaxation? It's all in your own backyard." 

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