Re: What do you do about requests for fee-free talks?

**j* e* m* s* <h*@sbcglobal.net>**

Nan -- what C.L. outlines here is what I do. Early in the year, I 
decide how many hours or talks I will do without a fee. When I reach 
that number, I tell people that I've met my philanthropic commitment 
for the year and that I'm available for a fee.

Right now, I'm trying to decide what to do about this terrific 
opportunity to do a three-minute segment every other week for our 
local Fox station from now into Sept. Of course, the station does not 
want to pay. I can promote the magazine, Indiana Living Green, and my 
Web site, but that doesn't pay bills.

jems

>Nan,
>First, you need to decide what your general policy is. For example, 
>your policy might be that you never speak for less than XX amount. 
>Or your policy might be that you reserve three or four slots per 
>year to speak to non-profit groups, first come first served. My 
>policy is that I will speak for free to local (within 25 miles from 
>my home) non-profits ONCE. If they've had me speak one time and want 
>me back, they have to pay. Others will speak for free to 
>conservation groups, schools, local libraries etc, depending on 
>their own particular interests.
>
>After you have decided on your general policy, you might also think 
>about selected cases where speaking for free might benefit you in 
>other ways. For example, if I am trying out new material or 
>developing an entirely new presentation, I might accept a non-paying 
>gig in order to practice and work out the kinks. Very useful.  Or, 
>if I know that the talk might bring other work I'll say yes: a local 
>golf club asked me to speak and I agreed, knowing that this 
>population would be likely to hire me for coaching/consultations. In 
>that case I was right - I booked eight consultations from that one 
>talk.
>
>If you have a book or other product to sell, you can offer to speak 
>for free if you can sell your books. If your talk is dynamic, people 
>will want to "take a piece of you home" and you'll sell a number of 
>books/products.
>
>You might also be willing to barter: "Well, I seldom speak for less 
>than $XX, but I'm always willing to trade for other goods and 
>services. Are there members in your group who could provide legal 
>advice/financial counseling/flower arrangements for my next party?" 
>Or whatever is useful for you. 
>
>You can also give people suggestions about how they can afford you. 
>"You know, some people that hire me join with another local group 
>and charge a $5.00 admission fee to the public. I'm happy to give 
>you suggestions about how to promote such an event if you're 
>interested."
>
>Once you have decided on your general policy, practice saying that 
>aloud, and rehearse your followup suggestions so that it becomes 
>automatic.
>
>all the best,
>C.L.
>C.L. Fornari
>
>www.gardenlady.com
>blog www.wholelifegardening.com
>"Looking for relaxation and inspiration? It's all in your own backyard"

-- 
Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp
The Hoosier Gardener
Director Garden Writers Association
Writer * Editor * Speaker * Garden Consultant
Co-author,The Indiana Gardener's Guide
Editor, Indiana Living Green magazine
P.O. Box 20310, Indianapolis, IN 46220
E-mail: hoosiergardener@sbcglobal.net
http://www.hoosiergardener.com
http://www.IndianaLivingGreen.com
E-mail: editor@IndianaLivingGreen.com
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