It’s official. I have professional ‘crushes’ on a few mentors! Yep and you know what? It’s  important to stand up and say there are people that inspire us! Let’s build some people up in our world!

Taki Moore is one of my “PC’s”, encouraging those in his audience to honour each other’s contribution by… “showing them some love on the count of three – clap!” Unity and fun. Great audience engagement and validation. Can you believe that these guys actually have fun in the workplace and mention the word ‘love’?

I’ve spent almost 2 decades leading and serving in organisations where legalism just got way out of control. One or two staff forgot they were there to do a job and highlighted some shortcomings in their fit for the business. Let’s honour our Leaders and stop ‘fighting the boss’ at every turn!

Entering self employment, I’ve got the same legislative boundaries, but a spirit of joy infuses what we do.

Does your workplace need a little LOVE this Valentine’s Day and all year round?

HAPPY VALENTINE’s DAY! Now Go Share Some Love With Me & others on Linkedin, Facebook, Twitter, G+ & Pinterest. … I dare you!

Professional Speakers combine years of professional and personal life experience with acquired expertise around key knowledge bases, study and a unique communication style and personality!

In this blog I wanted to help ease the awkwardness that can emerge when people on both sides don’t have a clear understanding of why Speakers charge a fee. I’d been there myself. I used to speak ‘for free’, with the blessing of my various employers over the years. Keynotes at conferences, seminar presentations, facilitating workshops, mentoring sector colleagues. Getting paid or the company being ‘reimbursed’ ws never discussed.

But in reality – it’s a whole different ball game, when you do this for a living! We live and breathe increasing knowledge, statistics, world events, economic factors, case studies, marketing, online development and the list goes on. Professional speaking isn’t a hobby.

Professional Speakers are in fact “InfoPreneurs” Many Professional Speakers are members of National Bodies and work with professional Speaker Bureaus and Agencies to negotiate invitations, content, speaking fees and follow-up on their behalf.

Others run their professional speaking business as part of their own enterprise. The Speakers are entrepreneurs and small business owners. When you ask a speaker to speak for free, it’s like asking your staff to come in to the office and work for free AND often pay their own resources AND give you the IP they’ve developed over the years for FREE.

If you’re planning on hosting an event, always be encouraged that professional speakers understand you’re on a budget. We simply ask in return that you consider the nature of your event, the change you want to effect in your audience members lives, the nature of the topic you want covered, the proven communication skills a professional speaker can bring to your platform. You are buying a value package…..a transformation!

In complementary fashion, please also consider if you’re planning to ask for a fee reduction determine from your company value set, what your willingness is to pay for that value package?

A huge thanks to my clients who have valued us by understanding that our fee embodies more than a transaction. We’re committed to transformation! Our clients become part of a diverse community where we delight in looking for ways to shower extra love and attention, insight and tools to help them flourish! Side comment – I have the most wonderful clients!

Here are some of the Frequently Asked Questions or Comments, Speaker’s Come Across:

[Note this list is growing through our recent social media invitation to professional speakers and the responses are being compiled. If you have more questions you would like us to list please email us at office [at ] corporatecinderella.com.au and we’ll be sure to invite responses from our Speaker network]

WHEN A SPEAKER RECEIVES AN INVITATION TO SPEAK AT OTHER PEOPLE’s EVENTS:

Q. We don’t have a budget. Can you speak for free?

Tarran’s Response:

Reality: Sharing our expertise through speaking is our primary income source.

We’ve given careful thought to our pricing structure. 90% of speaking engagements are at full rates. We must always cover costs, particularly travel, transfers, handouts, marketing, administration and a minimum fee for Tarran as a Speaker.

Other factors:

1. Let’s first talk about you and your business. Are we a good fit before we go any further?

2. Let’s talk about your audience. Are you charging a fee? What is your aim for the event?

3. Is there an opportunity for some kind of contra-arrangement, strategic alliance or joint venture? Will you promote the speaker to your database, provide opportunity for pre or post event mingling or discuss some form of mutually beneficial ‘contra’ arrangement e.g. In the past photographers, venue organisers, networking groups and large conference hosts and I have shared our collective wisdom for the benefit of both of our respective target market and professional growth but always respecting the other persons decision to defer to standard fees

4. What is the topic you’re wanting to cover as you be able to access different budget allocations for the presentation costs e.g. part technology (for my Toolbox Leadership component and HR for Culture Leadership)

In every instance, it’s vital we gain a clear understanding of what’s involved before we let finances impact on discussion.

A. Other Sample Responses Coming Soon:

Q. We’re a non profit and don’t have much money. Can you speak for free?

Tarran’s Response:

I love working with NGO’s and NFP’s. In fact, I worked in the sector for almost 10 years in a strategic and operational management capacity. Working alongside organisations that are passionately committed to their cause is very admirable! I’m delighted by the number of flourishing NGOs & NFPs that understand that to be not for profit, one must be ‘not for loss’. Investing in the growth of your People, Practice and Processes yields a positive return. Funding that investment can be drawn from non traditional funding pools, such as marketing (developing their communication & PR skills), OHS (strengthening teams, creating more collaborative cultures and reducing risk exposure to breaches of the OHS legislation), IT (developing your online leadership presence through the development of appropriate automated systems etc )  depending on which of our  Leadership Suite of Topics you’re seeking!

A. Sample Responses Coming Soon:

Q. How much do you charge and what is your payment method?

Tarran’s Response:

Our fees are reviewed quarterly. Quotes are valid for 30 days. Payment terms are per your individual quote

A. Sample Responses Coming Soon:

Q. Why is your fee this amount $xxxx? You’re speaking less than an hour…

Tarran’s Response:

On top of the ACTUAL time a speaker is on the platform, every Speaker typically allocates a minimum of 40 hours preparation, research, administration, accounting, crafting the story, designing the presentation,  tailored responses to research results, practice of the presentation before the day of delivery, so that it is rehearsed but beautifully natural and ‘spontaneous’, engagement and follow up strategies per speaking engagement.

Additionally, our travel, pre and post networking components are all designed to enhance the desired outcomes for the event organiser.

It’s never just a 50 minute speaking engagement or a half day workshop! Most professional speakers care SO much about the organiser, the audience, the outcomes, their topic of expertise and own brand reputation,that we invest a lot of ourselves in YOUR success!

A. Sample Responses Coming Soon:

Q. I know you said that on this occasion you’ll speak for free, but please we insist on paying you and valuing your time and expertise

Tarran’s Response:

Oh, this has got to be one of the sweetest compliments an event organiser can give a Speaker. When hearts and values align… when grace has been extended, the integrity of the organiser is still to ‘honour’ the speaker by making a financial gift or ‘token’ of their appreciation. They understand the principles of sowing and reaping.

Learning to receive graciously as the speaker and accept the nominal figure also honours the ‘giver’! It’s then up to the speaker to determine if their own  financial obligations give them the room to ‘pay it forward’

A. Sample Responses Coming Soon:

Q. Can we have your powerpoint presentation in advance, like 1 -3 days?

Tarran’s Response:

I need to understand the framework around such a request first as the IP that is shared is unique to me and many speakers guard the presentation content for maximum impact until the morning of the event.

Unless I’ve worked with a company before or it’s a very large conference (e.g. more than 1,000 people, with a guest list of many speakers and the audiovisual team need it) my preferred electronic delivery of the presentation, using ‘DROPBOX’ or similar, is no sooner than 24 hours before.

With multiple clients and sometimes back to back conferences, I like to make sure my content carries references to emerging news items, trends or case studies. In some instances, I could be on a plane tweaking the final keynote presentation as much as 2 hours before the event. I prefer to email a copy to the host the day before but have the freedom give an updated version on arrival to the event if necessary. It doesn’t happen often but occasionally world events, local issues add that little piece of magic to the presentation

A. Sample Responses Coming Soon:

Q. Can our audience members receive a copy of your full powerpoint?

Tarran’s Response:

Generally speaking… no.

Alternatively I often like to do a special landing page within my website where I have some control about how my IP is accessed. I have been known to give conference attendees a special password where they can access the presentation or a special offer following the event for a limited timeframe.

This approach has highlighted the conference attendees who are serious about implementing their learnings and taking accountable actions.

A. Sample Responses Coming Soon:

Q. Will you include giveaways in your Speaking Presentation

Tarran’s Response:

Like many Speakers my presentation is ‘the tip of the iceberg!’ Complete to the brief and valuing adding, there’s still greater opportunity for audience growth when participants have access to additional reosurces following the event!

The toughest decision a speaker may have is deciding on what gets left out of a presentation – it’s easier to speak for 10 hours than it is for 1hour!

Therefore to ensure that participants in the audience can expand their knowledge, you’ll find we offer more information, resources for growth, and engagement strategies to help them flourish in their professional and personal lives. Some of these may be give aways, saleable resources like learning materials or tailored opportunities with a limited time access

It is common practice to provide the speaker with a resource table near the entrance to the room for traffic flow – it creates a great atmosphere. Generally the table will be a linen covered trestle, so that unsightly boxes may be hidden underneath

A. Sample Responses Coming Soon:

Q. We know you’re coming to our city in xx month. Can you stay an extra night and we’ll cover the cost of transfers to the airport plus your speaking fee

Tarran’s Response:

As a Speaker you’ve got to be very clear on who your target market is and what your not negotiables are. Staying that extra day could mean you don’t get to speak at that full paying event in another city, dramatically impact your cashflow. Alternatively, staying that extra day could be an unexpected bonus, putting you in front of a group of individuals that you’d simply love to do business with!

My thoughts: always ask a speaker if this is ‘doable’ and be realistic and gracious if they can’t. Nobody, not even a speaker, likes to feel they’re being used or that another client has paid for the luxury of a secondary event organiser getting the benefit of you….

A. Sample Responses Coming Soon:

Q. What if we cross promoted you during the event and provided you with an opportunity to share your resources to our audience at the end of your topic?

Tarran’s Response:

Cross promotion and a link back to the speakers website is a minimum expect ion, so too is the opportunity for the Speaker to provide learning resources and / or additional programs for audience members PROVIDED there is no conflict between what the Speaker sells and what the event organiser sells…. If in doubt, simply ask…

A. Sample Responses Coming Soon:

Q. Can we record your session and send it out to our network and charge a fee, even though we’re not paying?”

Tarran’s Response:

As part of my Speaking Engagement Contract, the audiovisual rights of my presentation belong to Corporate Cinderella. These rights may be shared only through the express written permission from Corporate Cinderella and stated on the Booking Proposal PRIOR to the event.

Interestingly, I was recently speaking with a videographer who is called into conferences to film events He’s been caught out on occasion when an event organiser has not thought to obtain permission from the Speaker to be filmed. This leaves the audio visual and the speaker in really horrible positions. Both would like to serve, but the content of what is shared is again the IP of the Speaker.

Permission must be gained for any type of recording. If permission is granted, it is professional courtesy to ensure the speaker receives both the professionally edited and raw footage versions of the recording, with FREE reign to use it for his or her promotional purposes. Professional etiquette suggests that co-branding of the audiovisual material, based on permissions, is well thought of.

A. Sample Responses Coming Soon:

Q. Thank you gifts for the Speaker…. is it okay to give wine or books?

Tarran’s Response:

This depends on how well you know the speaker really. Here’s some considerations:

Alcohol:

* Are they travelling by train or plane – bottles of wine are a nightmare for packing

* Do you know their lifestyle choices – they may not actually drink wine, whether it’s lifestyle or religious beliefs

My personal preference, I’d prefer NOT to receive wine.

Books:

* Is it a book I mentioned in passing? If so, I’d be bound to love it!

With all grace, I’d rather you equipped yourself with further growth opportunities by purchasing my resources than give me something big and heavy to carry back on the plane or train!

IN CLOSING…  

Until I became a professional speaker I didn’t understand what it all involved.

For more than 20 years I’d speak at different conferences, financially underpinned by the safety net of my employers salary.

InfoPreneurs, Professional Speakers, we’re in the business of speaking. We employ staff, host numerous events and programs ourselves in many instances.Carry insurances and risks.

So next time you’re considering a Speaker for your event may I invite you to honour them and the expertise they bring to your event? And in the words of an anonymous speaker…..

“Don’t clap – throw money!”

So what do you think of these FAQ’s “Understanding Speaker Fees?”
——————————————————————————————————
by Tarran Deane, Corporate Cinderella. Tarran is a Professional Speaker, Author, Consultant & Executive Coach. Tarran’s passion is helping leaders lead with a clear understanding of what they stand for! If you’d like to receive a copy of Tarran’s Speaker One Sheet click on the link below or learn more visit our ABOUT TARRAN page above!

Speaker One Sheet & BIO Tarran Deane, Corporate Cinderella 0417 654305 Call TODAY to ENQUIRE of a VIP Booking!

Hi Tarran Deane here, CEO of Corporate of Cinderella. Well, welcome to 2013! Many of you, like us, have gone through a period of reflection over the New Year. You may be looking for ways that you can enhance the way that you do business and the way that you lead your teams of people. Here we are at Corporate Cinderella and we really wanted to help do just that. We’ve revisited our Social Media Strategy and we’d love your feedback.

Watch the Video and read the full invitation below!

What We’ve Been Doing

Over the past couple of months we had a really strong social media presence but we want to be more intentional around how we can help you lead and flourish.We want to improve on that. We’re guided by you!

We have a Success Clique program for women, as many of you know [you can learn more through corporatecinderella.com.au/success page] and within that program we have some clear elements that are designed to help you lead. So we wanted to give you, your team and the men and women in your world a taste of the key elements that women leaders have access to during our 12month leadership development program and the quarterly conferences. I won’t give all the secrets away; but you’ll get a taste, maybe just a little bit of what we offer – for the men and the women leaders!

In response to feedback from many of you, you want to hear more of my perspective along with the resources and tips we’ve been identifying for you.

So Here’s What We’re Planning To Do On Social Media This Year

Are you ready?

We’re going to be delivering social media post to our subscribers on Linkedin, Google+, Twitter, Facebook page for Corporate Cinderella-Tarran Deane with a fresh twist!

* Mondays: Toolbox Leadership – checklist, templates, easy tools to help you do the work you need to do, increase efficiency, increase productivity, latest innovation etc.

* Tuesdays: is all about Strategic Leadership and this is the second part of our Success Clique program. Strategic Leadership helps you take your great idea through the cause and vision in your organization and engaging with your customers right so you can have a really profitable products, you can have profitable team where everyone feels connected

* Wednesdays: which is around Culture Leadership, how do you develop a great culture that sees itself perpetuating automatically, readily embracing new people waiting in the wings to come and join your team – could be your brand is ‘so hot’ right now or because people actually want to be part of a place that’s fun to go to and working well!

This is a reflection of the values that you have as an organization, how you help your people navigate change and robust conversations, how you engage with some of those problem generators in the workplace. We’re going to talk through some of those real issues!

* Thursdays: it’s about Speak Leadership, how you do you actually captivate an audience, how do you get your message across, communicate the values that you stand for, the direction, the course, the vision, the mission of your organization and captivate an audience whether its board members, committee members, stake holders, customer engagement. What do you do? How do you build your confidence as a Speaker? We’ll highlight tools and inspirational people showcasing platform mechanics, microphone techniques, how to prepare a message, and saying goodbye to death of Power Point.

* Friday is Online Leadership. It’s all about establishing your authority online as a go-to person or go-to organization that represents your key messages. So Online Leadership we’re going to be talking about how you manage your online reputation and how you can purposely build that.

Then on the weekends we’re taking slightly a different path, weekends is all about you and your family.

* Saturday: we’re focusing on Family Leadership so we’re going to have post something about work-life-balance, spending time with the ones you love, how to go on and have thriving relationship, hot marriage, do rethink relationships with your team and raising blended family and step family. So we’re going to be sharing a lot from our Corporate Cinderella experience as part of wife, a mum, step-mum, step-sister, step-daughter and we want to help you navigate that part so that you can confidently focus Monday to Friday on the tasks at hand.

And finally on,

* Sunday: Personal Leadership. Many of you know that I live and breathe my faith, it’s embedded in who I am and the skills that I bring to the market place. So I’ll be sharing vulnerably and openly, some of the areas that are important to me through my faith and impact the leadership style that I bring to my team and the clients that trust us to help them navigate change and flourish on the job.

What’s Your Leadership Issue?

Follow-Us, Add Your Comments, Ask for More Information on One or ALL of the Post Days!

Remember these 7 Leadership Themes – can you remember them? All right I’ll help you out!

• * Monday Toolbox Leadership,
• * Tuesday  Strategic Leadership,
• * Wednesday Culture Leadership,
• * Thursday  Speak Leadership,
• * Friday is Online Leadership,
• * Saturday is Family Leadership
• * Sundays is Personal Leadership

Understanding what you stand for and what your ‘compass’ is, helps you to make effective decisions, determine if the job you are in is still the best job for you, it helps you navigate change, it helps you determine who you niche customers are and so much more

If this sounds like something that you’d love to be a part of then we’d love also to invite you to join with us at Corporate Cinderella Keeping checking into our site to download our FREE articles and resources

Men & Women Leaders let us help you lead change effectively in your workplace, delighting your customers with brilliant teams, innovative practicesin 2013:

* View some of my speaking videos through the testimonials
* Download my Speaker One Sheet [BIO] through the About Tarran tab and also
* Consider the range of services we offer through online accredited training, business consulting and executive coaching

Women Leaders, you’ll find us at corporatecinderella.com.au/success

* An exciting event for us launches the first conference in the Success Clique Program  on Valentine’s Day 2013 and we are thrilled with the response that we’ve had from both participants and the experts lining up to join our leadership for panel. The talent in the room will transform your business focus, inspire creative conversations, and revitalise your purpose and direction! Bursting with excitement about that!

More about that in the coming week, but right now get ready for our changes to our social media strategy during January.

Let us know what you think about these changes!

• * Share your feedback,
• * Email your thoughts or requests for more information here
• * If you’d like to be considered as a contributor in any of these theme areas, let us know here
• * Connect with us on social media. Clicking on our www.CorporateCinderella.com.au  social media icons will take you to your preferred social media channel. Easy!

In the meantime if you have a great experience with us and you’d like to share the love please drop us a line, endorse us on Linkedin and skill pages on Facebook and connect with us on 1300 556 553. I’m Tarran Deane and we know that this is going to be an amazing year for you!

We’re expecting great things for you and through you as you impact the planet for good! Thanks for inviting us to be part of your story in 2013!

Warmly

Tarran

I was a General Manager for a number of years and had the privilege of leading a fantastic team of people, with the exception of 1 or 2 painfully ill-fitting problem generators. One long serving; one recently appointed.

Passionate, diligent and positive I thought, “You know, I can love these people to life and help them ‘see the light’, have them jumping on board the company vision, be positive about working together and get on with the job making a difference.” I soon learnt that you can’t change some attitudes but you must address behaviours and breaches in the company code of conduct.

My mistake – not being as firm as I should have been with one, and recruiting a candidate to fill a role because of a sense of obligation to an advisory board, when the candidate wasn’t right. What did I learn: don’t be so busy that you miss addressing difficult conversations with domineering personalities

Perhaps your mistakes are the same or different?

• Friends with your boss – how much is too much?

• Taking on a lot and not knowing when to draw the line?

• Problem generators at work taking up more and more of your time?

These points and more, covered in my strategic read for savvy women leaders. Available now through Working Women Magazine Autumn 2012 edition.

What mistakes could you be making? Read the article on Page 26:

Join the conversation on Facebook & Linkedin.

I’ve got a few quick questions to ask you! So let’s get started!

01 Are you Sabotaging Your Career or Business_

To register your attendance at this upcoming event to safeguard your business and leadership career, click on the Eventbrite Registration Form to your right!

You’re always welcome to call our Gold Coast office on +61 (0)417 654305 and confirm details with Tarran.

Be sure to connect with us on Facebook and Linkedin and keep the conversation going!

Here I am in the Green Room of Brisbane Convention Centre, waiting for the 1,500 strong audience to be seated. Along with MC and 5 amazing co-speakers, we surrounded by massage, makeup and hair stylists!

This is not only an experience for the audience but a tremendous privilege for 6 ordinary “Iron Lady’s” bringing their voices to this fantastic International Women’s Day Event!

In the coming hours we’ll discover who wins the argument : You Do Have to be an Iron Lady to Make Your Mark! As first speaker for the Affirmative Team I’m confident this argument is indisputable!

Friday 9th March, 2012

Update: The opposition won the day, using the beautiful green lanterns on the table centres, playing cleverly on the occupations and business names of the Affirmative Team, and narrowly skating the fringes of ‘personal attacks’. Upstairs in the green room Judge Fleur apologised to Corporate Cinderella CEO Tarran Deane, who graciously confirmed “You DO Have to Be an Iron lady to Make a Mark!”