Over the past six years of coaching speakers, coaches and authors to get their message out there in a commercial way, I've consistently said, "You've got to give to get." Givers really do gain. Sow the seeds and you will be rewarded...I promise! Embrace delayed gratification...but not for too long, right? I thought I'd use this blog to help newbie and established experts transition from offering their advice for free (as many do when they are starting out) to a sustainable fee. 

In the world of personal development, speaking, coaching, and writing are three of the most sought-after professions. As a speaker, coach, and author, one can reach a broad audience and impact lives in a profound way. Many people who start in these fields begin by offering their services for free, but eventually, they need to transition to charging fees to sustain their business and continue to grow.

The journey from free to fee is a crucial one that many speakers, coaches, and authors will encounter at some point in their careers. Here, we will explore what this journey entails and offer tips on how to make the transition successfully.

Starting out for Free

When someone starts out as a speaker, coach, or author, they typically have a passion for helping people and sharing their knowledge. They may volunteer to speak at events or offer their coaching services for free to build their portfolio and gain experience. They might also write blog posts or articles to establish their authority and reach a broader audience.

Working for free is an excellent way to build a reputation, gain experience, and make connections in the industry. However, it's essential to be mindful of the amount of time and energy being invested in free work. Doing too much for free can lead to burnout and make it challenging to transition to paid work in the future.

Making the Transition to Paid Work

At some point, most speakers, coaches, and authors will want to make the transition from working for free to charging fees. However, it's not always easy to know when the time is right to start charging for your services.

One of the most critical factors to consider is whether you're providing value to your clients. If you're offering valuable insights, advice, or guidance that your clients can't find elsewhere, then it's time to start charging fees. You should also consider the level of demand for your services and the time and effort you're putting into your work.

When you're ready to start charging fees, it's essential to establish a clear pricing structure and communicate it to your clients. Be transparent about what your services include and what your clients can expect from working with you.

Building a Sustainable Business

Once you've made the transition to charging fees, the next step is to build a sustainable business that will allow you to continue growing and expanding your impact. This means developing a marketing strategy to attract new clients, building a strong network of contacts in the industry, and continually improving your skills and knowledge.

It's also essential to have a clear understanding of your niche and what sets you apart from other speakers, coaches, and authors. Understanding your unique value proposition will help you stand out in a crowded market and attract the right clients to your business.

Final Thoughts

The journey from free to fee is an essential one for speakers, coaches, and authors who want to build a successful and sustainable business. It requires careful consideration of when to start charging fees, developing a clear pricing structure, and building a marketing strategy to attract new clients.

Ultimately, the key to success in this industry is to continue providing value to your clients and developing your skills and knowledge. By doing so, you'll be able to build a thriving business and make a lasting impact on the lives of others.

As part of my Bucket List Business Plan, I introduce my speakers, coaches and authors to the S.P.E.C.I.A.L.I.S.T. Formula™. It's a formula to help experts accelerate their journey from free to fee. Subsequently, helping more people and building a sustainable business.

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