Gain Sharing Seminars

Your net (after speaker's share and expenses of $3,500) would be $7,200.

Popular professional speakers will often consider revenue-sharing workshops and presentations. Sometimes they will do their programs for free if you allow them to make their books and tapes available to our audience. And virtually all professional speakers do some pro bono talks, usually for their favorite charities. A few, like top speaker and magician Gary Wollin of San Francisco, donates all his speaking fees to charity.

An example: The Guerilla Group of Boulder, Colorado (1-800-247-9145) has often presented its marketing expertise through "gain-sharing" programs with chambers of commerce and associations. The way this works? The speakers supply marketing information. The organization publicizes the program and sell tickets. The proceeds after expenses are shared (usually 50/50). People in your community learn valuable, useful information for an affordable price. Your organization earns needed revenue. Everybody wins!

Some top speakers most likely live in your area. Your board members may be able to recommend speakers they have heard and perhaps even know personally. It's always a good idea to have first-hand experience of a presenter's platform effectiveness. Check with selected speakers to see if they'd consider a gain-sharing program. You'd have to promote and handle arrangements. Their job is to give an excellent program that provides value and reflects well on you. Advantages to you: modest risks, high possible gains. Once the program is arranged, effective promotion is the key to success.

Need a way to locate top speakers? Check the "Who's Who in Professional Speaking" of the National Speakers Association. It lists over 3,800 speakers who meet annual qualifications for membership. You can check the current directory online at http://www.nsaspeaker.org, or obtain a hard copy for $25 plus $5 shipping and handling from NSA. Phone (612) 968-2552, or write NSA, 1500 South Priest Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281. (Note: As a professional association, NSA does not book or recommend speakers.)



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This article originally appeared in the Philanthropreneur Newsletter and is reprinted with permission.

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