If you’re a presenter / trainer, which one is better? – to run training workshops for small groups, or to try to get speaking gigs at conferences?
I’ve ended up doing the first one, but was that a sensible career path to choose? I certainly do enjoy doing the occasional conference keynote, and they ARE well paid if you can get them. They make me a bit nervous before I go on stage, but as I do it and afterwards I get a real buzz.
So here are what I think are the pros and cons of the two options. I hope this is helpful summary if you are contemplating which way to go:
–

Advantages of keynotes – talks to larger audiences
- Pay per hour
- Pay per day
- Only have to work for an hour
- (although build up beforehand doubles it)
- Can do it the same every time
- Difficult people in the group are not an issue
- No need to interact except in a shallow way
- The BUZZ
–

Advantages of workshops – training smaller groups
- Easier to sell
- More repeats
- Can do more than one subject
- Less marketing required – showreels etc
- Don’t need an agent
- Less tailoring time and effort needed
- Less scary
- Potentially less travel required, enough work locally
- Discussions can be interesting / learn from the audience
- Closer to the group – you KNOW that some of them have really learned something = rewarding to do

