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:
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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
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![](https://www.chriscroft.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Screenshot-2020-01-09-at-17.56.50.png)
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
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![](https://i0.wp.com/www.chriscroft.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/IMG_2349-1.jpg?fit=1024%2C682&ssl=1)
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