Business Development Speakers

A business development speaker is someone who specializes in sharing strategies, insights, and frameworks related to growing businesses through partnerships, sales, customer acquisition, and market expansion. They speak at events, summits, webinars, and podcasts to educate and inspire audiences on how to drive sustainable business growth.

Unlike general motivational speakers, business development speakers focus on the 'how' of growth. They often come from backgrounds in sales leadership, strategic partnerships, or entrepreneurship. Their talks are grounded in real-world experience and often include case studies, data, and actionable takeaways.

These speakers might cover topics like outbound sales systems, building channel partnerships, entering new markets, or optimizing customer lifetime value. For example, someone like Mark Roberge, former CRO at HubSpot, often speaks about scaling predictable revenue models. Others, like Sangram Vajre, focus on account-based marketing and how it ties into business development.

Business development speakers can be featured in a variety of formats-from keynote presentations at global conferences to virtual fireside chats for niche communities. Their goal is to help audiences understand and implement strategies that lead to measurable growth.

So if you're running an event focused on scaling, partnerships, or sales, a business development speaker brings both credibility and clarity to the conversation.

When you're trying to grow a business, the right insights at the right time can change everything. That's where a business development speaker comes in.

First, they bring clarity to complex growth challenges. Whether it's entering a new market, building a sales team, or creating strategic alliances, these speakers break down the process into understandable steps. Their expertise helps founders and teams avoid common pitfalls and focus on what works.

Second, they offer fresh perspectives. A speaker from the fintech space might introduce a growth model that's never been tried in health tech. A speaker from Asia might share partnership strategies that are radically different from those used in North America. This cross-pollination of ideas can spark innovation.

Third, they energize and align teams. A well-delivered talk can unify a room around a shared vision for growth. It's not just about motivation-it's about giving people the tools and confidence to act.

Finally, business development speakers often serve as connectors. They don't just speak-they introduce frameworks, tools, and even people. Many hosts use platforms like Talks.co to bring in speakers who can also connect attendees to new opportunities.

In short, a business development speaker doesn't just fill a slot on your agenda. They help shape the direction of your event-and sometimes, the trajectory of your audience's businesses.

Business development speakers do more than just talk-they educate, strategize, and catalyze growth for their audiences. Here's a breakdown of what they actually do:

1. Deliver Expert Talks. They present on topics like sales funnels, partnership strategies, lead generation, and go-to-market planning.
- Example: A speaker might walk through how a company scaled from $1M to $10M ARR using outbound email and channel partners.

2. Tailor Content to the Audience. They adapt their message to suit different industries, company sizes, and cultural contexts.
- A speaker at a Latin American startup conference might focus on regional expansion, while one at a European SaaS event could dive into GDPR-compliant growth tactics.

3. Provide Actionable Frameworks. They don't just inspire-they equip.
- Think models like the MEDDIC sales qualification framework or the 3-tier partnership ladder. These tools help attendees implement what they learn.

4. Engage in Q&A and Workshops. Many business development speakers go beyond keynotes to host interactive sessions.
- This allows for deeper dives into specific challenges like pricing strategy or partner onboarding.

5. Collaborate with Hosts and Sponsors. They often work closely with event organizers to align their content with the event's goals.
- On platforms like Talks.co, speakers and hosts can co-create session titles, promotional content, and even post-event offers.

In essence, business development speakers are educators, consultants, and facilitators rolled into one. They help audiences not just learn about growth-but act on it.

Becoming a business development speaker isn't just about being good at sales or networking. It's about positioning yourself as a credible voice in the space and knowing how to get in front of the right audiences. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Define Your Niche.
- Business development is broad. Are you focused on SaaS growth? B2B partnerships? Startup scaling? Get specific.
- Example: If you're an expert in building affiliate programs for e-commerce, make that your angle.

2. Build Your Authority.
- Start publishing content: LinkedIn posts, blog articles, or short videos.
- Host or guest on virtual summits using platforms like Talks.co to connect with event hosts.
- Create a speaker page that highlights your topics, testimonials, and past appearances.

3. Develop a Signature Talk.
- Craft a 20- to 45-minute presentation that solves a real problem for your audience.
- Include actionable takeaways, real-world examples, and a clear call to action.

4. Get Booked.
- Use Talks.co to find virtual events and pitch yourself as a guest.
- Reach out to podcast hosts, webinar organizers, and conference planners.
- Offer to speak for free at first to build your portfolio.

5. Collect Social Proof.
- Ask for testimonials and video clips from every talk you give.
- Add these to your speaker page and share them on social media.

6. Scale Your Reach.
- Once you've got a few gigs under your belt, start charging.
- Consider creating a speaker kit with your bio, topics, and rates.
- Apply to speak at larger conferences or industry-specific events.

Consistency is key. The more you speak, the more you'll be seen as the go-to expert in your niche.

To be a business development speaker, you need more than just a good voice and a few slides. You need a mix of expertise, strategy, and visibility. Let's break it down:

1. Subject Matter Expertise
You must understand business development deeply. That includes lead generation, partnerships, sales funnels, and growth strategies. Whether your background is in tech startups, enterprise sales, or consulting, your insights should be rooted in real-world experience.

2. A Clear Message
You need a core message that resonates. What unique perspective do you bring? Maybe it's how you scaled a B2B SaaS company using outbound strategies, or how you built a referral network in a rural market. Your message should be clear, repeatable, and relevant.

3. Speaking Skills
You don't need to be a TED Talk veteran, but you do need to engage an audience. Practice storytelling, pacing, and using visuals effectively. Join local Toastmasters, or record yourself and refine your delivery.

4. A Platform
Use tools like Talks.co to connect with event hosts and build your speaker profile. A speaker page is essential. It should include your bio, topics, past talks, testimonials, and a booking link.

5. Marketing Assets
You'll need a professional headshot, a short and long bio, a speaker reel (even a basic one), and a one-sheet. These help event organizers understand your value quickly.

6. Network Access
Relationships matter. Connect with podcast hosts, summit organizers, and other speakers. Engage on LinkedIn, attend virtual events, and offer value first.

In short, being a business development speaker is about combining your expertise with a clear message and making it easy for people to book you. Tools like Talks.co can help streamline that process by connecting you with the right opportunities.

Yes, business development speakers do get paid, but how much and how often depends on several factors: experience, niche, audience size, and event type. Let's break it down.
Paid vs. Unpaid Opportunities
- Paid Gigs: These are typically at corporate events, industry conferences, or private workshops. Experienced speakers with a strong brand can command $2,000 to $15,000 per talk.
- Unpaid Gigs: Common for new speakers or virtual summits. But they can lead to consulting clients, product sales, or future paid gigs.
Factors That Influence Pay
- Experience Level: A first-time speaker may speak for free or a small honorarium. A seasoned expert with a book or media presence can charge premium rates.
- Event Type: Corporate keynotes pay more than community webinars. Virtual events often pay less than in-person ones.
- Audience Size and Influence: Speaking to 50 executives at a Fortune 500 retreat may pay more than speaking to 500 students at a university.
Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
High earning potential	Competitive market
Builds authority	Inconsistent income early on
Opens doors to consulting and coaching	Travel and prep time can be intense

In short, yes, business development speakers get paid, but the path to consistent income often includes a mix of free and paid gigs, especially in the beginning. As I mentioned in 'How to become a business development speaker', building your speaker page and leveraging platforms like Talks.co can help you land more paid opportunities faster.

Business development speakers don't just make money from speaking fees. In fact, many use their talks as a launchpad for multiple income streams. Here's how they monetize:

1. Speaking Fees
- Paid keynotes, panels, and workshops.
- Rates range from $500 for local events to $20,000+ for global conferences.

2. Consulting and Advisory Work
- After a talk, attendees often reach out for help implementing what they learned.
- Example: A speaker on B2B sales funnels might land a $10K/month consulting gig from a single event.

3. Online Courses and Digital Products
- Many speakers sell courses, templates, or toolkits.
- A talk can drive traffic to a landing page or funnel.

4. Books and Publications
- Publishing a book boosts credibility and creates passive income.
- Speakers often sell books at events or include them in ticket bundles.

5. Affiliate Partnerships
- Recommending tools or services during a talk can generate affiliate revenue.
- Example: Mentioning a CRM tool with a referral link.

6. Virtual Summits and Webinars
- Hosting your own events can generate ticket sales, sponsorships, and leads.

7. Sponsorships
- Some speakers partner with brands that align with their message.
- Example: A speaker on remote team growth might be sponsored by a project management tool.

So while speaking is the entry point, the real money often comes from what happens after the talk. Diversifying income streams is key to long-term success.

The income of business development speakers varies widely, depending on their experience, niche, and business model. Let's look at the numbers and what influences them.
Typical Ranges
- Entry-Level Speakers: $0 to $1,000 per talk. Many start out speaking for free to build credibility.
- Mid-Level Speakers: $1,000 to $5,000 per talk. These speakers often have a clear niche, a speaker page, and some testimonials.
- Top-Tier Speakers: $5,000 to $25,000+ per talk. These are often authors, consultants, or media personalities.
Annual Income Estimates

Speaker Type	Talks per Year	Avg. Fee	Estimated Income
Beginner	10	$500	$5,000
Mid-Level	25	$2,500	$62,500
Expert	40	$10,000	$400,000

Other Income Streams
As mentioned in 'How do business development speakers make money', many speakers supplement their income with consulting, courses, and affiliate deals. That can add tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars annually.
Variables That Impact Earnings
- Industry: Tech and finance events tend to pay more than nonprofit or education sectors.
- Region: Speakers in North America and Western Europe often earn more than those in other regions.
- Delivery Format: In-person keynotes usually pay more than virtual talks, though the gap is narrowing.
In short, while some business development speakers earn modest side income, others build six- or seven-figure businesses around their speaking.

Hiring a business development speaker can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands, depending on several key factors. Here's a breakdown of what drives pricing:
1. Speaker Experience and Reputation
- New Speakers: $500 to $1,500 per talk. Great for internal team training or small virtual events.
- Established Experts: $2,000 to $10,000. These speakers often have books, media appearances, or a strong online presence.
- Celebrity Speakers: $15,000 to $50,000+. Think bestselling authors or former executives from major companies.
2. Event Type and Format
- Virtual Events: Typically 30-50% less than in-person gigs.
- Workshops: May cost more due to prep time and interactivity.
- Keynotes: Usually the highest-priced format.
3. Customization and Add-ons
- Some speakers charge extra for:
- Custom content
- Pre-event strategy sessions
- Post-event consulting
4. Travel and Logistics
- For in-person events, expect to cover airfare, hotel, and per diem.
- Some speakers bundle these into their fee, others charge separately.
Sample Cost Table

Speaker Type	Virtual Talk	In-Person Keynote
New Speaker	$500	$1,500
Mid-Level	$1,500	$5,000
Top-Tier	$5,000	$20,000+

Keep in mind: platforms like Talks.co can help you find speakers within your budget and streamline the booking process. A clear brief and early outreach can also help you negotiate better rates.

Here's a curated list of some of the best business development speakers ever, based on their long-term impact, thought leadership, and influence across industries:

- Zig Ziglar. One of the most iconic sales and business development voices. His talks on motivation and closing deals are still quoted today.
- Tony Robbins. While known for personal development, Robbins has delivered powerful talks on business growth and strategic partnerships.
- Brian Tracy. Author of 'The Psychology of Selling', Tracy has spoken globally on business development, goal setting, and sales leadership.
- Chet Holmes. Best known for 'The Ultimate Sales Machine', Holmes was a master at teaching business development systems.
- Jay Abraham. A marketing and business development strategist who's helped companies across 400+ industries.
- Les Brown. A motivational powerhouse who often ties personal growth with business success.
- Jim Rohn. Though more philosophical, Rohn's ideas on value creation and business mindset have shaped generations.
- Tom Hopkins. A sales training legend whose seminars have helped thousands of business developers.
- Dan Kennedy. Known for direct response marketing, Kennedy's talks often focus on business growth through positioning and offers.
- Seth Godin. While not a traditional business development speaker, his ideas on tribes, permission marketing, and value creation have influenced the field profoundly.

These speakers have shaped how we think about growth, relationships, and value in business. Their legacies continue to inspire new generations of business development professionals.

Looking for today's top business development speakers? Here's a list of global voices who are actively shaping the conversation around growth, partnerships, and scalable strategies:

- Gary Vaynerchuk (USA). Entrepreneur and CEO of VaynerMedia. Known for raw, practical advice on business growth and brand building.
- Daniel Priestley (UK/Australia). Author of 'Key Person of Influence', Priestley speaks on business development through personal branding and strategic partnerships.
- Melinda Emerson (USA). Known as 'SmallBizLady', she's a top voice in small business development and growth strategies.
- Alex Hormozi (USA). Author of '$100M Offers', Hormozi speaks on scaling businesses through high-converting offers and sales systems.
- Verne Harnish (Global). Founder of Entrepreneurs' Organization and author of 'Scaling Up', Harnish is a go-to speaker for high-growth companies.
- Tiffani Bova (USA). Growth and innovation evangelist at Salesforce. Her talks focus on customer experience and business development trends.
- Nir Eyal (USA/Israel). While known for behavioral design, his insights on product adoption and growth loops are highly relevant to business development.
- Ramon Ray (USA). A dynamic speaker on small business growth, tech adoption, and relationship-building.
- Natalie Sisson (New Zealand). The 'Suitcase Entrepreneur' speaks on remote business growth and lifestyle entrepreneurship.
- Ankur Warikoo (India). Former CEO of Nearbuy, Warikoo shares practical advice on business growth and personal branding in emerging markets.

These speakers bring diverse perspectives from different regions and industries. Whether you're scaling a startup or leading a corporate team, their insights are worth tuning into.

Myth 1: Business development speakers are just salespeople in disguise.

This one's common, especially among folks who haven't seen a great speaker in action. While sales is often a component of business development, the role of a business development speaker goes far beyond pitching products. These speakers focus on strategy, partnerships, market expansion, and long-term growth. Think of someone like Tiffani Bova, Global Growth and Innovation Evangelist at Salesforce. Her talks aren't about selling software-they're about how businesses can scale through innovation and customer experience. Big difference.

Myth 2: You need to have a Fortune 500 background to be taken seriously.

Not true. Some of the most compelling business development speakers come from startups, nonprofits, or even solopreneur backgrounds. What matters is your ability to deliver insights that resonate. Take someone like Rand Fishkin, co-founder of Moz and SparkToro. He built his reputation by sharing transparent, data-backed strategies from the trenches-not from a corner office at a multinational.

Myth 3: Business development speakers only talk to corporate audiences.

Sure, some do. But many speak at startup accelerators, community business events, online summits, and even niche industry meetups. The audience isn't always wearing suits. In fact, virtual events have opened the door for speakers to reach global, cross-industry audiences-from rural entrepreneurs in Kenya to SaaS founders in Berlin.

Myth 4: You have to be extroverted to succeed.

This is a big one. Being a speaker doesn't mean you have to be the loudest person in the room. Many successful business development speakers are thoughtful, introverted strategists who deliver value with clarity and precision. It's about authenticity and relevance, not volume.

Myth 5: Once you have a keynote, you're set.

Nope. The best business development speakers constantly evolve their content. Markets shift, industries adapt, and what worked last year might fall flat today. Great speakers treat their presentations like products: they iterate, test, and refine based on feedback and results.

When you think of business development speakers, you might picture someone pacing a stage with a clicker and a slide deck. But the real stories behind the scenes are far more nuanced-and inspiring.

Take April Dunford. She started in product marketing but became a sought-after speaker on positioning and go-to-market strategy. Her talks at SaaS conferences like SaaStock and MicroConf are packed with frameworks that founders can apply immediately. What made her stand out? She didn't just talk theory-she brought 25 years of startup experience and turned it into practical, repeatable systems. Her book 'Obviously Awesome' became a staple, and her speaking career took off from there.

Then there's Daniel Priestley, author of 'Key Person of Influence'. He built multiple businesses in the UK and Australia, and now speaks globally about scaling ventures and building personal brands. His talks blend storytelling with actionable strategy, and he often speaks to audiences ranging from startup founders to corporate innovation teams. His success lies in making complex growth models feel accessible.

In Asia, Anita Bhogle transitioned from a career in advertising to become a business development speaker focused on leadership and performance. Drawing from sports psychology and business strategy, she co-authored 'The Winning Way' and now speaks at corporate retreats and leadership summits across India. Her ability to bridge sports and business gives her a unique edge.

These speakers didn't follow a single path. Some came from corporate, others from startups. Some wrote books, others built communities. But they all shared one thing: a deep understanding of how businesses grow-and the ability to communicate that clearly to diverse audiences.

Whether you're in fintech in Nairobi or SaaS in Toronto, these stories show that success as a business development speaker isn't about where you start. It's about how well you translate insight into impact.

The landscape for business development speakers is shifting in some interesting ways. And if you're looking to stay ahead of the curve, it's worth paying attention to where things are headed.

First, there's a growing demand for hyper-niche expertise. Generalist talks are losing traction. Event organizers are looking for speakers who can go deep on specific verticals-like B2B SaaS growth in emerging markets, or partnership models for climate tech startups. If you can own a niche and speak to it with authority, you're golden.

Second, virtual and hybrid formats aren't going anywhere. While in-person events are back, many conferences are keeping digital components. This means speakers need to master both formats. It's not just about being camera-ready-it's about knowing how to engage a remote audience with pacing, visuals, and interactivity.

Third, data-backed storytelling is becoming the new standard. Audiences want more than inspiration-they want evidence. Speakers who can bring in case studies, benchmarks, or even live data demos are getting more bookings. Think of how someone like Andrew Chen (a16z) uses growth metrics to tell compelling stories about startups.

Fourth, global perspectives are in demand. Organizers are actively seeking voices from underrepresented regions and industries. If you're based in Southeast Asia, Latin America, or Africa and have unique insights into business development in your region, you're not just welcome-you're needed.

Here are a few key trends to watch:
- Specialized micro-topics (e.g. channel partnerships in edtech, or B2B influencer marketing)
- Interactive formats like live Q&A, polls, or audience challenges
- AI-assisted content delivery (think real-time translation or personalized slides)
- Speaker collectives and co-presenting models
- Demand for ethical growth strategies (especially in industries like fintech and healthtech)

Bottom line: the future of business development speaking belongs to those who are specific, strategic, and globally aware.

Talks.co. This platform connects speakers with podcast hosts. It's a great way to build credibility, test your messaging, and reach niche audiences without needing a massive stage. Tip: Start with shows that align with your industry or audience, then expand outward.

SpeakerHub. A directory and booking platform where you can list your profile, topics, and availability. It's especially useful for newer speakers looking to get discovered by event organizers.

Canva. For creating polished, on-brand slide decks quickly. Use their presentation templates to keep your visuals clean and consistent. Pro tip: Keep text minimal and let your voice do the heavy lifting.

Otter.ai. Use this tool to transcribe your practice sessions or past talks. Reviewing transcripts can help you refine your messaging and spot filler words or unclear phrasing.

Notion. Organize your speaking topics, audience personas, outreach lists, and feedback in one place. Think of it as your speaker HQ. Create a template for each talk with key points, stories, and stats.

LinkedIn Events. Host your own virtual sessions to build authority and test new material. Promote to your network and invite collaborators. It's a low-barrier way to get visibility.

Calendly. Make it easy for event organizers or podcast hosts to book you. Set up a dedicated 'Speaker Booking' link with pre-screening questions to streamline the process.

Slidebean. If you're not a designer, this tool helps you create investor-style decks with a business focus. Great for business development speakers who want to pitch frameworks or models cleanly.