Sales Performance Speakers

Sales performance speakers are professionals who specialize in delivering talks, workshops, or keynotes focused on improving sales effectiveness. They combine deep sales expertise with public speaking skills to educate, inspire, and equip audiences with tools to boost their sales outcomes.

Unlike general motivational speakers, sales performance speakers focus specifically on the strategies, behaviors, and systems that drive sales success. This could include topics like closing techniques, sales psychology, CRM optimization, or building high-performing sales teams. Their content is typically grounded in real-world application, often backed by data or case studies.

These speakers are often former sales leaders, consultants, or entrepreneurs who have built successful sales systems themselves. Some, like Tony Hughes in Australia or Trish Bertuzzi in the U.S., are known for blending practical frameworks with high-energy delivery. Others may focus on niche areas like outbound prospecting, sales enablement, or sales tech.

Sales performance speakers are booked for conferences, virtual summits, corporate training events, and podcasts. They may also offer follow-up materials like workbooks or online courses to reinforce their message.

In short, a sales performance speaker is someone who doesn't just talk about selling - they teach people how to sell better, faster, and more consistently, in a way that aligns with modern buyer behavior.

When you're trying to move the needle on revenue, bringing in a sales performance speaker can be a game-changer - not just a nice-to-have. Here's why.

First, they provide an outside perspective. Internal sales teams often operate in silos, repeating the same strategies quarter after quarter. A skilled speaker can introduce fresh frameworks or challenge outdated mindsets. For example, a speaker might walk your team through how companies in emerging markets are using WhatsApp for B2B prospecting - something your team might never have considered.

Second, they create alignment. In many organizations, sales, marketing, and customer success aren't always on the same page. A speaker can act as a unifying force, helping everyone understand the full customer journey and where sales fits in. This is especially useful in cross-functional kickoffs or annual planning events.

Third, they boost morale and motivation. Let's be honest - sales is tough. Rejection, quotas, and constant change can wear down even top performers. A high-energy speaker can re-ignite passion and remind the team why they do what they do. Think of someone like Keenan or Lisa Earle McLeod, who blend mindset with method.

Finally, they deliver measurable ROI. The best speakers don't just inspire - they equip. They leave your team with scripts, tools, or habits that can be implemented immediately. That's why companies from startups to Fortune 500s invest in them.

So if you're wondering whether a sales performance speaker is worth the budget, ask yourself: What's the cost of your team staying stuck in the same sales rut for another quarter?

Sales performance speakers do more than just talk about selling - they teach, challenge, and transform how people approach sales. Here's a breakdown of what they actually do:

1. Deliver Keynotes and Workshops.
- They speak at conferences, summits, and corporate events, often as headliners or breakout session leaders.
- Topics might range from 'Building a Scalable Sales Process' to 'Mastering Objection Handling in Complex Deals'.

2. Customize Content for Specific Audiences.
- A speaker addressing a fintech startup in Berlin will tailor their talk differently than one speaking to a pharmaceutical sales team in Atlanta.
- They research the audience, industry trends, and company goals to make their message relevant.

3. Share Proven Frameworks and Tools.
- Many speakers introduce proprietary models or step-by-step systems. For instance, the 'SPIN Selling' model or the 'Challenger Sale' framework.
- They often provide downloadable resources, templates, or follow-up training.

4. Inspire Behavior Change.
- Through storytelling, data, and interaction, they shift mindsets. They might challenge a team to rethink their discovery call approach or reframe how they handle pricing objections.

5. Stay Current with Sales Trends.
- Top speakers are also thought leaders. They publish books, run podcasts, or contribute to platforms like LinkedIn and Talks.co.
- They bring the latest insights on AI in sales, remote selling, or buyer psychology.

In essence, sales performance speakers are educators, motivators, and strategists rolled into one - and they're hired to make sales teams sharper, faster, and more effective.

Becoming a sales performance speaker isn't just about having a killer sales record. It's about turning that experience into engaging, actionable insights others can learn from. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Define Your Niche and Message
- Sales performance is broad. Are you focused on SaaS sales? Enterprise B2B? Retail conversion? Pick a lane.
- Craft a signature talk. Think of it as your go-to keynote that showcases your unique perspective.

2. Build Credibility
- Leverage your professional background. Case studies, revenue growth, or team leadership all count.
- Collect testimonials from clients or colleagues. Social proof matters.

3. Create a Speaker Page
- Use platforms like Talks.co to build a professional speaker profile.
- Include a bio, headshot, sample videos, and your talk topics.

4. Start Speaking Anywhere You Can
- Local business events, webinars, podcasts, and virtual summits are all great starting points.
- Use these opportunities to refine your delivery and gather footage.

5. Connect With Hosts and Event Organizers
- Reach out via LinkedIn or use Talks.co to connect with summit hosts and podcast producers.
- Offer to speak for free initially to build your portfolio.

6. Package Your Offer
- Once you've got traction, start charging. Create tiered packages: keynote, workshop, consulting add-ons.
- Make it easy for hosts to say yes by being clear and professional.

7. Keep Improving
- Watch recordings of your talks. What worked? What didn't?
- Stay updated on sales trends and adapt your content accordingly.

Remember, the best speakers are great storytellers and even better listeners. Listen to your audience, iterate, and keep showing up.

To be a sales performance speaker, you need more than just a background in sales. You need a blend of expertise, communication skills, and visibility. Let's break it down:

1. Deep Sales Expertise
You should have a proven track record in sales. That could mean exceeding quotas, leading high-performing teams, or scaling revenue in a startup. The key is to translate that experience into lessons others can apply.

2. A Unique Point of View
What makes your sales approach different? Maybe you focus on behavioral psychology, or maybe you're all about data-driven selling. Your perspective is your brand. It's what makes you stand out from the crowd.

3. Communication Skills
You don't need to be a natural-born speaker, but you do need to be clear, engaging, and confident. Practice helps. So does feedback. Join a local Toastmasters group or rehearse with peers.

4. A Platform to Be Found
This is where Talks.co comes in. Creating a speaker page that showcases your bio, topics, and speaking clips helps event organizers find and book you. It's like your digital business card.

5. Content and Presence
You'll need at least one signature talk, a few variations for different audiences, and a way to promote yourself. That could be through LinkedIn, a personal website, or podcast guest appearances.

6. A Network of Hosts and Event Planners
Connections matter. Whether you're pitching yourself to virtual summits or getting referred by past clients, relationships open doors. Talks.co also helps connect speakers with hosts, making it easier to land gigs.

In short, to be a sales performance speaker, you need experience, a message, and a way to share it. The rest is consistency and hustle.

Yes, sales performance speakers do get paid-but how much and how often depends on several factors like experience, niche, and audience size. Let's break it down analytically.
1. Paid vs. Unpaid Gigs
- Early-stage speakers often speak for free to build credibility.
- Mid-tier and top-tier speakers typically charge fees ranging from $1,000 to $25,000 per event.
- Some events offer hybrid compensation: a small fee plus travel or exposure.
2. Variables That Influence Pay
- Experience: A former VP of Sales at a Fortune 500 company can command higher rates.
- Audience Size: Speaking at a 10,000-person conference pays more than a 50-person workshop.
- Format: Keynotes usually pay more than panel appearances or breakout sessions.
3. Industry Comparisons

Speaker Type	Average Fee Range
New Speaker	$0 - $1,500
Mid-Level Speaker	$2,000 - $7,500
Top-Tier Sales Speaker	$10,000 - $25,000+

4. Pros and Cons
- Pros: High earning potential, travel opportunities, brand building.
- Cons: Inconsistent income, high competition, unpaid prep time.
So yes, sales performance speakers do get paid-but the path to consistent income takes time, strategy, and positioning.

Sales performance speakers generate income through multiple streams. While keynote speaking is the most visible, it's far from the only way they monetize their expertise. Here's a breakdown:

1. Paid Speaking Engagements
This includes keynotes, breakout sessions, and workshops. Rates vary based on experience, audience size, and event type. Corporate sales kickoffs and industry conferences tend to pay the most.

2. Consulting and Training
Many speakers offer follow-up services like sales team training, 1:1 coaching, or strategy consulting. These can be packaged as:
- Half-day or full-day workshops
- Monthly retainers
- Online training modules

3. Digital Products
Speakers often create:
- Online courses (e.g., on Teachable or Kajabi)
- E-books or playbooks
- Templates and sales scripts

4. Affiliate Marketing and Sponsorships
Some speakers partner with sales tech companies or CRMs to promote tools they trust. They earn commissions or sponsorship fees for mentions during talks or in newsletters.

5. Virtual Summits and Webinars
Platforms like Talks.co allow speakers to get booked for virtual events, which can be monetized through ticket sales, sponsorships, or upsells.

6. Licensing Content
Top speakers license their training materials to corporations or sales enablement platforms. This creates recurring revenue without additional speaking time.

In short, the smartest sales performance speakers diversify their income. Speaking is the gateway, but the real money often comes from what happens after the talk.

Sales performance speakers can earn anywhere from a few thousand dollars a year to well into six or even seven figures. It all depends on their niche, reputation, and business model.

1. Entry-Level Speakers
- Often speak for free or for exposure.
- Might earn $500 to $2,000 per event.
- Total annual income: $5,000 to $20,000 (part-time).

2. Mid-Level Speakers
- Typically charge $3,000 to $7,500 per keynote.
- Speak at 20-40 events per year.
- Total annual income: $60,000 to $250,000.

3. Top-Tier Speakers
- Charge $10,000 to $25,000+ per event.
- Often supplement with consulting, courses, or licensing deals.
- Total annual income: $300,000 to $1M+.

Factors That Affect Earnings
- Industry: Tech and finance events tend to pay more than non-profits or education.
- Location: North American and European markets usually offer higher fees.
- Brand: A strong personal brand (books, media appearances, social proof) boosts rates.

Example: A speaker who charges $7,500 per talk and books 30 gigs a year earns $225,000. Add in a $50K consulting package and a $25K online course launch, and you're looking at $300K+.

So while there's no fixed salary, the earning potential is significant-especially for those who treat speaking as a business, not just a gig.

Hiring a sales performance speaker can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands, depending on several key factors. Let's analyze the pricing landscape:
1. Speaker Tier
- New Speakers: $0 to $1,500. Often local experts or emerging voices.
- Mid-Level Speakers: $2,000 to $7,500. These speakers have a few years of experience and solid testimonials.
- Top-Tier Speakers: $10,000 to $25,000+. Often bestselling authors, former executives, or TEDx speakers.
2. Event Type
- Internal Sales Kickoffs: Companies pay more for tailored content.
- Industry Conferences: May offer lower fees but higher exposure.
- Virtual Events: Typically cost less due to no travel or logistics.
3. Add-Ons and Customization
- Workshops, breakout sessions, or consulting can add $2,000 to $10,000.
- Licensing training materials or follow-up coaching increases the total package.
4. Location and Travel
- International speakers may charge more to cover flights and accommodations.
- Some include travel in their fee, others bill separately.
Sample Cost Table

Speaker Type	Typical Cost Range
Local/Virtual Expert	$500 - $2,000
Experienced Speaker	$3,000 - $10,000
Celebrity Speaker	$20,000 - $50,000+

While cost is a factor, ROI matters more. A great sales performance speaker can shift mindsets, boost morale, and drive revenue. That's worth the investment.

- Zig Ziglar: A true pioneer in sales motivation. His books and speeches have inspired millions. Known for blending humor, storytelling, and actionable advice.
- Brian Tracy: Author of 'The Psychology of Selling', he's been a staple in corporate sales training for decades.
- Tony Robbins: While not exclusively a sales speaker, his influence on performance psychology has shaped how many approach sales.
- Grant Cardone: Bold, aggressive, and unapologetically sales-driven. His 10X philosophy has a massive following.
- Tom Hopkins: One of the original sales training legends. His seminars have trained over 5 million salespeople.
- Jeffrey Gitomer: Known for 'The Little Red Book of Selling', Gitomer mixes humor with hard-hitting truths.
- Jill Konrath: A leading voice in B2B sales strategy, especially in complex selling environments.
- Les Brown: More motivational than tactical, but his energy and mindset coaching are staples at sales events.
- Daniel Pink: Author of 'To Sell is Human', he brings a behavioral science lens to modern selling.
- Jim Rohn: A mentor to Tony Robbins and a legend in personal development, his teachings often intersect with sales performance.

These speakers have shaped the industry and continue to influence how sales professionals learn and grow.

- Victor Antonio: A former technology executive turned sales trainer, known for blending data with delivery. His YouTube channel is a goldmine.
- Meridith Elliott Powell: Focuses on sales in uncertain times. Her talks are especially relevant for today's volatile markets.
- Anthony Iannarino: A strategic B2B sales expert and author of 'Eat Their Lunch'. His insights are practical and deeply researched.
- Keenan (A Sales Guy): High-energy, blunt, and focused on gap selling. Popular with tech startups and SaaS companies.
- Alice Heiman: Specializes in complex B2B sales and works with enterprise clients globally.
- Andy Paul: Host of the 'Sales Enablement Podcast', he's a trusted voice in modern sales performance.
- Colleen Francis: Based in Canada, she's known for helping companies accelerate sales growth sustainably.
- Tiffani Bova: Global Growth Evangelist at Salesforce and a top speaker on customer experience and sales alignment.
- Jeb Blount: Author of 'Fanatical Prospecting', he's a go-to for outbound sales strategy.
- Morgan J Ingram: A rising star in sales development, especially in the tech space. Known for his engaging delivery and Gen Z appeal.

These speakers are active globally, speak at major conferences, and are often featured on platforms like Talks.co, LinkedIn Learning, and virtual summits.

Myth 1: Sales performance speakers are just motivational cheerleaders.

This one comes up a lot. People assume that if you're a sales performance speaker, your job is to pump up the crowd with high energy and buzzwords. But here's the truth: the best sales performance speakers are educators first. They bring frameworks, actionable strategies, and data-backed insights to the table. Take someone like Jill Konrath, for example. Her talks aren't just inspiring-they're packed with sales acceleration tactics grounded in research. The motivation is a byproduct of the clarity and confidence she delivers.

Myth 2: You need decades of sales experience to become a credible speaker.

Not true. While experience helps, what matters more is your ability to translate results into repeatable systems. Some speakers come from marketing, product, or even customer success backgrounds. What unites them is their deep understanding of buyer psychology and sales mechanics. For instance, Steli Efti built his reputation not just on years in sales, but on how he scaled Close.com and taught others to do the same.

Myth 3: Sales performance speakers only speak to sales teams.

Actually, many of them are brought in to speak to cross-functional teams-executives, marketers, even engineers. Why? Because sales performance is a company-wide concern. Speakers like Keenan (author of 'Gap Selling') often address leadership teams to help align sales and product strategies. The impact goes way beyond the sales floor.

Myth 4: It's all about charisma.

Sure, stage presence matters. But charisma without substance falls flat. What audiences really want is clarity. They want to walk away with a new lens on their challenges and a roadmap to improve. The most effective speakers are often the clearest communicators, not the flashiest performers.

Myth 5: It's a saturated field-there's no room for new voices.

False again. The demand for sales performance speakers is growing, especially in niche industries and global markets. If you bring a unique perspective-say, selling in emerging markets or using AI in B2B sales-there's absolutely space for you. The key is to position yourself around a specific outcome or methodology, not just generic 'sales inspiration.'

When you think of successful sales performance speakers, you might picture someone on a big stage at SaaStr or INBOUND. But success comes in many forms-and often, it starts in unexpected places.

Take Morgan J. Ingram. He started by creating short LinkedIn videos about cold calling and SDR life. No flashy production, just raw, honest insights. His audience grew fast. Why? Because he spoke directly to the pain points of early-career sales reps. Eventually, he was invited to speak at major conferences and now runs his own training programs. His journey shows that consistency and authenticity can build a powerful platform.

Then there's Tiffani Bova, former Salesforce growth evangelist. Her talks blend data, storytelling, and strategic insight. What sets her apart is her ability to connect sales performance with customer experience. She doesn't just talk about closing deals-she talks about creating systems that drive long-term growth. Her book 'Growth IQ' became a go-to resource for leaders across industries.

In a completely different space, consider Victor Antonio. He came from an engineering background and transitioned into sales leadership. His speaking style is direct, practical, and often humorous. He uses real-world examples from manufacturing, telecom, and tech to make his points stick. His YouTube channel has become a global resource for sales training, especially in regions like Latin America and Southeast Asia.

And don't overlook regional success stories. In Australia, Bernadette McClelland has carved out a niche by combining neuroscience with sales strategy. Her talks resonate with both corporate and entrepreneurial audiences. She's proof that you don't need to be based in the US to build a global speaking brand.

Each of these speakers took a different path. Some built audiences online first. Others leveraged corporate roles. What they all share is a clear message, a defined audience, and a commitment to delivering value-not fluff.

Looking ahead, the landscape for sales performance speakers is shifting in some interesting ways. We're not just talking about more virtual events or hybrid conferences-those are already here. The deeper trends are about what audiences expect, how speakers deliver, and where new opportunities are emerging.

First, there's a growing demand for specialization. Gone are the days when a generic 'sales keynote' would cut it. Companies want speakers who understand their vertical, their buyer journey, and their tech stack. That means more room for niche experts-like someone who focuses solely on SaaS sales in APAC, or enterprise sales in healthcare.

Second, data fluency is becoming a must. Sales leaders are under pressure to justify every dollar. Speakers who can interpret sales analytics, pipeline metrics, and conversion data-and turn that into actionable advice-will stand out. Think of it as the rise of the 'sales scientist' speaker.

Third, interactivity is the new currency. Audiences want more than a monologue. They want live Q&A, real-time polling, breakout sessions, and even roleplay. Speakers who can facilitate these experiences-especially in virtual formats-will be in high demand.

Here are a few key trends to watch:
- Micro-keynotes: 10-15 minute talks designed for short attention spans, especially in digital summits.
- AI integration: Speakers who can show how tools like Gong, ChatGPT, or Salesforce Einstein impact sales workflows.
- Global localization: More demand for speakers who can deliver in multiple languages or adapt content for different cultural norms.
- Outcome-based bookings: Event organizers increasingly ask, 'What will our team be able to do differently after this talk?' Speakers need to answer that clearly.

The bottom line? Sales performance speakers who stay agile, tech-savvy, and audience-focused will thrive in this next chapter.

Talks.co. A smart platform that matches speakers with podcast hosts. Great for building your authority and testing your message in front of niche audiences. Tip: Start with smaller shows in your industry to refine your pitch before going after the big ones.

Slidebean. If design isn't your thing, this tool helps you build sleek, professional slide decks fast. Use it to create keynote presentations that look like you hired a designer-without the cost.

Gong.io. Not just for sales teams. Use Gong's call analytics to gather real-world examples and data for your talks. Quoting real sales conversations adds credibility and relevance to your content.

Canva. Ideal for creating social media snippets, speaker one-sheets, and branded visuals. Pro tip: Use Canva's video templates to turn short clips from your talks into shareable content.

LinkedIn Creator Mode. Turn this on to access tools like newsletters, live video, and featured content. It's a powerful way to build your speaker brand and attract event organizers.

SpeakerHub. A directory where you can list your profile, topics, and past talks. It's used by event planners worldwide. Make sure your profile includes a strong video reel and clear outcomes.

Notion. Use it to organize your talk outlines, client feedback, and event logistics. You can even build a public-facing speaker page with embedded videos and testimonials.

Calendly. Make it easy for event organizers to book discovery calls with you. Set up a custom link just for speaking inquiries and include it in your email signature and speaker page.