Small Business Speakers

A small business speaker is someone who shares insights, strategies, and stories tailored to entrepreneurs running or launching small businesses. Unlike general business speakers who might focus on corporate leadership or enterprise-level systems, small business speakers zero in on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by smaller operations.

These speakers often come from diverse backgrounds-some are founders, others are consultants, marketers, or subject matter experts. What unites them is their ability to translate experience into actionable advice for small business owners. They might speak on topics like customer acquisition, lean operations, digital marketing, or local business growth.

Small business speakers show up in various formats: live events, webinars, podcasts, virtual summits, or even YouTube channels. Their audiences range from solo entrepreneurs to teams of 10-50 employees. The goal is always the same: to educate, inspire, and equip small business owners with tools they can apply immediately.

In essence, a small business speaker is a communicator who understands the realities of running a small operation-tight budgets, limited time, and big dreams-and helps others navigate that journey with clarity and confidence.

When you're running a small business, access to the right knowledge at the right time can be a game-changer. That's where a small business speaker comes in. They act as a bridge between experience and execution, offering insights that are both relevant and realistic.

Unlike generic business advice, small business speakers tailor their content to the specific needs of smaller operations. They understand the constraints-like limited staff, local market dynamics, or the need to wear multiple hats. This makes their guidance more applicable and immediately useful.

Their importance also lies in their ability to spark momentum. Whether it's through a keynote at a local chamber event or a guest spot on a niche podcast, they help entrepreneurs see possibilities they hadn't considered. For example, a speaker specializing in micro-influencer marketing might open up new growth channels for a boutique skincare brand in Melbourne.

Moreover, small business speakers often serve as connectors. They introduce new tools, frameworks, and even collaborators. In virtual summits, for instance, a speaker might reference a CRM tool that helped them scale, prompting dozens of attendees to try it out.

In short, small business speakers are important because they bring clarity, confidence, and community to entrepreneurs who are often navigating their journey alone.

Small business speakers do more than just talk-they educate, inspire, and guide entrepreneurs through the complex world of running a business. Here's a breakdown of what they actually do:

1. Deliver Targeted Presentations. They create and present talks tailored to small business audiences, covering topics like marketing, finance, operations, or mindset. For example, a speaker might break down how to build a sales funnel using free tools-a topic that's both practical and cost-effective for small teams.

2. Share Real-World Case Studies. These speakers often use their own experiences or client stories to illustrate key points. A speaker might explain how a local bakery in Texas doubled its revenue using Instagram Reels, making the advice tangible and relatable.

3. Host or Join Panels and Interviews. Many small business speakers participate in virtual summits, podcasts, or panel discussions. They offer diverse perspectives and answer audience questions in real time, adding value through interaction.

4. Offer Actionable Frameworks. Instead of vague motivation, they often provide step-by-step systems. Think: a 5-step process to validate a product idea or a checklist for launching a service-based business.

5. Promote Tools and Resources. They often introduce audiences to software, platforms, or communities that can help streamline operations. For instance, recommending platforms like Talks.co for finding podcast guest spots or new speaking opportunities.

6. Mentor and Motivate. Beyond the stage, many small business speakers offer coaching, workshops, or online courses. They become ongoing resources for entrepreneurs looking to grow.

In essence, small business speakers act as both educators and catalysts, helping business owners move from stuck to strategic.

Becoming a small business speaker isn't just about having a great story to tell. It's about building credibility, connecting with the right people, and knowing how to position yourself. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Define Your Niche and Message
- Focus on a specific area within small business: marketing, finance, scaling, e-commerce, etc.
- Ask yourself: What unique insight or experience can I offer?
- Example: If you've helped local businesses grow through TikTok marketing, that's a niche worth owning.

2. Build Your Authority
- Start by publishing content: blog posts, LinkedIn articles, YouTube videos.
- Get featured on podcasts or panels. Use platforms like Talks.co to connect with event hosts.
- Create a speaker page that showcases your bio, topics, testimonials, and past appearances.

3. Practice Speaking
- Join local business meetups or virtual summits to get stage time.
- Offer to speak for free at first to build your portfolio.
- Record your talks and refine your delivery. Tools like Zoom or Riverside.fm can help.

4. Network with Event Organizers
- Use LinkedIn to reach out to conference planners, chamber of commerce leaders, or virtual summit hosts.
- Join communities like Talks.co to get matched with events looking for speakers.
- Always follow up with a clear pitch: your topic, audience fit, and what value you bring.

5. Monetize and Scale
- Once you've got a few gigs under your belt, start charging.
- Offer workshops, coaching, or digital products tied to your talks.
- Leverage testimonials and case studies to land bigger stages.

Remember, the key is consistency. The more you speak, the more visible you become, and the more opportunities come your way.

To be a small business speaker, you need more than just a microphone and a LinkedIn profile. It's about combining expertise, communication skills, and strategic positioning. Let's break it down:

1. Subject Matter Expertise
You don't need to have built a billion-dollar startup, but you do need real-world experience. Maybe you've scaled a local bakery into a regional franchise, or helped dozens of solopreneurs streamline operations. Whatever your story, it must be relevant, specific, and replicable.

2. Communication Skills
Being a good speaker means more than talking clearly. You need to:
- Engage diverse audiences (from startup founders to corporate decision-makers).
- Break down complex ideas into actionable insights.
- Adjust your tone and style depending on the event type (keynote, panel, workshop).

3. A Speaker Platform
You'll need a place to showcase your speaking credentials. This includes:
- A professional speaker page (Talks.co is a great platform to start).
- A short bio, headshot, and speaker reel.
- A list of topics you speak on, with clear takeaways.

4. A Network of Hosts and Peers
Connections matter. Use platforms like Talks.co to connect with event hosts. Join Facebook groups, Slack communities, or LinkedIn groups focused on entrepreneurship and events.

5. A Clear Offer
What do you want event organizers to do? Book you for a keynote? Hire you for a workshop? Your offer should be specific and easy to say yes to.

In short, being a small business speaker is about combining credibility, clarity, and connection. If you can solve problems and communicate well, you're already halfway there.

Yes, small business speakers do get paid, but how much and how often depends on several factors. Let's look at the landscape:
1. Paid vs. Unpaid Gigs
- Many new speakers start with unpaid opportunities to build credibility.
- Once you have a track record, you can command fees ranging from $500 to $10,000+ depending on the event.
2. Factors That Influence Payment
- Experience: Established speakers with books, media appearances, or a strong following earn more.
- Event Type: Corporate conferences tend to pay more than local meetups or online summits.
- Audience Size: A 5,000-person event usually pays more than a 50-person workshop.
3. Alternative Compensation
Sometimes payment comes in other forms:
- Travel and accommodation.
- Access to high-value networking.
- Leads for your business or coaching program.
4. Data Snapshot

Speaker Level	Typical Fee Range
Beginner	$0 - $500
Intermediate	$500 - $2,000
Advanced/Expert	$2,000 - $10,000+

So yes, small business speakers do get paid. But the real question is: are you positioning yourself to be seen as worth paying? That's where your speaker page, niche, and delivery come into play.

Small business speakers don't just make money from speaking fees. In fact, many use speaking as a gateway to multiple income streams. Here's how it breaks down:

1. Direct Speaking Fees
This is the most obvious one. Event organizers pay you to speak. Fees vary based on experience, audience size, and event type.

2. Product Sales
Speakers often sell:
- Books or eBooks.
- Online courses or memberships.
- Templates, toolkits, or software.

Example: A speaker on small business automation might offer a $297 course on Zapier workflows after their talk.

3. Consulting and Coaching
Many speakers use their sessions to attract clients. After a keynote, attendees often want personalized help.
- One-on-one coaching packages.
- Group masterminds.
- Corporate training programs.

4. Affiliate Marketing
Some speakers promote tools or services they use and earn a commission. For instance, recommending accounting software or CRM platforms.

5. Sponsorships and Partnerships
If you have a strong brand or niche audience, sponsors may pay to be associated with your talks.
- Sponsored webinars.
- Branded workshops.
- Co-hosted events.

6. Licensing Content
You can license your talks, frameworks, or slide decks to companies or training platforms.

So while speaking is the front door, the real revenue often comes from what you offer after you leave the stage.

The income of small business speakers varies widely, depending on niche, experience, and business model. Let's look at the numbers:

1. Entry-Level Speakers
- Typically earn $0 to $500 per talk.
- Often speak for free to build exposure.
- May rely on backend offers like coaching or product sales.

2. Mid-Tier Speakers
- Earn between $500 and $2,500 per event.
- Usually have a few years of experience and a clear niche.
- May speak at regional conferences, online summits, or industry panels.

3. High-Level Speakers
- Can command $5,000 to $15,000+ per keynote.
- Often have books, media appearances, or a large following.
- Speak at national events, corporate retreats, or international summits.

4. Additional Income Streams
- Product sales, coaching, and consulting can add $50,000 to $200,000+ annually.
- Some speakers build full businesses around their speaking brand.

Example Profiles
- A speaker focused on small business finance might earn $2,000 per talk and sell a $997 course.
- Another might do 20 paid gigs a year at $3,000 each, totaling $60,000, plus $40,000 in backend sales.

So while the average speaker might earn $10,000 to $50,000 annually from speaking alone, the top performers build six- or even seven-figure businesses around their platform.

Hiring a small business speaker can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands, depending on several key factors. Here's a breakdown:
1. Speaker Tier

Tier	Cost Range
Emerging	$0 - $500
Mid-Level	$500 - $2,500
Expert	$2,500 - $10,000
Celebrity/Author	$10,000 - $50,000+

2. Event Type
- Local Meetups or Chambers: Often rely on free or low-cost speakers.
- Virtual Summits: May offer lower fees but greater reach.
- Corporate Conferences: Typically have larger budgets and expect polished delivery.
3. Duration and Format
- A 20-minute virtual keynote may cost less than a full-day in-person workshop.
- Add-ons like Q&A sessions, panel moderation, or breakout facilitation can increase fees.
4. Travel and Logistics
- In-person events may require covering travel, lodging, and per diem.
- Some speakers bundle these into their fee, others bill separately.
5. Value Delivered
- Speakers who offer post-event resources, follow-up training, or custom content often charge more.
So if you're planning an event, expect to budget accordingly. And if you're a speaker, price based on your value, not just your time.

- Michael E. Gerber: Author of 'The E-Myth Revisited', Gerber has influenced millions of entrepreneurs with his insights on systems and scalability.

- Barbara Corcoran: Real estate mogul and Shark Tank investor, known for her sharp advice and rags-to-riches story.

- Seth Godin: While not exclusively a small business speaker, his talks on marketing and permission-based branding have shaped countless small business strategies.

- Jim Rohn: A foundational voice in personal development and business mindset, Rohn's teachings have inspired generations of entrepreneurs.

- Daymond John: Founder of FUBU and another Shark Tank regular, Daymond speaks frequently on branding, hustle, and small business growth.

- Melinda Emerson: Known as the 'SmallBizLady', she's been a consistent voice in small business education and empowerment.

- Brian Tracy: His talks on goal-setting, productivity, and business strategy have made him a go-to speaker for small business owners worldwide.

- Rieva Lesonsky: Former editor of Entrepreneur Magazine, she's been a champion for small business innovation and education.

- Marie Forleo: Though more known for online entrepreneurship, her talks on mindset and business building resonate deeply with small business audiences.

- Simon Sinek: His 'Start With Why' framework has been adopted by many small business leaders looking to define their purpose and brand.

- Alex Hormozi: Known for his no-fluff approach to scaling small businesses, Hormozi speaks globally on sales, offers, and business growth.

- Allie Casazza: A minimalist entrepreneur who speaks on building businesses that align with lifestyle and values, especially for women and parents.

- Chris Do: Founder of The Futur, he's a creative entrepreneur who teaches small business owners how to brand, price, and sell with confidence.

- Pam Slim: Author of 'Escape from Cubicle Nation', she's a global voice on transitioning from corporate to small business ownership.

- Andrew Griffiths: Australia's #1 small business author and a dynamic speaker on resilience, marketing, and entrepreneurship.

- Natalie Sisson: The 'Suitcase Entrepreneur' speaks on building location-independent small businesses and digital products.

- Mike Michalowicz: Author of 'Profit First' and 'Clockwork', Mike is a sought-after speaker on financial systems and business efficiency.

- Tiffany Aliche (The Budgetnista): A global voice on financial literacy, she empowers small business owners to manage money wisely.

- John Lee Dumas: Host of Entrepreneurs on Fire, he speaks on podcasting, monetization, and building audience-driven businesses.

- Daniel Priestley: UK-based entrepreneur and author of 'Key Person of Influence', he helps small business owners become industry leaders through speaking and branding.

Myth 1: Small business speakers only talk about entrepreneurship basics.
This one's common, especially among event organizers who assume small business speakers are limited to startup 101 content. In reality, many of them bring deep expertise in niche areas: think local SEO strategies for brick-and-mortar shops, supply chain optimization for regional manufacturers, or even mental health for solo founders. For example, Melinda Emerson, known as the 'SmallBizLady', dives into advanced growth tactics and digital transformation-not just how to start a business.

Myth 2: They aren't as polished or impactful as corporate keynote speakers.
This misconception comes from equating budget with quality. But here's the truth: small business speakers often have more hands-on experience and relatable stories that resonate deeply with audiences. Ramon Ray, a small business expert, brings infectious energy and real-world insights that often outshine big-name corporate speakers. His talks are packed with actionable advice, not just theory.

Myth 3: Small business speakers are only relevant to local or regional events.
Sure, some focus on community-level impact, but many have global relevance. Take Anita Campbell of Small Business Trends-her insights on digital marketing and content strategy apply whether you're in Nairobi, Nashville, or New Delhi. The 'small business' label reflects their audience, not the scale of their influence.

Myth 4: They can't command high speaking fees.
Wrong again. While some may start with modest rates, experienced small business speakers who deliver results and draw crowds can command fees in the five-figure range. It depends on their niche, audience engagement, and brand authority. If you're booking someone who's built a loyal following and delivers ROI for event hosts, expect to pay accordingly.

Myth 5: They all come from business backgrounds.
Not necessarily. Many small business speakers started as teachers, artists, engineers, or even chefs. Their unique journeys are what make their talks compelling. Their value lies in how they translate their lived experience into lessons for other entrepreneurs, not in having an MBA or corporate pedigree.

When you think of a small business speaker, you might picture someone giving tips at a local chamber of commerce. But let's zoom in on a few who've taken their stories global.

Take Rachel Rodgers. She started as a lawyer serving small businesses, but her voice as a speaker grew when she began challenging conventional narratives around wealth and entrepreneurship-especially for women of color. Her talks now center on building million-dollar businesses from scratch, and she's been featured on stages like SXSW and in Forbes. What sets her apart? She doesn't just speak-she galvanizes.

Then there's Barry Moltz. He's been in the trenches: built and sold businesses, failed a few, and came back stronger. His talks are raw, honest, and filled with practical frameworks. One of his most impactful sessions was at the Small Business Expo in Chicago, where he broke down the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship in a way that had people nodding, laughing, and scribbling notes all at once.

In Australia, Kochie's Business Builders has featured speakers like Naomi Simson, who built RedBalloon into a household name. While she's known from Shark Tank, her small business talks are grounded in real-life stories-like how she scaled customer experience with limited resources. Her sessions often blend inspiration with tactical advice, making them a hit with both startups and established SMEs.

And don't overlook regional voices. In Kenya, Lorna Rutto speaks about turning waste into wealth through her eco-friendly business. Her journey from banker to green entrepreneur has inspired thousands across Africa. She's proof that small business speakers can spark movements, not just share tips.

These speakers didn't follow a script. They built credibility through action, then used their voice to amplify it. That's the power of real-world experience paired with a microphone.

The landscape for small business speakers is shifting in some exciting directions. As more entrepreneurs seek relatable, actionable insights, the demand for authentic voices is growing. But it's not just about more gigs-it's about how and where those gigs happen.

First, virtual and hybrid events are here to stay. Even as in-person gatherings return, event organizers are leaning into flexible formats. This means small business speakers need to master both stage presence and webcam charisma. Tools like StreamYard and Ecamm Live are becoming part of the speaker toolkit.

Second, niche expertise is gaining traction. Generalist talks are losing steam. Instead, organizers want speakers who can dive deep into specific topics-like TikTok marketing for local retailers or sustainable packaging for e-commerce brands. If you can own a niche, you're more likely to get booked.

Third, audiences are craving diversity-not just in who's speaking, but in what's being said. This includes perspectives from underrepresented communities, rural entrepreneurs, and non-traditional business models. Speakers who bring fresh angles are getting more attention.

Here are a few key trends to watch:
- AI-powered personalization: Speakers who can talk about how small businesses can use AI tools like ChatGPT or Midjourney are in high demand.
- Interactive formats: Workshops, live coaching, and Q&A-driven sessions are replacing traditional keynotes.
- Global accessibility: Thanks to platforms like Clubhouse and LinkedIn Audio, small business speakers can now build international audiences without leaving home.
- Thought leadership via micro-content: Short-form video clips from talks are becoming a key marketing tool. Speakers who can repurpose their content effectively are booking more gigs.

The bottom line? The future favors those who are adaptable, specific, and authentic. If you're a small business speaker, now's the time to refine your message and embrace the tools that can amplify it.

Talks.co. A smart platform that matches podcast hosts with potential guests. If you're looking to build credibility and get your voice out there, this is a great place to start. Tip: Optimize your profile with a clear niche and a short, punchy bio.

Canva. Not just for social media-use it to design slide decks that actually look good. Pro tip: Use the 'Presentations' templates and keep your visuals clean and bold. No one wants to squint at a cluttered slide.

Otter.ai. Record your practice sessions and get instant transcripts. This helps you refine your message, spot filler words, and repurpose your talk into blog posts or social media content.

Airmeet. A virtual event platform that's speaker-friendly. You can host your own webinars or workshops, complete with breakout rooms and audience engagement tools. Ideal for building your own stage when no one's inviting you yet.

LinkedIn Creator Mode. Turn it on to showcase your speaking topics, promote upcoming talks, and grow your audience. Use the 'Featured' section to highlight video clips or testimonials from past events.

Toastmasters International. Old-school but still gold. If you're new to public speaking, this is a structured way to build confidence and get feedback in a low-pressure environment.

Calendly. Make it easy for event organizers and podcast hosts to book you. Set up a speaker-specific calendar link with availability and a short intake form to streamline the process.