When most people think about becoming a professional speaker, they imagine being paid to take the stage, deliver powerful presentations, and inspire live audiences. And while that’s certainly one rewarding way to build a career, today’s most successful public speakers know that true financial success comes from creating a public speaking business that extends far beyond the stage. That’s where the power of Self-Liquidating Offers (SLOs) and the Value Ladder come in. These strategies allow speakers to create multiple revenue streams, connect with a much larger audience, and get paid to speak—even when they aren’t actively presenting. In one of our SpeakerHUB Coworking Sessions (watch it here), this innovative approach was broken down, showing speakers exactly how to grow your business by building a self-sustaining system that generates income, builds relationships, and secures future bookings.

Why Professional Speakers Need More Than Stage Income

Mmany speakers start out by depending entirely on stage fees—a risky strategy. If events slow down, so does your income. That’s why the smartest speakers diversify with digital products, online courses, consulting, and more. This is a critical step in how to grow your business as a public speaker.

What is a Self-Liquidating Offer (SLO)?

An SLO is a low-cost product that pays for your advertising costs while attracting new leads. Think of it as a self-funding marketing tool that builds your email list with people who are genuinely interested in your message.

Here’s how it works:

• Create a low-cost product like a PDF guide, eBook, or mini-course priced between $7 and $27.

• Use social media ads to promote the product.

• The goal isn’t massive profit on the first sale—it’s to cover your ad spend while building a high-quality list of potential clients.

• Once you’ve got their attention, you can nurture those leads with additional offers.

This approach helps professional speakers grow their audience without losing money upfront. It turns every marketing dollar into both a sale and a relationship, ultimately helping you get paid to speak more often.

Building Your Value Ladder

Once you’ve drawn someone in with a low-cost offer, the next step is to guide them up your Value Ladder. This is a progression of increasingly valuable (and higher-priced) products and services.

A typical Value Ladder for public speakers might look like this:

1. Entry-Level Product ($7 - $27)

   • A quick-win PDF, eBook, or short video course.

   • Helps people solve a small but important problem.

2. Mid-Tier Product ($47 - $97)

   • A more in-depth online training, webinar, or workshop.

   • Provides deeper insights and more actionable content.

3. High-Tier Product ($500 - $2,000)

   • Consulting packages, VIP coaching, or premium masterclasses.

   • Personalized support and hands-on guidance.

4. Top-Tier Product ($5,000+)

   • Corporate training programs, keynote packages, or retreats.

   • Comprehensive solutions for high-value clients.

Each step in the ladder builds trust and demonstrates value, making the next offer more appealing.

The Power of Combining SLOs and Value Ladders

An SLO brings people into your world and pays for itself through sales. The Value Ladder ensures that every new contact has opportunities to invest in deeper levels of your expertise. Together, they create a complete system that:

• Generates leads.

• Builds trust.

• Increases revenue.

• Positions you as a valuable expert.

This system not only helps you get paid to speak, but also transforms your public speaking into a thriving public speaking business.

Real Example: Turning $100 into $3,000

In the SpeakerHub session, a simple but powerful example was shared:

• Daily ad spend: $100

• SLO price: $10

• Sales per day: 10

The result? You break even on ads while adding 10 new leads every day. After 30 days, you’ve built a list of 300 potential clients—without spending a dime. Once those leads enter your Value Ladder, they have multiple opportunities to invest at higher levels.

Relationships First, Sales Later

What makes this strategy so powerful is the focus on relationship building. By starting with an affordable, helpful product, you establish trust before asking for larger investments. This makes higher-ticket sales much easier because your audience already knows the value you bring.

Practical Steps for Professional Speakers

1. Create Your Entry Product - Choose a quick, valuable win you can package into a low-cost product.

2. Set Up Your Ads - Run simple ads on Facebook, LinkedIn, or YouTube to attract your target audience.

3. Build Your Value Ladder - Plan your mid- and high-ticket offers in advance.

4. Automate Where Possible - Use platforms like SpeakerHub to promote your offerings and handle outreach.

5. Track and Optimize - Keep tabs on what works and adjust as you go.

Final Thoughts

Relying only on live speaking gigs limits your earning potential. By adding an SLO + Value Ladder strategy, you create a business model that works for you around the clock—whether you’re on stage or not. Platforms like SpeakerHub make it easier than ever to attract leads, showcase your expertise, and build the systems that sustain your public speaking business long-term.

Ready to take your professional speaking career to the next level? Watch the full SpeakerHub Coworking session here: