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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Advantages of workshops –  training smaller groups

• Easier to sell
• More...