The leap from low-paying gigs to high-value opportunities can feel like an insurmountable challenge. Often, the barrier isn’t a lack of talent or passion—it’s knowing how to position yourself, communicate your value, and negotiate effectively.
Dr. Danisha Keating has helped countless clients make this leap, and at the core of her strategy is a deceptively simple yet powerful question: “What is your budget?” This question, combined with her negotiation techniques, has empowered her clients to command higher fees and position themselves as sought-after professionals.
Why Lowball Offers Keep You Stuck
Many speakers accept low-paying gigs because they feel it’s the only way to build experience. While this approach can provide short-term opportunities, it often leads to burnout and undervaluation. Dr. Keating emphasizes that continuing to accept underpaid work not only limits financial growth but also perpetuates a cycle of being perceived as a “budget option.”
“When you consistently settle for less, you train others to expect that from you,” she explains. “You’re worth more than $200 for your time and expertise—you just need to communicate it effectively.”
Dr. Keating helps her clients break this cycle by teaching them to recognize and articulate their value. Instead of blindly accepting offers, her clients learn to assess opportunities critically and use strategic questions to guide negotiations.
Asking the Right Question
The key to transforming low-paying gigs into lucrative opportunities lies in the power of inquiry. Dr. Keating advises her clients to always ask, “What is your budget?” before accepting or rejecting an offer. This question shifts the conversation from a fixed offer to a collaborative discussion, allowing speakers to explore the event organizer’s flexibility.
One of her clients, for example, used this technique to turn an initial $500 offer into a $5,000 agreement. By understanding the organizer’s priorities and framing their expertise as indispensable, they were able to negotiate terms that benefited both parties.
“This question isn’t about being pushy,” Dr. Keating says. “It’s about opening the door to possibilities that align with your worth.”
Framing Your Value
Once the budget is on the table, Dr. Keating emphasizes the importance of framing your value in a way that resonates with event organizers. This means connecting your expertise and outcomes to their specific needs and goals.
Her coaching includes exercises to help clients craft pitches and proposals that highlight their unique strengths. By focusing on how their skills and experiences can solve a problem or create a benefit, her clients become indispensable to event planners.
One client, who previously struggled to communicate their value, worked with Dr. Keating to refine their pitch. The result? They secured a speaking engagement worth $10,000, a milestone that transformed their confidence and career trajectory.
“Negotiation isn’t just about asking for more money,” Dr. Keating explains. “It’s about showing why you’re worth it.”
Building Long-Term Relationships
Negotiation is only one part of the equation. Dr. Keating also teaches her clients how to build lasting relationships with event organizers. This involves professionalism, clear communication, and delivering exceptional value every time.
“When you exceed expectations, you’re not just getting paid for a single gig—you’re opening the door to future opportunities,” she says. Her clients often find that one well-negotiated event leads to repeat bookings, referrals, and long-term partnerships.
Following up with event organizers is another critical step. Dr. Keating encourages her clients to send personalized thank-you messages and offer insights into how their presentation added value. This not only solidifies professional relationships but also increases the likelihood of future collaboration.
Unlocking Your Full Potential
Dr. Danisha Keating’s strategies have helped countless speakers transform their careers, proving that success isn’t about luck—it’s about strategy. By teaching her clients to ask the right questions, frame their value effectively, and build meaningful relationships, she equips them with the tools to achieve more than they thought possible.
Her methods don’t just lead to higher fees—they lead to sustainable success. For anyone tired of lowball offers and ready to command their true worth, Dr. Keating’s approach offers a clear and actionable path forward.
With her guidance, speakers are no longer settling for less but stepping into opportunities that truly reflect their expertise. By mastering negotiation and relationship-building, they are creating careers filled with rewarding opportunities and lasting impact.
This article is published on https://www.phenomena.org/
