FROM M.I.C. TO MONEY - The Business Side of Creating a Successful Speaking Business
Many speakers focus on improving their talk but never learn how the speaking business actually works. In From M.I.C. to Money, FlyGirl breaks down how professional speakers position their message, build credibility, and create real revenue, without complicated funnels or heavy back-end offers. This session pulls back the curtain on the business mechanics that separate talented speakers from paid professionals.
Grounded in real-world experience building a multi-million-dollar keynote-driven business, this session gives NSA members a clear, practical framework for turning their expertise into market value.
This session meets NSA Michigan members where they are and delivers practical, immediately usable strategies to create clarity, credibility, and momentum in their speaking business.
About the Speaker
Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour is America’s first Black female combat pilot, a former Marine and police officer, and a nationally recognized keynote speaker. She was recently inducted into the CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame, the highest earned honor in professional speaking. Vernice brings real-world experience, discipline, and business insight to the stage, helping speakers translate expertise into income and impact.
Outcomes for Early-Stage Speakers
(Newer speakers working to land paid engagements and establish credibility)
- Define What You Sell and Who Pays for It
Participants will identify their primary buyer, the specific problem they solve, and how to clearly articulate their value so decision-makers understand why they should be paid to speak.
- Understand the Mechanics of Paid Speaking
Participants will learn how paid speaking engagements are sourced, evaluated, and booked, including how organizations decide fees and what they look for when selecting speakers.
- Move From “Exposure” to Compensation
Participants will leave with a practical framework for transitioning from unpaid or low-paid talks to paid opportunities, including how to position themselves professionally and avoid common early-stage mistakes.
Outcomes for Mid-Level Speakers
(Speakers who are already booking but want to increase fees, consistency, and credibility)
- Refine Positioning to Justify Higher Fees
Participants will learn how to sharpen their message and positioning so it is tied to business outcomes, making it easier for buyers to justify higher speaking fees internally.
- Strengthen the Keynote-First Business Model
Participants will gain clarity on how to build a sustainable, keynote-driven speaking business, including how to reduce randomness and create repeatable demand.
- Create Momentum Beyond One-Off Engagements
Participants will learn how to turn individual speaking engagements into long-term relationships, repeat bookings, and expanded opportunities without pitching from the stage.
This event is free for current NSA Michigan members and $35 for non-members.