About 3 weeks ago, I got a surprising email from a world-renowned Conference production firm, announcing that they think I can be the crown jewel in their upcoming conference!
Wow! Did I already reach such a global status that giants of industry are pursuing me?! Obviously, I said YES, and we quickly set up a meeting.
Let me tell you, I have never felt so celebrated!
They told me (a) I am making a name for myself, (b) I am the World’s #1 expert in Intellectual Property in their specific field, (c) I am an endless fountain of knowledge, (d) I have charisma and a charming personality, and (e) their conferences’ attendees will be lucky to meet me in person for me to bestow my wisdom upon them.
Naturally, I agreed, and started checking my business and personal calendars, just to make sure I wasn’t missing something. Turns out I am free! Great.
Just before I ran downstairs to tell my wife of the global traction I am getting, they turned into a Nigerian Prince and tried to pull a fast one. Freestyling from memory, it was something like “since you will be meeting key decision-makers which would be the ideal demographics for your IP advisory firm [www.NOAHIP.com, the best there is, guaranteed], we can offer you a 30-minute spot at a cost of X0,000 USD!”.
Once I finished cleaning my dinner from the computer screen and keyboard, I told the kind Price that’s out of the question. But our Prince was not easily deterred and offered a 10-minute spot at a cost of Y0,000 USD!
I thanked the Prince for his consideration, but declined. Maybe someday, when I become a king too.
But now for the good news: the Prince was right about me, and if you are a founder, or an investor, and want to benefit from my 5 most prominent characteristics, you are only an email away, and it will cost even less than Y0,000 USD! You can see me rocking it here.
TL;DR: How to spot and avoid paid speaking scams disguised as prestigious invites
- Some conferences flatter you as an expert—but then hit you with costly “paid speaking” offers.
- Genuine recognition doesn’t come with a price tag attached.
- If you want real IP expertise without the bait-and-switch, reach out directly to trusted professionals.
