PAID VS. FREE CLASS
1. First question: Is it an online webinar (which tends to be free) or an in person workshop (which could be paid depending on the scenario)?
If it is an in person workshop/ training and a seminar rather than a webinar which I assume because you mention classroom fees, it depends on the circumstances and the culture.
a. If it is a workplace (school, bank, clinic, wellness centre, car dealership) where people are ALREADY THERE and so you know they will show up - this is generally free (and you may or may not be paid for your presentation. But the bonus for people to show up is a break in their schedule/ time away from work - so they will show up for this lunch and learn or after work seminar.
b. If you are speaking as part of a larger conference (company, medical, rounds, association) where you know people will absolutely be there - this is generally free.
c. If you are speaking as part of YOUR retreat with the costs to you - this is generally paid to cover expenses (unless they've already paid as part of your BE program).
d. If you are speaking at a place (virtual or in person) that has speakers from time to time - then do whatever they normally do. If they normally charge $10 admission - charge $10. If they normally promote and have people show up for free - then keep it free. (ie. Community leisure guide had several classes at the community centre and usually about $25 or so ... so that is what I did. But I also did a 4 pack series. $25/ one class or $75 for all four. This was the example I share - how when I gave the same talk as one of these after hours in a different part of the hospital from where people worked - no one showed for free. I did give free talks as part of regular hospital rounds where people did show because they were there anyways ie. option a. above )
e. If you are speaking at a place that rarely has speakers but could - but they don't have anything set up and they are looking for you to determine this (church, grocery store, wellness store, co-working space, your own or someone else's home) but they don't necessarily have an audience that will necessarily show up for your talk ... it depends on the promotion:
- The MOST important thing is to have as many people show as possible
- OVER INVITE. (I invited 300 people to my home and had 30 show up for free.)
- If THEY are PROMOTING or have a system of promoting to a large audience - you could make it free still. (or donation to something that is allied mission) So if they have an email list or flyers or sign up sheet at a front desk, etc. depending on numbers still could be free.
- YOU PROMOTE to everyone YOU KNOW too regardless. PACK THE ROOM!! If you do - you are likely to be invited back to speak because you bring more business to whomever was hosting.
- Another thing you can do if the promotion is primarily up to YOU and you have put out costs to be there and space is limited (in person this is always the case. The space has only so many seats), get registrations ahead of time. You COULD have them pay (even digitally pay) $10 to register and they get their money back if they attend. A little incentive to actually get them to show up. Sometimes this can be a deterrent if it is a hassle for them to figure out how to pay.
If you can figure out what they normally charge, that's great. Can you see what they've done there before? If there is nothing to go from - then you could do somewhere between $10 and $25. I'd probably err on the side of $10. You can also combine ideas ahead and say the registration fee is $10 but 50%-100% of proceeds from of all the people who physically attend the class will be donated to ...