Emceeing is a lucrative business, some people say. "You open your mouth and you get the money," another claimed. To me, opening your mouth is easy, knowing what should come out from your mouth is the key that makes the money.
I remember a story about a great technician. Once upon a time there was a navy ship which has a loose bolt and nut. Everyone on board the ship has tried but failed to repair it. It seemed to be a very simple task to do. Who can't tighten a loose bolt and nut? However, NONE on board the ship could find the problem to make the engine starts. The great technician, being over 30 years repairing ships and always seen in dirty clothes just like any mechanics will wear, was summoned to the ship. He took a good stare at the parts, took out a tool from his tool bag, gave the bolt a knock, the nut a turn and ta da! The engine works!
The next morning, the technician sent a USD5,000 bill to the ship. Angered by the amount which the Captain thought is a rip-off, he called for an itemised billing of the repair. The great technician wrote back and submitted:
Knocking and screwing USD5
Knowing where to knock USD 4,995
This story always remind me to learn and relearn, practise again and again to be a great emcee. As I mentioned before, everyone is a GREAT emcee even when you are just trying to start the trade. No one can emcee without first having self confidence and when I say you are a great emcee, yes YOU ARE A GREAT EMCEE!
Back to how much to charge
1. Raise your standards
Raise your standards as a great emcee. Try emcee for free or for what people say "you set the price" rate. After emceeing, take a sneak at your red packet (in Malaysia, people call this angpau which literally means red packet which contains normally a sum of money as a token of appreciation). If you have done a good job, normally the red packet should be fatter. Then you will know your standards. If you were paid RM300, do not take 300 as your standard, aim for 500 the next time, 1000 the next and so on....
2. Emcee for free.... never
Professional emcees are professionals meaning they get paid for what they do best. Emceeing for free perhaps for a start or maybe for a good cause or social organisation, but ensure there is an angpau to cover or subsidize your expenses. I encourage volunteerism but be sure to have something in return which could raise your standards. Volunteering to emcee is good as a practice, getting to know more people so you widen your networks for future clients, getting the opportunity to show your talents and market yourself. If you think these are valuable to start, take these experience as your angpau. But never emcee for free because once you start, you are a free emcee most of the time. I did, been there, done that.
.... to be continued
