Wondering how to turn your LinkedIn live events into a reliable source of income?
Melissa Grabiner has cracked the code. With over 400,000 followers, she’s ranked #1 HR Creator in the USA and #2 Female LinkedIn Creator worldwide.
Her secret? Monetizing LinkedIn live events by focusing on value, building authentic relationships, and strategically partnering with brands.
In this post, you’ll discover actionable strategies Melissa uses to earn thousands from LinkedIn live events. From pricing tips to pitching brands, every insight in this piece is designed to help you succeed.
Ready to unlock these secrets? Let’s dive in.
LinkedIn live events are more than just another video format. They’re an effective tool for building trust, creating impact, and driving revenue—if you know how to approach them.
Here’s how Melissa does it—and how you can too.
The key to a successful LinkedIn live event isn’t just the number of attendees—it’s the value you deliver.
Melissa understands this well. She often targets job seekers in her live events, creating sessions that provide practical takeaways.
Here’s a screenshot showcasing some of her past events that tackle common challenges job seekers face:
If you’re planning a LinkedIn live event, think about your audience’s biggest challenges.
For example, if you’re in the SaaS space, your event could highlight tools or workflows to boost productivity. Make sure every minute offers insights your audience can act on immediately.
By prioritizing value, you’ll gain trust and make it easier for brands to see the impact of sponsoring your events.
Two voices are often better than one—especially when they complement each other.
Melissa frequently collaborates with other creators who bring unique perspectives to her LinkedIn live events.
For example, when hosting sessions for job seekers, she partners with career coaches or hiring managers to share insider tips. This not only diversifies the content but also draws in a wider audience.
Think about creators in your niche who can add value to your events. If you’re in marketing, consider teaming up with analytics experts or creative directors. Their expertise can enhance your content and make your event more compelling for viewers—and brands.
Collaborations also open doors to new sponsorship opportunities, as brands see the potential to reach multiple audiences in one event.
Not every sponsorship opportunity is a good fit—and Melissa knows this well.
While she’s partnered with well-known brands like Teal and FairComp, she’s also turned down offers from companies that don’t align with her audience.
For instance, when a fintech brand approached her, she declined because their product didn’t resonate with job seekers.
This level of discernment is critical. Accepting deals that don’t fit your niche can erode trust with your audience.
Melissa ensures her partnerships reflect her values by testing products herself. If she doesn’t believe a tool genuinely helps her audience, she walks away.
The takeaway? Don’t just chase the paycheck. Align your partnerships with your audience’s needs, and you’ll build stronger, more authentic relationships with both your followers and brands.
Don’t wait for brands to come to you—take the initiative.
But when you pitch, do it strategically.
Melissa stresses the importance of understanding a brand before reaching out. She researches whether a company has worked with creators before, identifies their pain points, and crafts tailored proposals.
This extra effort shows brands she’s not just another creator looking for a deal. It positions her as a partner who understands their goals.
For example, if you’re pitching a resume-building platform, you could propose a LinkedIn live event demonstrating how their tool helps job seekers land interviews.
Be specific—outline how you’ll present the product and the type of audience it will reach. The more detail and thought you put into your pitch, the harder it is for brands to say no.
Here’s a simple template you could use:
Subject Line: Let’s help [Audience Type] with [Specific Problem]
Hi [Brand Contact Name],
I noticed [something positive about the brand] and thought it would be exciting to collaborate.
Here’s my idea: a LinkedIn live event focused on [specific topic], showcasing how [brand/product name] helps [target audience] solve [specific pain point].
I’d love to discuss how we could tailor the session to align with your goals and create value for both your brand and my audience of [audience description].
Would you be open to a quick chat about this?
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
By demonstrating a clear plan, you’ll position yourself as a thoughtful, results-oriented creator—and increase your chances of securing meaningful partnerships.
When it comes to monetizing LinkedIn live events, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
Melissa has earned as much as $4,000 for a single LinkedIn live event, showing just how lucrative these partnerships can be with the right strategy.
She’s learned that pricing depends on several factors: the event’s duration, the level of brand involvement, and the partnership’s overall scope.
For example, her partnership with FairComp involved the CEO joining her live session, which increased the event’s value—and its price tag.
In contrast, her collaboration with Teal consisted of brief mentions and recommendations during the session, resulting in a different pricing structure.
When setting your rates, consider the brand’s exposure during the event and the time you’ll spend planning and executing it.
The key? Stay flexible. Adjust your pricing to align with the brand’s goals while ensuring you’re fairly compensated for your efforts.
Negotiation is a skill every creator needs to master. Melissa believes that providing proof of your impact is the best way to secure better deals.
For example, when negotiating with brands, she highlights her past successes, such as how a previous event drove audience engagement or led to measurable conversions. These case studies give brands a clear picture of the value she brings to the table, making it easier to justify her rates.
Melissa also recommends being open to flexible terms. If a brand has a limited budget, suggest alternatives like a smaller event or fewer brand mentions. The goal is to find a win-win solution without undervaluing your work.
By confidently presenting your value and staying adaptable during negotiations, you’ll not only close more deals but also build long-term partnerships.
Your work doesn’t end when the event wraps up. Melissa emphasizes the importance of following up with brands after a partnership.
After hosting an event, she often checks in with the sponsoring brand to discuss results—like how many sign-ups or inquiries they received. This not only shows professionalism but also provides insights for future collaborations.
For instance, if a brand shares positive feedback about conversions from the event, it opens the door for repeat partnerships. Even if the results aren’t ideal, discussing what can be improved ensures stronger collaborations next time.
When reaching out to brands, your approach matters just as much as your pitch. Melissa highlights the importance of showing excitement about the potential partnership, rather than coming across as desperate for a deal.
For example, instead of focusing on what you need from the brand, highlight what they’ll gain by working with you. Share your creative ideas confidently, and let your enthusiasm for their product or service shine through. This positive energy can be contagious, making brands more eager to collaborate.
In short, Melissa believes in her value and conveys it in every interaction. When brands see you as a professional who’s genuinely passionate about their success, they’re more likely to invest in you.
Confidence paired with excitement can turn a simple pitch into a winning partnership.
Successfully monetizing LinkedIn live events requires a clear and deliberate strategy.
Melissa’s journey shows that by focusing on delivering value, building genuine connections, and choosing the right partnerships, you can turn your live events into a reliable revenue stream.
The formula is straightforward: share actionable insights, collaborate with purpose, and always put your audience first. When you follow these steps, the opportunities to grow your brand—and your income—will follow naturally.
Want more inspiration from Melissa? Watch our full interview with her to dive deeper into her strategies and success stories.
Ready to take action? Install the Creator Match Chrome extension to analyze your content performance and discover brands already partnering with LinkedIn creators.
Every great opportunity starts with a single step. Your next big success with LinkedIn live events is right at your fingertips.