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The Speaker Lab

Grant Baldwin from The Speaker Lab podcast will be sharing speaking business tactics, tips, and strategies from his own experience, case studies, and interviewing the experts. Whether you're just getting started trying to get your first booking or you're a veteran speaker looking to build and grow your business, this is for you. Grant has built a multiple six-figure per year business as a speaker having presented to over 500,000 people in over 450 paid speaking gigs. We'll talk about speaker marketing, working with speaker bureaus and agents, building your platform, negotiating fees, social media marketing, networking, storytelling, humor, operating the business and so much more!
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Now displaying: Page 4
Jun 8, 2021

Embracing business development as a speaker might not be your favorite aspect of speaking, but it is one of the most critical.

And our guest, Mo Bunnell, is an expert on the topic. Mo is a speaker, author, and trainer. On today's show, Mo tells us how he went from being an actuary to a business development (BD) expert generating over $70 million in client revenue to running his own BD organization.

Join us to hear Mo's insights and expertise when you tune in to episode 345 of The Speaker Lab.

 

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

  • What did he get wrong in the beginning and how did he rectify it?
  • If you want to climb do you have to cut?
  • What has given his company stickiness and scale in a big way?
  • Why you don't need to be all things to all people.
  • How long is the half-life of speaking?
  • What's the thing most people miss?
  • How does the "give to get model" work?
  • What does he suggest if you don't enjoy the business development side of speaking?
  • And so much more!

 

EPISODE RESOURCES
Jun 3, 2021

Welcome to the Vault --- a special edition of The Speaker Lab Podcast where we are unlocking some of your favorites from the show.

In this episode, Jason Hewlett discusses how he struggled with how to start before finding great success as a professional speaker and entertainer. Jason shares how he made his dream a reality by establishing a plan and taking clear action to find his niche in the industry.

Learn more about Jason's story and the episode HERE

Jun 1, 2021

Being a CEO and speaker is an enormous challenge and our guest embraces it fully!

Today Kara Goldin is an ultra successful business owner, author and speaker. On this edition of The Speaker Lab, she tells us how working with legendary organizations like CNN and Time magazine led her to create Hint, write her best-selling book Undaunted and become a sought-after keynote speaker.

Join us to hear her insightful tales and lessons on episode 344 of The Speaker Lab.

 

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

  • Did she embrace speaking opportunities right out of the gate?
  • What made her not use slides during speeches?
  • How does she balance being a CEO and a speaker for her brand?
  • Why you can't buy your way into a new category.
  • Do you need to tell the story of your speaking brand?
  • Does she still have fears and doubts today?
  • How do you choose which opportunities to say yes to?
  • Where should you start if you are beginning as a speaker?
  • And so much more!
EPISODE RESOURCES
May 25, 2021

The speaking industry's future is our topic today with speaking world veteran Blair Nichols.

Blair has worked with everyone from the Harper Collins' speakers bureau to Keith Ferrazzi to Advance Your Reach, where he currently works today.

On this episode of The Speaker Lab, we'll talk about the shifts he sees coming up in the speaking industry's future and how to keep a healthy mindset while building your speaking career.

You'll definitely want to tune in for that and much more on the 343rd edition of The Speaker Lab.

 

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

  • How can you get the attention of a bureau?
  • Should you be open to all speaking opportunities (even free ones)?
  • How to approach a decision-maker to land a gig.
  • Has the pandemic changed anything about the best way to book gigs?
  • What is the time frame now for booking digital events?
  • Will there be more events in the virtual world going forward?
  • What's the rule of thumb regarding your virtual fee versus your in-person fee?
  • Is the bureau model going to be disrupted?
  • And so much more!

 

EPISODE RESOURCES
May 18, 2021

With parts of the world opening up again, what is the future of virtual events? Our guest today has some insights and she's sharing them.

Christy Burch is an event planner who joins us to talk all things virtual events. On this edition of The Speaker Lab, she's giving us the full details on the future of online events including the most common mistakes people make and how to avoid them.

You'll hear those topics and more on today's episode of The Speaker Lab.

 

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

  • When should you not host a virtual event?
  • Does the size of your list determine your success?
  • Do you need a polished offer before hosting a big virtual event?
  • What's the best way to promote your virtual event so people actually attend?
  • When you have a small list what should you focus on?
  • How much should you charge for an online event?
  • Why you want to delay giving your audience access to recordings.
  • Is real-life swag a worthwhile investment for a virtual event?
  • And so much more!
EPISODE RESOURCES
May 11, 2021

Today you'll go behind the scenes of The Speaker Lab with the man who has been here from the start: Bryan Harris.

Listen in to hear Bryan ask me questions and vice versa; we talk about a few of our favorite books, the importance of coaching at any level and the main differences between those who flourish and those who don't.

We'll dig into all of that and more on episode 341 of The Speaker Lab.

 

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

  • What's the best way to teach and train people?
  • Why the "ah ha" moment is crucial to your success.
  • Why to start with the end of a story.
  • What's the #1 reason businesses shut down?
  • Is it ok to borrow other people's platforms to share your content?
  • How to keep showing up even when things get difficult.
  • The lesson we can all learn from Kobe Bryant.
  • What's one of the biggest cheat codes in business and in life?
  • And so much more!
 
EPISODE RESOURCES
May 4, 2021

Why is finding your signature message key to longevity and success as a speaker? Our guest will tell us!

Erick Rheam is back for episode 340 of The Speaker Lab and he'll explain what a signature message is and why it's critical to helping you survive and thrive during times of change (like the recent pandemic).

Join us to hear those subjects and more on today's edition of The Speaker Lab.

 

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

  • What are the differences between a hobbyist and a professional speaker?
  • What are the four main reasons a signature message is important?
  • Who are some examples of speakers with signature messages?
  • Why riches are in the niches.
  • Is it ok to try something new at a speaking gig?
  • Why you shouldn't be afraid to prune down your message.
  • What role does mindset play in finding your signature message?
  • Why does having a creative outlet help you as a speaker?
  • And so much more!
EPISODE RESOURCES
Apr 27, 2021

One of the most intimidating aspects of becoming a speaker is developing a powerful talk. Here to help us is Mike Pacchione.

Mike is an incredible speaker who also helps Speaker Lab students to develop their talks. On this episode of The Speaker Lab, we get into details like why lists work well as a speech, how to figure out what lesson you're sharing with your audience, and how to take the pressure off yourself.

Join us to hear that and much more on today's edition of The Speaker Lab.

 

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

  • Why is a presentation like a math problem?
  • What's the best way to get all of your ideas out of your head?
  • When should you use case examples?
  • How can you make your talk more versatile?
  • Is it part of your job to make adjustments on the fly?
  • What to never say at the end of your speech.
  • Should you start with your best story?
  • What does he do differently when giving a powerful talk virtually?
  • And so much more!

 

EPISODE RESOURCES
Apr 20, 2021

Creating your talk is one of the basics of becoming a great speaker.

Joining us to lay out the details of this process is Harriet Turk. Harriet is a masterful speaker who also helps Speaker Lab students create their talks. On this episode, Harriet walks us through the basic steps, the role of stories and much more.

Tune in to hear it all on the 338th edition of The Speaker Lab.

 

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

  • What is the first thing you must know when creating your talk?
  • Is it okay to use secondhand stories?
  • How do you know which stories are usable?
  • Should you use a story that is emotionally charged?
  • How is authoring a story different than presenting a story?
  • How to tweak and develop your story over time.
  • Should you write out your entire speech?
  • Why memorizing your speech can lead to disaster.
  • And so much more!
EPISODE RESOURCES
Apr 13, 2021

How have you been pivoting in response to the pandemic? It's impacted the speaking industry and hear to tell us all about it is repeat guest and friend of the show, Clint Pulver.

We're catching up with Clint to hear about the pivots and shifts he's made during the pandemic into virtual speaking and what he sees as the long-term implications within the industry.

Join us to hear why he resisted virtual at first, the versatility virtual speaking offers and so much more on today's The Speaker Lab!

 

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

  • What does trombone oil have to do with speaking?
  • How do pop-ins add to his business?
  • What are ways he's combatting Zoom fatigue for his audiences?
  • How can you keep a pulse on the audience when you're online?
  • How has virtual helped him become a better speaker?
  • Where should you start when upgrading your virtual production?
  • Is virtual always going to be a part of his business?
  • How to ease your clients' nerves about doing virtual gigs.
  • And so much more!

 

EPISODE RESOURCES
Apr 6, 2021

Do you need the solution to overthinking? If you stopped to think about it then you probably do! Our guest today has your answer.

Jon Acuff, masterful author and speaker, is here to talk about his latest book, Soundtracks: The Surprising Solution to Overthinking. On today's The Speaker Lab, Jon tells us what broken soundtracks are, specific ways to insert positive soundtracks into our lives and a few stories about bombing on stage.

You'll definitely want to hear his insights and tales so join us for episode 336 of The Speaker Lab!

 

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

  • What are "trailer moments" and why do you need to have them?
  • Does he struggle with Imposter Syndrome?
  • Do negative voices ever totally go away?
  • How can you recognize your own broken soundtracks?
  • What is the goal of any good thought?
  • What are the three questions to ask of your loudest soundtracks?
  • Why being fearless is ridiculous.
  • Can making mistakes actually help you connect with the audience?
  • And so much more!
EPISODE RESOURCES
Mar 30, 2021

What's it like to go from a career in music to comedy to speaking? Our guest has done it and he's here to share!

Today Jeremy Rochford is an amazing public speaker and a coach in our Booked and Paid to Speak program, but he began work in the music world. On episode 335 of The Speaker Lab, Jeremy tells us about his journey from music to comedy to speaking, and some of the most common roadblocks speakers face when starting out.

Listen in for that and so much more on this edition of The Speaker Lab.

 

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

  • What is the promise you're making to your audience?
  • Is booking gigs for music similar to booking gigs for speaking?
  • What can Chris Rock teach you about stage presence and delivering your speech?
  • Why does he recommend doing a comedy open mic night if you want to speak?
  • Why doing the things that terrify you is powerful.
  • What did he learn from his TedX experience?
  • Success is right at the edge of where?
  • Why you should focus less on your goal and focus on this instead.
  • And so much more!
EPISODE RESOURCES
Mar 26, 2021

How do you effectively market yourself?

The Speaker Lab just created a new resource highlighting 22 ways you can get booked and paid to speak by marketing yourself. These 22 tactics are all about how to establish your expertise and online presence. 

Here more from Grant on this important topic in this episode and check out the blog with the free download HERE

 

Mar 23, 2021

If you're serious about succeeding as a speaker, learning how to continue scaling your speaking business is essential.

Joining us to dive into this topic is Nanette Hitchcock, a successful leadership expert and one of our very own coaches at The Speaker Lab.

On this episode, Nanette describes her journey from speaking for free to a leadership expert and coach who continues to scale up her speaking business. It's all here on episode 334 of The Speaker Lab.

 

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

  • What helped her gain momentum and be recognized as a leader?
  • How does she blend coaching and speaking within her business model?
  • If you really want to get paid how should you approach speaking?
  • Does Imposter Syndrome occur for everyone at some point in their careers?
  • How can you get over the mental hurdles that are keeping you from taking action?
  • How to be coachable and why it's critical to your success.
  • What are the differences between those speakers who make it and those who don't?
  • And so much more!

 

EPISODE RESOURCES
Mar 16, 2021

What would you do to learn how to land a $40,000 speaking gig?

Fortunately all you have to do is listen to today's show and implement what our guest did! Our guest is Erick Rheam and he's here to share the details on how he signed his biggest contract so far. Today on The Speaker Lab he goes through his experience in detail so you can follow in his footsteps.

Join us to hear it all on episode 333 of The Speaker Lab.

 

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

  • How can you create a hybrid of offerings to meet your clients' needs?
  • Why you shouldn't run away from your market and what you already know.
  • Can you align your passions with your experience?
  • Why you should look for creative outlets to test your ideas.
  • How did he learn the lesson to book gigs from gigs?
  • What phrase should be music to your ears as a speaker?
  • Why believing in your message is key.
  • How do you start to mine the gold in your network?
  • And so much more!
EPISODE RESOURCES
Mar 9, 2021

What was 2020 really like for full-time speakers?

Our guest, Ty Bennett, is sharing his experience on today's episode of The Speaker Lab.

Ty typically does around 100 live, in-person gigs a year so 2020 was very different for him. On this edition, he talks about the changes he made as the lockdown began and how his business evolved over the course of pandemic and his advice for new speakers.

Join us to hear that and more on episode 332 of The Speaker Lab.

 

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

  • Where does he see the momentum shifting now?
  • Will virtual continue to be a part of his business?
  • What benefits has he found in virtual speaking?
  • Are people valuing virtual speaking equally in terms of fees?
  • What is the average lead time for virtual gigs?
  • How does he engage with his online audiences?
  • Does production value matter?
  • Where are keynote speakers finding opportunities today?
  • And so much more!
EPISODE RESOURCES
Mar 2, 2021

Have you heard of using Clubhouse for your speaking career? Clubhouse is the hottest app right now and it's by invitation-only.

Friend of the show, Brian Fanzo, is joining us on today's The Speaker Lab. He's here to talk about what it is, how to use it for booking gigs and how it has helped his mental health during the pandemic.

Hear us dive into those Clubhouse-related topics and so much more on episode 331 of The Speaker Lab.

 

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

  • What's the difference between speaking for free versus speaking for no fee?
  • What is his top tip for using Clubhouse as a speaker?
  • How is this app like a pop-up mastermind?
  • Why asking great questions on Clubhouse is the way to stand out.
  • Is it better to host or participate?
  • How this app has helped his mental health through this pandemic.
  • How can you find your groups on this app and insert yourself in their conversations?
  • Should you have a call to action?
  • And so much more!
EPISODE RESOURCES
Feb 23, 2021

If you're looking to better understand how to speak to associations you are in luck!

Today's guest is Katrina Davis, who has been an event planner and education director for the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives for over 15 years.

On this episode of The Speaker Lab, she tells us about what she has learned from her work with a variety of speakers, how COVID has changed their approach to events and much more!

Listen in to hear it all on today's edition of The Speaker Lab.

 

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

  • How speaking at one association can open the door to many more gigs.
  • What question should you ask to adapt your speech to an association or industry?
  • When should you speak to members of an association?
  • What is one thing good speakers do ahead of time?
  • What can you do to get on the radar of an event planner?
  • Do your videos need to have recent footage of you speaking?
  • What info should your web site have on it?
  • Are there certain approaches that are more effective when following up?
  • And so much more!
EPISODE RESOURCES
Feb 16, 2021

How to consistently find and book gigs is definitely necessary knowledge for all speakers!

And the person to share that knowledge is our guest today, Taylorr Payne of Speaker Flow. His business, Speaker Flow, helps experts build better businesses so they can spend time doing the things they love - like speaking from stage. On this edition of The Speaker Lab, Taylor and I talk about the main challenges speakers run into and how systems and processes apply in the virtual speaking world.

Hear those topics and more when you listen to episode 329 of The Speaker Lab!

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

  • What are the most important systems you need as a speaker?
  • Who can sell you better than you?
  • How do you find the balance between technology and humanity?
  • Why do so many prospecting efforts fail?
  • What should be automated and what should be personalized in your sales process?
  • Why you shouldn't solely rely on outsourcing.
  • What are the approaches working best during the pandemic?
  • And so much more!
EPISODE RESOURCES
Feb 9, 2021

What is the current state of the speaking industry? What is the latest? Erick Rheam is going to tell us.

Erick is a student of The Speaker Lab who now coaches for us in addition to having his own successful speaking business. As a coach, he hears from other speakers what is happening out there. Today we dive into the system he utilized to have a better year financial year than the previous one and hear answers to the most common questions speakers are asking him right now.

Listen in for all of that on episode 328 of The Speaker Lab.

 

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

  • How did he bring in over $300k in 2020?
  • How do you know how much to charge both virtually and in person?
  • What two questions can you ask yourself to shift your business right now?
  • Can you start from scratch and gradually invest in your virtual studio?
  • How having a system can help you in the good times and the difficult times.
  • Should you chase events or can you create your own?
  • Why COVID is actually a blessing for speakers.
  • Is virtual here to stay and if so, how does it shape future events?
  • And so much more!
EPISODE RESOURCES
Feb 2, 2021

Do you know what is different about public speaking versus corporate speaking? Our guest does and he's here to tell us.

Ryan Avery is a speaker who got his start by winning the Toastmasters' World Championship of Public Speaking. Today, he talks to leaders and companies about what it takes to be THE go-to in an industry versus just another option.

Today he shares how got started in speaking on a fluke, how he became a World Champion public speaker in 8 months and why it's important to know the differences in public speaking versus corporate speaking.

You'll hear his thoughts on those subjects and more on today's episode of The Speaker Lab.

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

  • Does everyone have something to say and a story to share?
  • What are the pros and cons of Toastmasters?
  • Do people hire you to speak or for your strategies?
  • Is there a wrong way to go into the speaking business?
  • What are the ways to nurture your speaking abilities?
  • Who are the three types of people you must add value for as a speaker?
  • Why and how to continually challenge yourself.
  • Why isn't he on any social media and how is it actually good for his business?
  • And so much more!

 

EPISODE RESOURCES
Jan 26, 2021

How to focus and adapt as a speaker is one very important lesson everyone can learn, especially during a pandemic. Curt Steinhorst is an expert on focus and attention, and he's become adept at adapting thanks to the Covid-19 restrictions.

Curt speaks, writes and coaches on the science of attention. Specifically, he helps organizations and teams create a culture that fosters focus and attention. On today's The Speaker Lab, he tells us how he chose this area, he's pivoted and adjusted his speaking and other revenue streams during 2020, and what he plans to do in the near future.

You'll hear all of those topics and more on this edition of The Speaker Lab!

 

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

  • How to balance what people are hiring for and what you want to talk about.
  • What kind of emotional prep can help you with the ups and downs of building a speaking business?
  • How can you utilize your past accomplishments as a foot in the door for speaking opportunities?
  • What did he do when 90% of his revenue disappeared in one week?
  • Why did he take an extra month off in the middle of the pandemic?
  • How does virtual speaking fit into his business now and going forward?
  • When did he hit his groove with speaking online?
  • How far in advance are people booking speakers right now?
  • And so much more!
EPISODE RESOURCES
Jan 19, 2021

A great way to land more speaking gigs is through event planners, and here to tell us how to work with event planners is Roy Cevallos.

Roy is an event planner and program manager for the Northwest Public Power Association. He works with a lot of speakers so we'll talk about what he looks for in new and existing speakers for his events, plus what things look like in this new, strange virtual world of speaking.

Join us to hear all of that and more on episode 325 of The Speaker Lab.

 

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

  • How can you be persistent without being annoying?
  • Where does he find most of his new speakers?
  • Why it's important to tap into your own network, and how to do it effectively.
  • What is the biggest roadblock he's experienced with speakers?
  • Why finishing your speech on time is critical.
  • What is one thing you can do to make an event planner's job easier?
  • How can you continue to evolve and polish your presentation?
  • Are we going towards a hybrid of live and virtual events, even when the pandemic is over?
  • And so much more!
EPISODE RESOURCES
Jan 12, 2021

2020 was a year like no other so it's natural for speakers to wonder about the future of live events. And our guest for today's edition of The Speaker Lab is going to weigh in with his wisdom.

Brandon is the Vice-President of Premiere Speakers Bureau and, prior to the pandemic, his job was to ensure their yearly 2,000 live events were all going off as planned. March of 2020 changed all of that and on today's show he shares what this year has been like at his agency. He also gives us his views on the future of live events and whether or not this is a good time to get into the speaking industry.

Join us to hear the details on episode 324 of The Speaker Lab.

 

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

  • Where has he found pockets of business during the pandemic?
  • What is the average difference in fees for virtual speaking versus live?
  • Is virtual a real option for the long term?
  • Why aren't keynotes working as well for virtual and what is?
  • Will virtual be a live add-on for the future?
  • How can you capitalize on virtual for more opportunities in the long-term?
  • What factors influence virtual speaking fees and how can you ensure you're on the upper end?
  • How soon does he think speaking events will be happening live again?
  • And so much more!
 
EPISODE RESOURCES
Jan 5, 2021

Speaking has changed because of COVID-19 and here to share about pivoting during a pandemic is our friend and yours Karen Harris of CMI Management.

Karen is a return guest, previously joining us on episode 210 of The Speaker Lab to share about speaking management. But today we're looking at how speaking has changed in light of the global pandemic, what the future holds and the differences between the speakers who are succeeding and those who aren't during this unprecedented time.

Join us to hear those details and more on the 323rd edition of The Speaker Lab.

 

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

  • How did they pivot hundreds of their events because of the pandemic?
  • What was a catalyst for stronger movement in the industry?
  • What are the big milestones that will make people more comfortable with in-person meetings?
  • Does she think virtual speaking is here to stay?
  • What are shifts speakers have made to be successful in this new environment?
  • Why it pays to diversify your offerings.
  • What areas are doing well right now and will continue to do so?
  • How can speakers make virtual as impactful as possible?
  • And so much more!
EPISODE RESOURCES
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