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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: 2016
Apr 10, 2016

Welcome to today's edition of The Speaker Lab, thank you for listening in!

Today's show is based on a question from a listener like you. Kevin is wondering how to set up his speaking business, and what legal entity is best to use (such as an LLC, etc).

This is another great question that any speaker needs to know about, listen in to episode 37 of The Speaker Lab for the answer.

EPISODE RESOURCES

Apr 9, 2016

On episode 37 of The Speaker Lab we're continuing to answer your questions, one by one!

Patty writes in because he wants to know if you should charge non-profits and churches, and if so how much should you charge?

Tune in for the answer on episode 37 of The Speaker Lab!

EPISODE RESOURCES

Apr 8, 2016

Welcome to today's edition of The Speaker Lab, thanks for being here!

Episode 36 is about a question Becky sent in: Becky is a regular listener who is already getting paid to speak, but she doesn't have a web site or blog. She wrote in to ask how to set up her first web site and where to get started.

This is a great question every speaker needs to know the answer to, listen in to hear my thoughts on episode 36 of The Speaker Lab!

EPISODE RESOURCES

Apr 7, 2016

Whether you've been speaking for decades or just weeks you've noticed some speakers are more at ease on stage than others. Today the renowned speaker and performer Matthew Kimberley is here to share how you can feel confident and at ease on stage no matter how much experience you have.

On this episode of The Speaker Lab, Matthew and I talk about how to avoid nerves while speaking, and how to best prepare for any type of speaking engagement.

We also dive into his sales career as well as his acting experience, and how both led him to become such an accomplished speaker despite living on a tiny island in the Mediterranean! Listen in to hear all of that and so much more on this episode of The Speaker Lab.

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW

  • How can you use an accent to your advantage?
  • Can confidence be taught in speaking?
  • How to always avoid being unprepared.
  • How to manage the transition from speaking for free to speaking for a fee.
  • The importance of avoiding an "informercial" talk.
  • Matthew's tips for being an excellent salesperson.
  • Why is it important to have a money-back guarantee?
  • How can you use urgency effectively?
  • And much, much more!

EPISODE RESOURCES

Apr 6, 2016

Welcome to today's edition of The Speaker Lab, thanks for joining in!

Episode 34 is about a topic one listener, Jeff, recently asked about. He wants to know how to balance comedy and content. How much comedy vs content do people look for from their keynote speaker?

An interesting question that you can hear the answer to on episode 34 of The Speaker Lab!

EPISODE RESOURCES

Apr 5, 2016

Welcome to today's edition of The Speaker Lab, thanks for being here!

On this episode listener Maia calls in with a question about how to pay taxes on the fees you charge as a speaker. She asks if you pay taxes on the entire amount you receive, or can you subtract travel expenses too?

Although I'm not a tax specialist I've got her answer, and you can hear it on episode 33 of The Speaker Lab!

EPISODE RESOURCES

Apr 4, 2016

Welcome to today's edition of The Speaker Lab, thanks for tuning in!

On today's show listener Caelan called in with a question about speaker certifications. She wants to know which certifications are needed, and which are not.

Ready to hear my recommendations? Then check out episode 32 of The Speaker Lab!

EPISODE RESOURCES

Apr 3, 2016

Welcome to today's edition of The Speaker Lab, thanks for listening in!

On today's show you'll hear a voicemail question from Jed. He wants to know how to transition from speaking to the faith-based market to the secular market.

Ready to hear the answer? Then check out episode 31 of The Speaker Lab!

EPISODE RESOURCES

Apr 2, 2016

 Welcome to today's edition of The Speaker Lab. If you're just tuning in you've caught a special segment of the show: 30 episodes in 30 days.

We are on day two of those 30 days! Here's how it works: every day a new episode will go up for 30 days and in that show I'll be answering one question from a listener. These will short, sweet and concise shows that will help you with one specific area of speaking.

On today's show we hear from Chris who wants to know how to properly gain referrals from the audiences you're speaking to.  Ready to find out the answer? Then listen in to episode 30 of The Speaker Lab!

EPISODE RESOURCES

Apr 1, 2016

Welcome to today's edition of The Speaker Lab. This episode is the start of something very exciting: 30 shows in 30 days!

Here's how it works: every day a new episode will go up for 30 days and in that show I'll be answering one question from a listener. These will short, sweet and concise shows that will help you with one specific area of speaking.

Now that you know how it works let's get to today's show. This question comes from Jerry who wants to know if and when to use a pen name as a speaker. To hear the answer tune in to episode 29 of The Speaker Lab!  

EPISODE RESOURCES

Mar 31, 2016

Have you ever wondered why you need an email list and how to start, grow and monetize one?

You are in luck! Today I’m talking with Bryan Harris of Video Fruit. He’s here to explain all the details of an email list from A to Z.

On this episode Bryan explains his repeated attempts to start a business, and his repeated failures. He also explains why growing an email list was the key to his eventual success, and why following in the footsteps of key influencers like Nathan Barry and Seth Godin finally gave him traction.

There’s all of that and so much more on today episode of The Speaker Lab!

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW

  • What is an email list and why is important?
  • What book opened his eyes to the need for an email list?
  • What is offline vs. online advertising?
  • Can you create an email list for any topic?
  • Why should you choose email over Facebook or Twitter or other social media?
  • Why having people know, like and trust you is so crucial to your success.
  • How can you get people to opt-in to your list?
  • Bryan shares how he generated 10k subscribers and $25k in sales in 10 months!
  • And much, much more!

EPISODE RESOURCES

Mar 29, 2016

What’s the link between copywriting and public speaking? On today's episode of The Speaker Lab my good friend Ray Edwards joins us to answer that question.

Ray is one of the most successful copywriters in the industry and he shares how having solid copy helped him create a thriving speaking career. His early career days were in radio: as a DJ and in the corporate side.

However he had the foresight to see the possibilities of the Internet and left to pursue online marketing, promotions and copywriting. Later his success in the online world would lead him into public speaking, a pursuit we talk more about on this episode.

Today, Ray offers his advice on how to use copywriting in the most effective way for your speaking business, how to test out your ideas, and how to integrate persuasion into your career. Listen in to hear all of that and so much more on this episode of The Speaker Lab!

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW

  • The three different types of speakers, according to Ray.
  • What is price anchoring and how can you use it?
  • The seven keys to more powerful copywriting.
  • What is the "so what" test?
  • How to approach selling as a shepherd, not a wolf.
  • What is P.A.S.T.O.R and how can you use it to help you?
  • The importance of representing the client well.
  • How to get a great testimonial from a employer.
  • And much, much more!

EPISODE RESOURCES

Mar 24, 2016

On this episode of The Speaker Lab it's another great Q&A show! Today I'm answering one question, and only one because it's such a great question! It comes from our friend Bryan in South Africa. He wants to know about a very important aspect of professional speaking: website creation and management.

My advice to Bryan has several parts including how speaking can fit into your existing business, how my websites have progressed as my speaking career has grown and finally what content should be most prominent on your website to achieve the maximum result.

Whether you have an existing speaking career or you want to get started as a speaker you'll learn plenty from today's show. Sit back, listen in and enjoy episode 26 of The Speaker Lab!

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW

  • Why is it important to have a website as a speaker?
  • Where should you put your speaking information on your website?
  • How can you entice people to view your site?
  • What is the "fold" and how can you use it?
  • What is the difference between the home page and the speaking page?
  • How to have a sharp one-page website.
  • The importance of having an About page.
  • What should be included on your contact page, and what shouldn’t?
  • And much, much more!

EPISODE RESOURCES

Mar 22, 2016

On today's episode of The Speaker Lab, I'm sitting down with speaker, entrepreneur, and all around good guy Arel Moodie. In this episode we discuss many important aspects of his career, as well as how created his current business.

Arel offers his guidance on SO much today! He shares how to know your content and your audience so you can speak knowledgeably and confidently. Plus he explains how to select an appropriate topic to speak on, while maintaining a clear vision for your speaking career.

And we wrap up with the strategies he uses to succeed financially in the speaking world in the quickest and most effective way possible. This is a show chockfull of great advice - listen in to hear it all on episode 25 of The Speaker Lab!

HE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW

  • Why are time zones important for speakers to consider?
  • Which audience should you choose to speak to?
  • How you can gain experience before speaking.
  • Arel's "what do you need" strategy and how you can use it.
  • How can you get paid for speak quickly?
  • How to get paid to speak while still giving back - and why it's important.
  • How can you get jobs while avoiding cold calling?
  • What can you do to diversify your business?
  • And much, much more!

EPISODE RESOURCES

Mar 17, 2016

On episode 24 of The Speaker Lab I'm sitting down with Shawn Hanks, my friend and neighbor who runs Premiere Speakers Bureau.

Not sure what a speakers bureau can do for you or why you should join you one? That's why he's here: he will explain exactly what a speakers bureau does and how being a member of one can help your speaking career.

Shawn also shares his insights on how a speaker can become represented in his bureau, what is required of one of his bureau's speakers and much more. Listen in for all of the details on this episode of The Speaker Lab!

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW

  • What are specific ways a speakers bureau can enhance your speaking career?
  • What is the difference between a celebrity speaker and a content speaker?
  • The importance of having universal and valuable content.
  • How much does a membership in a speakers bureau cost?
  • The difference between being exclusive and non-exclusive with a bureau.
  • What does Shawn looks for in a speaker?
  • The right way to put together a demo video.
  • What types of opportunities are in the market for speakers?
  • And much, much more!

EPISODE RESOURCES

Mar 15, 2016

There's one crucial aspect to having a thriving speaking career that is often overlooked, do you know what it is? It's the topic for today's episode: how to network.

Networking with other speakers is so important because it can propel your career forward while helping you personally as well. Professionally you'll find other speakers often give referrals and today I explain why.

On a personal level many speakers experience loneliness, and networking can help alleviate those feelings. By talking with other people in the speaking business we as speakers can find the support and community we all need to be healthy and successful.

I also share my suggestions on how to approach and interact with speakers in a comfortable and natural way. Listen in to hear all of that and so much more on this episode of The Speaker Lab!

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW

  • What are specific benefits networking can have on your career?
  • How can other speakers support you?
  • Why would another speaker want to give you a referral?
  • When is it appropriate to expect and charge fees from other speakers?
  • The importance of networking with speakers in your niche.
  • Where should you go to meet other speakers?
  • How to appropriately approach speakers in any situation.
  • What to expect from the upcoming Speaker Lab Live event!
  • And much, much more!

EPISODE RESOURCES

Mar 10, 2016

Whether or not you have considered writing a book it is a powerful tool I highly recommend all speakers have in their toolbox. But how do you know if your idea is the right one, if it will land with your target audience and will help you grow the speaking business you're working on?

Our guest has those answers! Mr. Rob Kosberg of Best Seller Publishing offers done-for-you services for coaches, entrepreneurs, consultants and speakers. As a best-selling author himself he knows firsthand the importance of publishing, promoting and ultimately profiting from your book.

On episode 22 of The Speaker Lab he shares what he's learned from becoming a published best-selling author in his own right, how he leveraged his first book and how that success led to the creation of Best Selling Books, a company that has helped countless experts become authors. You'll hear all of that and more on today's show!

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW

  • Why is a book so effective at landing speaking gigs?
  • The extra bit of credibility a book gives you - and why it's important.
  • Why did his first book become a best-seller?
  • How he leverages his book as a lead generation tool to gain more clients.
  • Why big names like Seth Godin and Tim Ferriss self-publish today.
  • When does it make sense to give your book away for free?
  • Why your dream of getting a traditional publisher may be a nightmare in reality.
  • The two things you need to sell your books without a traditional publisher.
  • And much, much more!

EPISODE RESOURCES

Mar 8, 2016

On today's episode of The Speaker Lab, we've got another great Q&A show. This is the show where I answer your most burning questions about speaking!

And we've got a variety of topics to discuss: everything from how to follow up (without being annoying or obnoxious!) and what you need to be asking clients. We'll also get into how long to wait before sending a client more than one email and the tools I use to help me run every aspect of my speaking business.

Plus you’ll hear all about Speaker Lab Live: something new I’ve got for you on May 21st. Listen in to hear all of that and so much more on this episode of The Speaker Lab.

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW

  • How to avoid being annoying to clients.
  • How can you be short and sweet in your communication with clients?
  • The importance of asking clients the right questions and how to do it.
  • Why it's important to note the times you're emailing clients.
  • How much time is appropriate to send a reminder email?
  • When is it okay to call clients?
  • What is the "ball in your court" email and when should you use it?
  • And much, much more!

EPISODE RESOURCES

Mar 3, 2016

If you already have a business can speaking help you expand your audience? If so, how? Today we're joined by a man with the answers to those questions and more: Mr. Chris Brogan.

Chris is an author, speaker and all-around great guy who is here to share how speaking has helped his business flourish. He also shares how his introverted nature has positively impacted his speaking, and how to remain the same person on stage as you are in real life.

And finally he offers his guidance on how to overcome the inner critic within yourself and how to prepare effectively for a speaking job. Listen in for all of that and more on this episode of The Speaker Lab! T

HE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW

  • Why did Chris turn down a TED talk?
  • Can you be introverted and also be a speaker?
  • The importance of quieting your inner critic - and how to do so.
  • How did Chris gain the world's attention at the right time?
  • How to use a speaker bureau to increase your speaking jobs.
  • How should you negotiate your prices for speaking gigs?
  • Which speakers inspired and helped Chris the most?
  • Chris' guidance for creating and preparing your speeches.
  • And much, much more!

EPISODE RESOURCES

Mar 1, 2016

One of the most intimidating aspects of speaking is humor. If you're like other speakers you may find it daunting to incorporate jokes into your talk.

The biggest risk with jokes or humorous stories is the lack of guarantees the audience will enjoy it. However, when used appropriately humor can magnify a talk and convey your message perfectly!

Today, I'll be showing you how to utilize humor the best way for you and your speaking style. Listen in to hear all of that and so much more on this episode of The Speaker Lab!

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW

  • Why is your audience a reflection of you as the speaker?
  • What is self-depreciating humor and how can you use it correctly?
  • The importance of using pictures and videos to enhance humor.
  • How can you "have your radar up" for humorous material?
  • What are the most effective strategies for incorporating humor?
  • How to avoid using "you had to be there" stories, and why they don't work.
  • How to move on gracefully from a failed joke.
  • And much, much more!

EPISODE RESOURCES

Feb 25, 2016

On today's episode of The Speaker Lab, I'm sitting down with accomplished author and speaker Dan Miller to talk about his personal business model and his other endeavors, and of course his speaking career.

Dan offers his sage-like advice on how to decide which audience will respond your message the best, and also how he made the transition from speaking as an "extra" in his business to speaking professionally.

Listen in to hear all of that and so much more on this episode of The Speaker Lab!

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW

  • How you can find your core message.
  • How can you decide where to go to speak?
  • Dan's journey to becoming a professional speaker.
  • Can speaking for free help you?
  • How can you use resources to your advantage?
  • Which should come first- the products or the speaking?
  • The importance of having stories in your speaking.
  • Dan's "it can't be worse than this" stories!
  • And much, much more!

EPISODE RESOURCES

Feb 23, 2016

One thing all great speakers do, whatever their topic or their audience, is practice. They practice, practice and practice more. They rehearse their speech from start to finish many times, they never just wing it on stage. What often makes a great speaker so great is their commitment to practice.

And that's why I'm spending this entire show to talk about practice and rehearsal. I'll be covering how much to practice, how to properly rehearse and what sort of process to use when as you are practicing for your next speaking engagement.

Listen in for those topics and much more on episode 17 of The Speaker Lab.

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW

  • Why doing this one thing can help calm your nerves.
  • What athletes can teach us about the necessity of practice.
  • Should you manuscript your entire talk?
  • Why you shouldn't memorize your speech.
  • Why recording yourself is an effective tactic to create a great speech.
  • How many times should you go through your talk? 
  • Should you stop if you make a mistake while rehearsing?
  • How to choose the people you practice in front of.
  • And much, much more!

EPISODE RESOURCES

Feb 18, 2016

 If there’s one thing every speaker faces before a speaking gig it is the possibility of nerves, and how to deal with those nerves. Ask any seasoned veteran of the public speaking world and they’ll tell you they have received all sorts of advice, some of it good and some of it not as good.

Because there’s so much misinformation out there about how to deal with nerves I’m devoting today’s episode to that very topic.

On today's episode of The Speaker Lab, we’ll be covering that and much more!

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW

  • What is the most common misconception about speakers getting nervous?
  • How can the same talk be different each time?
  • What you can do to focus your fear.
  • Does nervousness ever go away?
  • How practicing your content can calm your nerves.
  • Why it's important to put yourself in real situations.
  • How to relax and enjoy yourself!
  • Why does the audience imitate you?
  • And much, much more!

EPISODE RESOURCES

Feb 16, 2016

When you're thinking of what subject to speak on remember that topic will change over time. In the course of your career your topic will even change a few times, it will evolve as you evolve as a professional speaker.

A great reminder of this is Chris Ducker, our guest on this episode. If you don't know him Chris is a best-selling author, multi-successful entrepreneur and in-demand speaker who has given presentations and keynotes around the globe.

Chris started speaking almost by accident (a story he shares today), and over the years he has evolved his speaking gigs to reflect his entrepreneurial journey. Today he shares why he's pivoted along the way, and how he's done it. You'll hear all of that and much more on this episode of The Speaker Lab!

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW

  • Does Chris still get nervous before his gigs?
  • The one trick he uses before going on stage to be calm and collected.
  • How did Hong Kong cinema lead to Chris' first speaking gig?
  • When did his speaking career truly take off?
  • Who was in the audience during his first speaking gig for the online world?
  • How he has narrowed down his speaking topic over the years.
  • What does he look for when hiring a speaker for his event?
  • Chris shares his "couldn't be worse than this" moment!
  • And much, much more!

EPISODE RESOURCES

Feb 11, 2016

Once you've decided you want to speak and you have an idea of what you want to speak about, how do you actually create your talk?

And what makes a talk good versus another talk? I'm answering all of those questions on this show. I'll walk you through the process I use to create a great talk from idea to completion. I'll also explain why each step in the process is important and why it can help you when creating your next (or your first!) speech.

We cover all of that and much more on episode 14 of The Speaker Lab.

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW

  • There are two key questions your audience is asking: what are they?
  • Why having a single idea makes your preparation easier and your talk better.
  • What are the types of structures you can use to organize your content?
  • When to create an outline and why it's useful.
  • Why I recommend never "winging it" with your talk.
  • When and why you should manuscript your entire speech.
  • What is the rhythm I follow in my speeches, and how can you follow it?
  • And much, much more!

EPISODE RESOURCES

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