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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: 2021
Dec 28, 2021

You’ve done the heavy lifting, you’ve put in the sweat equity, and as a result, you have a thriving, growing business. And now you need help! So what’s next?

Erick Rheam joined us for Episode 374 to explain three things you must consider when you decide to build out a team. We’ll talk in detail about mapping out your organization, creating margin so you can focus on areas you need to focus on, and even how to interact with vendors.

Erick has so much insight to share because he’s worked through each of these challenges personally. He’s sharing his experience, and together we’ll highlight what has helped set us up for success along the path of growing as speakers and entrepreneurs.

If you’re wondering when it’s time to take the plunge and call in some backup, then this episode is for you!

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

  • What it means to manage your assets
  • When to fire yourself and make a new hire
  • Making project-based hires
  • Setting clear expectations
  • Employee compensation
  • Why the structure will continue to evolve
  • Analyzing fixed costs and ROI
  • How to find people to hire
  • And so much more!
Dec 21, 2021

Sharing in the excitement of our students' success is such a privilege for our team at the Speaker Lab. Our Director of Student Success, Maryalice Goldsmith, is taking the mic for our Student Highlight series so you can hear more about our students’ experiences and what they want you to know about growing your speaking business.

Dana Knowles joined The Speaker Lab in April 2021. Her enthusiasm and motivation are unmatched, and she quickly engaged with our coaches and the Elite program. She’s always loved speaking and realizing she might be able to get paid to speak was a game changer. Passionate about sharing her extraordinary story with audiences, Dana shares more about her product that went to market and how that helped launch her speaking career. She also reveals the importance of accountability, networking, and goal setting as she continues to grow her speaking business.

Dana has overcome, conquered, and continues to strive for excellence. Her conversation with Maryalice will make you feel “not so alone” in the trenches of stepping out in confidence to grow your speaking business!

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

  • Why coaching and learning from experience matters
  • Finding the right time to jump all-in
  • Why you can’t afford to make excuses
  • Taking the leap to make the financial and emotional investment
  • What to do if you’re successful
  • What it means to be a procrastinate-achiever
  • Reinventing yourself
  • And much more!
Dec 14, 2021

Dorie Clark is the real deal. She’s intentional, professional, experienced, sincere, and she’s passionate about educating others to take action with the future in mind.

Having just released her most recent book, The Long Game, Dorie joined The Speaker Lab Podcast to look at what you need to be doing today to build a successful (and sustainable!) tomorrow.

In this episode we cover everything from diversified income streams to finding the patience and persistence to give opportunities a chance to gain traction.

She’s also giving insight into building meaningful relationships and leveraging archival research to determine what business strategies have led to success for others and could work for you too.

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

  • Pre-pandemic vs. post-pandemic speaking engagements
  • What it looks like to provide a premium in-person experience
  • Why it matters to have diversified streams of revenue
  • How to build meaningful relationships
  • Why being a speaker is a long-term game
  • Researching what works
  • Why the “science of it” matters
  • And much more!
Dec 7, 2021

We have to start somewhere right? And we've all been there, trying to build a business, cash is tight, and we need to make ends meet.

Erick Rheam, a great friend of TSL, has found incredible success in recent years as his speaking career has taken off. He's about to release his sixth book and year after year he's breaking his own income records. So, how is he doing it?

Erick joined us for a deep dive into cash flow management. We're talking about four must-haves when it comes to building a sustainable business with a solid financial foundation.

There's no claim here to financial expertise, but you'll see from our conversation that there is a ton of life experience and business success to learn from as you grow your own speaking career!

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

  • The cyclical nature of a speaking career
  • Why you need to treat your speaking career like a real business
  • What are money buckets and why do they matter?
  • What it means to "run lean"
  • Why you need a cushion of cash
  • Determining an ROI
  • Evaluating recurring expenses
  • And much more!
Nov 30, 2021

John Jantsch ---- author, speaker, marketing extraordinaire, and he’s here for Episode 370 of The Speaker Lab Podcast!

John just released his seventh book, The Ultimate Marketing Engine. When it comes to finding expertise on how to use book writing to grow your speaking business, John’s the one to give it. For decades he’s leveraged opportunities that fueled one another and created a growing platform for coaching, consulting, networking, writing and speaking. During our conversation, we cover the process of bringing a book to life, what it can do for your speaking career, and how to know when it's time to start writing.

So. --- if you’re intimidated by the idea of taking on more, but intrigued by what it takes to capitalize on meaningful opportunities, then this episode is for you!

 

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

  • Expectations for virtual gigs
  • Why every piece of your business should be connected
  • Evaluating opportunities
  • Why you should have just a few primary keynotes
  • How to build a business and a lifestyle
  • Pricing presentations and book sales
  • Using your book as a marketing tool
  • Self-publishing vs. traditional publishing
  • Understanding the problem you solve
  • And much more!
Nov 23, 2021

Sharing in the excitement of our student’s success is such a privilege for our team at the Speaker Lab. Our Director of Student Success, Maryalice Goldsmith, is taking the mic for our Student Highlight series so you can hear more about our students’ experiences and what they want you to know about growing your speaking business.

Carrie Kerskie has been speaking for over 15 years to consumer groups about identity theft and helping victims of fraud. Through a variety of opportunities, she uncovered a passion for helping people develop their cyber intelligence. With the need to shift her perspective and learn how to land speaking gigs, Carrie found The Speaker Lab and everything changed!

She shares about finding her niche, learning to build a pipeline, create meaningful content, and how to tap into the pain points of your audience. Join Maryalice and Carrie for an energetic and encouraging conversation on what it looks like to work through our TSL Elite program!

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

  • What is a cyber IQ?
  • Living in a cyber security culture.
  • Creating perspective with a keynote.
  • How to develop a meaningful workshop.
  • Why we need to change our habits?
  • Coaching during the Elite TSL program.
  • Why finding your niche matters.
  • Working with event planners.
  • And much more!
Nov 16, 2021

He’s refreshingly funny, incredibly honest, and 100% awesome.

It wasn’t all fun and games when Mike Goodwin first took the stage, but through hard work, determination, and a gift for making others crack a smile, Mike has made a way for himself as a comedian and speaker.

During our conversation Mike shares how he got his start, what led him to comedy, and how he has found success in both! He shares how you can grow from your mistakes and what it looks like to pivot in the moment. He’s got a ton of experience and even more energy for the work he’s doing and the opportunity to help others learn from his journey. You’re going to love our conversation!

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

  • Why your audience needs to smile.
  • Nature vs. Nurture as a speaker.
  • How to adjust to your audience.
  • How many “opportunities for laughter” does your speech need?
  • The art to using comedy in your speaking.
  • How do you know if you’re funny?
  • And much more!
Nov 9, 2021

There’s so much pressure in the speaking industry to land your big idea.

But how do you find it?

When do you know if it’s the right one?

What if it isn’t?

Jeff Goins brings tons of industry experience and “big idea expertise” to the table in this episode.

Jeff is demystifying the “idea formula” and unpacks why commitment to your craft, understanding your category of the industry, and getting your idea in front of an audience really matters.

He also explains why it’s important to show up and focus on making your idea more interesting rather than better. Jeff shares crucial steps needed in landing your big idea, and what to do once you have it.

No matter where you’re at in your speaking career, Jeff has a take-away that will leave you with a desire to build a big idea that will take your speaking career into the future!

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

  • What does it mean to be 80% same and 20% different?
  • Three steps to landing your big idea – but it’s not a formula!
  • Why you must get your idea in front of an audience.
  • Does it matter what your peers are saying?
  • Why should get good at copying other people?
  • When is your big idea, good enough?
  • And much more!
Nov 2, 2021

With over three decades of industry experience, Jane Atkinson of Speaker Launcher is a colleague and friend of our program. We’re so grateful she agreed to join us as a repeat podcast guest to dive into creating contracts!

When it comes to navigating the ins and outs of speaking contracts, the process can be overwhelming. Jane breaks down the must-haves, opportunities to be creative, and where we can go the extra mile for our clients. We also discuss the uncertainties in the business and how to build-in opportunities to add value and keep gigs on the calendar despite challenging times!

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

  • The good news - for the speaking industry!
  • Is virtual here to stay?
  • How to create opportunity and build relationships
  • What are the basic elements of a speaking contract?
  • How to navigate travel (literally and contractually)!
  • Substitute or refund?
  • How to accept payment
  • The value of being proactive vs. reactive
  • And much more!
Oct 26, 2021

Sharing in the excitement of our student's success is such a privilege for our team at the Speaker Lab. Our Director of Student Success, Maryalice Goldsmith, is taking the mic for our Student Highlight series so you can hear more about our students’ experiences and what they want you to know about growing your speaking business.

Michelle Onuroah joined TSL in January 2021 and never looked back. As an accomplished author and founder of The Center for Prophetic Listening, Michelle knew she had a message she wanted to share with the world. But how?

In this episode, Michelle shares her journey to discovering TSL. She unpacks the work and dedication she prioritized during her time as a student, and how it has propelled her business and opportunity to live out her purpose. She shares how she defined her why, found her ideal audience, and what it takes to get your story to the stage!

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

  • Why become a speaker?
  • How she found her audience
  • Why Michelle made the investment
  • Why she loves TSL
  • What she loves most about her career
  • How to get ready for a gig
  • Her best piece of advice for you
  • And much more!
Oct 19, 2021

One of the very best parts about The Speaker Lab is our students. Every day our Director of Student Success, Maryalice Goldsmith, demonstrates unwavering commitment to helping them gain confidence, clarity, and a clear path to their very own speaking success. Coupled with her role as a coach, Maryalice has a passion for helping others discover their confidence and unpack their “why.” Maryalice has jumped into the trenches with our team, helping to equip our coaches and refine processes so we can bring our best.

With her own entrepreneurial background, Maryalice brings unique perspective and energy to our leadership team. In her short time with TSL, she has witnessed substantial growth and guided our team amidst increased student needs. Maryalice shares more in this episode about the importance of an entrepreneurial mindset and the value of systems in sustaining a growing business.

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

  • How she found her way to TSL, and why it was meant to be
  • What it’s like to be in the trenches with students
  • Meeting the needs of our students and equipping them for the future
  • Navigating the art vs. the business
  • Why an entrepreneurial mindset matters
  • Creating systems and operations for your business
  • And much more!
Oct 12, 2021

As our Director of Operations, KC Procter is truly the wizard behind the curtain here at The Speaker Lab. He’s a master of organization, efficiency, establishing new processes, and implementing awesome tools that support the mission of our core values.  With a passion for keeping the day-to-day seamless and innovation at the forefront of future planning, KC has helped lead TSL into some of our greatest growth to date.

In this episode KC shares insight on the team culture at TSL, reflecting on our commitment to balance and growth that prioritizes delivering the very best to our team and students. If you’re wondering what it takes to establish and maintain systems and processes as you grow your business, KC offers insight and actionable steps that will get you moving in the right direction.

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

  • How are we prioritizing our core values at TSL?
  • When is it time to establish a checklist or workflow?
  • Why do systems and processes matter?
  • What are the best tools to help implement structure?
  • Is it possible to multitask?
  • What are best practices when it comes to time management?
  • How to build the right kinds of habits
  • And much more!
Oct 5, 2021

For Episode 362 I’m sitting down with Mr. Chris Seo, our Director of Marketing here at The Speaker Lab. His innovation and fearless leadership have helped pave the way for TSL to reach our people and share our platform. Chris shares the inside scoop on why our team is so unique and how it’s helping speakers position themselves effectively in the marketplace.

With a passion for branding and a wealth of expertise in identifying your market, Chris is helping equip our team and students with resources to make a difference in building your business. His insight and transparency into the world of marketing will leave you encouraged and prepared to take the next step and stand out among the crowd.

 

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

  • How are empathy and marketing connected?
  • Why it’s important to polish your idea and passion.
  • How to combat information overload.
  • The difference between your audience and your buyer.
  • What resources do you need to get started?
  • Why you need an online presence.
  • Why marketing and sales get you closer to what you actually want.
  • And much, much more!
Sep 28, 2021

It’s a privilege to work alongside a leadership team at The Speaker Lab who embodies our commitment to provide top-notch support, resources, and coaching to our students. For Episode 361 of The Speaker Lab Podcast, I asked our Director of Sales, Sam Hill, to unpack the parallels of his role and expertise with that of speakers ready to take their business to the next level.

Sam has walked alongside TSL through significant growth as we adjust and innovate to meet the needs of our clients. His commitment to people, process, and product has allowed him to equip an enrollment team that continues to bring their best. With a passion for helping students find their breakthrough moment and build their business, Sam is here to share the inside scoop on how to find success in sales and marketing, and how it can change the course of your business.

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

  • Why is it important to focus on process rather than pizazz?
  • What it means to have conversations that matter.
  • How are we evolving to meet market needs at TSL?
  • Why sales should not be intimidating.
  • What is the role of your mental mindset to be successful in sales?
  • What are value assets and why are they important?
  • Why it’s important to take action…now!
  • And much more!
Sep 21, 2021

Have you ever wondered who is behind the scenes at The Speaker Lab? Episode 360 is one of a kind as I’ve invited our entire leadership team to join me on The Speaker Lab Podcast. Join us for the inside scoop on what it’s like to be part of the team at TSL and why we are so committed to making TSL the very best place to work.

I’m sitting down with Sam Hill (Director of Sales/Enrollment), KC Procter, (Director of Operations), Chris Seo (Director of Marketing), and Maryalice Goldsmith (Director of Student Success) so they can share how we work together to create a winning product and experience for our students.

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

  • How do we ensure TSL is one of the best places to work?
  • How do we balance growth and caring for our team?
  • What does it look like to preserve organizational culture?
  • Is it possible to stay connected as a virtual company?
  • What is an OKR and how do we utilize this methodology?
  • Our favorite tools that assist our day-to-day
  • Why you should consider joining the TSL team
  • And much, much more!
Sep 14, 2021

On Episode 359 of The Speaker Lab Podcast, I’m sitting down with my good friend Shawn Hanks, leader of the Premiere Speakers Bureau.

The last 18-months have been anything but predictable for all of us.  We have been provided unique challenges and opportunities in the speaking business. Some of you might be wondering, are we past the impact of the pandemic? Will the industry come back? How can I best prepare for the unknown?

Shawn reflects on this time of refinement for speakers and how to fill the gaps to continue moving forward. He’s also sharing his insights on the current state of the industry, what’s to come, and how you can thrive amidst the unknown. Listen in for all of the details on this episode of The Speaker Lab Podcast!

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

  • Identifying the biggest trends in scheduling in-person vs. virtual events.
  • How sector, region, and municipalities are playing a role in bringing back live events.
  • What topics and needs are event planners looking for speakers to address?
  • Is it possible to be a full-time virtual speaker?
  • How to connect and support event planners amidst constant change.
  • Why your content matters most.
  • How to write a contract with in-person and virtual components.
  • Why it’s important to turn your speaking into a business.
  • And much, much more!
Sep 7, 2021

Tamsen Webster is the author of Find Your Red Thread and she's also a sought-after keynote speaker and business strategist.

On today's episode, we talk about what it means to find your red thread, and how to build a successful speaking career around it.

Please join us for this informative and engaging conversation on the 358th edition of The Speaker Lab.

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

  • What is the red thread?
  • Where do you start to find your own red thread?
  • How do you know when you've found your throughline?
  • Why you must find your specific audience for your message.
  • How do you know if a red thread is viable or not?
  • What are the best strategies for testing your ideas?
  • What are the four qualities of a successful red thread?
  • And so much more!
Sep 2, 2021

Have you ever thought of YouTube as more than a place to host your videos? What if you could find out how to use YouTube to grow your speaking business? The man to tell us how is none other than my friend Thomas Frank.

Thomas went through our Booked and Paid to Speak trainings a few years ago. I met him when he was in college; I spoke at his school. We stayed in touch and he's become extremely successful, especially with his YouTube channel.

On today's show, we talk about his origins, how you can use YouTube to build your audience and find and book potential speaking gigs, and best practices for YouTube videos to generate more interest and views. Join us for Thomas' insights on those subjects and much more on this episode of The Speaker Lab.

 

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:   

  • What is his strategy when he goes to a conference?
  • How does he use his platform to build relationships?
  • What other income streams has he built aside from speaking?
  • How Fizzle and Pat Flynn influenced his platforms and business growth.
  • What is the second biggest search engine after Google?
  • Is it best to position yourself as a topic expert or a speaker?
  • What are the 3 factors to succeeding on YouTube?
  • What can flags teach us about using YouTube effectively?
  • And so much more!
Aug 31, 2021

Setting up your virtual speaking studio is an important part of building your speaking business.

And the man to guide you through the nuts and bolts is Craigery Dennis: a video production wizard. Today on The Speaker Lab, Craigery and I are talking about the fundamentals of setting up your virtual speaking studio.

Join us to hear it all on this edition of The Speaker Lab.

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

  • How can videos help you find your people?
  • What is the #1 thing to know before setting up your virtual studio at home?
  • Why the primary use of your equipment matters.
  • What are some options for dynamic Zoom presentations?
  • Why getting a high quality microphone is the best investment to start with.
  • Is there an inexpensive option for a great backdrop?
  • What is the most flattering light to work with?
  • Is there a way to soundproof your studio?
  • And so much more!
Aug 26, 2021

Do you track any of your speaking metrics? Our guest today, Erick Rheam, says there are 5 key metrics to growing your speaking business.

Erick has been on the show before so you can revisit his story on episode 126 and episode 150. I brought him on to today's episode of The Speaker Lab to talk about the exponential growth he has had using certain key metrics. Specifically there are 5 key metrics he focuses on, and those metrics have taken his business from $15,000  to nearly $200k in under 4 years.

Even if you're already successful in your speaking career you'll learn plenty from hearing about Erick's metrics and how he uses them to gauge the health of his business. Tune in for those insights and more with Erick Rheam on episode 225 of The Speaker Lab!

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:   

  • What are lagging indicators versus leading indicators?
  • How has he determined his $5,000 speaking fee and when does he raise it?
  • What are the 5 steps in his prospective gig pipeline?
  • How soon should you contact a prospect who shows interest in hiring you?
  • When does he stop everything and focus on generating leads?
  • What does it mean to him if no one books him from an event where he's speaking?
  • How many gigs does he aim to book from each of his speaking events?
  • Why you've got to be serious about the numbers if you want to be serious about speaking
  • And so much more!
Aug 24, 2021

Networking to build your speaking business doesn't have to be complicated or take a lot of time.

Here to tell us why and how to do it is Jordan Harbinger, the host of The Jordan Harbinger Show and a masterful networker. On today's show, he explains how you can get started building your network and the major benefits of networking that money cannot buy.

We'll be diving deep into those topics and more on episode 356 of The Speaker Lab!

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

  • Are some people naturally better at networking and relationships?
  • Why being of value to people is often the reward itself.
  • How much time should you spend every day building relationships?
  • How does he get speaking gigs and deals without marketing?
  • What does it mean to ABG (instead of ABC)?
  • Does networking mean doing things for free for others?
  • What is Connect Four and how do you use it?
  • How often should you network in person versus online/virtually?
  • And so much more!
Aug 19, 2021

Does the idea of cold calling strike fear into your heart? It won't after today's edition of The Speaker Lab!

Joe is an up and coming speaker who has quickly added a lot of gigs to his calendar by using the four rules of cold calling for speakers. On this episode, Joe tells us what those four rules are as well as how to remove the fear of cold calling and how to make it easy for your prospects to say yes to you.

This is another terrific guest you won't want to miss so be sure to join us on episode 223 of The Speaker Lab.

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:   

  • How did he first uncover the power of cold calling?
  • How can you get your foot in the door of an industry in which you are not known?
  • Do you have to go in hot to a cold call?
  • How do you know if you are a good fit for a potential opportunity?
  • Why uncommon commonalities are important in your cold calling process.
  • What's the best way to reach out: phone, email, or social media?
  • How expecting nothing and appreciating everything will explode your business.
  • The type of follow up you can do to show your gratitude for the people who help you.
  • And so much more!
Aug 17, 2021

Joining us to explain the process of becoming a referable speaker is the dynamite duo of Michael Port and Andrew Davis.

On today's The Speaker Lab,  we talk about their latest book, The Referable Speaker. We also discuss what a referable speaker is and how to become one before diving into how they test out new speech material and the biggest mistake speakers make when starting out.

You'll hear those topics and more when you tune in for the 355th edition of The Speaker Lab.

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

  • What are stage-side leads and how do you get them?
  • Why you need to work on your speech first.
  • What are the two things you need to get stage-side leads?
  • Is there a time frame for building momentum?
  • What are the three main factors that generate referrals?
  • This is one of the biggest myths in the industry: what is it?
  • What are the top three ways meeting planners find speakers to book?
  • Which category of speakers do meeting planners love to book?
  • And so much more!
Aug 12, 2021

Hugh is one of our rare 3-peat guests and he's back to tell us how to use blogging to book speaking gigs.

On today's edition of The Speaker Lab, Hugh specifically explains why you should blog to grow your speaking business including how often you should blog, what you should blog about, how long your blog posts should be, and where you should promote your blog.

In addition to being a keynote speaker and best-selling author, Hugh runs a business called BlogWorks. BlogWorks is a company devoted to helping speakers book more speaking gigs through the art of blogging.

Hugh shares his wealth of knowledge and more so join us to hear it all on episode 229 of The Speaker Lab!

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:   

  • How often should you post to ensure you're relevant?
  • Why more is not necessarily better.
  • The three steps to take after you write every blog post.
  • Should you write your blog for your audience or people who hire speakers?
  • What are the two ways to know if your blog post resonates with your audience?
  • What should you do if you have run out of topic ideas?
  • Is there a standard format you can use for your blog posts?
  • What four statistics should you focus on?
  • And so much more!
Aug 10, 2021

Lois Creamer is a legend in the industry and she's here to give you practical advice for succeeding in speaking.

On this edition of The Speaker Lab, she tells us how she got involved in the National Speakers Association, what relational selling is and why you should use it, and the role virtual speaking will play in the future of the speaking industry.

You'll hear her insights on those topics and much more on this practical and applicable episode of The Speaker Lab!

 

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

  • When you're starting out, how much time will you spend selling?
  • What three pieces of advice does she have for speakers?
  • What is relational selling and why is it so effective in the speaking business?
  • How to get paid more through refining your target audience.
  • When should you wave your speaking fee and when should you raise it?
  • How can you find out if your expertise is marketable?
  • Why you must be willing to pick up the phone to qualify a lead.
  • What questions should you ask about speaking virtually?
  • And so much more!
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