The Speaker Lab Podcast

“The speaking industry is one that has been around for generations…And it has survived wars, depressions, recessions, 9/11, pandemics, and it’s not going anywhere.” Navigating the speaking industry can seem daunting with its ever-shifting trends and economic uncertainties. So this week, drawing from his extensive experience in the field, Shawn Hanks offers his seasoned perspective on how speakers can thrive amidst these changes. Shawn discusses the current optimism in the event market despite past economic caution as a result of the pandemic. Event planners are investing wisely in speakers who offer real strategic solutions, not just entertainment. This reinforces the importance of aligning speaking content with what organizations seek. The episode also highlights the enduring value of live events. While virtual events gained traction, they haven't supplanted the critical face-to-face human interaction that live gatherings offer. Additionally, Shawn advises speakers to balance staying current with trends like AI, without losing sight of timeless topics such as leadership or innovation. Authenticity remains crucial—chasing trends for the sake of visibility may backfire, but sticking to your core passions ensures long-term success. This adaptability while staying true to your message is key to maintaining a successful speaking career. For speakers, whether new or seasoned, Shawn's insights offer guidance on crafting a fulfilling and enduring career in the speaking industry! You’ll learn: “Event planners aren’t booking a speaker, they are solving a problem and the speaker is the avenue to solve that problem.” Episode Resources Shawn’s WebsiteGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“If you are thinking about doing something long term, test it internally, be an intrapreneur, right? Go create something amazing for your company and see if you enjoy doing it.” Jenny Wood's transition from a high-flying Google executive to an influential public speaker is nothing short of inspiring. After spending eighteen years at Google, Jenny chose to follow her passion for public speaking, resulting in a story of passion, relentless improvement, and the power of authenticity. She joins us today to share her experiences, the nitty-gritty of making it as a speaker, and the wisdom she’s garnered along the way. One crucial element of Jenny’s approach is her dedication to constantly improving her craft. By working with a keynote consultant and continuously analyzing her presentations, she shows that learning and adapting are key to success in speaking. Jenny is also candid about dealing with imposter syndrome and the challenges of leaving a secure job, demonstrating that courage is essential when facing the unknown. Furthermore, a significant part of Jenny’s strategy has been leveraging her book, Wild Courage, as a tool to establish her voice in the market. She uses it not just as a revenue source, but as a means to spark meaningful conversations and draw connections with her audience. Understanding the business side of speaking, from setting fees to engaging with speaker bureaus, is another area where Jenny offers valuable insights. Jenny’s journey highlights the importance of embracing one's unique voice. Her story teaches us that success is about being true to oneself, learning from failures, and continually striving for excellence. For those starting out in speaking, Jenny’s experience is a beacon, showing that with dedication and strategic planning, a fulfilling speaking career is within reach. You’ll learn: “There was some level of high net freedom that was appealing to me of just being on my own.” Episode Resources Jenny’s WebsiteGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“We use visual tools and common language, so we share tools as if they’re mirrors so that the mirror does the heavy lifting and you get self awareness through looking at the mirror.” Navigating the world of speaking and building a unique brand can be daunting in the early stages of your career. So this week on The Speaker Lab Podcast, Jeremie Kubicek joins Grant Baldwin to shed light on the strategic integration of speaking into a broader mission. Jeremie's journey into the content space began with a strong focus on vision, aiming not just for individual fame, but for a transformative impact on leadership culture worldwide. Throughout the episode, Jeremie highlights the importance of aligning speaking with your overarching vision and mission. He discusses the unique business model he's built, which involves seven hundred coaches and consultants speaking on his content, enabling a scalable impact without the sole reliance on his personal speaking engagements. This model fosters long-term partnerships and creates sustainable revenue streams beyond the traditional cycle of publishing and promoting books. However, being at the forefront of this innovative model comes with its own set of challenges, prompting Jeremie to share insights into the balance between content creation and personal engagement. Jeremie and Grant’s conversation offers invaluable lessons in creating content that transcends individual endeavors. By focusing on building a lasting enterprise, speakers can find a path that aligns with both personal and professional goals. With a new book on the horizon, Jeremie exemplifies how to harness speaking as a pivotal component of a larger, mission-driven business strategy. This episode is packed with guidance for those looking to innovate and grow their speaking careers, whether they are just starting out or seeking the next level of impact! You’ll learn: “I want to take more time on the front end to really, really know and understand what [speakers] are trying to accomplish.” Episode Resources Jeremie’s WebsiteGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“I knew it was important for me as I built my business to develop markers of credibility, and that would make everything easier. Like the wind is at your back when you have enough credentials that people can say, ‘I'll listen to her.’” In this episode of The Speaker Lab Podcast, host Grant Baldwin is joined by Dorie Clark to talk about an important topic for every speaker — establishing yourself as a thought leader. Dorie breaks down how she manages the tension between choosing a niche and maintaining her broader interests, as well as her primary strategy of letting the market decide for her. The episode also explores the three pillars of thought leadership, as outlined by Dorie: content creation, social proof, and networking. Dorie shares her experiences with building social proof, including the rigorous process of cold pitching to prestigious business schools and publications, a key step on her journey to gaining credibility and establishing authority. Grant and Dorie also discuss the importance of balancing immediate financial needs with long-term strategic goals. They emphasize the necessity of dedicating time to long-term projects while managing day-to-day responsibilities, drawing on principles like the manager and maker day framework to optimize productivity. Throughout the conversation, Dorie provides actionable insights into the practice of thought leadership, such as the importance of nurturing influential connections and choosing a content medium that aligns with personal strengths and interests. This episode is packed with valuable advice for speakers and entrepreneurs looking to elevate their careers through strategic thought leadership and effective brand positioning. You’ll learn: “The upshot of all these situations where people said send me some stuff and then didn’t respond, meant that I had this reservoir of pitch ideas.” Episode Resources Dorie’s WebsiteGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“You have to regularly find things where the challenge exceeds the skill set." In this week’s episode of The Speaker Lab Podcast, speaker and author Jon Acuff joins Grant to talk about the challenge of maintaining excellence as a speaker and the importance of continually pushing yourself beyond your comfort zones. Jon also took the time to break down his successful speaking model, primarily focusing on keynotes and the occasional longer training engagements. There are pros and cons to every speaking business model, and Jon talks through what has worked well for him over his extensive speaking career. Additionally, Jon talks about making a transition from solopreneur to business owner and how he brought in a partner and president to scale his business and reach a larger audience. This transition was driven by Jon's desire to take his business to another level, prevent boredom, and not hide from potential growth. Moreover, Grant and Jon also discuss the challenges of being honest with yourself about strengths and weaknesses and focusing on areas where you can excel. The conversation shifts to Jon's decision to host a live event, including insights into how he has navigated planning, content creation, and incorporating various elements like engaging stories and audience interaction. Finally, Grant and Jon touch on the variety of potential business expansions Jon is considering, including workshops, masterminds, and enhancing social media presence while balancing personal enjoyment with business requirements. Overall, the episode provides great insights into Jon's speaking career, his strategic business decisions, and the meticulous efforts that go into creating meaningful content and events in the speaking industry! You’ll learn: “How do I create enough value for an audience where they feel like they got a deal at a high ticket event? Episode Resources Jon’s WebsiteRemarkable You EventGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“Most successful or thought leadership businesses are extremely simple. They sell one thing at the front end, maybe a couple things on the back end…but they’re experts in X, Y, and Z.” In this episode of The Speaker Lab podcast, we explore the importance of keeping things simple and intentional in the ever-changing world of speaking and entrepreneurship. Grant Baldwin sits down with Taylorr Payne, co-founder of SpeakerFlow, for an engaging discussion on building a thriving speaking business by focusing on simplicity, clarity, and defining success on your terms. Taylorr opens up about his evolution as an entrepreneur, sharing how he transitioned from chasing endless opportunities to honing in on the fundamentals that truly matter. Whether it’s mastering the art of selling one core product, cutting through the distracting noise of shiny new technologies, or resisting the temptations of comparison, Taylorr emphasizes the transformative power of simplifying your business approach. Throughout the conversation, Taylorr and Grant analyze the speaking industry's trends for 2025, the allure of AI and other new technologies, and the critical difference between chasing growth for its own sake versus creating a business that aligns with your personal goals and values. Taylorr reminds listeners to resist societal pressures to grow endlessly and instead focus on building a business that fits their lifestyle and passions. This episode is packed with convincing arguments for staying in your lane, avoiding the pitfalls of overcomplication, and gradually building clarity about your unique expertise. Whether you’re an aspiring speaker finding your niche or a seasoned entrepreneur reevaluating your path, you’ll walk away with actionable strategies and a renewed sense of purpose. Tune in to take control of your speaking career with simplicity and intention at the core! You’ll learn: “What are you an expert in? Make the world know that, period. That is it. That is forever what we’re doing.” Episode Resources Taylorr’s WebsiteGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on Spotify See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“It’s your vision that influences which way you go. Because you’ve already thought about it ahead of time.” In this episode of The Speaker Lab podcast, Erick Rheam joins us to talk about what it takes to navigate the chaotic and often overwhelming journey of being a speaker and entrepreneur. You've probably heard Erick on the show before, but today he's sharing a different side of things with candid advice drawn from his own rock-bottom moment and the life-changing principles he discovered to rise above the chaos. Erick's journey is a compelling blend of personal and professional growth, underscored by moments of introspection and dramatic change. From his early struggles in 2005—marked by personal and professional setbacks—to discovering his 'why' and taming the inner beast, Erick provides a riveting narrative that is both inspiring and practical for anyone looking to succeed in the speaking industry. He touches on the importance of living with clarity, leveraging encouragement, and mastering human dynamics, all essential tools for rising above life's challenges. Through Erick's story, listeners gain valuable lessons on embracing their spiritual journey, managing their energy and priorities, and building meaningful connections. Erick underscores the idea that significance and peace come not from a lack of chaos but from rising above it with intention and purpose. Whether you're a new speaker or an experienced entrepreneur, this episode is packed with actionable insights and heartfelt anecdotes that encourage you to chart your path to significance. So tune in, and equip yourself with the wisdom to rise above the chaos and live a life of meaning and influence! You’ll learn: “Ask yourself what makes you come alive and do that.” Episode Resources Erick’s WebsiteGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on Spotify See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“[AI is] a really great way to flex your creative muscle, but also not have to stress if you’re not strong enough at certain things.” Being on stage is one of the most fun and most rewarding parts of being a professional, paid speaker — but as all experienced speakers know, what happens on stage is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to building a successful speaking business. This week on The Speaker Lab Podcast, Grant Baldwin chats with Brittany Richmond-Roberts about her journey as a teen mental health speaker. From navigating the youth market to leveraging social media and AI, Brittany shares her strategies for moving the business forward, even when it feels like trudging through mud. Grant and Brittany dive into how she got started in speaking, the importance of finding the right audience, and why she stays clear of gigs that don’t align with her message. They discuss the power of being a female speaker in a male-dominated field and how Brittany has used that to her advantage. Brittany also highlights how she utilizes social media to connect with decision-makers and build relationships, making her memorable to potential clients. She explains her approach to using ChatGPT for prospecting and structuring talks, providing a modern edge to her speaking business. If you’re ready to take your speaking business to the next level, this episode is packed with practical tips and inspiring insights! You’ll learn: “If you’re not having fun doing [social media], stop doing it. Because that’s going to radiate right into everything that you’re doing.” Episode Resources Brittany’s WebsiteGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“Speed in this game is so important. It is typically the first speaker to reach back out…you have a really good chance of winning that business if you are the first.” Navigating the intricate world of professional speaking requires not just talent but also a keen understanding of the business side of things. In this insightful episode, Grant Baldwin welcomes back his good friend Brandon Edmonson, Sales Director for Premier Speakers Bureau, for his fourth appearance on the podcast. Whether you're a seasoned speaker or just starting out, Brandon's expertise in the industry offers invaluable tips and strategies that can elevate your speaking career. Brandon dives deep into the nitty-gritty of booking speaking gigs, sharing why it's critical to ask, "Who did you have last year?" This key question can unlock a wealth of information, from budget constraints to event expectations. Brandon emphasizes the importance of speed in the speaking business, urging speakers to respond quickly to inquiries to set a positive tone for future interactions. Grant and Brandon also explore the art of balancing sales and relationships. Building rapport with event planners, understanding their needs, and positioning yourself as a solution to their problems are crucial steps in securing bookings. Brandon encourages speakers to add value in every interaction, whether it’s through well-timed follow-ups or personalized video messages. Additionally, Brandon discusses how consistency in your rates fosters trust with clients, touching on the delicate balance of negotiation. This episode offers a treasure trove of practical advice, from how to handle incoming leads to navigating the complexities of travel costs and geographical pricing variations. Don't miss out on this episode if you're looking to take your speaking business to the next level. Brandon’s wisdom could be the key to your next big speaking gig! You’ll learn: “Be honest, be genuine, be human in that process. Just how you would want to be.” Episode Resources Brandon’s WebsiteGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“The biggest mistake that I see speakers make is that they think that if you just go on stage, and you do a good job speaking, the spinoff business will magically present itself.” Being on stage is pretty much always the most fun and most rewarding part of being a professional paid speaker — but as all experienced speakers know, what happens on stage is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to building a successful speaking business. This week, Arel Moodie joins the show to break down how to find more paid gigs in your chosen niche through what Arel calls "spinoff business." Arel and Grant talk about how to build a solid reputation, nurture relationships, and leverage connections to turn one speaking gig into two or three more. Arel goes into detail about his challenges while starting out as a speaker and what tools he used to break into the industry and get past the toughest part: getting his first gig. Finally, Arel talks about a tool called Talkadot that speakers can use to expand their reach and build more connections from the stage. If you're ready to take your speaking business to the next level, this is a must-listen episode for you! You’ll learn: “Clients will book you if they have confidence that you have done well with a group like theirs in the past.” Episode Resources: Arel's WebsiteGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on Spotify See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“The show must go on baby. You gotta keep going man. Never know what’s gonna happen when you’re doing it live with no net, you never know.” Being a professional speaker means navigating some of the craziest and most unpredictable moments imaginable. This week, Shane Sams joins Grant on the show to recount some of his funniest and most challenging moments on the speaking trail. You never know what you're going to encounter when you're walking into a speaking gig, but the best speakers know how to roll with the punches and "be a pro" even when things go completely off the rails. Shane and Grant have some great advice on how to handle the unexpected and chaotic moments, all learned from their own experiences over the years. Shane also opens up about his struggles with his health and how he learned to deal with burnout. Balancing your health with the exhausting lifestyle of living on the road can be a challenge for any speaker, but finding your own boundaries and thresholds is incredibly important. This lighthearted and engaging conversation is something you don't want to miss. From flying squirrels to napping audience members, you'll hear some incredible war stories from Shane and Grant this week that will make you laugh and teach you how to navigate your own challenging moments in the future. You’ll learn: “You gotta say the words whether anyone is paying attention or not.” Episode Resources: Shane's WebsiteGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on Spotify See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“Whenever someone comes up and says ‘Hey, why am I not getting booked to speak?’, my first question is 'how many professionals did you call today?'" One of the best parts about being a speaker is that YOU get to decide what your speaking career looks like. Your story is unique, and the value you bring to your audience is something only you can deliver. This week, Ryan Vet joins us on the show to talk about how he found his way to a speaking career that was perfect for his strengths and passions. Ryan got his start as a speaker when he was still in high school, and he hasn't looked back since. And while everyone often thinks of paid speaking as being primarily keynotes, Ryan points out that the majority of paid gigs are often other formats. For his part, Ryan fell in love with training and found it incredibly fulfilling to help people immediately make changes in their lives and companies. During this episode, he shares some practical advice on how to find the path that is right for you — along with some horror stories and funny moments from his new book, Speak Goodr. This is a solid episode that will encourage you to take the next (or first!) step in your speaking journey! You’ll learn: “You have to solve a problem with what you sell.” Episode Resources: Ryan's WebsiteGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“All that matters is that you show up, and that you’re consistently doing it, because if you do it on a regular basis… you’re going to get better at it.” "How do I find and book more paid speaking gigs quickly?" "I'm just starting out, what should I prioritize right now?" Here at TSL, we hear those two questions from speakers more than anything else. Whether you've never gotten paid to speak or you've been speaking for years, there's a good chance you're looking for more paid gigs. And if you're like most business owners, you don't have a lot of time to invest in building a new business without seeing some results. This week, Erick Rheam is here to break down the four pillars of success that you can use to jumpstart your speaking business and start booking paid gigs in as little as 90 days or less. Erick breaks down what really matters if you want to be a successful speaker, including long-term goals, testing the market, your CRM, efficiency, accountability partners and consistency. Finally, Erick gives you some practical ways to evaluate where you stand in your speaking career. This episode is a simple, practical roadmap to launching a speaking business and getting paid gigs in a short period of time — no matter how much speaking experience you have right now. If you don't make time for any other podcast episode this month, make sure you listen to this one. We'll see you out on the speaking trail! You’ll learn: “If you want to be a successful speaker, you have to be consistent.” Episode Resources: Erick Rheam’s WebsiteErick Rheam’s AbstractGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“You can’t need to be liked if you’re in a leadership position, and I’d say the same if you’re in a speaking position, cause you will say things that people don’t agree with, and that’s okay.” As a speaker, very few things matter more than establishing your credibility and expertise. This week, communication expert Jenni Field joins us to talk about how to build your credibility and become a leader that people will follow. Jenni is a firm believer in the importance of establishing your expertise and building your credibility, and she's here with some practical tips on how to make that happen. Jenni found a void in the industry she knows best and figured out how to fill it. During this episode, she'll detail the expertise, research, and likability needed to make you genuinely needed for gigs. Jenni talks about how audiences can sense you care or not and how to work with your viewers so that your effort can be seen on stage. Jenni has been through hard moments of her own, like in the end of 2022 when her business was failing, and she no longer loved what she was doing. She will share some lessons she learned from the heavy moments, including how she pulled herself out of that rut and pushed herself into a better space mentally and financially. Jenni took the time to know herself and what works for her, and she'll talk about how you can do that for yourself as well. You’ll learn: “People won’t ask you to speak unless you’ve got something to say.” Episode Resources: Jenni's WebsiteGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“When you have an idea, you should capture that idea and put it somewhere, because you’re basically training your brain that ideas are important and I value them.” Finding your own brand of creativity and being unique can feel like a struggle in the beginning stages of your career. This week, Kyle Scheele joins us to share some tips on that topic drawn from his own journey of using his crazy ideas to stand out. Kyle started his career early in life when he landed a t-shirt line through Urban Outfitters across the USA and Canada. Over the course of his speaking career, Kyle has gone viral on TikTok multiple times, spoken to both youth audiences and corporate events, and over time switched paths from primarily speaking in the education space to working with larger corporate events. He believes his approachability, understandable advice, and genuine entertainment have taken him to the next level, and he's here to tell you how to develop those things for yourself. However, at every stage of his career (like most speakers), Kyle has had his doubts about the risks he took. During this episode, Kyle talks about how he overcame those fears by knowing and believing that he had talking points that worked. Trial and error can be difficult to embrace, but it's a key part of learning how to grow as a world-renowned speaker. This is a great episode with a lot of practical lessons for speakers — both new and veteran alike. You’ll learn: “To be human is to be creative.” Episode Resources: Kyle's WebsiteGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“People get excited about different. How can you be explained & summed up in one sentence? How can you be the only in your industry?” Finding what makes you unique in this industry is no easy journey, but our guest this week knows all too well why being different is your greatest asset. Jesse Cole is the proud owner of the Savannah Bananas, an exhibition baseball team that ESPN called "the greatest show in sports." Jesse is best known for his iconic yellow suit and the fun he brings across the world with the Bananas, but beyond that, he's a well known and highly sought after speaker. Jesse is here to share how he found success in his life and career simply by being his genuine self — and how you can do the same. Jesse also talks about how to approach branding, marketing, and promoting yourself — and why sometimes you just have to put yourself out there. You might fail, but the only way to succeed is just to keep swinging for the fences. This is a fascinating episode with tons of solid advice for speakers at every stage of their career — don't miss this one! You’ll learn: “If I can share, and hopefully inspire people, that gives me a ton of energy” Episode Resources: Jesse's WebsiteJesse's InstagramJesse's LinkedInGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“One of the easiest ways to demonstrate your value in the sales conversation is to not try to sell yourself, it’s to show them you understand the puzzle they’re trying to solve. If you can show somebody that you understand their puzzle, they'll trust you with a solution." One of the most challenging things that all speakers face — at all stages of their speaking career — is overcoming fear of rejection. If you're a new speaker, you might be surprised that even veteran speakers still struggle with things like confidence and beating imposter syndrome. Constantly having to pitch yourself and establish your value is never easy, no matter how many times you do it. So, how do you overcome all of that and feel confident in who you are, the value you bring, and the fee you charge? This week's guest has some great advice on that. Phil M. Jones is a world-class speaker (and friend of the podcast) who teaches people how to know Exactly What To Say in all areas of life. This week, Phil is breaking down how to build your confidence and master tough conversations without feeling personally rejected or passed over. Phil also talks about why you need to vet potential gigs just as much as they vet you as a potential speaker — after all, speaking is a two-sided business. From start to finish, this episode is a masterclass in learning how to embrace uncertainty and maintain your confidence as you navigate hard conversations and negotiations. No matter where you are in your speaking journey, you're going to want to hear this. You’ll learn: “You have to work like your life depends on the money, and play like you don’t need it.” Episode Resources: Phil's WebsiteGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“I might not be world class ever, ever, but I’m definitely gonna be way better than I was on my own, and without the reps.” Josh Shipp has had a brilliant career providing knowledge to thousands of people. Today, he joins us to talk about the hard work of making it as a speaker, how to find your strengths, and what you should know at the start of your journey. Josh has frequently worked in the education space with parents, teachers, and students. In fact, he even founded a company dedicated to this training called Youth Speaker University. Josh is here to talk about how to break into this space and why what you do matters on and off stage. Josh also has some great insights to share about drawing inspiration, the great thing about individualism, and learning from your failures. Thoughtfully targeting your niche and your goals is something you have to learn, and Josh is here to walk you through it. You’ll learn: “You can learn a ton from those 3 out of 4 that don’t book you.” Episode Resources: Topyouthspeakers.comJosh's LinkedinGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on Spotify See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“That type of belief is what carries you through when everybody else is dropping like flies. When you know for a fact this is what you’re made for, then there’s nothing else you can do.” The journey to professional speaking is not always a simple one, and our guest this week knows this all too well. Ken Hartley spent over 20 years serving as a worship pastor (and also worked as a magician!) on the way to becoming a full-time professional speaker. This week, Ken is here to break down how he found his new career in speaking and made the leap of faith that led to this point. With a background in ministry, music, and magic, Ken was no stranger to the stage. However, making the switch to speaking wasn't an easy one. He found himself struggling with the commitment both financially and personally to take the leap, but was encouraged and supported by many family members. In fact, his mom gave him the money to get the training, and 19 months later, he got a gig paying the same amount as the kind gift he was given. It can be difficult to overcome self-doubt, and fear, but Ken will discuss how he worked through those moments, and learned to trust himself and his talent. Plus, his participation in The Speaker Lab as a student shaped the way he works in the business for the better. Each opportunity or gig has led him to new spin offs, and he is the perfect person to learn why showing up for yourself and committing can help you grow for the better. You’ll learn: “The only way to get good on stage is to be on stage.” Episode Resources: Ken's WebsiteGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“I think of the definition of a creator as someone who sets out to make original work, to educate, inspire, or entertain other people.” There are plenty of simple ways to grow as a speaker, but becoming a creator is one of the easiest ways to expand your speaking business and book more paid gigs! The term "creator" is used frequently (and sometimes negatively), but here's the reality: if you're a speaker, you are already creating content. The next step is to learn how to use and repurpose that content across multiple platforms and channels to grow your audience and build your brand. This week, we're chatting with someone who has helped millions of people create and share their content — Nathan Barry. Nathan is the creator of Kit (formerly known as ConvertKit), the world's largest email-first operating system for creators. Nathan is here to talk about how to build an audience through creating compelling and engaging content, as well as some practical tips on how to grow, automate, and segment your email list. Ultimately, building a content-driven speaking business can be a huge win for you and your speaking career, and Nathan is breaking down exactly how to do that. You’ll learn: “Don’t try to do everything.” Episode Resources: Nathan's WebsiteKit's WebsiteGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.