Publicity isn't just for actors and celebrities! Learning how to grow your speaking career with publicity can be one of the fastest ways to grow your brand and your speaking platform. And to explain how is none other than publicity and media ninja, Selena Soo. Selena is the resident expert on public relations, having worked with notable names such as Ramit Sethi, Derek Halpern and Kimra Luna. She's also helped her clients secure coverage in media outlets like Forbes , Inc., and O, The Oprah Maga...
Mar 27, 2018•37 min•Ep. 178
"How can I speak to the military?" is a question I am asked on a regular basis, and you will uncover the answer on today's episode! Our guest is Mike Domitrz, international speaker and founder of the Date Safe Project. In his role as founder and leader, Mike travels the world working with universities, military installations, corporations and organizations to create a culture of consent and respect. On episode 177, Mike tells us how his sister's experience led him to become a speaker which in tu...
Mar 20, 2018•41 min•Ep. 177
Ever wonder how to speak to the education market? Are you interested in making a career out of touching the lives of students, teachers and the parents of students? If so you are in the right place! Joining us for this show is my friend, Scott Backovich, one of the leading speakers in the youth market. Scott may look young but he has plenty of experience and wisdom on this topic, and he shares it all with us today. On episode 176, we talk about about how he finds and books school assemblies and ...
Mar 13, 2018•40 min•Ep. 176
One of the most important things you can for your speaking career is to find out how to position yourself as an expert. And I could think of no one better to describe and demonstrate this topic than my good friend Chris Ducker. Chris is an internationally-recognized expert on all things personal branding. He's also a best-selling author, globe-trotting speaker, and successful business mentor. He knows more than a thing or two about standing out as an expert! On today's show, we're talking about ...
Mar 06, 2018•34 min•Ep. 175
Should you ever speak for free or accept a lower fee? Today my co-host Melanie Deziel and I are answering both of those questions for you. We specifically talk about why money isn't the only reason to speak, and what the other benefits and non-monetary perks are which you can negotiate as a speaker. We'll also cover how to build your business beyond the stage, speak to build your credibility and your visibility, and give examples of when we've both been willing to speak for a reduced fee or even...
Feb 27, 2018•29 min•Ep. 174
Inevitably you'll run into some issue before, during or right after you give a talk. Do you know how to prepare for when things go wrong as a speaker? Both my co-host and I do and that's what we're talking about on today's show. Our co-host Melanie Deziel is back for her 3rd segment: the blooper reel. On episode 173 we talk about how to respond to any number of potential scenarios and pitfalls as a speaker. You'll find out what to do if you are running late or having travel issues or if you are ...
Feb 20, 2018•36 min•Ep. 173
Once you've given your speech the next step often becomes how to get the most referrals and testimonials after you've given a speech. Today we're going to walk you through the best ways to do this. On episode 172 of The Speaker Lab, I'm joined by my co-host Melanie Deziel again. In case you missed our introduction of Melanie last week she's a successful speaker who came over from the corporate world after discovering her love of public speaking. Today she speaks and consults full-time and is als...
Feb 13, 2018•32 min•Ep. 172
One of the common questions I get asked is what you need to know before signing a contract. To answer this question we are joined by Melanie Deziel today. But unlike our usual format Melanie isn't a guest today, she's our first co-host! Melanie was a student who has gone through our training programs and has become one of our coaches. Before branching out on her own in the speaking world, Melanie worked in a corporate environment. She helped brands think more like journalists and tell better sto...
Feb 06, 2018•44 min•Ep. 171
Because there is a right way and a wrong way to sell yourself, our guest is here to explain how to sell yourself with digital persuasion. Erin Gargan is a multi-entrepreneur who currently owns and operates an agency that specializes in social media for trade shows, conferences and events. One day a client of hers was in a panic: they were a week away from the opening of their event and one of their social media speakers had canceled. Erin offered to help her client by filling in. Her speech went...
Jan 30, 2018•39 min•Ep. 170
To be comfortable with your imperfections may not be a speaking goal you've set for yourself but our guest on today's episode of The Speaker Lab shares how doing so has made an impact on his career and an even bigger impact on his audience. John Michael Morgan is a world-class coach, best-selling author and keynote speaker who has found just how powerful it is to be raw, vulnerable and real with his audiences. On this episode of The Speaker Lab he shares how he came to this discovery and how doi...
Jan 23, 2018•39 min•Ep. 169
If the true hallmark of a great speech is how many referrals it generates, how can you create the most referrals from your speeches? Our guest, Andrew Davis, knows exactly how to do it and he tells us on this episode of The Speaker Lab. In the process of becoming an international keynote speaker, Andrew has discovered how to consistently generate a high number of referrals every time he speaks to an audience. On episode 168 he explains how he does it, which industries and which events he focuses...
Jan 16, 2018•37 min•Ep. 168
Social media is part of our everyday lives, and it can be an effective business tool. But do you know how to use social media to land more gigs, while still being the real you? Our guest, Jon Acuff, does and he'll explain how in episode 167 of The Speaker Lab. When Jon isn't speaking or writing best-selling books, including his latest book Finish , he is actively sharing his work and his life on social media. Today we talk about how his social media platform and his online content have helped hi...
Jan 09, 2018•35 min•Ep. 167
Whether it's the start of a new year or not, it's your job to stay healthy. Your health should be a top priority for you as a speaker. Which begs the question: how to stay healthy when speaking on the road? It can be challenging and here to offer some practical solutions is Shawn Stevenson. Shawn knows all about speaking and staying healthy, he may be the healthiest person I know! I'm excited to share our conversation with you, we talk about his travel tips for eating healthy, staying hydrated a...
Jan 02, 2018•44 min•Ep. 166
Do you know why and how to diversify your revenue streams? Our guest for today does and she's here to tell all. Dorie Clark is a marketing strategy consultant, executive coach, author and professional speaker who has 8 different revenue streams! Today she shares how she evolved her business to include speaking and diversified to have 8 different revenue streams. We also touch on how she's built those revenue streams over time, how she's positioned them to all feed into each other and how you as ...
Dec 26, 2017•35 min•Ep. 165
If you were creating your greatest competitive advantage what would it be? Our guest for today has discovered his and he's here to share what it is and how he found it. Vinh Giang is an international speaker and magician who is known for his ability to educate, entertain and enlighten his audiences. He joins me on this episode of The Speaker Lab to talk about the tireless dedication and work ethic needed to catapult him to such a high level of success. He also explains how his TEDx talk changed ...
Dec 19, 2017•36 min•Ep. 164
The key to repeat business and staying booked solid is learning how to stay top of mind with potential clients. And one man who knows exactly how to do this is Brandon Edmonson of Premiere Speakers Bureau. Brandon is an agent with the bureau and in his role he books hundreds of gigs each year. He's gained a lot of insight in the process, all of which he shares today. On this episode of The Speaker Lab, we talk about how he finds and books engagements, how he stays top of mind with his potential ...
Dec 12, 2017•42 min•Ep. 163
If you want to know how to land 100 speaking gigs a year, or even a fraction of that number, you will love today's guest! Ty Bennett first found his passion for speaking and training when he and his brother built a $25 million a year direct sales business together. As part of growing that business, he did a lot of speaking and training for their sales teams. In 2010, he decided to make speaking his top priority after he published his first book. He sold his half of the business to his brother an...
Dec 05, 2017•38 min•Ep. 162
Learn how you can make money speaking to non-profits and why you shouldn't listen to all the myths you hear in the industry. Is it really true that non-profits don't have funds to pay for speakers? Or is it just a matter of finding out how to make money speaking to non-profits? Our guest today, Connie Albers, says it is the latter. Today she is debunking the myth that non-profits have no money for speakers, and sharing how to find the ones that do! Connie has been in the speaking world for many ...
Nov 28, 2017•33 min•Ep. 161
Do you know what the best of the best do differently? There are universal principles, and our guest today will tell you what they are on this episode of The Speaker Lab. Alan Stein, Jr.'s career began as a performance coach working with youth and high school programs. The two schools he started with are part of Nike's elite programs. That work led to gigs with Nike and USA Basketball, which then opened more doors to the best coaches and players of the NBA. It was at that elite level that Alan le...
Nov 21, 2017•38 min•Ep. 160
Learn how to book more speaking gigs when you're able to connect, follow-up, and build authentic relationships with event planners. It's one of the most important things you can do for your career and will help you make the transition from hobby speaker with intermittent gigs to a professional speaker with a full schedule of paid speaking engagements. Today on The Speaker Lab Podcast, Lindsey Castleman is here to share her experience planning big events for everyone from Lifeway to Dave Ramsey. ...
Nov 14, 2017•37 min•Ep. 159
Do you know how to avoid common mistakes when selling yourself - the kind most speakers make even if they are seasoned pros? Today's guest does, and he tells all on episode 158 of The Speaker Lab. Phil Jones is now a keynote speaker and seminar leader who has delivered over 2,000 paid presentations in 56 countries on 5 continents. He also has 18 revenue streams in his speaking business. He does about 90 in-person events, 25 are traditional keynote engagements while the others are split up among ...
Nov 07, 2017•37 min•Ep. 158
Do you know how to overcome Impostor Syndrome, that voice inside that doubts you? It's that voice that says you don't belong on stage, you aren't good enough, etc. Nearly everyone has that voice, but there are ways to conquer it and our guest today shares some of them. Laura Gassner Otting is relatively new to speaking, but she has 25+ years of CEO and entrepreneurial experience that she draws from on stage. She is also an executive coach, a writer, and a consultant. Her work stems from her beli...
Oct 31, 2017•40 min•Ep. 157
Ever wonder how to know if you're worth charging higher speaking fees - and be confident when you quote your fee? Our guest for this episode does, and he spills all the beans on episode 156! Ian Altman is a sales expert and the go-to authority on integrity-based selling. He's also a sought-after keynote speaker who now earns $20k for his speeches. Today we're talking about how he rose to that level of speaking fees, how to determine your correct audience and why it's important to be sure you're ...
Oct 24, 2017•40 min•Ep. 156
Do you know how to bring humor into your speeches, and do it a way that amuses your audience but still conveys your message? Our guest for episode 155 does, and he tells all today. On today's show, Patrick Henry and I talk about how to use humor in your speeches, build relationships with other speakers, and why it's important. Patrick Henry is an author, songwriter, and performance keynote speaker who partners with meeting planners to make meetings memorable . As a former Nashville songwriter an...
Oct 17, 2017•33 min•Ep. 155
Would you like to make a living speaking in the education market? Does the idea of helping educators light you up? If you said yes then you will love our guest on today's episode of The Speaker Lab! Ryan Giffen is a booking agent in the education and the university industries. He has booked speakers for several thousand events in his time with Premiere Speakers Bureau. Today we talk through common events speakers are hired for in the K-12 and university industries, how to determine who the decis...
Oct 10, 2017•35 min•Ep. 154
Do you know how to share your story to connect with your audience in a way that conveys your message while still helping them? Do you fully understand how your unique story can skyrocket your speaking career? The man to answer those questions is here today, Mr. Nick Morgan. Nick is an acclaimed international, keynote speaker and a best-selling author. He also coaches other speakers and executives on how to communicate more effectively. Today we cover how most speakers drop the ball in their pres...
Oct 03, 2017•38 min•Ep. 153
Are you struggling to speak on the topic of your choice? It is one of the most frequent questions I am asked so today's show is going to answer that question. In this edition of The Speaker Lab, we are giving you access to a bonus Q&A call from our Booked and Paid to Speak group, something we have never done before today. The conversation you are about to hear is a behind-the-scenes look at the process to help one woman narrow down the who, what, where and how of her speaking career. This is...
Sep 26, 2017•33 min•Ep. 152
Do you know how to be a great speaker to work with, or if you already are? Today you'll find out directly from an expert! Chris Mefford is a speaker and a former executive in charge of events for Dave Ramsey. In that role, Chris oversaw all of their events - about 80 a year. Along the way, he learned a lot about what makes a speaker great to work with and what doesn't, why he and his team hired certain speakers over others and why some speakers became repeat guests and not others. He shares insi...
Sep 19, 2017•32 min•Ep. 151
Do you struggle to work full-time and build momentum as a speaker? Does it seem like an impossible feat to grow your speaking business while juggling your full-time job, your family and your other obligations? Our guest does all of that and today he shares his secrets! Erick Rheam is making his second appearance as a guest on The Speaker Lab Podcast. Today he shares how he went from 20 gigs last year to 53 this year, all while working full-time and being an active, involved father and husband. H...
Sep 12, 2017•42 min•Ep. 150
Today on The Speaker Lab Podcast, I have Josh Steimle Entrepreneur and International Speakers, here to talk about how he manages his time while owning an international marketing agency and speaking around the world. Josh Steimle has locations in China, the U.S., and the U.K. Finding the time and resources to land more speaking gigs while being a full-time entrepreneur is a real struggle. Maybe you work a full-time corporate job and you're struggling to book paid gigs. If so, you are not alone. T...
Sep 05, 2017•34 min•Ep. 149
