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You may be great on stage, but here's a different question:

What is it actually like to work with you?

In this solo episode of Booked, Banked & OnStage, Deborah Northcutt puts you in the event planner's chair.

Because the audience experiences your keynote. The planner experiences everything else.

They experience how quickly you respond, whether your speaker materials are ready, how you handle changes, how you treat the event team, whether they have to chase you for information, and what happens after you leave the stage.

And all of that can influence whether one speaking engagement leads to another.

Deborah walks through the speaker experience from the planner's side and gives you a simple self-check to help you identify where the business behind your speaking may need a little work.

In This Episode

You'll hear about:

• Why getting booked is only the beginning
• What event planners experience before you ever step on stage
• Why slow communication can create unnecessary stress for a planner
• The speaker materials you should have ready to send
• How to make a planner's job easier instead of adding to their workload
• Why being professional doesn't mean being stiff or robotic
• How to handle event changes while still maintaining your boundaries
• Why the way you treat AV teams, hotel staff, registration teams, and other event professionals matters
• What good post-event follow-up looks like
• How the entire experience of working with you can affect referrals and repeat bookings

Ask Yourself

If you were the event planner:

Would you have to chase yourself for information?

Would you know what to expect from yourself?

Would you deliver what was requested on time?

Would you recommend yourself to another planner?

And most importantly...

Would you book you again?

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Why the business behind the stage keeps you booked
00:58 The real question: Would an event planner book you?
02:03 The planner experiences more than your keynote
03:31 Put yourself in the planner's chair
04:59 Why slow communication creates friction
05:58 Speaker materials you should always have ready
07:25 Make the planner's job easier, not harder
08:54 Professional doesn't mean cold or robotic
09:23 Handling schedule changes without becoming difficult
10:49 People remember how you made them feel
11:17 Event-day timing, sound checks, and respect
12:45 Post-event follow-up and repeat opportunities
13:44 The planner-chair self-test
15:14 Fix one operational issue at a time
16:13 Why talent alone isn't enough
16:42 Would you book yourself again?
17:42 Make the business experience match the stage experience

Resources & Connect With Deborah

The Northcutt Speaking Agency, LLC
Learn more about speaker operations, engagement logistics, and support for established keynote speakers:
https://www.thenorthcuttspeakingagency.com

Ready to strengthen the business behind your speaking?
Schedule a Speaker Strategy Call with Deborah:
https://bit.ly/workwithdeborah

Speaker Resources & Tools
Explore resources designed to help you strengthen your visibility, speaker business, and the systems behind your speaking engagements:
https://thenorthcuttspeakingagency.com/shop

Remember

A powerful message may get you noticed, but the business behind the stage is what keeps you booked.

If this episode made you look at your speaking business a little differently, like and subscribe to Booked, Banked & OnStage so you don't miss the next conversation.

Support the show

Connect with me on Social Media:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahnorthcutt
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackwomenpodcasters
• Website: https://www.thenorthcuttspeakingagency.com
• Work With Me: https://bit.ly/workwithdeborah

Thanks for listening--keep showing up, speaking out, and making an impact!

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Getting the booking feels great. You pitched, followed up, negotiated the fee, and the event planner said yes.

But getting booked isn't the finish line. It's the beginning.

In this episode of Booked, Banked & OnStage, I'm talking about what happens after the yes and why the way you manage a speaking engagement behind the stage matters just as much as what happens when you step onto it.

As your speaking business grows, so do the details. Contracts, payments, planner communication, deadlines, speaker materials, travel, room setup, AV requirements, calendars, follow-up, and all the moving pieces that come with every engagement.

And while you may be perfectly capable of handling all of it yourself, there's a different question established speakers need to ask:

Should you still be handling all of it yourself? 

In this episode, you'll learn:

•  Why the event planner's experience with you begins long before you walk on stage 
•  What should happen immediately after you receive a booking 
•  Why every speaking engagement needs a clear system for tracking details and deadlines 
•  How organized speaker assets make working with planners easier 
•  Why knowing your room, AV setup, travel details, and complete schedule matters 
•  How your backend operations influence repeat bookings and referrals 
•  Why getting more bookings isn't always the answer when your current systems are already overwhelmed 
•  How to use a simple “business behind the stage” check to uncover gaps before they become problems 

I also walk you through my SPEAK Framework:

S – Spotlight Your Brand
P – Package Your Expertise
E – Engage the Right Platforms
A – Automate the Backend
K – Keep Getting Booked 

Here's the question I want you to think about after listening:

If five new bookings landed in your inbox this month, could your business handle them?

Because growth doesn't fix weak systems. It exposes what's missing. 

Your keynote matters. But so does the communication, preparation, logistics, planner relationship, and follow-up supporting it.

You don't build a sustainable speaking business on applause. You build it on what happens before, during, and after that applause. 

Ready for Support Behind the Stage?

If you're an established keynote speaker who's getting booked but spending too much time managing everything that happens after the booking, let's talk.

The Northcutt Speaking Agency provides speaker operations and logistics support so you can focus on your message, your audience, and your delivery.

Schedule a discovery call:
Work With Deborah

Stay Connected

Visit The Northcutt Speaking Agency to learn more about Speaker Operations and Speaker Logistics Management.

If this episode made you look at your speaking business differently, follow or subscribe to Booked, Banked & OnStage, and share this episode with another speaker who may be getting booked but struggling to manage everything behind the scenes. 

Support the show

Connect with me on Social Media:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahnorthcutt
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackwomenpodcasters
• Website: https://www.thenorthcuttspeakingagency.com
• Work With Me: https://bit.ly/workwithdeborah

Thanks for listening--keep showing up, speaking out, and making an impact!

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In this episode, Deborah breaks down the five biggest mistakes that trip up new speakers—and exactly how to avoid them so you can own the stage and get paid for your brilliance. If you’re serious about stepping up your speaking game, you don’t want to miss this!

Timestamps & Highlights

(00:00) Welcome and intro – Why new speakers stumble and how this episode will help you fast-track success.

(01:22) Mistake #1: Trying to sound like someone else

•   Copying another speaker’s style backfires. Deborah shares how to embrace your quirks and own your unique voice.

(02:46) Mistake #2: Death by PowerPoint

•  Overloaded slides lose your audience. Learn how to keep your visuals clean, clear, and impactful.

(03:35) Mistake #3: Ignoring your audience

•  Speaking is a two-way street. Deborah explains how to engage, read the room, and adjust on the fly.

(04:38) Mistake #4: Not practicing out loud

•  Why rehearsing in your head isn’t enough—and how to practice like a pro so your delivery lands.

(05:05) Mistake #5: The kitchen sink syndrome

•  Don’t try to give everything in one talk. Focus on one clear message with no more than three supporting points.

(07:15) Final takeaway – The one-question test to check if your talk is truly memorable.

(07:41) Closing – Share the episode, subscribe, and help more speakers stop speaking for free and start getting paid.

Links & Resources

• Subscribe to Booked, Banked, and On Stage so you never miss an episode!
• Share this episode with a fellow speaker who’s ready to level up.
• Leave a review—your feedback helps us reach more speakers like you!

Support the show

Connect with me on Social Media:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahnorthcutt
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackwomenpodcasters
• Website: https://www.thenorthcuttspeakingagency.com
• Work With Me: https://bit.ly/workwithdeborah

Thanks for listening--keep showing up, speaking out, and making an impact!

Send us Fan Mail

Are you using LinkedIn strategically—or just letting it collect digital dust? In this value-packed episode, Deborah Northcutt shares how speakers can transform LinkedIn into their #1 tool for landing high-paying speaking engagements.

From optimizing your profile, to crafting content that attracts decision-makers, to building real relationships with event planners — this episode is your complete guide to LinkedIn success as a speaker!

What You’ll Learn:
✅ How to position yourself as an expert worth booking
✅ LinkedIn profile optimization tips that attract event planners
✅ How to showcase speaking experience (even if you’re new!)
✅ The EXACT content strategy that gets speakers booked
✅ How to build high-value relationships that lead to paid gigs
✅ Common LinkedIn mistakes speakers make (and how to avoid them)

Timestamps:
00:00 - Welcome & intro: Why LinkedIn is a game-changer for speakers
02:41 - The "speaker gig gold mine" mindset shift
03:34 - Where decision-makers are hanging out online
05:16 - How Deborah helped speakers shift to premium opportunities
07:20 - How to optimize your LinkedIn profile
09:35 - Writing an engaging About section (with examples)
11:21 - Showcasing your speaking experience (even as a beginner)
12:18 - How to collect and use LinkedIn recommendations
13:32 - LinkedIn SEO: Skills and keywords to use
13:56 - Importance of a professional headshot
14:24 - Creating content that positions you as an expert
15:18 - The EIC Formula: Educate, Inspire, Challenge
17:33 - Types of posts that attract event planners
18:56 - How often (and when) to post on LinkedIn
19:50 - The power of strategic commenting
20:19 - How to identify and connect with the right decision-makers
21:40 - Crafting personalized connection requests
23:44 - Why speakers should collaborate and refer each other
24:31 - Using LinkedIn groups to find speaking leads
25:51 - Deborah’s weekly networking system
26:18 - Turning engagement into paid speaking gigs
28:34 - Outreach templates that convert
29:52 - How to follow up without being spammy
31:09 - Common mistakes speakers make on LinkedIn
32:24 - Bonus tips: Using LinkedIn Events & LinkedIn Live
32:52 - Weekly LinkedIn action plan for speakers
34:15 - Final thoughts & how to support the podcast

Action Plan:
✔ Rewrite your LinkedIn headline
✔ Update your About section to tell your story
✔ Post 3x this week using the EIC formula
✔ Spend 15 min/day engaging with ideal clients

✨ If this episode helped you:
👉 Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review
👉 Share with another speaker who needs this!

Support the show

Connect with me on Social Media:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahnorthcutt
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackwomenpodcasters
• Website: https://www.thenorthcuttspeakingagency.com
• Work With Me: https://bit.ly/workwithdeborah

Thanks for listening--keep showing up, speaking out, and making an impact!

Send us Fan Mail

Are you tired of posting and praying for gigs that never come? In this episode of Booked, Banked, and On Stage, I’m breaking down how to turn your social media feed into your personal speaker bureau. We’re not chasing likes—we’re securing paid speaking engagements with content that connects, converts, and gets you booked!

👉 Whether you’re just starting out or need to refresh your speaker marketing, I’ll walk you through:
 ✔️ The 5 best content types every speaker should post
 ✔️ My exact Social-to-Stage Conversion Framework
 ✔️ How to use LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok & Facebook strategically
 ✔️ The bio script that attracts event planners
 ✔️ Real stories of speakers landing $5K gigs with simple tweaks

This isn’t theory—these are field-tested strategies from speakers just like you who went from overlooked to overbooked.

🔗 Hit play and learn how to stop ghosting your social and start using it to book the stage you deserve.

⏱ TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 – Welcome & Why Social Media Isn’t Optional
02:00 – Case Study: Turning LinkedIn Into a Booking Engine
04:32 – Breakdown of Social Media Platforms for Speakers
07:15 – 5 High-Impact Content Ideas
10:22 – Weekly Content Plan for Speakers
13:40 – The Social-to-Stage Conversion Framework
18:00 – What to Put in Your Bio to Get Booked
21:15 – Story: How Ghosting Social Media Cost a Speaker a Gig
24:00 – Tools, Mindset, and Final Tips for Visibility

✅ Subscribe for weekly speaker strategies
💬 Drop your biggest takeaway in the comments
📲 Share with a speaker friend who needs this episode
📩 Book a speaker support call with me → https://bit.ly/workwithdeborah

Want help getting visible and booked?
 Tag me when you share this episode! 

Support the show

Connect with me on Social Media:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahnorthcutt
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackwomenpodcasters
• Website: https://www.thenorthcuttspeakingagency.com
• Work With Me: https://bit.ly/workwithdeborah

Thanks for listening--keep showing up, speaking out, and making an impact!

Send us Fan Mail

Having talent isn't enough to guarantee bookings. In today's competitive speaking landscape, branding and strategic marketing are essential. Deborah Northcut shares her proven framework designed to elevate your speaking brand, attract more event planners, and increase your income.

Key Takeaways:

• Your success as a speaker starts with your unique voice—your "speaker fingerprint."
• Specificity in messaging boosts speaker bookings dramatically.
• A distinctive signature framework helps you become memorable and creates valuable intellectual property.
• Your online presence must clearly communicate the transformation you provide.
• Cultivating relationships strategically leads to increased opportunities and repeat bookings.
• Master pricing with techniques like value-based pricing, tiered packages, and strategic price anchoring.
• Diversifying revenue streams ensures long-term sustainability in your speaking career.

Resources Mentioned:

• Simon Sinek’s Start With Why
• Brené Brown’s research on vulnerability

Connect with Deborah:

• https://www.thenorthcuttspeakingagency.com
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahnorthcutt

Loved this episode? Subscribe, rate, and review to help more speakers build thriving careers!

Next week: "The Best Social Media Strategies to Promote Your Speaking Business."

Support the show

Connect with me on Social Media:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahnorthcutt
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackwomenpodcasters
• Website: https://www.thenorthcuttspeakingagency.com
• Work With Me: https://bit.ly/workwithdeborah

Thanks for listening--keep showing up, speaking out, and making an impact!

Send us Fan Mail

Have you ever wondered why some speakers get booked for every conference while others struggle to land even one gig? The secret might be hiding in plain sight: your speaker bio.

In this value-packed episode, Deborah reveals what 87 professional event planners (who collectively book over 2,000 speakers annually) actually look for when selecting speakers. You'll discover the 5 essential elements every winning speaker bio must include, learn how to craft a Unique Value Proposition that makes you the obvious choice, and uncover which forms of social proof actually matter to decision-makers.

Most speakers make the critical mistake of writing their bio like a resume—focusing on their own accomplishments rather than the audience's needs. By the end of this episode, you'll have a proven 30-minute framework to transform your speaker bio from forgettable to irresistible, helping you get booked, get paid, and own the stage.

Subscribe to Booked Banked & OnStage for weekly insider strategies and expert interviews that help you turn your voice into a thriving business.

Support the show

Connect with me on Social Media:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahnorthcutt
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackwomenpodcasters
• Website: https://www.thenorthcuttspeakingagency.com
• Work With Me: https://bit.ly/workwithdeborah

Thanks for listening--keep showing up, speaking out, and making an impact!

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Connect with me on Social Media:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahnorthcutt
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackwomenpodcasters
• Website: https://www.thenorthcuttspeakingagency.com
• Work With Me: https://bit.ly/workwithdeborah

Thanks for listening--keep showing up, speaking out, and making an impact!

Send us Fan Mail

Episode #2:  Get Booked Again and Again with THIS 1 Strategy! 

In this episode of 'Book, Banked, and On Stage', I share essential strategies for speakers to secure repeat bookings. I emphasize the importance of preparation, engagement during the event, and effective follow-up to create lasting impressions on event planners. By over-delivering value and maintaining communication, speakers can build a sustainable career in public speaking.

[00:02] Host Deborah Northcutt introduces the podcast Booked, Banked & On Stage, designed to help speakers turn their voice into a paid business.

• [00:49] Landing your first speaking gig is great, but turning speaking into a real business means getting booked again and again.
• [01:36] The #1 secret to becoming a rebooked speaker isn't just being a good speaker — it's about what you do before, during, and after the event.

Before the Event:

• [02:28] Make a strong first impression:
  • Respond to emails promptly
  • Submit all materials (bio, headshot, talk description)
  • Ask for logistics in advance (room setup, mic type, tech needs, stage colors, audience info)
• [03:13] Promote the event on your channels (social media, email, LinkedIn) to show you're a team player.

During the Event:

• [03:13] Overdeliver with value:
  • Customize your talk for the audience
  • Stay after to network and answer questions
  • Be flexible and easy to work with

After the Event:

• [04:09] Follow up within 24 hours:
  • Send a thank-you email
  • Ask for feedback and a testimonial
  • Send a small gift or handwritten note to leave a lasting impression
  • Stay in touch every few months with updates and new talk topics
• [05:01] Main takeaway: Make the event planner’s job easier, stay top of mind, and you’ll keep getting booked.
• [05:58] Teaser for next episode: What event planners really look for when booking speakers — it may not be what you think.

Support the show

Connect with me on Social Media:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahnorthcutt
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackwomenpodcasters
• Website: https://www.thenorthcuttspeakingagency.com
• Work With Me: https://bit.ly/workwithdeborah

Thanks for listening--keep showing up, speaking out, and making an impact!

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of 'Booked, Banked, and Onstage', Deborah Northcutt shares actionable strategies for speakers looking to transition from unpaid to paid gigs. She outlines a 60-day game plan to secure paid speaking opportunities, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's niche, creating a professional speaker one sheet, and effectively pitching to event planners. She also discusses how to leverage free speaking engagements to build credibility and convert them into paid opportunities, while treating speaking as a legitimate business rather than a side hustle.

Support the show

Connect with me on Social Media:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahnorthcutt
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackwomenpodcasters
• Website: https://www.thenorthcuttspeakingagency.com
• Work With Me: https://bit.ly/workwithdeborah

Thanks for listening--keep showing up, speaking out, and making an impact!