What if the secret to landing speaking gigs has nothing to do with your keynote—or your price tag?

In this eye-opening episode of "Path to the Main Stage," host Li Hayes sits down with Pat Miller, founder of the Small Business Owners Community (SBOC) and a seasoned event planner who’s booked names like Mel Robbins, Jesse Cole, Marcus Lemonis, and Seth Godin.

Pat lifts the curtain on what really makes speakers stand out and get hired—not just for massive conferences, but for the small, high-value events that are goldmines for emerging speakers.

Key highlights from this episode:

• Why killer audio trumps even slick visuals for virtual speaking engagements—and the one microphone mistake that can tank your credibility.
• The real reason “one-trick pony” speakers rarely get called back, and how event planners spot them a mile away.
• How creative formats (think live Q&As and dynamic coaching sessions) are revolutionizing virtual events—and why you should ditch your canned keynote on Zoom.
• The #1 trait organizers crave from speakers (hint: it’s not just your expertise, but your willingness to truly engage before, during, and after the event).
• The strategic power of promo videos, social media presence, and sponsor shout-outs—and how these easy wins can put you at the top of the booking list.
• Real talk on rates: Should your virtual and in-person fees really be the same? Pat gets honest about what planners expect and what makes a rate “worth it.”
• Lessons from speakers who become event legends—what made Carl Gould and Jesse Cole unforgettable, and how you can replicate their success.

Whether you’re new to the game or shooting for bigger stages, this episode is packed with actionable insights, candid stories, and tactical tips that go far beyond the usual speaker advice.

Timestamped episode overview:

00:00 – Introduction & why small events are powerful for emerging speakers

01:48 – Pat Miller shares his community building journey and experience booking top speakers

03:53 – Big name speaker shoutouts and the reality of speaker deals

04:15 – Virtual events: what actually brings value (and why canned keynotes are a no-go)

07:49 – Creative approaches to virtual presentations and audio quality essentials

09:35 – Tough love on virtual rates and why in-person is a different beast

12:32 – How speakers can customize their virtual vs. stage content

13:44 – The surprising impact of the right format in virtual sessions

15:11 – What made in-person experiences with speakers like Carl Gould a home run

18:00 – VIP sessions, books, and how speakers can boost both their value and planner ROI

19:06 – Why being gracious, flexible, and sponsor-savvy matters

21:46 – What planners look for in speaker collateral and red flags to avoid

25:49 – The importance of public video content for speaker credibility

29:01 – Booking decisions: attendee ticket math, tentpole speakers, and planner pain points

30:39 – Customer support, going the “extra mile,” and small wins that get you asked back

32:01 – How connecting with sponsors can be your golden ticket

33:47 – Pat’s perspective as an emerging speaker: message clarity and lessons learned

36:55 – Final tips on authenticity, specificity, and what really stands out for event planners

37:26 – Wrap-up and actionable takeaways for speakers hungry for the main stage