Speakernomics

Get the inside scoop on how Sam Demma became the youngest Certified Speaking Professional and booked over 750 paid speaking gigs, all before 2025. In this episode of Speakernomics, Sam breaks down the exact outreach and sales strategies that built his thriving speaking business in the education market.
Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
* How Sam focused and expanded his market from local schools in Ontario to the entire US and Canada
* The concrete sales and outreach tactics he used to land hundreds of gigs, including video emails and social media
* Why value always wins over budget objections—and how to position yourself for higher fees
* The three-part sales playbook (pre-call, during-call, post-call) Sam uses to consistently close 30-40% of leads
* Creative ways to turn “no” into new opportunities and keep your speaking pipeline full
If you want a no-nonsense blueprint for growth as a professional speaker, this episode is packed with actionable advice you can use right away!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Unlock next-level social media strategies for speakers with insights from top experts and booking agents. Discover the practical steps that make your social presence work for your speaking business.
* How to choose the right social platform and boost consistency without spreading yourself too thin
* Why social proof and testimonials matter more than self-promotion
* Content strategies: balancing value, authenticity, and connection with your audience
* The importance of tailoring posts to decision-makers, bookers, and meeting professionals
* Actionable tips to maximize social media for bookings, brand-building, and business growth

Watch now to learn what truly works (and what to avoid) for speakers on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and more!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Prepare to be frippnotized and take your speaking career to the next level with Patricia Fripp's time-tested advice and actionable insights.
In this session, Patricia will:
* Guide speakers to focus on their audience and ensure their stories are relevant and engaging for the listeners, making them feel connected and invested.
* Demonstrate the significance of having a core message and adaptable content that can be customized for different industries and varied speech lengths.
* Advocate for the hiring of a speech coach, providing key insights into how even seasoned speakers can continue to improve and refine their presentations.
* Highlight the importance of specificity in language and offers strategies to enhance the clarity and impact of your words

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Shark and his lineup of seasoned professionals to enhance your understanding of fee management and explore balanced, ethical approaches to maintaining speaker value in a fluctuating market.
In this session, you will:
* Evaluate the concept of fee congruency and how it allows speakers to adapt their fees based on added values or specific circumstances.
* Create a strategy for maintaining fee integrity while being open to non-monetary value exchanges when clients face budget constraints.
* Analyze the importance of having a structured fee schedule and the benefits of aligning speaking engagements with personal and family commitments.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Speakernomics, host Kenneth "Shark" Kinney brings together insights from 16 diverse voices within the speaking industry to explore the essential marketing materials needed for speakers to elevate their business.
In this session, you will:
* Analyze the various perspectives on the most critical marketing tool, including the significance of a compelling demo reel and a comprehensive website.
* Explore the role of relationships and reputation in driving successful speaking engagements and building a thriving speaking career.
* Synthesize the collective wisdom from speakers, agents, and meeting planners on creating a holistic marketing strategy that emphasizes transformation over self-promotion.
Join Shark and industry experts as they unveil strategies to help you speak, get paid, and repeat with success.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AI is transforming how speakers are discovered, trusted, and booked—and your content strategy needs to change with it. In this episode, Lethia Owens, CSP shares actionable insights on optimizing your digital footprint for both human and AI-driven search.
* How meeting planners and bureaus are using AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity to find speakers
* Strategies for creating “AI-friendly” content across your website and social platforms
* Why video and high-authority content (like definitive guides and white papers) boost your visibility
* The importance of niche expertise and authoritative frameworks to get noticed by AI engines
* Lethia’s tips for consistent content creation, brand auditing, and becoming an “AI-first” speaker entrepreneur
Want to future-proof your speaking business? Watch now and level up your digital presence for the age of AI.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is essential for speakers aiming to transform their presentations from ordinary to extraordinary by honing in on what truly captures and holds an audience's attention.
This episode of Speakernomics, host Kenneth "Shark" Kinney engages with Brian Walters, CSP, CPAE, a seasoned speaker, emcee, and infotainment expert. Brian, a past president of the National Speakers Association, shares his expert advice on creating memorable and "sticky" content in the ever-evolving speaking industry.
In this session, Brian will:

* Explain the "sticky framework" as a crucial method for speakers to design presentations that resonate. Attendees will learn to identify and apply the framework's components: gettable, feelable, sayable, and doable in their presentations.

* Illustrate how to identify the Scooby Doo moment in a speech, ensuring that speakers recognize and craft their 'aha' moments to maximize audience engagement and recall.

* Discuss techniques for crafting and branding key points, using memory hacks and storytelling to enhance the impact and retention of a speaker's message.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether you are an emerging or experienced speaker, let Simon’s journey inspire you to align your inner spark with external success and to leverage your expertise for meaningful, memorable impact.
In this episode of Speakernomics, host Kenneth Kinney (Shark) sits down with renowned CSP and CPAE Hall of Fame keynote speaker Simon T. Bailey to explore what it truly means to amplify your brilliance as a professional speaker. Simon, widely recognized as the world’s leading expert on brilliance, shares personal milestones, strategies for sustainable influence, and the pivotal role research has played in redefining his brand and value proposition in the speaking industry.
In this session, Simon will:
* Illustrate how to differentiate yourself by embracing originality and authenticity rather than mimicking industry icons, ensuring your message resonates beyond the applause.
* Analyze the impact of integrating proprietary research into your business, elevating conversations with decision-makers, commanding higher fees, and building long-term influence within client organizations.
* Reflect on common career challenges—such as chasing stages and seeking validation from speaker bureaus—and encourage speakers to focus on service, humility, and the true meaning behind every keynote.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover what it really takes to stand out as a professional speaker in today’s evolving meetings industry. In this episode, Sarah Michel shares insider tips from both the speaker and meeting planner perspectives to help you get noticed, get booked, and add more value.
The latest trends in how meeting planners search for and select speakers:
*Why unedited, authentic video is more important than ever for getting booked
*The critical importance of customizing your keynote to audience pain points
*Creative ways speakers can deliver more value beyond just the keynote
*Building lasting relationships with event professionals, not just closing a sale
Tune in and learn how to elevate your speaking business and get ahead of industry changes!
Become an NSA Member!
THRIVE 2026! You NEED to be here!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn how to turn your expertise into income with practical tips from LaShaundra McCarty on this episode of Speakernomics.

Discover actionable strategies for speakers to grow their business and make smarter financial choices.
* The importance of diversifying your revenue streams as a speaker
* How to track your numbers for better business decisions
* Passive income ideas like online courses, workbooks, podcasts, and newsletters
* Monetization tips specifically for podcasting and written materials
Why knowing your financials and audience demographics drives long-term success

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices