Technically Speaking

Plenty of professional speakers are perfectly comfortable on stage and always were, but, believe it or not, that's not the case for everyone.

For many aspiring or even active speakers, the thought of the spotlight can be anxiety and nausea-inducing, and many resources say the same thing: You just need to be more confident in yourself.

And while this may be true in part, the only tried-and-true way to boost your speaking skills AND your confidence is – you guessed it – practice.

In this episode, we're joined by speaking coach and the owner of Frantically Speaking Hrideep Barot to break this process down and dispel the idea that confidence is "all you need" to become a better speaker.

Having coached people from companies like Meta, Tesla, Deloitte, KPMG, and Adobe as well as from various universities like Harvard, Stanford, and MIT, Hrideep is well-versed in the challenges of becoming a speaker, especially if you're a natural introvert.

In his words, "Have I transformed myself into this amazing public speaker? No. But I have come to the conclusion that communication and public speaking skills, just like most other skills, are learnable." And here, he explains how you can learn to be a better speaker, too.

Show Notes:

✅ Take Hrideep's "Frantically" Public Speaking Masterclass: https://youtu.be/hjX1Sj38ykU

✅ Download Hrideep's printable Public Speaking checklist: https://franticallyspeaking.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/The-Public-Speaking-Checklist-1.pdf

📷 Watch the video version of this episode and subscribe for updates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAr3nGy6lbXrhbezMxoHTSCS40liusyU

🎤 Thank you to our sponsor, Libsyn Studio (formerly Auxbus)! Want the best podcasting solution out there? Learn more here: https://www.libsynstudio.com/

🚀 And as always, don't forget about all the mind-blowing free resources at https://speakerflow.com/resources/

From time to time, it can be hard to not feel like things just aren't going your way. Maybe sales in your business are down, maybe you're behind on your day-to-day tasks.

Like many thought leaders, you may also be weighing whether or not you're in the right niche or offering the right products or services. Put simply, you might be feeling misaligned but unsure where or how to fix it.

Here, we're joined by problem solver, organizational strategist, and humanitarian Steve Fredlund to discuss just that.

After more than 20 years in corporate America – and feeling misaligned in the process – Steve launched a non-profit and ultimately went on a journey to become "unstuck" that took him around the world including four trips to Rwanda.

Today, he's a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries, the founder of Small Small Business, a two-time TEDx speaker, and the creator of The Solving BOX framework for innovation and problem-solving.

In this episode, he breaks down how you can learn from his experiences to un-stick your own life and business and find where you feel aligned and purposeful.

Let's dive in!

Show Notes:

✅ Interested in learning more about Steve's work? Check out his website here: https://stevefredlund.com/

📷 Watch the video version of this episode and subscribe for updates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAr3nGy6lbXrhbezMxoHTSCS40liusyU

🎤 Thank you to our sponsor, Libsyn Studio (formerly Auxbus)! Want the best podcasting solution out there? Learn more here: https://www.libsynstudio.com/

🚀 And as always, don't forget about all the mind-blowing free resources at https://speakerflow.com/resources/

If there's one thing we've discussed in depth on Technically Speaking, it's the importance of learning to sell for yourself in your thought leadership business.

But the greatest, most-impactful tool in your sales toolbelt isn't actually any of your own skills – It's the testimonials from your past clients or, as they're also known, the "superfans" of your products and services.

In this episode, we're talking all about superfans including how to define them AND how to ensure every single one of your clients becomes one by the time your work together is done.

Here to help us out is award-winning entrepreneur, author, and customer experience speaker Brittany Hodak.

Having worked with some of the world's biggest brands and entertainers, including Walmart, Disney, Katy Perry, and Dolly Parton, Brittany knows more than anyone what it takes to turn people into evangelists for your brand.

These are people who love you and your sales offerings and tell others in their network (so they buy from you, too). So, whether you're a one-person show or running a team, you're not going to want to miss this episode!

Show Notes:

✅ Grab a copy of Brittany's book, "Creating Superfans": https://www.amazon.com/Creating-Superfans-Five-Step-Multiplying-Reputation/dp/1774580780

📷 Watch the video version of this episode and subscribe for updates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAr3nGy6lbXrhbezMxoHTSCS40liusyU

🎤 Thank you to our sponsor, Libsyn Studio (formerly Auxbus)! Want the best podcasting solution out there? Learn more here: https://www.libsynstudio.com/

🚀 And as always, don't forget about all the mind-blowing free resources at https://speakerflow.com/resources/

One of the most common challenges we come across with clients – and one that's true throughout the thought leadership industry – is "squirrel chasing" in marketing.

Whether we're talking about social media management, creating content, building a website, or even testing paid ads, many expert business owners fall into the trap of wanting to try everything.

And, in the process, they often skip the necessary groundwork, such as identifying your ideal client and narrowing your focus industries.

Here to discuss this with us is speaker, author, and the President and CEO of Prime Concepts Group, Ford Saeks.

With over 20 years' of experience (ranging from retail to wholesale business management), Ford has founded over ten companies, authored four books, been awarded three U.S. patents, and received numerous industry awards.

Suffice to say he knows what he's talking about when it comes to growing a business. He's also an expert on marketing myths and the common "traps" that business owners fall into.

If this sounds like you and you're on the lookout for ways to boost your marketing efforts this year, this is the episode for you.

Show Notes:

✅ Sign up for Ford's Free Digital Marketing Critique: https://www.primeconcepts.com/

📷 Watch the video version of this episode and subscribe for updates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAr3nGy6lbXrhbezMxoHTSCS40liusyU

🎤 Thank you to our sponsor, Libsyn Studio (formerly Auxbus)! Want the best podcasting solution out there? Learn more here: https://www.libsynstudio.com/

🚀 And as always, don't forget about all the mind-blowing free resources at https://speakerflow.com/resources/

A single search for "sales strategies" produces a ton of amazing advice... but also a fair amount of garbage or (put more kindly) myths about sales that can lead you astray.

"Cold outreach is pointless" is a common one. We also hear many thought leaders argue that "You can't build trust with cold outreach" and "objections mean you're not going to close the sale."

The good news is that none of these statements are true, and there are a variety of ways to ensure predictable revenue in your thought leadership business. Here to discuss that with us is Shawn Rhodes.

As an author, TEDx speaker, and seasoned expert on what it takes to build a sales team, Shawn is globally recognized for his sales expertise.

Here, he argues, "You can hope for business or you can be predictable about gaining business. If you're running a small business as more of a hobby, hope is fine, but if not, you need a mechanism to keep you in control of your revenue."

We couldn't have put it better ourselves, and if you're looking to take charge of your sales systems, this episode is full of myth-busting you need to hear.

Show Notes:

✅ Take Shawn's 5-minute sales assessment that generates a sales system you can begin using today: https://survey.bulletproofselling.us/

📷 Watch the video version of this episode and subscribe for updates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAr3nGy6lbXrhbezMxoHTSCS40liusyU

🎤 Thank you to our sponsor, Libsyn Studio (formerly Auxbus)! Want the best podcasting solution out there? Learn more here: https://www.libsynstudio.com/

🚀 And as always, don't forget about all the mind-blowing free resources at https://speakerflow.com/resources/

It's common knowledge among business owners – regardless of industry – that one of the best ways to win over potential clients is through video testimonials.

Whether they show past clients highlighting their experience working with you or outlining the results you generated for them, video testimonials go a long way in building trust, establishing your authority, and ultimately showing your ideal clients that you're a good fit for them.

Where it gets tricky is when you initially ask clients, "Can you shoot me a video testimonial?" After all, the biggest benefits in this case serve you, not them in any way.

To get around that, we're chatting with Christian Napier, the CEO of the video software app Rakonto.

As Christian explains it, the most impactful testimonials come from capturing a client's story and how you fit into it. Even if their answers reflect well on you, mastering the initial testimonials "ask" so it's focused on them is paramount.

In this episode, he explains how you can make that happen and translate the results of those testimonials into better presentations, higher sales, and more.

Show Notes:

✅ Check out Rakonto here: https://www.rakonto.io/

📷 Watch the video version of this episode and subscribe for updates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAr3nGy6lbXrhbezMxoHTSCS40liusyU

🎤 Thank you to our sponsor, Libsyn Studio (formerly Auxbus)! Want the best podcasting solution out there? Learn more here: https://www.libsynstudio.com/

🚀 And as always, don't forget about all the mind-blowing free resources at https://speakerflow.com/resources/

If you're a regular listener of Technically Speaking, you already know how many of our guests are professional speakers, and you've likely heard a few of their episodes about boosting your speaking skills.

But what about when you're not on stage? How does speaking tie into the other aspects of running a business?

Even more importantly, can being a better speaker boost your business in other ways?

The short answer is "yes," and to tell us the "how" and "why" behind that answer, we're joined by award-winning speaker Ramona Smith.

As the 2018 Toastmasters World Champion of Public Speaking, Ramona knows firsthand what it takes to deliver a persuasive, powerful, and memorable speech.

What she's here to explain today is how that also translates to selling products or services – whether you're a speaker or not – by mastering "strategies to sell genuinely and effectively without sounding like a cheesy used car salesman."

In her words, "It's all about knowledge and preparation." Let's get into it!

Show Notes:

✅ Get Ramona's "Confidently You" Journal: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ConfidenceCompanion?ref=seller-platform-mcnav

✅ Check out Ramona's Book, "A World Champion's Guide to Public Speaking": https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZN7ZJHY?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420 |

📷 Watch the video version of this episode and subscribe for updates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAr3nGy6lbXrhbezMxoHTSCS40liusyU

🎤 Thank you to our sponsor, Libsyn Studio (formerly Auxbus)! Want the best podcasting solution out there? Learn more here: https://www.libsynstudio.com/

🚀 And as always, don't forget about all the mind-blowing free resources at https://speakerflow.com/resources/

Whether you're an experienced salesperson or not, chances are one of the most anxiety-inducing parts of your sales process is "the pitch," when you present your offer to a potential client.

But what if your pitch didn't have to be a dry, run-of-the-mill list of why someone should buy from or hire you?

What if, instead, it was a chance for you to build an emotional connection and establish a relationship that fuels one if not many purchases?

Find out in this episode, featuring lifetime entrepreneur, businessman, and artist Roger Mavity.

Prior to his current work as a writer and photographer, Roger owned an advertising agency, Mavity Gilmore Jaume, which he then sold to become the Chief Executive of Granada Group's leisure division. There, he led the pitch for Granada Group's acquisition of Forte Group – "the biggest hostile takeover bid in British commercial history."

In the years since, Roger has served as the Chairman of Citigate and the Chief Executive of the Conran Group. He's also the author of "Life's a Pitch," "The Rule-Breakers Book of Business," and "Terence, the man who invented design."

His argument is that a pitch is really like a drama, and that "A pitch isn't about transferring information. It's about transferring power."

We learned a lot in this episode and hope you do, too. Let's dive in!

Show Notes:

✅ Get Roger's book, "Life's a Pitch," here: https://rogermavity.com/writing/books/lifes-a-pitch/

📷 Watch the video version of this episode and subscribe for updates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAr3nGy6lbXrhbezMxoHTSCS40liusyU

🎤 Thank you to our sponsor, Libsyn Studio (formerly Auxbus)! Want the best podcasting solution out there? Learn more here: https://www.libsynstudio.com/

🚀 And as always, don't forget about all the mind-blowing free resources at https://speakerflow.com/resources/

Among thought leaders – but especially among professional speakers – one of the most common questions is, "How do I get represented by a speakers bureau?"

We've danced around this question on this show and covered many of the surrounding questions, such as "How do bureaus work?" and "What is it like to run a bureau?"

But the one we're focusing on in this episode – and the one that leads to that core, first question – is simple: What do bureaus look for when they're adding a speaker to their roster?

Here to answer that is the Managing Director of Speakers Corner and the former President of the International Association of Speakers Bureaus (IASB) Nick Gold.

With 20+ years of consulting experience, Nick has worked with over 7,500 speakers and services 1,000+ events per year. He's also been published extensively across UK media outlets, including The Telegraph, City AM, Huffington Post UK, GQ.com, and Raconteur.

Needless to say, Nick knows the speaking bureau business like the back of his hand AND what can make you stand out as a speaker looking for bureau representation.

This episode is jam-packed with industry insights, recommendations, and forecasting – Hope you learn as much from it as we did!

Show Notes:

✅ Check out Nick's book "Speaking with Confidence": https://www.amazon.co.uk/Speaking-Confidence-Penguin-Business-Experts-ebook/dp/B085RR6C9Y/

✅ Learn more about Speakers' Corner: https://www.speakerscorner.co.uk/

📷 Watch the video version of this episode and subscribe for updates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAr3nGy6lbXrhbezMxoHTSCS40liusyU

🎤 Thank you to our sponsor, Libsyn Studio (formerly Auxbus)! Want the best podcasting solution out there? Learn more here: https://www.libsynstudio.com/

🚀 And as always, don't forget about all the mind-blowing free resources at https://speakerflow.com/resources/

If you're like most people, you've probably thought at one time or another, "I don't get paid enough for this..."

And, if you're an expert business owner, that thought was also likely followed by, "There has got to be a way to charge more for the products and services I'm providing my clients."

And you're right! You definitely do, and in this episode, we're joined by business speaker and coach Matt Essam to discuss just that.

The author of "Create & Prosper," Matt coaches on a business framework that prioritizes projects in your business, finds your ideal client, and helps you charge accordingly.

As he puts it, "It's easy to feel overwhelmed with all of the things you COULD do to grow your business. But deciding what to focus on and what to ignore can be a constant challenge... The good news is that there is a way out."

Here, Matt breaks down that "way out" for us and outlines how you can confidently command the fees that you truly deserve.

Show Notes:

✅ Connect with Matt: https://www.mattessam.co.uk/

📷 Watch the video version of this episode and subscribe for updates on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAr3nGy6lbXrhbezMxoHTSCS40liusyU

🎤 Thank you to our sponsor, Libsyn Studio (formerly Auxbus)! Want the best podcasting solution out there? Learn more here: https://www.libsynstudio.com/

🚀 And as always, don't forget about all the mind-blowing free resources at https://speakerflow.com/resources/