We've heard it over & over again, from experts and gurus, that we need to niche down as much as possible. But sometimes, the thought of getting that specific with who our audience is, and who we serve,  can be a little scary. We're afraid of eliminating audience members or ruling out events where we really want to speak.  So today, we're gonna dive deep into what success can actually look like by niching down, and how that impacts your speaking strategy, both in-person and online. 

Our guest today is Connie Holen, the owner of web design agency Pixality Design, that builds websites for fitness and wellness studios - How’s that for a niche? Today, Connie shares her story, how she decided to approach niching down, what that did for her business, and how we integrated that into her speaking strategy.

For full show notes and links, visit: http://www.thepublicspeakingstrategist.com/shownotes/131

As you're starting to make your business plans and goals for 2021 and with most events canceled in 2020, are you debating whether or not you should consider speaking at all next year? Yes, you should definitely plan on it! Because there will be events in 2021. Now, not all of these events are going to look like they used to and that's okay. At the end of the day, speaking is not canceled.

Today, we're going to dive deep into what you can expect when it comes to speaking in 2021. And how we can make sure that you are still hitting those big goals you've set. 

For full show notes and links, visit: http://www.thepublicspeakingstrategist.com/shownotes/130

When it comes to public speaking or running a business, comparing where we are on our journey to where others are is an easy trap to fall into. We see big names speaking on stages we've dreamed about, releasing best-selling books, or having incredibly successful launches. Suddenly, we forget their success didn't happen overnight. In this episode of The Speak to Scale Podcast, we're going to quiet that comparison voice for a moment and focus on what really matters: how to own your message, build a solid business foundation and start speaking based on YOUR unique path.

Jordan Lee Dooley is the author of the National Bestseller, Own Your Everyday, which has also been named a "Best Book to Read to be a Better Person in 2019" by Inc Magazine. She has also been listed under Forbes, Hallmark, and Success Magazine's 30 Under 30 List. She hosts the Top Rated SHE Podcast, and her mission is to equip women with the tools they need to live purposefully and reach their greatest potential. 

Today, Jordan joins us on the podcast to pull back the curtain on her journey to success and shares practical lessons (and advice) on how we can own our message and use it to grow a successful business. You’ll learn how Jordan went from running an Etsy store to becoming Best-Selling Author by paving her own way and chasing her passions…  and how you can do the same for your life and business.

For full show notes and links, visit: http://www.thepublicspeakingstrategist.com/shownotes/129

If you feel like your virtual presentations are not as good as your in-person ones, you are not alone. But it doesn’t need to be this way. In this episode, I'm breaking down the similarities and the differences between in-person speaking and virtual speaking. And I'm going to show you exactly what you need to do to improve that virtual presentation, and how to start doing that today. Because virtual speaking is becoming more profitable than in-person events. So grab a pen and join me. You don’t want to miss this. 

For full show notes and links, visit: http://www.thepublicspeakingstrategist.com/shownotes/128

As so many of our speaking events are getting moved online, does the thought of showing up on camera make you feel nervous? Whether you're showing up in your Instagram stories, you're creating consistent video content, or you're delivering virtual presentations where you need to be on your webcam, it's time to get comfortable getting in front of the camera, and doing it in a way that truly serves your audience and your business.

Today’s guest is Mike Ganino, a storytelling and communication expert. He is the host of The Mike Drop Moment podcast and author, executive producer of TEDx Cambridge, and has been named one of the top 30 cultural speakers by Global Guru. He teaches storytelling, presence, and public speaking to some of the biggest names in brands, 

Today, Mike is pulling back the curtain and sharing with us what it takes to be captivating on camera, what's getting in the way for us, and why we're making it feel so hard. SO grab a pen and notepad, and listen. 

For full show notes and links, visit: http://www.thepublicspeakingstrategist.com/shownotes/127

Getting started as a speaker can be intimidating. We get in our own way and overthink what we should say in a pitch, how we can reach out to an organizer, or wonder if anybody actually wants us on the stage. One way to get started speaking is to host your own event, like Taryn did.

Taryn Jerez, owner of One Crafty Miss, really wanted to start speaking and she wasn't going to wait around for somebody to hand her a microphone. She saw a need in her creative industry and started hosting an event where she could highlight other women and other business owners and bring people together to grow their own businesses and create community. She started gaining traction in her own business as a speaker...and that’s just the beginning….

So if you've thought about hosting an event, or you love curating communities online, this episode is for you. Today, we are going to show you how being that incredible networker can help you fast track your speaking success. My challenge to you today as you listen to this podcast is to ask yourself “how can I show up as a host, a connector or a curator to bring people together and create an experience that's going to leave them wanting more?” 

For full show notes and links, visit: http://www.thepublicspeakingstrategist.com/shownotes/126

When a new speaking opportunity comes across your desk (whether an in-person or virtual event), how are you determining if this is something that you should say “yes” or “no” to?  If your only determining factor is, “Can I get a conversion” or “Can I make a new sale?” you are missing out on half of the equation. Conversions are not everything. This might sound a little crazy coming from me, considering this is The Speak to Scale Podcast, and that my job is to help you scale your business with speaking! 

In today’s episode of The Speak to Scale Podcast I walk you through some of the things to consider when you are presented with a speaking opportunity. From what questions you should be asking, to considering when conversions matter and when they don't, and how to create a balance between opportunities that are conversion-focused and those that are not. So grab a pen, and let's dive in.

For full show notes and links, visit: http://www.thepublicspeakingstrategist.com/shownotes/125

Whether you’re already using Instagram to book speaking engagements or you’re just starting to show up more consistently, there’s no denying that event planners are looking to Instagram to spot new speakers. If you’re not sure what you should be posting on your social media platforms, how to build enough confidence to ‘go live’ on camera, or how you should be showing up to position yourself as an industry expert… today’s episode is for YOU!

Natasha Samuel is host of The Shine Online Podcast and the founder of Sol Studio, an Instagram creative studio that specializes in storytelling and strategy. She offers small businesses and creative entrepreneurs Instagram content creation, strategy sessions, and educational resources. She helps clients shine on social media through effective strategies and intentional execution. In this episode, Natasha joined us for a dive-deep conversation on how you can start leveraging your Instagram account to build deeper relationships with your audience, showcase your speaking experience, and connect with organizers who are looking to book you.

For episode links and full shownotes: https://thepublicspeakingstrategist.com/shownotes/124

Wouldn't it be amazing if you could grab a microphone (whether that's virtually or in-person) and share a message that delivered value for your audience and brought in new clients? Selling from the stage growing your business with speaking is hands down my favorite way to grow and scale my business. And it's not my favorite because it's a sleazy get rich quick scheme. It is my favorite sales strategy because we get the privilege of educating our audience, serving from the stage, and delivering a transformation that can change our audience’s lives… all while growing our business at the same time. What more can we possibly ask for in a sales mechanism?

But with so many changes happening to the way that we speak and speaking looks a little bit different these days, you might be wondering if you can still leverage speaking to increase your sales. In today’s episode of The Speak to Scale Podcast I’m going to show you exactly what you need to include in your presentation to increase your conversion from the stage.

Full show notes and links: https://thepublicspeakingstrategist.com/shownotes/123

What does it take to be a great leader? When it comes to running a business, it’s easy to get lost in the day to day operations. When you’re busy or stressed, tasks such as social media, which are meant to inspire and motivate can seem like a chore. This can transcend into your business presence and really hurt your client relationships, retention rates and bottom line. At the end of the day, you’ve got to continue to lead from the front no matter the circumstances. If we don’t strengthen our leadership skills, those marketing activities meant to inspire and position us as thought leaders will can become wasted efforts. In today’s episode of The Speak to Scale podcast, we’re chatting with Kaylan Thompson of Joy to Lead on exactly what qualifies a great leader and how we can start leading our teams, clients, and communities better. 

For full shownotes and links: www.thepublicspeakingstrategist.com/shownotes/122