“You have to regularly find things where the challenge exceeds the skill set."

In this week’s episode of The Speaker Lab Podcast, speaker and author Jon Acuff joins Grant to talk about the challenge of maintaining excellence as a speaker and the importance of continually pushing yourself beyond your comfort zones.

Jon also took the time to break down his successful speaking model, primarily focusing on keynotes and the occasional longer training engagements. There are pros and cons to every speaking business model, and Jon talks through what has worked well for him over his extensive speaking career. Additionally, Jon talks about making a transition from solopreneur to business owner and how he brought in a partner and president to scale his business and reach a larger audience. This transition was driven by Jon's desire to take his business to another level, prevent boredom, and not hide from potential growth.

Moreover, Grant and Jon also discuss the challenges of being honest with yourself about strengths and weaknesses and focusing on areas where you can excel. The conversation shifts to Jon's decision to host a live event, including insights into how he has navigated planning, content creation, and incorporating various elements like engaging stories and audience interaction.

Finally, Grant and Jon touch on the variety of potential business expansions Jon is considering, including workshops, masterminds, and enhancing social media presence while balancing personal enjoyment with business requirements. Overall, the episode provides great insights into Jon's speaking career, his strategic business decisions, and the meticulous efforts that go into creating meaningful content and events in the speaking industry!

You’ll learn:

• How Jon built a successful speaking career
• What goes into hosting a live event
• How to master speaking business structure
• How to balance your speaking career with personal life
• Ways to improve your content and delivery at live events
• How to continue your personal and professional growth
• And much, much more!

“How do I create enough value for an audience where they feel like they got a deal at a high ticket event?

Episode Resources

• Jon’s Website
• Remarkable You Event (Use code PODCAST50 for $50 off your ticket!)
• Get Free Speaker Resources
• Book a Call with The Speaker Lab
• Calculate Your Speaking Fee
• Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Subscribe on Spotify

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“Most successful or thought leadership businesses are extremely simple. They sell one thing at the front end, maybe a couple things on the back end…but they’re experts in X, Y, and Z.”

In this episode of The Speaker Lab podcast, we explore the importance of keeping things simple and intentional in the ever-changing world of speaking and entrepreneurship. Grant Baldwin sits down with Taylorr Payne, co-founder of SpeakerFlow, for an engaging discussion on building a thriving speaking business by focusing on simplicity, clarity, and defining success on your terms.

Taylorr opens up about his evolution as an entrepreneur, sharing how he transitioned from chasing endless opportunities to honing in on the fundamentals that truly matter. Whether it’s mastering the art of selling one core product, cutting through the distracting noise of shiny new technologies, or resisting the temptations of comparison, Taylorr emphasizes the transformative power of simplifying your business approach.

Throughout the conversation, Taylorr and Grant analyze the speaking industry's trends for 2025, the allure of AI and other new technologies, and the critical difference between chasing growth for its own sake versus creating a business that aligns with your personal goals and values. Taylorr reminds listeners to resist societal pressures to grow endlessly and instead focus on building a business that fits their lifestyle and passions.

This episode is packed with convincing arguments for staying in your lane, avoiding the pitfalls of overcomplication, and gradually building clarity about your unique expertise. Whether you’re an aspiring speaker finding your niche or a seasoned entrepreneur reevaluating your path, you’ll walk away with actionable strategies and a renewed sense of purpose. Tune in to take control of your speaking career with simplicity and intention at the core!

You’ll learn:

• Taylorr’s background and about SpeakerFlow
• The state of the speaking industry in 2025
• Key principles for a successful speaking business
• How to balance growth and simplicity
• Personal reflection and business goals
• The risk of comparison on your mental well-being
• Investing and business strategy parallels
• And much, much more!

“What are you an expert in? Make the world know that, period. That is it. That is forever what we’re doing.”

Episode Resources

• Taylorr’s Website
• Get Free Speaker Resources
• Book a Call with The Speaker Lab
• Calculate Your Speaking Fee
• Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Subscribe on Spotify

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“It’s your vision that influences which way you go. Because you’ve already thought about it ahead of time.”

In this episode of The Speaker Lab podcast, Erick Rheam joins us to talk about what it takes to navigate the chaotic and often overwhelming journey of being a speaker and entrepreneur. You've probably heard Erick on the show before, but today he's sharing a different side of things with candid advice drawn from his own rock-bottom moment and the life-changing principles he discovered to rise above the chaos.

Erick's journey is a compelling blend of personal and professional growth, underscored by moments of introspection and dramatic change. From his early struggles in 2005—marked by personal and professional setbacks—to discovering his 'why' and taming the inner beast, Erick provides a riveting narrative that is both inspiring and practical for anyone looking to succeed in the speaking industry. He touches on the importance of living with clarity, leveraging encouragement, and mastering human dynamics, all essential tools for rising above life's challenges.

Through Erick's story, listeners gain valuable lessons on embracing their spiritual journey, managing their energy and priorities, and building meaningful connections. Erick underscores the idea that significance and peace come not from a lack of chaos but from rising above it with intention and purpose.

Whether you're a new speaker or an experienced entrepreneur, this episode is packed with actionable insights and heartfelt anecdotes that encourage you to chart your path to significance. So tune in, and equip yourself with the wisdom to rise above the chaos and live a life of meaning and influence!

You’ll learn:

• Erick's rise above chaos framework
• Embracing your spiritual journey
• Taming your inner critic
• How to leverage encouragement
• Igniting your influence
• Mastering communication and human dynamics
• And much, much more!

“Ask yourself what makes you come alive and do that.”

Episode Resources

• Erick’s Website
• Get Free Speaker Resources
• Book a Call with The Speaker Lab
• Calculate Your Speaking Fee
• Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Subscribe on Spotify

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“[AI is] a really great way to flex your creative muscle, but also not have to stress if you’re not strong enough at certain things.”

Being on stage is one of the most fun and most rewarding parts of being a professional, paid speaker — but as all experienced speakers know, what happens on stage is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to building a successful speaking business. This week on The Speaker Lab Podcast, Grant Baldwin chats with Brittany Richmond-Roberts about her journey as a teen mental health speaker. From navigating the youth market to leveraging social media and AI, Brittany shares her strategies for moving the business forward, even when it feels like trudging through mud.

Grant and Brittany dive into how she got started in speaking, the importance of finding the right audience, and why she stays clear of gigs that don’t align with her message. They discuss the power of being a female speaker in a male-dominated field and how Brittany has used that to her advantage. Brittany also highlights how she utilizes social media to connect with decision-makers and build relationships, making her memorable to potential clients. She explains her approach to using ChatGPT for prospecting and structuring talks, providing a modern edge to her speaking business.

If you’re ready to take your speaking business to the next level, this episode is packed with practical tips and inspiring insights!

You’ll learn:

• How to master audience alignment
• The market for mental health topics
• The role of gender in speaking
• Effective social media strategies for speakers
• How to use AI in prospecting
• How to be Persistent and overcome rejection 
• And much, much more!

“If you’re not having fun doing [social media], stop doing it. Because that’s going to radiate right into everything that you’re doing.”

Episode Resources

• Brittany’s Website
• Get Free Speaker Resources
• Book a Call with The Speaker Lab
• Calculate Your Speaking Fee
• Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Subscribe on Spotify

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“Speed in this game is so important. It is typically the first speaker to reach back out…you have a really good chance of winning that business if you are the first.”

Navigating the intricate world of professional speaking requires not just talent but also a keen understanding of the business side of things. In this insightful episode, Grant Baldwin welcomes back his good friend Brandon Edmonson, Sales Director for Premier Speakers Bureau, for his fourth appearance on the podcast. Whether you're a seasoned speaker or just starting out, Brandon's expertise in the industry offers invaluable tips and strategies that can elevate your speaking career.

Brandon dives deep into the nitty-gritty of booking speaking gigs, sharing why it's critical to ask, "Who did you have last year?" This key question can unlock a wealth of information, from budget constraints to event expectations. Brandon emphasizes the importance of speed in the speaking business, urging speakers to respond quickly to inquiries to set a positive tone for future interactions.

Grant and Brandon also explore the art of balancing sales and relationships. Building rapport with event planners, understanding their needs, and positioning yourself as a solution to their problems are crucial steps in securing bookings. Brandon encourages speakers to add value in every interaction, whether it’s through well-timed follow-ups or personalized video messages.

Additionally, Brandon discusses how consistency in your rates fosters trust with clients, touching on the delicate balance of negotiation.

This episode offers a treasure trove of practical advice, from how to handle incoming leads to navigating the complexities of travel costs and geographical pricing variations. Don't miss out on this episode if you're looking to take your speaking business to the next level. Brandon’s wisdom could be the key to your next big speaking gig!

You’ll learn:

• The importance of understanding event history
• About the sales process for speakers
• The role of speed in booking
• Strategies for relationship building & outreach
• Balancing sales & serving event planners
• Handling inquiries & initial conversations
• Key questions for gauging event seriousness
• Negotiation tactics
• And much, much more!

“Be honest, be genuine, be human in that process. Just how you would want to be.”

Episode Resources

• Brandon’s Website
• Get Free Speaker Resources
• Book a Call with The Speaker Lab
• Calculate Your Speaking Fee
• Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Subscribe on Spotify

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“The biggest mistake that I see speakers make is that they think that if you just go on stage, and you do a good job speaking, the spinoff business will magically present itself.”

Being on stage is pretty much always the most fun and most rewarding part of being a professional paid speaker — but as all experienced speakers know, what happens on stage is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to building a successful speaking business. 

This week, Arel Moodie joins the show to break down how to find more paid gigs in your chosen niche through what Arel calls "spinoff business." Arel and Grant talk about how to build a solid reputation, nurture relationships, and leverage connections to turn one speaking gig into two or three more. 

Arel goes into detail about his challenges while starting out as a speaker and what tools he used to break into the industry and get past the toughest part: getting his first gig. Finally, Arel talks about a tool called Talkadot that speakers can use to expand their reach and build more connections from the stage. 

If you're ready to take your speaking business to the next level, this is a must-listen episode for you!

You’ll learn:

• The 3 types of people in every audience
• Why spinoff business is important
• How to build a stellar reputation
• Why you should join a local Chamber of Commerce
• How to use Talkadot to grow your speaking business
• And so much more!

“Clients will book you if they have confidence that you have done well with a group like theirs in the past.”

Episode Resources:

• Arel's Website
• Talkadot
• Get Free Speaker Resources
• Book a Call with The Speaker Lab
• Calculate Your Speaking Fee
• Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Subscribe on Spotify

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“The show must go on baby. You gotta keep going man. Never know what’s gonna happen when you’re doing it live with no net, you never know.”

Being a professional speaker means navigating some of the craziest and most unpredictable moments imaginable. This week, Shane Sams joins Grant on the show to recount some of his funniest and most challenging moments on the speaking trail. 

You never know what you're going to encounter when you're walking into a speaking gig, but the best speakers know how to roll with the punches and "be a pro" even when things go completely off the rails. Shane and Grant have some great advice on how to handle the unexpected and chaotic moments, all learned from their own experiences over the years.

Shane also opens up about his struggles with his health and how he learned to deal with burnout. Balancing your health with the exhausting lifestyle of living on the road can be a challenge for any speaker, but finding your own boundaries and thresholds is incredibly important. 

This lighthearted and engaging conversation is something you don't want to miss. From flying squirrels to napping audience members, you'll hear some incredible war stories from Shane and Grant this week that will make you laugh and teach you how to navigate your own challenging moments in the future. 

You’ll learn:

• How to navigate the hard moments on stage
• Why composure & humor are your best tools
• What honest communication can do for your relationships
• The importance of prioritizing your mental & physical health
• Why you should learn from the pros
• And much, much more!

“You gotta say the words whether anyone is paying attention or not.”

Episode Resources:

• Shane's Website
• Get Free Speaker Resources
• Book a Call with The Speaker Lab
• Calculate Your Speaking Fee
• Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Subscribe on Spotify

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“Whenever someone comes up and says ‘Hey, why am I not getting booked to speak?’, my first question is 'how many professionals did you call today?'"

One of the best parts about being a speaker is that YOU get to decide what your speaking career looks like. Your story is unique, and the value you bring to your audience is something only you can deliver. This week, Ryan Vet joins us on the show to talk about how he found his way to a speaking career that was perfect for his strengths and passions. 

Ryan got his start as a speaker when he was still in high school, and he hasn't looked back since. And while everyone often thinks of paid speaking as being primarily keynotes, Ryan points out that the majority of paid gigs are often other formats. For his part, Ryan fell in love with training and found it incredibly fulfilling to help people immediately make changes in their lives and companies. During this episode, he shares some practical advice on how to find the path that is right for you — along with some horror stories and funny moments from his new book, Speak Goodr. 

This is a solid episode that will encourage you to take the next (or first!) step in your speaking journey! 

You’ll learn:

• How to be clear about your message
• Why you should embrace who you are as a speaker
• How to be thoughtful when it comes to your business
• What benefits come from watching your game tapes
• Why you need to figure out your ideal persona
• And much, much more!

“You have to solve a problem with what you sell.”

Episode Resources:

• Ryan's Website
• Get Free Speaker Resources
• Book a Call with The Speaker Lab
• Calculate Your Speaking Fee
• Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Subscribe on Spotify

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“All that matters is that you show up, and that you’re consistently doing it, because if you do it on a regular basis… you’re going to get better at it.”

"How do I find and book more paid speaking gigs quickly?" 

"I'm just starting out, what should I prioritize right now?"

Here at TSL, we hear those two questions from speakers more than anything else. Whether you've never gotten paid to speak or you've been speaking for years, there's a good chance you're looking for more paid gigs. And if you're like most business owners, you don't have a lot of time to invest in building a new business without seeing some results. 

This week, Erick Rheam is here to break down the four pillars of success that you can use to jumpstart your speaking business and start booking paid gigs in as little as 90 days or less. Erick breaks down what really matters if you want to be a successful speaker, including long-term goals, testing the market, your CRM, efficiency, accountability partners and consistency. Finally, Erick gives you some practical ways to evaluate where you stand in your speaking career. 

This episode is a simple, practical roadmap to launching a speaking business and getting paid gigs in a short period of time — no matter how much speaking experience you have right now. If you don't make time for any other podcast episode this month, make sure you listen to this one. We'll see you out on the speaking trail! 

You’ll learn:

• How to evaluate the next steps for you as a speaker
• The easiest way to prospect gigs
• A game changer towards your growth
• Why you need to build off your momentum
• Why you should never push off your daily tasks
• How a “power hour” works
• And much, much more!

“If you want to be a successful speaker, you have to be consistent.”

Episode Resources:

• Erick Rheam’s Website
• Erick Rheam’s Abstract
• Get Free Speaker Resources
• Book a Call with The Speaker Lab
• Calculate Your Speaking Fee
• Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Subscribe on Spotify

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“You can’t need to be liked if you’re in a leadership position, and I’d say the same if you’re in a speaking position, cause you will say things that people don’t agree with, and that’s okay.”

As a speaker, very few things matter more than establishing your credibility and expertise. This week, communication expert Jenni Field joins us to talk about how to build your credibility and become a leader that people will follow. Jenni is a firm believer in the importance of establishing your expertise and building your credibility, and she's here with some practical tips on how to make that happen. 

Jenni found a void in the industry she knows best and figured out how to fill it. During this episode, she'll detail the expertise, research, and likability needed to make you genuinely needed for gigs. Jenni talks about how audiences can sense you care or not and how to work with your viewers so that your effort can be seen on stage.

Jenni has been through hard moments of her own, like in the end of 2022 when her business was failing, and she no longer loved what she was doing. She will share some lessons she learned from the heavy moments, including how she pulled herself out of that rut and pushed herself into a better space mentally and financially. Jenni took the time to know herself and what works for her, and she'll talk about how you can do that for yourself as well.

You’ll learn:

• How to channel your passion effectively
• The most important steps to build your speaking career
• What likability means for you
• Why finding your purpose is key
• How to grow by trying new things
• And so much more!

“People won’t ask you to speak unless you’ve got something to say.”

Episode Resources:

• Jenni's Website
• Get Free Speaker Resources
• Book a Call with The Speaker Lab
• Calculate Your Speaking Fee
• Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Subscribe on Spotify

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.