The Speaker Lab Podcast

• What is a recession?
• Organizational response to a recession
• Impact on travel, workshops, and training budgets
• When to update your demo video, website and other marketing tools
• How to write and publish a book to elevate credibility
• Why to keep investing in yourself and building skills
• Why you need to go virtual and why it's so beneficial
• How to ask for referrals
• Four questions you have to ask yourself
• And much more!

Are we facing a recession? What does that mean for your speaking business? 

We’re answering these questions and more during Episode 405 of The Speaker Lab Podcast. The one and only Erick Rheam is guiding our conversation with strategies you can use in these uncertain times to recession-proof your speaking business.

During this episode, we’ll talk about how to lead your business through a recession with confidence rather than fear, why you must invest in marketing and yourself, and why you have to take the leap and go virtual. Speakers have had to pivot on a moment’s notice over the last two years, and uncertain economic times are no different. Erick will talk about where you need to flex and when standing firm is okay. Whether you are just beginning to build your business or you’ve been at this for a while, this episode will equip you for what’s next. Erick’s experience, expertise, and transparency will provide practical steps to recession-proof your speaking business — no matter what happens.

Here’s what you’ll learn from this episode:

• What is a recession?
• Organizational response to a recession
• Impact on travel, workshops, and training budgets
• When to update your demo video, website and other marketing tools
• How to write and publish a book to elevate credibility
• Why to keep investing in yourself and building skills
• Why you need to go virtual and why it’s so beneficial
• How to ask for referrals
• Four questions you have to ask yourself
• And much more!

Tweetable: "Now is not the time to be vague."

EPISODE RESOURCES

• Get Free Speaker Resources
• Book a Call with The Speaker Lab
• Calculate Your Speaking Fee
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When it comes to building your brand, Rory Vaden is the expert you want in your corner. He's committed to helping others identify the problem they solve and build a strategy for lasting success. Rory has a unique story of how he came to be an entrepreneur, found his place on the stage, and embraced the wisdom and insight of others so he could keep growing. As a college student, he found his niche in door-to-door sales. With a knack for developing principles of personal success and development, he soon found himself on the speaking stage and rubbing shoulders with mentors that would change the trajectory of his future. His mindset, experience, and intentionality have set Rory apart in the industry. If you want to learn how to build a brand that will set you apart, this episode is for you! 

Here’s what you’ll learn from this episode:

• The value of mentorship
• The difference between a good and great speaker
• How to be intentional in networking
• Building your sales team and structure
• Why you have to “nail” your uniqueness
• Can you identify your niche alone?
• Why you need one-on-one coaching
• And much more!

Tweetable: “You are always most powerfully positioned to serve the person you once were.”

EPISODE RESOURCES

• Get Free Speaker Resources
• Book a Call with The Speaker Lab
• Calculate Your Speaking Fee
• Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook
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It’s time for the 40 Speaking Lessons from 400 Episodes finale!

For Part 4 we’re bringing back 10 final lessons from former podcast guests. These speakers are not only the real deal, but their insight brings incredible value to the aspiring or “in the trenches” entrepreneur. Collectively these tips will raise the bar when it comes to the success and sustainability of your speaking business.

As we wrap up this series, you won’t want to miss the final 10 lessons that will complete your list! As speakers, it’s essential to keep learning, growing, and asking questions in an effort to refine your craft and bring your best to the stage. These lessons will help do just that, and we’re thrilled to share them for Episode 403 of The Speaker Lab Podcast. Enjoy!

Here are the final 10 lessons to help you become a better speaker:

31. Lead with appreciation and interest to build relationships (Selena Soo, Ep. 178)

32. How to use the “messy middle in speaking (Nancy Duarte, Ep. 262)

33. Find a balance between being grateful and hungry (Josh Linkner, Ep. 266)

34. It’s important to find a market for your passion (Clay Herbert, Ep. 260)

35. Turn your clients into fans (David Meerman Scott, Ep. 272)

36. Stay informed to stay relevant (Scott Stratten, Ep. 259)

37. Learn the ABCDs of your personal brand (Sylvie di Giusto, Ep. 243)

38. Responsiveness always trumps overthinking (Andrew Davis, Ep. 181)

39. Know how to serve all three of your audiences (Joey Coleman, Ep. 212)

40. The best speakers are like coffee (Mitch Joel, Ep. 278)

EPISODE RESOURCES

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It’s time to continue the rewind and our 40 Speaking Lessons from 400 Episodes series for Episode 402 of The Speaker Lab Podcast!

For Part 3 we are looking back at 10 more incredible lessons from our very own podcast guests. Living out the lessons shared by these seasoned speakers will not only strengthen you as a speaker but take your business and vision for the future to the next level.

It's time to add to your list from Episodes 400 and 401! As you set your goals and put in the sweat equity, these pillars of success will help guide your way! Whether you’re just starting, or need a refresh on what will set you apart in the industry, this episode is for you. Enjoy!

Here are 10 (more!) key lessons to help you become a better speaker:

21. Harness the power of the freedom compass (Michael Hyatt, Ep. 246)

22. A strong personal brand will set you apart from the competition (Rick Clemons, Ep. 241)

23. There’s no magic solution to get in front of event planners (Josh McGhee, Ep. 245)

24. Why you have to lovingly punch your audience in the gut (Todd Henry, Ep. 224)

25. It’s important to craft an experience for your audience (Stephen Shapiro, Ep. 179)

26. Be okay with sharing the real you (Michael Barber, Ep. 195)

27. Exposure is the key to success (Matthew Kimberly, Ep. 273)

28. How to prepare right before you get on stage (Melanie Deziel, Ep. 192)

29. Show your audience you’re an expert, not just a speaker (Thomas Frank, Ep. 214)

30. There’s a difference between being a good baker and running a good bakery (Erick Rheam, Ep. 247)

EPISODE RESOURCES

• Get Free Speaker Resources
• Book a Call with The Speaker Lab
• Calculate Your Speaking Fee
• Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook
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• Subscribe on Spotify

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We’re thrilled to continue the rewind and our 40 Speaking Lessons from 400 Episodes series for Episode 401 of The Speaker Lab Podcast!

For Part 2 we are looking back at 10 more timeless tips from some of our very own podcast guests. What’s awesome about this next series of lessons is that while they were recorded at different times, together they provide a solid framework of guidance that will help you take your speaking business to the next level. Throughout this episode, you’ll hear clips from 10 different guests that have joined us over the years. Their insight is so valuable and their wisdom unmatched. They have been there and are passionate about helping you learn from their experiences!

Pull out your notes from Episode 400 and get ready to add them to your list! No matter your niche, you’re in the right place for these timeless lessons that will help you become a better speaker and build an even stronger business. Enjoy!

Here are 10 (more!) key lessons to help you become a better speaker:

11. The best way to sell yourself is to get on stage

12. You have to develop your voice

13. Know what you’re good at, and what you’re not

14. Momentum matters in your speaking business

15. Position yourself as the professional you are

16. Tension is a powerful tool

17. Learn the importance of saying no

18. Be persistent and methodical in your cold outreach

19. Being good at speaking takes hard work, not just talent

20. Stay focused on what matters even as you grow

EPISODE RESOURCES

• Get Free Speaker Resources
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After 400 episodes, it’s a time to celebrate!

We’re doing a rewind and sharing 40 Speaking Lessons from 400 Episodes in this new series of The Speaker Lab Podcast.

It’s a privilege to look at where we’ve been and what we’ve learned over the years. Week by week we’ll unpack some of the finest lessons learned through personal experience and conversations with our awesome guests.

For Episode 400, our very own Grant Baldwin is joined by Director of Student Success, Maryalice Goldsmith to reveal the first 10 of 40 lessons. Each lesson is unique and applies to various components of building your speaking business. No one lesson is more important than the other, but rather together make up a collection of insight and wisdom from those who have gone before us in their own journey to the stage.

Get out your notebook! Whether you’re new to the industry or ready for a refresh, these lessons will stand the test of time and help you take your speaking business to the next level.

Here are 10 key lessons to help you become a better speaker:

1. Be a steakhouse & not a buffet
2. Be clear on your goals for speaking
3. Your best marketing is a great talk
4. Be proactive (not reactive) in your marketing efforts
5. Very little of running a speaking business actually involves speaking
6. No one can sell you better than you
7. Your marketing materials matter
8. Have a long-term perspective
9. When building beyond the stage, you can’t do it all
10. This is simple, but not easy

EPISODE RESOURCES

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To some people, it might seem that Tripp Crosby is constantly shifting gears and focus. But to know and hear from him, it’s easy to see that opportunity has gifted Tripp the ability to unveil his real passion. Having built a successful video content business, it seemed like Tripp was all set. However, after some soul searching and brainstorming Tripp realized that it was time to pursue his own personal brand.

During this episode, Tripp unpacks the value of being singularly focused, how to become a real expert, and more importantly how to maintain your authenticity and passion. There’s no one right way to finding your success, and Tripp is here here to share his insights and wisdom from the road less traveled. So much to glean from this conversation!

Here's what you'll learn from this episode:

• How to discover the energy within yourself
• How to find your lane and your confidence
• Why you must really know your audience
• How to help an event win at their thing
• The difference between virtual speaking and virtual hosting
• How to tell people what you’re all about
• And much more!

EPISODE RESOURCES

• Get Free Speaker Resources
• Book a Call with The Speaker Lab
• Calculate Your Speaking Fee
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Sharing in the excitement of our students’ success is such a privilege for our team at the Speaker Lab! Our Director of Student Success, Maryalice Goldsmith, is taking the mic for our Student Highlight series so you can hear directly from our students about their experiences and what they want you to know about growing your speaking business.

He credits (or blames!) his mom for directing him to a career on the stage after she made him attend dance lessons with his sister at age 8. While it wasn’t his favorite pastime, he learned the art of stage presence at a very young age, and the rest is history!

Working as a corporate banker, Ravi spent years leading and building sales teams in early-stage start-ups to build what he would describe as his “portfolio career.” In September 2020 he quit his full-time job and started his own speaking business. Understanding the risks, challenges, and rewards of taking this leap excited Ravi, and his unique intuition that this was his time helped pave the way.

During their conversation Ravi talks about investing in himself, how he found The Speaker Lab, and how he’s built relationships through building his business. Storytelling is his passion and Ravi shares his strategy of repositioning his offerings and redefining his niche to find success. His journey is unique, engaging, and will keep you on the end of your seat!

Also, guess what? Ravi is joining The Speaker Lab to lead his very own Virtual VIP Cohort! Interested to learn how you can be part of this opportunity? Click HERE.

The Finer Details of this Show:

• What it looks like to trust your intuition
• Why you must build relationships and connections
• How to know when it’s your time
• Defining your story and unique method to solve a problem
• Answering the call in your career
• How to work with Ravi and The Speaker Lab
• And much more!

EPISODE RESOURCES

• Get Free Speaker Resources
• Book a Call with The Speaker Lab
• Calculate Your Speaking Fee
• Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook
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It started with a magician gig at age 12 and turned into a passion and profession that has made Shep Hyken one of the best in the business. With a knack for entertainment and heart for customer experience, Shep has relied on tried-and-true values to build his business while managing to embrace the ever-changing landscape of the speaking industry.

He understands the numbers game, how to face imposter syndrome, and is here to share why one gig should lead to your next. During this episode Shep highlights the vital components of sales and marketing and why follow-through will make all the difference in building your business. He relied on the sweat equity of grass-roots efforts to make a space for himself in the industry and has insight and wisdom for every speaker on their own journey to the stage.

Shep’s determination started by beginning with the end in mind. Even in his early 20’s he knew where he wanted to be and met the challenge of getting there with courage, humility, and enthusiasm. His wisdom and experience provide refreshing perspective on getting back to basics to build a successful business!

The Finer Details of This Show:

• Why you need to write thank you notes
• How to ask for feedback
• The value of the customer service experience
• Strategies for making connections
• How to do the numbers game
• Why reputation and content marketing matters
• The hunt vs. the feast
• And much more!

EPISODE RESOURCES

• Get Free Speaker Resources
• Book a Call with The Speaker Lab
• Calculate Your Speaking Fee
• Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook
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