The Speaker Lab Podcast

A lot of speakers want to write books and be recognized as best-selling authors - but not many speakers call themselves a writer who happens to speak. But our guest for episode 136 of The Speaker Lab does!

Scott Berkun, author of Confessions of a Public Speaker and his latest book, The Dance of The Possible, joins us to talk about why his books drive his speaking career, how his career has evolved over the years, and how he chooses his book topics.

Scott has authored 7 books in the last 12 years and in that time his speaking career has evolved from workshops and consulting gigs to lectures and keynoting conferences. You'll hear how he did this, where his speaking career began and how to develop your expertise in one area. You'll even hear his worst speaking moment! Join us for that and more on today's The Speaker Lab!

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  

• How much of his income is from speaking vs book sales?
• The two ways he narrowed down his speaking topic and his audience.
• What does he recommend to speakers just starting out?
• Do you need to publish a book in order to be a speaker?
• Does he ever speak for free today?
• Why did he write Confessions of a Public Speaker?
• What Steven Soderberg can teach you about creativity and profitability.
• What is the test of whether or not an idea is valid?
• And so much more!

EPISODE RESOURCES

• Scott Berkun's web site
• The Dance of the Possible, by Scott Berkun
• Confessions of a Public Speaker, by Scott Berkun
• Scott's other books
• Scott Berkun on Twitter
• 7 Proven Steps to Finding And Booking Paid Speaking Engagements
• 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.

Have you ever listened to someone's speech and immediately taken action as a result? It's rare for a speaker to do this for their audience, and yet it's critical to making a lasting impact.

One of the best in the world at this is Noah Kagan. He's here on episode 135 of The Speaker Lab to share how he crafts his speeches so his audience has results during his talk.

If you've lived in a cave and don't know Noah, he is the creator of AppSumo and SumoMe. AppSumo is Groupon for geeks and SumoMe is an 8-figure business that provides tools to grow your online traffic. His career began with Intel, Microsoft and Mint; he was also one of the first employees at Facebook!

On this edition of The Speaker Lab we also discuss ways he learns from the best, how he decides what to talk about and the importance of content creation. Join us as we dig into that and more on today's The Speaker Lab!

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  

• What can you learn from the first time Noah and I hung out?
• The two impactful things people respond to in a speech.
• What is true of the best speakers in the world?
• Why he engages his audience and includes them in his speeches.
• How does he determine the ideal actions he wants his audience to take?
• Which types of stories are critical to memorable speeches?
• How important is it to put out content on a regular basis?
• What does he do when he's discouraged?
• And so much more!

EPISODE RESOURCES

• Noah Kagan's website
• Noah Kagan's podcast
• Noah Kagan on YouTube
• Noah Kagan Twitter
• SumoMe website
• AppSumo website
• 7 Proven Steps to Finding And Booking Paid Speaking Engagements
• 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.

Do you think creative types must be starving artists with no hope of real income? Our guest for today's episode of The Speaker Lab is going to change that mindset if you do!

Jeff Goins is a published author with five books under his belt, as well as a highly-respected international speaker. And at his core Jeff is an artist.

On this show he tells us why it's okay to profit as an artist, and how to overcome the mental barriers of getting paid well for our craft.

You'll hear Jeff share his back story and also explain why you don't need to wait until you think you're ready, and why you should stop calling yourself an "aspiring" anything! Jeff gives plenty of sage wisdom on those topics, and much more during the 134th episode of The Speaker Lab.

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  

• When can a speaker call themselves a speaker?
• How John Grisham became a writer, and what his story can teach you.
• Why doesn't Jeff like the word "aspiring"?
• How to be okay charging money for what you do.
• Why is being a starving artist a choice?
• What is one of the rules of not being a starving artist?
• Why to start speaking for a fee as soon as possible.
• What to say if your prospect has no budget for speakers.
• And so much more!

EPISODE RESOURCES

• Jeff Goins' web site
• Real Artists Don't Starve, by Jeff Goins (plus bonuses!)
• Jeff Goins' four other books on Amazon
• Jeff Goins on Twitter
• 7 Proven Steps to Finding And Booking Paid Speaking Engagements
• 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.

If there's one thing nearly all entrepreneurs and business owners have in common it is the desire to live a life of significance. We want to do something that matters, something that makes a positive impact in the world. A great example of this is our guest on today's episode of The Speaker Lab, Mr. Aaron Walker.

Aaron has been self-employed and owned a business of some variety since the age of 18; he hasn't worked for anyone else in 38 years! In all of those years he has experienced the full spectrum of the entrepreneurial journey: the highs, the lows and everything in between. On our 133rd edition, he talks candidly about that journey, especially the life-altering experiences.

We also talk about his advice for managing the roller coaster ride of being your own boss, and why he came out of retirement to coach (including who encouraged him to do so!). Today Aaron Walker is a coach, best-selling author, podcaster and acclaimed speaker, and he's our guest on this edition of The Speaker Lab.

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  

• Why does he love coaching the most of any of the 12 businesses he has owned?
• Why you have to give any idea at least two years.
• Is work-life balance a myth?
• The thing that holds most people back, and how to not let it stop you.
• What is the enemy to excellence?
• How and why should you get true and honest feedback?
• The power of promoting others: why it works and how to do it.
• How has he managed his focus in his businesses over the years?
• And so much more!

EPISODE RESOURCES

• Aaron Walker's website
• Aaron Walker's podcast
• View From The Top, by Aaron Walker
• Aaron Walker on Twitter
• The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington
• 7 Proven Steps to Finding And Booking Paid Speaking Engagements
• 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 isn't often we have guests come back for a second visit but today's guest is a special one! Tamsen Webster is here for her second conversation on The Speaker Lab.

If you missed her first appearance on the show check out episode 118 where we talk all about Ted and TedX Talks. And if you didn't hear that show you probably don't know that Tamsen is the Executive Director of TedX Cambridge, and is also the CEO and Founder of her company, Strategic Speaking.

On this edition of The Speaker Lab we're diving deep into how to find your "big idea" for your talks. Tamsen calls herself part idea whisperer, part message strategist and part magpie. You'll hear why when you tune in to this episode of The Speaker Lab!

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  

• What is the purpose of speaking, according to Tamsen?
• What is psychological reactance and how do you work with it?
• Three key components to finding your big idea: what are they?
• Which of the three components should you start with?
• What will make your talk 1,000x better than it is right now?
• How to go from breakout sessions and do more keynote sessions.
• Why you can't reverse engineer the need of your audience, and what to do instead.
• What is the hardest question for a speaker to answer?
• And so much more!

EPISODE RESOURCES

• Tamsen Webster's web site
• Tamsen's next retreat
• Red Thread worksheet
• Tamsen Webster on Facebook
• Tamsen Webster on Twitter
• Episode 118 with Tamsen Webster
• 7 Proven Steps to Finding And Booking Paid Speaking Engagements
• 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.

What if you'd like speaking to be a complement to other aspects of your business, like consulting? Should you approach speaking differently if so? Today's guest has your answers!

Joe Sanok is the founder of Practice of the Practice, a speaking and consulting business that helps counselors in private practice to start, grow and scale their practices. Joe speaks selectively as a keynote and does so in a way that generates consulting leads.

On this episode he shares how he generates potential consulting clients from select speaking gigs, and how he's established himself as a keynote in his super specific niche. We also dive into how he and his family made the final leap from full-time employment to full-time self-employment. Listen in to hear that and more on the 131st edition of The Speaker Lab!

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

• How does he identify which events are right for him and his business?
• Why did he start the Most Awesome Conference?
• How to identify if a niche is big enough to support your business.
• What's the "trojan horse method" and how do you use it as a speaker?
• How to connect with event organizers to create long-term relationships.
• Why and how to set boundaries and rhythms in your business and your life.
• How to reverse engineer so you know what your rates should be.
• And so much more!

EPISODE RESOURCES

• Practice of the Practice web site
• Joe Sanok on Twitter
• Practice of the Practice podcast
• Most Awesome Conference
• 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.

Have you ever found yourself tongue-tied when a potential client has asked about your speaking fees? If you have today's guest will help you solve that problem in the future!

Joy Groblebe is an entrepreneur who helps speakers and other entrepreneurs overcome the chaos of their busy minds, busy businesses and busy lives.

On this episode of The Speaker Lab, Joy talks about her switch from working for KMOX in St. Louis to becoming an entrepreneur after the birth of her first son. She shares the journey she's been on and how she's created the business she has today.

You'll also hear her backstage view of the publishing and speaking world. And you'll learn the steps she takes to get the most out of any potential speaking deal for her clients, and how you can fill your speaking calendar following her guidance. Listen in to hear that and more on today's edition of The Speaker Lab!

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

• Why you shouldn't answer your own speaking calls.
• Should you speak for anyone who asks you to when you're starting out?
• Why you need to respond to an inquiry within 24 hours.
• The secret 4 word sentence to booking: what is it?
• What to do when your potential client doesn't have the budget for your fees.
• The two ways to follow up after speaking for a client.
• When should you change your high-bar fees?
• Why you can never be too generous nor too grateful.
• And so much more!

EPISODE RESOURCES

• Joy Groblebe's web site
• Joy Groblebe on Twitter
• Scorre Training (use the code JOY to save $200)
• Michele Cusatt's web site
• Ken Davis' web site
• 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.

Ready for another one?! Today on The Speaker Lab we have two more questions from listeners just like you. Stephanie sent a voicemail asking about the proper strategy for thanking clients after a speaking gig. She wondered if it's okay to send gifts, or what other approaches are acceptable to say thank you to a client.

We have a second and equally interesting question from John. He is getting into speaking and starting to build his platform. He has written a book and intends to write more, and he plans to give away some of those books. John asks if he needs to be a non-profit, or if he can still operate as a for-profit business.

Listen in to hear the answers to both of those questions and then apply them in your speaking career! It's all here on episode 129 of The Speaker Lab.

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

• The four reasons to give thank yous to your clients after an event.
• Which should you go after: relationships or gigs?
• What is something most speakers don't do (but should)?
• The 5 ways my team and I show appreciation after an event.
• Who should you give handwritten thank you cards to?
• What types of thank you gifts can you send?
• Do you need to operate as a non-profit to make donations?
• Why it's okay to receive money for helping people.
• And so much more!

EPISODE RESOURCES

• Stephanie Salasek's web site
• John Mouser's web site
• How to Manage Your Taxes with Josh Bauerle, Episode 72
• Choosing a Business Structure for Your Speaking Business, Episode 38
• 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.

Welcome back to The Speaker Lab! This week we've got another episode of listener Q&As. We have one question from Cathy about the absolute essentials to pitching yourself.

We also have a question from Greg who asks about using past media appearances that are notable but not related to his current line of work. Can he do it and if so, how should he do it?

Tune in to hear the answers. And if you'd like to ask a question of your own go to the Ask Grant section here and ask away!

A big thank you to Cathy and Greg for chiming in, and thanks to you for listening to episode 128 of The Speaker Lab.

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

• What is the point of a demo video?
• What is a topic menu and why do you need one?
• How many different topics and talks should you initially offer?
• Do you need testimonials and recommendations to pitch yourself?
• Why it's good to have multiple pricing options for your talks.
• Why you need a follow up system in place.
• Can you use media appearances and exposure from different industries?
• What is topic authority and human credibility, and why do you want them?
• And so much more!

EPISODE RESOURCES

• How to Set Up Your First Speaking Web Site - Episode 36
• How to Create Demo Videos, with Wes Wages - Episode 56
• What Do You Want to Speak About? - Episode 8
• How to Get Speaking Testimonials - Episode 111
• Questions About Speaking Fees - Episode 54
• How to Follow Up on Speaking Leads - Episode 21
• The Speaker Lab web site theme
• Bowery 315 web site
• 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.

Have you ever wanted a guide or a road map to help you along your speaking journey? Today I'm giving you exactly that!

On this listener Q&A show, Clayton Watson called in to ask what his next steps are to get bookings. Clayton is from Calgary in Alberta, Canada and runs a site called Coaching Caregiver. He also has written a book, and is now wondering what to do next to land paid speaking engagements.

When you listen to this episode, you'll hear my answer to Clayton's question as I lay out the five pieces of the speaker road map puzzle. I explain what each step is, why it is important and how to implement it in your journey.

Today you'll also hear my answer to another listener's question about whether YouTube videos of your speeches can help or hurt your chances of getting hired as a speaker. Listen in to hear the details on episode 127 of The Speaker Lab!

THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:

• What are the 5 steps of the speaker success road map?
• Why you are in the problem-solving business as a speaker and entrepreneur.
• What is the topic trifecta and how do you use it?
• What are the 7 primary speaking industries?
• What are the two main tools you need to establish yourself as an expert?
• What is the simplest way to find paid speaking gigs?
• Can having YouTube videos of your talks hurt your chances of getting paid speaking gigs?
• How to protect your talks in your contract with clients.
• And so much more!

EPISODE RESOURCES

• Clayton Watson's web site
• Jeff Domenic's web site
• 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.