Overcoming Speaker Slumps and Building Momentum: Live Coaching with Erick Rheam

Jan 6, 2026

In this enlightening discussion, Connor Wentling, an emerging speaker who blends humor and philosophy to tackle uncertainty, shares his journey from free gigs to paid opportunities within the municipal association market. He candidly addresses the anxiety of slower seasons and how referrals boost his pipeline. Joined by Michael Hidalgo, who navigates communication with C-level executives, they explore the key to persistent follow-ups and the importance of consistency. Erick Rheam offers practical strategies like 'Power Hours' and leveraging feedback to keep their speaking careers thriving.

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ANECDOTE

Warm Lead Jumpstarted Early Momentum

Connor started with free gigs, then moved to paid work within a year and booked about 14 gigs in a few months.
He used a warm lead and referrals from one municipal contact to kickstart that early momentum.

ADVICE

Use Exit Interviews To Generate Referrals

Ask event planners in the lead-up what success looks like and repeat their words in the exit interview.
If you exceeded expectations, ask for two referrals; if not, apologize and don't ask for referrals.

ADVICE

Treat Email Opens As Progress

Track email opens and treat opens without replies as positive signals, not rejections.
Note opens in your CRM and tailor follow-ups saying the referrer connected you and you'll check in later.

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“If you’re consistent, you may miss the event with that event planner this round, but you’re going to get it the next round, and you’re going to get the next round too because you’re going to stay on top.”

In this episode of The Speaker Lab Podcast, Erick Rheam, professional speaker and author, opens the doors to a behind-the-scenes coaching session as Connor Wentling and Michael Hidalgo join him to unpack the realities of building a speaking career from the ground up.

Connor shares his journey transitioning from free gigs to landing paid opportunities within the municipal association market. Despite finding traction, he’s faced with the anxiety and uncertainty that accompany a slower season, prompting a deep dive with Erick into sustaining momentum. They dig into the nitty-gritty of keeping the pipeline full, leveraging referrals, and making strategic tweaks based on feedback.

Michael, meanwhile, discusses the challenge of prospecting habits and mastering the art of following up with potential clients. Together with Erick, he explores tangible ways to stay in the game, even when faced with delays and rejections. Erick also shares insights about the power of consistency, the importance of tracking your outreach, and why even a “not interested” is a positive sign.

Throughout the conversation, you’ll hear actionable advice on everything from upgrading your presentation skills to maintaining discipline with prospecting “Power Hours,” and understanding why the speaking business takes patience and resilience. If you’re ready for some coaching wisdom and inspiring reminders to keep moving forward, this conversation is for you!

You’ll learn:

The idea of an inflection point in every speaker’s career
Importance of leveraging each gig for referrals
Following up and tracking email opens and responses
Using event surveys to gauge authentic feedback
Rule of Three: pipeline should have three times the number of desired gigs
The Power Hour method
How to communicate with prospects post-event
And much, much more!

“When it comes to speaking, there’s always an inflection point for every speaker’s journey. The problem is we don’t know what it is.”

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