

The Speaker Lab Podcast
The Speaker Lab
Want to learn how to get booked and paid to speak — consistently? The Speaker Lab podcast features business tactics, speaking tips, and insider strategies from TSL CEO Dan Irvin, The Speaker Lab coaches, and some of the world's most successful speakers.You'll learn how to find speaking gigs, build relationships in your industry, negotiate higher speaker fees, and grow your speaking business. Every week, this podcast will give you key insights and practical advice from speakers who have been there and done that and can help you take the next step in your speaking journey. Whether you’re just getting started as a paid speaker or you’re a veteran speaker looking to build and grow your business, The Speaker Lab Podcast is here for you!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 9, 2018 • 35min
How to Use Social Media to Land More Gigs with Jon Acuff
Social media is part of our everyday lives, and it can be an effective business tool. But do you know how to use social media to land more gigs, while still being the real you? Our guest, Jon Acuff, does and he'll explain how in episode 167 of The Speaker Lab.When Jon isn't speaking or writing best-selling books, including his latest book Finish, he is actively sharing his work and his life on social media.Today we talk about how his social media platform and his online content have helped his business grow, plus the various strategies for each of his platforms. We also talk about how and why he learns about speaking from comedians, as well as the hows and whys of goal-setting for speakers. Join Jon and I as we explore these topics and more on the latest edition of The Speaker Lab! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW: What's the fastest way to get feedback?How does he avoid becoming complacent with his success?How did he use soft pitches to land more gigs and work with a speakers bureau?What are ways you can establish authority (without overselling) while you're speaking?How can social media help you and how can it hurt you?Every gig is a chance to do what?Why it's important to make your goals fun.How many forms of income should you aim for as a speaker?And so much more! EPISODE RESOURCESJon Acuff's websiteFinish, by Jon AcuffThe Finish CourseJon's other booksJon's email list solely for speakersJon Acuff on InstagramJon Acuff on TwitterJon Acuff on LinkedInFind and contact potential gigsGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jan 2, 2018 • 44min
How to Stay Healthy When Speaking on the Road with Shawn Stevenson
Whether it's the start of a new year or not, it's your job to stay healthy. Your health should be a top priority for you as a speaker. Which begs the question: how to stay healthy when speaking on the road? It can be challenging and here to offer some practical solutions is Shawn Stevenson.Shawn knows all about speaking and staying healthy, he may be the healthiest person I know! I'm excited to share our conversation with you, we talk about his travel tips for eating healthy, staying hydrated and getting good, quality sleep.Today we also talk about the origins of his online business and how he transitioned into it from a brick and mortar location. You'll hear that story plus many fascinating insights into how the human body works and what keeps us healthy! Join us for episode 166 of The Speaker Lab with Shawn Stevenson.THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW: How do many of his speaking clients find him?How does he plan ahead so he can eat healthy meals while on the road?Does your metabolism slow down if you don't eat?What is one of the biggest contributors to jet lag?How much water should we drink, and what temperature should it be?What exercise does he recommend when on the road?Why it's important to exercise the first day you are home from a trip.His weird recommendation for the best possible sleep.And so much more! EPISODE RESOURCESThe Model Health Show websiteThe Model Health show podcastSleep Smarter, by Shawn StevensonShawn Stevenson on InstagramFind and contact potential gigsGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 26, 2017 • 35min
Why and How to Diversify Your Revenue Streams with Dorie Clark
Do you know why and how to diversify your revenue streams? Our guest for today does and she's here to tell all. Dorie Clark is a marketing strategy consultant, executive coach, author and professional speaker who has 8 different revenue streams!Today she shares how she evolved her business to include speaking and diversified to have 8 different revenue streams. We also touch on how she's built those revenue streams over time, how she's positioned them to all feed into each other and how you as a speaker can find and create other revenue streams to add to your business.Whether you are just starting out or are a long-time veteran of the speaking world, you'll learn something new to enhance your speaking career in episode 165 of The Speaker Lab with Dorie Clark.THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW: What is Clark's Law of Professional Speaking?Why and how to raise your profile to help your keynote speaking career.The three key components to being seen as an authority and recognized expert.What type of content is most valuable for speakers who want to raise their marketability?What is one of the most powerful forces in networking?How does she manage 8 revenue streams, and how long did it take her to develop them all?Which revenue streams should you add and when should you add them?Why speaking is tied to the economy, and how to ensure your bottom line is not.And so much more! EPISODE RESOURCESDorie Clark's websiteDorie Clark on TwitterThe Recognized Expert Evaluation ToolkitEntrepreneurial You, by Dorie ClarkFind and contact potential gigsGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

10 snips
Dec 19, 2017 • 36min
Creating Your Greatest Competitive Advantage as a Speaker with Vinh Giang
Vinh Giang, an international speaker and magician, shares his journey from performing magic to captivating audiences as a speaker. He reveals his greatest competitive advantage and the dedication behind securing his first paid gigs. Vinh recounts how his significant TEDx talk drastically changed the course of his career, leading to higher speaking fees. He emphasizes the importance of continual feedback and stage time, and cleverly integrates magic into his presentations, all while crafting a unique brand that stands out in the competitive speaking landscape.

Dec 12, 2017 • 42min
How to Stay Top of Mind With Potential Clients with Brandon Edmonson
The key to repeat business and staying booked solid is learning how to stay top of mind with potential clients. And one man who knows exactly how to do this is Brandon Edmonson of Premiere Speakers Bureau.Brandon is an agent with the bureau and in his role he books hundreds of gigs each year. He's gained a lot of insight in the process, all of which he shares today.On this episode of The Speaker Lab, we talk about how he finds and books engagements, how he stays top of mind with his potential clients as well as what common topics associations and companies are booking for and how you can position your material on those topics.We wrap up with a chat about what it's like working with celebrities, including a really great story of working with a late night talk show host! This is a fun and informative session with Brandon you won't want to miss so listen in to episode 163 of The Speaker Lab now.THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW: Why you need to have 3 actionable items for your audience.What is the #1 marketing asset all speakers need to have?How do you narrow down a broad topic to pursue a specific market?What will always be a requested topic for speakers?What do the bureaus do during "dead" months?How does he balance staying top of mind without being a bother?Why you should create a documentary-style video as part of your marketing effort.How important are your website and your one sheet?And so much more! EPISODE RESOURCESPremiere Speakers BureauBrandon Edmonson on TwitterEpisode 24 of TSL with Shawn HanksEpisode 154 with Ryan GiffenExactly What to Say, by Phil M. JonesVinh Giang's websiteFind and contact potential gigsGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 5, 2017 • 38min
How to Land 100 Speaking Gigs a Year with Ty Bennett
If you want to know how to land 100 speaking gigs a year, or even a fraction of that number, you will love today's guest! Ty Bennett first found his passion for speaking and training when he and his brother built a $25 million a year direct sales business together. As part of growing that business, he did a lot of speaking and training for their sales teams.In 2010, he decided to make speaking his top priority after he published his first book. He sold his half of the business to his brother and focused solely on speaking and writing. Currently, he gives about 100 keynote speeches a year for corporations and associations.Today he joins us to share sound advice for speakers of every level, including the two most important aspects of ability, how to build a platform when starting from nothing and what his marketing efforts look like. Whether you're an up-and-coming speaker or established veteran you're going to learn so much from this episode 162 of The Speaker Lab with Ty Bennett! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW: Why are his keynotes based on three of his books?Where does he primarily spend his outbound marketing time, and why?What are the three things every speaker needs, according to Ty?The one honest question you have to answer to be hired as a speaker.What is the true test of your ability as a speaker?These are two areas all speakers can improve on - what are they?What technique has a unique ability to connect you with an audience?Why does Ty study comedians so much?And so much more! EPISODE RESOURCESTy Bennett's websiteThe Power of Storytelling, by Ty BennettThe Power of Influence, by Ty BennettPartnership is The New Leadership, by Ty BennettTy Bennett on TwitterGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nov 28, 2017 • 33min
How to Make Money Speaking to Non-Profits with Connie Albers
Learn how you can make money speaking to non-profits and why you shouldn't listen to all the myths you hear in the industry.Is it really true that non-profits don't have funds to pay for speakers? Or is it just a matter of finding out how to make money speaking to non-profits?Our guest today, Connie Albers, says it is the latter. Today she is debunking the myth that non-profits have no money for speakers, and sharing how to find the ones that do!Connie has been in the speaking world for many years, as both a speaker and as an event organizer. We'll talk about the lessons she's learned while working with everyone from Disney to churches.She will also explain the opportunities available for speakers wanting to reach the non-profit and faith-based markets. You're going to hear all of that and more on episode 161 of The Speaker Lab! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW: Why should you go to your local Chamber of Commerce events?How to follow up after you attend those Chamber of Commerce events.Why does she customize every pitch she makes?The reason to take pictures with people you meet - and it's not for social media!How do you know which types of non-profits have money, and which don't?Why is your media kit vital to showing you are worth your asking fee?How do you prove your worth if you're fairly new to speaking?What are steps to take if you are interested in speaking to the faith-based market?And so much more! EPISODE RESOURCESConnie Albers' websiteConnie Albers on TwitterEmail ConnieGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nov 21, 2017 • 38min
What the Best of the Best Do Differently with Alan Stein, Jr.
Do you know what the best of the best do differently? There are universal principles, and our guest today will tell you what they are on this episode of The Speaker Lab.Alan Stein, Jr.'s career began as a performance coach working with youth and high school programs. The two schools he started with are part of Nike's elite programs. That work led to gigs with Nike and USA Basketball, which then opened more doors to the best coaches and players of the NBA.It was at that elite level that Alan learned what the best of the best do differently. He took that knowledge and began sharing it as a speaker, first in the basketball industry and then in the corporate world where he is today.On this episode of The Speaker Lab, we talk about how he made a name for himself in the basketball world and then transitioned into speaking for the corporate industry. He shares the process he uses to find and book gigs, and why much of his success has come from work nobody sees. He finishes with a great story about being part of a workout with Kobe Bryant, and the lessons Alan learned just by watching him.Whether or not you're a basketball fan there is plenty for you to uncover when you join us on episode 160 of The Speaker Lab!THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW: What is the key to being successful as a speaker, according to Alan?What are the two sides of any speech?Who are the coaches he has worked with, and why does he believe in coaching?What is purposeful practice and why do you need it?How do you know if your content works and what should you do if it doesn't?How to combine serving others with self-promotion.The advice from Louis CK he follows, and why you should too.How many years does it take to "make it" in the speaking circuit?And so much more! EPISODE RESOURCESAlan Stein's websiteAlan Stein on TwitterAlan Stein on FacebookGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nov 14, 2017 • 37min
How to Book Speaking Gigs When You Work With Event Planners with Lindsey Castleman
Learn how to book more speaking gigs when you're able to connect, follow-up, and build authentic relationships with event planners. It's one of the most important things you can do for your career and will help you make the transition from hobby speaker with intermittent gigs to a professional speaker with a full schedule of paid speaking engagements.Today on The Speaker Lab Podcast, Lindsey Castleman is here to share her experience planning big events for everyone from Lifeway to Dave Ramsey. She demystifies the event planner's decision process when she explains what she is looking for from a speaker's online presence and why you need a clear topic with specific outcomes.Get ready to dial it in and be fully present for today's awesome conversation on episode 159 of The Speaker Lab. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW: Why both inspiration and application are equally important to the audience.Why Lindsey took a chance on a speaker who had never been on stage before?Is it easier to choose someone who speaks on a specific niche versus a generalist?What does she look for on a highlight reel?Are followers and fans on social media important to her evaluation process?How best to get on an event planner's radar - without being annoying.What are servant leaders and why does she prefer to work with them?Is it better to be okay on stage and easy to work with, or amazing on stage and difficult offstage?And so much more! EPISODE RESOURCESEmail LindseyLindsey Castleman on TwitterLindsey Castleman on LinkedInGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nov 7, 2017 • 37min
How to Avoid Common Mistakes When Selling Yourself with Phil Jones
Do you know how to avoid common mistakes when selling yourself - the kind most speakers make even if they are seasoned pros? Today's guest does, and he tells all on episode 158 of The Speaker Lab.Phil Jones is now a keynote speaker and seminar leader who has delivered over 2,000 paid presentations in 56 countries on 5 continents. He also has 18 revenue streams in his speaking business. He does about 90 in-person events, 25 are traditional keynote engagements while the others are split up among his seminars and independent work with sales teams.On this show he shares his journey of building those 18 revenue streams, transitioning from a workshop leader to a keynote speaker, along with the most common mistakes speakers make when selling themselves to potential clients. We wrap up with a three-stage formula to get just about anyone to do just about anything! Tune in to hear that plus a few role-playing conversations on episode 158 of The Speaker Lab! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW: What do you need to build a sustainable business, according to Phil?What can cupcakes teach you about how to build your business?Why can't you build more than one thing at a time?What is the stupidest question any speaker can ask?The two questions you must answer to have success in any industry.Why should you be the one to call potential clients?Will you be limiting yourself if you narrow your audience?How to create a reason big enough for your client to agree to your fees.And so much more! EPISODE RESOURCESPhil Jones' websitePhil Jones on TwitterExactly What to Say, by Phil JonesGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.


