The Speaker Lab Podcast

Do you know how to overcome Impostor Syndrome, that voice inside that doubts you? It's that voice that says you don't belong on stage, you aren't good enough, etc. Nearly everyone has that voice, but there are ways to conquer it and our guest today shares some of them.Laura Gassner Otting is relatively new to speaking, but she has 25+ years of CEO and entrepreneurial experience that she draws from on stage.She is also an executive coach, a writer, and a consultant. Her work stems from her belief in Martin Luther King Jr.'s philosophy that we all have the ability to be great because we all can serve.Today we focus on how she differentiates herself from other speakers in her niche, why she's added live coaching to her talks, and why it's okay to be an introverted speaker.You'll also hear how she joined former President Clinton's presidential campaign, and how she mentally prepares for her speaking gigs.Be sure to join us for that and more on episode 157 of The Speaker Lab!THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  How running the Boston Marathon led to a TEDx talk for her son.What is the myth of self-importance?What is the loudest sound on Earth?What advice did Scott Stratten give to her about speaking?What's the difference between price and value?Does your audience want you to succeed?How to establish common ground with your audience.Why you should surround yourself with smart people.And so much more!EPISODE RESOURCESLaura Gassner Otting's websiteLimitless Possibility websiteLaura Gassner Otting on TwitterLaura's blog post on her TEDx talkGet 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.

Ever wonder how to know if you're worth charging higher speaking fees - and be confident when you quote your fee? Our guest for this episode does, and he spills all the beans on episode 156!Ian Altman is a sales expert and the go-to authority on integrity-based selling. He's also a sought-after keynote speaker who now earns $20k for his speeches. Today we're talking about how he rose to that level of speaking fees, how to determine your correct audience and why it's important to be sure you're speaking to the right people.We also talk about how to sell yourself as a speaker and be confident when quoting your fees. He has so much wisdom to share on today's show, be sure to join us on episode 156 of The Speaker Lab!THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  Why it's important to be a subject matter expert who speaks, rather than a speaker.Why he never holds back his best content.How do you know if you are speaking to the right people?Does the size of your audience matter?Why you must know the symptoms or problems you solve for your audience.What are the two trigger points for selling yourself as a speaker?Why you can never charge a penny more than you think you are worth.Is there a lot of opportunity for speakers charging under $5k?And so much more!EPISODE RESOURCESIan Altman's web siteIan Altman on TwitterSame-Side Selling, by Ian Altman and Jack QuarlesGet 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.

Do you know how to bring humor into your speeches, and do it a way that amuses your audience but still conveys your message? Our guest for episode 155 does, and he tells all today.On today's show, Patrick Henry and I talk about how to use humor in your speeches, build relationships with other speakers, and why it's important.Patrick Henry is an author, songwriter, and performance keynote speaker who partners with meeting planners to make meetings memorable.As a former Nashville songwriter and humorist on the SiriusXM Radio Family Comedy Channels, Patrick brings a unique blend of humor, music, and message to his audiences to create an event that is full of energy and actionable ideas.His Book The Pancake Principle: seventeen sticky ways to make your customers flip for you was released in 2013 and he will soon be featured on a comedy album alongside Jeff Foxworthy, Steve Martin, Larry the Cable Guy, and Jeanne Robertson.One of Patrick’s audience members best described him as “what happens when, keynotes, comedy, and concerts collide.”Patrick also tells the story of why he thought his first speaking gig as a performance! It's a fun tale you'll want to hear on episode 155 of The Speaker Lab.THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  Where are the best speakers born? Hint: There are only two.When does Patrick advocate speaking for free?Why you should give 100 speeches before you start charging.How many new bookings should you get from giving one good speech?Two reasons why you aren't getting as many gigs as you'd like.Why bureaus should only be a slice of your speaking pie.How to start networking with other speakers.What's the best way to form your own mastermind group?How can you get your foot in the door with a speaking bureau?And so much more!EPISODE RESOURCESPatrick Henry's websitePatrick Henry on TwitterNational Speakers Association (NSA)Get 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.

Would you like to make a living speaking in the education market? Does the idea of helping educators light you up? If you said yes then you will love our guest on today's episode of The Speaker Lab!Ryan Giffen is a booking agent in the education and the university industries. He has booked speakers for several thousand events in his time with Premiere Speakers Bureau.Today we talk through common events speakers are hired for in the K-12 and university industries, how to determine who the decision makers are, and why the idea that schools and universities don't have money for speakers is a myth.If you want to speak to students, universities and colleges, then tune in to episode 154 of The Speaker Lab! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  Do you have to have formal teaching training to speak in the education world?What is the difference between life dollars and profit dollars?Why speaking to the education world requires a different mindset than other industries.What are the most common speaking opportunities in the university space?How do you know if you are talking to the wrong person at a school or organization?Why offering more than just a talk for teachers is the greatest idea possible.Who are the three groups of people in the K-12 education world and why do they matter?What is the range of fees speakers can expect from school districts and from universities?How volunteering and long-term relationships can be important to your success in this market.And so much more! EPISODE RESOURCESPremiere Speakers BureauContact Ryan GiffenEpisode 24 of TSL with Shawn HanksNACAAPCAGet 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.

Do you know how to share your story to connect with your audience in a way that conveys your message while still helping them? Do you fully understand how your unique story can skyrocket your speaking career? The man to answer those questions is here today, Mr. Nick Morgan.Nick is an acclaimed international, keynote speaker and a best-selling author. He also coaches other speakers and executives on how to communicate more effectively.Today we cover how most speakers drop the ball in their presentation and delivery, and three mistakes speakers make at the beginning of their speech. We also dig into why the beginning of your speech is valuable real estate, and the power of telling your own story as a speaker on episode 153 of The Speaker Lab.THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  How did Nick become the speechwriter for the governor of Virginia?Who is responsible for the message of any speech: the audience or the speaker?What are the three classic mistakes speakers make to lose their audience's attention?What should you be doing in the first minutes of your speech?Why you have to "kill your babies" to become a better speaker.Why narrowing your focus is actually a way to increase your reach.How to balance sharing your story while still making your speech about your audience.Where should you focus if you are in the early stages of your business?Why there has been a big increase in public speakers, and how that can benefit you.And so much more! EPISODE RESOURCESNick Morgan's Public Words websiteGive Your Speech, Change The World, by Nick MorganNick Morgan's other booksNick Morgan 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.

Are you struggling to speak on the topic of your choice? It is one of the most frequent questions I am asked so today's show is going to answer that question.In this edition of The Speaker Lab, we are giving you access to a bonus Q&A call from our Booked and Paid to Speak group, something we have never done before today.The conversation you are about to hear is a behind-the-scenes look at the process to help one woman narrow down the who, what, where and how of her speaking career. This is not like any other show we've released, but I am sharing it because I think you'll get SO much out of it. As you listen to episode 152 of The Speaker Lab, I'd recommend you ask yourself how these questions apply to you and your speaking career.THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  How do you research a potential niche to find out if it is financially viable?How to balance what you want to speak about with who is actually hiring for that topic.What is the Trojan Horse method, and how do you use it?Should you hyperfocus on one niche topic, and if so, for how long?Do credentials matter?How to turn your speaking topic into a tangible problem you solve for others.What do you do after you find your speaking niche?What to do if your audience and the people who will book you are two different groups.How to use email to stay top of mind with your audience.And so much more! EPISODE RESOURCESGet 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.

Do you know how to be a great speaker to work with, or if you already are? Today you'll find out directly from an expert!Chris Mefford is a speaker and a former executive in charge of events for Dave Ramsey. In that role, Chris oversaw all of their events - about 80 a year.Along the way, he learned a lot about what makes a speaker great to work with and what doesn't, why he and his team hired certain speakers over others and why some speakers became repeat guests and not others.He shares insights on those topics and more on episode 151 of The Speaker Lab.THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  What were the two ways speakers got on Chris' radar?What NOT to lead with when connecting with potential clients.What does easy to work with actually means, and why it's important.Can you communicate too much with event staff?What is the one thing Chris believes makes great speakers?What's the best way to present a speaking idea when pitching a potential client?The most effective approach to connecting with an event planner, according to Chris.Why you should keep your email to 125 words, or less.Two suggestions to ensure you are serving your clients before, during and after the event.And so much more! EPISODE RESOURCESChris Mefford's web siteChris Mefford on TwitterWhat I Learned From 100 Days of Rejection, Ted Talk by Jia JiangSpeak Like Churchill, Stand Like Lincoln, by James C. HumesWords That Work: It's Not What You Say, It's What People Hear, by Frank I. LutzGet 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.

Do you struggle to work full-time and build momentum as a speaker? Does it seem like an impossible feat to grow your speaking business while juggling your full-time job, your family and your other obligations?Our guest does all of that and today he shares his secrets! Erick Rheam is making his second appearance as a guest on The Speaker Lab Podcast.Today he shares how he went from 20 gigs last year to 53 this year, all while working full-time and being an active, involved father and husband. He gives the specific steps he takes to get at least two referrals for every speaking gig he does, why being easy to work with is so important and how you can generate momentum like him.Get ready for all of that and more on episode 150 of The Speaker Lab.THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  How Erick has gone from 20 gigs one year to 53 gigs the next.What worked for him to find gigs earlier in his careerWhy was speaking for free helpful for him?Should you take any and all opportunities to speak?The specifics of what made him an "easy speaker" and why it has led to consistent referrals.What is his 70/30 rule?Why you need to give people an action item.How and when to make a tasteful ask for referrals in your presentation.Should you do an exit interview and if so, what should it include?And so much more! EPISODE RESOURCESErick Rheam's web siteErick Rheam on Episode 126 of TSLErick Rheam on TwitterErick Rheam on LinkedInNozbeHighriseXero AccountingLeaddigitsGet 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.

Today on The Speaker Lab Podcast, I have Josh Steimle Entrepreneur and International Speakers, here to talk about how he manages his time while owning an international marketing agency and speaking around the world.Josh Steimle has locations in China, the U.S., and the U.K. Finding the time and resources to land more speaking gigs while being a full-time entrepreneur is a real struggle.Maybe you work a full-time corporate job and you're struggling to book paid gigs.If so, you are not alone.Today, Josh generously shares his quandaries and I help him find solutions.THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  How Josh manages an international team with three office locationsWhen it's worth his time to speak for freeWhat obstacles that stop him from speaking more, and what he can do about themWhy you should know the lifetime value of a clientWhat activities can you outsource in pursuit of new speaking opportunitiesIf it is ever okay to have someone else write your pitch emailsThe importance of having systems for creating and securing new speaking leadsAt what point in the pitch process should you be "the closer"An example of what to "hand off" once the gig is booked, and how to do so properly.And so much more! EPISODE RESOURCESJosh Steimle's web siteJosh Steimle on TwitterJosh Steimle on FacebookSweetProcess7 Proven Steps to Finding And Booking Paid Speaking EngagementsGet 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.

Do you want to hire a virtual assistant (VA), but don't know where to start? Or have you been disappointed when you tried to get further in your speaking career with virtual support? In either scenario, Trivinia Barber is here to help on episode 148 of The Speaker Lab.Trivinia is the founder of Priority VA, a virtual staffing company that matches high-level entrepreneurs with talented virtual support. Prior to starting her firm, she worked as a VA for entrepreneurs like Michael Hyatt and Amy Porterfield. Soon her demand grew and her availability shrunk - so she built a company of talented people like her. Four and a half years later she has a staff of 83 VAs!Today we'll talk about how to utilize virtual staff to help grow your speaking career, the pitfalls to watch out for when hiring, some simple steps to take to ensure you find a good match and why you can start delegating to a VA with just one or two small tasks. Trivinia is a wealth of knowledge so be sure to tune into this edition of The Speaker Lab.THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  How to know if you're ready for virtual support?Why you need help if you plan to get farther than you are right now.What are the primary reasons entrepreneurs don't hire someone?Where to start if you struggle to give up control in your business.One exercise to find tasks you can and should outsource.Why you should outsource for outcomes and NOT tasks.What are common things a VA can do for you in your speaking business?When do you need a domestic VA versus an overseas VA?The three Es to build a long-term lasting relationship when you find a great VA.And so much more! EPISODE RESOURCESPriority VA web siteTrivinia Barber on TwitterTrivinia Barber on LinkedInE3 Collective web siteFiverrFreelancerUpworkFancy HandsZirtualHire My MomOnline Jobs7 Proven Steps to Finding And Booking Paid Speaking EngagementsGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with The Speaker LabCalculate Your Speaking FeeJoin The Speaker Lab Community on FacebookSubscribe on Apple PodcastsSubscribe on Spotify See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.