The Speaker Lab With Grant Baldwin // Public Speaking / Motivational Speaking / Entrepreneurship

Grant Baldwin and Erick Rheam hosted a Facebook Live to talk about how speakers are still getting booked and paid to speak even in the midst of the pandemic.During the live stream, Grant and Erick discuss:The state of the speaking industryDealing with ambiguity and anxietyLong-term ramifications of social distancingHow some speakers are still getting booked and paid to speakReaching the point of turning down new opportunitiesWhen to say no if a gig is outside your brand/industryThinking about the balance between virtual and live events in the futureHow do you stay positive and keep moving forward?Why proven systems don’t break even if the variables changeWhat speakers can do to work with live events to postpone without losing incomeThe value of relationships and why you can’t ignore themNow is the time coaching really mattersAre speakers still booking events that are happening in the future? (Spoiler Alert: YES!)Pros and cons of virtual events and how to book themWhy speakers are in the problem-solving busine

Grant Baldwin and Michael Port hosted a Facebook Live to talk about what speakers can do to take advantage of the extra time during quarantine to improve their value as a performer.During the live stream, Grant and Mike discuss:This is the time to be working on your talk“Either it will pass or I will pass."Best practices for wearing glasses on cameraSurviving as a speaker in the midst of a crisisWhy speakers can’t afford to be averageEverything you do as a performer must be transformationalHow the expected quality for speakers will increaseWhat speakers should be working on right nowHow speakers can maximize the gift of time during quarantineWhy using live events as rehearsals is a mistakeWhat deep work looks like for speakersMapping out an effective rehearsal processReinventing your speech in ways you never imaginedAsking specific questions when it comes to feedbackHow to scale your choices from good to greatUsing a mystery box visual to raise the stakes for your audienceThe risk of failing to deliver on the

Grant Baldwin and Clint Pulver hosted a live stream to talk about how speakers can change and adapt to a new “normal”.During the interview, Grant and Clint discuss:Developing a virtual demo videoTaking one day at a time on the rollercoasterLive events that convert to digital and ask for virtual keynotesBinge-watching the Imagineers documentary on Disney+Creating a virtual studio at home5 things that clients are asking virtual speakers forUsing a moderator to enhance the virtual experience for the client and their audienceCreate a virtual landing page on your website that showcases the value you deliver to the marketHow clients and audiences have reacted to live virtual eventsProviding best practices to the client ahead of time to ensure the best possible experienceWhat to do when someone brings their phone into the bathroom during your live streamConducting a separate soundcheck or run-through before a virtual event to test techObtaining testimonials from your virtual clientsThe difference between offering va

Welcome to how to find your first paid speaking gig with Bryan Allain - part four.If you missed the first three episodes with Bryan you can listen to here to part one, part two here and part three here.In this show, Bryan is establishing himself as the expert through his web site and his demo video. You'll also hear how to deal with the impostor syndrome, something he talks about today. We even discuss whether or not he should quit!To hear all of this as it unfolds join us for episode 286 with Bryan Allain.THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOWWhat determines how quickly you will see results?As a speaker, is there value in becoming a connector and curator?What should you do if you don't have any video clips for a demo video?How to stop the comparison game.Does Impostor Syndrome ever go away?What are specific questions to ask to find potential leads?Why you should attend some events even if you aren't speaking.This one simple trick can help you find even more potential gigs.And so much more!EPISODE RESOURCESBryan Alla

Grant Baldwin and Nisha Mehta hosted a Facebook Live to talk about a physician's perspective on the speaking industry during turbulent times.During the live stream, Grant and Nisha discuss:Balancing a professional career as a radiologist while speaking internationallyBuilding large online communities among certified physiciansMaintaining social distancing to flatten the curveInsights on the pandemic from behind the scenesMaking tough choices to opt-out of live events before “shelter-in-place” beganPartnering with events to make virtual options work and still deliver valueThe responsibility of speakers to prioritize the safety of othersWhen can we expect live events to happen again?How big will live events be allowed to be?Preparing for a secondary surge after social distancing restrictions are liftedHoping to start seeing things reopen in the coming weeksThe liability of hosting live events post-pandemicSearching for a sense of normalcyThe key difference between SARS and COVID-19Uncertainty about the unknown

Grant Baldwin and Scott Stratten hosted a Facebook Live to talk about the future of the speaking industry after a pandemic.During the live stream, Grant and Scott discuss:The long-term impacts the coronavirus will have on the speaking industryExperimenting with style and facial hair while social distancingWhy “speaking” isn’t really your true professionUnderstanding the gig is the payoff for building your platform and being an expertDealing with feeling like you’ve lost part of your identityGrieving the loss of things that used to annoy you (like the too early soundcheck)Predicting the recovery timeline for massive events and the impact on keynotesDistributing a sub-standard virtual product will hurt your live speaking down the road by degrading your valueAccepting that the “new normal” is largely unknownThe pending lawsuits as a result of the virus spreading at large eventsTreating the speaking gig as one component of your business and how you deliver valueDo what it takes to help you feel productiveBeing ok

Welcome! This is part three of our how to find your first paid speaking gig series with Bryan Allain.If you missed part one and part two you can listen to here to part one and part two here. In those episodes you heard Bryan's background: he has done some speaking but is struggling with where to start.This week on The Speaker Lab, you'll find out who Bryan has chosen to speak to, what problem he's going to solve for them and the pros and cons to his decision. We will wrap up with a chat about what to do next and how to move forward.This series has been fun, insightful and intense. Join us to hear part three on this episode of The Speaker Lab! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  How can you deal with the negative voices in your head?Will you ever feel completely confident in your choice?How do you know if you have enough credibility to speak on a topic?Why your choices don't have to be permanent.Is there a perfect time to get started or to make a change?Should you use visuals to differentiate yourself i

Grant Baldwin and Mike Pacchione hosted a Facebook Live to talk about how to work on your speech and hone your craft during the quarantine.During the live stream, Grant and Mike discuss:Tips and tricks for virtual speakingEnjoying becoming a first-time dadHelping speakers deliver the best talk of their livesHow to prepare for your next live gig while social distancingGetting feedback on your talk using a recordingA simple survey to send to friends and colleagues to obtain actionable feedbackThe power of asking strategic questions that actually help you build a better talkWhy most TED talks don’t even make the websiteHow speakers can set themselves apart from the crowdThe unanticipated break from speaking gives you the chance to be objective in assessing your talkSitting down to create a list of what you think makes a great talk and applying that criteria to your craftAsking yourself a tough question: does this talk seem to go on for too long?What characteristics can make or break a speaker’s presentationWhy w

Grant Baldwin and Josh Bauerle hosted a Q&A on Facebook Live to talk about how speakers can benefit from the stimulus and address your questions about the stimulus check, unemployment, EIDL, and PPP.DISCLAIMER: We are not finance or tax experts. Please contact your financial planner or local financial institution for professional advice.EIDL - Economic Injury Disaster LoanPPP - Payroll Protection Program During the live stream, Grant and Josh discuss:Unemployment being extended to business owners and freelancersTwo loan/grant programs for small businesses to take advantage ofWhich program is best for speakers to pay attention to?Are earning thresholds for the stimulus based on Billings or on adjusted gross income?How much unemployment can you claim?What is the timeline for unemployment payouts?How to apply for the EIDLWould speakers apply for unemployment? Or the grant? Or both?Can you apply for EIDL if you have a W-2 in addition to speaking gigs?What happens if you get denied?Being patient and persistent

Grant Baldwin and Phil Jones hosted a Facebook Live to talk about the true confessions of a professional speaker dealing with the impact of COVID-19.During the live stream, Grant and Phil discuss:Rescheduling or canceling 27 eventsWhere do new event scheduling start coming fromHow does the market react and build on the other side of this crisisUsing new technology and trying new thingsTaking advantage of the opportunity to serve past clientsFinding joy in the gift of time to refocus priorities and spend time with familyLeaning into new revenue streams and discovering new ways to distribute valueNavigating schedule conflicts for Fall events with postponed Spring eventsCreating custom programming for events now instead of reschedulingHelping clients address the needs and fears of their customersShowing up in the moment and modeling generosityMaintaining the integrity of your speaking business long-termWhat speakers have in common with 5-star Michelin chefsBuilding a speaking business so that you’re not living m

Welcome! This is part two of our how to find your first paid speaking gig.If you missed part one you can listen to it here. Then come back and join us for the second half of our talk with Bryan Allain.Bryan has done a bit of speaking but is struggling with where to start. On this raw, authentic coaching call with him, we explore that topic.Join us to hear how we walk Bryan through getting his first paid speaking gig and how you can do the same on this episode of The Speaker Lab. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:What speakers should you find and follow?What does it mean if you can't find speakers in your chosen market?How to separate the signal from the noise.What five audiences could you speak to?How do you narrow down among those five audiences?Why you don't have to be the world's greatest expert to speak to an audience.What are the pros and cons of being an emcee?How much of a factor is passion when choosing a topic or an audience?And so much more!EPISODE RESOURCESBryan Allain's web siteBryan Allain on T

Wouldn't it be great if someone could guide you through how to find your first paid speaking gig?One of our own team members is here to demonstrate, Mr. Bryan Allain. Bryan has worked with us for a year now and he wants to know if what we teach actually works. This is an unscripted walk the process of how to find your first paid speaking gig.Get ready to hear the details on this edition of The Speaker Lab.  THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  What should one of your first goals be?Is there a simple way to build your confidence?What are the two sides to selecting a problem to solve?What does it mean to establish your speaking expertise?Why it's completely normal to second-guess your decisions.What to do when you don't know where to start.How can you use your real world experience to start your speaking journey?Why it's easier to pivot and adjust when you have momentum.And so much more! EPISODE RESOURCESBryan Allain's web siteBryan Allain on TwitterThe Speaker Lab Elite coaching callGot questio

Grant Baldwin and Mike Michalowicz hosted a Facebook Live to talk about how speakers should handle their finances in the midst of crisis.During the live stream, Grant and Mike discuss:Pivoting business to accommodate canceled or postponed eventsExpediting projects to fill the gap created by live eventsAmplifying communication frequency while decreasing quantitySuper long, rambling emails can have a negative impact on your brandThe difference between seizing an opportunity to serve and being opportunisticSending out short sound bits of value to your audience is powerfulAsk your email list what they need to identify themesCreate products to meet those needs at a reasonable rate (not free)The economy is built on paying for stuff. If we all give everything away, it falls apart.Lessons small businesses and speakers can learn to prepare for the futureThe business crisis trendWhat can you do to keep the lights on1-Step Back Technique to discover new opportunitiesAnd moreEPISODE RESOURCESMike’s booksMike on TwitterMi

Grant Baldwin and Carrie Wilkerson hosted a Facebook Live to talk about how speakers can diversify their business.During the live stream, Grant and Carrie discuss:Starting her brand as “The Barefoot Executive"Self-isolating with teenagers in TexasWhy worry won’t do you a bit of goodPrioritizing daily communication with your audienceMarketing with empathy and not appearing tone-deafCreating leverage in your business to create a “stage” in different waysTeach a masterclass on your area of expertiseProvide mentoring to a few clients to coach through a specific processCreate the infrastructure for a membership program (>1000 email list subscribers)Do not stop your marketingUsing the tools you have to deliver value to your audienceAsking the question: How can I serve your people from a distance?Don’t wait for fancy tools to create value for your audienceVirtual keynoting and reimagined virtual conference for 50,000 peopleSuit up and show up every dayMake the most of the opportunities you haveIf you stop your ma

Grant Baldwin and Erick Rheam hosted a Facebook Live to talk about how speakers can convert live events that are postponed or canceled into virtual gigs.During the live stream, Grant and Erick discuss:Booking webinars and workshops to replace/supplement live eventsFinding value in what you’re already doing and converting it to an offerRepurposing the challenge of working from home to create new valueDiscovering new opportunities to diversify your speaking platformAdd value while recognizing your clients pay you for the solutions you bringPrioritizing service doesn’t have to sacrifice revenueStrategies for stopping the bleeding in your businessThrow out the rule book in the short-termHow to price virtual speaking gigs versus live eventsAnd moreEPISODE 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

Staying positive on your speaking journey will help you succeed, and our guest today is the perfect example of this.Jon Gordon is the author of Stay Positive, The Energy Bus and many other best-sellers. He's also an equally prolific and successful speaker.On episode 282 of The Speaker Lab, he tells us how he got started speaking, the pros and cons of speaking for free, and how he thinks about his business beyond the stage. Join us for this intriguing and illuminating conversation with Jon Gordon on this edition of The Speaker Lab. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  How does he take the challenges of flying and transform them into opportunities?Why did he give 80 free talks?Why you shouldn't expect to be good when you start.From where did he get the idea for his first book?What a telescope and a microscope have to do with achieving your goals.How can you take a big topic and carve your own niche within it?What does research show about positivity?What is the power of being introverted?And so much more!E

Grant Baldwin and Josh McGhee hosted a Facebook Live to talk about how event planners are responding to the coronavirus and its impact on the speaking industry.During the live stream, Grant and Josh discuss:How many events an event planner will typically manage in the course of a yearAn insider view of how events approach the decision to cancel or postponeThe likelihood of rescheduling and postponing events that are further out than 1-2 monthsAdapting to fast-changing circumstances in the midst of unprecedented timesPlacing a high value on safetyAdjusting accordingly to accommodate travel bandsDetermining which events are able to be converted to virtual experiencesJust because your physical gathering is canceled or postponed doesn’t mean you can’t deliver value in the digital spaceOrganizations being pushed to create a more interactive experience whether it’s in-person or virtualHow do conference owners/organizers continue education between annual events and leverage technology to stay engaged with their audi

Grant Baldwin and Terry Brock hosted a Facebook Live to talk about you can create virtual speaking opportunities.During the live stream, Grant and Terry discuss:Making room for natural reactions to stressful timesIntentionally focusing on positive attitudeLeveraging technology to reach our audiences and deliver valueWhy now is the time to hustleMarket trends when it comes to events canceling vs postponingSpeakers are communicators who solve problemsHow to suggest virtual options to existing clientsPull in experts in your network to deliver additional valueThe problem you were hired to solve still existsExploring new ways to solve the same problemSpeakers don’t have to speak on stage to deliver valueSimple tips to improve the quality of your virtual presenceScalable tools for video streaming and conferencingDon’t get distracted by shiny, new tools. Pick one that works for you and move forward.The importance of backup technologySocial distancing doesn’t cancel our need for social connectionRolling up our sleeve

Grant Baldwin and Shawn Hanks hosted a Facebook Live to talk about how speaking bureaus are responding and adjusting to the coronavirus.During the live stream, Grant and Shawn discuss:How appropriate the term “unprecedented” is in these unique timesFinding comfort in shared experiencesAdapting in the midst of unforeseen circumstancesNavigating the process of postponing/rescheduling 400+ eventsThe challenge of responding with grace versus reacting in fearOperating from a place of fear in the short-term creates long-term lossesFocusing on relationships and maintaining bridgesAdjusting presentation to fit virtual deliveryFollowing wise financial practices to prepare for times of crisisDiversify your business with other offers besides speaking on stageBe cautious before you pivot your entire platformReaching out to clients to see where their pain points are and how you can serve their audience with content in the interimAnd moreEPISODE RESOURCESPremiere Speakers BureauGet Free Speaker ResourcesBook a Call with Th

Grant Baldwin and Kyle Scheele hosted a Facebook Live to talk about how the youth speaking industry is responding and adjusting to the coronavirus.During the live stream, Grant and Kyle discuss:Navigating the crazy ups and downsAdjusting to unexpected free timePlenty of events that are rescheduling and postponing instead of cancelingHow long will it take to get back to normalLooking back to history for a sense of hopeTaking steps to prepare your finances for difficult timesMaking a list of what you can controlNot wasting your time worrying about whatever is outside your controlTaking advantage of the downtime to catch up on projects you avoidedSpending time with loved ones and using technology to stay connectedHow to ethically market your speaking business in times of crisisThe hidden benefits of working with a speaking agencyHow will you tweak and adapt your content after this crisis?How can you change to better serve people?We have been through hard things as humans and we will continue to go through hard t