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

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

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 conten

If you were creating your greatest competitive advantage what would it be? Our guest for today has discovered his and he's here to share what it is and how he found it.Vinh Giang is an international speaker and magician who is known for his ability to educate, entertain and enlighten his audiences. He joins me on this episode of The Speaker Lab to talk about the tireless dedication and work ethic needed to catapult him to such a high level of success.He also explains how his TEDx talk changed the trajectory of his career and how he leveraged it to grow and expand his business. We wrap up with how he uses magic in his presentations without being labeled as a magician and discuss why his demo video is so critical to his success.You'll hear all of that and more when you join us on episode 164 of The Speaker Lab with Vinh Giang.THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  What is his greatest competitive advantage?What is the other language we all must learn to speak?How many years did he do gigs for free

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

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 O

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

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 wo

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 wh

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 ne

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: &n

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 proble

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, k

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

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?Wh

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 hyperfo

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

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

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 c

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

Learn how to scale your business, pitch and validate your ideas without losing time or money getting to the next level. Fast-track your success now.Jill Christensen, Human Resources professional, and repeat guest on The Speaker Lab podcast, helps senior executives re-engage their workforce.She had so many great insights during our first chat that we ran out of time. Today, we expand on more ways to scale and grow your business, how to create and validate your ideas before investing time, money and effort.There's a lot to unpack so be sure to leave a comment or send me a tweet about the one thing you learned and will apply in your business today.THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  How to choose a business partner.The different ways to pitch your product depending on who the audience is.How to choose a business partner.When are webinars a great medium for a course?How selling a course can position you as an expert and spokesperson.The pros and cons of working with affiliates.How to validate your idea bef