

Speakernomics
National Speakers Association
The speaking industry is constantly evolving. Listen weekly for voices of experience from experts in the speaking industry with tips, insights and knowledge to help you become a better speaker, build a better business, and get paid to speak.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 26, 2025 • 24min
The Financial Mindset Fix for Speakers: Shifting from Scarcity to Abundance
Unlock the secrets to thriving as a professional speaker, even in uncertain times. In this episode of Speakernomics, Joyce Marder shares expert insights on shifting your financial mindset, building business resilience, and unlocking greater value from your speaking career.
Identify and overcome the most common mindset blocks holding speakers back from financial success
Strategies for maintaining confidence and pitching high-value clients during industry shifts
The power of community: why being vulnerable and sharing challenges with other speakers matters
How your personal “money story” impacts your business—and how to reframe limiting beliefs
Creative ways to diversify your income streams and practical daily habits for cultivating an abundance mindset
Ready to grow your speaking business? Don’t miss these must-hear strategies and real talk from industry leaders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 19, 2025 • 33min
Stop Waiting for the Phone to Ring: Outreach Strategies That Book Stages.
Get the inside scoop on how Sam Demma became the youngest Certified Speaking Professional and booked over 750 paid speaking gigs, all before 2025. In this episode of Speakernomics, Sam breaks down the exact outreach and sales strategies that built his thriving speaking business in the education market.
Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
How Sam focused and expanded his market from local schools in Ontario to the entire US and Canada
The concrete sales and outreach tactics he used to land hundreds of gigs, including video emails and social media
Why value always wins over budget objections—and how to position yourself for higher fees
The three-part sales playbook (pre-call, during-call, post-call) Sam uses to consistently close 30-40% of leads
Creative ways to turn “no” into new opportunities and keep your speaking pipeline full
If you want a no-nonsense blueprint for growth as a professional speaker, this episode is packed with actionable advice you can use right away!
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Aug 12, 2025 • 29min
Your Story Isn’t About You—How to Connect Without Oversharing
In this engaging discussion, Kevin Snyder, a Certified Speaking Professional and best-selling author, shares his journey from being a dean to a dynamic speaker. He emphasizes the power of vulnerability in storytelling, revealing how personal tales can deeply connect with audiences. Kevin also offers practical advice on transitioning to full-time speaking, mastering lead generation, and impactful speech delivery techniques. Additionally, he discusses his new book, 'Speechless', aimed at inspiring others in the speaking industry while supporting the NSA Foundation.

Aug 5, 2025 • 39min
Mic Check for Speakers: Branding, Bookings, and the Podcast Advantage
Ready to take your speaking career to the next level? In this episode of Speakernomics, industry pros break down exactly how podcasting can amplify your brand, grow your business, and keep your voice front and center.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
The unique value of hosting your own podcast as a professional speaker
How podcasting strengthens your message, builds your platform, and boosts credibility with clients and event planners
Strategies for managing podcast production and avoiding common pitfalls like “podfade”
Ways to effectively repurpose podcast content across social, newsletters, and other channels
Real-world advice on staying consistent, finding your audience, and making podcasting work for your business
Straightforward insights, practical advice, and actionable steps—hit play and level up!
Episode includes Guests: Mark Hunter and 2 Influence 2025 sponsors, Ellie Puckett of Resonate Recordings and Larry Roberts of Red Hat Media) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 4, 2025 • 11min
From Delays to Networking Smart Travel Strategies for Busy Speaking Professionals
Ready to take your travel game to the next level as a professional speaker? In this episode of Speakernomics, top speakers share their favorite travel tips to help you stay efficient, comfortable, and ready for anything on the road.
Smart packing strategies for both carry-ons and checked bags
How to use travel downtime productively—think handwritten notes and task batching
Essential comfort tips, including seat cushions, neck pillows, and snacks
Building relationships with flight crews and networking at your destination
Leveraging tech tools like the Flighty app to stay ahead of travel delays
Tune in and make your next trip your best one yet!
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Jul 22, 2025 • 33min
Construction to Credibility How to Cement Your Expertise in an Industry
Curious how to become the go-to expert in your field and dominate your speaking niche? In this episode of Speakernomics, construction industry leader George Hedley shares his direct advice on carving out your place as a professional speaker.
Here's what you'll learn:
How George targeted and owned his industry niche to become the "hard hat biz coach"
Why focusing on what you know best leads to more opportunities—even in a crowded market
The importance of understanding your audience’s language, culture, and pain points
How publishing articles and books can boost your credibility as an industry expert
Strategies to diversify your speaking business with coaching, peer groups, and consulting
1 interlude guest (Simon T. Bailey)
Tune in and get actionable steps to stand out and thrive as a speaker in your own niche!
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Jul 15, 2025 • 35min
Pitch, Prepare, Perform: How Speakers Thrive with Influence
Want to know what it takes to land a coveted NSA stage and stand out in a room full of professional speakers? In this episode of Speakernomics, NSA Director of Events Candice York shares the inside scoop on event planning, speaker selection, and what truly sets top presenters apart.
How NSA designs events like Influence and Thrive to serve speakers’ real needs
The difference between a collaborative speaker and a “diva”—and why reputation matters
What it takes to customize your content for an audience of fellow professional speakers
Behind-the-scenes on how main stage vs. breakout sessions are chosen
The importance of being part of the NSA community (not just chasing the gig) if you want the stage to find you
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Jul 8, 2025 • 26min
Fierce on Stage, Smart on the Street: Speaker Safety
Stay safe and succeed on the speaking circuit! In this episode, Dr. Tom Griggs shares practical self-defense tips and discusses how martial arts principles can give speakers an edge both on and off stage.
Essential safety strategies for speakers while traveling, including rideshare and hotel best practices
How martial arts training enhances peace of mind and presence for speakers
Real-life stories and tips to improve situational awareness and personal security
Practical, easy self-defense moves anyone can use—even without a black belt
Guest speakers weigh in with their own actionable travel safety habits
4 interlude guests (Sarah Ohanesian, Tony Chatman, Laurie Guest, and Dr. Genie Snyder).
Ready to elevate your speaking and personal safety game? Watch now!
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Jul 1, 2025 • 29min
Inside the Meeting Planner Studio: How to Get Booked and Rebooked
Discover what it really takes to stand out as a professional speaker in today’s evolving meetings industry. In this episode, Sarah Michel shares insider tips from both the speaker and meeting planner perspective to help you get noticed, get booked, and add more value.
The latest trends in how meeting planners search for and select speakers
Why unedited, authentic video is more important than ever for getting booked
The critical importance of customizing your keynote to audience pain points
Creative ways speakers can deliver more value beyond just the keynote
Building lasting relationships with event professionals, not just closing a sale
Tune in and learn how to elevate your speaking business and get ahead of industry changes!
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Jun 24, 2025 • 32min
How to Fund Your Speaking with Sponsorships with Linda Hollander
Unlock the secrets to landing corporate sponsors for your speaking business with expert Linda Hollander. In this episode of Speakernomics, you'll discover actionable strategies to grow your platform and fund your speaking through sponsorships.
How Linda Hollander built a successful speaking business powered by top-tier sponsors like Bank of America, Walmart, and IBM
The real definition of sponsorship and how speakers—new or seasoned—can connect companies to buyers
Proven tactics to approach and pitch sponsors, even if you’re starting from scratch
What sponsors want: tangible and intangible returns, plus how to navigate expectations without losing your message
Why having a charitable partner can boost your media visibility and open doors to new opportunities
Subscribe for more tips and insights to speak, get paid, and repeat!
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