
Speakernomics
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.
Latest episodes

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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Jun 17, 2025 • 18min
Navigating the River of Your Speech to Hold an Audience's Attention with Karl Mecklenburg, CSP
NFL legend and professional speaker Karl Mecklenburg joins Speakernomics to share how he captivates audiences and drives business success from the stage. Discover practical speaking, storytelling, and marketing tips directly from one of the most versatile voices in the industry.
How to keep an audience engaged with dynamic storytelling, humor, and unpredictability
Structuring your keynote like a flowing river, mixing serious and light moments to avoid predictability
Leveraging referrals and client feedback to strengthen your marketing as a speaker
Applying the "all pro" mentality—preparation, decisive performance, honest evaluation, and adaptation—to speaking
Building a consistent sales approach and the value of ongoing connection with clients and audiences
Tune in for real-world advice to energize your speaking business and leave a lasting impression on every audience.
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Jun 10, 2025 • 34min
Mic Check: Are You Speaking with Integrity?
What does it really mean to be a professional speaker, and how do ethics shape our industry? This episode of Speakernomics gets real about professionalism, integrity, and the standards that set true pros apart.
The core values every NSA speaker should know—and actually live by
Where to draw the line between self-promotion and stretching the truth
How meeting planners judge speaker professionalism behind the scenes
Actionable tips from experienced pros on staying authentic and easy to work with
Why integrity, adaptability, and collaboration matter now more than ever in the age of AI
With special guests:
Dr. Mary Kelly, CSP, CPAE, Mike Brian, Bill Cates, CSP, CPAE, Alan Berg, CSP, Laurie Guest, CSP, CPAE, Simon T. Bailey, CSP, CPAE, and Amanda Gore, CSP, CPAE.
Tune in to get practical advice on elevating your speaking business and reputation for the long haul.
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Jun 3, 2025 • 27min
From Crickets to Cash: Systematic Lead Generation for Speakers with Julie Holmes
Rebuilding your speaking business can feel overwhelming, especially when the leads go quiet. In this episode of Speakernomics, Julie Holmes shares practical strategies for jumpstarting your lead generation and making your speaking business thrive.
How Julie Holmes rebuilt her speaking business from scratch after setbacks
The essential mindset shift for treating your speaking business like a real business
Concrete outbound lead generation strategies that go beyond waiting for inbound inquiries
Tracking, systems, and the importance of measuring what matters for lead outreach
Advice on choosing and actually using CRM and tech tools to support consistent lead generation
Watch now to learn how to speak, get paid, and repeat!
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May 27, 2025 • 23min
From Stage to Screen: How Webinars Can Grow Your Speaking Business with Alaina G. Levine, CSP
Looking to grow your speaking business in the virtual world? In this episode of Speakernomics, Alaina G. Levine breaks down how webinars can deliver recurring revenue and lasting client relationships—even after the pandemic.
The difference between virtual presentations and webinars, and why framing matters
How Alaina pivoted to create a recurring revenue stream with webinars
Strategies for packaging, pricing, and fee integrity in virtual offerings
Developing a "curriculum" of topics versus booking one-off gigs
Building stronger client partnerships and funneling webinars into in-person opportunities
Don’t miss these actionable tips to turn virtual stages into business wins!
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May 20, 2025 • 30min
Building Your Brand as a Speaker Social Media Tactics for More Bookings
Unlock next-level social media strategies for speakers with insights from top experts and booking agents. Discover the practical steps that make your social presence work for your speaking business.
How to choose the right social platform and boost consistency without spreading yourself too thin
Why social proof and testimonials matter more than self-promotion
Content strategies: balancing value, authenticity, and connection with your audience
The importance of tailoring posts to decision-makers, bookers, and meeting professionals
Actionable tips to maximize social media for bookings, brand-building, and business growth
Watch now to learn what truly works (and what to avoid) for speakers on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and more!
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May 13, 2025 • 17min
Influence, Impact, and Encore: Laurie Guest’s Speaker Business Growth Playbook
In this episode of Speakernomics, host Kenneth Kinney (Shark) chats with Hall of Fame speaker Laurie Guest, CSP, CPAE about elevating your speaking business through exceptional customer service and keynote mastery. Get ready for actionable tips and insider stories that will help you stand out with clients and audiences alike.
Here's what you'll learn:
How Laurie Guest applies customer service excellence lessons from her corporate background to her speaking business
Why speed and responsiveness with clients and meeting planners matters for landing and keeping business
The value of bold moves, like asking for the encore and turning satisfied clients into long-term followers
A behind-the-scenes look at Laurie’s upcoming “Keynote DNA Hall of Fame Edition” session and its six essential keynote elements
Why building relationships off-stage at events like Influence is just as important as what happens on stage
Don't miss these strategies to speak, get paid, and repeat!
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May 6, 2025 • 28min
Stand Out Globally: Expert Advice on International Speaking and Cross-Cultural Marketing
Discover what it takes to market yourself as a successful international speaker in the final part of the Speakernomics global speaking series. Join Kenneth Kinney and a panel of expert speakers as they reveal real-world strategies for adapting your message across borders and cultures.
How top speakers tailor their marketing (or not) for different countries and cultures
The importance of showcasing international experience through your website, language, and social proof
Why cultural nuances, communication styles, and relationship-building matter more than ever abroad
Ways to prove your credibility and de-risk your value to foreign event planners
Practical tips for customizing your content and personal brand to land gigs worldwide
Tune in for actionable advice to help you thrive as a truly global speaker!
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Apr 29, 2025 • 17min
Finding Your Voice: Simon T. Bailey, CSP, CPAE on Becoming a Thought Leader, Not Just a Speaker
Whether you are an emerging or experienced speaker, let Simon’s journey inspire you to align your inner spark with external success and to leverage your expertise for meaningful, memorable impact.
In this episode of Speakernomics, host Kenneth Kinney (Shark) sits down with renowned CSP and CPAE Hall of Fame keynote speaker Simon T. Bailey to explore what it truly means to amplify your brilliance as a professional speaker. Simon, widely recognized as the world’s leading expert on brilliance, shares personal milestones, strategies for sustainable influence, and the pivotal role research has played in redefining his brand and value proposition in the speaking industry.
In this session, Simon will:
Illustrate how to differentiate yourself by embracing originality and authenticity rather than mimicking industry icons, ensuring your message resonates beyond the applause.
Analyze the impact of integrating proprietary research into your business, elevating conversations with decision-makers, commanding higher fees, and building long-term influence within client organizations.
Reflect on common career challenges—such as chasing stages and seeking validation from speaker bureaus—and encourage speakers to focus on service, humility, and the true meaning behind every keynote.
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