
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

May 14, 2024 • 28min
Is Speaking the Business or the Product? with David Avrin, CSP, GSF
David Avrin, an expert in the speaking industry, discusses the distinction between speaking and booking gigs, emphasizing the importance of business aspects. He shares strategic marketing advice, the need for systematic processes, and the keys to success in the speaking business.

May 7, 2024 • 31min
Secrets to a Lasting Speaking Career with Grant Baldwin
In this episode of Speakernomics, host Kenneth "Shark" Kinney speaks with Grant Baldwin, the founder of The Speaker Lab, to delve into strategies for building a sustainable speaking business.In this session, Grant will:
Illustrate the necessity of treating a speaking career as a legitimate business and adopting a long-term perspective on growth and success, advocating for commitment and consistent effort.
Discuss the critical importance of identifying a specific audience and problem, demonstrating how laser-focused positioning can enhance the effectiveness and demand for a speaker’s services.
Emphasize proactive outreach and follow-up, encouraging speakers to initiate contact and sustain relationships rather than waiting for opportunities to come their way, to ensure a continuous flow of engagements.
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Apr 30, 2024 • 25min
Transforming Simple Metaphors into Career Milestones with Mark Scharenbroich, CSP, CPAE
In this weeks episode of Speakernomics, host Kenneth "Shark" Kinney is joined by Hall of Fame Speaker Mark Scharenbroich to explore how simple metaphors can turn into impactful careers in professional speaking.In this enlightening session, Mark will:
Illustrate how to captivate and connect with diverse audiences by turning everyday observations into profound, relatable messages that resonate with people from all walks of life.
Explain the significance of continuously refining and adapting speaking content by responding to the subtle cues and feedback received from audiences during presentations.
Demonstrate the critical role storytelling plays in engaging an audience, emphasizing not just the tale itself but its tailored relevance to the audience, ensuring it speaks directly to their experiences and challenges.
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Apr 24, 2024 • 31min
The Evolution of Professional Speaking with Don Hutson, CSP, CPAE
In this episode of Speakernomics, host Kenneth "Shark" Kinney is joined by Hall of Fame speaker and NSA past president Don Hutson, CSP, CPAE. With an extensive history in the speaking industry, Don shares valuable takeaways on sustaining a successful speaking career. During this episode, Don will:
Elaborate on the significance of in-depth research and tailored content, urging speakers to analyze the needs of each engagement to ensure their message resonates on a deeper level with the audience.
Demonstrate how to leverage relationship building and effective networking to nurture and maintain a thriving speaking practice, focusing on the crucial role of senior decision-maker satisfaction for repeat business.
Encourage the development of engaging storytelling through powerful vignettes, allowing speakers to connect emotionally with their audience and leave a memorable impact.
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Apr 17, 2024 • 30min
Building Your Speaking Empire with Ross Bernstein, CSP, CPAE
This week on Speakernomics, host Kenneth "Shark" Kinney speaks with Hall of Fame Speaker, Ross Bernstein, about the mechanisms of building and sustaining momentum in a demanding speaking career.In this episode, Ross will:
Illustrate the power of authenticity in the speaking industry by showcasing how to be funny, entertaining, insightful, and deliver great value to audiences.
Encourage speakers to create personalized success models and foster fruitful connections, underscoring how to leverage social media and personal interactions effectively.
Advocate for a lifestyle-integrated business model that aligns with one’s passions, demonstrating how to integrate work, family, and travel into a fulfilling career.
You'll gain insight into Ross's remarkable ability to maintain a substantial volume of speaking engagements, his approach to mentorship, and the balance between work and life that supports his thriving professional and personal life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 10, 2024 • 18min
Discover and Use Your Unique Actor Type with Robyn Hatcher, CSP
In this weeks episode of Speakernomics, host Kenneth "Shark" Kinney visits with renowned communications expert, author, and president of the NSA New York City chapter, Robin Hatcher, CSP. Robin leverages her experience as a professional actor and soap opera writer to illuminate the concept of "actor types" in the context of communication for speakers.Throughout this episode, Robin will:
Define the concept of 'actor types' and explain how understanding your natural actor type enhances your visual, vocal, and verbal communication skills, enabling you to authentically connect with your audience.
Describe specific strategies to enhance your stage presence by improving your visual appeal and vocal delivery, ensuring your message not only resonates but also retains the audience's attention.
Analyze the significance of word choice and verbal consistency tailored to audience types, providing actionable insights for speakers to craft impactful and memorable content that appeals to a diverse audience.
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Apr 3, 2024 • 24min
Negotiation: Maximizing Value and Closing the Deal as a Speaker with Fotini Iconomopoulos
In this week's episode of Speakernomics, expert negotiator Fotini Iconomopoulos shares valuable insights on negotiating as a professional speaker.At the end of this episode, Fotini will help you:
Evaluate the importance of continual improvement and the necessity for speakers to be at the top of their game before pursuing international opportunities.
Develop a clear strategy, demonstrate cultural sensitivity, and always have a contingency plan for logistical issues in international speaking engagements.
Recognize the significance of a powerful website, high-quality demo video, and impactful testimonials as essential marketing materials for speakers.
Warn against early engagement with speaker bureaus, emphasizing the impact on a speaker's reputation.
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Mar 27, 2024 • 19min
Lean Into Your Story Marcus Sheridan, CSP
In this episode of Speakernomics, Kenneth "Shark" Kinney talks to Marcus Sheridan, CSP on valuable insights on leveraging your business story and transparency in pricing to grow your speaking career.At the end of this session, Marcus will help you:
Comprehend the significance of leaning into your business story to resonate with audiences and position yourself as a relatable speaker.
Evaluate the importance of transparent pricing and its impact on attracting and retaining clients in the speaking industry.
Assess the timing and readiness to approach speaker bureaus while building your speaking career.
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Mar 20, 2024 • 17min
Creating Superfans: Elevating Every Touchpoint with Brittany Hodak
In this episode of Speakernomics, host Kenneth "Shark" Kinney and guest Brittany Hodak, an award-winning entrepreneur and customer experience speaker, delve into the topic of creating superfans in the speaking industry. They discuss strategies for building a thriving speaking business, improving the customer experience, and fostering loyal followers.Key Takeaways:
Elevating Every Touchpoint: Learn how to create an exceptional experience for event planners, organizations, and audience members at every stage of your speaking engagements, from pre-event to post-event interactions.
Seeking the Right Advice: Understand the importance of seeking advice from mentors and industry leaders who align with your goals and aspirations, and how to discern valuable advice from well-intentioned but limiting guidance.
Aligning Your Message: Discover the significance of crafting a message that resonates deeply with your audience and how to passionately engage them with your topic, fostering a sense of connection and advocacy.
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Mar 13, 2024 • 21min
Seven Pillars of 7 Star Service with Ruby Newell-Legner, CSP
This week, renowned customer service expert and Cavett Award recipient, Ruby Newell-Legner, CSP shares her insights and strategies for delivering exceptional customer service in diverse industries, including sports, leisure, and entertainment. Ruby emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs, building strong relationships, and prioritizing employee satisfaction. She also discusses the significance of the Cavett Award and its values in recognizing excellence in the speaking profession.At the end of this episode, you will:
Understand the key pillars of the Seven Star service philosophy and how they can be applied to enhance customer service in various industries.
Learn effective strategies for connecting with customers and building strong relationships based on trust and understanding.
Discover the importance of employee satisfaction and its impact on delivering exceptional customer service.
Gain insights into NSA's Cavett Award and its values. Explore ways to contribute to the growth and development of the speaking profession.
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