The Speaker Lab Podcast

Every year, The Speaker Lab founder Grant Baldwin and coach Erick Rheam come onto the TSL show for an episode we call “The State of the Speaking Industry.” Grant and Erick use this time to zoom out and examine shifts in the last year and trends for the next year that affect speakers working on building their business this year. This is a chance to really dig deep into what’s going on in a variety of different industries and how that changes things up for all speakers, from aspiring to advanced. In episode 436 of The Speaker Lab podcast, we’re looking at the state of the speaking industry for 2023. Exciting things are happening as the world emerges from the COVID-impacted era of virtual events into a new hybrid era. Some organizations are eager to get back to classic conferences with lots of personal interactions and face-to-face communication, while others are enjoying the efficiency afforded by shifting everything to zoom. At the same time, many sectors are hurting due to the economy, and speakers in those industries are hurting as a result. More than ever, it’s vital to get clear on some of the core tenets of our SPEAK framework: solving one specific problem for one specific audience. Whether you’re a beginner, emerging, or experienced speaker, 2023 is bound to bring changes. With all this in mind, Grant and Erick share advice in this episode for every stage of launching and growing a speaking business. Let this episode put your fears at rest and energize your business plan for the upcoming year!You’ll learn about…Which audiences are showing potential for growth in 2023. What virtual speaking can offer industries with continuing education requirements.How to leverage gigs into partnerships that get you regular engagements.How to manage and maintain momentum so it doesn’t overwhelm you.How pivoting audiences can help you weather the economic storm.Why the solutions you offer are more important than the story you tell.Why clarity, consistency, and mentorship are must-haves for every speaker in 2023.…and so much more!EPISODE RESOURCESThe Master Speaker ProgramGet 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 https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our Student Highlight series continues with a student who came to us after years of success as a therapist and academic. Dr. David Palmiter knew how to fill in the gaps between scientific research and common knowledge, specifically on the topic of achieving happiness. He had three decades of speaking experience and regularly trained other therapists. He was a hit with his audience every time he went onstage. He had a good handle on content, delivery, and performance. But something was missing. He hadn’t turned speaking into a real business. Fortunately, the Virtual VIP program with Erick Rheam helped him do just that and find the magic key (literally!) to differentiate himself from his competition. David does indeed do magic tricks to illustrate his points, but the magic he works for his audience goes much further. In this episode, he shares how Erick opened the world of possibilities available once he streamlined his prospecting process by utilizing Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems. This conversation with Maryalice Goldsmith, our director of student success, is full of information about how our virtual VIP course provides the foundational tools for taking your business to the next level and refining your message. Because of his background in therapy, David takes connecting with his audience members very seriously. He and Maryalice discuss some of the important steps to finding your audience’s pain points and providing them with solutions. Directly addressing your audience’s needs and pivoting when the market shifts is a challenge for every speaker, but you’ll learn some important strategies from this episode.You’ll also hear all about:How The Speaker Lab can help you discover your top strengthsHow prospecting leads can be meaningful instead of miserable.How to use your CRM to automate tasks for your speaking business.The transformation that comes when you add value in your lead outreach. The advantages of integrating magic into your talk (no experience necessary)!Why spirituality is the key to happiness, regardless of your religious beliefs.…and so much more!EPISODE RESOURCESDr. David Palmiter's WebsiteThe Master Speaker ProgramGet 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 https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On The Speaker Lab podcast, we feature guests who find their way to the speaking industry via myriad paths. Sometimes their path is linear, and sometimes the story of how they got to speaking is just as interesting as what they speak about. In Episode 434, you’ll get to hear from one of those speakers–someone who has really done it all! Lou Diamond has worked in marketing, technology, finance, and professional services. He’s a speaker, author, consultant, and expert podcaster, and he has a lot to share.Lou’s journey to speaking involves a lot of the lessons we love to emphasize at The Speaker Lab. Discovering his unique ability for connecting with people allowed him to find an organic niche that suited his message and his experience–one of the most important steps to launching your speaking business. As demand for his speaking services increased, he had to make a lot of tough decisions about where to put his time and energy to further his career. These days, he splits his time three ways, between sales and leadership consulting, speaking, and podcasting. His story is full of tips for taking your speaking material and turning it into a new product, like a book, course, or podcast. Not only does he run his own podcast, Thrive LouD, which recently featured our very own Grant Baldwin as a guest, but he teaches others how to maximize business opportunities through podcasting. In this episode, Lou will walk you through how to make podcasting work for your speaking business, as both a guest and a host. Speakers have a lot of unique traits that are well-suited to podcasting, so if this isn’t a marketing avenue you’ve considered, today’s show is well worth the listen.You’ll also learn all about: When it’s time to write a book.How to pick the right lane for your podcast.How to leverage social media toward getting invited onto podcasts.Why you should prepare for podcast appearances like you would for a keynote.How to deliver your message in a way that resonates the most.What monetization techniques can turn podcasting into passive income.Why it’s ok if people don’t listen to your podcast. …and so much more!EPISODE RESOURCESLou Diamond's WebsiteThe Master Speaker ProgramGet 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 https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do you have executive presence? It’s not just for CEOs. According to TSL coaches Maryalice Goldsmith and Katherine Johnson, executive presence actually refers to the constellation of cues that people use to evaluate whether we have credibility, whether they see us as a leader, and how they perceive our capabilities. Most people default to trusting nonverbal messaging when there’s a cognitive dissonance–even if your words are telling the truth. You can have all the expertise and authority in the world, but it won’t help if your clothes, your body language, and your branding send the wrong message.Executive presence solves that dissonance. It helps you create a clear and intentional first impression that communicates your message and your business with warmth and confidence. The last thing you want to do is scare people off, but the many speakers who struggle with executive presence are doing just that!In today’s episode, Maryalice and Katherine go through strategies for elevating trust with your clients and audience, from cold-calls with strangers to performance on stage. You’ll come away with new confidence in your personal brand–and the ability to give other people confidence in you. Let’s be real, after three years of virtual interactions, a lot of us are getting rusty at our “people skills”! But as today’s Coaches Corner episode reveals, elevating your presence to the executive level will help you win over clients without feeling like a salesperson.You’ll also learn:How executive presence combats imposter syndrome.How to set up your “virtual stage” so people get the right first impression. Tricks for updating your visual presence to get more sales.Why your clothing should “frame” you–and how to find out if it isn’t!How to ask for feedback in a way that gets you constructive results.How to coordinate your online brand with the persona you bring to networking events.…and so much more!EPISODE RESOURCESThe Master Speaker ProgramGet 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 https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We have big news: we’re launching a new program at The Speaker Lab. In this podcast episode, Grant is joined by Erick Rheam to tell you all about our Master Speaker Program: what it entails, who it’s for, and how it can help you scale your speaking business. This program is our first ever offering for established speakers. If you’re not sure whether that describes you, Erick and Grant give a quick overview of the phases of a speaking business (beginner, emerging, and established). As Erick and Grant explain in detail, established speakers are those who have a good handle on the speaking industry, but are struggling to scale, systematize, and prioritize. Maybe you’ve been speaking for a year or more, but struggle knowing when to say “no” to gigs that aren’t quite in your preferred niche. Maybe you’re overwhelmed by the financial and accounting side of speaking and don’t know how to plan for a more profitable year. Maybe you make a lot of money speaking, but are tired of all the travel and want to channel your message into new sources of passive income so you can spend more time with your family. If that sounds like you, this episode includes some great information about strategies for optimizing your speaking business moving forward! And if that piques your interest, our new Master Speaker program will help you accomplish those strategies with the help of community, mentorship, and accountability.You’ll also hear all about:Four pillars of success that will help you master the third phase of your speaking business.How to improve your initial communication with prospects so you can land gigs earlier in the pipeline.How to manage your cash flow so you don’t feel like you’re swinging on a pendulum between profit and loss each month.The benefits that live coaching, mentorship, and community offer established speakers. And so much more!EPISODE RESOURCESThe Master Speaker ProgramGet 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 https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When we say our programs get you results, Anne Marie Anderson is what we mean. After decades of experience in sports broadcasting, Anne Marie realized that the speaking gigs she landed here and there could become a career. She joined the Speaker Lab Virtual VIP program with Erick Rheam in the fall and just three months later, her speaking business is booming! She shares her success story on today’s podcast with TSL director of student success Maryalice Goldsmith. If you struggle knowing when and how to make your next best professional move, Anne Marie’s story will fill you with the confidence you need.In this episode, Maryalice and Anne Marie dig deep into what it takes to turn your speaking business from “one of the things you do” into “what you do”. From locker room pep talks to celebrity sideline interviews, Anne Marie’s career has taught her a lot about how to take opportunity by the horns. For her, The Speaker Lab was the obvious choice to maximize her opportunities. Giving us a taste of her signature keynote, she delves into how she confronted the obstacles that held her back and how you can do the same!You’ll also hear all about:The tragedy that taught Anne Marie you can’t wait on chasing your dreamsHer mental hack that turns “no” into “not yet”Questions to ask yourself if your outreach is failing to get you speaking gigsHow The Speaker Lab can help you gather data and turn it into strategyHow the accountability of the TSL cohort empowered her to outstrip her speaking goals in less than 3 monthsWhen to start saying “I’m a professional speaker” (hint: the answer is NOW)!And so much more!EPISODE RESOURCESAnne Marie Anderson's WebsiteGet 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 https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We love bragging about the success of our TSL students on the podcast. Today’s guest is a real gem — he speaks straight from the heart and you can hear it in his voice! Ryan Botner has tried his hand at several different industries with great success. Despite bringing in multi-million dollar revenues, he wasn’t in love with the results. Coaching and speaking (with the help of The Speaker Lab) turned out to be his passion. What drives him, on and off the stage? Intentionality. In today’s student highlight podcast with TSL coach Maryalice Goldsmith, Ryan talks about how intentionality should drive your business and your life. His inspiring advice for staying aligned with your purpose, facing your fears, and choosing mentors wisely will leave you burning with excitement for your speaking business’s future. In addition, he offers some great tips for coaches who aren’t sure how to integrate speaking into their business. If you’ve been feeling lackluster about your speaking goals, Ryan will fire you up to keep pushing ahead with his enthusiasm and energy.You'll also hear all about:Why the “can’t see” choices you make every day have to be the most intentional. How to avoid the dreaded analysis paralysis that stops you in your tracks.The dangers of skipping steps and building your business too quickly. What voices you should and shouldn’t let into your head.Why speaking is basically “getting paid to market”.How to leverage your CRM and why you need one.And so much more!EPISODE RESOURCESRyan's WebsiteGet 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 https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You’ve probably heard from us before that a good website is one of your two most important assets as a speaker (the other is your demo video). At the same time, once you build your website you can’t just set it and forget it! Along with that great importance comes great responsibility. You might be surprised how much your menu organization matters to potential clients, or how your font choices and pop-up timing influence first-time visitors!In this episode of The Speaker Lab podcast, Rick Clemons and Maryalice Goldsmith bring some much-needed nuance to the topic of speaker websites. They’re digging deep into what really matters on your website, as well as what isn’t worth your time (when it comes to websites, the perfect is sometimes the enemy of the good)! Have you been trying to coordinate your social media, email marketing, and personal branding with your website? Today’s show covers some incredibly helpful metrics for figuring out if all that effort is paying off.Here's what you'll learn from this episode:Why you should visit your own website every dayWhen to ask for feedback (and the best sources of feedback)The two raving fans your website should create (and which one you should prioritize)!How to showcase all aspects of your business without overwhelming visitorsSimple updates to your headline that will get you more speaking gigsTips for showing up in google search resultsHow to let your authentic self shine through onlineAnd so much more!EPISODE 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 https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As a speaker, there are plenty of legal issues to navigate as you build a rock-solid speaking business. Good news – Autumn Witt Boyd is bringing her expertise and experience to Episode 428 of The Speaker Lab Podcast to help you walk through what you need to know!There are many nuances to preserving and protecting online businesses, intellectual property, opportunities for trademarks, and even creating contracts! Autumn covers all of that in this episode and highlights some of the most overlooked legalities that can often be missed by speakers. In addition to offering her insight and expertise as an intellectual property lawyer, Autumn takes a deep dive into contract writing and how to cover all the specifics, add riders, and navigate extenuating circumstances. As speakers, your work is personal, meaningful, and a reflection of what you're most passionate about. As you build your business, it’s essential to know what you need to protect and how to assess the risks and rewards of each legal consideration. This conversation is meant to equip you with the right questions to ask as you move forward in your journey as an entrepreneur! Here's what you’ll learn from this episode:The do’s and don’ts of building a contractWhy you might ask for “green M&Ms”Why cease and desist letters don’t make friends, but could be neededHow to focus on the things that matter and impact your bottom lineWhy some people worry so much about trademarks, and shouldn’t!What to consider when it comes to privacyAnd so much more!EPISODE RESOURCESAutumn's WebsiteGet 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 https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit down with some of our coaches and take a deep dive into some of the hottest topics for speakers?In our first episode of 2023, Director of Student Success Maryalice Goldsmith joins Lead Coach Rick Clemons to unpack the ten biggest distractions that can hurt speakers who are trying to grow and scale their businesses. There are so many things to navigate as you build your speaking business, and it's so easy to get sidelined by things that don't matter.Using social media, finding your audience, navigating the comparison game, figuring out how to sell — it's hard not to get overwhelmed at times. Maryalice and Rick have both been there, done that and they're here to guide you through the delicate process of building success on the stage. Through this episode, you'll learn about the most common distractions, how to identify them in your own journey, and and how to set boundaries and stay focused amidst the “noise.” There’s so much to take away from this conversation!Here's what you’ll learn from this episode:Why you have to learn the platforms and find your audienceTrusting where you are – it takes time!Why you won’t be worthwhile to everyoneHow to evaluate what makes sense for where you areWhy you have to manage your calendar and your timeHow to envision, commit to, and accomplish your goalsAnd so much more!EPISODE 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 https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.