The Speaker Lab Podcast

How to use systems to build your business is one of the keys to creating a lasting speaking career. No one is better at this then my friend Andrew "Drew" Davis.Drew is a master at implementing processes and procedures to ensure he makes the most out of every lead.Today on the Speaker Lab we'll cover each and every step of his system along with why you should track certain metrics in your business, how to use that data and why a quality system is important to becoming a high-paid successful speaker.There's so much good stuff on today's show so get ready to take notes when you join us for episode 181 of The Speaker Lab. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  What are the three types of stage-side leads?Why you should have a loss rate of 50%, not higher nor lower.Why does he always start with a phone call for any inbound lead?When does he turn down events?Why responsiveness always trumps overthinking.What does he include in his initial email and how often does he follow up after?How does he approach gigs in which committees choose the speaker?What one thing increases your likelihood of getting a gig?And so much more! EPISODE RESOURCESAndrew Davis' speaking websiteAndrew Davis on TwitterAndrew Davis on LinkedInEpisode 168 of The Speaker Lab with Andrew DavisFullContact appFind and contact potential gigsGet 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.

The true key to your speaking business is knowing how to expand your business beyond the stage, and applying what you know. David Loy is going to share that knowledge with you on today's show so you can apply it after you listen!David has been involved in speaking industry in many capacities for over a decade. Today much of his time is devoted to managing the career of Andy Andrews, the author of The Traveler's Gift.In fact, that book is what propelled David into the speaking industry. After reading it David was so moved he reached out to Andy's team. That email would lead David to his first job as an agent with Premiere Speakers Bureau and eventually to his role today managing Andy's career.On this episode of The Speaker Lab, we talk more about that story, and also how David has helped Andy expand his business from speaking and consulting to online memberships. David gives us a breakdown of Andy's revenue from speaking, coaching, books, online memberships, etc.You'll also hear him give his advice on the next steps to create additional services and products beyond speaking.Join us for that and more on the 180th edition of The Speaker Lab.THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  Why is speaking a high-paying manual labor job?What are the two ways to maintain or grow your revenue without adding more speaking gigs?How can you capitalize on the people in your audience?How best to position yourself as both a speaker and a consultant.What questions should you be asking prior to your keynote?What is a "noticer" and why should you want to be one?How have Andy's books opened doors for him that otherwise would have been closed?How to avoid being a speaker who speaks only to sell your own products.And much more! EPISODE RESOURCESLeverage Creative Group websiteEmail DavidAndy Andrews' websiteThe Travelers Guide, by Andy AndrewsFind and contact potential gigsGet 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 you want to leave a good impression, but do you know how to craft an experience for your audience during your speech? Our guest, Stephen Shapiro, is a master at doing this and he's here to tell us how on today's episode of The Speaker Lab.Stephen began his career with Accenture where he spent 15 years and created a 20,000 person practice around process and innovation. As a result he was charged with speaking to this group and soon found himself giving over 100 speeches a year. He realized he loved it, and he wanted to do it as his own full-time business.Also on this episode, Stephen explains how he got his start, how he has built momentum and how he differentiates himself as a speaker through experiential keynotes and two specific ways he uses technology. You'll hear what those ways are and much more when you join us on episode 179 of The Speaker Lab.THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  Does it really take 10 years to build a solid speaking business?What does he do today to get bookings that is different from when he started out?Should you pursue a relationship with a speaking bureau - why or why not?What is personality poker and how can you use it in your presentations?How to experiment with different experiential techniques while speaking.What does a brick have to do with his keynotes?How can you help your audience retain your information 10% better?How does he use technology to keep his participants engaged after his speech?And so much more! EPISODE RESOURCESStephen Shapiro's website30 Day Innovation Challenge websiteStephen Shapiro on TwitterFind and contact potential gigsGet 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.

Publicity isn't just for actors and celebrities! Learning how to grow your speaking career with publicity can be one of the fastest ways to grow your brand and your speaking platform. And to explain how is none other than publicity and media ninja, Selena Soo.Selena is the resident expert on public relations, having worked with notable names such as Ramit Sethi, Derek Halpern and Kimra Luna. She's also helped her clients secure coverage in media outlets like Forbes, Inc., and O, The Oprah Magazine.Today on The Speaker Lab, Selena stops by to explain why public relations and publicity matter so much to your speaking career, along with a step-by-step breakdown of the pitch process. She also shares how to leverage the media coverage you get from those pitches.We always strive to bring you the best of the best here on The Speaker Lab, and Selena is no exception! Get your notepad ready and tune in for my conversation with Selena Soo on this edition of The Speaker Lab. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  How did she build relationships with thought leaders early in her career?What is the secret to getting people interested in you?Do you have to have something "big" to give your favorite influencers?How are different types of media good for different types of goals you have?What is the publicity pyramid, and how do you use it?Why the right audience is more important than a large audience.Why a little bit of homework can go a long way when sending out media pitches.What should you do after you've received media coverage?And so much more!EPISODE RESOURCESSelena Soo's web siteSelena Soo's gift for youSelena Soo on TwitterFind and contact potential gigsGet 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.

"How can I speak to the military?" is a question I am asked on a regular basis, and you will uncover the answer on today's episode!Our guest is Mike Domitrz, international speaker and founder of the Date Safe Project. In his role as founder and leader, Mike travels the world working with universities, military installations, corporations and organizations to create a culture of consent and respect.On episode 177, Mike tells us how his sister's experience led him to become a speaker which in turn led him to found the Date Safe Project. He also goes into detail on how to speak to the military, what you need to know about this unique niche, and also how he has kept his topic fresh and relevant both for himself and his audience for over 25 years! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  Why was timing a critical factor when he first started speaking?What is the key to finding the ideal conferences for your topic?What kept him going when times were really tough?How do you know you have a good business?What serving your audience looks like after your speech.How has he kept his topic fresh and relevant for 25+ years?The question to ask yourself if you want to speak to corporations or to the military.The military is hiring speakers for which topics?And so much more! EPISODE RESOURCESDate Safe Project websiteDate Safe Project on TwitterDate Safe Project on FacebookThe Aha Center speakers pageFind and contact potential gigsGet 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.

Ever wonder how to speak to the education market? Are you interested in making a career out of touching the lives of students, teachers and the parents of students? If so you are in the right place!Joining us for this show is my friend, Scott Backovich, one of the leading speakers in the youth market. Scott may look young but he has plenty of experience and wisdom on this topic, and he shares it all with us today.On episode 176, we talk about about how he finds and books school assemblies and school leadership conferences, and who to contact at schools depending on the region of the school. He also explains how to transition from free speaking gigs to getting paid, and more on today's edition of The Speaker Lab! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  How did he network and find other speakers to learn from early on in his career?Is being great on stage the best marketing strategy?Why isn't constant communication from a speaker a good thing?Where do you start if you want to speak to school audiences?Why did he intentionally not have a presence online at one point in his career?What are the most common topics speakers are hired for in the education market?What four groups are eager to book speakers - even those with no experience?What is HOBY and why does he speak at two of their events each year (for free)?And so much more! EPISODE RESOURCESScott Backovich's web siteScott Backovich on TwitterScott Backovich on YouTubeHugh O'Brian Youth Leadership FoundationFind and contact potential gigsGet 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.

One of the most important things you can for your speaking career is to find out how to position yourself as an expert. And I could think of no one better to describe and demonstrate this topic than my good friend Chris Ducker.Chris is an internationally-recognized expert on all things personal branding. He's also a best-selling author, globe-trotting speaker, and successful business mentor. He knows more than a thing or two about standing out as an expert!On today's show, we're talking about his latest book, Rise of the Youpreneur as well as the origins of Chris's speaking career and his personal brand. He also explains why you should want to become someone's favorite and how to grow your personal brand beyond the stage. Listen to those great topics and more with me and Chris Ducker today on episode 175 of The Speaker Lab!THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  How do you figure out who you serve and what problem you are solving?What is the Youpreneur self-awareness test?Why being different is better than being better!How do you build a business that is 100% original?Why is a book one of the best expert positioning strategies?What percentage of your audience is likely to become a client of yours?What NOT to do when you finish speaking!Where are some of the best relationships forged and the best business deals made?And so much more!EPISODE RESOURCESChris Ducker's websiteRise of the Youpreneur, by Chris DuckerVirtual Freedom, by Chris DuckerChris Ducker on TwitterFind and contact potential gigsGet 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.

Should you ever speak for free or accept a lower fee? Today my co-host Melanie Deziel and I are answering both of those questions for you.We specifically talk about why money isn't the only reason to speak, and what the other benefits and non-monetary perks are which you can negotiate as a speaker.We'll also cover how to build your business beyond the stage, speak to build your credibility and your visibility, and give examples of when we've both been willing to speak for a reduced fee or even for free.Join us for those topics and more. And when you're done let us know if you like this co-host format on episode 174 of The Speaker Lab! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  How to know if the audience you're speaking to has the potential for spin-off business.What is pay to play and why should you watch out for it?How can you sell from the stage without being pushy?What travel perks can you negotiate?What should you do if an organization doesn't have a budget or cannot pay your fees?A free tool to find out how much you should be charging.How can you volunteer with your speaking talents?When is speaking for exposure a good idea, and when is it not?And so much more! EPISODE RESOURCESMelanie Deziel's websiteEpisode 35 of TSL with Matthew KimberleyEpisode 39 of TSLEpisode 80 with Cole HatterTSL podcast archivesMelanie Deziel on TwitterMelanie Deziel on InstagramMelanie Deziel on LinkedInFind and contact potential gigsGet 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.

Inevitably you'll run into some issue before, during or right after you give a talk. Do you know how to prepare for when things go wrong as a speaker? Both my co-host and I do and that's what we're talking about on today's show.Our co-host Melanie Deziel is back for her 3rd segment: the blooper reel. On episode 173 we talk about how to respond to any number of potential scenarios and pitfalls as a speaker.You'll find out what to do if you are running late or having travel issues or if you are feeling sick. we'll discuss how to handle tech issues, if your time is cut short or if you have a difficult audience member.Today we'll pull open up the curtain to share our best and worst stories, buckle up and join us because there's plenty to learn on episode 173 of The Speaker Lab! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  Why to avoid traveling the day of your speaking engagement.How to think two steps ahead and always have a Plan B in place.How do you know if you should go on stage when you're sick?Why keeping the same routine is just as important on the road as it is at home.What are the two technologies that never work for speakers, and how can you avoid using them?Why shouldn't you apologize from stage?What do you do if someone heckles you or shows off from the audience?Should you call out the elephant in the room when you're speaking?And so much more! EPISODE RESOURCESMelanie Deziel's websiteEpisode 166 with Shawn StevensonMelanie Deziel on TwitterMelanie Deziel on InstagramMelanie Deziel on LinkedInFind and contact potential gigsGet 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.

Once you've given your speech the next step often becomes how to get the most referrals and testimonials after you've given a speech. Today we're going to walk you through the best ways to do this.On episode 172 of The Speaker Lab, I'm joined by my co-host Melanie Deziel again. In case you missed our introduction of Melanie last week she's a successful speaker who came over from the corporate world after discovering her love of public speaking.Today she speaks and consults full-time and is also a coach for students in The Speaker Lab programs. As a former TSL alum she is the perfect person to help other budding speakers gain their chops.On this edition of the show we're covering what to do after your speech, how to request feedback, how to ask for testimonials, referrals, videos, pictures and other marketing materials you can use to promote yourself. Join us for insights on all of these topics and more today on The Speaker Lab. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  What's the first thing you have to do after giving your speech?What are the different ways to show appreciation after speaking?In addition to your client contact, who else should you thank?How do you ask for positive and negative feedback, and why should you get both?When is the best time to ask for a testimonial?What type of testimonial is most effective?How do you get marketing assets like photos and videos of you speaking?What are the two ways to ask for referrals from clients and from other speakers?And so much more!EPISODE RESOURCESMelanie Deziel's websiteMelanie Deziel on TwitterMelanie Deziel on InstagramMelanie Deziel on LinkedInFind and contact potential gigsGet 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.