The Speaker Lab Podcast

If you've ever worried that narrowing your audience and your target market will hurt your speaking business, you'll want to listen to today's guest. Jill Christensen has grown her speaking business by leaps and bounds simply by focusing on one type of audience.On today's edition of The Speaker Lab, Jill shares how being a member of Booked And Paid To Speak has helped her narrow her target market, why doing so has been tremendously successful for her and her advice for creating that same level of success.We also talk about why some speakers don't get traction, the importance of hard work and what to do if you find yourself stuck. Check out that and much more on episode 141 of The Speaker Lab with Jill Christensen!THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  How did she choose her target audience and create her signature keynote?What aspects of her research does she outsource, and why?According to Jill what are conference planners really looking for in a speaker?Why being a published author really helps grow your business.How to make yourself stand out from hundreds of other quality speakers.When has she spoken for free, and does she ever now?What is the definition of an expert, and how do you know if you are one?Why it's important to "pick a lane".And so much more!EPISODE RESOURCESJill Christensen's web siteJill Christensen on TwitterJill Christensen on LinkedIn7 Proven Steps to Finding And Booking Paid Speaking EngagementsGet 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.

Could public relations (PR) help you get more speaking gigs? This isn't an area I've paid much attention to but our guest for episode 140 changed my tune. Janet Murray is an author, speaker and PR wizard with 16 years of experience working with publications like The Guardian, The Telegraph and Huffington Post.On today's edition of The Speaker Lab, Janet joins us to talk about why PR will help you grow your personal brand, your audience and get you more speaking gigs. She also shares her thoughts on quality versus quantity: is it better to be featured in a lot of publications, or a few select outlets?You'll hear the details on those topics as well as how she started her current work helping entrepreneurs and business owners become featured in the press. Listen in to hear her thoughts plus her lovely British accent on this edition of The Speaker Lab!THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  The two ways PR helps your credibility.Are high profile media outlets still effective?Is it better to write a freelance article, or to be featured by someone else?What social media outlets are journalists active on?How to do the necessary research before pitching your ideas.How much of connecting with the media is based on relationships?Should your approach vary depending on the medium?Is it better to be in the New York Times or to be in a specialty magazine?And so much more!EPISODE RESOURCESJanet Murray's websiteSoulful PR, Janet's podcastYour Press Release Is Breaking My Heart, by Janet MurrayJanet Murray on Twitter7 Proven Steps to Finding And Booking Paid Speaking EngagementsGet 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 considered running ads on Facebook, YouTube or Google to get more speaking gigs? If not then you'll reconsider after hearing today's guest, Rick Mulready. Rick is an expert who has been in this world since the days of AOL and dial-up! He's worked with companies like AOL, Yahoo, and Funny or Die.Today on The Speaker Lab he talks about how this whole online advertising thing works. You'll come away with an understanding of the basics of each online platform, and which is the easiest to start with.You'll also learn about how to use online advertising to better automate leads on this edition of The Speaker Lab!THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  The pros and cons of the different online advertising platforms.Are there really over a billion people on Facebook?How much should you spend on your ads?What are the keys to a successful online advertising campaign?Why reverse engineering is necessary when creating your online ads.Is YouTube a beneficial place to run ads for your speaking business?What is a lead magnet and how do you use it most effectively?How to use online advertising to position yourself as an expert.And so much more!EPISODE RESOURCESRick Mulready's web siteArt of Paid Traffic podcastRick Mulready on Twitter7 Proven Steps to Finding And Booking Paid Speaking EngagementsGet 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 you think of improv do you think of sketch comedy, Saturday Night Live or do you think of becoming a better speaker? It can be all of the above! So says our guest for episode 138 of The Speaker Lab, Mike Ganino.Mike is a former self-proclaimed restaurant guy with an intereste in theatre and in improv. After leaving the restaurant biz he became a consultant and learned to use his improv skills to help his clients become leaders. Soon he found his niche speaking about building organizations for the present and the future, and working with public speakers with Michael and Amy Port.On today's show we dive deeper into his personal story, as well as how to use improv to improve your speaking skills and why improv doesn't always mean funny. You'll learn about that and more on this edition of The Speaker Lab!THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  What is blocking, and why should you avoid it?How much improv training should you take?Why improv isn't the same as "winging it".A few things you can do to practice by yourself.What's the only cure for bombing on stage?What is the "last word first word" technique?Why the time you put into rehearsal is so critical to your success on stage.Is improv always funny?And so much more!EPISODE RESOURCESMike Ganino's web siteMike Ganino on TwitterMike Ganino's Improv For Speakers giveaway7 Proven Steps to Finding And Booking Paid Speaking EngagementsGet 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.

Many of you have been asking about the mastermind I'm in and how to start and run a mastermind of your own. To fill you in on all the details I've gathered the other three members for episode 137 of The Speaker Lab.On today's show you'll hear from me, Jeff Rose, Bryan Harris and Joe Michael. The four of us will chat about how we got started, what our format is and how we run the group - including our inside jokes! You'll also hear how the group has evolved and changed over the years, what advice we all have if you're not yet in a mastermind but want to be.I guarantee you a funny, lively and educational conversation so tune in and check it out on episode 137 of The Speaker Lab.THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  What is a mastermind exactly?How each of us have benefited from being in a mastermind.How do you find, form and/or create a group of your own?How should you structure your mastermind?Is it okay to change your format of your group over time?How should you communicate with your mastermind: Slack, retreats, phone calls, or something else?What does BAAS stand for and how do you use it?How and when to leave a mastermind.And so much more!EPISODE RESOURCESBryan Harris' web siteBryan Harris on TwitterJeff Rose's web siteJeff Rose on TwitterJoe Michael's web siteJoe Michael on Twitter7 Proven Steps to Finding And Booking Paid Speaking EngagementsGet 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.

A lot of speakers want to write books and be recognized as best-selling authors - but not many speakers call themselves a writer who happens to speak. But our guest for episode 136 of The Speaker Lab does!Scott Berkun, author of Confessions of a Public Speaker and his latest book, The Dance of The Possible, joins us to talk about why his books drive his speaking career, how his career has evolved over the years, and how he chooses his book topics.Scott has authored 7 books in the last 12 years and in that time his speaking career has evolved from workshops and consulting gigs to lectures and keynoting conferences. You'll hear how he did this, where his speaking career began and how to develop your expertise in one area. You'll even hear his worst speaking moment! Join us for that and more on today's The Speaker Lab!THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  How much of his income is from speaking vs book sales?The two ways he narrowed down his speaking topic and his audience.What does he recommend to speakers just starting out?Do you need to publish a book in order to be a speaker?Does he ever speak for free today?Why did he write Confessions of a Public Speaker?What Steven Soderberg can teach you about creativity and profitability.What is the test of whether or not an idea is valid?And so much more!EPISODE RESOURCESScott Berkun's web siteThe Dance of the Possible, by Scott BerkunConfessions of a Public Speaker, by Scott BerkunScott's other booksScott Berkun on Twitter7 Proven Steps to Finding And Booking Paid Speaking EngagementsGet 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 listened to someone's speech and immediately taken action as a result? It's rare for a speaker to do this for their audience, and yet it's critical to making a lasting impact.One of the best in the world at this is Noah Kagan. He's here on episode 135 of The Speaker Lab to share how he crafts his speeches so his audience has results during his talk.If you've lived in a cave and don't know Noah, he is the creator of AppSumo and SumoMe. AppSumo is Groupon for geeks and SumoMe is an 8-figure business that provides tools to grow your online traffic. His career began with Intel, Microsoft and Mint; he was also one of the first employees at Facebook!On this edition of The Speaker Lab we also discuss ways he learns from the best, how he decides what to talk about and the importance of content creation. Join us as we dig into that and more on today's The Speaker Lab!THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  What can you learn from the first time Noah and I hung out?The two impactful things people respond to in a speech.What is true of the best speakers in the world?Why he engages his audience and includes them in his speeches.How does he determine the ideal actions he wants his audience to take?Which types of stories are critical to memorable speeches?How important is it to put out content on a regular basis?What does he do when he's discouraged?And so much more!EPISODE RESOURCESNoah Kagan's websiteNoah Kagan's podcastNoah Kagan on YouTubeNoah Kagan TwitterSumoMe websiteAppSumo website7 Proven Steps to Finding And Booking Paid Speaking EngagementsGet 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 think creative types must be starving artists with no hope of real income? Our guest for today's episode of The Speaker Lab is going to change that mindset if you do!Jeff Goins is a published author with five books under his belt, as well as a highly-respected international speaker. And at his core Jeff is an artist.On this show he tells us why it's okay to profit as an artist, and how to overcome the mental barriers of getting paid well for our craft.You'll hear Jeff share his back story and also explain why you don't need to wait until you think you're ready, and why you should stop calling yourself an "aspiring" anything! Jeff gives plenty of sage wisdom on those topics, and much more during the 134th episode of The Speaker Lab. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  When can a speaker call themselves a speaker?How John Grisham became a writer, and what his story can teach you.Why doesn't Jeff like the word "aspiring"?How to be okay charging money for what you do.Why is being a starving artist a choice?What is one of the rules of not being a starving artist?Why to start speaking for a fee as soon as possible.What to say if your prospect has no budget for speakers.And so much more!EPISODE RESOURCESJeff Goins' web siteReal Artists Don't Starve, by Jeff Goins (plus bonuses!)Jeff Goins' four other books on AmazonJeff Goins on Twitter7 Proven Steps to Finding And Booking Paid Speaking EngagementsGet 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.

If there's one thing nearly all entrepreneurs and business owners have in common it is the desire to live a life of significance. We want to do something that matters, something that makes a positive impact in the world. A great example of this is our guest on today's episode of The Speaker Lab, Mr. Aaron Walker.Aaron has been self-employed and owned a business of some variety since the age of 18; he hasn't worked for anyone else in 38 years! In all of those years he has experienced the full spectrum of the entrepreneurial journey: the highs, the lows and everything in between. On our 133rd edition, he talks candidly about that journey, especially the life-altering experiences.We also talk about his advice for managing the roller coaster ride of being your own boss, and why he came out of retirement to coach (including who encouraged him to do so!). Today Aaron Walker is a coach, best-selling author, podcaster and acclaimed speaker, and he's our guest on this edition of The Speaker Lab. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  Why does he love coaching the most of any of the 12 businesses he has owned?Why you have to give any idea at least two years.Is work-life balance a myth?The thing that holds most people back, and how to not let it stop you.What is the enemy to excellence?How and why should you get true and honest feedback?The power of promoting others: why it works and how to do it.How has he managed his focus in his businesses over the years?And so much more!EPISODE RESOURCESAaron Walker's websiteAaron Walker's podcastView From The Top, by Aaron WalkerAaron Walker on TwitterThe 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington7 Proven Steps to Finding And Booking Paid Speaking EngagementsGet 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.

It isn't often we have guests come back for a second visit but today's guest is a special one! Tamsen Webster is here for her second conversation on The Speaker Lab.If you missed her first appearance on the show check out episode 118 where we talk all about Ted and TedX Talks. And if you didn't hear that show you probably don't know that Tamsen is the Executive Director of TedX Cambridge, and is also the CEO and Founder of her company, Strategic Speaking.On this edition of The Speaker Lab we're diving deep into how to find your "big idea" for your talks. Tamsen calls herself part idea whisperer, part message strategist and part magpie. You'll hear why when you tune in to this episode of The Speaker Lab! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  What is the purpose of speaking, according to Tamsen?What is psychological reactance and how do you work with it?Three key components to finding your big idea: what are they?Which of the three components should you start with?What will make your talk 1,000x better than it is right now?How to go from breakout sessions and do more keynote sessions.Why you can't reverse engineer the need of your audience, and what to do instead.What is the hardest question for a speaker to answer?And so much more!EPISODE RESOURCESTamsen Webster's web siteTamsen's next retreatRed Thread worksheetTamsen Webster on FacebookTamsen Webster on TwitterEpisode 118 with Tamsen Webster7 Proven Steps to Finding And Booking Paid Speaking EngagementsGet 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.