The Speaker Lab With Grant Baldwin // Public Speaking / Motivational Speaking / Entrepreneurship

Do you know how to overcome Impostor Syndrome, that voice inside that doubts you? It's that voice that says you don't belong on stage, you aren't good enough, etc. Nearly everyone has that voice, but there are ways to conquer it and our guest today shares some of them.Laura Gassner Otting is relatively new to speaking, but she has 25+ years of CEO and entrepreneurial experience that she draws from on stage.She is also an executive coach, a writer, and a consultant. Her work stems from her belief in Martin Luther King Jr.'s philosophy that we all have the ability to be great because we all can serve.Today we focus on how she differentiates herself from other speakers in her niche, why she's added live coaching to her talks, and why it's okay to be an introverted speaker.You'll also hear how she joined former President Clinton's presidential campaign, and how she mentally prepares for her speaking gigs.Be sure to join us for that and more on episode 157 of The Speaker Lab!THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW: &n

Ever wonder how to know if you're worth charging higher speaking fees - and be confident when you quote your fee? Our guest for this episode does, and he spills all the beans on episode 156!Ian Altman is a sales expert and the go-to authority on integrity-based selling. He's also a sought-after keynote speaker who now earns $20k for his speeches. Today we're talking about how he rose to that level of speaking fees, how to determine your correct audience and why it's important to be sure you're speaking to the right people.We also talk about how to sell yourself as a speaker and be confident when quoting your fees. He has so much wisdom to share on today's show, be sure to join us on episode 156 of The Speaker Lab!THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  Why it's important to be a subject matter expert who speaks, rather than a speaker.Why he never holds back his best content.How do you know if you are speaking to the right people?Does the size of your audience matter?Why you must know the symptoms or proble

Do you know how to bring humor into your speeches, and do it a way that amuses your audience but still conveys your message? Our guest for episode 155 does, and he tells all today.On today's show, Patrick Henry and I talk about how to use humor in your speeches, build relationships with other speakers, and why it's important.Patrick Henry is an author, songwriter, and performance keynote speaker who partners with meeting planners to make meetings memorable.As a former Nashville songwriter and humorist on the SiriusXM Radio Family Comedy Channels, Patrick brings a unique blend of humor, music, and message to his audiences to create an event that is full of energy and actionable ideas.His Book The Pancake Principle: seventeen sticky ways to make your customers flip for you was released in 2013 and he will soon be featured on a comedy album alongside Jeff Foxworthy, Steve Martin, Larry the Cable Guy, and Jeanne Robertson.One of Patrick’s audience members best described him as “what happens when, k

Would you like to make a living speaking in the education market? Does the idea of helping educators light you up? If you said yes then you will love our guest on today's episode of The Speaker Lab!Ryan Giffen is a booking agent in the education and the university industries. He has booked speakers for several thousand events in his time with Premiere Speakers Bureau.Today we talk through common events speakers are hired for in the K-12 and university industries, how to determine who the decision makers are, and why the idea that schools and universities don't have money for speakers is a myth.If you want to speak to students, universities and colleges, then tune in to episode 154 of The Speaker Lab! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  Do you have to have formal teaching training to speak in the education world?What is the difference between life dollars and profit dollars?Why speaking to the education world requires a different mindset than other industries.What are the most common speaking

Do you know how to share your story to connect with your audience in a way that conveys your message while still helping them? Do you fully understand how your unique story can skyrocket your speaking career? The man to answer those questions is here today, Mr. Nick Morgan.Nick is an acclaimed international, keynote speaker and a best-selling author. He also coaches other speakers and executives on how to communicate more effectively.Today we cover how most speakers drop the ball in their presentation and delivery, and three mistakes speakers make at the beginning of their speech. We also dig into why the beginning of your speech is valuable real estate, and the power of telling your own story as a speaker on episode 153 of The Speaker Lab.THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  How did Nick become the speechwriter for the governor of Virginia?Who is responsible for the message of any speech: the audience or the speaker?What are the three classic mistakes speakers make to lose their audience's attention?Wh

Are you struggling to speak on the topic of your choice? It is one of the most frequent questions I am asked so today's show is going to answer that question.In this edition of The Speaker Lab, we are giving you access to a bonus Q&A call from our Booked and Paid to Speak group, something we have never done before today.The conversation you are about to hear is a behind-the-scenes look at the process to help one woman narrow down the who, what, where and how of her speaking career. This is not like any other show we've released, but I am sharing it because I think you'll get SO much out of it. As you listen to episode 152 of The Speaker Lab, I'd recommend you ask yourself how these questions apply to you and your speaking career.THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  How do you research a potential niche to find out if it is financially viable?How to balance what you want to speak about with who is actually hiring for that topic.What is the Trojan Horse method, and how do you use it?Should you hyperfo

Do you know how to be a great speaker to work with, or if you already are? Today you'll find out directly from an expert!Chris Mefford is a speaker and a former executive in charge of events for Dave Ramsey. In that role, Chris oversaw all of their events - about 80 a year.Along the way, he learned a lot about what makes a speaker great to work with and what doesn't, why he and his team hired certain speakers over others and why some speakers became repeat guests and not others.He shares insights on those topics and more on episode 151 of The Speaker Lab.THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  What were the two ways speakers got on Chris' radar?What NOT to lead with when connecting with potential clients.What does easy to work with actually means, and why it's important.Can you communicate too much with event staff?What is the one thing Chris believes makes great speakers?What's the best way to present a speaking idea when pitching a potential client?The most effective approach to connecting with an event

Do you struggle to work full-time and build momentum as a speaker? Does it seem like an impossible feat to grow your speaking business while juggling your full-time job, your family and your other obligations?Our guest does all of that and today he shares his secrets! Erick Rheam is making his second appearance as a guest on The Speaker Lab Podcast.Today he shares how he went from 20 gigs last year to 53 this year, all while working full-time and being an active, involved father and husband. He gives the specific steps he takes to get at least two referrals for every speaking gig he does, why being easy to work with is so important and how you can generate momentum like him.Get ready for all of that and more on episode 150 of The Speaker Lab.THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  How Erick has gone from 20 gigs one year to 53 gigs the next.What worked for him to find gigs earlier in his careerWhy was speaking for free helpful for him?Should you take any and all opportunities to speak?The specifics of what

Today on The Speaker Lab Podcast, I have Josh Steimle Entrepreneur and International Speakers, here to talk about how he manages his time while owning an international marketing agency and speaking around the world.Josh Steimle has locations in China, the U.S., and the U.K. Finding the time and resources to land more speaking gigs while being a full-time entrepreneur is a real struggle.Maybe you work a full-time corporate job and you're struggling to book paid gigs.If so, you are not alone.Today, Josh generously shares his quandaries and I help him find solutions.THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  How Josh manages an international team with three office locationsWhen it's worth his time to speak for freeWhat obstacles that stop him from speaking more, and what he can do about themWhy you should know the lifetime value of a clientWhat activities can you outsource in pursuit of new speaking opportunitiesIf it is ever okay to have someone else write your pitch emailsThe importance of having systems for c

Do you want to hire a virtual assistant (VA), but don't know where to start? Or have you been disappointed when you tried to get further in your speaking career with virtual support? In either scenario, Trivinia Barber is here to help on episode 148 of The Speaker Lab.Trivinia is the founder of Priority VA, a virtual staffing company that matches high-level entrepreneurs with talented virtual support. Prior to starting her firm, she worked as a VA for entrepreneurs like Michael Hyatt and Amy Porterfield. Soon her demand grew and her availability shrunk - so she built a company of talented people like her. Four and a half years later she has a staff of 83 VAs!Today we'll talk about how to utilize virtual staff to help grow your speaking career, the pitfalls to watch out for when hiring, some simple steps to take to ensure you find a good match and why you can start delegating to a VA with just one or two small tasks. Trivinia is a wealth of knowledge so be sure to tune into this edition of The Speaker Lab.THE

Learn how to scale your business, pitch and validate your ideas without losing time or money getting to the next level. Fast-track your success now.Jill Christensen, Human Resources professional, and repeat guest on The Speaker Lab podcast, helps senior executives re-engage their workforce.She had so many great insights during our first chat that we ran out of time. Today, we expand on more ways to scale and grow your business, how to create and validate your ideas before investing time, money and effort.There's a lot to unpack so be sure to leave a comment or send me a tweet about the one thing you learned and will apply in your business today.THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  How to choose a business partner.The different ways to pitch your product depending on who the audience is.How to choose a business partner.When are webinars a great medium for a course?How selling a course can position you as an expert and spokesperson.The pros and cons of working with affiliates.How to validate your idea bef

If you're struggling to gain traction or just get started speaking today's guest is here to help.Dr. Sue Ettinger is a veterinarian who joined one of our programs about a year ago because she wanted to book more speaking gigs. She has been rocking it ever since!Today we talk about how she finds gigs, why she's still nervous to quote fees, and how The Speaker Lab podcast and our program, Booked and Paid to Speak, have both helped her. We wrap up the show with a valuable teaching/coaching lesson about how to build and expand her brand, it's useful information that will also apply to you.You're going to get a lot out of today so get ready to take some notes and then join us on episode 146 of The Speaker Lab.THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  Why did Dr. Sue become interested in pursuing public speaking?What is her long-term goal with speaking?How is she landing gigs so consistently?How speaking gave her and her family the trip of a lifetime.How to begin with the end in mind.How to communicate when y

Whether you are a newcomer or a veteran listener, I'm glad you are here! Thanks for joining us on episode 145 of The Speaker Lab. Today we have THE go-to expert for memberships, Mr. Mike Morrison of The Membership Guys.As you might imagine, we'll be talking about memberships! We dive into what they are, why they matter and why you as a speaker should pay attention to them. We also cover what memberships should look like, and what tools and tricks of the trade to use when building membership communities and content for those communities.You're going to like what we have to say today so get ready and join me and Mike Morrison on this edition of The Speaker Lab.THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  Are Amazon Prime Video and Netflix examples of membership sites?What are the pros and cons of having a membership site?Do some topics and industries lend themselves better to memberships?Why it's not a "set it and forget it" business model.Why you don't have to have the "most stuff" to provide a valuable membersh

Can you imagine how you'd feel if your first speaking gig was in front of 6,000 people, and Dr. Phil was speaking at the same event? You'll hear how today's guest on The Speaker Lab felt because that's exactly what happened the first time he took the stage as a speaker!Mitch Joel is an international speaker, author and CEO who works with major companies like Wal-Mart, Google and Starbucks. He joins us for this show to walk us through his early career days, including whether or not he rocked his first gig or he bombed. We also discuss his recommendations for becoming a premiere speaker who charges $10k, $20k or more.And we wrap up with the three different types of speakers, examples of each and which one you should be if you are a beginning speaker. Tune in for that and so much more on episode 144 of The Speaker Lab.THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  What is your content center of excellence, and how do you find it?Who are examples of great speakers who have gone from $5k speaking fees up to $50k?What

If you like to record video content but you know your audience is on Facebook, what should you do? Here to answer that question, and so much more about content creation for speakers is our very own Maggie Rowe!Maggie is a friend of mine and is also a member of the support team at The Speaker Lab. Behind the scenes she's been helping us create our content, including our blog posts, emails and other projects. She's an expert at writing for speakers, and content creation in general.On this edition of The Speaker Lab Maggie will be sharing how to write your speaking bio, how to create the most impactful titles for your speeches and descriptions as well as how to choose which platform to connect with your audience and why you should meet them wherever they are online. Join us to hear all of those great nuggets from Maggie today on The Speaker Lab!THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  Which aspects of your bio are most important?What is the cardinal sin most people commit?What communicates credibility to a pot

If negotiating your fees has ever been difficult for you our guest will solve that problem today! Liz Saunders is an expert on booking speaking gigs, including how and when to negotiate your fees.On episode 142 of The Speaker Lab, Liz shares her background as an event coordinator and road manager, and how she created The Tivich Group, an independent booking agency for speakers. She even walks us through a typical sales call for one of her clients, including the all-important fee discussion.Liz also explains how and when to build your fees around your clients' priorities, and how to know when to lower your fees without shooting yourself in the proverbial foot. Whether you've been booking your own speaking gigs for decades or you're just starting out, Liz's information will be valuable and eye-opening. Join us to hear it all on today's edition of The Speaker Lab.THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  Should you do your own bookings when you're starting out?What are the pricing clues to listen for in a conve

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

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 freela

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?Wha

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