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

Have you given both keynotes and taught workshops? Some speakers prefer one over the other, while some enjoy both.Marcus Sheridan of The Sales Lion is an interactive and engaging speaker who likes doing both. On this episode of The Speaker Lab, Marcus is here to talk about his journey from a missionary in Chile to running a successful pool company to commanding audiences around the globe today. He also shares how that journey led to the creation of latest book, They Ask You Answer.You'll hear about all of that plus the importance of video today, why it's only going to continue to become even more vital and what he learned from his worst speaking moment ever. Check it out on episode 117 of The Speaker Lab! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  Are good keynote speakers always good at teaching workshops too?What did being a missionary in Chile teach him about speaking?The lesson you can learn from how he landed his first speaking gig.How he made the leap from workshop speaker to keynote speaker at Content

Speakers often come from diverse backgrounds, and today's guest is no exception! Brian Fanzo began his career in Computer Science working for the United States Department of Defense on issues like cybersecurity.Today he is a change evangelist who helps people embrace change in their businesses, and grow their presence in the process. And it's something he's been widely recognized for: in 2014, The Economist named him one of the Top 25 Social Business Leaders of The Future. He's also spoken in 11 countries at over 50 events.On this episode of The Speaker Lab, Brian shares the light bulb moment that led to his leap into entrepreneurship a few years ago, what social media platforms you should be using to grow your speaking career and his reverse engineering that creates more speaking gigs for himself. You're going to learn all of that and so much more on the 116th edition of The Speaker Lab! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  How Brian landed his first speaking gig ever - at The Pentagon.When did he make

Can you imagine doing 800 gigs in 5 years? Our guest for this edition of The Speaker Lab did just that and she's here to share exactly how she successfully managed such a feat!Chantelle Adams got her start as a speaker in the education and corporate markets before making a name for herself in the entrepreneurial field.On today's podcast she explains why she started where she did, how she structured her offerings and her schedule to fit 800 gigs into five years and how she now spends her days helping the change-making women of the world step into their own and shine.When you join us for episode 115 of The Speaker Lab you'll hear Chantelle talk about all of that plus her worst speaking gig ever (and how she turned it into a positive experience). Listen in for all of that and more on today's show! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  What did she do prior to becoming a speaker?Why did she decide to become a speaker in the education field?How to add more value to your speaking gig so you stand out and land

Many speakers' businesses rely solely on getting paid to speak. But how can you build a business in addition to your speaking roles? Is it possible to have a successful speaking career and a thriving business?It is! Here to tell us how he's done it is Jay Baer. Jay is the best-selling author of multiple books, and he's an international keynote speaker. Jay also runs Convince and Convert, his fifth business endeavor.Today he talks about how Convince and Convert is set up as three solid divisions, how he's created a business that can run without him, and how he's gone from speaking to Kiwanis Clubs to connecting with audiences around the globe. Listen in for all of that and more on episode 114 of The Speaker Lab! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  How many live keynotes and webinars did he do in 2016?Why he became a speaker who consults versus a consultant who speaks, and what the difference is.What was the mental shift he made to feel confident in his speaking content?How can you tell a true keynote sp

You've probably heard of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, but did you know there is a similar charity that helps adults and kids with life-threatening illnesses? It gives them the opportunity to experience the live event of their dreams from the front row!The charity is called The Front Row Foundation and the co-founder is Jon Vroman, our guest for this show. Jon is also a full-time speaker and the head of his own company, Front Row Factor.Today he shares how his charity was started, and how his speaking career became his full-time pursuit as a result of the lessons his Front Row Foundation's recipients taught him. You'll hear how he shares their inspiration with the college world, and how he is transitioning into the corporate market as well. Dive in with us on episode 113 of The Speaker Lab. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  How he started speaking at 19.Why he went from a six figure job to spending $90k to be a full-time speaker the next year.How long did it take him to land his first speaking gig

Positioning yourself an authority is a surefire way to be featured in major media outlets and open doors that would otherwise be closed. But how do you do it?Our guest for episode 112 has the answers! Jeff Rose of Good Financial Cents is here to spill the beans on how he became a regular contributor for Forbes. Jeff is a certified financial planner who was named one of the Top 10 Young Advisors to Watch, by Financial Advisor magazine.Today Jeff explains how he developed a relationship with Forbes, why it takes time and a focused niche. He also shares other major media he's been featured in like CNBC, Entrepreneur, and Huffington Post to name a few. Hear it all on episode 112 of The Speaker Lab! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  Why did he start his blog, Good Financial Cents?How could he have gotten more traction quicker?What's the best way to get quoted by the media?How do you know if you should expand or narrow your focus?If he was starting from scratch today would he change anything?What is H

When you try a new restaurant do you read what others have posted about it on Yelp? Or before you buy a new product do you read the Amazon reviews people have written?If you do you understand why I highly recommend getting your own speaking testimonials: your potential clients and potential audiences want to know who you are a speaker and what you bring to the table.On episode 111 of The Speaker Lab, I'll be sharing exactly why these tools are so useful in garnering new clients and new gigs, how to go about securing the best possible testimonials and the keys to making a testimonial great. Listen in for all of that and more on this edition of The Speaker Lab! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  What do testimonials give your potential clients?What are the two key pieces of a good testimonial?Who are the two types of people you should you get testimonials from?An example of how to properly solicit a testimonial.Are recommendation letters beneficial?What are the different ways you can use testimonials?Wh

Today is a Q&A episode highlighting a question asked by listener, Eric Moss. Eric called in with a great question about finding the appropriate contacts within the faith-based market.It's a relatable one for me because I got my start as a speaker in this realm. After college I became a youth pastor and began speaking to my youth group, and from time to time I'd have the opportunity to speak to the "big church". That paved the way for me to create a full-time business as a speaker and a speaking expert.On episode 110 of The Speaker Lab, I share exactly how to find out who you should be contacting at different religious organizations, and much more. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  How I got my start in the speaking world, and what it has to do with the faith-based market.Why is the faith/church market a fairly common one for speakers?What is the first thing you want to do when reaching out in the faith-based market?The three questions to answer to determine who to contact within a church.Does the

Do you think speakers are born or can they be made? Is there a checklist of characteristics that make someone a great speaker? Our guest for episode 109 is here to weigh in on those topics, and more!Carrie Wilkerson, my extra sassy friend and founder of The Barefoot Executive, joins us to talk about her background as a trained musician, and how growing up as the pastor's daughter set up her present day speaking career.According to her parents, Carrie has been a talker since birth! In fact she talked so much as a child that her dad once told her if she could find a way to get paid for it she'd have it made. Carrie shares those stories as well as how a transition from performing as a singer in her dad's church to introducing those songs and making them relevant helped her hone the natural cadence she has on stage.She also shares a great lesson she learned firsthand about why it's important to be a fit for for your audience. Hear it all on episode 109 of The Speaker Lab!  THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW

Whether you are building a speaking business or any other kind of business, you most likely are doing so while still working a full-time job. When you add in the responsibilities of being a spouse, a parent and the other roles in your life, how do you do it while staying sane?One man who knows how it's done is Erik Fisher. Erik is the Social Media Manager for the Social Media Examiner's web site and is also host of the podcast, Beyond The To-Do List.On his show he has conversations with some of the best and brightest successes in the world about their productivity habits, their successes and failures, and how they balance it all with their home life and their loved ones.You'll hear Erik talk about how that show got started, why there is no silver bullet solution to productivity, and so much more on the 108th edition of The Speaker Lab. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  Can you have both a full-time job and a side gig you are working on?The secret to how he started podcasting, while still in his full-

Our guest today is from an exclusive club: he's the proud creator of one of the most viewed videos on YouTube! Judson Laipply is our guest and he is known as "The Evolution Dance" guy.He's here to talk about the video by the same name, as well as how his own speaking career as he evolved through the years.On episode 107 of The Speaker Lab, Judson shares how he started as a speaker in high school, the mentorship that helped him build his career and where his dance video fits into it all.You'll hear all of that and so much more on today's edition of The Speaker Lab. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  Who knocked Judson off the top of the most viewed list on YouTube?What market has the simplest barrier to entry?What can the musical Hamilton teach you about speaking?Why did he start offering "inspirational comedy" as a speaker?What percentage of your speech will audiences remember?The #1 question to ask yourself when speaking to college students.What are the two reasons people hire a speaker?What is his a

Episode 106 of The Speaker Lab is a double feature! Listener Breahna wrote in with two questions, and I recorded two answers for her and for you.Today I'll be explaining what to do if you have an amazing, sad, impactful, life-altering or otherwise significant story and how to develop that story into the pillar of your speaking career. Find out if you need to earn more credentials, go back to school, or just answer a few simple questions.Breahna also wanted to know what to do if you radically alter your appearance once your speaking career is underway, so I'll chime with a reply to that topic as well! Tune in to hear to my responses on today's episode of The Speaker Lab. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  What level of credentials do you need when you have a powerful story to share?If you have a great story will people automatically pay you to speak about it?The three key questions you need to answer when starting your speaking career.Why there has to be a compelling reason for people to hire you, and

Two listeners wrote in with two great questions this week so rather than choose one, I'm answering both on episode 105 of The Speaker Lab!Paton left a message asking how and when to use visual aids and Todd wanted to know if he should keep using his name as his web site now that he is seeking more speaking gigs, even though he previously was promoting his music skills on that web site.Today I'll speak to both of these questions: I will explain why I'm not a big fan of slides, and how to use other visual cues properly in your speech or workshop.I'll explain why you are always the product people are buying when they hire you as a speaker and what that has to do with the domain name you choose, plus so much more! Tune in to hear it all on episode 105 of The Speaker Lab. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  How to know if your slides are an enhancement versus a replacement.Is a picture really worth a thousand words when speaking?When are visual aids most powerful and impactful?The three basic rules for

If there's one thing I've learned in my time as a professional speaker, it is the importance of the follow up.A listener called in and asked about how to properly and effectively follow up with potential clients, so that topic is the focus of this solo episode of The Speaker Lab.You'll hear me answer his question by laying out the different phases and stages of follow up, including how to make initial contact with an organization, and what to say when they are close to making a decision about their speaker lineup.I'll also cover how to find the right person to contact within a company and why it's always your goal to get a potential client on the phone. You'll hear that and much more on episode 104 of The Speaker Lab! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  What has been the "secret sauce" for me in my career?The strategic yet simple method to use for your follow ups.Why clients might be interested in you, even if they don't call you back.How far in advance should you reach out prior to an event you'd like

Have you ever considered adding Master of Ceremonies (MC) to your speaking offerings? Our guest for today's show is a talented keynote, MC and overall great speaker.Thom Singer, otherwise known as the Conference Catalyst, joins us to talk about what it takes to be a great MC, as well as a keynote/MC.On episode 103 of The Speaker Lab, Thom shares his background and how he got into the speaking world, including how he grew his MC career.We also dig into what a Master of Ceremonies actually does, how to structure your pricing, and the basics of getting started as an MC. You'll hear all of that and so much more on this edition of The Speaker Lab! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  Who sets the tone for the entire event?Why you should see yourself as an event professional, not just a speaker or MC.Is an extrovert or introvert better suited to the role of Master of Ceremonies?How does he structure his pricing as Master of Ceremonies?Why you have to play "bad cop" if you're an MC.What are call backs and why

When someone says motivational speaker, what do you think? Chris Farley's character on Saturday Night Live, or someone who actually helps people move their lives where they want to go? Our guest, Kyle Scheele, is a motivational speaker who does the latter!Kyle is also an entrepreneur and one of the most creative guys I know. We've been friends for a few years, and I've watched him grow from his career from a fledgling state to a full-time, profitable business.On episode 102 of The Speaker Lab, Kyle joins us to share how he the faith he had to have when making the leap to a full-time speaker, his speaking topics for youth audiences, why he's a motivational speaker with an asterisk and much more. Kyle brings the goods on today's show, tune in and check it out! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  How has his message evolved over time?What were his early steps to get traction as a speaker?How he kept himself on track when things were tough.How were other speakers instrumental to building his business?Why h

The question of how to make a career out of speaking to college audiences is a common one, so I decided to bring my friend, Adam Carroll, on the show to give you the answer.Adam has been a speaker on over 650 college campuses as well as countless local and regional events for college students. He knows that market like the back of his hand!On episode 101 of The Speaker Lab, he's sharing that knowledge with you. We talk about the different markets within the college community, how to know what group, committee or department to contact when you're looking for speaking gigs and how to set yourself to get repeat gigs with the same university.He's got some great tricks up his sleeve, and you'll get to peek at them on today's show. Listen in for all of that and more on episode 101 of The Speaker Lab! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  What were the two big factors that started his college speaking career?Why knowing your content is critical for continued success.What is a strong interest form and how do you

(HUGE Giveaway: in honor of our 100th episode, we’re doing a big giveaway including lifetime access to The Speaker Lab Community + a 30 minute Skype call with me to help with your speaking business. It’s free to enter. Get all the details here.To celebrate the 100th episode of The Speaker Lab podcast, we decided to compile a list of 100 tips on how to become a motivational speaker (note: if you read ‘motivational speaker’ and immediately think of Matt Foley from SNL, just know these tips apply to all speakers. But how great was Chris Farley as that character?

If you've ever struggled to come up with ideas for a speech you won't after today's episode! Today I've brought in one of my friends, Jeremy Johnson. He is simply one of the best speakers I've ever heard, and I had to share him with you.On episode 99 of The Speaker Lab, Jeremy talks about his yearly, monthly and weekly process for content creation. He's the pastor of a large church in Missouri and generates different messages every week for that congregation.Whether you speak to church organizations, youth or any other groups, Jeremy's wisdom can be applied to every situation. Listen in for all of that and more on episode 99 of The Speaker Lab! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  How does he come up with 45 different talks a year?How to have your radar up for content ideas.What is his "bucket" process for mapping out his talks?How far in advance does he plan his Sunday sermon?Why you must spend time bringing credibility to your topic.What does he do when a talk doesn't go over well?What is the biggest

Have you emailed potential clients about speaking gigs only to hear crickets? If you aren't getting the response you want (or any response at all), today's show is just your cup of tea. Ed Gandia is the master of using email for prospecting.On episode 97 of The Speaker Lab, Ed and I talk about his previous life as an IT services sales person, as well as how he discovered the proper way to use email as a prospecting tool and later built a career from it.Today Ed has pearls of wisdom on everything from the importance of interrupting the email status quo, the role snail mail plays as a connecting tool, and the different components your initial email must have to be successful. Check it out on episode 97 of The Speaker Lab! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  How can you make your email stand out?Advanced Google search techniques you can use to find an email address.Why you should make your first email 125 words or less.What are Ed's four meaningful connections to use in your emails?What are the two reason