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

What if you could travel to Australia for free? Or take your family to Hawaii for next to nothing? Our guest on today's show, Travis Sherry, knows how and he's built a business by helping others with his knowledge.Travis was teaching English in Japan a few years ago and wanted to travel more and spend less. That led him to Google which led him down a virtual rabbit hole.To help him better understand what he was learning, and to share it with other people, he started a site called Extra Pack of Peanuts. It began as a blog to chronicle journey into the world of free travel including hacks, airlines points, frequent flier miles. Today it has grown to much more!On episode 83 of The Speaker Lab, Travis shares what he's learned along the way, his best travel tips, and how to accumulate miles and points so you can get free travel for yourself and your loved ones. Check it out on today's edition of The Speaker Lab!  THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  One of Travis' top tips for making travel as enjoyable

Have you considered creating a lifelong speaking career? Whether you've pondered your speaking longevity or you just want to break into the speaking world, you'll hear about both topics from Harriet Turk, our guest on today's show.Harriet has been speaking in the youth and education areas for nearly two and a half decades, earning her stars and stripes along the way.On episode 82 of The Speaker Lab, Harriet Turk joins us to talk about her lengthy career as a speaker, how she got started and what it's like to be a female speaker then versus today. She explains why relationships and connections with other speakers are so vital to your career.You'll get to hear the wisdom she's earned, and so much more on today's edition of The Speaker Lab. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  Why it's so important to learn the art of storytelling.Can your audience really only handle 3-5 points?What is the market like for female speakers today?What would Harriet do differently if she were building her business now?Can you

Have you ever wanted to speak to college students or collegiate staff? If you have but weren't sure where to start this is the show for you!Recently a listener named Eric wrote in wanting to know how to get booked for speaking gigs at colleges. To answer his question, we'll talk about how to get started speaking at colleges, and where there are the most opportunities in this market.On episode 81 of The Speaker Lab, I share my personal experiences and insights gleaned from speaking on the collegiate circuit. I'll also share the 9 potential markets that exist within almost any university. You'll hear about all of that and much more on the 81st edition of The Speaker Lab!THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  The 3 foundational questions to ask and answer before speaking in any market.What questions do you need to answer to define your marketing to colleges?What are the 9 potential markets you could speak to on most campuses?What are the APCA and NACA, and why should you know?What is block booking and how do

Can you imagine speaking for 3 days? What if it meant making 7 figures a year - can you imagine it then? Our guest for today, Cole Hatter, doesn't imagine it - he lives it.Cole began as a multi-million dollar real estate investor who continues to run several companies in that industry today, as well as speaking from the stage around the world.On episode 80 of The Speaker Lab, Cole is here to talk about how he got into speaking, how he uses his own successes and failures as examples for his audience and what it's like to speak on stage for 72 hours! He shares all of that and more on today's show. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  What were some of his earliest steps he took to start speaking?How speaking for free - and even losing money on gigs - helped build his career.What's it like to speak for three days at a seminar?How and why you must earn the right to be on stage.Why honesty is the best policy when selling on stage, and elsewhere.What does it mean to sell at 90 degrees?What are open loops and

Do you think your niche is ready for a conference or other major event? How would you know if there's enough interest, before booking a venue, speakers, etc?Our guest today is here to answer those questions. He is Phillip Taylor and is the founder of FinCon, the world's largest Financial Content Expo.Not only will PT talk about how and when it's the right time to create an event for your particular area of expertise, and he also shares what works and what doesn't work when connecting with the event hosts of conferences you want to speak at.On episode 79 of The Speaker Lab, PT explains where the idea for FinCon came from, how he grew it to a profitable enterprise over the years and what criteria event organizers look for from their potential speakers. Whether you've spoken at a large conference or simply want to soon, you'll want to hear all of those details on today's show! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  What should you do before you decide to create an event?What were the two tipping points that

One of the surest ways to excel as a speaker is to find someone who is a success, and then follow their early steps. It's true in speaking, it's true in business and it's true in other avenues of life.A man who has done just that is Bob Burg. Bob is the best-selling author of The Go-Giver and Endless Referrals. After picking up audio cassette tapes at a Zig Ziglar event and enrolling in their speaking program, Bob's speaking career took off.On today's show, Bob shares how the National Speakers Association also had an impact on his speaking career, and why you're better off following in the footsteps of successful giants than trying to go it on your own. It's all here on episode 78 of The Speaker Lab. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  How did he get his first bookings?How can you prepare for the inevitable rejections?The follow up process to help you build on your successesWhy discipline and sweat equity are so vital to growing your speaking career.What knocks many people out of the speaking business

Today Scott Stratten is a world-renowned keynote speaker, best-selling author and all-around awesome guy who is known by nearly everyone in the speaking community.But did you know that in the early days of his career he flew around North America training people to sell bubble wrap?! As our guest on episode 77 of The Speaker Lab he shares that amazing story, and much more.Scott also shares his earliest experiences as a corporate trainer after college, and why he chose that path. He explains the origin story of the video that catapulted him to speaker stardom and led to receiving 97 speaker invitations in two weeks!Whether or not you ever create a viral video to aid your speaking career, Scott gives specific suggestions on how to get your start on this episode. We go into the how and when of leveling up your speaking career, once you've got your feet wet as a speaker. He is equal parts hilarious and wise today! Listen in to laugh along with us, and get a little wiser on episode 77 of The Speaker Lab. THE FINER

If you already have a business becoming a speaker can only expand your reach, your audience and how many people you can serve. A great example of this is our guest, Jordan Harbinger of The Art of Charm.Jordan is the co-founder and host of The Art of Charm. The AOC, as it is called for short, is an in-person school as well as a podcast focused on helping men achieve peak performance in every area of life. Jordan's been interviewing experts for his show since before most of us knew what a podcast was!On today's show he shares some of the knowledge he's learned in that time. Jordan explains how to build relationships with event organizers, the three criteria he considers when evaluating a potential speaking gig and why you must be comfortable hearing the word no in order to land more gigs. Check it out on episode 76 of The Speaker Lab! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  What's been the biggest value-add Jordan has gotten out of being a speaker?The three things he considers when asked to speak at an

Is there a connection between acting and speaking in public? There most certainly is a link between, according to today's guest. Amy Port joins us to talk about that connection, and how to tap into it to become an even better speaker.Amy is an amazing speaker, performer in her own right. Her background is in acting, theatre and performance. She earned a Master of Fine Arts from Yale's School of Drama and consistently worked as an actor after graduation.But the transient life of an actor was not for her and she moved on. Fast forward 15 years and she's sharing her acting knowledge to help speakers become great performers and speakers on stage.On today's show, Amy explains why we are all performing and taking on various roles in our lives even if we don't consider ourselves actors, plus how to use those roles effectively on stage. Tune in for all of that and more on this episode of The Speaker Lab! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  The two parts to making a speaker great versus good.How do you make the

Continuing from our last show today I'll be sharing more of my personal travel tips for your speaking engagements. On episode 74 the topic is what to do when things go wrong during your travel.Mishaps are simply a part of the travel experience. In fact, you're better off if you plan for delays, lost luggage, cancellations and anything else that could get in your way of getting to your client.As you travel more you'll be able to spot potential problems before they arise, and today's episode will also give you a leg up on what to do in case of issues.You'll learn plenty about how to travel most efficiently and effectively on the 74th edition of The Speaker Lab! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOWHow to create a back up plan, before you need it.If you miss a connecting flight how to find your other options.Why going to your airlines with options is so helpful.The rule I follow when booking and taking flights.Why getting upset about travel mishaps doesn't work.Why you need to keep the client in the loop when your trav

When most people think of traveling for speaking gigs they think it's glamorous: you travel first class, visit a new city, stay in a nice hotel, etc.And sometimes it is fun and exciting - and other times it is exhausting. Like when the airlines loses your luggage, or when your flight is delayed and you have to sleep in the airport or a sketchy motel because nothing else is available! I've been in all those scenarios, the glamorous and the not-so-glamorous.On episode 73 I'm sharing what I've learned about the ins and outs of travel. Today I'll talk about what you should do before you travel, what to do when you book your travel and what to do during the actual travel. Whether you're already a road warrior or you're prepping for your first out-of-town gig, you'll learn plenty on this edition of The Speaker Lab! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOWWhat travel rewards program should you become a member of, and why?How to pick your preferred airline, hotel and rental car company.How to get upgrades and when to fly stand

Do you dread taxes or worry you aren’t using the right entity for your business? Then this is the episode for you! Josh Bauerle, CPA, accountant and all-around tax wizard is here for the 72nd edition of The Speaker Lab.Josh has started his own business working directly with entrepreneurs as a CPA. Between tax entities, business entities, and deductions, there’s a lot to know, and Josh has you covered. Josh has worked as an accountant for over a decade, and currently works as a CPA for Entrepreneur on Fire as well as running CPA on Fire.He provides services to small business owners that are both high-quality and affordable, and shares his knowledge and experience with us today. In this episode we talk through the different types of small business classifications and how taxes factor into each of them. Tune in for all this and more on this episode of The Speaker Lab! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  What are the differences between an S Corporation, sole proprietorship, and an LLC?How to set your sala

Have you ever wondered what goes on in the world of mobile marketing? Perhaps you’ve heard of the website System.ly and are curious about its origins and its purpose. Then Greg Hickman is the man to talk to!As the CEO of System.ly, Greg focuses on making marketing as easy as possible for speakers and entrepreneurs who are busy building their careers. He also has a background in speaking so he understands the nature of the speaking business and how hectic a speaker's lifestyle can be.Today on the show, Greg shares how he came up with the idea to create System.ly, how his own career in speaking sparked his interest in mobile marketing, and how he utilized his talents as a speaker to spring this topic into the mainstream. He also explains a call to action he uses in his speaking that you can too, plus plenty more on this episode of The Speaker Lab! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:  What is System.ly and how does it work?How can your audience interact with System.ly?What’s the best way to start and grow

If you've considered creating your own online course but never pulled the trigger because it seemed too complicated then episode 70 is just what the doctor ordered! My friend and fellow mastermind member, Joseph Michael, is here to give us the inside secrets.Joseph was a pretty typical 9 to 5 guy until he noticed a pain point in the marketplace: Scrivener. Scrivener is a powerful writing software that most users initially found confusing and hard to use. Seeing so many struggle to implement the software he understood, Joseph created an online course and the rest is history.On today's show, he joins us to share that history, his process of creating that course, how he helps others discover and promote courses for their audiences, and how to build a side income from online courses or a full-fledged business. Dig in with us on this episode of The Speaker Lab! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOWWhat makes a good online course, in terms of content?Why do most people take a course?What pieces should go into your on

If I told you today's guest has had such notable clients as Michael Port and Seth Godin, would you be impressed and pay attention to what she has to say? If you said yes then get ready to tune in because that is exactly who our guest on episode 69 of The Speaker Lab has worked with.Elizabeth Marshall helps thought leaders and people who want to be seen as thought leaders get their message out to the world. A major milestone came in 2006 when she helped Michael Port launch his acclaimed book: Book Yourself Solid.And on today's show Elizabeth takes us back to that experience, how to keep a long-term perspective while building your audience and honing your message, as well as the 10 pieces you need to build a strong platform. Get ready to hear all of that and more on The Speaker Lab! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOWWhat is an example of an evergreen title and why is that important?How can you develop your key message over time?How to avoid wasting precious time, energy and money while developing that key message.W

Many of us as speakers love what we do - so much so we'd consider doing it for free! But since we also need a roof over our heads, food in our stomachs and clothes on our back it's important to know how to negotiate fees for your speaking gigs.On episode 68 of The Speaker Lab, I'll give you insights based on the lessons I've learned in my speaking career. I'll also get into if you should negotiate and exactly how to do so.With that in mind I've also included the nine circumstances when it's okay to lower or discount your fees in today's show. Listen in for all of that and more on episode 68 of The Speaker Lab. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOWShould you ever put your fees on your web site?Do you ever quote fees over email?A simple trick to quoting your fees - even when you're nervous to do so.What solutions are available for potential clients with smaller budgets?How should you raise your fees?What is fee integrity and how do you maintain it?Should you ever walk away from a potential gig?Should you ever speak si

Will having your own book help you land more speaking gigs? Should you write a book before even trying to land your first speaking job? And how exactly do you navigate the self-publishing waters if and when you decide to write your own book?The man to answer those questions is none other than Chandler Bolt, and he's our guest for episode 67 of The Speaker Lab!Chandler is the founder and visionary creator of Self-Publishing School, a site devoted to helping you write, market and publish your own book in 90 days. The site also helps you leverage that book into coaching, speaking and other gigs.On today's show, Chandler shares how his own self-publishing success became the groundwork for the Self-Publishing School, why you should have a book at all, and why you don't have to be a great writer to become a published author. It's all here for you on this episode of The Speaker Lab! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOWWhich comes first: your first speaking gig or your first book?How do you overcome Blank Screen Syndrome?W

Have you ever wondered what it takes to host a successful webinar? My good friend and future webinar co-host, John Corcoran, offers some valuable help on episode 66!John excels in many vital aspects of it, including marketing and networking. He's found that the webinar model is a great business model because it creates so much communication with an audience.On today's episode, John discusses how he found webinars and how he integrated them into his business. He also breaks down how to research the topic or theme of your webinar, and the similarities between conducting a webinar and speaking live in front of an audience. John is a wealth of knowledge on webinars, tune in to hear all it all on this episode of The Speaker Lab! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOWThe pros of using webinars as an addition to your speaking business.How can webinars earn new clients?What you can do to begin building a webinar audience.What webinar tools are the best to use?How can you promote your new webinar and who can help you?The most

Have you heard of seminar companies? Do you know what they do and if they are of value to your speaking career? Today's special Q&A will answer those questions and more about working with seminar companies.Seminar companies are companies that present seminars for a fee. Usually they are attended by employees who have been sent by their employers to learn a specific skill like accounting, social media or finance. The seminars happen all over the country on a daily basis.On today’s episode I’ll talk about the big three seminar companies and what my experience was like working for one. Find out what the pros and cons are of becoming a speaker for a seminar company, how to utilize this avenue fully if you decide to speak for them. Tune in to find out how the pay structure works and much more on the 65th edition of The Speaker Lab. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOWWhat are the big three seminar companies?What would your role be if you worked with a seminar company?My personal experience working with one of these

Are you interested in speaking to youth or a school audience? On today's episode of The Speaker Lab my close friend and mentor Phil Boyte joins us to share his insights on that very topic. Phil focuses exclusively on speaking in schools, everyone from students to teachers to the district administrative team.He begins episode 64 by discussing what speaking looks like for him. He also offers his advice on how to truly make an impact when speaking to young people, and why his assembly schedule works well in the school system.And if you're curious about the most effective way to speak to a young audience Phil talks about that too! Based on his personal experiences speaking to young audiences, he imparts plenty of wisdom on the topics of youth and school audiences. Listen in to hear all of it on this episode of The Speaker Lab! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOWExactly how Phil got his start speaking in schools.What are the three stages of a speaking career?How can you speak effectively to a younger audience?Paul