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

Are we facing a recession? What does that mean for your speaking business? We’re answering these questions and more during Episode 405 of The Speaker Lab Podcast. The one and only Erick Rheam is guiding our conversation with strategies you can use in these uncertain times to recession-proof your speaking business.During this episode, we’ll talk about how to lead your business through a recession with confidence rather than fear, why you must invest in marketing and yourself, and why you have to take the leap and go virtual. Speakers have had to pivot on a moment’s notice over the last two years, and uncertain economic times are no different. Erick will talk about where you need to flex and when standing firm is okay. Whether you are just beginning to build your business or you’ve been at this for a while, this episode will equip you for what’s next. Erick’s experience, expertise, and transparency will provide practical steps to recession-proof your speaking business — no matter what happen

When it comes to building your brand, Rory Vaden is the expert you want in your corner. He's committed to helping others identify the problem they solve and build a strategy for lasting success. Rory has a unique story of how he came to be an entrepreneur, found his place on the stage, and embraced the wisdom and insight of others so he could keep growing. As a college student, he found his niche in door-to-door sales. With a knack for developing principles of personal success and development, he soon found himself on the speaking stage and rubbing shoulders with mentors that would change the trajectory of his future. His mindset, experience, and intentionality have set Rory apart in the industry. If you want to learn how to build a brand that will set you apart, this episode is for you! Here’s what you’ll learn from this episode:The value of mentorshipThe difference between a good and great speakerHow to be intentional in networkingBuilding your sales team and structureWhy you have to “na

It’s time for the 40 Speaking Lessons from 400 Episodes finale!For Part 4 we’re bringing back 10 final lessons from former podcast guests. These speakers are not only the real deal, but their insight brings incredible value to the aspiring or “in the trenches” entrepreneur. Collectively these tips will raise the bar when it comes to the success and sustainability of your speaking business.As we wrap up this series, you won’t want to miss the final 10 lessons that will complete your list! As speakers, it’s essential to keep learning, growing, and asking questions in an effort to refine your craft and bring your best to the stage. These lessons will help do just that, and we’re thrilled to share them for Episode 403 of The Speaker Lab Podcast. Enjoy!Here are the final 10 lessons to help you become a better speaker:31. Lead with appreciation and interest to build relationships (Selena Soo, Ep. 178)32. How to use the “messy middle in speaking (Nancy Duarte, Ep. 262)33. Find a balance between being grateful and hu

It’s time to continue the rewind and our 40 Speaking Lessons from 400 Episodes series for Episode 402 of The Speaker Lab Podcast!For Part 3 we are looking back at 10 more incredible lessons from our very own podcast guests. Living out the lessons shared by these seasoned speakers will not only strengthen you as a speaker but take your business and vision for the future to the next level.It's time to add to your list from Episodes 400 and 401! As you set your goals and put in the sweat equity, these pillars of success will help guide your way! Whether you’re just starting, or need a refresh on what will set you apart in the industry, this episode is for you. Enjoy!Here are 10 (more!) key lessons to help you become a better speaker:21. Harness the power of the freedom compass (Michael Hyatt, Ep. 246)22. A strong personal brand will set you apart from the competition (Rick Clemons, Ep. 241)23. There’s no magic solution to get in front of event planners (Josh McGhee, Ep. 245)24. Why you have to lovingly punch y

We’re thrilled to continue the rewind and our 40 Speaking Lessons from 400 Episodes series for Episode 401 of The Speaker Lab Podcast!For Part 2 we are looking back at 10 more timeless tips from some of our very own podcast guests. What’s awesome about this next series of lessons is that while they were recorded at different times, together they provide a solid framework of guidance that will help you take your speaking business to the next level. Throughout this episode, you’ll hear clips from 10 different guests that have joined us over the years. Their insight is so valuable and their wisdom unmatched. They have been there and are passionate about helping you learn from their experiences!Pull out your notes from Episode 400 and get ready to add them to your list! No matter your niche, you’re in the right place for these timeless lessons that will help you become a better speaker and build an even stronger business. Enjoy!Here are 10 (more!) key lessons to help you become a better speaker:11. The best way t

After 400 episodes, it’s a time to celebrate!We’re doing a rewind and sharing 40 Speaking Lessons from 400 Episodes in this new series of The Speaker Lab Podcast.It’s a privilege to look at where we’ve been and what we’ve learned over the years. Week by week we’ll unpack some of the finest lessons learned through personal experience and conversations with our awesome guests.For Episode 400, our very own Grant Baldwin is joined by Director of Student Success, Maryalice Goldsmith to reveal the first 10 of 40 lessons. Each lesson is unique and applies to various components of building your speaking business. No one lesson is more important than the other, but rather together make up a collection of insight and wisdom from those who have gone before us in their own journey to the stage.Get out your notebook! Whether you’re new to the industry or ready for a refresh, these lessons will stand the test of time and help you take your speaking business to the next level.Here are 10 key lessons to help you become a bet

To some people, it might seem that Tripp Crosby is constantly shifting gears and focus. But to know and hear from him, it’s easy to see that opportunity has gifted Tripp the ability to unveil his real passion. Having built a successful video content business, it seemed like Tripp was all set. However, after some soul searching and brainstorming Tripp realized that it was time to pursue his own personal brand.During this episode, Tripp unpacks the value of being singularly focused, how to become a real expert, and more importantly how to maintain your authenticity and passion. There’s no one right way to finding your success, and Tripp is here here to share his insights and wisdom from the road less traveled. So much to glean from this conversation!Here's what you'll learn from this episode:How to discover the energy within yourselfHow to find your lane and your confidenceWhy you must really know your audienceHow to help an event win at their thingThe difference between virtual speaking and

Sharing in the excitement of our students’ success is such a privilege for our team at the Speaker Lab! Our Director of Student Success, Maryalice Goldsmith, is taking the mic for our Student Highlight series so you can hear directly from our students about their experiences and what they want you to know about growing your speaking business.He credits (or blames!) his mom for directing him to a career on the stage after she made him attend dance lessons with his sister at age 8. While it wasn’t his favorite pastime, he learned the art of stage presence at a very young age, and the rest is history!Working as a corporate banker, Ravi spent years leading and building sales teams in early-stage start-ups to build what he would describe as his “portfolio career.” In September 2020 he quit his full-time job and started his own speaking business. Understanding the risks, challenges, and rewards of taking this leap excited Ravi, and his unique intuition that this was his time helped pave the way.During their convers

It started with a magician gig at age 12 and turned into a passion and profession that has made Shep Hyken one of the best in the business. With a knack for entertainment and heart for customer experience, Shep has relied on tried-and-true values to build his business while managing to embrace the ever-changing landscape of the speaking industry.He understands the numbers game, how to face imposter syndrome, and is here to share why one gig should lead to your next. During this episode Shep highlights the vital components of sales and marketing and why follow-through will make all the difference in building your business. He relied on the sweat equity of grass-roots efforts to make a space for himself in the industry and has insight and wisdom for every speaker on their own journey to the stage.Shep’s determination started by beginning with the end in mind. Even in his early 20’s he knew where he wanted to be and met the challenge of getting there with courage, humility, and enthusiasm. His wisdom and experie

Sharing in the excitement of our student's success is such a privilege for our team at the Speaker Lab! Our Director of Student Success, Maryalice Goldsmith, is taking the mic for our Student Highlight series so you can hear directly from our students about their experiences and what they want you to know about growing your speaking business.Tec Clark is in the business of helping others develop the work culture they want to be known for. How does he do it? He spends his time on the speaking stage with small and medium businesses in a variety of industries. A journey that stemmed from his work at Nova Southeastern University led to him sharing his message and eventually finding The Speaker Lab Elite program and podcast.You might be surprised to learn that Tec’s adventure to the stage began with his career as a scuba instructor at The University of Florida. Recognized for the way in which he instructed and how he developed the diving program with his team truly set Tec apart. His commitment to creating a cultu

Tim Schurrer stepped away from his role as COO of StoryBrand to pursue a full-time speaking career. Determined to pave the way for his own defined success, Tim has kept his focus away from the cultural narrative of what it looks like to be an accomplished entrepreneur and instead set his sights on where he finds true meaning and fulfillment. With a mission to learn, serve, and grow through his platform on stage, Tim is helping others to transform their own journey by beginning with the end in mind. His new book, The Secret Society of Success unpacks the steps to defining personal measures for success and fully realizing the joy and meaning behind your work in any industry. Whether you’re just beginning or have been in the business for some time, Tim’s fresh perspective on defining your personal success and building a thriving business is a message everyone needs to hear. His steadiness and deep passion for his work has made way for an intentional journey of embracing opportunity! The

What started as a parking attendant at the happiest place on earth, led to a lucrative business as a speaker and entertainer. Rob Ferre has always gravitated to the stage, and now he’s got a highly successful business that has taken him across the globe.Whether he’s the DJ at a major corporate event or giving their keynote the morning after a celebration, Rob has mastered the fundamentals of keeping an audience engaged and coming back for more! He pivoted through the global pandemic, adapted to the call for virtual gigs, and exudes a level of enthusiasm that provides a fresh take on how to make your own way in the speaking industry.Rob is passionate about helping others see the possibilities within their speaking business and demonstrates the possibilities through his own skills as a DJ, emcee, keynote speaker, and his work with gamification. He’s giving insight on monetization, gaining access to the industry, and how to balance the evolution of a speaking business.Whether you’re wondering how to shake things

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit down with some of our coaches and take a deep dive into some of the hottest topics for speakers?Join Maryalice Goldsmith, Director of Student Success, and Coach Jeremy Rochford as they take a deep dive into 3 reasons why your talk is boring and what you can do to change it!Jeremy begins the conversation by challenging listeners to begin framing who they want to become as a speaker, by acknowledging what they don’t want to be. Together they talk about imposter syndrome, unchallenged content, and avoiding risk as some of the greatest challenges speakers face, yet have the power to change! The audience wants nothing more than for you to succeed, and Jeremy champions this claim by unpacking tools that help speakers lower the barriers of relatability with their listeners.Your message is full of opportunities to connect with your audience, meet them where they’re at, and help people feel and think in a different way. Jeremy and Maryalice are taking a “pause” from

As speakers, many of us have a love-hate relationship with associations. Should we become a member? What are the benefits? How will this help me grow my business? Is it worth it?For Episode 392 we’re sitting down with President and CEO of the National Speaker Association, Jaime Nolan, to unwrap the ins and outs of what the NSA does for members and their businesses.While Jaime is new to NSA, she brings over two decades of experience with associations and meeting planners, and therefore a unique perspective that is much needed in this era of “rebuilding” post-pandemic. Focused on recreating an elite member experience and helping members build stronger businesses and be better speakers, the NSA is reexamining its conference structure, resources, and how they cater to members in different seasons of their careers.During this episode, Jaime will reveal some of how she’s rewriting the playbook within, and some of the major changes they’ve already made to better serve their constituents. Whether you’re already a mem

Sharing in the excitement of our students' success is such a privilege for our team at the Speaker Lab! Our Director of Student Success, Maryalice Goldsmith, is taking the mic for our Student Highlight series so you can hear directly from our students about their experiences and what they want you to know about growing your speaking business.Shawn Singleton is a highly accomplished individual who credits his success to a deep desire to “stop the cycle” of bad habits and take a deeper dive into the concept of “life culture.” His mission to be the best version of himself and help others do the same is at the core of his work. During this conversation, he shares some of his “ah-ha” moments as one of our Elite students and how he built a firm foundation of fundamentals by working through each module.Shawn is a champion for transforming mindset and changing the narrative. He started with small speaking gigs as he built his content, but he quickly realized the principles he was sharing were ready for a larger

He’s a favorite among the TSL family and he knows what it takes to strategically build and sustain a successful business. On pace to double his income in 2022, Erick Rheam has navigated the ups and downs of the past few years with grit and grace.While there are many crucial resources needed in the process of building a speaking business, this episode highlights one very important yet simple piece you must add to your repertoire.The abstract.The abstract is made up of seven parts, fits on one page, and is meant to help you get one step closer to booking that next gig. Erick walks through each of the seven components including a professional headshot, contact information, title and premise of your talk, identifying the problem you solve, testimonials, learning objectives, and references. He’ll also explain why you don’t lead with an abstract, when you should share this resource, and why you never list your speaking fee! Whether you’re a seasoned speaker, or just getting started, there’s always time to crea

When the pandemic hit, Alan Stein realized things had to change with his business and he needed to demonstrate the pillars of leadership that he had been talking about for years. Committed to serving others, Alan has diversified his offerings to keep adding value for his audience and keep growing his business.In addition to writing his second book, Sustain Your Game, Alan created a course and added a coaching piece to his business to continue fulfilling his mission of filling others’ buckets and equipping thriving leaders. During this episode, Alan explains why it’s important to be a low-maintenance speaker, how to show gratitude, and why these two priorities have made such a difference in his success.In addition to his time on the stage, Alan has authored and leveraged his books to help connect others with his message. As his business continues to grow, he is committed to turning adversity into opportunity --- even amidst a global pandemic --- and gearing up for the next play when the playbook becomes outdat

Genuine, authentic, relatable, down-to-earth — that is Shane Sams. He gave up his place at the front of the classroom after realizing he wanted to find a way to provide and have the ability to be present for the people who matter most in his life.What started as making playbooks for coaches and lesson plans for teachers soon turned into a full-blown education company as Shane claimed the title of “online entrepreneur.” Soon after, he and his wife realized they could share their resources and entrepreneurial gifts to help other families take control of their income, gain freedom, and create a future. After selling his education company, Shane stepped into a new venture to help others monetize their knowledge, wisdom, and passion through membership sites.It might surprise you to learn that Shane only started speaking two years ago! Shane had been podcasting for several years but hadn’t taken the stage. However, he knew that in order to grow his platform, he would need to begin speaking. Together, he and his fam

Sharing in the excitement of our student’s success is such a privilege for our team at the Speaker Lab. Our Director of Student Success, Maryalice Goldsmith, is taking the mic for our Student Highlight series so you can hear more about our students’ experiences and what they want you to know about growing your speaking business.A near-death experience eventually led Darwin Li to find his place on the speaking stage. He knew there was something he had to give others – insights and hard lessons from failure – that might help them face what flashed before his eyes in an unimaginable situation.On a mission to discover the very best in himself and change the lives of others, Darwin has a unique ability to touch his audience through stories of reflection and impact. While his personal experience is one of great intensity, he shares his realization of how coaching itself can be life-changing and help draw out the strength and depth in your purpose.Darwin Li eventually found The Speaker Lab and never looked back. Dur

Amidst a global pandemic and just weeks after he and his wife welcomed their second son into the world, Wolf Millstone decided it was time to leave his full-time sales gig and start Wolf Millstone Group. It was time to take a leap of faith and begin his journey to the stage --- and that’s exactly what happened.Just one year later and Wolf is bringing in six figures, booking gigs left and right, and is now in a position of needing to scale his business and bring on his first employee. In just 12 months the demand for his message on stage, in workshops, and for training exploded! He has experienced unprecedented growth and success because of his grit and intense desire to learn and apply strategies for success.Where did he start you might ask? With Episode 001 of The Speaker Lab Podcast. Soon Wolf was listening to three episodes a day, seeking the counsel of trusted mentors and coaches, and then he was off and running with a website and demo reel. He’s first to admit that his temptation to strive for perfection