Booked Banked & OnStage

Episode 10 5 Speaker Mistakes That Keep You From Getting Paid (And How to Avoid Them Like a Pro)

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2456381/open_sms] In this episode, Deborah breaks down the five biggest mistakes that trip up new speakers—and exactly how to avoid them so you can own the stage and get paid for your brilliance. If you’re serious about stepping up your speaking game, you don’t want to miss this! Timestamps & Highlights (00:00) Welcome and intro – Why new speakers stumble and how this episode will help you fast-track success. (01:22) Mistake #1: Trying to sound like someone else *   Copying another speaker’s style backfires. Deborah shares how to embrace your quirks and own your unique voice. (02:46) Mistake #2: Death by PowerPoint *  Overloaded slides lose your audience. Learn how to keep your visuals clean, clear, and impactful. (03:35) Mistake #3: Ignoring your audience *  Speaking is a two-way street. Deborah explains how to engage, read the room, and adjust on the fly. (04:38) Mistake #4: Not practicing out loud *  Why rehearsing in your head isn’t enough—and how to practice like a pro so your delivery lands. (05:05) Mistake #5: The kitchen sink syndrome *  Don’t try to give everything in one talk. Focus on one clear message with no more than three supporting points. (07:15) Final takeaway – The one-question test to check if your talk is truly memorable. (07:41) Closing – Share the episode, subscribe, and help more speakers stop speaking for free and start getting paid. Links & Resources * Subscribe to Booked, Banked, and On Stage so you never miss an episode! * Share this episode with a fellow speaker who’s ready to level up. * Leave a review—your feedback helps us reach more speakers like you! Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2456381/support] Connect with me on Social Media: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahnorthcutt [https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahnorthcutt] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackwomenpodcasters [https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackwomenpodcasters] * Website: https://www.thenorthcuttspeakingagency.com [https://www.thenorthcuttspeakingagency.com] * Work With Me: https://bit.ly/workwithdeborah [https://bit.ly/workwithdeborah] Thanks for listening--keep showing up, speaking out, and making an impact!

Episode 009: How to Use LinkedIn to Land More Speaking Gigs

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2456381/open_sms] Are you using LinkedIn strategically—or just letting it collect digital dust? In this value-packed episode, Deborah Northcutt shares how speakers can transform LinkedIn into their #1 tool for landing high-paying speaking engagements. From optimizing your profile, to crafting content that attracts decision-makers, to building real relationships with event planners — this episode is your complete guide to LinkedIn success as a speaker! What You’ll Learn: ✅ How to position yourself as an expert worth booking ✅ LinkedIn profile optimization tips that attract event planners ✅ How to showcase speaking experience (even if you’re new!) ✅ The EXACT content strategy that gets speakers booked ✅ How to build high-value relationships that lead to paid gigs ✅ Common LinkedIn mistakes speakers make (and how to avoid them) Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome & intro: Why LinkedIn is a game-changer for speakers 02:41 - The "speaker gig gold mine" mindset shift 03:34 - Where decision-makers are hanging out online 05:16 - How Deborah helped speakers shift to premium opportunities 07:20 - How to optimize your LinkedIn profile 09:35 - Writing an engaging About section (with examples) 11:21 - Showcasing your speaking experience (even as a beginner) 12:18 - How to collect and use LinkedIn recommendations 13:32 - LinkedIn SEO: Skills and keywords to use 13:56 - Importance of a professional headshot 14:24 - Creating content that positions you as an expert 15:18 - The EIC Formula: Educate, Inspire, Challenge 17:33 - Types of posts that attract event planners 18:56 - How often (and when) to post on LinkedIn 19:50 - The power of strategic commenting 20:19 - How to identify and connect with the right decision-makers 21:40 - Crafting personalized connection requests 23:44 - Why speakers should collaborate and refer each other 24:31 - Using LinkedIn groups to find speaking leads 25:51 - Deborah’s weekly networking system 26:18 - Turning engagement into paid speaking gigs 28:34 - Outreach templates that convert 29:52 - How to follow up without being spammy 31:09 - Common mistakes speakers make on LinkedIn 32:24 - Bonus tips: Using LinkedIn Events & LinkedIn Live 32:52 - Weekly LinkedIn action plan for speakers 34:15 - Final thoughts & how to support the podcast Action Plan: ✔ Rewrite your LinkedIn headline ✔ Update your About section to tell your story ✔ Post 3x this week using the EIC formula ✔ Spend 15 min/day engaging with ideal clients ✨ If this episode helped you: 👉 Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review 👉 Share with another speaker who needs this! Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2456381/support] Connect with me on Social Media: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahnorthcutt [https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahnorthcutt] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackwomenpodcasters [https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackwomenpodcasters] * Website: https://www.thenorthcuttspeakingagency.com [https://www.thenorthcuttspeakingagency.com] * Work With Me: https://bit.ly/workwithdeborah [https://bit.ly/workwithdeborah] Thanks for listening--keep showing up, speaking out, and making an impact!

Episode 008 The Best Social Media Strategies to Promote Your Speaking Business

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2456381/open_sms] Are you tired of posting and praying for gigs that never come? In this episode of Booked, Banked, and On Stage, I’m breaking down how to turn your social media feed into your personal speaker bureau. We’re not chasing likes—we’re securing paid speaking engagements with content that connects, converts, and gets you booked! 👉 Whether you’re just starting out or need to refresh your speaker marketing, I’ll walk you through:  ✔️ The 5 best content types every speaker should post  ✔️ My exact Social-to-Stage Conversion Framework  ✔️ How to use LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok & Facebook strategically  ✔️ The bio script that attracts event planners  ✔️ Real stories of speakers landing $5K gigs with simple tweaks This isn’t theory—these are field-tested strategies from speakers just like you who went from overlooked to overbooked. 🔗 Hit play and learn how to stop ghosting your social and start using it to book the stage you deserve. ⏱ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 – Welcome & Why Social Media Isn’t Optional 02:00 – Case Study: Turning LinkedIn Into a Booking Engine 04:32 – Breakdown of Social Media Platforms for Speakers 07:15 – 5 High-Impact Content Ideas 10:22 – Weekly Content Plan for Speakers 13:40 – The Social-to-Stage Conversion Framework 18:00 – What to Put in Your Bio to Get Booked 21:15 – Story: How Ghosting Social Media Cost a Speaker a Gig 24:00 – Tools, Mindset, and Final Tips for Visibility ✅ Subscribe for weekly speaker strategies 💬 Drop your biggest takeaway in the comments 📲 Share with a speaker friend who needs this episode 📩 Book a speaker support call with me → https://bit.ly/workwithdeborah Want help getting visible and booked?  Tag me when you share this episode!  Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2456381/support] Connect with me on Social Media: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahnorthcutt [https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahnorthcutt] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackwomenpodcasters [https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackwomenpodcasters] * Website: https://www.thenorthcuttspeakingagency.com [https://www.thenorthcuttspeakingagency.com] * Work With Me: https://bit.ly/workwithdeborah [https://bit.ly/workwithdeborah] Thanks for listening--keep showing up, speaking out, and making an impact!

Episode #007 "Why Talented Speakers Fail (And How to Fix It)

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2456381/open_sms] Having talent isn't enough to guarantee bookings. In today's competitive speaking landscape, branding and strategic marketing are essential. Deborah Northcut shares her proven framework designed to elevate your speaking brand, attract more event planners, and increase your income. Key Takeaways: * Your success as a speaker starts with your unique voice—your "speaker fingerprint." * Specificity in messaging boosts speaker bookings dramatically. * A distinctive signature framework helps you become memorable and creates valuable intellectual property. * Your online presence must clearly communicate the transformation you provide. * Cultivating relationships strategically leads to increased opportunities and repeat bookings. * Master pricing with techniques like value-based pricing, tiered packages, and strategic price anchoring. * Diversifying revenue streams ensures long-term sustainability in your speaking career. Resources Mentioned: * Simon Sinek’s Start With Why * Brené Brown’s research on vulnerability Connect with Deborah: * https://www.thenorthcuttspeakingagency.com * https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahnorthcutt Loved this episode? Subscribe, rate, and review to help more speakers build thriving careers! Next week: "The Best Social Media Strategies to Promote Your Speaking Business." Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2456381/support] Connect with me on Social Media: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahnorthcutt [https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahnorthcutt] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackwomenpodcasters [https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackwomenpodcasters] * Website: https://www.thenorthcuttspeakingagency.com [https://www.thenorthcuttspeakingagency.com] * Work With Me: https://bit.ly/workwithdeborah [https://bit.ly/workwithdeborah] Thanks for listening--keep showing up, speaking out, and making an impact!

Episode 6: How to Write a Winning Speaker Bio That Attracts Event Planners

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2456381/open_sms] Have you ever wondered why some speakers get booked for every conference while others struggle to land even one gig? The secret might be hiding in plain sight: your speaker bio. In this value-packed episode, Deborah reveals what 87 professional event planners (who collectively book over 2,000 speakers annually) actually look for when selecting speakers. You'll discover the 5 essential elements every winning speaker bio must include, learn how to craft a Unique Value Proposition that makes you the obvious choice, and uncover which forms of social proof actually matter to decision-makers. Most speakers make the critical mistake of writing their bio like a resume—focusing on their own accomplishments rather than the audience's needs. By the end of this episode, you'll have a proven 30-minute framework to transform your speaker bio from forgettable to irresistible, helping you get booked, get paid, and own the stage. Subscribe to Booked Banked & OnStage for weekly insider strategies and expert interviews that help you turn your voice into a thriving business. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2456381/support] Connect with me on Social Media: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahnorthcutt [https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahnorthcutt] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackwomenpodcasters [https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackwomenpodcasters] * Website: https://www.thenorthcuttspeakingagency.com [https://www.thenorthcuttspeakingagency.com] * Work With Me: https://bit.ly/workwithdeborah [https://bit.ly/workwithdeborah] Thanks for listening--keep showing up, speaking out, and making an impact!