The Speaker Lab

Keys to Thriving as a Professional Speaker with Brian Lord

“When downselling, it’s really good to say, ‘Who is above me, and who is below me?’ And then also find out, looking laterally, who do you compete against? Who is within a similar fee range?...Who can I refer that might fit along that axis.” In this episode, Grant Baldwin teams up with industry insider Brian Lord of Premier Speakers Bureau for a conversation about what it takes to succeed as a speaker. Brian’s insight is simple: know your place in the market, nurture real relationships, and don’t underestimate the power of referrals. Brian shares his “speakers matrix” concept, challenging every speaker to map out who’s above, below, and alongside them in terms of fees and content. Why? Because networking up and down this axis isn’t just smart, it’s essential. Those connections bring in gigs you’d otherwise miss and make sure you’re not flying solo in the business. Brian’s biggest reminder is to not get lost in the latest trends. AI may be hot, but your authentic message and consistently fresh content are what keep you booked and relevant. And always, always deliver value offstage because event planners love a speaker who’s great to work with, not just to watch. Moreover, if you’re an independent speaker, these strategies matter even more. The takeaway from this episode is to focus on building your network, referring others, and adapting as the industry evolves. Impact and bookings come from meaningful relationships, not complicated tactics, because it’s human connection that grows your career, one conversation and one referral at a time! You’ll learn: * The role of a speaker as a message bearer * Understanding down-sells and up-sells * Effective networking and referral strategies * Creating variations of your core service * Emotional separation from your “product” * The “Free market” effect: your booking successes as feedback * How off-stage behavior matters as much as on-stage behavior * How to fold hot topics like AI into core expertise * And much, much more! “If you get the thought into your head that you are somebody who goes around helping people get better for having met you than if they hadn’t, then that’s your goal as a speaker.” Episode Resources * Brian’s Website [https://premierespeakers.com/christian/staff] * 2 Day Booked and Paid Bootcamp [https://thespeakerlab.com/virtual-bootcamp-vsl/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=episode+resources&utm_campaign=VBC] * Get Free Speaker Resources [https://thespeakerlab.com/start-here/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show+notes&utm_campaign=avalanche] * Book a Call with The Speaker Lab [https://thespeakerlab.com/apply/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show+notes&utm_campaign=avalanche] * Calculate Your Speaking Fee [https://thespeakerlab.com/myspeakerfee/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show+notes&utm_campaign=avalanche] * Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/849668548485535] * Subscribe on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-speaker-lab/id1072835737] * Subscribe on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5o0FZUZduijjwWGxyBpnzG] See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

The Five Levels of Building a Successful Speaking Business with Erick Rheam

“You have to make sure you don’t lose the vision of what you started, because the team could begin and can take on a personality of its own. And if you don’t manage it, you can get off the vision of what brought you here.” What does it really take to build a thriving speaking business? In this week’s thought-provoking episode, Grant Baldwin sits down with Erick Rheam to explore the practical strategies and mindset shifts needed for true longevity in this industry. Erick, an established speaker with years of experience under his belt, opens up about his own journey: the early hustle, the inevitable challenges, and, most importantly, how he’s learned to balance ambition with sustainability. He and Grant get real about the myth of constant grind, explaining that putting in the hard work is necessary at the start, but staying stuck in overdrive isn’t the secret to lasting impact or happiness. Instead, this conversation dives deep into the habits and boundaries that separate career burnout from long-term success. Erick shares how intentional routines, clear priorities, and strategic rest have shaped his evolution, not just as a speaker, but as a leader, husband, and friend. If you’re dreaming about building a speaking business with staying power, this episode is packed with practical takeaways. Tune in for a refreshing look at what it takes to sustain your passion and make an impact for years to come. Whether you’re just getting started or already established, Erick and Grant’s discussion is a must-listen for any speaker ready to play the long game. Don’t miss it! You’ll learn: * The defining characteristics, obstacles, and recommended advancements for the five levels of a professional speaking career * Level 1: The Aspiring Speaker * Level 2: The Amateur Speaker * Level 3: The Professional Speaker * Level 4: The Career Speaker * Level 5: The Legacy Speaker * Not taking the speaking journey for granted * The importance of being coached at every level * And much, much more! “It’s fun when you do something that you’re really passionate about and aligned with, it’s amazing how every other part of your life starts to align once you figure out what that looks like.” Episode Resources * Erick’s Website [https://erickrheam.com/] * 2 Day Booked and Paid Bootcamp [https://thespeakerlab.com/virtual-bootcamp-vsl/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=episode+resources&utm_campaign=VBC] * Get Free Speaker Resources [https://thespeakerlab.com/start-here/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show+notes&utm_campaign=avalanche] * Book a Call with The Speaker Lab [https://thespeakerlab.com/apply/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show+notes&utm_campaign=avalanche] * Calculate Your Speaking Fee [https://thespeakerlab.com/myspeakerfee/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show+notes&utm_campaign=avalanche] * Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/849668548485535] * Subscribe on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-speaker-lab/id1072835737] * Subscribe on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5o0FZUZduijjwWGxyBpnzG] See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

How to Create Exceptional Audience Experiences with Neen James

“My job is to make [event planners] look like a rock star when I get off stage…I stand beside them so I can also have them hear the lovely things people are saying in line when people want to hug you and take their photo with you. And so what they need to see is [that I] was a good investment.” In this episode, Grant Baldwin connects with Neen James for an honest, energetic conversation on what it truly means to make an impact as a public speaker. Neen’s journey shines a spotlight on the power of intentional focus, where knowing exactly who you serve, and why, can transform not only your business but your ability to connect from the stage. As Neen shares, growing your speaking business is less about flashy tactics and more about consistent, meaningful action. She and Grant unravel the myth that you need a massive following or viral content to succeed. Instead, it’s about doubling down on the basics: nurturing authentic relationships within your network, following up with event planners, and always delivering value tailored to your audience’s needs. The episode also digs into the art of strategic outreach. It’s not ideal to sit back and hope your inbox fills up. Take ownership of your calendar by making outreach a daily habit, revisiting those half-finished conversations, and gently reminding people how you can help. Overall, landing more speaking gigs comes down to intentional action, relationship-building, and refusing to overcomplicate the process.  You’ll learn: * How to stand out in a crowded field * Turning clients and audiences into advocates * Importance of preparation before stepping on stage * The BDA Framework: Before, During, After * Discovering and leveraging your intellectual property * Building early relationships with event staff * Customizing content for specific audiences * Acknowledging and celebrating the audience’s culture * Outsourcing non-core tasks to increase focus * And much, much more! “Every speaker needs to think about how they can be exceptional? Because there’s plenty of average out there, but it’s exceptional that gets attention.” Episode Resources * Neen’s Website [https://neenjames.com/] * 2 Day Booked and Paid Bootcamp [https://thespeakerlab.com/virtual-bootcamp-vsl/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=episode+resources&utm_campaign=VBC] * Get Free Speaker Resources [https://thespeakerlab.com/start-here/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show+notes&utm_campaign=avalanche] * Book a Call with The Speaker Lab [https://thespeakerlab.com/apply/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show+notes&utm_campaign=avalanche] * Calculate Your Speaking Fee [https://thespeakerlab.com/myspeakerfee/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show+notes&utm_campaign=avalanche] * Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/849668548485535] * Subscribe on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-speaker-lab/id1072835737] * Subscribe on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5o0FZUZduijjwWGxyBpnzG] See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Turning Adversity Into Purpose with Lance Cibik

“[I’m trying] to use stories so the audience can find themselves in the story as it relates to their life, but then extract the lessons learned, the principles to help, to overcome, to move through the process that’s executed, to use adversity as fuel for purpose.” This week, Grant Baldwin sits down with Lance Cibik, peeling back the curtain on what it really takes to build momentum and establish yourself in the world of public speaking. Lance’s background is a blend of experiences, not just as a speaker but as someone constantly evolving and adapting. Grant drives home the importance of clarity, knowing who you serve and how you help them, then communicating that message with confidence. Moreover, focus in your messaging is non-negotiable, but it’s not just about what you say; it’s about who you say it to. Both Grant and Lance highlight the necessity of consistent outreach. You can have all the passion in the world, but if your calendar isn’t full, it’s time to revisit your prospecting strategy. Move beyond waiting for gigs to land in your inbox. Instead, get proactive by following up with past clients, checking in on leads, and never underestimate the value of your existing network. Don’t make the process of getting booked more complicated than it needs to be. Simple shifts like asking for referrals, sending thoughtful follow-ups, and refreshing your pitch can open doors you didn’t even know existed. Ultimately, landing speaking gigs isn’t about luck; it’s about showing up, nurturing relationships, and remembering that every “no” gets you closer to the next “yes.” You’ll learn: * Speaking roles in corporate settings  * Using adversity as motivation and keynote themes * Translating personal experiences into audience-relevant lessons * A four-step process for overcoming adversity * Treating speaking as a business * Taking messy action, gaining reps, and audience validation * Redefining success and mentoring others * And much, much more! “If you find yourself in a situation where you’re looking around and saying how did I get here, I’m stuck, I don’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. How are you going to respond to that? Number one, be the change. It’s a mindset shift.” Episode Resources * Lance’s Website [https://www.lancecibik.com/] * 2 Day Booked and Paid Bootcamp [https://thespeakerlab.com/virtual-bootcamp-vsl/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=episode+resources&utm_campaign=VBC] * Get Free Speaker Resources [https://thespeakerlab.com/start-here/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show+notes&utm_campaign=avalanche] * Book a Call with The Speaker Lab [https://thespeakerlab.com/apply/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show+notes&utm_campaign=avalanche] * Calculate Your Speaking Fee [https://thespeakerlab.com/myspeakerfee/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show+notes&utm_campaign=avalanche] * Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/849668548485535] * Subscribe on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-speaker-lab/id1072835737] * Subscribe on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5o0FZUZduijjwWGxyBpnzG] See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Mastering Your Speaking Pipeline: Live Coaching with Erick Rheam

“The whole purpose of the Speaker Lab is we’re here to help speakers, to give them confidence, to get them out there and to translate their experiences, their stories into something that they can take out and get booked and paid to speak.” Building a thriving speaking business comes down to strategy, momentum, and the discipline to keep moving forward. In this episode of The Speaker Lab, Erick Rheam coaches Marcy Grossman and Michael Foreman through the real-life challenges all speakers face, whether it’s juggling multiple roles or breaking out of a booking rut. For Marcy, who blends speaking, consulting, mentoring, and more, the key is clarity. Erick assures her that it’s fine to wear many hats, as long as she stays focused on filling her pipeline and marketing her core message. No matter how diverse your brand, consistency in outreach is critical. Meanwhile, Michael is reminded that the secret to more gigs is leveraging past relationships. The bottom line in this episode is simple but powerful: keep prospecting, nurture your network, and never miss the chance to turn one gig into two. Even subtle tweaks in your approach can mean big results for your speaking business! You’ll learn: * The philosophy of booking multiple gigs * The purpose of Speaker Lab’s coaching sessions * Balancing and marketing a multidimensional brand as a speaker * Structuring a website for speakers with multiple services * Strategies for reigniting a stalled speaking pipeline * And much, much more! “Once you have clarity over this is where I want my business to go and this is the role speaking is going to play, then what you need to do is think about how many times you want to be on stage…you want to get the reps on the stage because the stage is what gives you the momentum. That fuels other things.” Episode Resources * Erick’s Website [https://erickrheam.com/] * 2 Day Booked and Paid Bootcamp [https://thespeakerlab.com/virtual-bootcamp-vsl/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=episode+resources&utm_campaign=VBC] * Michael’s Website [https://www.michaelaforman.com/] * Marcy’s Website [https://marcygrossman.com/] * Get Free Speaker Resources [https://thespeakerlab.com/start-here/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show+notes&utm_campaign=avalanche] * Book a Call with The Speaker Lab [https://thespeakerlab.com/apply/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show+notes&utm_campaign=avalanche] * Calculate Your Speaking Fee [https://thespeakerlab.com/myspeakerfee/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show+notes&utm_campaign=avalanche] * Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/849668548485535] * Subscribe on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-speaker-lab/id1072835737] * Subscribe on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5o0FZUZduijjwWGxyBpnzG] See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].