Speakernomics

What do top speakers wish they knew when starting out? In this episode, industry veterans and experts dish out hard-earned wisdom to help you thrive in the speaking business.

• Why playing the long game matters more than chasing quick wins
• The critical importance of authentic connection with your audience
• Avoiding ego traps and keeping the focus on service, not self
• How being easy to work with sets you apart for meeting planners and agencies
• Simple strategies to stand out and keep your speaking business sustainable

Watch now to level up your speaking career with advice from Hall of Famers and seasoned pros!

Compilation: Sam Silverstein, CSP, CPAE, Amanda Gore, Joyce Marter, Bill Cates, CSP,CPAE, Stan Phelps, CSP, Larry Long Jr., Laurie Guest,CSP, CSP, CPAE, Jeff Rogers, Tamra Gaines, Jeff Civillico,CSP, CPAE, David Stollman, Christa Haberstock

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AI is transforming how speakers are discovered, trusted, and booked—and your content strategy needs to change with it. In this episode, Lethia Owens shares actionable insights on optimizing your digital footprint for both human and AI-driven search.

• How meeting planners and bureaus are using AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity to find speakers
• Strategies for creating “AI-friendly” content across your website and social platforms
• Why video and high-authority content (like definitive guides and white papers) boost your visibility
• The importance of niche expertise and authoritative frameworks to get noticed by AI engines
• Lethia’s tips for consistent content creation, brand auditing, and becoming an “AI-first” speaker entrepreneur

Want to future-proof your speaking business? Watch now and level up your digital presence for the age of AI.

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Unlock the secrets to thriving as a professional speaker, even in uncertain times. In this episode of Speakernomics, Joyce Marder shares expert insights on shifting your financial mindset, building business resilience, and unlocking greater value from your speaking career.

• Identify and overcome the most common mindset blocks holding speakers back from financial success
• Strategies for maintaining confidence and pitching high-value clients during industry shifts
• The power of community: why being vulnerable and sharing challenges with other speakers matters
• How your personal “money story” impacts your business—and how to reframe limiting beliefs
• Creative ways to diversify your income streams and practical daily habits for cultivating an abundance mindset

Ready to grow your speaking business? Don’t miss these must-hear strategies and real talk from industry leaders.

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Get the inside scoop on how Sam Demma became the youngest Certified Speaking Professional and booked over 750 paid speaking gigs, all before 2025. In this episode of Speakernomics, Sam breaks down the exact outreach and sales strategies that built his thriving speaking business in the education market.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

• How Sam focused and expanded his market from local schools in Ontario to the entire US and Canada
• The concrete sales and outreach tactics he used to land hundreds of gigs, including video emails and social media
• Why value always wins over budget objections—and how to position yourself for higher fees
• The three-part sales playbook (pre-call, during-call, post-call) Sam uses to consistently close 30-40% of leads
• Creative ways to turn “no” into new opportunities and keep your speaking pipeline full

If you want a no-nonsense blueprint for growth as a professional speaker, this episode is packed with actionable advice you can use right away!

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In this episode of Speakernomics, Dr. Kevin Snyder joins host Kenneth “Shark” Kinney to share insider tips and real stories from the world of professional speaking. Get actionable advice on storytelling, building your speaking business, and making a lasting impact.

• Behind the scenes look at the new book “Speechless,” supporting the NSA Foundation
• How to share personal stories with vulnerability while connecting with audiences
• Practical steps for transitioning into a full-time speaking career
• Bridging the gap between college, association, and corporate audiences
• Proven strategies for generating a steady flow of speaking leads and growing your business

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Ready to take your speaking career to the next level? In this episode of Speakernomics, industry pros break down exactly how podcasting can amplify your brand, grow your business, and keep your voice front and center.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• The unique value of hosting your own podcast as a professional speaker
• How podcasting strengthens your message, builds your platform, and boosts credibility with clients and event planners
• Strategies for managing podcast production and avoiding common pitfalls like “podfade”
• Ways to effectively repurpose podcast content across social, newsletters, and other channels
• Real-world advice on staying consistent, finding your audience, and making podcasting work for your business

Straightforward insights, practical advice, and actionable steps—hit play and level up!

Episode includes Guests: Mark Hunter and 2 Influence 2025 sponsors, Ellie Puckett of Resonate Recordings and Larry Roberts of Red Hat Media)

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Ready to take your travel game to the next level as a professional speaker? In this episode of Speakernomics, top speakers share their favorite travel tips to help you stay efficient, comfortable, and ready for anything on the road.

• Smart packing strategies for both carry-ons and checked bags
• How to use travel downtime productively—think handwritten notes and task batching
• Essential comfort tips, including seat cushions, neck pillows, and snacks
• Building relationships with flight crews and networking at your destination
• Leveraging tech tools like the Flighty app to stay ahead of travel delays

Tune in and make your next trip your best one yet!

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Curious how to become the go-to expert in your field and dominate your speaking niche? In this episode of Speakernomics, construction industry leader George Hedley shares his direct advice on carving out your place as a professional speaker.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• How George targeted and owned his industry niche to become the “hard hat biz coach”
• Why focusing on what you know best leads to more opportunities—even in a crowded market
• The importance of understanding your audience’s language, culture, and pain points
• How publishing articles and books can boost your credibility as an industry expert
• Strategies to diversify your speaking business with coaching, peer groups, and consulting

1 interlude guest (Simon T. Bailey)

Tune in and get actionable steps to stand out and thrive as a speaker in your own niche!

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Want to know what it takes to land a coveted NSA stage and stand out in a room full of professional speakers? In this episode of Speakernomics, NSA Director of Events Candice York shares the inside scoop on event planning, speaker selection, and what truly sets top presenters apart.

• How NSA designs events like Influence and Thrive to serve speakers’ real needs
• The difference between a collaborative speaker and a “diva”—and why reputation matters
• What it takes to customize your content for an audience of fellow professional speakers
• Behind-the-scenes on how main stage vs. breakout sessions are chosen
• The importance of being part of the NSA community (not just chasing the gig) if you want the stage to find you

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Stay safe and succeed on the speaking circuit! In this episode, Dr. Tom Griggs shares practical self-defense tips and discusses how martial arts principles can give speakers an edge both on and off stage.

• Essential safety strategies for speakers while traveling, including rideshare and hotel best practices
• How martial arts training enhances peace of mind and presence for speakers
• Real-life stories and tips to improve situational awareness and personal security
• Practical, easy self-defense moves anyone can use—even without a black belt
• Guest speakers weigh in with their own actionable travel safety habits

4 interlude guests (Sarah Ohanesian, Tony Chatman, Laurie Guest, and Dr. Genie Snyder).  

Ready to elevate your speaking and personal safety game? Watch now!

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