“It’s your vision that influences which way you go. Because you’ve already thought about it ahead of time.”

In this episode of The Speaker Lab podcast, Erick Rheam joins us to talk about what it takes to navigate the chaotic and often overwhelming journey of being a speaker and entrepreneur. You've probably heard Erick on the show before, but today he's sharing a different side of things with candid advice drawn from his own rock-bottom moment and the life-changing principles he discovered to rise above the chaos.

Erick's journey is a compelling blend of personal and professional growth, underscored by moments of introspection and dramatic change. From his early struggles in 2005—marked by personal and professional setbacks—to discovering his 'why' and taming the inner beast, Erick provides a riveting narrative that is both inspiring and practical for anyone looking to succeed in the speaking industry. He touches on the importance of living with clarity, leveraging encouragement, and mastering human dynamics, all essential tools for rising above life's challenges.

Through Erick's story, listeners gain valuable lessons on embracing their spiritual journey, managing their energy and priorities, and building meaningful connections. Erick underscores the idea that significance and peace come not from a lack of chaos but from rising above it with intention and purpose.

Whether you're a new speaker or an experienced entrepreneur, this episode is packed with actionable insights and heartfelt anecdotes that encourage you to chart your path to significance. So tune in, and equip yourself with the wisdom to rise above the chaos and live a life of meaning and influence!

You’ll learn:

• Erick's rise above chaos framework
• Embracing your spiritual journey
• Taming your inner critic
• How to leverage encouragement
• Igniting your influence
• Mastering communication and human dynamics
• And much, much more!

“Ask yourself what makes you come alive and do that.”

Episode Resources

• Erick’s Website
• Get Free Speaker Resources
• Book a Call with The Speaker Lab
• Calculate Your Speaking Fee
• Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Subscribe on Spotify

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“[AI is] a really great way to flex your creative muscle, but also not have to stress if you’re not strong enough at certain things.”

Being on stage is one of the most fun and most rewarding parts of being a professional, paid speaker — but as all experienced speakers know, what happens on stage is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to building a successful speaking business. This week on The Speaker Lab Podcast, Grant Baldwin chats with Brittany Richmond-Roberts about her journey as a teen mental health speaker. From navigating the youth market to leveraging social media and AI, Brittany shares her strategies for moving the business forward, even when it feels like trudging through mud.

Grant and Brittany dive into how she got started in speaking, the importance of finding the right audience, and why she stays clear of gigs that don’t align with her message. They discuss the power of being a female speaker in a male-dominated field and how Brittany has used that to her advantage. Brittany also highlights how she utilizes social media to connect with decision-makers and build relationships, making her memorable to potential clients. She explains her approach to using ChatGPT for prospecting and structuring talks, providing a modern edge to her speaking business.

If you’re ready to take your speaking business to the next level, this episode is packed with practical tips and inspiring insights!

You’ll learn:

• How to master audience alignment
• The market for mental health topics
• The role of gender in speaking
• Effective social media strategies for speakers
• How to use AI in prospecting
• How to be Persistent and overcome rejection
• And much, much more!

“If you’re not having fun doing [social media], stop doing it. Because that’s going to radiate right into everything that you’re doing.”

Episode Resources

• Brittany’s Website
• Get Free Speaker Resources
• Book a Call with The Speaker Lab
• Calculate Your Speaking Fee
• Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Subscribe on Spotify

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“Speed in this game is so important. It is typically the first speaker to reach back out…you have a really good chance of winning that business if you are the first.”

Navigating the intricate world of professional speaking requires not just talent but also a keen understanding of the business side of things. In this insightful episode, Grant Baldwin welcomes back his good friend Brandon Edmonson, Sales Director for Premier Speakers Bureau, for his fourth appearance on the podcast. Whether you're a seasoned speaker or just starting out, Brandon's expertise in the industry offers invaluable tips and strategies that can elevate your speaking career.

Brandon dives deep into the nitty-gritty of booking speaking gigs, sharing why it's critical to ask, "Who did you have last year?" This key question can unlock a wealth of information, from budget constraints to event expectations. Brandon emphasizes the importance of speed in the speaking business, urging speakers to respond quickly to inquiries to set a positive tone for future interactions.

Grant and Brandon also explore the art of balancing sales and relationships. Building rapport with event planners, understanding their needs, and positioning yourself as a solution to their problems are crucial steps in securing bookings. Brandon encourages speakers to add value in every interaction, whether it’s through well-timed follow-ups or personalized video messages.

Additionally, Brandon discusses how consistency in your rates fosters trust with clients, touching on the delicate balance of negotiation.

This episode offers a treasure trove of practical advice, from how to handle incoming leads to navigating the complexities of travel costs and geographical pricing variations. Don't miss out on this episode if you're looking to take your speaking business to the next level. Brandon’s wisdom could be the key to your next big speaking gig!

You’ll learn:

• The importance of understanding event history
• About the sales process for speakers
• The role of speed in booking
• Strategies for relationship building & outreach
• Balancing sales & serving event planners
• Handling inquiries & initial conversations
• Key questions for gauging event seriousness
• Negotiation tactics
• And much, much more!

“Be honest, be genuine, be human in that process. Just how you would want to be.”

Episode Resources

• Brandon’s Website
• Get Free Speaker Resources
• Book a Call with The Speaker Lab
• Calculate Your Speaking Fee
• Join The Speaker Lab Community on Facebook
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Subscribe on Spotify

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.