Voices of Experience

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A few weeks ago, we talked about building your online courses. Once you've built a powerful course, what comes next; how can you use that course to spread your message and easily (and sustainably) bring in additional revenue? By licensing your content to corporations! This week we invited Bill Cates, CSP, CPAE, to share how you can easily start licensing your content to your corporate clients and begin to bring in easy, sustainable revenue, something he calls "printing money legally."   Key Takeaways Have license-ready content Start bringing up your programs in conversations   Who is Bill Cates, CSP, CPAE Bill is an internationally recognized expert and keynote speaker on attracting more high-level clients through client engagement, referrals, and introductions.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You might be losing money because of the way you're describing your message to your clients. Are you only providing a summary of your talking points, or are you describing the problem you solve, the process you take the solve it and the outcome? In this episode, we have Chris West who shares how you can grow your business and bring in more money by starting your day with a good routine and more effectively sharing how you bring positive change to your clients. Key Takeaways: Develop a morning routine Have a Change Model for the clients you serve Who is Chris West? Chris helps thought leaders build world-changing speaking businesses through focused and powerful storytelling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've all heard that people are tired of virtual meetings. Here's a hot take: Audiences aren't tired of virtual meetings, they're tired of bad virtual meetings. Now we're not suggesting that every speaker build a multi-camera studio for every presentation, but there are techniques you can use and experiment with to create more visually interesting virtual presentations. In this episode, we talk to Mike Carr who is the 2020 Toastmasters Champion of Public Speaking. When the competition turned virtual, Mike decided to experiment with using the entire video screen, and, clearly, it worked. Check out this episode for some different ideas to try and become more visually engaging during your virtual presentations.  Key Takeaways: Differences sell, similarities don't Experimentation Creates Epiphany    Who is Mike Carr? Mike is a financial advisor with a unique ability to help people find their hidden strengths and create the key speeches they have to make through out their career. He is the 2020 Toastmasters Champion of Public Speaking.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you focused on getting the next speaking engagement, or are you focused on running a successful business with speaking as a product or service that you offer? Let's be candid: Only one of these methods is sustainable. In this episode Sylvia Henderson, MBA, will share how she evolved her business from keynote speaking to using speaking as a way to create long-term, sustainable business contracts, and how to focus your time and effort to see massive growth in your business. Key Takeaways: Treat your business like a business - with systems and processes Accept that meetings are virtual and hybrid Who is Sylvia? Sylvia helps individuals and organizations get the ideas out of their head and into actions. She's a 20-year member of the National Speakers Association and a past President of the NSA DC chapter.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we're starting to see meetings return in some shape or form in 2021, what can you expect to see as a professional speaker? Are you prepared to work and speak under with the rebounding industry? In this episode, we're talking to Deborah Gardner, CMP, who has over 30 years of experience in the meetings and hospitality industry. During the interview, she shares what we can expect from during in-person, hybrid and virtual meetings moving forward and how you can better work with meetings professionals (and make it easier to get paid). Key Takeaways: Learn the terminology of the meetings industry Make your virtual talks a "Super Bowl" level experience Who is Deborah? Deborah Gardner helps companies achieve newfound success by delivering meaningful, real-life content that will impact everyone, from the back of the house to the boardroom. She has over 30 years of experience in the meetings industry and delivers results by emphasizing people over profit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If COVID-19 has taught us anything as professional speakers it's that we need to make sure we have multiple ways of sharing our expertise and earning an income without traveling or speaking on a stage. What are your additional revenue streams? Shep Hyken, CSP, CPAE, has seven. On this episode of Speakernomics, Shep will discuss his seven income streams and how they help make sure he always sees an income, plus the easiest place to start to create more revenue opportunities for you: creating an online course. Key Takeaways: Think about how to make money off stage Build an online learning portal Who is Shep Hyken? Shep Hyken, CSP, CPAE is an expert in customer service who helps his clients get their customers to walk away having had an amazing experience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The longest year ever is almost over. As we all start to finalize our goals and plans for 2021, NSA has a lot of exciting plans to ensure that we can better serve our members and the speaking industry. This week, on Crystal's final episode as the VOE host, we have Thom Singer, CSP, in the virtual studio discussing NSA's newest podcast, Speakernomics, and Barry Banther, CSP, CPAE, sharing exciting changes happening at NSA.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you want to make money with resources you already have available? Of course you do! Many different companies are willing to pay experts – like you – to get access to your communities to share their message, product, or service. This week we have Brandon Farbstein on the show, a Gen-Z Activist and influencer who will share how you can start bringing in money as a an influencer.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you still rocking that work-from-home uniform of a nice top and PJ bottoms? No judgement here we sometimes (often) do that too. But with some in-person events slated to return in 2021 or more virtual events being planned, are you dressing in a way that reflects your brand and professionalism? Listen in this week as Charlene Lawson, PHD, shares her secret tips to make sure you dress well and reflect your best self online and on stage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever considered hiring a virtual assistant to help you with your day-to-day tasks of running your own speaking business? If you're on the fence about hiring someone, this episode is for you. Hathaway Rabette, a business development manager and consultant, is on the show explaining how you can leverage virtual assistants to help you run a successful business. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While some in-person events have returned, it seems that virtual meetings may still be the norm for a little while longer. Are you looking at how to shift your in-person event to a powerful virtual experience? This week, NSA's immediate past president Anna Liotta, CSP, explains how she and NSA team turned its annual conference INFLUENCE into a three-month experience delivering value that was worth the price of admission in each session.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've heard how speakers are adapting to virtual events, but what are event planners and producers looking for when hiring and working with speakers? This week, Kenneth Piner, a director at FINRA's corporate communication team, is with us this week to share his experience working with virtual speakers, what tech you absolutely need to have to succeed, and some common mistakes you can avoid to make sure you look like a pro.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you and your speaking business have a firm foundation? Being grounded in a purpose allows individuals and businesses to avoid straying from goals during challenging times…like right now. This week, we have one of NSA's founding members and a past president, Don Hutson, CSP, CPAE, whose business is still thriving 47 years later to discuss how speakers can ensure they remain grounded and build long-lasting, successful businesses.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you ready to start filling your 2021 calendar? With many companies beginning to plan their events, meetings, and trainings for 2021, it's time for you to start reaching out. This week, we have three experts, Mark Hunter, CSP, Angelique Rewers, and Meridith Elliot Powell, MBA, CSP, sharing quick insights into connecting with the true decision makers at companies, building a strong foothold in the corporate market, and ensuring you make the most of your follow up communications.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all face huge challenges, rejection, missed opportunities, and just all around bad days. It's easy to let these negative experiences ruin your momentum in your business. This week, Dr. Willie Jolley, CSP, CPAE, shares how he turned getting replaced by a karaoke machine into a successful speaking business, along with some tips to change your mindset so you too can find the opportunity in negativity.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you taking advantage of everything NSA has to offer its members? Are you curious how NSA can help you grow your speaking business even if you're not a member? Check out this week's episode as our host, Crystal Washington, CSP, shares many of the resources that are available whenever you're looking for new ideas and inspiration, or trying to resolve your business challenges.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're living in a quickly changing world with many conversations occurring in the business world that might make us uncomfortable. Are you prepared to talk about difficult topics? This week, Denise Hamilton, an inclusion strategist with over 25 years of executive experience in corporate America, is sharing her thoughts and tactics on having courageous conversations and how you as a professional speaker can stay ahead of the curve. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you still overwhelmed by virtual presentations? Switching to new technology and methods is stressful even when we're not switching out of necessity. It's time for us to address our stress and start getting more comfortable with virtual presentations. This week, guest host Robbie Samuels interviews our host Crystal Washington, CSP, on the differences between technology and technique when it comes to virtual and what tools you actually need to deliver amazing virtual presentations (it's not much). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How are you feeling right now? How are you handling (or being handled by) a rapidly shifting world? This week, we're not talking about stage tips, business tools or products; we're focusing on the most important aspect of your business: you. Join our guest Elisa Hays, CSP, as she shares her expertise on staying grounded and taking time for yourself right now.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether it's a podcast interview or a paid presentation, are you consistently delivering high value virtual interviews? This week, Eliz Greene and Thom Singer, CSP, are sharing their experience from co-hosting virtual and hybrid events together for the past six years, including over 100 interviews since the COVID-19 pandemic began. If you're still getting accustomed to the virtual stage, or you're looking for new ideas to stand out as a virtual speaker, you don't want to miss this episode.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Virtual speaking is removing international boarders for professional speaking, and Victoria Holtz, PhD, the president of Latin American Speakers Association, will explain how. Victoria is on the show this week to share what the speaking industry looks like in Latin America, and how virtual speaking can open your business to new audiences and opportunities. Plus, she shares some inside tips on how you can succeed speaking to Latin American audiences.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Now that you've decided to create your own online course and you've planned the content, it's time to record. But where should you begin? At a studio? In your home? What platform should you use to host it? Don't worry, you don't need to find these answers on your own. Molly Wendell, CSP, is back this week to discuss the pros and cons of professional verses self recording, hiring a background stylist for your videos, and where you should host your new course.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether you're seeking the coveted passive income, or you're just trying to diversify your income streams, an online course is a solid choice for professional speakers. So where to start? What platform should you use? How do you turn your expertise and programs into one course? If you don't have the answers to these questions, this episode is for you. This week (and next week) we're talking to Molly Wendell, CSP, who is a online-course-building pro who will break down everything you need to do to build your first course.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You can boast that you can deliver excellent virtual presentations, but does your demo reel say the same thing? If you want to show meeting planners that you're a topnotch virtual speaker, it starts with the demo reel. This week, we have former VOE host Chuck Gallgher, CSP, who owns a video production company, sharing all the crucial details you need to know to create an excellent virtual demo reel.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can you create a product that can become another stream of income for you and help fill your speaking calendar? Stephen Shapiro, CSP, CPAE, has the secret formula for you. Tune in this week as Stephen shares how he creates interactive tools that he can use both on and off the stage, and how that creates additional speaking referrals.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's time to talk pineapples. As virtual presentations are becoming more and more common, how do you set your virtual fee compared to your in-person fee? Is it higher, lower, the same? Everyone's business model varies, but this week, we have Cheryl Knowlton, CSP, and Yoram Solomon, PhD, with two very difference perspectives on virtual fee setting.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you a bilingual speaker? Do you want to speak professionally in another language? Or are you learning another during some of our new travel-free time? If you're a polyglot, or an aspiring one, this episode is for you! Alan Berg, CSP, shares how he learned Spanish and delivered a paid speech three years later, and Diana Watson explains how she beat native Mandarin speakers in a Toastmasters competition.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We talked about the basic set up you need to stand out on the virtual stage on last week's episode. So what's next? While we know that we should avoid presenting with just a laptop looking up our nose, at what point do you call your home set up "done"? Andrew Tarvin, CSP, is on the show this week discussing the different levels of virtual presentations ranging from presenting with just your laptop to multiple camera presentations that seamlessly integrate video, graphics and different views.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Switching to virtual presentations isn't as simple as sitting in front of your laptop and delivering the same speech you would have given on the main stage. While you don't need to build a full production studio in your home, there are a few investments you should make to ensure you stand out and impress your audience. This week, Dave Bricker, MFA, the author of Speak Inside the Box, is on the show to discuss the basics of what will help you stand out on the virtual stage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's a lot of information circulating about COVID-19, so it can be difficult to make good decisions that will keep you, your family, and your speaking business safe right now. This week, we have professional speaker and doctor Romie Mushtaq, MD, on Voices of Experience discussing everything from safely traveling if you do choose to go somewhere to some of the things you can do at home to help you work through the negative emotions we're experiencing as we shift our businesses.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Setting up basic lighting for virtual presentations is simple, but how do you make sure you really stand out? Should you use a green screen or just your office? Do you need a huge lighting set up? Where should you position yourself on the camera? If you're feeling overwhelmed, we've got you covered. Speaker and photographer Jeffrey Shaw is with us this week sharing how you can set up your ideal background for your online engagements (and to encourage you to stop using the built-in virtual backgrounds). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Right now, most of us are learning the best ways to move to virtual presentations. While selecting and setting up your camera, mic, and lighting are usually straight forward, how comfortable are you with changing formats? Don't panic; you're not in completely uncharted waters. Audrey Thomas, CSP, is here this week to discuss everything from planning for the new format to setting up your pricing structure. Plus, NSA members can access Audrey's virtual presentation checklist! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Even if you're not a comedian or a humorist, adding humor to your presentations can be a powerful skill in connecting to your audience and keeping their attention. But using humor at the wrong time, or approaching the wrong subjects can have disastrous results. This week Avish Parashar, CSP, is with us discussing how to add humor to your presentations and how you can come up with more funny ideas and practice your humor right now while you're home.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you unsure lately of what to say in your marketing materials and presentations in a rapidly changing environment? It's an important time to stop and consider everything you're saying. This week, Kim Davis, a former on-air news anchor and news manager of broadcast and print journalism, is on Voices of Experience to guide you through planning your communication strategy.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As speakers, we have the power and obligation to use the platform to help people. So how can you help right now? This week, Glen Guyton and Tony Chatman, CSP, join us on Voices of Experience to discuss how speakers can be thought leaders and offer clients solutions and ideas to lead them through this painful time.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you keep your audience's attention, especially now that they have everything in their home to distract them (hello pets, laundry, kids, the comfortable chair that's great for naps)? It's time to introduce some games to your presentations to keep everyone on their toes and off their phones. This week's episode features Rob Ferre who brings a wealth of knowledge about keeping your audience engaged and entertained while you're on stage.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you good at talking to strangers? As a professional speaker, you'd think so, but do your clients and prospects clearly understand you? Do you have a goal and a plan to make sure you make your point and that the recipient clearly understands it? If you're not confidently answering yes, this episode is for you. Join Bruce Turkel, CPAE, and Ross Bernstein, CSP discussing concise communications leveraging testimonials.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You have years of experience, an important message, and excellent speaking skills. How do you convey that to your potential clients? How do you make sure you're still relevant and your visual brand accurately portrays what you stand for? Look no further than this episode of Voices of Experience with Marilyn Sherman, CSP, CPAE, and Sylvie di Giusto, CSP.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're all facing a lot of uncertainty right now. While we can't change what's going on, we can make a plan on how we can handle the challenges for our businesses and our lives. This week Jennifer Elder, CPA, CMA, CIA, CFF, CGMA, CSP, and Ann McNeill join us on Voices of Experience to discuss creating a strategic plan for your business (don't worry, it doesn't have to be as complicated as you think), and setting personal action plans to help you reach your goals.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If meetings aren't postponed lately, they're moving online, but that doesn't mean you can't run a profitable event! This week, Ramon Ray, CSP, is back to discuss how he secured digital sponsors for his upcoming online event. Plus, Susan Frew shares about working in your speaking niche, and how your previous non-speaking careers can help you grow your business. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Even in the best of times, it's difficult to find your focus and come up with innovative ideas. Instead of struggling to find the ideas, take a moment to listen to how some NSA pros tackle the process. First, Erin O'Neil shares how she finds her X Factor (plus NSA members can access a handout on doing it themselves), followed by Bill Stainton, CSP, CPAE, discussing how he makes sure his presentations are innovative every time.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're all switching to virtual events and recorded video right now, and you probably have a lot of questions. Instead of spending hours trying to find the best answers, take it from this week's guest Brian Fanzo who has delivered more than 3600 virtual presentations (don't you wish you could sleep as little as he does?). If you have questions about equipment setup, adjust your presentation to a virtual stage, and software you should use, you can't miss this episode.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your ideas are powerful. Your presentation skills are perfect. And your books are on point. But what physical products do you sell? (you better not say CDs)? If you have an inventor mindset, want create another revenue stream, or you're just tired of saying "I thought of that three years ago," this week's episode with Hey Mic! and SpeakerFlow creator Julie Holmes is perfect for you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can you partner with associations, especially right now during the uncertainty everyone is feeling during the COVID-19 pandemic? This week, Susan Robertson, CAE, who was recently appointed President and CEO of ASAE, is on Voices of Experience with so much knowledge and free resources to help guide you in effectively working with your association partners. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are a lot of reasons to feel afraid right now, but how can you turn those fears into ways to do better in your business or at home? How are you strengthening relationships with clients and business partners? Michelle Poler and Matt Ward are on voices of experience this week with insights you need face your fears and create better relationships. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you stand out from other speakers? Are you known for a specific topic that you dominate? Are your courses designed in a way that encourages success for your clients? If you can't answer "Yes!" to each of these questions, this week's episode is for you! Scott McKain, CSP, CPAE, and Simon Baily, CSP, CPAE, join us this week to share their experience on becoming iconic speakers and course-designing pros. Plus, Caroline de Posada joins us this week with some insights into the Youth Leadership Conference at INFLUENCE 2020. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you measure the success of each of your engagements? Is it the attendee evaluations? Comments from the meeting planner? For Andrew Davis, it's how many referral he got within 72 hours of his speech. This week, Andrew shares what he does to increase his referrals and why you should to. Plus, Beth Ziesenis, CSP, is back to share her association secret knowledge, and Jim Pancero, CSP, CPAE, shares how you can help the NSA Foundation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you want to be an in-demand international speaker? Do you want to speak for associations, but are wondering if discounting your fee is the right move? Well this is the episode for you! This week, Helen Turnbull, PhD, CSP, Global Speaking Fellow, explains how she started her international speaking career and many of the factors you need to consider to starts yours. Then, Beth Ziesenis, CSP, sheds some light on the world of association speaking, a community where she does most of her paid speaking engagements. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Making time for yourself while you're on the road, traveling from conference to conference isn't always easy, but it's not impossible. Tracy Stuckrath and Lenora Billings-Harris, CSP, CPAE, are on VOE this week to discuss healthy eating tips for both yourself and event attendees, and how to balance your time between family, fitness, faith, and finances. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do you do when you're not selected for a speaking gig? Are you saving information about your prospective clients and setting reminders to follow up next year? What are you doing to provide greater value (and more money) from your clients after you get off the stage? If you're serious about the business of speaking, this episode is for you. First, Shawn Rhodes and Max Warren discuss how they manage thousands of leads, and Lois Creamer shares how follow up with your clients and continue selling afterward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices