Speakernomics

This week on Speakernomics, host Kenneth "Shark" Kinney is joined by David Avrin, CSP who shares valuable insights from his long career in the speaking industry and shares a sneak preview of what he'll be talking about on the Main Stage at Influence 2024! In this session, David will: Clarify the distinction between the art of speaking and the business of booking speaking gigs. He emphasizes that the real work and financial success stem not from speaking engagements themselves but from mastering the process of acquiring these opportunities. Offer strategic advice on marketing oneself as a speaker, urging the importance of not appearing outdated and demonstrating clear, tangible benefits to potential clients. Discuss creating systematic processes for daily business activities that ensure consistent outreach and follow-up with potential clients, utilizing CRMs and other tools to maintain and grow professional engagements effectively." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Speakernomics, host Kenneth "Shark" Kinney speaks with Grant Baldwin, the founder of The Speaker Lab, to delve into strategies for building a sustainable speaking business. In this session, Grant will: Illustrate the necessity of treating a speaking career as a legitimate business and adopting a long-term perspective on growth and success, advocating for commitment and consistent effort. Discuss the critical importance of identifying a specific audience and problem, demonstrating how laser-focused positioning can enhance the effectiveness and demand for a speaker’s services. Emphasize proactive outreach and follow-up, encouraging speakers to initiate contact and sustain relationships rather than waiting for opportunities to come their way, to ensure a continuous flow of engagements. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this weeks episode of Speakernomics, host Kenneth "Shark" Kinney is joined by Hall of Fame Speaker Mark Scharenbroich to explore how simple metaphors can turn into impactful careers in professional speaking. In this enlightening session, Mark will: Illustrate how to captivate and connect with diverse audiences by turning everyday observations into profound, relatable messages that resonate with people from all walks of life. Explain the significance of continuously refining and adapting speaking content by responding to the subtle cues and feedback received from audiences during presentations. Demonstrate the critical role storytelling plays in engaging an audience, emphasizing not just the tale itself but its tailored relevance to the audience, ensuring it speaks directly to their experiences and challenges. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Speakernomics, host Kenneth "Shark" Kinney is joined by Hall of Fame speaker and NSA past president Don Hutson, CSP, CPAE. With an extensive history in the speaking industry, Don shares valuable takeaways on sustaining a successful speaking career. During this episode, Don will: Elaborate on the significance of in-depth research and tailored content, urging speakers to analyze the needs of each engagement to ensure their message resonates on a deeper level with the audience. Demonstrate how to leverage relationship building and effective networking to nurture and maintain a thriving speaking practice, focusing on the crucial role of senior decision-maker satisfaction for repeat business. Encourage the development of engaging storytelling through powerful vignettes, allowing speakers to connect emotionally with their audience and leave a memorable impact. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Speakernomics, host Kenneth "Shark" Kinney speaks with Hall of Fame Speaker, Ross Bernstein, about the mechanisms of building and sustaining momentum in a demanding speaking career. In this episode, Ross will: Illustrate the power of authenticity in the speaking industry by showcasing how to be funny, entertaining, insightful, and deliver great value to audiences. Encourage speakers to create personalized success models and foster fruitful connections, underscoring how to leverage social media and personal interactions effectively. Advocate for a lifestyle-integrated business model that aligns with one’s passions, demonstrating how to integrate work, family, and travel into a fulfilling career. You'll gain insight into Ross's remarkable ability to maintain a substantial volume of speaking engagements, his approach to mentorship, and the balance between work and life that supports his thriving professional and personal life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this weeks episode of Speakernomics, host Kenneth "Shark" Kinney visits with renowned communications expert, author, and president of the NSA New York City chapter, Robin Hatcher, CSP. Robin leverages her experience as a professional actor and soap opera writer to illuminate the concept of "actor types" in the context of communication for speakers. Throughout this episode, Robin will: Define the concept of 'actor types' and explain how understanding your natural actor type enhances your visual, vocal, and verbal communication skills, enabling you to authentically connect with your audience. Describe specific strategies to enhance your stage presence by improving your visual appeal and vocal delivery, ensuring your message not only resonates but also retains the audience's attention. Analyze the significance of word choice and verbal consistency tailored to audience types, providing actionable insights for speakers to craft impactful and memorable content that appeals to a diverse audience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's episode of Speakernomics, expert negotiator Fotini Iconomopoulos shares valuable insights on negotiating as a professional speaker. At the end of this episode, Fotini will help you: Evaluate the importance of continual improvement and the necessity for speakers to be at the top of their game before pursuing international opportunities. Develop a clear strategy, demonstrate cultural sensitivity, and always have a contingency plan for logistical issues in international speaking engagements. Recognize the significance of a powerful website, high-quality demo video, and impactful testimonials as essential marketing materials for speakers. Warn against early engagement with speaker bureaus, emphasizing the impact on a speaker's reputation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Speakernomics, Kenneth "Shark" Kinney talks to Marcus Sheridan, CSP on valuable insights on leveraging your business story and transparency in pricing to grow your speaking career. At the end of this session, Marcus will help you: Comprehend the significance of leaning into your business story to resonate with audiences and position yourself as a relatable speaker. Evaluate the importance of transparent pricing and its impact on attracting and retaining clients in the speaking industry. Assess the timing and readiness to approach speaker bureaus while building your speaking career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Speakernomics, host Kenneth "Shark" Kinney and guest Brittany Hodak, an award-winning entrepreneur and customer experience speaker, delve into the topic of creating superfans in the speaking industry. They discuss strategies for building a thriving speaking business, improving the customer experience, and fostering loyal followers. Key Takeaways: Elevating Every Touchpoint: Learn how to create an exceptional experience for event planners, organizations, and audience members at every stage of your speaking engagements, from pre-event to post-event interactions. Seeking the Right Advice: Understand the importance of seeking advice from mentors and industry leaders who align with your goals and aspirations, and how to discern valuable advice from well-intentioned but limiting guidance. Aligning Your Message: Discover the significance of crafting a message that resonates deeply with your audience and how to passionately engage them with your topic, fostering a sense of connection and advocacy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, renowned customer service expert and Cavett Award recipient, Ruby Newell-Legner, CSP shares her insights and strategies for delivering exceptional customer service in diverse industries, including sports, leisure, and entertainment. Ruby emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs, building strong relationships, and prioritizing employee satisfaction. She also discusses the significance of the Cavett Award and its values in recognizing excellence in the speaking profession. At the end of this episode, you will: Understand the key pillars of the Seven Star service philosophy and how they can be applied to enhance customer service in various industries. Learn effective strategies for connecting with customers and building strong relationships based on trust and understanding. Discover the importance of employee satisfaction and its impact on delivering exceptional customer service. Gain insights into NSA's Cavett Award and its values. Explore ways to contribute to the growth and development of the speaking profession. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Shark speaks with Cy Wakeman, CSP as she shares valuable insights and advice on how to navigate the speaking industry with purpose and authenticity. Cy discusses the importance of questioning conventional wisdom, balancing mastery and mystery, and staying true to oneself amidst the pressures of social media and ego. In this episode, Cy will help you: Understand the importance of questioning conventional wisdom and challenging one's own thinking in the speaking industry. Explore the concept of balancing mastery and mystery to foster personal growth and professional success. Recognize the potential pitfalls of social media and ego-driven identity in the speaking industry. Reflect on personal motivations and purpose as a speaker, and how it influences one's approach to the profession. Learn strategies for staying authentic, curious, and impactful in the speaking industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us on Speakernomics as we delve into the transformative power of effective public speaking with renowned coach Tom Todoroff. This episode is designed to elevate your speaking skills from mediocre to professional, ensuring your messages not only reach but also resonate deeply with your audience. In this episode, Tom will help you with: Understanding the Core of Public Speaking: Learn the significance of breath, voice, articulation, and diction as the foundation of compelling speaking. Enhancing Performance through Physicality: Discover how to leverage blocking, staging, and physical presence to complement your verbal messages. The Physics of Performance: Explore the critical elements that make a speech impactful, including how to elicit laughter, tears, or thought from your audience. Spontaneity vs. Authenticity: Gain insights into balancing meticulous preparation with the genuine spontaneity that captivates audiences. Craft and Commitment: Understand the importance of continuous learning and practice in building confidence and a successful speaking career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Kenneth "Shark" Kinney this week on Speakernomics, as he speaks with DC Glenn, one-half of the iconic rap duo Tag Team, about transitioning from a music legend to a professional speaker. Known for the chart-topping hit "Whoomp! (There It Is)", DC shares his journey of re-engineering his diverse and rich story from the music industry to inspire and educate current and aspiring speakers. In this episode, DC will help you: Understand the Importance of Authentic Storytelling: Learn how to leverage your unique experiences to connect with your audience, ensuring your message is both genuine and impactful. Adapt to Your Audience: Discover how to tailor your speech to the needs and interests of different audiences for maximum engagement and effect. Overcome Challenges: Gain insights into developing resilience by hearing how DC Glenn navigated the highs and lows of his career, offering strategies to overcome personal and professional obstacles. Continuous Learning and Growth: Embrace the mindset of lifelong learning and positivity, understanding how this approach can propel you towards success in public speaking and beyond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Kenneth "Shark" Kinney speaks with Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva, as she shares insights on thriving amidst the challenges and opportunities of the speaking business. In this episode of Speakernomics, Dr. Nadya will help you with: Understanding the Importance of Reinvention: Learn why and how often speakers should reinvent their approach to stay relevant in a rapidly changing business environment. Strategies for Staying Relevant: Discover actionable strategies to remain impactful and avoid stagnation, ensuring your content resonates with the audience's evolving needs. Balancing Change and Continuity: Master the art of balancing between reinventing your content and maintaining the core essence that defines your brand as a speaker. Building Resilience and Diversifying Income: Gain insights into creating a resilient speaking career that withstands market volatility, including diversifying income streams to ensure stability. Effective Content Delivery: Learn how to effectively convey research and data in your presentations, ensuring your audience remains engaged and derives maximum value from your speech. Navigating Brand and Reputation Management: Explore techniques for building and maintaining a strong brand and reputation that transcends individual organizations or events, ensuring long-term success. Learn more about Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Kenneth "Shark" Kinney speaks with AJ MacQuarrie about the vast landscape of digital tools. AJ shares a comprehensive guide to utilizing technology to not only survive but thrive in the competitive world of professional speaking. Explore the importance of establishing a web presence, leveraging different platforms for monetization, and the significance of choosing and mastering the right tools for business growth. AJ's Tech Tools Guide can be found here. In this episode of Speakernomics, you will: Understand the Importance of Technology: Learn why mastering technology tools is crucial for professional speakers looking to grow their business and extend their reach beyond traditional stages. Explore Essential Digital Tools: Gain insights into various technology tools, from necessities like professional email and websites to advanced tools like CRMs and online course platforms. Monetize Your Message Across Platforms: Discover strategies to monetize your speaking business through non-traditional platforms like podcasts, webinars, and social media, enhancing your brand's value and establishing yourself as an expert in your field. Effective Use of Online Courses and Memberships: Understand how to use online courses and memberships not as direct revenue streams but as tools to solidify your expertise and attract more speaking opportunities. Navigate the Tech Stack for Speakers: Learn how to select, manage, and effectively use a range of digital tools to streamline your speaking business, save time, and increase efficiency. Balance Technology with Personal Branding: Explore the balance between leveraging technology and maintaining a personal touch in your speaking business, ensuring your digital presence authentically represents your brand. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Shari Levitin, as she shares invaluable insights on building a successful speaking and training business. In this episode of Speakernomics, you'll explore the essential skills and strategies needed to excel in professional speaking. In this episode, Shari will help you: Understand the dynamics of different speaking roles, such as trainers, entertainers, and change agents. Learn the significance of tailoring training methods to align with audience learning styles. Discover the four pillars of an effective training and coaching program. Gain insights into creating lasting impact and behavioral change through speaking engagements. Explore strategies for building and sustaining a multimillion-dollar speaking business. Learn the importance of repeat business and client retention for long-term success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Speakernomics podcast, host Kenneth "Shark" Kinney interviews Susan Frew, a professional speaker and author with a tech background. They discuss how Susan leverages AI (specifically ChatGPT 4) in her speaking business to find speaking engagement opportunities, automate financial tasks, and enhance social media content creation. Susan shares her experience in using AI for bookkeeping, creating targeted speaking engagement lists and optimizing social media posts. In this session, Susan will explain: Custom GPT for Speaking Engagements: Using ChatGPT 4 to create a personalized GPT that scours the internet for speaking engagement opportunities. This custom tool helps Susan identify relevant events based on competitors and streamlines the process of finding speaking gigs for 2024. Financial Automation with AI: Susan describes how she utilized AI, including ChatGPT, for financial tasks. She created a financeGPT to generate a budget for 2024 by inputting profit and loss statements, balance sheets, cash flow forecasts, and bank statements. AI in Content Creation: Susan discusses using AI, such as ChatGPT and DALL·E (for graphics), in content creation. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining one's voice in social media posts while utilizing AI to enhance and polish the content. Susan also shares her experience using AI tools for creating eBooks, improving covers, and generating concise content. Who is Susan Frew? Susan Frew is a force to be reckoned with in the world of entrepreneurship. As the CEO of Sunshine Home Services, she led her company to a staggering 535% growth, securing a coveted spot on the Inc5000 list and earning 43 other prestigious awards. Her background as an International GM with AT&T Wireless and an Instructor for the SBA's national Emerging Leaders program only adds to her wealth of expertise. Susan's passion for coaching and entrepreneurship has led her to become a sought-after Professional Speaker, Emcee, and TEDx speaker on the critical issue of workforce shortage. Her insights into alternative career paths for women have earned her a reputation as a renowned expert. With her infectious energy and unwavering belief in the power of taking risks, Susan encourages her audiences to "Go Out on the Skinny Branches" and embrace the unknown. Her book, "Compete on Awesome, Not on Price," has helped countless entrepreneurs build thriving businesses and maintain healthy profits. Susan's journey to success has not been without its challenges, but she has emerged stronger and more determined than ever before. Drawing on her experiences of both triumph and adversity, she has developed a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed in the world of business. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Speakernomics, host Kenneth "Shark" Kinney interviews Mark Levy, a differentiation expert who helps corporations, brands, and thought leaders come up with their "Big Sexy Idea." In this episode, Mark shares: Differentiation as a Business Strategy: Mark defines differentiation as a business strategy aimed at standing out from the competition in a meaningful and interesting way. Your point of differentiation serves as a "foot in the door," capturing people's attention and making you memorable. It's not the totality of everything you are but a cool and emblematic aspect of your work that you lead with. Balancing Differentiation and Safety: Speakers often grapple with the balance between being different and being a safe choice for meeting planners. What's considered safe or dangerous depends on the context and the specific audience. To succeed, speakers should focus on their target audience, understanding that not everyone will resonate with their approach. Engaging the Audience for Memorable Talks: Engage with the audience both before and during talks. Get to know your audience beforehand, referencing their activities or stories during the speech. This personal and conversational style makes the talk an extension of a dinner conversation. Who is Mark Levy? Mark Levy is a differentiation expert. He differentiates corporations, brands, thought leaders, political campaigns, TV shows, live shows, products, services, books, and speeches. The ideas his clients and he have created have been discussed and used by hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Mark began his company in 2001 and is known for differentiating Simon Sinek. Simon’s endorsement: “Mark Levy is the man who helped me find my why. He inspires me.” Mark has also worked with and spoken to leaders, strategists, and teams in large organizations, including Adobe, Amazon, American Express, Bain, BASF, Google, Harrah’s, Harvard Business School, History Channel, Major League Baseball, McKinsey, Neighborly, Popeye’s, Proctor & Gamble, Stanford University, and UPS. He’s also worked with leaders and advisors to government bodies, including the White House and the United Nations. Mark consulted to Joel Hodgson, creator of the beloved cult TV series, “Mystery Science Theater 3000,” which has been named one of the 100 best TV shows of all-time by Time, Rolling Stone, and Entertainment Weekly. In 2018, Mark was inducted into The Million Dollar Consulting® Mentor Hall of Fame. The hall’s founder calls Mark’s positioning-and-messaging work “unparalleled.” He’s an author, speaker, and podcaster. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Speakernomics, host Kenneth "Shark" Kinney interviews Henna Pryor, a workplace performance expert, TEDx speaker, coach, and author. Henna talks about embracing the concept of "good awkward" and using it as a catalyst for professional growth, especially in the field of public speaking. In this episode, you will learn: Embrace Good Awkward: Henna emphasizes that as speakers, it's crucial to accept that awkward moments will happen, and instead of avoiding them, one should learn to lean into and embrace them. Build Social Musculature: With the current decrease in social interactions, speakers need to build their agility muscles in social situations. Adding Value and Incremental Pricing: Henna shares insights on pricing strategies for speakers, recommending asking for feedback after each event, specifically requesting at least one constructive criticism to improve. Who is Henna Pryor? Henna Pryor, PCC is a highly sought-after Workplace Performance Expert and an award-winning 2x TEDx and global keynote speaker, author, and executive coach. Her clients call her their “secret weapon for impossible change,” an honor she wears proudly. She’s known for her science-backed approach to improving the performance, habits, and actions of hungry high achievers – in her fun, no-nonsense, no-jargon way – to move them from their first level of success to their next one. She’s recognized as a SUCCESS Magazine Woman of Influence, and her best-selling book, Good Awkward, was endorsed by NFL Quarterback Russell Wilson and former HBR Editor Karen Dillon, and was named a Kirkus Reviews’ Best Book of 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's a brand-new season of Speakernomics with our brand-new host, Kenneth "Shark" Kinney! Shark is kicking off our new season with John Register, CSP, a paralympic silver medalist, US Army combat veteran, and Certified Professional Keynote speaker. John discusses being an expert in the professional speaking space, how to define one's expertise and the importance of being easy to work with as a speaker. In this episode, John talks about: Go Deep Before Going Wide: Define your expertise and go deep into it before trying to cover a wide range of topics. John suggests finding one word that encapsulates what you do and sticking with it to become known in that specific space. Be Easy to Work With: As a speaker, it's crucial to be easy to work with, especially for meeting professionals and event planners. John shares practical tips such as providing PowerPoint slides promptly, maintaining open communication, and showing appreciation with small gestures like gift cards for the event team. Active Role in Networking: Actively seek out opportunities to see other speakers and build relationships within the speaking community. Rather than evaluating other speakers, focus on understanding what they do and use that knowledge to make valuable referrals, fostering a supportive and uplifting environment within the industry. Who is John Register, CSP? John Register failed to clear a hurdle as he trained for the Olympic Games—a move that led to a tragic accident and altered his life forever. He shifted his focus and embraced a “new normal mindset.” The decorated Persian Gulf War combat U.S. Army veteran world champion became a two-time Paralympic Games Silver Medalist, professional speaker, and global influencer. Register “amputated his fears” and founded the U.S. Olympic Committee Paralympic Military Sports Program. He authored 10 Stories to Impact Any Leader: Journal Your Way to Leadership Success in Spring 2020 and works with business leaders to hurdle adversity, amputate fear, and embrace a new normal mindset to win life's medals. The artificial leg he used to win the silver medal is displayed in the Olympic and Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices