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.

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.

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.

In this episode of the Speakernomics podcast, 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. Here are three key takeaways: 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.

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.

Robert Kennedy, III speaks with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP on burnout in the speaking business. Cheryl shares insights and strategies to recognize and address burnout, emphasizing the importance of self-care for speakers. In this episode, you will learn: Self-Care is Crucial: Speakers are the product they sell, making self-care essential. The SWEET framework serves as a guide to maintaining optimal physical and mental well-being. Recognizing Burnout Signals: Cheryl encourages speakers to be self-aware and regularly assess their feelings and commitments. Recognizing shifts in enthusiasm, energy levels, and joy can help identify potential burnout. It's crucial to distinguish between genuine disinterest and burnout. Support Systems Matter: Having a support system, such as a mindset coach, is highlighted as an invaluable resource. The importance of seeking help, whether personally or professionally, is emphasized to navigate challenges, prevent burnout, and foster personal growth. Answer our Question! Head over to www.Speakernomics.com/voicemail and leave us a voicemail answering our question and we may use your recording on an upcoming episode of Speakernomics! Question: Where is your burnout coming from? Who is Cheryl Knowlton, CSP? As the CEO and Chief Energy Officer of Dynamite Productions, Cheryl specializes in enthusiastically empowering excellence by consistently delivered highly engaging, timely, and relevant tools to help today’s real estate professional raise the bar – in business and in life. As a national real estate educator, broker, coach, author, podcast host, and 23+ year veteran of the real estate and mortgage industries, Cheryl is obsessed with helping real estate agents grow in confidence and competence to become powerfully relevant in today’s marketplace and win in any market. Cheryl ensures that real estate professionals leave with the practical tools they need to hit the ground running and experience explosive growth and success in their careers.

This week, Robert Kennedy, III, speaks with Mike Staver, CSP, CPAE on building a high-performance speaking business. Mike shares insights on his speaker journey and emphasizes the need for speakers to focus on what they have, diagnose the needs of their audience, and face fear head-on. In this episode, Mike discusses: Stop Getting Ready and Start Getting Busy: Move beyond excessive preparation and take action. Many speakers have more than enough to build a world-class business and should focus on doing the work. Three High-Performing Business Characteristics: Clarity about the problem it solves, a strong sense of purpose, and the ability to diagnose and meet the needs of the economic buyer. Courageous Decision-Making: The importance of making decisions that align with one's values, even if it means letting go of substantial revenue. Answer our Question! Head over to www.Speakernomics.com/voicemail and leave us a voicemail answering our question and we may use your recording on an upcoming episode of Speakernomics! Question: What is the thing that you know you need to do that you haven't done that if you did, it would move your business forward? Answer our Question! Head over to www.Speakernomics.com/voicemail and leave us a voicemail answering our question and we may use your recording on an upcoming episode of Speakernomics! Question: What is the thing that you know you need to do that you haven't done that if you did, it would move your business forward? Who is Mike Staver, CSP, CPAE? Mike Staver is the author of “Leadership Isn’t for Cowards” and an internationally respected speaker, author, and coach. Mike takes noisy, often complex, leadership content and makes it immediately useful, digestible, and entertaining. In all Mike's work, the goal is simple – helping leaders perform better and live better lives. To accomplish this, Mike uses counterintuitive perspectives, a storytelling style, and entertaining delivery that makes the often-challenging realities of work and life easier to absorb and put into practice. Mike architected a training program ranked #1 by Training Magazine on their 2018 Training Top 125 list, which recognizes organizations with the most successful learning and development programs in the world. That same program joined the Training Magazine Hall of Fame in 2019. In the last 30 years, Mike has influenced over 200,000 people in ways that have not only transformed thinking and action but improved results. His message is grounded in the belief that leadership is about influence regardless of position, title, or power.

This week on Speakernomics, Robert Kennedy, III speaks with International tour expert, Elaine Rodriguez, about the significance of retreats for speakers and coaches. Elaine discusses the planning process, pricing considerations, and the importance of aligning the retreat theme, activities, and location. She emphasizes the need for a balance between learning and free time for participants to absorb information. In this episode, Elaine will share: Retreats for Impactful Messaging: Retreats are presented as a pure way to convey messages, connect with clients, and facilitate transformations, allowing speakers to impact their audience more deeply. Strategic Planning and Pricing: Speakers are advised to plan retreats at least nine months to a year in advance, considering audience affordability. Pricing should reflect the value provided, with an emphasis on not undervaluing one's time and effort. Balancing Structure and Spontaneity: The ideal retreat schedule includes a mix of learning, coaching, and free time. Leaving room for spontaneity allows for unexpected, impactful activities and enhances the overall retreat experience. Answer our Question! Head over to www.Speakernomics.com/voicemail and leave us a voicemail answering our question and we may use your recording on an upcoming episode of Speakernomics! Question: What is the one thing you want people to walk away with after working with you that would change their lives forever? And what can you do to make that message clearer? Who is Elaine Rodriguez, CPC, ACC, ELI-MP? A 14-year veteran of the travel industry, Elaine has impacted the lives of travelers from all over the world through tour directing, tour planning, and now as a retreat planner for speakers, coaches, and facilitators through her company Essential Retreat Experts. Elaine keynotes on customer service, leadership, and teamwork, using her stories from her time on the road to inform – and entertain – her audiences.

This week on Speakernomics, Robert Kennedy, III, speaks with special guest Lauren Schieffer on how to cultivate a successful speaking business while creating a meaningful impact on the world.

This week on Speakernomics, Robert Kennedy, III speaks with comic and comedy coach Mike Goodwin, offering key takeaways on incorporating humor into your presentations to elevate your impact.

Robert Kennedy, III welcomes Danielle Cobo, host of the Unstoppable Grit Podcast, former Fortune 500 senior sales manager, military spouse, and author of the book "Unstoppable Grit." Danielle shares her journey of balancing a thriving speaking business with the challenges of life, including raising twins and dealing with personal setbacks. In this episode, Danielle shares: The importance of taking care of yourself, your family, and then your clients. Challenging the misconception that achieving success is easy and encourages listeners to acknowledge the difficulties while giving themselves grace through the process. Her experience of managing a demanding corporate career while being the primary caregiver for her twins when her husband was deployed. She shares mindset shifts, the importance of support networks, and how redefining success led her to transition into the speaking business. 2020 became a pivotal year, marked by personal loss, a toxic work environment, and the decision to leave her corporate career. She discusses the shift from tying her identity to titles and income to focusing on who she wants to be and aligning her core values with her passion for transforming lives through speaking. Answer our Question! Head over to www.Speakernomics.com/voicemail and leave us a voicemail answering our question and we may use your recording on an upcoming episode of Speakernomics! Question: What are three of your core values that you are in alignment with within all areas of your life? Who is Danielle Cobo? Danielle Cobo is an international female speaker for organizations, associations, and the public sector. She works with audiences to harness the grit and resilience to lead through change. With over 15 years of corporate experience in the medical sales industry, she knows how to build high-performing teams that increase sales, productivity, and employee retention. Her expertise includes corporate resilience and burnout prevention. Danielle is the author of “Unstoppable Grit: Breakthrough the 7 Roadblocks Standing Between You and Achieving Your Goals” and hosts the globally top-rated podcast "Unstoppable Grit Podcast with Danielle Cobo.” As a former Fortune 500 Senior Sales Manager, she led her team through downsizing, restructuring, and acquisitions to become the #1 sales team in the nation. As a result, she was awarded Region Manager of the Year. Her resiliency motivated her to earn four consecutive national Sales Excellence Awards in a male-dominated industry.

The Certified Speaking Professional™ (CSP®) is a professional designation that provides independent proof of a speaker's expertise and professionalism. It's a promise to clients and meeting planners that you are a reliable and engaging speaker. In this episode of Speakernomics Jennifer Elder, CPA, CSP® discussed the benefits of earning the designation and the process to achieve it. You can find the CSP® resources featured in this episode at www.nsaspeaker.org/CSP. In this episode you will learn more about: Meeting planners and clients often prefer CSP’s® because they have confidence in their professionalism and capabilities. Why speakers, regardless of applying for the CSP® or not, should download the CSP® spreadsheet and begin tracking their presentations immediately. Practical tips and insights on the application process. The specific criteria that need to be met when applying for your designation. Answer our Question! Head over to www.Speakernomics.com/voicemail and leave us a voicemail answering our question and we may use your recording on an upcoming episode of Speakernomics! Question: If you have not earned your CSP® yet, what is the first step you'll take towards that goal this week? Who is Jennifer Elder, CSP®, CPA? Jennifer Elder is a highly sought-after speaker, emcee, and author who creates an interactive and fun experience that gets the audience to think differently and act strategically. As a CSP, Jennifer has spoken in 47 states and six countries, averaging 80+ presentations a year. She has spoken at Microsoft, Lowes, Dollar Tree, Marriott, and Perdue. She has presented at conferences for The Association of International Chartered Accountants, Sage Software, the American Society of Association Executives, and the Society for Human Resource Management.

This week, Robert Kennedy III welcomes guest Scott Carley to discuss running toward intimidation. Scott shares his journey of breaking through intimidation and building relationships with top-notch speakers. He emphasizes the importance of getting comfortable with intimidation and using it to your advantage in your speaking business. Scott shares his strategies and tactics to connect with influential speakers and how he leveraged those relationships to grow in his speaking career. Other key takeaways include: Embracing intimidation as an opportunity for growth in your speaking career. Building relationships with experienced speakers to learn and advance in the field. The significance of serving and collaborating with others in the industry. The power of hooks in speeches to capture the audience's attention. The value of referrals in the speaking business. Answer our Question! Head over to www.Speakernomics.com/voicemail and leave us a voicemail answering our question and we may use your recording on an upcoming episode of Speakernomics! Question: Who do you want to emulate as a top-notch speaker and what are you willing to do to build a relationship with them? Who is Scott Carley? There's a reason they call him "The Change Energizer"--Scott Carley has the energy and the knowledge to get any organization moving! With his emphasis on taking action, Scott brings rejuvenation and momentum to help organizations achieve objectives and see results. He takes a proactive approach to overcoming obstacles and conquering failures. Audiences come away with confidence, motivation, perspective, and an excitement for innovation.

2020 brought a wave of unexpected changes and uncertainties to our lives. Speakers, like many others, were left wondering how to adapt and thrive amidst the chaos. This week, Meridith Elliott Powell, CSP, CPAE shares her invaluable insights and nine-step methodology that will empower you to embrace uncertainty and turn it into your competitive advantage. In this episode, Meridith will: Encourage speakers to envision a brighter future, actively predicting and preparing for potential changes, thereby promoting adaptability and innovation. Highlight the importance of collaboration over competition in the speaking industry, emphasizing the significance of aligning business decisions with core values. Listening to clients' needs and developing a strong support network, ensuring relevance and adaptability in an ever-evolving environment. Answer our Question! Head over to www.Speakernomics.com/voicemail and leave us a voicemail answering our question and we may use your recording on an upcoming episode of Speakernomics! Question: What is your relentless vision? Who is Meridith Elliott Powell, CSP, CPAE? Voted one of the Top 15 Business Growth Experts to watch by Currency Fair, Meridith Elliott Powell is an award-winning author, keynote speaker, and business strategist. With a background in corporate sales and leadership, her career expands over several industries including banking, healthcare, and finance. Meridith worked her way up from an entry-level position to earn her seat at the C-Suite table. She is a Certified Speaking Professional and a member of the prestigious Forbes Coaching Council.

This week we're not just talking about the conventional stage. We're delving into the ever-evolving world of virtual meetings, where the rules are different, and the opportunities are boundless. Ever wondered how to capture the essence of a live stage in the virtual realm? How to engage your audience in ways that transcend the limitations of a screen? Our special guest is none other than John Chen, a pioneer in virtual meetings for 37 years, way before they became the norm, and now, he's here to reveal the secrets of creating impactful and engaging virtual experiences. Key Takeaways: Engagement strategies to keep your virtual audience hooked. Using the power of music to transform the mood of your virtual audience. Answer our Question! Head over to www.Speakernomics.com/voicemail and leave us a voicemail answering our question and we may use your recording on an upcoming episode of Speakernomics! Question: What will you do that you have never done before to be engaging in a virtual or hybrid meeting? Who is John Chen? John Chen is the CEO and author of Engaging Virtual Meetings. His work has earned him multiple awards and his more than 300,000 clients across the United States and in countries including Spain, France and Taiwan have experienced breakthrough results. He has dozens of certified producers and MCs to help your virtual and hybrid now.

Original Air Date: March 14, 2023 We’re revising tech this week! Are you embracing new technologies as they become available, or are you often watching from the sidelines waiting to see if it is worth your time to invest in the new trends? Whether you like it or not, technology will keep moving forward, so it might be time to change your mindset. This week on Speakernomics, we invited Denise Hamilton, who spoke on the mainstage at Thrive 2023, to discuss how you may not need to follow every trend, but you do need to embrace technological change if you want to continue to be a successful speaker. Key Takeaway: Don’t be afraid of change; embrace technology. Question of the Week: Drop us a line! Head over to www.Speakernomics.com/voicemail and leave us a voicemail answering the following question and we may use your recording on an upcoming episode of Speakernomics! Question: What technologies are you committed to learning about? Who is Denise Hamilton? Denise is the founder and CEO of Watch Her Work and works in the DEI space. She’s worked for AOL, was named one of Houston’s top 50 most influential women and used to be a backup singer for Stevie Wonder and En Vogue

Unlock the secrets of turning your IP into your MVP! Join host Robert Kennedy, III, and special guest Rick Lozano as they delve into the power of your Intellectual Property (IP) in the speaking business. Discover how your unique Angle, Perspective, and Lens (APL) can set you apart and captivate audiences like never before. Learn how to craft a message that's uniquely you, building a stronger connection with your listeners and turning them into loyal fans. Don't miss this episode – your speaking success starts here! Download now and embark on a journey to becoming an MVP in the speaking world. Key Takeaways: Your IP is the most important aspect of building a successful speaking business. Find your unique, Angle, Perspective, and Lens (APL) Answer our Question! Head over to www.Speakernomics.com/voicemail and leave us a voicemail answering our question and we may use your recording on an upcoming episode of Speakernomics! Question: What do you have to offer that no one else does? Who is Rick Lozano, CSP? Speaker, musician, and locksmith, Rick Lozano helps people unlock their potential and amplify their talent and is known for incorporating music and storytelling into his presentations. He's the author of "Acoustic Leadership: How to Develop a Leadership Culture That Resonates" and is a past president of NSA Austin.

We’ve had a wide range of experts on Speakernomics over time who have shared so much wisdom, but it’s easy to get overwhelmed with the sheer amount of valuable insights that you don’t know where to start using it to become a better speaker and build a better business. This week, Robert is flying solo in the studio with a review of five invaluable topics we’ve covered this year with some suggestions on episodes you should revisit and how to get started implementing what you’ve learned.

You can connect with your audience in so many ways. Is humor in your skillset? Humor is a great way to break the ice, connect with your audience and make your presentation feel alive, but it can also come across is awkward, boring and uncomfortable. This week on the show, we invited Pat Dwyer to share how you too can use humor and improv skills to deliver a memorable and powerful presentation.

When was the last time you considered your word choices in your presentations? Are you limiting how effective your message is by adding filler words like “today” and unclear words like “things” and “people”? This week on Speakernomics, we invited Patricia Fripp, CSP, CPAE, to share a brief, but powerful lesson about the importance of your word choices when you take the stage.

Everyone has a podcast nowadays, but does every professional speaker need one? While anyone can start a podcast, it can be a lot of work yours up and running and the effort needs to align with your current goals and workload! In this week’s episode of Speakernomics, Bill Cates, CSP, CPAE, share his experience about why he overcame his apprehension to start a podcast and how the show helps him not only stay relevant, but helps him add an extra revenue stream and add more value to his clients.

Be honest with us, how often are you scrolling short videos on Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok? Are you producing short videos to follow the trend? This week on Speakernomics, we invited Marc Gawith, the head of business development for Pictory, an AI platform that turns your written and video content into shortform videos, to share why these videos are thriving right now. Plus, how Pictory can supplement your team to turn your existing content into short videos in minutes for you to share with your followers.

You’re a speaker with a ton of great of ideas, plenty of videos from your previous engagements and a camera in your pocket to record more, running a YouTube channel should be an easy decision, right? While filling a channel with videos may come easy for you, haphazardly filling your channel with videos without a strategy will only waste your time. This week on Speakernomics, we invited YouTube expert Nate Woodbury to share how you can make the most of YouTube and keywords to turn your channel into an effective lead generating tool.

Get ready for another exciting episode of Speakernomics! While our host Robert Kennedy III attended Influence 2023, he used the opportunity to be around more than 1,000 professional speakers to find out how successful speakers would start their business right now if they were starting over. Tune in as John DeMato, Arel Moodie, Frank Kitchen, CSP, Alana Hill, Steve Bollar, Genie Snyder, and Dr. James Smith, Jr., CSP, share their insights on how you too can build a successful speaking business right in 2023.