Ransomware Prevention
There were seven people sitting around the table in the aftermath of this ransomware infection: the CEO, the VP, the CFO, the Special Agent from the FBI, the business owner, the forensics technician, and the company’s CISO (Chief Information Security Officer). “Don’t pay,” was the CEO’s vote. The VP agreed with him. “Pay it,” was…
Speak Like You Mean It: Finding Your Voice by Rediscovering Your Life
When you take the stage, you offer more than just a message—you offer yourself. Your story, your experiences, and your viewpoint matter. However, we often get distracted by the details: the slides, the gestures, the script. While these elements have value, they do not truly engage your audience. What truly connects is your authenticity—the moments…
Did 2010 Call? It Wants Its Keynote Back
Recently, I sat in the audience for a keynote that felt like a relic from another era—like 2010 had somehow crept back onto the main stage. The PowerPoint slides were oldschool, the speaker lacked energy, the information was basic, and worst of all, there were almost no actionable takeaways. The experience was frustrating because this…
Creating an Ultra-Ego (and a Speaking Business) That Rocks!
Do you ever feel like you’re “stuck” in your speaking business? You’re doing all the right things, yet you can’t seem to break out of the old “same old, same old.” We’ve all been there. Even I’ve been there. That’s right, Marvelless Mark wasn’t always so Marvelless. I grew up Mark Kamp, a poor Missouri…
Smiling and Dialing: Building a Speaking Business One Connection at a Time
When I first started my speaking business, I wasn’t exactly rolling in resources. My budget was tight, my network was small, and referrals weren’t exactly pouring in. What I did have, though, was a phone, a whole lot of grit, and a genuine desire to help people who could benefit from the programs I offered….
Unlocking the Association Speaking Circuit: An Insider’s Guide to Booking More Gigs
As a seasoned professional in the speaking industry, I’ve learned that the key to success lies not just in what you say on stage, but in how you position yourself to get there in the first place. Speaking at trade association and professional society meetings is a goldmine for getting in front of business and…
Building a Successful Speaker-Staff Partnership: Lessons from the Trenches
When it comes to growing a successful speaking business, there’s a critical truth that many speakers learn the hard way: it’s tough to go it alone. We’ve learned valuable lessons about creating a successful partnership, not just from our own journey together, but also from interviewing numerous accomplished NSA members running different types of speaking…
Are Your Butterflies All Tied Up? Harnessing Stage Nerves for Speaking Success
Does this scenario sound familiar? You step onto the stage, your heart pounding, beads of sweat start a sprint across your forehead, and your stomach flutters. Butterflies. Pre-speech jitters can be off-putting and stimulating whether you’re a first-timer or delivering your five-thousandth keynote. Disturbing and energizing. Unnerving and invigorating. Here’s the truth behind this oxymoronic…
The EQ Edge: Building Unforgettable Connections with Your Audience
As a speaker, it’s not just about delivering information; it’s about creating an experience that lingers with your audience long after the presentation ends. Emotional intelligence (EQ), particularly the elements of social awareness and empathy, can be the difference between a forgettable talk and a message that truly resonates. When speakers can read the room,…