The Three Biggest Lessons I Learned Writing and Launching My First Book

By Brittany Hodak |  For years, people told me, “You’ve got to write a book to help your speaking career,” or “I loved you on stage, but you need to write a book!” I knew I should write a book, but I was unsure how to go about the process. I didn’t want a book; … Read more

What Is Your Why?

By Shanita Baraka Akintonde, MBA, M.Ed, DTM | Growing up as a little Black girl on the vibrant south side of Chicago, I never imagined that my voice would one day carry across continents, resonating with audiences around the world. But from those humble beginnings emerged a dream – a dream to become a speaker, … Read more

Elevate Your Stagecraft: Three Tips to Use Improv to Improve Your Speaking

By Candy Campbell, DNP, RN, CNL, CVP, CEP, LNC, FNAP | You’ve done the sound check. Gone to the bathroom. Drank some water. In a few seconds, you’ll step on the stage and deliver the message you’ve worked so hard to create. You’re excited, pumped…. but you also realize, you’re terrified! (Even seasoned speakers know … Read more

Using Words That Embrace a Wider Audience

By Jess Pettitt, CSP | If I told you that a minimum of 10% of your audience would instantly feel more connected to you if you wore yellow on stage, how many of you would re-consider your wardrobe choices?  Maybe a few of you are going, “WOW! That is why I get so many new … Read more

Printing Money Legally | Licensing Your Intellectual Property to Corporations

By Bill Cates, CSP, CPAE | I have made millions of dollars licensing my intellectual property to corporations of all sizes, worldwide, and I’m telling you this in the hopes of inspiring you to do the same. Without question, licensing my intellectual property is one of the primary reasons I’ve been able to build and … Read more

Revenue and Reputation from Research

By Wally Adamchik, CSP | One of the biggest challenges we face is finding and talking with qualified prospects. Nobody likes to be sold to, but many people like to talk. Research is your opportunity to get people talking. You gain access, establish credibility by asking good questions, and gather content to use in your … Read more

Building a Speaking Business That Fills Your Soul! | Part One

By Mike Domitrz, CSP, CPAE | “How many events do you speak at a year?” “How much do you make?” “How much have you diversified your speaking income?” “What are the hot topics I should focus my speaking business on right now?” Have you ever heard any of these questions? Have you felt the pressure … Read more

Balancing a Speaking Career and a Full-Time Job: My Journey

By Thom Singer, CSP | Many people will tell you to “burn the boats” and go full-time into your speaking career, as if that is the only way to achieve success. However, many successful speakers incorporate speaking as part of their business or as a side business. You should never believe that this is solely … Read more