There is a version of this that plays out more often than anyone talks about publicly. A speaker books a significant engagement, brings the habits that have worked reliably for years, and walks into a production environment built on a completely different set of rules. Nobody told them, or somebody told them, and the habits … Read more
This post was created from an NSA Speakernomics™ podcast interview with Heather Younger, CSP. Want to hear the full conversation? Click here to listen to the episode. Heather Younger, CSP, has written multiple books, built a certification program and a masterclass, and holds a registered trademark on the phrase Caring Leadership®. Ask her what separates … Read more
For years, I thought getting paid was the clearest sign I was succeeding as a speaker. There’s something validating about receiving a check to stand on a stage and share your ideas. It tells you your expertise has monetary value. And for speakers whose primary business model is speaking; fees matter. A lot. But after … Read more
How One Adventurer Turned Global Attention into a Sustainable Speaking Business Using the Award-Winning Speaker Business Model from MainStage Speaker Business Academy Mark Agnew looked perfectly set up for a speaking career. A world-first expedition in the Arctic. Headline coverage from the BBC. More than 200 media features worldwide. Surely, the speaker bookings would just … Read more
I am, first and foremost, and will always be, an envelope salesman. My business card says so. But more people probably know me as an author and speaker – which evolved from my sales career. Who knew? Regardless of the title on your business card, everyone is a salesperson whether you want to admit it or not. Why? Because from the time you get up in the morning until the time … Read more
In July of 2023, I sat in the back of the ballroom in Orlando, Florida, watching a parade of brilliant speakers walk across the stage to receive their CSP, CPAE, and respective awards. Moved to tears by the remarks from Dr. Willie Jolley, CSP, CPAE, Cavett Award Recipient, I scurried back to my room, pulled … Read more
The first NSA meeting I ever attended—22 years ago—featured a brilliant, well-known keynote speaker who emphatically proclaimed, “Do not EVER speak for free.” Oddly, I had just seen that same speaker a few days earlier… speaking for free at a charity event. That’s why I came to NSA in the first place. Here’s the truth: much … Read more
I owe you an apology. As the person who introduced using “pineapples” in place of quoting actual numbers when I hosted the NSA podcast—I know you’re groaning—I think it’s time we have a candid discussion about speaker fees in 2025. First, I must share that I’m writing from the perspective of a full-time, paid keynote … Read more
One of the highest compliments a speaker can receive is being invited back to present for the same client. It validates that you weren’t just good, but good enough—or should I say amazing enough—to be invited back. Who doesn’t love that? But there’s another compliment that’s almost just as good, and it can come before … Read more
Nearly two decades ago, I had the pleasure of hearing a dynamic speaker, Jim Tunney, CPAE, Cavett Award Recipient. Jim was a former NFL referee and spoke on the topic of reinvention and change – it was spectacular. During his presentation he uttered this statement which has become the central theme for how I continue … Read more