Susan Young's
Amplify Blog

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Top 3 Tips to Get You Started as a Paid Speaker

Showing up isn’t worth Jack these days.

In fact, it never was.

Showing up AND getting paid to speak up is different.

Because you're communicating in a strategic way that's relevant and meaningful to others. Now that's worth something. It's about selling your expertise AND getting in front of a captive audience (lead gen!).Ā Ā 

It’s a smart way of doing business that requires a tinge of boldness and self-confidence.Ā 

It’s not about being pushy or arrogant.

It’s knowing deep in your heart that your knowledge and experiences will impact people who hear you.

It’s you knowing that your voice matters.Ā 

And it does.

The question is: Are you bold enough to pitch yourself to event organizers who can book you?Ā 

Look, anyone can take up space. It's a higher-level conversation when you're paid as a subject matter expert. So...no more hiding. šŸ˜

Here are my 3 top ways to get in the door with people who can book you to speak online and on stage:Ā 

1. Frame your message for the audience. Deci...

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Everyone Can Hear You

Our communication is an ā€œinside job.ā€

Whatever story we believe about ourselves becomes the soundtrack of our lives.

  • I always get in a sales rut in the summer.
  • I need to hire an assistant but I’m not making enough money.
  • I suck at online networking.

When you have a high level of self-awareness, you notice the internal chatter. Then, if it's toxic, you can make a change.

The good thing is that you can decide anytime, any day, to re-record your self-talk jabbering.

You control the radio dial in your head.

So what are you listening to???

A soundtrack of worry, weeds, and unworthiness?Ā 

Or are you tuned to a soundtrack of success andĀ live with a sense of ease and optimism?

Getting real here.

I have often kidded myself into thinking no one else can hear my berating voice.

Sound familiar?Ā 

I was soooo wrong.

šŸ‘‰Talking s**t about ourselves is sneaky.

It creeps into our conversations, emails, messaging, and BD meetings. Every. Single. Day.

When we decide to tune into our in...

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A Body Language Tip to Make You Smile

 

Our non-verbal communication is VERY telling.

Words wield power. Still it's our gestures, facial expressions, and body language that speaks volumes!

Today is World Smile Day. How does this tie into our business communication?

In this 3-minute video, I'll tell you how. Watch it here.

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PS: If you're on LinkedIn and want to subscribe to my new newsletter, Become Known + Make an Impact...Ā subscribe here.

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The 5 Words That Can Transform Your Life

 

There's no end to the books, blogs, and videos we can see that promise to change our lives.

I have no strategy, roadmap, or blueprint for you.

What I do have is a short mantra that's helped me make a deep transformation in my mindset, business and personal life.

Click here or above to watch the 1-minute video so you can access the mantra. 5 words.

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Sidestep Algorithms and Ads to Get in Front of Your Ideal Clients

 

No clue about algorithms.

No money for ads.

No problem!

You can STILL grow your business and always have warm leads when you learn the strategy I've been using for 20+ years.Ā 

My clients, including Maria Swann, use this strategy. Maria now has wait lists--and higher rates! You can, too. šŸ”„

I explain it in the video above. Check it out!Ā 

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Want to Be a Podcast Guest?

 

Whether you're a guest on a podcast or you host one, it's super important to be prepared for the right and best conversation.

It starts long before you start recording.Ā 

This 3-minute video sheds light onĀ how to find the right show, virtual event, and audience to share your expertise. (Hint: Your interview is an organic lead magnet!)šŸŽÆ

Click the video above to watch and learn!Ā 

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3 Easy Body Language Tips to Sharpen Your Communication

 

Are your teeth visible in your profile pictures online?Ā 

This is not a trick question, it's quite important in how people perceive you.Ā And how you communicate.

I share a tip on why...or why not...you should show your teeth in pictures. Especially in professional headshots and branded pix.Ā 

Click the 3-minute video above for the details.Ā 

Plus...I've included something fun for you aboutĀ whyĀ body language is critical in our communication. šŸ˜‚šŸ˜‚

Are you smiling with your teeth showing in your pictures?Ā Comment below!

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You Can Have Easy, Casual Conversations on Podcast and Summit Interviews

Ready to energize and impact more people on podcasts, summits, and virtual events?

Whether you’re a host or a guest expert, toss out your list of questions.

You've gotta trust yourself and let things flow naturally.

From my experience, the most memorable interviews are just easy, casual conversations.

They're enjoyable for the host, guest, AND audience!

People rememberĀ intriguing conversations, stories, personalities, and takeaways.

When others like what they hear and see, they’ll...

Ā· Recommend and refer you

Ā· Sign up for your stuff

Ā· Join –and engage—in your community

Ā· Hire you

Hosts and guests who trust themselves (and each other) aren't rigid or stuck to a script.

They look forward to something spicy coming up.

They expect to hear a nugget that's fresh and intriguing.

They feel comfortable not knowing each word and question.

They know that they know their stuff without a list of questions.

They prepare--and listen--in a different way than newbies.

So, what does sp...

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Why the World Needs to Hear Your {Real} Story

She was molested by her father.
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She was raped. Twice.
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She suffered a traumatic brain injury and couldn’t leave her house for months.
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He was teased incessantly for stuttering as a child.
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She was in a psychiatric hospital many times—against her will.
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He is an alcoholic who lost his driving privileges.
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These are my clients. ā¤
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They are speakers, advocates, coaches, therapists, authors, and consultants.
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Most share their stories because they want to impact others. They want to heal.
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Infusing personal stories in our businesses—online or onstage—cracks open our humanness.
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šŸŽÆIt’s about the revelation.
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An exceptional story exposes our mic-drop lessons that impact others, emotionally and spiritually.
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Granted, sharing deep shame is not for everyone.
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If you do feel called to use your voice and share your story, know this.
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Fabulo...
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Do These 4 Things to Get Paid Speaking Gigs

Painfully blunt is the way my hubs describes me.

Not gonna mince words here.

If you’re pitching yourself to event organizers who hire speakers….and all you get are crickets and maybe a gig for ā€œvolunteer speakersā€ …you’re wasting your time and energy.

You DON’T need to:

😢Create a slick Speaker 1-sheet with new branded photos

😢Pay for a goofball ā€œspeaker reelā€ video that's staged with ā€œreal peopleā€

😢Join Toastmasters or spend big bucks on a voice coach

😢Waste a ton of time, money, and energy writing a book

Here’s what you DO need to do:

šŸŽÆConnect your topic to the theme of an event so that decision-makers know you "get" their audience

šŸŽÆHave a 1-minute video clip from a real talk that showcases your personality and expertise

šŸŽÆWork on your internal voice first so that you quiet self-doubt (and get contracts, not crickets!)

šŸŽÆFine-tune your topic and description so organizers see you're a polished pro (and they can easily copy + paste it right into their marketing material)

Her...

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