Episode 01: From Free to Fee: How to Land Your First Paid Speaking Gig in 60 Days

03/24/25 • 10 min

In this episode of 'Booked, Banked, and Onstage', Deborah Northcutt shares actionable strategies for speakers looking to transition from unpaid to paid gigs. She outlines a 60-day game plan to secure paid speaking opportunities, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's niche, creating a professional speaker one sheet, and effectively pitching to event planners. She also discusses how to leverage free speaking engagements to build credibility and convert them into paid opportunities, while treating speaking as a legitimate business rather than a side hustle.

Connect with me on Social Media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahnorthcutt
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackwomenpodcasters
Website: https://www.thenorthcuttspeakingagency.comk
Work With Me: https://bit.ly/workwithdeborah

Thanks for listening--keep showing up, speaking out, and making an impact!

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Connect with me on Social Media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahnorthcutt
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackwomenpodcasters
Website: https://www.thenorthcuttspeakingagency.comk
Work With Me: https://bit.ly/workwithdeborah

Thanks for listening--keep showing up, speaking out, and making an impact!

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Episode 3: You’ll NEVER Get Booked If You Keep Doing THIS as a Speaker

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Episode 3: You’ll NEVER Get Booked If You Keep Doing THIS as a Speaker

Most speakers misunderstand what event planners truly value when booking talent, focusing on credentials instead of problem-solving capabilities, audience engagement, and professionalism. This episode reveals exactly how to position yourself as the perfect choice for any event by understanding the real decision factors planners use.
• Event planners look for speakers who solve specific problems for their audience, not just good presenters
• Successful pitches focus on clear learning takeaways and how you'll help their particular audience
• Top three booking factors: credibility/experience, professionalism/responsiveness, and audience engagement/customization
• Red flags that get speakers rejected immediately: vague value propositions, unprofessional materials, difficult reputation
• Small gestures like thanking event teams and being easy to work with significantly impact rebooking potential
• Effective speakers tailor their content to each event's industry, theme, and challenges
Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and share this with a speaker friend who needs to hear it. Next week we'll cover how to price yourself as a speaker without undercharging or overpricing.

Connect with me on Social Media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahnorthcutt
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackwomenpodcasters
Website: https://www.thenorthcuttspeakingagency.comk
Work With Me: https://bit.ly/workwithdeborah

Thanks for listening--keep showing up, speaking out, and making an impact!

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Episode 2: Get Booked Again and Again with THIS 1 Strategy!

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Episode #2: Get Booked Again and Again with THIS 1 Strategy!

In this episode of 'Book, Banked, and On Stage', I share essential strategies for speakers to secure repeat bookings. I emphasize the importance of preparation, engagement during the event, and effective follow-up to create lasting impressions on event planners. By over-delivering value and maintaining communication, speakers can build a sustainable career in public speaking.
[00:02] Host Deborah Northcutt introduces the podcast Booked, Banked & On Stage, designed to help speakers turn their voice into a paid business.

[00:49] Landing your first speaking gig is great, but turning speaking into a real business means getting booked again and again.
[01:36] The #1 secret to becoming a rebooked speaker isn't just being a good speaker — it's about what you do before, during, and after the event.

Before the Event:

[02:28] Make a strong first impression:
- Respond to emails promptly
- Submit all materials (bio, headshot, talk description)
- Ask for logistics in advance (room setup, mic type, tech needs, stage colors, audience info)
[03:13] Promote the event on your channels (social media, email, LinkedIn) to show you're a team player.

During the Event:

[03:13] Overdeliver with value:
- Customize your talk for the audience
- Stay after to network and answer questions
- Be flexible and easy to work with

After the Event:

[04:09] Follow up within 24 hours:
- Send a thank-you email
- Ask for feedback and a testimonial
- Send a small gift or handwritten note to leave a lasting impression
- Stay in touch every few months with updates and new talk topics
[05:01] Main takeaway: Make the event planner’s job easier, stay top of mind, and you’ll keep getting booked.
[05:58] Teaser for next episode: What event planners really look for when booking speakers — it may not be what you think.

Connect with me on Social Media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahnorthcutt
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackwomenpodcasters
Website: https://www.thenorthcuttspeakingagency.comk
Work With Me: https://bit.ly/workwithdeborah

Thanks for listening--keep showing up, speaking out, and making an impact!

Booked Banked & OnStage - Episode 01: From Free to Fee: How to Land Your First Paid Speaking Gig in 60 Days

Transcript

Ep. 1 – I Got Paid to Speak Without Being Famous (Here's How I Did It!)

Episode Summary:
Let’s be real: “Just keep speaking for free and someone will eventually pay you” is not a strategy — it’s a recipe for burnout. In this powerful first episode, I break down a proven, action-focused 60-day plan to help you go from overlooked to booked and paid.

Whether you're brand new or tired of spinning your wheels, this episode gives you a c