https://blog.thesaleswhisperer.com/p/sean-douglas-booked-to-speak Summary In this podcast interview, Sean Douglas, a former Air Force member turned speaker and coach, shares his journey from the military to becoming a professional speaker. He discusses his background in the Air Force, including his experience as a drill instructor and his involvement in the resilience program. Sean explains how he transitioned into speaking and the process of getting booked for TEDx talks. He also highlights the benefits of giving a TEDx talk and shares insights on balancing speaking engagements and coaching. He emphasizes the importance of building contacts and gaining experience to succeed. Sean discusses the value of networking and negotiating behind the scenes to secure speaking gigs. He also highlights the significance of video testimonials and the role they play in building credibility. Sean provides advice on pricing keynote talks and shares strategies for prospecting associations and booking speaking engagements. He encourages speakers to think outside the box and stand out in a crowded market. Finally, Sean talks about his upcoming move back to Michigan.  Takeaways Transitioning from the military to speaking and coaching is possible with the right mindset and determination. To get booked for a TEDx talk, it's important to have a compelling opening, align with the event's theme, and present a big idea that can impact humanity. Giving a TEDx talk can provide credibility and visibility, leading to paid speaking gigs and other opportunities. Balancing speaking engagements and coaching requires effective time management and prioritization. 00:00 Introduction and Air Force Background 01:08 Transitioning to Speaking and TEDx Talks 09:38 Getting Started with TEDx Talks 20:53 Benefits of Giving a TEDx Talk 22:33 Balancing Speaking and Coaching 24:26 Paid Speaking Gigs and Workshops 26:36 Building Contacts and Experience  27:22 Networking and Negotiating 28:07 Lessons Learned  29:35 Always Be Curious 30:29 Video Testimonials 31:00 Pricing Keynote Talks 32:21 Value and Pricing 33:17 Prospecting Associations 34:26 Booking Speaking Gigs 35:47 Free Talks vs Paid Talks 36:16 Sleep Locally, Speak Nationally 37:45 Thinking Outside the Box 39:18 Taking Action and Learning 40:42 Finding Speaking Opportunities 43:07 Standing Out in the Crowd 45:31 Starting Small and Growing 46:41 Searching for Call for Speakers 50:32 Playing Pickleball 52:52 Get Booked to Speak 54:08 Moving to Utah and Michigan  Market like you mean it. Now go sell something.   SUBSCRIBE to sell more, faster, at higher margins, with less stress, and more fun! https://www.youtube.com/@TheSalesWhispererWes ----- Connect with me: Twitter -- https://twitter.com/saleswhisperer TikTok -- https://www.tiktok.com/@thesaleswhisperer Instagram -- http://instagram.com/saleswhisperer LinkedIn -- http://www.linkedin.com/in/thesaleswhisperer/ Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/wes.sandiegocrm Facebook Page -- https://www.facebook.com/thesaleswhisperer Vimeo -- https://vimeo.com/thesaleswhisperer Podcast -- https://feeds.libsyn.com/44487/rss YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/@TheSalesWhispererWes Sales Book -- https://www.thesaleswhisperer.com/c/way-book   BUSINESS GROWTH TOOLS https://12WeeksToPeak.com https://CopyByWes.com https://CRMQuiz.com https://TheBestSalesSecrets.com https://MakeEverySale.com https://www.TheSalesWhisperer.com/ https://www.thesaleswhisperer.com/c/ipa