So you’ve just started your speaking career. What are some resources for speakers like you to get started building their speaking business?
There are a lot of great tools for speakers to build their business, and it can be overwhelming to know what to use or where to go.
To make it simpler, we put together this resource page of tools we use and recommend. I recommend bookmarking this page for your reference and convenience.
DISCLOSURE:
Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I, Grant, will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase. Please understand that I have experience with all companies with affiliate links, and I recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions I make if you decide to buy something. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you feel you need them or that they will help you achieve your goals.
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Resources for Speakers
Accounting/Finance Resources for Speakers
FRESHBOOKS
Easy to use small business accounting software designed for the non-accountant.
QUICKBOOKS ONLINE
Accounting software designed to manage payroll, inventory, sales and other needs of a small business.
YOU NEED A BUDGET (YNAB)
Software built to give you laser-focus with your money. Pay off your debt, save more money, and break the paycheck to paycheck cycle.
Business Training Resources for Speakers
FIZZLE
Building an online business is not easy, but Fizzle does a great job walking you through every step of the way. Their video lessons are great, but the best part is the growing forum where entrepreneurs like you gather, share success, ask for feedback, and encourage one another. Click here to watch a webinar with Grant and the Fizzle Team.
Email/List Building Resources for Speakers
SUMOME
SumoMe is a suite of free tools that can be used to grow your website’s traffic. TheSumoMe tools are easy to install and work on any website.
CONVERTKIT
Building an email list is one of the single most important things to do when you’re building a business. ConvertKit is the “new kid in town”, but it’s super intuitive, and it’s all we use.
LEADPAGES
LeadPages is my favorite tool for creating landing pages and email signup forms. We use it everywhere. If you are on our list, you probably used one of our LeadPages :).
Online Course Tools and Resources for Speakers
THINKIFIC
If you’re building online courses, you need Thinkific. They make it incredibly easy to build, market, and sell beautiful courses. Use our link to get three months of the business plan FREE.
CAMTASIA
Being in front of the camera can be scary. If you want to record training videos, it is much easier (and safer) to create slides and record your screen as you go through them.
SCREENFLOW
Allows you to record the contents of your entire monitor while also capturing your video camera, iOS device, microphone and your computer audio.
SPEEKO
Get live AI-powered feedback on your speaking style! Transform your speaking skills with real-time feedback on your pace, tone, and fillers.
WISHLIST
Protecting content and managing members is extremely important when running a membership site. WishList Member does that and so much more. Plus it’s intuitive and easy to use.
Online Shopping Carts For Speakers
GUMROAD
An easy-to-use platform that enables creators to sell products directly to consumers.
SAMCART
A shopping cart for information marketers and internet marketers selling digital products online.
PAYPAL
A fast, safe way to send money, make an online payment, receive money or set up a merchant account.
Online Business Tools for Speakers
GROOVE
Simple help desk software designed to help small businesses deliver personal customer support.
SKITCH
An app developed by Evernote to help you get your point across with fewer words using annotation, shapes and sketches.
SURVEYMONKEY
Allows you to create and publish online surveys in minutes, and view results graphically and in real time.
TYPEFORM
A form & survey builder that makes asking questions easy & human on any device.
WISHLIST
Protecting content and managing members is extremely important when running a membership site. WishList Member does that and so much more. Plus it’s intuitive and easy to use.
ZAPIER
Allows you to automate tasks between other online apps. This helps you use complementary apps side-by-side!
Outsourcing Resources for Speakers
99 DESIGNS
Ever wonder how to get design work done if you don’t have many connections? At 99Designs, dozens of talented designers compete to deliver the best design for your creative needs.
FIVERR
A global online marketplace offering tasks and services, beginning at a cost of $5 per job performed.
Personal Development Resources for Speakers
AUDIBLE
Get digital audiobooks, radio and TV programs, and audio versions of magazines and newspapers right to your computer or mobile devices.
Podcasting Resources for Speakers
ATR 2100 (PODCAST MIC)
This microphone plugs right into your computer’s USB port, and functions seamlessly with your favorite recording software.
CALL RECORDER
Call Recorder records Skype audio and video calls directly to your Mac.
LIBSYN
Your one stop solution for everything you need to start podcasting, get your podcast in iTunes and even turn your show into an App.
PODCASTERS’ PARADISE
The #1 podcasting community that helps you create, monetize and grow your podcast!
SKYPE
Allows users to communicate through instant messaging, voice, and video chat.
Productivity Resources for Speakers
EVERNOTE
Managing files between team members can be tough. We use Evernote to collaborate on documents and all stay organized and on the same page.
FOCUS@WILL
Staying focused is hard. I love to use Focus@Will which provides music scientifically optimized to boost concentration and help you stay focused.
GOOGLE CALENDAR
A free online calendar, that makes it easy to keep track of life’s important events all in one place.
THINGS
An easy to use task manager that allows you to enter and organize all your your to-dos.
Social Media Resources for Speakers
BUFFER
Buffer is a software application designed to manage social networks, by providing the means for a user to schedule posts to Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin.
EDGAR
Edgar is a social media scheduling tool that automatically builds a library of every update a user uploads, so they can share them again and again over time.
Team/Staff Tools for Speakers
ASANA
A task management tool, that allows teams to share, plan, organize, and track progress of the tasks that each member is working on.
DROPBOX
A service that keeps your files safe, synced, and easy to share. Bring your photos, docs, and videos anywhere and never lose a file again.
HIGHRISE
A super simple CRM Software tool that helps you stay organized. Share contacts with your team. Track tasks & set reminders.
LASTPASS
Award-winning password manager, saves your passwords and gives you secure access from every computer and mobile device.
SLACK
Brings all your communication together in one place. It’s real-time messaging, archiving and search for modern teams.
Travel Resources for Speakers
AWARDWALLET
Allows you to track frequent flyer miles for FREE. You can access your award balances from your cell phone, PDA or a BlackBerry.
LYFT
As mobile-phone application facilitating peer-to-peer ridesharing by connecting passengers who need a ride with drivers who have a car. Download using the link above for up to $50 in free ride credit!
TRIPIT
Organizes your travel plans in one place. Finds alternative flights. Sends real-time alerts. Snags the best seat.
UBER
Uber connects you with a driver in minutes. Get a taxi, private car or rideshare from your mobile phone. Get you first ride free up to $15 by using the provided link.
Webinar Resources for Speakers
CHATROLL
A scalable, real-time chat solution that provides unmatched interaction and engagement for live online events.
GOOGLE HANGOUT
Brings conversations to life with photos, emoji, and even group video calls for free.
WEBINAR NINJA
The easiest way to create high-converting webinars. The best webinar software & service for small businesses.
Favorite Business Books
4-HOUR WORKWEEK BY TIM FERRISS
#1 New York Times best-selling author Tim Ferriss, teaches you how to escape the 9-5, live anywhere, and join the new rich.
THE $100 STARTUP BY CHRIS GUILLEBEAU
Chris Guillebeau shows you how to lead of life of adventure, meaning and purpose – and earn a good living.
BOOK YOURSELF SOLID BY MICHAEL PORT
Instructional guide for starting and growing a successful service business.
THE E-MYTH BY MICHAEL GERBER
This instant classic, and phenomenal bestseller dispels the myths about starting your own business.
REWORK BY JASON FRIED
Rework shows you why plans are actually harmful, why you don’t need outside investors, and why you’re better off ignoring the competition.
Find Out Exactly How Much You Could Make As a Paid Speaker
Use The Official Speaker Fee Calculator to tell you what you should charge for your first (or next) speaking gig — virtual or in-person!
Favorite Speaking Books
COMMUNICATING FOR A CHANGE BY ANDY STANLEY
An insightful, entertaining parable that’s an excellent guide for any speaker, Communicating for a Change takes a simple approach to delivering effectively.
CONFESSIONS OF A PUBLIC SPEAKER BY SCOTT BERKUN
Scott Berkun reveals the techniques behind what great communicators do, and shows how anyone can learn to use them well.
MADE TO STICK BY CHIP & DAN HEATH
The authors reveal the anatomy of ideas that stick and explain ways to make ideas stickier, such as applying the “human scale principle,” using the “Velcro Theory of Memory,” and creating “curiosity gaps.”
PLATFORM BY MICHAEL HYATT
In this step-by-step guide, Michael Hyatt, former CEO and current Chairman of Thomas Nelson Publishers, takes readers behind the scenes, into the new world of social media success.
STEAL THE SHOW BY MICHAEL PORT
An inspiring program full of essential advice for spotlight lovers and wallflowers alike that will teach readers how to bring any crowd to its feet.
