Episode #572

The Five Levels of Building a Successful Speaking Business

With Erick Rheam

“You have to make sure you don’t lose the vision of what you started, because the team could begin and can take on a personality of its own. And if you don’t manage it, you can get off the vision of what brought you here.”

What does it really take to build a thriving speaking business? In this week’s thought-provoking episode, Grant Baldwin sits down with Erick Rheam to explore the practical strategies and mindset shifts needed for true longevity in this industry.

Erick, an established speaker with years of experience under his belt, opens up about his own journey: the early hustle, the inevitable challenges, and, most importantly, how he’s learned to balance ambition with sustainability. He and Grant get real about the myth of constant grind, explaining that putting in the hard work is necessary at the start, but staying stuck in overdrive isn’t the secret to lasting impact or happiness.

Instead, this conversation dives deep into the habits and boundaries that separate career burnout from long-term success. Erick shares how intentional routines, clear priorities, and strategic rest have shaped his evolution, not just as a speaker, but as a leader, husband, and friend.

If you’re dreaming about building a speaking business with staying power, this episode is packed with practical takeaways. Tune in for a refreshing look at what it takes to sustain your passion and make an impact for years to come. Whether you’re just getting started or already established, Erick and Grant’s discussion is a must-listen for any speaker ready to play the long game. Don’t miss it!

You’ll learn:

  • The defining characteristics, obstacles, and recommended advancements for the five levels of a professional speaking career
    • Level 1: The Aspiring Speaker
    • Level 2: The Amateur Speaker
    • Level 3: The Professional Speaker
    • Level 4: The Career Speaker
    • Level 5: The Legacy Speaker
  • Not taking the speaking journey for granted
  • The importance of being coached at every level
  • And much, much more!

“It’s fun when you do something that you’re really passionate about and aligned with, it’s amazing how every other part of your life starts to align once you figure out what that looks like.”

6 Proven Steps 2 (Phone Wallpaper) — The Speaker Lab

Ready to build a real speaking business?

Take the free Speaker Business Assessment to see exactly where you are and what to do next. 17,000+ speakers have built paid speaking careers with SPEAK in the Age of AI.

About Erick Rheam

Erick is a graduate of the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York. He spent five years as a Military Police Officer, nine years working for two municipally owned utilities, ten years in software efficiency sales, two years as the Director of Student Success for a professional speaking development company, and now he’s a full-time professional speaker and author. He travels the country helping men and women cut through the whirlwind, so they can rise above the chaos to discover their significance and live in peace.

Episode Resources

Share This Episode 

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest
Email
Reddit

Explore Recent Episodes

#602: Why Loving the Process Beats Loving the Stage with Matthew Sharpe
“The better the foundation is, the more opportunities I’m getting to do exactly that.” Welcome back to The Speaker Lab Podcast! This week’s Alumni Spotlight might be Dan’s...
#601: The Question That Flips the Switch on Fear with Jennifer Ryan
“What if I didn’t let it stop me? What if I just push past it?” Welcome back to The Speaker Lab Podcast! In this Alumni Spotlight episode, Dan Irvin sits down with Speaker Lab alumni...
#600: Value Over Volume: Why the Best Speakers Lead by Giving with Michael Hidalgo
“When you’re late, you tell people you don’t care. I didn’t agree with it at the moment. But then I started really just disciplining myself. And it is hard work for me every single...