Booked Banked & OnStage

Deborah Northcutt
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  • Entrepreneurship

Welcome to Booked, Banked & On Stage, the podcast about the business behind the keynote. Getting booked is only part of building a successful speaking business. What happens before you step on stage and after the applause ends can determine whether you get invited back, referred, and remembered. Hosted by Deborah L. Northcutt, Speaker Operations Strategist, Booked, Banked & On Stage brings you real conversations and practical strategies to help experienced keynote speakers build a more organized, professional, and profitable speaking business. We talk about the things speakers don’t always see discussed: speaker operations, event logistics, planner communication, speaker assets, backend systems, follow-up, repeat bookings, and what it really takes to run the business behind the stage. You’ll also hear conversations with event professionals, industry experts, and speakers who understand that delivering a great keynote is only one part of the job. Because getting the booking is great. But building a speaking business that keeps you booked, banked, and on stage? That’s the goal. 🎙️ Real conversations. Practical strategies. A bigger stage for your message.

  1. Sep 25

    Episode 12 :Would You Book You? What It’s Really Like to Work With You as a Speaker

    Send us Fan Mail Would You Book You? What It’s Really Like to Work With You as a SpeakerYou may be great on stage, but here's a different question: What is it actually like to work with you? In this solo episode of Booked, Banked & OnStage, Deborah Northcutt puts you in the event planner's chair. Because the audience experiences your keynote. The planner experiences everything else. They experience how quickly you respond, whether your speaker materials are ready, how you handle changes, how you treat the event team, whether they have to chase you for information, and what happens after you leave the stage. And all of that can influence whether one speaking engagement leads to another. Deborah walks through the speaker experience from the planner's side and gives you a simple self-check to help you identify where the business behind your speaking may need a little work. In This Episode You'll hear about: Why getting booked is only the beginningWhat event planners experience before you ever step on stageWhy slow communication can create unnecessary stress for a plannerThe speaker materials you should have ready to sendHow to make a planner's job easier instead of adding to their workloadWhy being professional doesn't mean being stiff or roboticHow to handle event changes while still maintaining your boundariesWhy the way you treat AV teams, hotel staff, registration teams, and other event professionals mattersWhat good post-event follow-up looks likeHow the entire experience of working with you can affect referrals and repeat bookingsAsk Yourself If you were the event planner: Would you have to chase yourself for information? Would you know what to expect from yourself? Would you deliver what was requested on time? Would you recommend yourself to another planner? And most importantly... Would you book you again? Episode Timestamps 00:00 Why the business behind the stage keeps you booked 00:58 The real question: Would an event planner book you? 02:03 The planner experiences more than your keynote 03:31 Put yourself in the planner's chair 04:59 Why slow communication creates friction 05:58 Speaker materials you should always have ready 07:25 Make the planner's job easier, not harder 08:54 Professional doesn't mean cold or robotic 09:23 Handling schedule changes without becoming difficult 10:49 People remember how you made them feel 11:17 Event-day timing, sound checks, and respect 12:45 Post-event follow-up and repeat opportunities 13:44 The planner-chair self-test 15:14 Fix one operational issue at a time 16:13 Why talent alone isn't enough 16:42 Would you book yourself again? 17:42 Make the business experience match the stage experience Resources & Connect With Deborah The Northcutt Speaking Agency, LLC Learn more about speaker operations, engagement logistics, and support for established keynote speakers: https://www.thenorthcuttspeakingagency.com Ready to strengthen the business behind your speaking? Schedule a Speaker Strategy Call with Deborah: https://bit.ly/workwithdeborah Speaker Resources & Tools Explore resources designed to help you strengthen your visibility, speaker business, and the systems behind your speaking engagements: https://thenorthcuttspeakingagency.com/shop Remember A powerful message may get you noticed, but the business behind the stage is what keeps you booked. If this episode made you look at your speaking business a little differently, like and subscribe to Booked, Banked & OnStage so you don't miss the next conversation. Support the show Connect with me on Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahnorthcuttFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackwomenpodcastersWebsite: https://www.thenorthcuttspeakingagency.comWork With Me: https://bit.ly/workwithdeborahThanks for listening--keep showing up, speaking out, and making an impact!

  2. Sep 7

    Episode 11: You Got The Booking. Now What? The Business Behind the Stage

    Send us Fan Mail Getting the booking feels great. You pitched, followed up, negotiated the fee, and the event planner said yes. But getting booked isn't the finish line. It's the beginning. In this episode of Booked, Banked & OnStage, I'm talking about what happens after the yes and why the way you manage a speaking engagement behind the stage matters just as much as what happens when you step onto it. As your speaking business grows, so do the details. Contracts, payments, planner communication, deadlines, speaker materials, travel, room setup, AV requirements, calendars, follow-up, and all the moving pieces that come with every engagement. And while you may be perfectly capable of handling all of it yourself, there's a different question established speakers need to ask: Should you still be handling all of it yourself?  In this episode, you'll learn:  Why the event planner's experience with you begins long before you walk on stage  What should happen immediately after you receive a booking  Why every speaking engagement needs a clear system for tracking details and deadlines  How organized speaker assets make working with planners easier  Why knowing your room, AV setup, travel details, and complete schedule matters  How your backend operations influence repeat bookings and referrals  Why getting more bookings isn't always the answer when your current systems are already overwhelmed  How to use a simple “business behind the stage” check to uncover gaps before they become problems I also walk you through my SPEAK Framework: S – Spotlight Your Brand P – Package Your Expertise E – Engage the Right Platforms A – Automate the Backend K – Keep Getting Booked  Here's the question I want you to think about after listening: If five new bookings landed in your inbox this month, could your business handle them? Because growth doesn't fix weak systems. It exposes what's missing.  Your keynote matters. But so does the communication, preparation, logistics, planner relationship, and follow-up supporting it. You don't build a sustainable speaking business on applause. You build it on what happens before, during, and after that applause.  Ready for Support Behind the Stage? If you're an established keynote speaker who's getting booked but spending too much time managing everything that happens after the booking, let's talk. The Northcutt Speaking Agency provides speaker operations and logistics support so you can focus on your message, your audience, and your delivery. Schedule a discovery call: Work With Deborah Stay Connected Visit The Northcutt Speaking Agency to learn more about Speaker Operations and Speaker Logistics Management. If this episode made you look at your speaking business differently, follow or subscribe to Booked, Banked & OnStage, and share this episode with another speaker who may be getting booked but struggling to manage everything behind the scenes.  Support the show Connect with me on Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahnorthcuttFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackwomenpodcastersWebsite: https://www.thenorthcuttspeakingagency.comWork With Me: https://bit.ly/workwithdeborahThanks for listening--keep showing up, speaking out, and making an impact!

  3. 07/01/2025

    Episode 10 5 Speaker Mistakes That Keep You From Getting Paid (And How to Avoid Them Like a Pro)

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Deborah breaks down the five biggest mistakes that trip up new speakers—and exactly how to avoid them so you can own the stage and get paid for your brilliance. If you’re serious about stepping up your speaking game, you don’t want to miss this! Timestamps & Highlights (00:00) Welcome and intro – Why new speakers stumble and how this episode will help you fast-track success. (01:22) Mistake #1: Trying to sound like someone else   Copying another speaker’s style backfires. Deborah shares how to embrace your quirks and own your unique voice.(02:46) Mistake #2: Death by PowerPoint  Overloaded slides lose your audience. Learn how to keep your visuals clean, clear, and impactful.(03:35) Mistake #3: Ignoring your audience  Speaking is a two-way street. Deborah explains how to engage, read the room, and adjust on the fly.(04:38) Mistake #4: Not practicing out loud  Why rehearsing in your head isn’t enough—and how to practice like a pro so your delivery lands.(05:05) Mistake #5: The kitchen sink syndrome  Don’t try to give everything in one talk. Focus on one clear message with no more than three supporting points.(07:15) Final takeaway – The one-question test to check if your talk is truly memorable. (07:41) Closing – Share the episode, subscribe, and help more speakers stop speaking for free and start getting paid. Links & Resources Subscribe to Booked, Banked, and On Stage so you never miss an episode!Share this episode with a fellow speaker who’s ready to level up.Leave a review—your feedback helps us reach more speakers like you!Support the show Connect with me on Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahnorthcuttFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackwomenpodcastersWebsite: https://www.thenorthcuttspeakingagency.comWork With Me: https://bit.ly/workwithdeborahThanks for listening--keep showing up, speaking out, and making an impact!

  4. 06/10/2025

    Episode 009: How to Use LinkedIn to Land More Speaking Gigs

    Send us Fan Mail Are you using LinkedIn strategically—or just letting it collect digital dust? In this value-packed episode, Deborah Northcutt shares how speakers can transform LinkedIn into their #1 tool for landing high-paying speaking engagements. From optimizing your profile, to crafting content that attracts decision-makers, to building real relationships with event planners — this episode is your complete guide to LinkedIn success as a speaker! What You’ll Learn: ✅ How to position yourself as an expert worth booking ✅ LinkedIn profile optimization tips that attract event planners ✅ How to showcase speaking experience (even if you’re new!) ✅ The EXACT content strategy that gets speakers booked ✅ How to build high-value relationships that lead to paid gigs ✅ Common LinkedIn mistakes speakers make (and how to avoid them) Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome & intro: Why LinkedIn is a game-changer for speakers 02:41 - The "speaker gig gold mine" mindset shift 03:34 - Where decision-makers are hanging out online 05:16 - How Deborah helped speakers shift to premium opportunities 07:20 - How to optimize your LinkedIn profile 09:35 - Writing an engaging About section (with examples) 11:21 - Showcasing your speaking experience (even as a beginner) 12:18 - How to collect and use LinkedIn recommendations 13:32 - LinkedIn SEO: Skills and keywords to use 13:56 - Importance of a professional headshot 14:24 - Creating content that positions you as an expert 15:18 - The EIC Formula: Educate, Inspire, Challenge 17:33 - Types of posts that attract event planners 18:56 - How often (and when) to post on LinkedIn 19:50 - The power of strategic commenting 20:19 - How to identify and connect with the right decision-makers 21:40 - Crafting personalized connection requests 23:44 - Why speakers should collaborate and refer each other 24:31 - Using LinkedIn groups to find speaking leads 25:51 - Deborah’s weekly networking system 26:18 - Turning engagement into paid speaking gigs 28:34 - Outreach templates that convert 29:52 - How to follow up without being spammy 31:09 - Common mistakes speakers make on LinkedIn 32:24 - Bonus tips: Using LinkedIn Events & LinkedIn Live 32:52 - Weekly LinkedIn action plan for speakers 34:15 - Final thoughts & how to support the podcast Action Plan: ✔ Rewrite your LinkedIn headline ✔ Update your About section to tell your story ✔ Post 3x this week using the EIC formula ✔ Spend 15 min/day engaging with ideal clients ✨ If this episode helped you: 👉 Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review 👉 Share with another speaker who needs this! Support the show Connect with me on Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahnorthcuttFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackwomenpodcastersWebsite: https://www.thenorthcuttspeakingagency.comWork With Me: https://bit.ly/workwithdeborahThanks for listening--keep showing up, speaking out, and making an impact!

  5. 05/07/2025

    Episode 008 The Best Social Media Strategies to Promote Your Speaking Business

    Send us Fan Mail Are you tired of posting and praying for gigs that never come? In this episode of Booked, Banked, and On Stage, I’m breaking down how to turn your social media feed into your personal speaker bureau. We’re not chasing likes—we’re securing paid speaking engagements with content that connects, converts, and gets you booked! 👉 Whether you’re just starting out or need to refresh your speaker marketing, I’ll walk you through:  ✔️ The 5 best content types every speaker should post  ✔️ My exact Social-to-Stage Conversion Framework  ✔️ How to use LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok & Facebook strategically  ✔️ The bio script that attracts event planners  ✔️ Real stories of speakers landing $5K gigs with simple tweaks This isn’t theory—these are field-tested strategies from speakers just like you who went from overlooked to overbooked. 🔗 Hit play and learn how to stop ghosting your social and start using it to book the stage you deserve. ⏱ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 – Welcome & Why Social Media Isn’t Optional 02:00 – Case Study: Turning LinkedIn Into a Booking Engine 04:32 – Breakdown of Social Media Platforms for Speakers 07:15 – 5 High-Impact Content Ideas 10:22 – Weekly Content Plan for Speakers 13:40 – The Social-to-Stage Conversion Framework 18:00 – What to Put in Your Bio to Get Booked 21:15 – Story: How Ghosting Social Media Cost a Speaker a Gig 24:00 – Tools, Mindset, and Final Tips for Visibility ✅ Subscribe for weekly speaker strategies 💬 Drop your biggest takeaway in the comments 📲 Share with a speaker friend who needs this episode 📩 Book a speaker support call with me → https://bit.ly/workwithdeborah Want help getting visible and booked?  Tag me when you share this episode!  Support the show Connect with me on Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahnorthcuttFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackwomenpodcastersWebsite: https://www.thenorthcuttspeakingagency.comWork With Me: https://bit.ly/workwithdeborahThanks for listening--keep showing up, speaking out, and making an impact!

  6. 04/24/2025

    Episode #007 "Why Talented Speakers Fail (And How to Fix It)

    Send us Fan Mail Having talent isn't enough to guarantee bookings. In today's competitive speaking landscape, branding and strategic marketing are essential. Deborah Northcut shares her proven framework designed to elevate your speaking brand, attract more event planners, and increase your income. Key Takeaways: Your success as a speaker starts with your unique voice—your "speaker fingerprint."Specificity in messaging boosts speaker bookings dramatically.A distinctive signature framework helps you become memorable and creates valuable intellectual property.Your online presence must clearly communicate the transformation you provide.Cultivating relationships strategically leads to increased opportunities and repeat bookings.Master pricing with techniques like value-based pricing, tiered packages, and strategic price anchoring.Diversifying revenue streams ensures long-term sustainability in your speaking career.Resources Mentioned: Simon Sinek’s Start With WhyBrené Brown’s research on vulnerabilityConnect with Deborah: https://www.thenorthcuttspeakingagency.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahnorthcuttLoved this episode? Subscribe, rate, and review to help more speakers build thriving careers! Next week: "The Best Social Media Strategies to Promote Your Speaking Business." Support the show Connect with me on Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahnorthcuttFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackwomenpodcastersWebsite: https://www.thenorthcuttspeakingagency.comWork With Me: https://bit.ly/workwithdeborahThanks for listening--keep showing up, speaking out, and making an impact!

  7. 04/14/2025

    Episode 6: How to Write a Winning Speaker Bio That Attracts Event Planners

    Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered why some speakers get booked for every conference while others struggle to land even one gig? The secret might be hiding in plain sight: your speaker bio. In this value-packed episode, Deborah reveals what 87 professional event planners (who collectively book over 2,000 speakers annually) actually look for when selecting speakers. You'll discover the 5 essential elements every winning speaker bio must include, learn how to craft a Unique Value Proposition that makes you the obvious choice, and uncover which forms of social proof actually matter to decision-makers. Most speakers make the critical mistake of writing their bio like a resume—focusing on their own accomplishments rather than the audience's needs. By the end of this episode, you'll have a proven 30-minute framework to transform your speaker bio from forgettable to irresistible, helping you get booked, get paid, and own the stage. Subscribe to Booked Banked & OnStage for weekly insider strategies and expert interviews that help you turn your voice into a thriving business. Support the show Connect with me on Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahnorthcuttFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackwomenpodcastersWebsite: https://www.thenorthcuttspeakingagency.comWork With Me: https://bit.ly/workwithdeborahThanks for listening--keep showing up, speaking out, and making an impact!

  8. 04/09/2025

    Episode 5: The 3 Step System to Selling From Stage (Without Sounding Salesy)

    Send us Fan Mail Support the show Connect with me on Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahnorthcuttFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackwomenpodcastersWebsite: https://www.thenorthcuttspeakingagency.comWork With Me: https://bit.ly/workwithdeborahThanks for listening--keep showing up, speaking out, and making an impact!

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About

Welcome to Booked, Banked & On Stage, the podcast about the business behind the keynote. Getting booked is only part of building a successful speaking business. What happens before you step on stage and after the applause ends can determine whether you get invited back, referred, and remembered. Hosted by Deborah L. Northcutt, Speaker Operations Strategist, Booked, Banked & On Stage brings you real conversations and practical strategies to help experienced keynote speakers build a more organized, professional, and profitable speaking business. We talk about the things speakers don’t always see discussed: speaker operations, event logistics, planner communication, speaker assets, backend systems, follow-up, repeat bookings, and what it really takes to run the business behind the stage. You’ll also hear conversations with event professionals, industry experts, and speakers who understand that delivering a great keynote is only one part of the job. Because getting the booking is great. But building a speaking business that keeps you booked, banked, and on stage? That’s the goal. 🎙️ Real conversations. Practical strategies. A bigger stage for your message.

Information

  • Creator
    Deborah Northcutt
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Booked Banked & OnStage
  • Show Website
    Booked Banked & OnStage