Grow Your Public Speaking Business

Wendi McNeill
  • 5.0 (11)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

Hosted by Wendi McNeill, Founder of Charli Jane Speakers® since 2002 ************** Visit our FREE speaker community at www.SpeakingBizCommunity.com I help Speakers who are struggling to grow their business and get booked by providing growth strategies and speaking opportunities so they can achieve a booked speaking schedule.

  1. MAR 1

    #189 - The 7 Things Meeting Planners Look for in 60 Seconds (So Your One-Sheet Gets More Replies)

    Meeting planners do not read your one sheet. They scan it. In this episode, I’m walking you through the 7 things planners look for fast so your one sheet feels clearer, more credible, and easier to say yes to. What You’ll Learn What planners are deciding in the first minute The 7 elements that make a one-sheet feel bookable The most common one-sheet mistake that quietly kills replies How to make your one sheet easier to scan and easier to book Quick Action Step Open your one sheet and scan it like a planner. In 60 seconds, can you find: Your one-line promise Your talk titles with outcomes Your proof How to book you If any of those are hard to spot, that is your fix list. Links and Resources Read the blog post: https://charlijane.com/189 Free list of 50 events looking for speakers https://charlijane.com/call-for-speakers  Speaker One Sheet Starter Kit: https://charlijane.samcart.com/products/onesheet-starter-kit  Join Breakthrough Public Speakers https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakthroughpublicspeakers  If you want your one sheet to look hireable fast, grab the Speaker One Sheet Starter Kit. Then choose one fix from today’s episode and update it before you send your next pitch.

    14 min

  2. FEB 22

    #188 - How to Write a Speaker Pitch Email That Gets Opened

    How to Write a Speaker Pitch Email That Gets Opened If you’ve been pitching yourself for speaking gigs and hearing crickets, the problem might not be your topic; it might be how you’re showing up in the inbox.  In this episode, I break down a simple 3-part speaker pitch email formula that helps meeting planners actually open your email, read it, and respond.  You’ll learn how to write a subject line that gets opened, an opening line that builds instant connection, and a short pitch that makes it easy to say yes … without writing a novel. What You’ll Learn Why generic subject lines get ignored (even if your talk is great) A simple subject line structure that signals relevance fast How to start your email without leading with “Hi I’m a speaker…” The “about them” opening line that builds trust instantly How to pitch your talk without dumping your whole bio and links The easiest next step to invite (without sounding pushy) The 3-Part Pitch Email Formula Subject Line: Personal + Specific Opening Line: Make it about them (prove you did your homework) Value and Next Step: One clear outcome with an easy reply prompt Resources Mentioned 1. Pitch Templates (grab them here): https://charlijane.com/pitchpackbundle 2. Free list: 50 Events Looking for Speakers Right Now: https://charlijane.com/call-for-speakers  Want to Connect + Get More Speaking Leads? Join my Facebook speaker community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakthroughpublicspeakers  Quick Ask 😊 If you found this helpful, share this episode with a speaker friend who’s been hearing crickets and tell me inside the Facebook group what subject line you’re going to use next.

    9 min

  3. 11/03/2025

    #187 How to Find Paid Speaking Gigs in 2025

    How to Find Paid Speaking Gigs in 2025 (Even If You’re Just Starting Out) Feeling stuck waiting to get picked for your next speaking gig? In this episode, Wendi McNeill of Charli Jane Speakers shares five proven strategies to land paid gigs in 2025, even if you’re brand-new to the industry.  Discover where to find real opportunities, how to pitch with confidence (not pushiness), and what simple materials help you stand out to planners. You’ll also get a free resource, 50 Events Looking for Speakers Right Now, so you can start pitching today. Grab your free list: https://charlijane.com/call-for-speakers Resources mentioned: Pitch Like a Pro | Speaker One-Sheet $7 Starter Kit  Breathrough Public Speakers Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakthroughpublicspeakers

    10 min

  4. 10/20/2025

    #186 - The #1 Mistake New Speakers Make With Their Bio (And How to Fix It)

    The #1 Mistake New Speakers Make With Their Bio (And How to Fix It) 🎙 Episode Summary If you're pitching yourself as a speaker (or avoiding it altogether), your bio could be the silent dealbreaker. In this episode, I break down how your speaker bio plays a crucial role in getting noticed by event planners, and what to do if it's falling flat. Plus, I’ll share easy ways to streamline your pitch process and start landing more opportunities with clarity and confidence. This is a practical, no-fluff episode …  let’s get you moving forward! A weak bio doesn’t just hurt your pitch …  it keeps you stuck and silent. Resources Mentioned: Meet Bobbi – Your personal bio-building sidekick. (powered by AI) Grab the Pitch Pack Pro – Email + DM scripts that help you pitch without the stress. Land Your Next Gig Challenge -  A 3-day challenge to help you find, pitch, and land your next speaking gig fast. 50 Events looking for Speakers!  Join My Free 20k Speakers Facebook Group    Connect With Wendi: Website: https://charlijane.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlijanespeakers

    12 min

  5. 05/11/2025

    #185 -The 3 Biggest Mistakes Speakers Make When Pitching (And How to Fix Them)

    If you're sending pitches and hearing crickets, you're not alone. You're probably not doing anything wrong; you're just missing a few key tweaks. In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the three biggest mistakes speakers make when pitching themselves for events (and how to fix them fast). These aren’t just theories—they're based on 22+ years of helping speakers get booked. Whether you're new to pitching or have been sending emails without much traction, this episode will help you stand out in a crowded inbox—and start landing “yes” responses from event planners. You’ll Learn: Why generic pitches get deleted (and how to make yours pop) How to instantly shift your pitch from “me-focused” to audience-centered The simple follow-up framework that gets you back on an organizer’s radar A better way to pitch without sounding pushy or robotic Free Resource: Want a shortcut to finding events that are actively booking speakers? Grab my free curated list of 50 speaker-friendly events here  https://charlijane.com/call-for-speakers Links Mentioned: Speaker Biz Toolkit: https://charlijane.com/growyourspeakingbiz  Charli Jane Speakers Club: https://charlijane.com/charli-jane-speakers-club  Speaker Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakthroughpublicspeakers  Let’s Connect: Have a question or pitch struggle you want help with? DM me on Instagram @CharliJaneSpeakers or drop a message at Wendi@CharliJane.com Rate & Review: If this episode helped you, would you mind taking 60 seconds to leave a review? Your support helps get this show into more speaker ears, and helps more speakers get on more stages.   Keep Inspiring, Wendi - Charli Jane Speakers- CharliJane.com

    8 min

  6. 01/26/2025

    #184 - Figuring Out What to Charge as a Newbie Speaker

    Figuring Out What to Charge as a Newbie Speaker Figuring out what to charge as a newbie speaker is a common challenge, but today, we will crack the code and set you up for speaking success. We'll explore the factors influencing your speaking fee, the pricing pitfalls to avoid, and the strategies to find your sweet spot. By the end, you'll have the knowledge and confidence to charge what you're worth.   Resources: Craft a Killer Speaker Bio Guide & Template - Grab it here! https://charlijane.mysamcart.com/checkout/craft-a-killer-speaker-bio  Join the Charli Jane Speakers Club: The club opens 4x a year - If we are not open, grab your spot on the waitlist. https://charlijane.com/charli-jane-speakers-club  I jotted down 50 + speaking events accepting speaker proposals right now! Links included + a video tutorial on how to best use the list. Start submitting proposals today! https://charlijane.com/call-for-speakers/  Keep Inspiring, Wendi Charli Jane Speakers - CharliJane.com

    14 min

  7. 09/08/2024

    #183 - Overcoming Impostor Syndrome as a New Speaker

    Overcoming Impostor Syndrome as a New Speaker Stepping into the world of public speaking can sometimes bring a sneaky feeling called 'impostor syndrome.' It's that voice in your head saying you're not good enough or you don't belong on stage. But guess what? Many great speakers have felt this way at some point. The good news is you can overcome it and shine as the speaker you're meant to be.   Resources: Craft a Killer Speaker Bio Guide & Template - Grab it here! https://charlijane.mysamcart.com/checkout/craft-a-killer-speaker-bio  Join the Charli Jane Speakers Club: The club opens 4x a year - If we are not open, grab your spot on the waitlist. https://charlijane.com/charli-jane-speakers-club  I jotted down 50 + speaking events accepting speaker proposals right now! Links included + a video tutorial on how to best use the list. Start submitting proposals today! https://charlijane.com/call-for-speakers/  Proposal Email Swipe Files - You’re armed with a tool that simplifies your outreach while maximizing the chances of a positive response. And remember, every successful booking begins with a well-crafted email! Grab them here. https://charlijane.mysamcart.com/checkout/proposal-email-template-spc  Keep Inspiring, Wendi - Charli Jane Speakers, LLC - CharliJane.com

    9 min

  8. 08/25/2024

    #182 - 10 Ways to Leverage Social Media for Speaker Brand Building

    10 Ways to Leverage Social Media for Speaker Brand Building Are you a speaker looking to get more people to know and love what you do? Social media is like a magic wand that can help you do just that! It’s a great way to show the world how awesome you are. Let’s discuss how to use social media to build your brand and become a well-known speaker!   Resources: Craft a Killer Speaker Bio Guide & Template - Grab it here! https://charlijane.mysamcart.com/checkout/craft-a-killer-speaker-bio  Join the Charli Jane Speakers Club: The club opens 4x a year - If we are not open, grab your spot on the waitlist. https://charlijane.com/charli-jane-speakers-club  I jotted down 50 + speaking events accepting speaker proposals right now! Links included + a video tutorial on how to best use the list. Start submitting proposals today! https://charlijane.com/call-for-speakers/  Proposal Email Swipe Files - You’re armed with a tool that simplifies your outreach while maximizing the chances of a positive response. And remember, every successful booking begins with a well-crafted email! Grab them here. https://charlijane.mysamcart.com/checkout/proposal-email-template-spc  Keep Inspiring, Wendi - Charli Jane Speakers - CharliJane.com

    9 min
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5
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About

Hosted by Wendi McNeill, Founder of Charli Jane Speakers® since 2002 ************** Visit our FREE speaker community at www.SpeakingBizCommunity.com I help Speakers who are struggling to grow their business and get booked by providing growth strategies and speaking opportunities so they can achieve a booked speaking schedule.

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