Podcast Summary: Everything You Need to Know to Become a Paid Public Speaker | With VaynerSpeakers

Podcast Information:

• Title: The GaryVee Audio Experience
• Host: Gary Vaynerchuk
• Episode: Everything You Need to Know to Become a Paid Public Speaker | With VaynerSpeakers
• Release Date: January 24, 2025

Introduction to VaynerSpeakers

Gary Vaynerchuk kicks off the episode by addressing the increasing demand for public speakers, highlighting the surge of inquiries he receives via direct messages (DMs) and emails. He introduces his brothers, Zach Nadler and Steven Weiner, who run VaynerSpeakers, a subsidiary of VaynerX. Gary emphasizes the value VaynerSpeakers provides to both speakers and event organizers, urging listeners to visit vaynerspeakers.com for top-tier speaking talent.

Notable Quote:

"We're not scummy about it, right? So, if you don't rep them, you're going to refer them and back to why we think we're the best." — Gary Vaynerchuk [00:00]

State of the Public Speaking Market

Gary poses a series of insightful questions to Zach and Steven about the current landscape of public speaking, focusing on fee structures, virtual versus physical events, and market saturation.

Key Discussion Points:

• Increase in Speakers and Events: Zach notes, "There's never been more speakers and more events than ever before" ([00:52]).
• Virtual Events Dominance: Approximately 10-15% of events remain virtual, with high-profile speakers commanding fees in the hundreds of thousands for virtual engagements.
• Physical Events Resurgence: Physical events are not only back but stronger than before, with an 80% preference for in-person gatherings ([04:30]).
• Speaker Fees: While high-end speakers are pushing their fees higher, the broader market sees a mix of fee adjustments, with some speakers charging between $10k to $150k ([04:42]).

Notable Quotes:

"We're fully back. We're more stronger." — Zach Nadler [04:30]
"Speakers are pushing their fees higher right now. I think they're the A list. It hasn't hit the tipping point." — Steven Weiner [04:43]

Strategies for Aspiring Public Speakers

Gary shares his philosophy on entering the public speaking arena, advocating for humility, authenticity, and providing value. He encourages listeners to speak for free initially to gain exposure and experience.

Key Points:

• Start Small and Build: Speak at local events, even unpaid, to establish a presence.
• Focus on Authentic Content: Avoid topics you’re not knowledgeable about to maintain credibility.
• Leverage Connections: Utilize platforms like VaynerSpeakers to find speaking opportunities and receive guidance.

Notable Quotes:

"Humility is a superpower. Without me saying I'm humble... it's easy for me to be like, hey, Tenacity's superpower." — Gary Vaynerchuk [10:27]
"Stay in your lane of what you know. Don't try to go out there and say, I can talk on these 15 topics." — Steven Weiner [11:34]

The Role of Agents and Representation

Zach emphasizes the importance of having representation for speakers, noting that while not everyone needs an agent, having one can significantly enhance a speaker’s strategy and market presence.

Key Insights:

• Value of Exclusive Representation: VaynerSpeakers exclusively represents prominent figures like Jesse Itzler, Ryan Holiday, and Tom Bilyeu, among others.
• Holistic Approach: Unlike transactional agencies, VaynerSpeakers adopts a comprehensive strategy, considering the speaker's entire brand and business.

Notable Quotes:

"We were just transactional. We were just focused on getting speaking engagements. Here we really look at the holistic view of what everything else people are doing." — Zach Nadler [06:06]
"We try to be transparent. There's a lot of phonies out there... educate yourself." — Zach Nadler [26:15]

Balancing Speaking Engagements and Event Organization

Gary discusses his experience balancing his role as a speaker with organizing events like VCon. He credits Zach and Steven for handling logistical aspects, allowing him to focus on delivering value to the audience.

Key Points:

• Audience-Centric Approach: Prioritizing the audience ensures the selection of relevant and impactful speakers.
• Logistical Expertise: Trusting VaynerSpeakers with event logistics provides peace of mind and ensures smooth operations.

Notable Quotes:

"The event for me, on that part, it comes very natural because the only thing I've ever thought about is consumer." — Gary Vaynerchuk [20:38]
"We were just transactional... we really look at the holistic view." — Zach Nadler [09:26]

Evolution and Adaptation in Public Speaking

The conversation shifts to the necessity for speakers to evolve with changing times. Gary and his team stress the importance of relevance, content refinement, and adapting speaking styles to maintain engagement.

Key Insights:

• Content Relevance: Speakers must continuously update and refine their content to stay pertinent.
• Authenticity Over Memorization: Genuine delivery trumps memorized speeches, especially in an era of virtual and interactive events.
• Embracing Change: Adapting to technological advancements, such as AI and VR, while maintaining the human element in speaking engagements.

Notable Quotes:

"If you want to be a great speaker, don't fake it. People can feel it." — Gary Vaynerchuk [13:55]
"You gotta refine that content." — Zach Nadler [22:15]

Lessons Learned and Success Stories

Zach and Steven share anecdotes about initially underestimating certain speakers who later achieved significant success. These stories underscore the importance of recognizing potential beyond first impressions.

Key Stories:

• Diana Nyad: Initially seen as a nominal speaker, she proved her capabilities by accomplishing extraordinary feats like swimming from Cuba to Florida.
• Brian Solis and Chris Brogan: Demonstrated profound insights and adaptability, leading to their successful representation by VaynerSpeakers.

Notable Quotes:

"Someone who came around... social media world where that wasn't what he was." — Zach Nadler [25:35]
"We try to be transparent. If you're in a meeting planner, don't just take someone's word for it." — Zach Nadler [26:15]

Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

In the concluding segment, Gary emphasizes the enduring value of live events and authentic human interaction, despite advancements in technology like AI and VR. He reiterates the mission of VaynerSpeakers to prioritize audience value and genuine speaker representation.

Final Takeaways:

• Live Events are Here to Stay: Networking and in-person interactions remain invaluable.
• Authenticity is Key: Maintaining genuine connections and delivering real value will sustain a speaker's relevance.
• VaynerSpeakers’ Commitment: The agency aims to revolutionize the speaking bureau industry by focusing on authenticity, strategy, and holistic support for speakers.

Notable Quote:

"If you want the greatest keynote ever given by a human being, go to vaynerspeakers.com and request Gary Vaynerchuk." — Gary Vaynerchuk [27:03]

This episode provides a comprehensive overview of the public speaking landscape, offering valuable insights for aspiring speakers and event organizers alike. Gary Vaynerchuk, alongside his brothers Zach Nadler and Steven Weiner, delves into strategies for success, the importance of authenticity, and the evolving dynamics of the speaking market.