What if the secret to landing more speaking gigs has nothing to do with your story—or even your message—but everything to do with how fast you reply to emails?

In this eye-opening episode of Path to the Main Stage, host Li Hayes is joined by Olympic bobsledder, former NFL athlete, and powerhouse speaker Johnny Quinn, who pulls back the curtain on what really drives speaker bookings (hint: it’s not just about talent on the stage). If you’ve ever wondered why some speakers get repeat invitations and glowing referrals while others fade away, this episode will surprise you.

Johnny reveals his journey from getting cut in the NFL to representing Team USA at the Olympics, and how overcoming setbacks became the foundation of his speaking career. But the real gold is in Johnny’s approach to the business of speaking—covering everything from professional “interruption” tactics, to using digital tools and targeted follow-ups that thrill event planners. Discover the surprising impact of immediate response times, how to leverage promotional materials, and why your relationship with an event organizer begins long before you step on stage.

Other key highlights include:

• Why your “setbacks” might be your most valuable speaking asset
• A behind-the-scenes look at Johnny’s CRM verticals: hot, warm, and cold leads
• The “jab, jab, jab, right hook” strategy for speaker outreach (and why it works)
• The essential mindset shift to make the event planner the hero
• The truth about niching: should you specialize… or take every gig you can?
• How Johnny uses pre-event communication and promotional videos to close more deals
• What you must do after your speech to guarantee referrals and more bookings

Whether you’re an emerging speaker hungry for stages or a veteran ready to tighten up your process, this fast-paced conversation will help make you unforgettable… before and after you grab the mic.

Episode Overview:

• [00:00:00] – What event planners really want (it’s not just a great talk)
• [00:03:24] – Johnny’s sports background & abrupt pivots
• [00:07:27] – Why getting “cut” helped launch his speaking business
• [00:11:11] – Becoming a “professional interrupter” & winning with outreach
• [00:14:21] – The power of video prospecting and storytelling
• [00:16:14] – How Johnny organizes contacts by “hot, warm, cold” lead strategy
• [00:18:33] – Newsletter tactics for nurturing cold leads
• [00:20:01] – Never dismiss a lead: stories from the trenches
• [00:22:00] – The truth about niching for new speakers
• [00:25:24] – Why your signature talk is your superpower
• [00:26:10] – Speed = competitive advantage for landing bookings
• [00:29:15] – The follow-up sequence: emails, materials, and committee persuasion
• [00:33:56] – When to automate vs. when to personalize your pitch
• [00:35:08] – Post-contract: setting up for referrals before you speak
• [00:38:16] – In-person day-of rituals & building rapport
• [00:43:04] – Making the event planner the hero—every single time
• [00:44:21] – Johnny’s #1 tip: the power of community for speakers

Ready to accelerate your path to the main stage? Listen now and take your speaking business up a gear!