The #SpeakEasy Podcast

Shopping #smallbusinesses, a term that has been now used as a campaign by American Express across social media, is one term that sparks interest. It is almost as if we are coming full circle back to the mom and pop ice cream parlor and the milkman. Okay, maybe not the milkman but you get my point. There is a certain nostalgia that comes with making a purchase from a small business.During this episode, we talk about reasons to shop small business and why the small business has a huge advantage. Small businesses have now been able to partner with big brands like Target, Macy's and Walmart to expand their reach. On the other hand, big brands are benefiting from the influence that small business owners have on social media and in certain communities. It is all in how you set up your business for success. Five core things that matter for the success of your small business:~ Networking ~ Customer Journey ~ Investing in Yourself and Your Business ~ Being honest about where your boundaries and limitations~ Dreaming Big and Then Prepare for BiggerWe discussed some of our own obstacles that we had to overcome while doing business online. Social media has become the catalyst for many small businesses because people love to connect with a brand story. Your brand story will be a mix of the good, the bad and often the ugly scenarios that lead to something great. You may be just starting that journey or already in the midst of it, either this episode will have some motivation for you to keep going. Rosalind Jones, award-winning professional speaker, and 3x Amazon Best-Selling Author is a virtual caregiver coach dedicated to taking a proactive approach to work with caregivers and their loved ones positively impacting their quality of life. She also serves as an advocate, crisis counselor, and healthcare intervention. But she didn’t start on this path. Rosalind was working in the corporate world doing very well but then was asked to do a favor for a church member. She accompanied her to the hospital for what was supposed to be a quick two-day visit that turned into a two-week stay. Here is where her journey into caregiving began. From this point on Rosalind was determined to make a difference in the healthcare world. She opened Jacksonville’s Best Caregivers in 2009 to provide families a place to turn to when their loved ones need long-term health care. In addition to running Jacksonville’s Best Caregivers, Rosalind uses her experience and education to provide training to new caregivers and their family members so they can best care for their loved ones.Rosalind has an MBA, an MBA in Christian Counseling, and a Bachelor’s in Journalism. She has also received her certification for patient care and several other medical certifications. Her work as a community activist, crisis counselor, and as a licensed minister further demonstrates her heart for people and services.Dorothea RobinsonDorothea Thea Robinson is the founder of Life After Domestic Violence. Also known as the X. It Strategist, She has is on a mission to assist women who are ready to be free of their domestic violent relationship. In her bio, the statement “If I had a gun, I would kill you” pierces through stigmas and misconceptions about intimate partner abuse. After getting free from her own 30 years of Domestic Violent marriage she has been on a consistent mission to eradicate the fears women have about leaving their partner. There is Life After Domestic Violence!

Standing out for many feels like running through the streets of any big city streaming. There are many that would have to be intoxicated to do. (You remember the movie Old School) Yet, we see that the ones that stand out from the crowd are the ones who do the unthinkable, test what no one else would test and create these own path! The rebels, well at least to some. To others they are trailblazers. You can see them step out of the box in many areas of their lives and Thanksgiving meals may be one of those ways.

As someone who has been and event host, an emcee and a speaker, I find that have a knack for being empathetic to the “behind the scenes” of an event. Things like shifts in schedules and tech issues don’t bother me. That doesn’t mean that other speakers aren’t bothered by the delays. Whew! I have been in some scenarios where the tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife. I also know the frustrations that many event planners and podcast hosts have with guests. If you could hear the chatter you would wonder why they still do what they do. After having some conversations for a book I’m working on, I thought about one of the main ingredients for keeping a clear head and a calm atmosphere when doing events and interviews. I ask myself about my expectation and my intent for this guest or event. This is not your typical “get ready for your speech” type of discussion. Now this may go a little deep for you but hear me out. Often times when we have a personal agenda we lose focus of the bigger picture. My hope is that the bigger pictures means lives and legacies have been changed. It’s easy to be offended when you keep the focus on yourself. It is also easy to have a miscommunication. In this episode I talk about my personal experience as a podcast host, speaker, podcast guest and emcee. (I think I hit every angle. Lol) I’ll also shed a little light on what event planners and attendees are saying about the guest speakers.

With all of the recent changes across social media, there are many speakers and authors attempting to find their footing. It seems as if when you get the hang of one thing there are two more things that pop up. How do you learn to ride the wave or decide when it’s time to get out of the water? Instagram started testing hiding the likes a few months back and it sent shock waves through the internet streets. How would influencers get new opportunities and how would Speakers show that their content is good? People were really in an uproar. I think many missed the bigger picture. In this episode I’ll share with you a few tools on how to ride the wave or determine if it’s time to get out of the water.

Myth: The only way that speakers get paid is by getting paid to speak Truth: Speakers have multiple ways to get paid if they know how to create products and services Myth: It's hard to create a product or service for in the speaker industry Truth: The hardest part of creating a product or service as a speaker is time management to get it done. Myth: The only type of product a speaker can create is a bookTruth: Even if that were true, the book that a speaker creates can be repurposed in multiple waysIn this special episode of the #SpeakEasy Podcast, my team and I debunk several myths that we have heard from those in the speaking industry about creating products and services. Those who are just coming into the speaking industry often believe that the on;y way that speakers are paid is by an event host. They end up disappointed when someone tells them that they have to pay for a speaking spot or become offended when someone asks them to speak for free. There are many ways to get paid but you will have to determine which way will work best for you. Don't forget that you have to factor in things like time, energy, travel and a few other expenses when thinking of the price you will charge. It is a process but one that will benefit you in the long run. I promise you, these ladies hold nothing back when it came to the myths and truths of creating products and services. TandeeTandee SalterTandee A. Salter, Master Business Success Coach, and Consultant helps you to get marketing strategies and copy that helps you make more money in your business Currently working on her doctorate, Tandee has been helping small business owners to be able to navigate email marketing, copywriting, and editing so that they can get the maximum exposure and conversion. Not willing to stand down to seeing entrepreneurs being overworked and overpriced, she stands on the foundation of being impact-driven. That being said, she works hard to correct mistakes and educate those who have become frustrated with low or no results. Dorothea RobinsonDorothea Thea Robinson is the founder of Life After Domestic Violence. Also known as the X. It Strategist, She has is on a mission to assist women who are ready to be free of their domestic violent relationship. In her bio, the statement “If I had a gun, I would kill you” pierces through stigmas and misconceptions about intimate partner abuse. After getting free from her own 30 years of Domestic Violent marriage she has been on a consistent mission to eradicate the fears women have about leaving their partner. There is Life After Domestic Violence!

This episode started out on fire and the momentum didn't end. Raeshal touched on everything from having money discussions with your young children to the understanding of generational relationships with money. She dropped gem after gem and as a single mother she gave some insight into the power of your presence within their life. Money is always that talk that is avoided like the plague for many different reasons. In all honesty, there are still many families in America that do not discuss finances, paying bills, investing and money management. Some don't know and there are others that don't care either way we are in pretty bad shape. Thankfully people like Raeshal have stepped up to bridge the gap between the entrepreneur and their finances. Raeshal Solomon went 400000 in debt to 40000 in debt in 4 years. She used the lessons she learned on her journey to start the My Little Banker book series.Social Media Handles (LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.)@mylittlebanker

The greatest speeches come from experience! Through storytelling speakers have captivated audiences around the world. It’s the difference between giving a commencement speech and having the commencement speech you give go viral. The heart matters! As much as we attempt to move towards wanting to be able to motivate ourselves, there will always be a triumph story that sparks you to move! Do moreDo it nowDo it in spite of Do it unapologetic Do it fearful Do it angry Simply put...just do it! Recently, Lisa Nichols released a message that pierced hearts about her recent near death experience. It shifted her mindset along with each person that heard the message loud and clear. Do it because tomorrow is not promised! In this episode we’ll discuss what it means to put your heart into your speech. There is also something that goes a little deeper and it happens when you just let your heart speak. It creates an experience for your listener.

Many don't understand the power of a budget let alone how to effectively use one. Without a clear path for your money, your time can be included in this, you find your money running out the door. That leads to overdraft fees and unpaid bills for so many around the world. Where did it begin? We don't have true and honest conversations about money. As a child, I did not have the option to ask my mother about the financial part of life. (There would have been a whooping coming my way if I did) Can you honestly say that you knew how much your parents made at their job? This is the case for many children in the inner city. Our guest today talks about her own journey with budgeting and learning how to use it as a tool in building a legacy. Getting past the fear of budgeting is necessary for those who looking to be successful speakers or authors. That would include travel expenses, food, and expenses that accompany you being able to sell products or services while at an event. The issue comes in when many coaches who teach or train speakers don't even cover budgeting and living in your means. We all can agree that social media does NOT teach us to live in our means. Today's episode included a discussion on:Budgeting The power of the dollar bill Mutual fundsSpeaking to moneySome walk away points that Patrice touched on included:Stop leaving it to your children to "possibly" learn about budgeting Tell your money what you want it to doThe power of writing out a budget instead of doing it digitally Just to name a few. Let us know how budgeting affects your business or personal life. We would love to get your feedback. Send your response to contacts@altovisepelzer.comConnect with Patrice: www.facebook.com/patrice.n.greenewww.instagram.com/socialattraction75/

Often times friends and family are discouraged from asking how they can help you succeed. There is the misconception that it will always include money or possibly wearing a shirt they don’t like. (Hey, you’ve seen the shirts too) Support can be given in many different ways and each way has its own significance. 1. Sharing a post or link2. Leaving a thoughtful comment 3. Telling someone about what they do4. Sending them an opportunity you think they may like 5. Giving them a Chik Fil A gift card. Okay, that last one may be a personal one but you get the idea. Support looks like you a listening ear when they need it or simply a hug. The most valuable you can do is acknowledge the hustle you see in them because they may not always see it themselves. Matter of fact, most speakers and authors honestly don’t think that they are doing enough. They won’t say it but they are always looking at the numbers. What numbers and I talking about? The conversionThe open rate The following The DM’s Oh the list goes on. Exposure expands our opportunities and unfortunately it expands our anxiety. That is why there is such a huge significance to Instagram removing the likes on the platform. There is another reason why family and friends don’t always support. It’s a harsh truth pill to swallow but some of you are not consistent. You change business ideas like underwear. Don’t fret because you are not alone in this. The way to get past it is to execute at 150% in what you are doing. Actions speak much louder than words do. This episode will give you some hard truths and easy tips to get the support you need and deserve.

It has only been recently that there has been more focus on how psychology and gender affect our lives. The topic has been around for decades but with the popularity of things like veganism, smudging, and holistic health, it has gotten more mainstream acknowledgment. Even now, there are parts of holistic healing that are still not discussed. There are not many who direct you to change your health by going back and researching your ancestry. The connection between parental relationships or ailments at conception affects more than your time in your mother's womb. It seems a little far fetched to many but as a speaker or author, these are the details that impact our story just as much as our presentation. Sama made some suggestions that will allow you to go deeper 1. Seek out a therapist Still a pretty taboo thing in certain cultures, therapy allows you to get help from an unbiased source. A licensed professional will have resources and tips that will help you achieve your greatest level of clarity. 2. Talk to your parents This may prove to be slightly harder for some more than others. Having a difficult conversation can explain some of the things you may be currently dealing with in life. Also, as many of you know, many speakers and authors pull from their childhood when presenting. 3. Seek out clarity before saying yes to a coachThere are many who use manipulative tactics to get clients and make sales. Doing some inner work before you settle on a coach will allow you to make a more informed decision. Be okay will saying no if a prospective coach does not line up with your core values. It will save you time, energy, money and peace of mind. Today's guest will make you dig a little deeper within to raise up to the level you wish to speak and write on. Sama Morningstar's whole life has been the preparation for this sacred calling to help people of all genders recognize, access, and activate the power of the womb, awakening, healing, and celebrating true femininity. 20 years ago she was in the pit of despair, longing for the satisfaction of sustained intimate relationship, ecologically balanced community, and professional alignment with her soul purpose. With fierce devotion to transforming all of humanity to live according to the principles of deep ecology, she started at the core of her own ecology, her womb, and now teaches others how to do the same.As the founder of the Womb Centered Healing Temple, an online collaborative space devoted to this process, Sama endeavors to support ever more people to return to a Womb Centered way of life in which we remember the importance of caring for each other and the planet.Social Media Handles (LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.)https://wombcenteredhealingtemple.mn.co/share/1m6J9lL5X6ExGYm9

How many of you have had that moment when you wanted to NOT do something and the opportunity for you to stop doing it appeared? It is a perfect way out of it right? I mean, it has to be heaven-sent and God stamped because it showed up right on time. Imagine this, 39-degree weather early in the morning as I am doing my 3-mile walk. (Yea, I am a tad bit crazy but that is not the point here) I usually stop at a certain time to go live and then I finish my walk before going inside. Welp, my phone died! Oh, it gets better because the phone was how I track my steps. Now the big decision is between going inside to recharge my phone or continuing my steps to reach my goal. The cold air said to go in but my goal of getting down to 160lbs said: "Keep Steppin, Queen!" You know what I did right? I kept stepping!!! This is the type of work ethic I want to display as a coach, as a business owner, as a parent, and as a friend. Even in the moments when there is an easy way out, sometimes you just need to stay focused on the path ahead of you. No distraction No excusesNo quitting#periodtThat is my motivation for you on your writing or speaking journey. Even when no one is there to track you...show up 100 %. Join the FREE Facebook Group => bit.ly/worldvoicecommunity

I had the opportunity to attend the inaugural #SpeakerCon2019 in Arlington, VA in early November. The experience was next level as speakers, authors, and podcasters came together to educate, network and celebrate each other. A conference like no other, SpeakerCon brought people who had connected online to space where they could connect offline. During the conference, I had the opportunity to do a quick interview with Brian J Olds who is the founder and CEO of Black Speakers Network. Brian shared some great insight into the journey of a speaker, including the process of finding your niche in the speaking industry. The story of his first speaking opportunity will resonate with many that have that fear of speaking. It led him to his passion for helping other speakers to not just get started but to sharpen their skills. We all know that it is only when you begin to sharpen your skills that you are able to generate revenue from your speaking. SPEAK UP! YOUR AUDIENCE AWAITS..." No matter if your speaking journey has been a life-long calling or a newly kindled interest, Speak Up! The Ultimate Guide to Dominate in the Speaking Industry is here to serve as your road map to the next level."-Brian J Olds, Founder Black Speakers NetworkBlack Speakers Network (BSN) is a membership-based speaker development and empowerment company with over 5,000 members globally. Our mission is to equip, connect and inspire the next generation of black professional speakers through providing access to speaking opportunities, training, and resources to start or grow your speaking business.Connect with Brian and Follow BSNhttps://www.facebook.com/BlackSpeakersNetwork/https://www.facebook.com/groups/BlackSpeakersNetwrok/https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianjolds/

Success is not in your comfort zone and once you accept that it opens up all types of possibilities. Our guest Tamika Newhouse knows all too well about moving outside your comfort zone. In this episode, she shares some powerful truths and aha moments that she has endured during her personal journey from teen mom to CEO. Limitations are only as strong as you allow them to be. You must be willing to shift your words, your mindset and sometimes your surroundings to be able to achieve success. Tamika can share all about limitations. As we know when someone has a child at any age there are those in the world that look at the mother as now being handicapped. Well, Tamika showed the world that she wouldn't be limited by anything. There is also the idea that one must pay close attention to their creative wellness. Our mental health, as a creative, needs to be a priority because of all the people and scenarios we come in contact with. Many creatives find themselves depleted and stressed out due to the everyday wear and tear of being a CEO. That is one of the reasons Tamika created a wellness weekend retreat for creatives in Atlanta. It takes a lot of mental strength to go on this journey. How many of you have gone through some form of mental fatigue from your business, your job, relationships or just from life in general? Ask yourself these questions:Do you feel depleted at the end of the day? Are you frustrated or uninterested in your business?Do you find yourself getting frustrated with people easily? From teen mom to CEO by the age of twenty, Tamika Newhouse, the author of 16 novels, has landed on numerous bestsellers’ lists and is the winner of 8 African American Literary Awards. To date, she has published nearly 200 titles, launched the careers of hundreds of writers, and produces the only entertainment award show for writers, called the AAMBC Literary Awards. She recently served as co-producer and writer on the bio-pic for legendary Hip-Hop group 8 Ball & MJG film, Comin Out Hard. In 2019 she released Traces of Mika, an audio series, channeling her journey as a young entrepreneur and influencer in the publishing industry.Social Media Handles (LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.)Twitter and Instagram @tamikanewhousehttps://www.facebook.com/bossladytamika

When you start, there is an important question that you should ask yourself. Do you want to be famous or make an impact? Answering this one question can shift your whole journey because it will keep you from being scammed or frustrated. This powerful question will not only make a huge difference for you but it will also make a difference for anyone that you connect with along the way. On the journey to success, there will often come periods where you feel stagnant in your business or your life. Today's guest, Tracy Knox, shared her run-in with being stagnant and the steps that she is using to get out of it. I'm sure that many can relate to having something happen after you have had success. What exactly do you do to get past that moment? Amid that moment, you also must be careful not to take on a side chick. A side chick in this instance is a project or client that will provide momentary relief. You will find that it drains your time, energy and money when you are not honest about where you are in your journey. Be transparent about the losses will help you to excel. You will need to take whatever that was and use it in your IV as motivation to continue moving forward. In this gumbo called entrepreneurship, it is the conversations that you have and the action that you take that matters most. Tracy Knox is a dynamic author and public speaker who has helped hundreds of people break past their difficult pasts through sharing her tales of triumphing over the trauma.In her riveting debut book My Love Affairs with Love, Tracy takes the reader on a nostalgic ride through her life’s journey from childhood to adulthood, sharing her rendezvous with love, acceptance, pain, and joy. The words humorous, sentimental, and tear-jerking describe Tracy’s transparent story as she finds peace through her pain. Although this journey was turbulent, it allowed her to manifest within her spirit the strength and courage to conquer her adversities head-on. Tracy’s story offers others a guide map to discover their peace by facing and overcoming their struggles.Social Media Handles (LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.)Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/My-Love-Affairs-with-Love-Book-Launch-487235731684582/

Many retailers prep for fourth-quarter well before it begins in order for them to maximize sales, conversions, the integrity of the customer journey and marketing budget. As a speaker and author, this model is slightly different but necessary for you to take advantage of the revenue opportunity. Here is where this discussion breaks the mold. As a speaker and author, you can make money from more than speaking and publishing books. Did you get that? You may need to write that down. When preparing for the fourth quarter you must remember that you are the only one holding you back from achieving the revenue you wish to achieve. You can say that the economy is bad but people are still spending money. You could say that the customer doesn't know what they want but they are still spending money. You have to shift your mindset to believe that the money is there so you can then create ways for you to get it. There are many options that you can offer.E-coursesBooks Webinars VIP DaysEarly registration for eventsBranded merch The biggest things that will help you be successful in the fourth quarter will be your consistency and your conversations. Make sure you have your notebook and pen ready for today's episode. Altovise Pelzer is an Award-winning Speaker, Author, Live Streamer, Coach and founder of the World Voice League. She also hosts the #SpeakEasy Podcast, your #1 Podcast for unscripted perspectives on becoming and staying a successfully paid Author or Speaker. At her core, she is the mom of four, will break out into impromptu dance parties, take a beach trip or read a book.Homelessness and molestation greatly affected Altovise. She hit a turning point in her life after decades of being silent about her molestation story even after finding out both her girls were molested. This was the catalyst for her decision to motivate women to “Leverage Their Life’s Circumstances” by learning to love their voice. She takes women from abuse to applause by equipping them to Define, Accept and Use their Voice as a Speaker, Author or Entrepreneur. Social Mediawww.instagram.com/worldvoiceleague www.facebook.com/worldvoiceleague