There are 6 reasons Professional Speakers often fail to get the fees, bookings and referrals they want
You can avoid these pitfalls
1
Not treating speaking as a business
4
Not solving a significant or urgent problem
2
Not understanding or researching market needs
5
Lacking a reliable lead engine for their bookings
3
Overwhelming audiences with information heavy talks
6
Relying on content creation & social media posts to generate leads
These six issues are the root causes holding you and your speaking business back from greater success.
Coaching will help you and your business transform for growth and greater impact.
There’s a reason why most speakers never reach the top... and why so many eventually give up.
All too often, incredibly talented speakers fade away because they prioritise the delivery part of their business over marketing and operations.
They treat speaking as a performance art rather than a commercial engine. When the "hope-based marketing" fails and the phone stops ringing, even the best speakers start to believe they aren't "good enough", when in reality, their business model was simply broken.
Here's an uncomfortable truth... the top speakers are not always the best speakers.
In fact, that's the harsh industry reality most of the time.
Ouch!
Top speakers are the people who treat speaking like a business and aren't just hoping for bookings.
Most speakers fall victim to at least one of these business-killing assumptions:
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"If I’m good enough, the bookings will find me" ❌
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"Marketing is just for people who aren't 'Known' yet" ❌
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"Solving 'Soft' problems is the path to 'Hard' fees" ❌
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"Joining a bureau will solve everything" ❌
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"Stuffing talks with great information = Delivering Value " ❌
These beliefs lead to the "Income Rollercoaster" that eventually forces talented people out of the industry.
Most bookers won't tell you that your offering is irrelevant to their bottom line; they simply won't book you. They won't tell you that you were hard to work with, but they'll talk about you. They won't tell you that your talk was dull or overstuffed, they just won't book your workshops or have you back.
Reality Check: Strategy = Longevity.
If your speaking business feels like a constant uphill battle, it’s rarely a lack of talent. It’s a lack of strategy.
The good news? It’s all fixable.
For over 15 years, I’ve helped speakers move from "Stuck Professional" to Strategic Authority, building the engines that turn expertise into a lasting, high-fee career.
I love working with people who are serious about treating speaking as a business and also want to be the best speakers at the top of the industry. Is that you?
Are you ready to get started?
Meet John Ball
The Strategic Speaker’s Partner
It’s often said that 80% of success is just showing up. But in the world of professional speaking, showing up is just the entry fee.
There is a massive gap between being a "polished performer" and running a high-velocity speaking business.
John is on a mission to give serious speakers the strategic architecture they need to move beyond the revenue plateau and build a business that actually works.
The Experience: With over 15 years of experience in leadership, communication, and high-performance training, John has been the lead trainer for top-tier programs like T. Harv Eker’s "Train the Trainer". More recently, he has served as a student success coach with The Speaker Lab, helping professionals build and launch scalable speaking businesses from the ground up. He's coached new speakers, experienced speakers and well-known speakers from around the world.
The "Working" Speaker: John doesn't just coach business; he lives it. He is an exceptional leadership speaker, and the host of The Professional Speaking Show the podcast for professional speakers who want to master the stage and scale their business.
If you want a speaker who understands how to solve urgent market needs, John is your man. If you want your own speaking to work as hard as you do, it’s time to stop guessing and start building your strategy.
On a personal note: John has always been fascinated by the psychology of influence and persuasion, especially as it relates to public speaking. It had led to a fascination with the invisible mechanics of influence and an expertise in ethical persuasion.
Whilst remaining stubbornly English, John lives in Valencia, Spain, with his Spanish husband. He is a frequent participant in open-mic comedy nights, because humour is a very powerful tool for influence.
John knows that in business, results are the only metric that matters. Applause is great but income is better (and lasts longer).
The Professional Speaking Show
Listen to the latest insights and strategies for serious speakers.
Power Hour
The Perfect Keynote Power Hour
Keynote speaking is a great way to build your professional credibility and also is a very lucrative business for those who do it well.
Knowing how to structure a keynote for maximum engagement, entertainment and the right level of teaching is an art and I'm here to help you master it. In 1 hour we will go through the Pefect Keynote Formula and start building your killer keynote.
COST €250
Lead Generation That Keeps You Fully Booked
The Coach Speaker Funnel™
Turn your message into momentum with the Coach Speaker Funnel™. This 6-week coaching experience helps you craft a signature talk, build a simple lead-generating funnel, and get booked consistently without feeling salesy or relying on social media. Designed specifically for coaches, this program transforms speaking from a visibility tactic into a strategic client acquisition engine.
Through focused weekly sessions, proven templates, and expert feedback, you’ll create a talk that converts, a lead magnet that attracts the right people, and a clear call to action that moves listeners from inspired to enrolled. Whether you’re on a podcast, webinar, stage, or sales call, you’ll show up with clarity, confidence, and a system that speaks for you even when you’re not in the room.
COST €2,500
Talk Creation Coaching
Killer Keynote Coaching
Keynote presentations are not always easy to get right and very easy to get wrong. I've coached and trained 100's of people in keynote creation and know all the most common mistakes you're likely to make.
Over several sessions we'll work together to create a new signature keynote that bookers and your audience will love. Your talk will have flow, your stories will be memorable and people are going to wonder why you're not charging more. You may end up wondering why you're not charging more.
COST €1,500
Turn Every Stage Into Your Growth Engine
From Stage to Scale™
From Stage to Scale™ is the breakthrough coaching program for professional speakers who are ready to turn memorable talks into a booked-out business. If you’re delivering great content but still not getting consistent bookings, referrals, or rebookings, it’s time to stop overloading with information and start speaking in a way that truly sticks. This program helps you master the art of performance, presence, and positioning — so every stage becomes a growth engine for your business.
Built around the powerful STICK Framework, you’ll learn how to simplify your message, unlock your authentic presence, craft unforgettable moments, and scale your impact beyond the stage. Whether you’re already getting booked or just starting to build momentum, From Stage to Scale™ gives you the tools, structure, and coaching to grow a profitable, referral-rich speaking business that lasts.
COST €6,000
"It was a game changer when I worked with John on my keynote speech. I have given keynotes for years and felt like it could be better, but I was struggling to put my finger on where or how to improve it.
With John's expertise I quickly saw where I needed to improve."
- Kerri Burchill, Speaker & Coach. San Antonio, TX.
"John is an excellent coach with both great coaching skills but also great insight into personal development and ways to become a better presenter."
- Markus Brattfeldt,
Keynote Speaker & CEO. Stockholm, Sweeden.
"Working with John was invaluable. From the start, he was approachable and easy to get to know, making it simple to dive into the work together. He always came prepared, quickly steering each session to the heart of what needed improvement. His strong point of view challenged me to refine my messaging, pushing for clarity and power in every phrase. What stood out most was his ability to balance the big picture with the smallest details, ensuring my talk was both cohesive and powerful. If you're looking to elevate your speaking, John is the person to work with."
- Antoinette Perez,
Workshop & Keynote Speaker. Kyle, TX.
