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In Part 1, we explored the Speaker Lifestyle Paradox—the incredible highs and brutal lows that come with the job. Now, let’s talk about how to sustain success, extend those highs, and keep the lows from pulling you under.

We already know that the speaking business is a world of extremes. 

One day, you’re soaking up applause from a packed auditorium; the next, you’re eating a sad airport sandwich at Gate C32, questioning your life choices.

So how do you extend the highs… while minimizing the lows?

Simple: Sustainability.

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Success in speaking isn’t about raw talent. It’s about sustainability. The best speakers don’t just book gigs—they build systems, relationships, and habits that keep their career fun and fulfilling year after year.

Today, I’d like to share some strategies my speaker friends have graciously shared with me. These will help maximize the highs and mitigate the lows, creating a more fulfilling career.

Jay Baer summed it up pretty well when he said the hardest part of speaking is the loneliness. That’s why speakers seek out other speakers. Speaker buddies are such an important part of the business. If you don’t have one, here is your gentle push to go find one.

And if you need help finding a speaker buddy, let us know.  Rachael and I have some ideas we’re cooking up…

Okay, let’s dig into this.

1. How To Extend the Highs

One of the biggest lows in the speaking business is the constant flip-flopping from extreme high to rock-bottom low.  It’s great when you’re winning business, but you need a reliable booking pipeline that can consistently feed you gigs.

That way, you’re never left… um… low and dry… when the faucet suddenly shuts off.

To build this pipeline, you should focus on referrals, stageside leads, speaking buddies, and your referral rings.  Build and maintain your network.  Follow up on lost gigs from last year to turn them into opportunities for this year.  You’ve gotta implement  your own systems for generating consistent leads.

Marcus said it best...

"Speakers must evolve with the times. Although some subjects may be very evergreen, most are not. This is one of the reasons so many speakers come and go– they can't seem to sustain thought leadership. Like a singer with a one-hit-wonder."

I don’t wait for gigs to come. I work hard to take all my past leads and turn them into opportunities for today. That’s my strategy for keeping the pipeline strong. When it works, the highs keep coming.

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