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How Keynoting for Keynote Speakers Almost Killed Me

“You think you’re a ‘Speaker’?  You think you’re a ‘Keynoter’?  I’m sorry to break it to you, but you have no content, no message, and no one considers you a Speaker from what I just heard you do up there.  You are an ‘Entertainer’, you are ‘After Dinner Entertainment’, that’s it!  Don’t try and be anything else, because you have nothing we want to hear but your entertainment, singing, and funny stuff. Now, if you want to become a Speaker someday, if you really want to invest in yourself and become a true Keynoter, well then here’s my card, I am a Speaker Coach, call me when you’re ready to make this happen.”  This was the comment on the furthest, most hurtful side of the spectrum, in the hallway surrounded by my speaking peers following my Saturday Evening Keynote Presentation at the NSA National Speakers Association Influence Conference in Phoenix, AZ, July 23, 2016. The speaker coach’s business card sits here on my desk, right next to the CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame statue I received 2 days later. I can only imagine what this speaker coach thought watching me accept that award on Monday night, since it was a big secret, and as

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Business

Why You Want Recommendations Before You Buy

Before you head out to grab a bite to eat at a new place you probably, like me, Google reviews, ask your trusted network on Facebook to see if it’s worth it, and whatever you read is generally what you’ll do.  Good Review: Let’s Go!  Bad Review: Send the In-Laws. Having an Event Planner say a few nice things backstage about your Speech, Show, or Emcee work is really fulfilling.  Sadly, that’s usually where it ends, as asking them to say it in the camera can turn awkward and brutal as they struggle to recreate the magic of what they just eloquently said.  But having them actually write it down, send it to you, and then verify it on the eSpeakers Marketplace, now that’s what I’m talking about! Last week I had the privilege of doing what I do best: Opening Keynote Speaker in the morning and Evening Entertainment to close the event.  The group was ecstatic.  Said it was the best convention in 35 years. Not because of me, but because it was in Clearwater, FL.  But maybe I had a little to do with it turning out good. I have been told by event planners that it is confusing

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A Day in the Life: A Non-Gig Day

Movie Premiere for “Saturday’s Warrior” Last night at a movie premiere of a classic remake my friends have been working on for years, I was approached by multiple people in the foyer with a look of surprise on their face to see me.  In essence they all said how they were surprised to even see me in public, as I’ve seemingly disappeared to the public in their opinion, yet they were so inspired and grateful for my blogs and social media posts. This was surprising as I know a few people who like what I write but didn’t realize the effect it has on a person’s every day life.  For example one person said, “I go to your Facebook page at night before bed, in case I haven’t seen what you’ve said for the day, as it is kind of like my surrogate family, it brings me comfort to see you with your family, or on stage, or just living your dreams.  Thank you for being there for me without even knowing you are.” Woah.  I didn’t know that was happening. And where plenty of people still come up and say I’m funny, ask for a picture with my silly faces,

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America’s Got Talent: My Audition

In 2007 my office received the first of many calls from America’s Got Talent to request I come perform on their show as a contestant. My fellow corporate performer acquaintance, Terry Fator, singing impressionist and master ventriloquist, had just won, receiving a multi-million dollar Las Vegas headlining contract, ultimately replacing the legendary Danny Gans at The Mirage a year later. I was in the midst of doing corporate events in place of Terry that he could no longer fulfill due to his change in life, finances, and schedule. Always rough replacing such a great act, but by the time I acknowledged the fact they were disappointed I was there and Terry wasn’t, I sat on the floor of the stage, took my shoe off, put my sock on my hand, and sang Kermit’s “Rainbow Connection” as good as Terry, the miffed corporate buyers were laughing so hard at my impression of Terry I had them in my hand by the 2nd minute and was requested back the next year. The work and pay was great, and I guess AGT considered me next in line of the entertainers they wanted to feature. Along with my management and advisors at the time,

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3 Speaker Tips: How to Follow on Stage Marie Osmond & Olivia Newton-John

Still wondering how this pic happened. Childrens Miracle Network, both Marie Osmond and Olivia Newton-John asked for a photo with me, yelling, “You’re amazing! Who are you?” How bizarre is that? What a great gig and awesome charity. Recently I had the horrific job of following on stage two legends of music, Marie Osmond & Olivia Newton-John, who were busy singing a duet to a media heavy audience. Backstage I could see everyone looking at me as if to say, “And what do you think you’re going to do to follow this?”  It was almost a dare from the AV team and other performers waiting to see how I could go on stage after two of the most accomplished, acclaimed, and beloved performers of all-time. Having been a performer and speaker for over 15 years this kind of thing is where I thrive.  I don’t want to sound cocky, however I have ultimate confidence in my ability to follow anything, and it makes me better to have to follow the best.  So I welcomed the challenge, and in all honesty, had no idea what I should do.  But that doesn’t mean I’m not completely unprepared – as a Speaker I have 25

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3 Speaker Tips: How to Follow on Stage Marie Osmond & Olivia Newton-John

Still wondering how this pic happened. Childrens Miracle Network, both Marie Osmond and Olivia Newton-John asked for a photo with me, yelling, “You’re amazing! Who are you?” How bizarre is that? What a great gig and awesome charity. Recently I had the horrific job of following on stage two legends of music, Marie Osmond & Olivia Newton-John, who were busy singing a duet to a media heavy audience. Backstage I could see everyone looking at me as if to say, “And what do you think you’re going to do to follow this?”  It was almost a dare from the AV team and other performers waiting to see how I could go on stage after two of the most accomplished, acclaimed, and beloved performers of all-time. Having been a performer and speaker for over 15 years this kind of thing is where I thrive.  I don’t want to sound cocky, however I have ultimate confidence in my ability to follow anything, and it makes me better to have to follow the best.  So I welcomed the challenge, and in all honesty, had no idea what I should do.  But that doesn’t mean I’m not completely unprepared – as a Speaker I have 25

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The First of Many Trainings to Come!

It is hard to describe how amazing this past weekend was with the people pictured here. Friday & Saturday, January 22 & 23, 2016 was my first official JHE Training on How to Make a Career From The Stage and it went far better than I imagined it would, according to the feedback of the incredible attendees who said it was as good as anything they’ve ever been a part of in the training world for building your business as a Speaker and/or Entertainer.  Just listen to what attendees had to say about it HERE. I can’t wait for the next one, which we are actually doing on May 27-28, 2016, and already have attendees signed up. I hope you’ll join us, as it will be transformational, educational, will allow you to cut years off the acceleration of your business success as you’ll learn my systems for running your business, CRM, marketing & follow up, message and show creation, Celebrity Creation, Mimic Masters & Mentors, Quadrant jumping, the 7-Layer DIP of Message, The Cycle of Success in Showbiz, and learn from the many mistakes I’ve made, no holds barred, as I share so many of my secrets that you will never hear another successful speaker

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Commitment To Joy: Ernie Johnson

If you know anyone with cancer and what they go through, you can understand why someone would GIVE up a great honor in order to honor another. In Keith Olbermann’s words, “A unicorn appeared at the Emmy’s the other night in the form of Ernie Johnson.”  No way to say it better, because what just happened actually never happens in real life. Earlier this year, ESPN legend, Stuart Scott, passed away at 49 years young to cancer, and was memorialized  on the Emmy broadcast early in the night.  Scott was an Emmy nominated host that night following his passing, along with Olbermann, Ernie Johnson, and others, so it was something of a letdown to the audience once Johnson received the winning vote for his 3rd Emmy. However, Ernie Johnson is as good as a person gets.  Having suffered through cancer himself he was quick to recognize the importance of dedicating – NO – giving the award to Stuart Scott’s daughters to place on their home’s mantle “because it really belongs to your Dad” Johnson resolutely stated. I have to say this was about as cool of a thing as anyone can do. Question is: Would you do the same for someone?  Would

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