You’ve got the message, the passion, and the expertise—now, how do you get booked?

When Lisa Ryan first launched her speaking business, she didn’t have a big budget, an extensive network, or a flood of referrals. But she had a phone, a positive attitude, and a willingness to do the work. By tapping into her sales background, she discovered that Smiling and Dialing—picking up the phone, making meaningful connections, and building relationships—was the foundation that led to a thriving speaking career.

With inboxes overflowing and social media packed with endless content, breaking through the noise can be a challenge. A well-placed phone call, however, offers a direct and personal way to connect. Smiling and Dialing isn’t about making random cold calls—it’s a strategic, thoughtful approach to outreach that opens real opportunities.

In this engaging, no-fluff session, you’ll discover:

• Why direct outreach still works—and how to make it work for you.
• How to research and target the right decision-makers—meeting planners, HR pros, association executives, and event organizers who actually book speakers.
• A simple, non-salesy call structure that builds rapport, demonstrates your value, and opens doors.
• Proven follow-up techniques that keep you top of mind without feeling pushy.
• Mindset strategies to overcome fear, rejection, and hesitation—so you actually want to pick up the phone.

You’ll leave with a clear plan to take action, real-world examples of speakers who have booked more gigs through Smiling and Dialing, and the motivation to start making calls that can change your business.

If you’re serious about getting booked and building a sustainable speaking business, this session is for you. Get ready to pick up the phone, smile, and start creating opportunities—one conversation at a time.

Lisa Ryan, CSP, a Cleveland native, spent 13 years in industrial sales, including 7 years in the welding industry, before launching her professional speaking career in 1997. Drawing from her own experiences as both a top-performing employee who walked away and one who was laid off unexpectedly, she delivers powerful keynotes on employee appreciation and retention. A Certified Speaking Professional™ (CSP®), Lisa has presented at over 1,000 national and international conferences for clients like Honeywell, Ferguson, and Associated Equipment Distributors. She is a past president of NSA Ohio and holds an MBA from Cleveland State University.

Disability Access/Accommodations:

If you have a disability that requires a reasonable accommodation to fully participate in an NSA-CO chapter event, Please email your request to Susan Frew at: [email protected] a minimum of five (5) business days in advance of the event for arrangements to be made.

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