How To Grow Your Coaching Business By Speaking On Stages With Julie Menden
As a coach, you already transform lives one-on-one. But what if you could multiply your impact—and income—by reaching dozens or hundreds at once? Speaking on stages (both physical and virtual) offers this exact opportunity.
In this episode, speaking expert Julie Menden shared how coaches can leverage stages to:
✅ 3X their visibility in crowded markets
✅ Shorten the trust-building process with ideal clients
✅ Create multiple income streams beyond 1:1 coaching
Here’s your complete roadmap to making speaking work for your coaching business.
Crafting Your Signature Talk (Without Starting from Scratch)
Many coaches freeze at “But what would I even talk about?” The solution is simpler than you think:
Your existing coaching framework is your golden ticket.
Julie’s proven approach:
- Identify your core methodology – What’s your unique step-by-step process?
- Extract the most transformational piece – What creates the biggest “aha” moments for clients?
- Wrap it in stories – Share 1-2 client success stories that illustrate the transformation
“Your best talk already exists—it’s the work you do every day with clients. Just package it for a group setting.” – Julie Menden
Pro Tip: Record a coaching session (with permission) and transcribe it. You’ll find your natural “talk” already exists in how you explain concepts to clients.
Where to Find Speaking Opportunities (No, You Don’t Need a TEDx Stage)
The myth that stops most coaches: “I need to start with big conferences.” Reality? Your best opportunities are closer than you think.
The Speaker’s Hierarchy of Opportunities
| Level | Opportunity Type | Example | Why It Rocks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Your Own Backyard | Local networking groups, Chamber of Commerce | Low pressure, high connection |
| 2 | Your Network’s Events | Friends’ summits, past clients’ organizations | Warm audience, easy “yes” |
| 3 | Virtual Stages | Podcast interviews, webinar collaborations | No travel, global reach |
| 4 | Paid Gigs | Corporate trainings, conference breakouts | Direct income + exposure |
Action Step: This week, list 3 people in your network who host events and reach out with: “I’m putting together a new talk on [topic] that helps [audience] achieve [result]. Would this be a fit for your group?”
The Free vs. Paid Speaking Dilemma (Solved)
New speakers often ask: “Should I ever speak for free?” The strategic answer:
Do free when it gives you:
- Video footage for your speaker reel
- Testimonials from event organizers
- Access to your ideal client audience
Transition to paid when:
- You have 3+ solid video samples
- Event organizers approach YOU
- You can demonstrate ROI (e.g., “My last talk generated 20 new leads”)
Julie’s insider tip: “Even when speaking ‘free,’ always negotiate for attendee emails or a featured promo spot.”
Selling From Stage Without the Ick Factor
The #1 fear? Coming across as salesy. Here’s how top coaches do it seamlessly:
The 3-Step Stage-to-Client Pathway:
- Teach value first – Give your best content upfront
- Reveal the gap – “What we covered today is just the first step to…”
- Offer next steps – “For those ready to go deeper, I have [free resource/workshop/program]”
Genius Hack: Use a “P.S.” slide after your bio with your offer—it feels organic but converts.
Your 30-Day Speaking Launch Plan
Week 1:
- Identify your core talk topic
- Record a 10-minute practice version on Zoom
Week 2:
- Pitch 3 local/networking opportunities
- Apply for 2 podcast interviews
Week 3:
- Create a simple lead magnet for post-talk opt-ins
- Film a speaker promo video (even if just on your phone)
Week 4:
- Do your first talk (virtual or in-person)
- Collect testimonials immediately after
Next Steps for Ambitious Coaches
Want Julie’s exact blueprint? Grab her free Roadmap to Paid Speaking Gigs.
For my powerful coaching questions that make every talk more engaging, get the 10 Must-Ask Coaching Questions Guide.
