Ever felt like guest speaking could be a great strategy to build your brand—if only it didn’t make you want to run for the hills?
You’re not alone. I hear it all the time from online business owners, especially coaches and course creators who KNOW they need to build their authority but can’t shake the fear of putting themselves out there.
Maybe you’re thinking:
What if I get rejected?
What if I don’t sound “expert” enough?
What if I freeze up and forget what to say?
Contrary to what you might think, every business owner who has ever stepped up to a mic—whether for a podcast, a keynote, or a virtual training—has had these same thoughts. Including me.
From Shaking Hands to National Stages
Let me take you back to 2005-2007. At the time, it was my job to introduce speakers at our events, and I was terrified. If you handed me a microphone, my hands would shake so badly I had to grip it like my life depended on it. My voice? Quivering. My brain? Absolutely convinced I was going to forget everything and humiliate myself.
In 2007, I went through a 4-day workshop from The Pacific Institute and learned how my mind worked at the subconscious level (powerful stuff). Armed with new insights, I started working as a trainer leading workshops.
That same year, I heard a guy named Darren LaCroix speak—he was a keynote speaker, and I knew I needed help. So I sent him a video of me in action. His exact words? “You suck.” So I hired him.
The Turning Point: 2008
In 2008, I had just started my business with a desire to do keynotes in addition to training. I wanted to take my skills to a new level, and I knew speaking was the path to making that happen.
Fast forward to today, and I’ve spoken at TEDx, delivered keynote speeches, and trained companies all across the U.S. Since bringing my business online in 2020, I’ve taken everything I’ve learned about leveraging other people’s audiences and applied it to podcast guesting—and let me tell you, this strategy is GOLD for building authority and getting more leads.
So let’s break down these fears one by one and talk about why guest speaking is your secret weapon for growing your business.
Fear #1: What If They Say No?
Here’s a little reality check: most guest spots aren’t secured on the first pitch. Podcast hosts get flooded with requests, and unless you’re Oprah, they probably won’t jump at your first email.
But that’s not a reason to give up. Strategic follow-ups (not spammy ones) significantly increase your chances of getting booked. It’s all about making it EASY for them to say yes.
Ask yourself:
- Have I positioned myself as a great fit for their audience?
- Am I making their job easier by providing clear talking points and credibility?
- Have I followed up without being pushy?
Rejections aren’t the end of the road—they’re just a redirection to the right opportunities (ask me how I know).
Fear #2: What If I’m Not “Expert” Enough?
I need you to hear this loud and clear: you don’t need a TED Talk résumé to get booked on podcasts.
What you DO need are real insights that help people.
Podcast hosts aren’t looking for the next world-renowned scholar. They’re looking for engaging, relatable experts who can share valuable stories and strategies. And guess what? That’s YOU.
Think about the clients you’ve helped, the questions people constantly ask you, and the unique perspective you bring to your niche. That’s your authority. That’s your expertise.
Ask yourself:
- What are 3 things I know that my ideal audience desperately needs to hear?
- What questions do people always ask me?
- What results have I helped people achieve?
Answer those, and you’ll never feel like you’re “not expert enough” again.
Misconception Alert! Too many people think they need to speak on an “expert” topic to be a podcast guest. Not true! I’ve been invited on numerous podcasts simply to share my personal story because it fit with their theme. Your unique journey, struggles, and lessons learned are just as valuable as any how-to strategy. People connect with stories, not just information.
Example: My interview with Leslie Gaudet. Listen on…
Spotify or Apple
Fear #3: What If I Freeze Up?
Ahh, the classic “I’ll blank out and forget everything” fear.
Here’s the thing: confidence comes from practice & mindset shifts. You don’t magically wake up fearless—you build the muscle by doing the thing, again and again.
And unlike a live stage, podcast guesting is a pretty forgiving way to build that muscle. Most interviews are pre-recorded (hello, edits!), and hosts want to make you sound good. You’re not alone in this.
But preparation is key. When you refine your signature topic and know exactly what stories, frameworks, and examples you’ll share, you won’t freeze—you’ll flow.
I know because I’ve been there. When I first started, I worked with a professional speaking coach. And you know what he told me? I sucked. Yep, his exact words. And that’s why I hired him—because I wanted to get better. And I did. But did I stumble along the way? Absolutely.
I even had a major tech glitch during my TEDx talk—the previous speaker’s video started playing. You could only hear the audio. Instead of panicking, I turned it into a giant laugh from the audience. (I’ll link my TEDx talk here so you can see for yourself!)
Ask yourself:
- What’s ONE key message I want people to remember after my episode?
- What personal stories illustrate this message?
- What 3-5 questions can I suggest to the host to steer the conversation in my zone of genius?
With the right preparation, your confidence will skyrocket—and so will your impact.
Why Podcast Guesting Is More Important Than Ever
Your business can’t grow if people don’t know you exist.
And with social media becoming more unpredictable by the day, relying on algorithms to get in front of your audience is a risky game. But podcast guesting? That’s organic reach on steroids.
🔹 It builds authority. Being interviewed positions you as the go-to expert in your niche.
🔹 It grows your email list. Every podcast is an opportunity to invite listeners to grab a freebie (aka, join your list!).
🔹 It creates endless content. One podcast = repurposed blog, social posts, and email content.
This is exactly how I went from being a well-kept secret to a recognized expert. And it’s how you can, too.
Ready to Get Booked & Build Your Authority?
If you’re serious about growing your coaching business without relying on social media, podcast guesting is a must-have in your strategy. But knowing where to start can feel overwhelming.
Inside The Visibility Builders Society, we take the guesswork out of the process. You’ll learn how to:
✅ Refine your signature topic so it highlights your expertise
✅ Create a Unique Spin Kit that gets you booked faster
✅ Find the perfect-fit podcasts where your audience is already listening
✅ Build your authority, grow your email list, and attract more clients—without spending hours on social media.
If you’re done waiting for “someday” and ready to start leveraging other people’s audiences to grow your business, The Visibility Builders Society is where you need to be.
