S2 Ep 04: How Community and NSA Membership Elevate Your Professional Speaking Career

What if the secret to landing more speaking gigs isn’t just perfecting your keynote—but joining the right community?In this power-packed episode of Path to the Main Stage, host Li Hayes sits down with rockstar keynote speaker, bestselling author, and past president of NSA NYC, Robyn Hatcher, to reveal the unexpected power of community over competition in the speaking world. Together, they pull back the curtain on the National Speakers Association (NSA)—what it is, how it works, and why it could be the missing link in your growth as a speaker.You’ll learn how Robyn made the leap from TV and acting to founder of a successful speaking business, why NSA’s culture of radical generosity is so game-changing, and exactly what emerging speakers should be focusing on if they want to book bigger (and better-paying) stages—hint: it’s not just about having a killer speech!Tune in for eye-opening insights on:How the NSA and its chapters operate—plus, the “bigger pie” philosophy that flips competition on its headThe hard business realities behind professional speaking, including models that go far beyond keynotesThe generous “referral economy” inside NSA—and how it’s led to $100k+ paydays for membersThe real value of credentials like Certified Speaking Professional (CSP)—and what it REALLY takes to earn themHow pitfalls like undercharging, bad investments, and poor networking can derail your progress…and what you should do insteadActionable tactics on using CRM tools, espeakers, and the NSA’s resources to fast-track your successWhether you’re brand new to speaking or looking to level up, this episode is packed with honest wisdom, practical strategies, and plenty of laughs—as well as a few hard truths about what it takes to stand out (and get booked) in the crowded world of professional speaking.Timestamped Overview:00:00 – Li Hayes opens with the journey of a professional speaker and introduces Robyn Hatcher02:04 – Robyn’s unconventional path from actress to speaking coach to speaker06:21 – What is the National Speakers Association? Its “bigger pie” mindset and structure10:03 – The business models behind speaking: keynotes, workshops, coaching, more14:13 – How NSA members actively refer one another and create opportunities17:41 – The realities of getting booked: persistence, planting seeds, and the power of follow-up20:15 – Skill-building at NSA: Speaker University, Toastmasters Clubs, and expert masterclasses23:57 – NSA’s national conferences: Influence and Thrive, networking goldmines26:55 – Espeakers platform, using CRMs, and the importance of tracking every lead32:56 – The Certified Speaking Professional (CSP): what it is, and why it matters38:43 – Robyn’s top advice to her beginner self—and how to avoid costly mistakes41:10 – Investing wisely in your career and avoiding scams43:25 – How to join NSA, find your chapter, and get connected44:47 – Li wraps up with a call to community and next steps for listenersReady to unlock the next level of your speaking career? Dive in now—this episode just might change your path forever.