17 Sept 2026
Why Aren't You Getting Booked? What Speaker Bureaus Notice First with Nicole Anderson
What actually makes a speaker bookable? According to speakers bureau founder Nicole Anderson, having a powerful message is only part of the equation. Event organizers need to quickly understand who you are, the problem you solve, and why your content is right for their audience.
Nicole joins Kelly to share the booking process from the perspective of someone who works directly with speakers and organizations. She explains why relationships remain such an important part of landing speaking gigs, how your website, speaker one-sheet, bio, headshots, video, and LinkedIn presence can influence a decision before anyone ever speaks with you, and why even a great topic needs to evolve with what audiences and clients need now.
They also explore what newer speakers can do to build experience, how to think about speaker fees as your career develops, the role a book can play in credibility and negotiation, and what can happen after you step off the stage. For speakers trying to understand why some opportunities turn into bookings while others don't, Nicole offers a look at what the people hiring speakers are actually paying attention to.
The Gig-Getting Insights Inside:
The pieces of your speaker business making an impression long before you enter the room
A closer look at what turns a meaningful message into content someone can actually book
The positioning question that becomes increasingly important in a crowded speaking market
Where newer speakers can begin building the experience and proof they don't have yet
A speaker bureau perspective on fees and the factors that can influence what you're able to charge
The opportunity speakers may be overlooking once the applause ends
About the Guest:
Nicole Anderson is a dynamic President & CEO with over 25 years of experience in building meaningful connections and matching speakers with opportunities that amplify their impact. Known for her ability to foster relationships and create platforms for thought leaders, Nicole is a strategic visionary committed to empowering others and driving success. As the Founder and President of
NAL Speakers Bureau, she has built a platform that empowers thought leaders, particularly women and people of color, to make a lasting impact in their respective fields.
Hailing from Philadelphia, Nicole holds a BA in International Business and Finance from Temple University’s Fox School of Business and an MBA from LaSalle University. Beyond her professional work, she is a passionate advocate for women and children, serving in leadership roles on various non-profit boards in the Philadelphia area, including the Domestic Violence Center for Chester County. Nicole is a sought-after keynote speaker, sharing her insights on advocacy, entrepreneurship, the speaking industry, and women in leadership.
Known for her ability to amplify voices of change, Nicole ensures that every event is not only easier for clients but also more impactful, thanks to her deep understanding of event dynamics and participant engagement.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicoleanderson1/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicoleanderson1/)
https://www.instagram.com/nalspeakers (https://www.instagram.com/nalspeakers)
https://www.facebook.com/NALspeakers (https://www.facebook.com/NALspeakers)
Resources
Mistakes Speakers Make and How to Fix Them is a practical mini-course designed to help speakers of all levels identify and overcome the common pitfalls that can hinder their success. Drawing on insights from Kelly Woodhouse’s "Landing the Gig" podcast interviews and her extensive experience as a TEDx and keynote speaker, and bestselling author, this course provides actionable strategies to enhance your speaking impact, open doors to new opportunities, and boost your revenue.
This mini-course is Free for 14-days and after that it will be $199. If you consume it in the 14-day period, then you can keep it forever. https://app.hiro.fm/channel/mini (https://app.hiro.fm/channel/mini)
About Kelly:
Kelly Woodhouse is an award-winning international speaker, bestselling author, publisher, and coach. A burn survivor since the age of 2 on 75% of her body, she transformed a story of near death into one of resilience and triumph. From being called the “scar-faced girl” to gracing the TEDx stage twice, Kelly’s journey has inspired millions worldwide. Her documentary Still Beautiful aired on TV, and her Goalcast video surpassed 10 million views.
Global TV named her one of the Most Inspirational People of 2020. You must ask yourself HOW? How did the scar-faced girl find the strength in her scars? Goalcast Video on fb which has received over 10 million views: https://www.facebook.com/dailygoalcast/videos/566114747146421/ (https://www.facebook.com/dailygoalcast/videos/566114747146421/)
https://www.KellyWoodhouse.com (https://www.kellywoodhouse.com/)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyfalardeau/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyfalardeau/)
https://www.facebook.com/kelly.woodhouse.2025/ (https://www.facebook.com/kelly.woodhouse.2025/)
https://www.youtube.com/@KellyWoodhouse2 (https://www.youtube.com/@KellyWoodhouse2)
TEDx talk - U.G.L.Y. is Still Beautiful: https://youtu.be/KMBZvjetRqQ?si=V61xjiCxI5tNBL0F (https://youtu.be/KMBZvjetRqQ?si=V61xjiCxI5tNBL0F)
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Music Credit
Our sincere thanks to Raquel Soto for generously allowing us to use "Raise Your Voice (Ink And Impact Awards Theme Song)" as part of this podcast. We are grateful for the opportunity to feature this inspiring music and appreciate her support of the show.
