Smiling and Dialing: Building a Speaking Business One Connection at a Time
Presented by Lisa Ryan, CSP
August 16, 2025 | 9:00am - 12:00pm PST
In-person with Livestream Option
(Optional 12:00pm-1:00pm In-Person Lunch or Virtual Implementation Mastery)
Agenda:
- Past President Denise Gabel will share her story she told on stage at Influence for the first time.
- Past President Brian Walter will share behind the scenes of how he won NSA's Highest Award, the Cavett Award. Get a photo with the "Heisman" of speaking!
- President John Chen, CSP will recap the year and share the TWO awards NSA Northwest won at Influence
- Awards Given to Top Members
- Last Year's board celebrated
- This Year's board celebrated
About the Event:
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. It’s also one of 20 different ways that you’ll learn to get in front of potential clients.
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 and connections 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.
View Lisa's Keynote Speaker Preview Video
Note
After registering with your email, you’ll receive the videoconference link directly in your inbox. A recording of the presentation will also be sent to participants who provide their email during registration.
Our VIP Virtual Implementation session—held five minutes after the presentation—will not be recorded, in order to honor participants’ comfort, privacy, and confidentiality.