MCP099: Cracking the Code To Getting Booked for Over 400 Speaking Gigs w/ Brian Hilliard
- E100
- 35:35
- October 8th 2025
This week on the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast, I hung out with Brian Hilliard—an author, speaker, and, honestly, one of the most down-to-earth experts on helping speakers get booked that I’ve met.
Brian’s done over 400 speaking gigs since launching his business in 2001. He’s figured out how to help other speakers get on stages without giving away big commissions or wasting hours prospecting every day. Instead, he built a process that uses a smart mix of AI, virtual assistants, and his own experience, so his clients can spend less time chasing and more time speaking.
Brian and I got into what really makes conference speaking different from the typical “Speak to Sell” circuit. In his case, it’s much more about mindset, building long-term relationships, and always putting value first.
Highlights from this episode:
- Find Your Why: Brian says having a clear purpose matters. Are you speaking to sell or to serve? Get honest before you pitch yourself.
- It’s a Two-Way Street: Think about what the event gets from you, not just what’s in it for you.
- Mindset Is Everything: Success at conferences is tied to your attitude. If you want more gigs, focus on helping and connecting, not just showing off expertise.
- Be Ready for Anything: From schedule mix-ups to last-minute changes, staying flexible pays off for any speaker.
- Conference Gigs = Higher Stakes: This isn’t just a local lunch-and-learn. Audiences expect more. Go in prepared and treat it like a bigger stage.
Brian’s approach is all about real connection and being a “cool person” both on and off stage. If you want to see how someone blends business, generosity, and professionalism, Brian’s a great model.
E sure to connect with Brian here:
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#MeetCoolPeople
We have this amazing technology that keeps us closer than we've ever been yet we're less connected than ever and have become slaves to our technology.
The same technology that was meant to be a tool to help us make life easier and be closer.
The #MeetCoolPeople Movement is to change that.
It's a reminder to put the phone down and pay attention to the people you're with right now.
It's a reminder that social media is there to connect and add value to the people of the world. Use it to Promote what you love, not bash what you don't.
It's a reminder to use that technology to reach out to someone that you can help and be there for them. Find out what they need right now and use your vast network to help make their day better.
It’s a reminder to thank someone for helping you out.
It’s a reminder to introduce someone you meet to someone you know can help them.
And it's a reminder that we can grow to amazing successes but not alone. It requires the help of others.
So surround yourself with people that make you better and make it your mission to #MeetCoolPeople!
Thank you again for helping spread the word and have an amazing day!