The Portfolio Speaking Career – How to Build Multiple Revenue Streams as a Speaker- SUP202

In this episode of the SpeakersU Podcast, James Taylor and Maria Franzoni unpack the power of building a portfolio speaking career. Too many speakers rely solely on keynotes, but the most resilient and profitable speaking businesses diversify their income streams. From workshops and retainers to books, advisory roles, online courses, and even AI-powered products, a portfolio approach helps you weather the feast-or-famine cycle of the industry.

James shares how he applies Ray Dalio’s “All Weather Portfolio” strategy to his speaking business, while Maria explains how to identify client problems and design solutions that add value beyond the keynote. Together, they highlight real-world examples of speakers generating millions through recurring services, and why thinking like an “expert with a product suite” is more powerful than being “just a speaker.”

Whether you’re an established speaker or just starting out, this episode will give you practical ideas to expand your offering, increase client loyalty, and future-proof your career.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• “Speaking is something you do, but it’s not who you are.” – Maria Franzoni
  
  
• “Don’t fall in love with your product—fall in love with your customer’s problems.” – James Taylor
  
  
• “Cash speeches are great, but continuity products build resilience.” – James Taylor
  
  
• “Adding services isn’t being salesy—it’s serving your clients better.” – Maria Franzoni