Know Your Numbers – Why Every Speaker Must Track Their Metrics - SUP201

 In this episode of the SpeakersU Podcast, James Taylor and Maria Franzoni dive deep into one of the most important – yet often overlooked – aspects of running a successful speaking business: knowing your numbers. Whether it’s tracking inquiries, bookings, conversion rates, bureau performance, or your cash flow, the numbers tell the real story of your business.

James shares how he hit his annual keynote target months early, why raising fees can be as important as raising bookings, and how he uses a simple paperclip system to track outreach. Maria draws on her decades of experience as a speaker bureau owner and management consultant to explain why speakers must think like business owners, track KPIs, and understand patterns in their market.

If you want to grow a profitable speaking business without burning out, this conversation is packed with practical strategies, tough truths, and a few laughs along the way.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• “If you’re converting 75% of your discovery calls, your fee is probably too low.” – James Taylor
  
  
• “Success isn’t just about the stages you dream of – it’s about the numbers that make that dream sustainable.” – Maria Franzoni
  
  
• “Cash flow is king. Don’t wait for your accountant – stay on top of money in and money out every week.” – Maria Franzoni
  
  
• “It can be lonely as a speaker. But if you know your numbers, you know your business is on track even when the phone is quiet.” – James Taylor