The Bankable Speaker Newsletter Issue #22: It's a numbers game

Cold outreach and warm outreach follow completely different rules. In this issue is the formula for both — and why who you already know may be your fastest path to your next check.

A WORD FROM DR. SHANA

I want to talk to you about where you actually are — not where the highlight reels say you should be.

Most new speakers don't have a list of 1,000 contacts sitting in a spreadsheet. You're not running paid ad campaigns or buying massive lead lists. You have maybe 100 people you can reach out to this month — and that is completely okay. That's exactly where most speaking businesses start.

But here's what I need you to understand: 100 cold contacts a month is going to give you somewhere between zero and one booking. That's the math — not a judgment, just the reality. And if you stay frustrated wondering why the phone isn't ringing, but you're only sending 10 emails a week and calling it outreach — we need to have a different conversation.

The good news? You don't have to start cold. You already have a first degree of separation — people who know you, trust you, and would take your call. Warm outreach follows a completely different formula. And it's where most new speakers should be spending the majority of their time.

Commit to one thing different for the next 30 days. Work your warm network with intention. Do your cold outreach consistently. And watch what the numbers do in 90.

TWO FORMULAS. TWO VERY DIFFERENT RESULTS.
Same 100 contacts. Completely different conversion rates depending on the relationship.

COLD OUTREACH — They don't know you yet
100 contacts
→ 10% respond = 10 replies
→ 10–25% of replies book a call = 1–3 calls
→ 10–30% of calls close = 0–1 bookings per month

WARM OUTREACH (1st Degree of Separation) — They already know and trust you
100 contacts
→ 40–60% respond = 40–60 replies
→ 30–50% of replies book a call = 12–30 calls
→ 30–50% of calls close = 4–15 bookings per month

Same 100 contacts. Cold gives you 0–1 bookings. Warm gives you 4–15. This is why your warm network is not a fallback — it's your fastest path to fee. Work it first, work it hard, and work it with intention.

THE FORMULAS SIDE BY SIDE

Use these to calculate your own numbers before you start any outreach this month.

                                     COLD          WARM (1st degree)
Response rate                  10%              40–60%
Reply → call conversion   10–25%       30–50%
Call → booking close      10–30%        30–50%
Bookings from 100 contacts  0–1         4–15
Contacts needed for 1 booking  ~100     ~7–25

WHO COUNTS AS YOUR WARM NETWORK?
You have more first-degree connections than you think.

FORMER COLLEAGUES AND SUPERVISORS
They've seen you work. They know your caliber. They will take your call. And they likely plan events, sit on committees, or know someone who does.

CHURCH, SORORITY/FRATERNITY, AND COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Your faith community, your sorority/fraternity chapter sisters, your civic circles — these are people who already believe in you. They are decision-makers with event budgets.

LINKEDIN CONNECTIONS YOU'VE NEVER ACTIVATED
You're connected, but have you ever actually asked them anything? A personal message to a first-degree connection is warm outreach — not cold. Use it.

CONFERENCE ATTENDEES AND FELLOW SPEAKERS
Everyone you've met on a stage, in a breakout room, or at a networking dinner. They've seen you in action. That's pre-sold credibility.

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YOUR 30-DAY OUTREACH BLUEPRINT
One thing different. Done consistently. Watch the 90-day result.

Warm outreach per week:       10 personal messages
Cold outreach per week:       15 targeted emails
Total monthly contacts:       ~100
Expected replies (mixed):     15–25
Expected calls (mixed):       4–8
Expected bookings (mixed):    1–3 per month

That's not a bad month. That's a speaking business. The math works when you work the math.

Speaking Opportunities (5 This Week)

1. Uncomplicated Leadership Conference

Date: Sept 24-25, 2026

Loctation: Houston, TX

Audience: 

This conference is designed for leaders at all levels — whether you're a seasoned executive, a rising manager, or an entrepreneur looking to sharpen your leadership skills. If you're committed to making a real impact in your organization, this event is for you.

Looking for:

The most powerful sessions are those where expertise takes center stage, leaving self-promotion at the door so that your ideas can truly breathe. To ensure our community walks away with more than just inspiration, we look for submissions that pair your passion with clear, actionable takeaways.

Apply By: No date given

Apply Here

More info

2. TEDxArlingtonHeights - Chicago Area

Location: Chicago, IL

Date: Oct 24, 2026

Theme: Curiosity Playground

Requirements: 

• Must be available for dress rehearsal in person on 10/23/26 and the conference on 10/24/26. Only speakers with availability for BOTH days will be considered.

• Be able to work closely with curation team (4 months) to develop your talk to be ready for the stage.

• Be responsive and submit all requested talk information, files, outlines, and presentations on time.

• Preferably, attend the speaker/partner event. (TBD)

Apply by: May 15

Apply here

More info

3. & 4. 2026 High Desert Nonprofit Conference and 2026 Nonprofit Impact Conference 

Location: Redman, Oregan

Dates: Sept 15 & Oct 25-26, 2026

Audience: Non profit leaders

Looking for: Sessions on basics of nonprofit management, including key areas like fundraising, finance, board governance, and leadership.  (compensation listed as $800-$1500)

Apply by: No date given so ASAP

Apply here

More info

5. Association of Mental Health & Wellness Speakes Bureau 

Looking for:

MHAW offers speakers on various subjects including a range of topics concerning mental illness, caring for an aging parent, communication skills, workplace wellness, and bullying, among others for schools, businesses, community groups and organizations. MHAW offers speakers in an effort to bring about a better understanding of mental illness, the problems faced by those living with mental illness, and the difficulties and concerns confronted by family and friends.

Apply by: No deadline

Asks for Speaker Fee

Apply Here

MAKE SURE YOU MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THE NEXT BOOTCAMP

3-Day Bootcamp: From Free to Fee
DATES: May 27–29, 2026

It's the 3 Day Bootcamp to turn you into a Paid Speaker. You'll leave with a 30-day action plan that's built for where you actually are right now.

REPLY TO THIS EMAIL WITH THE WORD BOOTCAMP AND LINK WILL BE SENT TO YOU TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT!

Dr. Shana 

The Bankable Speaker Coach

One thing different. Thirty days. Watch what happens in ninety. Let's GO!