" Thank you for giving me exactly what I needed...
I have realised I have been hiding for so long (mainly due to circumstances as you know) but I know it is now time to get out of my shell...
Thank you for helping me gently do that and creating an environment where I could have a go and find my feet again..."
Notes from me:
If I am navigating a tough stage of life, or my confidence has taken a dip, I know that my visibility is one of the first things to go. I want to normalise that we don’t feel great and ‘on’ all of the time; however our business can often feel that it is demands that of us. So within Speak up, we build solid foundations that once created can always provide a repeatable, soft landing.
One may apply or all three...
1) Support with your Clarity and Messaging
You have a lot to say (and want to say it to a lot of people), but you are not quite sure HOW to say.
You are looking for cohesion, elevation and plan and for it NOT to be complicated.
You want your visibility to be doable, consistent and impactful.
2) You are highly qualified, experienced and yet public speaking may have been something you have avoided.
Maybe you are an introvert?
Maybe haven't found 'your way' yet or maybe you just hate it(!) but know you want to be friends with it.
You know you are missing out on opportunities and capping your own potential of you, your work and your impact.
3) You are ready to supercharge your speaking… you want to be the 'go to expert' in lots of places and spaces.
But you need support; how do you land these opportunities? How much to do charge? How do you pitch? etc etc
“Guess what...
I got an enquiry straight afterwards asking me to work for free...
well for a shout out on Instagram which does not pay my bills...
I remembered our conversation and immediately left them a voice note saying my rate begins at x
and I don’t work for free..”
Notes from me…
This testimonial always makes me smile.
Often once you set a new boundary.
You will get a test… are you really going to begin charging for this?
Did you mean it? How about we do the old way just this one? In Speak UP, we find ease in money discussions. Laying out your value, contribution and transformation.
I am committed to helping you every step of the way....
To be the 'go to version' person... 'You were the first person I thought of'. 'You were at the top of my list when I was putting my shortlist together'
To be an easy yes...to not get stuck in endless email trails or DMs that never go anyway. I want to help you receive 'straight offers' and long lasting industry relationships full of trust and integrity.
A safe bet at 5:50pm. The daily time where so many decisions are made. Email confirmations are sent. Last minute phone calls - 'Are you by any chance available tomorrow morning to step in for this last minute opportunity I have'. Final selections are made and people are chosen.
" The other shout out from me before I hit the sack is to the amazing @nickyraby who sent me the most inspiring little message before the pitch tonight and left me with a mega (her fave word) spring in my step. Thank you so much."
(This was just before Hannah pitched and won the British heat of 'I'm so gal' and will be heading to the finals in Silicon Valley in 2020)
Notes from me:
Sometimes… you know it is go time. That opportunity lands and you need to be ready. My word is not just empty pep talks… it is about building a success toolkit; so you can confidently and courageously rise to any occasion.
I trained as an actor in 2000 at a world renowned drama school and here are some of the key principles I discovered as a personal brand:
You have to go first. You have to claim it. You have to want it. You have to proactively move towards it and be about it.
You never know when the call is going to come so get ready now… don't do it the other way round and just wait. I even wrote a book about this exact principle. (Be Ready for your Lucky Break).
There are opportunities that you can wish for and write on your 'dream wishlist' and then there will be some opportunities that will come up that will absolutely knock your socks... My speaking skills have cultivated so many opportunities.... TV, film, theatre, commercials, filming days with The Spice Girls, sold out midnight shows, keynotes, in person workshops, fireside chats, being a host, an interviewer, international online presentations (my record is 58 countries joining), a top 100 iTunes podcaster, near to a million views and I feel I am only just getting started.
" I finally got to film my studio pitch last Thursday, after two 10 hour days waiting in the studio.
(Usual TV scheduling challenges).
The good news is that I feel that I absolutely nailed the presentation.
Everything went as well as could be expected.
It was a really tough audience of pensioners (mostly), but I still managed to be successful
with them, and also with one of the retail buyers.
All in all it should create significant publicity for my wallets (I'm hoping)."
Notes from me:
Speaking UP is not just about communicating cleanly; it is about being able to adapt to other people’s expectations and constraints… i.e their time frame, their camera angle, their audience and their brand ethos. Speak UP is not a programme to simply metablolise intelligently… I want you to be able to execute it in the moment, in the spotlight…
Being clear on who you are so you can confidently share your personal brand.
I have guided so many industries through this process; many of whom have many fantastic cross overs and career pivots. Just a few: Founders, Creatives, Popstars, Journalists, Leaders, Stylists, Speakers, CEOs, Digital experts, Healers, Teachers, Medical professionals. RuIe Makers (Lawyers) and Rule Breakers (Monetising non traditional careers; curating a portfolio career on their terms) Innovators, Technology Trailblazers, Dreamers, Foodies, Raconteurs, Game changers, Artists, Designers, Storytellers, Strategists, Wellbeing experts.
Building a visibility rhythm that allows you to be able to share regularly without burn out. Not being visible is no longer an option. We can’t just hope someone will google us. Fortunately there isn’t just one way to grow your speaking options online. Let's find your way...
I really believe, if you build it, they will come. I have never done paid ads, but I have consistently grown my content portfolio. This has encouraged a consistent flow of opportunities; most of which are straight offers, so no longwinded email trails. I want you to be the go to person in your industry; so let's build...
The confidence and courage to diversify. There are so many place and spaces that need your message. So let's get creative and be innovative - where and who would really benefit from your transformations?
Self belief and certainty. To be able to say yes. To charge well. To step up and in and deliver excellence. To take up space. To finally be that version of you that you know is ready to emerge.
" Nicky put together a fantastic talk for Stylist Live.
She provided the perfect balance of inspiration, liberation and tangible tips for our audience to make lasting change in their lives.
It was a joy to work with her and the feedback from Nicky’s session was incredible."
Notes from Nicky:
This talk was an incredible step in my career. Speaking on one of the main stages at Kensington Olympia in front of 100s of people. I got the talk professionally filmed and it has been a great showcase for me which has opened many other doors.
What are you working towards? Can you be more specific about what your version of success is?
I am going to help you:
Create excellent foundations. Set up your online stall. Design and deliver content to build a captivated audience and build a know, like and trust relationship.
Gather and design everything you need to start getting paid for speaking quickly. Your portfolio. Your templates. Your keynotes. Your speakers page. Your proposals. Pillars. I want to help you get everything over the line. The temptation may be to watch the videos... so at the end of every module I introduce homework so tasks get done.
Building your audience... not just on socials. Landing your work in the right email boxes. Becoming known. Your work speaking for itself. Once in conversations; clean, clear negotiations. Where you can deliver excellence and meet expectations whilst charging well from an energised state.
The impact you've dreamt about. Your work changing lives. Continuing the conversation; being rebooked and requested. Successful interactions/ Selling from the stage. Creating a ripple effect of transformation.
I first ‘met’ Nicky when she kindly sent me a voice note in response to a question I’d asked in an online group. The message was helpful & friendly so I took a look at her webpage. Since then, I’ve found out more about Nicky and joined her Speak-Up programme. As a result, I consolidated my speaking achievements to strengthen my profile, outlined my needs and developed my confidence to start pitching again. I am now halfway through a value-packed business goals course which is helping me identify how to move forward. Thoroughly recommended!
Notes from me:
Consolidation is one of my favourite words. Often people who join Speak UP have so many components ready to go; I can simply help you join them all together.
Don't wait for the opportunity; create it.
You have to go first and do the work.
Positioning and packaging who you are and how you help is absolute key to landing opportunities.
Our work together is specific. Everyone says 'I just want to inspire people' or 'I just want to help people' but it is vague and wooly.
Curating your offerings with integrity makes you an 'easier yes'. You don't people to just say 'Oh that sounds interesting' ; you want them to hire you; because they understand and value your contribution and solutions.
Working on these foundations once will serve you again and again. So many of your skills will be transferrable and flexible and you may just knock your own socks off!
I love the potentiality of the internet.
Your unstoppable, holistic, full bodied online presence... on your terms. No templates. Not feeling like you have to be someone else or a weird, giddy version of yourself. You being you so you show up brilliantly for your ideal client/customer/audience.
Here we begin to build your strong foundations; your about page, your speakers page, your portfolio, and where and how you show up online.
I will help you identify your target market and create with them in mind.I know it’s only module two but here we get things up and running fast; you can tweak as you go, plus your next paid opportunity may just be waiting for this version of you.
"Nicky was the first person I spoke to about launching Brave Bird. I’d listened to her podcast and followed her for about a year before reaching out. I’d had a few years out of work and my confidence was pretty low so I needed some professional advice about becoming much more visible. This was something outside of my comfort zone, but the faith what I had to offer convinced me it was time.
She grasped the intention right away and offered me great advice on personal branding, and helped me to formulate a structure in which to operate professionally and authentically. I would highly recommend her services."
As we move through the course; you will see that you will be actively putting your knowledge into action.
I want you to be ready for the opportunities that come your way; to have portfolio of options ready.
Here we begin to design the first iterations of your talks, workshops, contributions, collaborations.
We will focus on your ideal clients and how you excel and together combine them to create a wonderful partnership.
You know I am a big believer in being able to say 'yes' however I like to be able to say yes with confidence and commitment. That means preparing first.
Your 'try before you buy' strategy.
Firstly this is great for you to begin to experiment. Looking at your content and output in a more strategic manner will give you data. What do you like talking about? What connects with your audience? What is your audience craving?
Secondly people who are seeking out talent are on the internet looking at content. They can experience you in action. They can see you now and hire you!
You have the opportunity to promote your business without wandering around your local high street with a giant sandwich board:) Thank you internet! So many of my clients don't want to be 'online' at all times (I feel the same) but they want to grow a business using online tools. Module four will help you to create an incredible content strategy that suits your personality and your business goals. Plus by consistently creating you will have an online portfolio ready and available to be viewed by clients and speaking opportunities.
"I am so happy I met you and I am so happy I did this for ME...
I’ve always known that I have wanted to do this but the last few years have been so tough, I was beginning to doubt myself.
The way that you hold space for people is incredible. In your company, I feel that this is all possible. I also have plan (thank you). So not only does it feel good, it makes sense on paper.
I’m now actually excited about what is next..."
As we move through Speak UP you will notice there will be more of an emphasis of 'delivering'. As an avid learner over the last decade (well all my life really!) there is a lot of focus on the 'head stuff' - however speaking is about the doing. I want you to be able to go live, to sell your service, to be booked etc and not design fantastic services that just sit on your website.
So much of my work over the years has come from 'Let's have a chat' and there is secret to it.
It has to feel good to you and you have to be ready... You have to believe in what you are doing and showing clearly why you should be the one chosen.
Plus I will help you to create your portfolio pitching document that you can send out to potential bookers.
I have been a paid speaker for over 20 years and have built up a wealth of questions, lessons, dos and don'ts over that time. Ultimately you want to deliver great value and not be worried about the admin. However the admin still needs to be considered; so will dive into it all.
We are going to be talking about contracts, logistics, common mistakes, pricing, rights to your work, layered offers (i.e. there may be many pieces to the deliverables).
I want you to be empowered to ask for what you need, experience reciprocity and for all parties' expectations to met and exceeded.
Nicky Raby helped me SPEAK UP.
I did her Speak Up' course last year and was a game changer in sharing myself, business and feeling proud to have a voice.
You as the expert. Essentially your media training for podcasts, interviews, press, tv, radio.
You don't want to be the one who never gets to the point or tells a boring story or never gets to the point...
Opportunities can be so easily wasted if you don't prepare.
Often again, once you do one, you will open the door for many opportunities and that kind of exposure offers so much possibility for your business.
Speak UP wasn't designed just for you to absorb. This is about you becoming the speaker.
This is a very practical module where we bring everything together so you can truly step into becoming a paid speaker.
We will look at confidence, Imposter Syndrome, leadership, delivering on demand, limiting beliefs.
This is about you doing things your way. I can't wait to support you.
"Morning. I am heading to that meet up thing and really looking forward to it, I wanted to say a huge thank you for last night - I've done quite a bit of 'work' and seen a few coaches and therapists, and rarely have I got so much out of a single session.
You rock. I was so stuck and nothing-y and now I'm super excited to spend a day working on ME and my stuff..."
Nicky is an incredible coach!She's warm, fun, relatable and she really cares. On top of all that, her insights and questions are razor sharp.
She saw straight to the heart of what I was talking about.
She is refreshingly down to earth and super skilled in supporting you take aligned action.
She is the absolute biz!
Thank you, Nicky! What an amazing day. I don't think I can name a more positive work-based experience ever.
You are brilliant; if I could inspire my clients with just a touch of the inspiration I took from today I would be very chuffed with myself.
The world is full of possibilities again, and they actually feel doable.
Nicky’s coaching style was great. She was no different to how she is in her Instagram lives and made me feel comfortable and it felt like I already knew her. It was wonderful to be aaround someone who is so inspiring yet humble at the same time.
She was able to genuinely see where some of my frustrations were around my business. This session really helped me rebuild my confidence and ability to see the potential in my current business courses. I was able to discuss some of my fears around visibility and playing it safe. One of my key takeaways was being able to see how my ideal client has changed. It was great to explore what my definition of my success was and how this would fit into my life. It was motivating to be able more about passive income and what consistent income could mean for my business. I really felt inspired after this session and feel the energy and warmth she brings to her coaching made all the difference.
I just finished your course and after every module,
I feel so much more put together.
If you're a business owner/a human being, wholly recommend seeing what Nicky Raby can do for you.
I worked with Nicky when I was feeling unsure about my direction after having kids. I was through the baby and toddler days and beginning to consider my options. Nicky saw a passion in me for advocating for, and supporting, people who has been adopted - like me. Nicky helped me to take myself seriously in terms of what I had to offer. So instead of launching with a free Wordpress site to little fanfare, I invested in myself and my new brand: How To Be Adopted.
I paid for a domain name, a shiny Squarespace site and an eye-catching and professional logo. To this day I still get compliments on the logo! I launched myself at an adoption event in London where I networked and made important contacts. I have now had 34k visitors to my site, been interviewed for international podcasts and been paid to speak at events.
Thank you Nicky for not letting me sell myself short!
I thought you were absolutely outstanding on Saturday. Thank you so much for being part of it.
Georgie Holt Flight Story
Nicky is awesome! What I really loved about our 1:1 session was how she made me see how incredibly important it was to SPEAK authentically to my audience, while also making sure that my messaging created impact.
She really helped me get clarity on how to do this and pushed me to analyse my messaging in-depth for maximum effect. Furthermore, I love her enthusiasm for what I do. I could tell that she was truly invested in me and she really cared about my success!
Thank you Nicky for everything!
Website
Quoting one of Nicky’s mottos ‘every meeting matters’, this is certainly one meeting, I shall never forget.
I have found my own Fairy God Mother.
Thank you Nicky!
Knowing you are there, Nicky, holding me accountable to what I said I would do is everything. I am actually moving forward on the things that I wrote in my notebook... not just leaving them there.... plus it is a bonus you are not my husband.
‘Amazing amazing call with Nicky Raby,
I am loving working with her.
Highly recommended.
She is just such a wonderful person - supportive and encouraging and caring.
If you haven’t found her, followed her or discovered her yet- do!