As a speaker, look at the demographics of your audience ahead of time.Today’s featured bestselling author is a 25 year veteran of the speaking industry, marketer for small businesses, and entrepreneur, Bret Ridgway. Bret and I had a fun chat about his books, some of the biggest "oops" moments that he’s seen from speakers, and more!!!Key Things You’ll Learn:How Bret got started in the speaking industryWhat speakers should do before speaking at an eventWhat to avoid as a speaker when doing back of the room salesWhat to keep in mind when having an online merchant accountWhat setback Bret had that led him to more success Bret’s Site: https://bretridgway.com/Bret’s Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B004WEH2Z6/allbooks?ingress=0&visitId=672875f5-406f-460e-b891-bce455f817c0&store_ref=ap_rdr&ref_=ap_rdr  The opening track is titled “Check It Out” by Mountaineer from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mountaineer/check-it-outLicense code: AR6DFPGVXQ9Q1SSY Please support today's podcast to keep this content coming! CashApp: $DomBrightmonDonate on PayPal: @DBrightmonBuy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dombrightmonGet Going North T-Shirts, Stickers, and More: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/dom-brightmon  You May Also Like… 216 – “The Write Way” with Amy Collins (@askamycollins): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/216-the-write-way-with-amy-collins-askamycollins/ Ep. 327 – “The Go-Giver Way of Elite Performance” with Bob Burg (@BobBurg): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-327-the-go-giver-way-of-elite-performance-with-bob-burg-bobburg/  Ep. 433 – “Ticking Clock: Behind the Scenes at 60 Minutes” with Ira Rosen: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-433-ticking-clock-behind-the-scenes-at-60-minutes-with-ira-rosen/ Ep. 583 – “How to Be the Face of Your Business” with Tonya Eberhart (@brandfacestar): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-583-how-to-be-the-face-of-your-business-with-tonya-eberhart-brandfacestar/ Ep. 540 – “How to Work a Room” with Susan RoAne (@susanroane): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-540-how-to-work-a-room-with-susan-roane-susanroane/ Ep. 348 – “Bring Inner Greatness Out” with Dr. Mansur Hasib, CISSP, PMP, CPHIMS (@mhasib): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-348-bring-inner-greatness-out-with-dr-mansur-hasib-cissp-pmp-cphims-mhasib/ 98 - "It Takes 10 Years to Be an Overnight Success" with Pamela Hilliard Owens (@YB2C_System): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/98-it-takes-10-years-to-be-an-overnight-success-with-pamela-hilliard-owens-yb2c_system/ #HolidayBonus Ep. – “Wisdom Of The Men” with Clint Arthur (@clintarthur): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/holidaybonus-ep-wisdom-of-the-men-with-clint-arthur-clintarthur/ Ep. 362 – “Constant Comedy” with Art Bell (@ArtBellwriter): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-362-constant-comedy-with-art-bell-artbellwriter/ Ep. 438 – “Acoustic Leadership” with Rick Lozano, CSP (@rick_lozano): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-438-acoustic-leadership-with-rick-lozano-csp-rick_lozano/ Ep. 391 – “Why You Need Publicity and Social Proof to Close More Business” with Jane Tabachnick (@JaneTabachnick): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-391-why-you-need-publicity/ Ep. 510 - "Lights, Camera, Action" With Amy Scruggs (@amyscruggssd): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-510-lights-camera-action-with-amy-scruggs-amyscruggssd/ Ep. 400 – “How to Become a Multimillionaire, but Not Act Like It” with Tom Antion (@TomAntion): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-400-how-to-become-a/ Ep. 426 – “Success Left a Clue” with Robert Raymond Riopel (@RobRox69): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-426-success-left-a-clue-with-robert-raymond-riopel-robrox69/ Ep. 610 – “Are You Open To…” with Merit Kahn, CSP (@MeritKahn): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-610-are-you-open-to-with-merit-kahn-csp-meritkahn/