Email from Innovation Women

IW Webinars

Become A Member

Speaker Friend Fridays

Our Community

Innovation Women Newsletter #583

October 2, 2026

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up for Innovation Women here!

IN THE ROOM

Hi ala,


I spent much of this week at conferences and events without ever setting foot on stage, and that’s OK.


I came home with a lot of business cards, a lot of follow-ups to do—and not a single silly story to write for this newsletter.


Then it occurred to me: that's the story.


We spend an enormous amount of time figuring out how to be visible. Speaking. Newsletters. Websites. Podcasts. But sometimes you just have to be in the room.


Magic happens when you sit down next to someone and they aren’t busy on their phone. It happens when someone introduces you to their friend. When you sit down for lunch with a group of strangers.


You don't need to attend every conference...just the right ones. You don't need every speaking opportunity either. Again, just the right ones.


Bobbie and the Innovation Women Team


P.S. Take the time to check out some of the events (and other opportunities) we share in this newsletter. And, I'll see you there.

EVENT MANAGER OR EXPERT?

Do you need speakers or subject matter experts at your event or conference? Are you looking for podcast guests? Are you a journalist looking for an expert source? Check out InnovationWomen.com. You can sign up for a free account and search the database by topic, industry, location, title and more.

Are you an expert looking to expand your visibility, thought leadership or expert status? Are you looking to drive book sales or podcast downloads? Are you looking for a supportive community? Are you looking for information and education on speaking? Check out Innovation Women memberships.

SPEAKER FRIEND FRIDAYS

Join us every Friday at 8:45 am ET for Speaker Friends Friday on Zoom. We have discussions with speakers, authors, event managers, business owners, podcasters and other professionals.


You can also join us for West Coast Speaker Friends at noon ET/9:00 am PT on the first and third Friday each month. 


All are welcome.

SPEAKER FRIENDS LIVE, PORTLAND, ME

Do you need a demo video of yourself speaking on a real live stage? Join us on October 22, 2026 for one of two sessions in Portland, Maine. We're taking over a professional production studio and partnering with the professionals to get video done for our speakers at a tiny fraction of the cost of most programs. No running up credit card debt, mortgaging the house or raiding your retirement fund. Learn more and sign up today. Our other Speaker Friend Live events have sold out quickly.

FIND MORE SPEAKING LEADS


What is My Speaker Leads? My Speaker Leads saves professional speakers time and effort by providing a weekly list of leads most likely to convert to paid public speaking opportunities. Sign up today for 200-400 speaking leads every month. 

UPCOMING INNOVATION WOMEN WEBINARS

Take the "Crazy" Out of "Busy": Time Management for Today’s Professionals

Featuring Lisa Griffith

Wednesday, October 7 12:00 - 1:00 pm


If your default answer to “How are you?” is “crazy busy,” you’re not alone. Many professionals are juggling endless to-do lists, packed calendars, and the constant pressure to be “on”, and wondering why everyone else seems to be getting more done with the same 24 hours. This dynamic workshop is designed to help you break free from overwhelm and take back control of your time. You’ll learn how to cut through the noise, identify what truly matters, and create a system that supports your work and your well-being. You’ll walk away with practical strategies you can put into action immediately—so you can reclaim your schedule, accomplish what matters most, and finally make space for the parts of life you enjoy.

Speaking That Builds Businesses: October 2026

Featuring Bobbie Carlton

October 13, 2026 at 1 p.m. ET


Speaking isn't just about sharing your ideas or expertise. It's one of the most effective ways to build credibility, attract clients, open doors to partnerships, and become the person people think of when they need a product or service. 


The most successful speakers go beyond giving a great presentation. They have a strategy that starts long before they step on stage and continues long after the applause dies down. 


In this webinar, you'll learn how to use every speaking engagement as a business development opportunity without sounding salesy, smarmy or turning your presentation into a pitch. Most speaker training focuses on giving a better presentation. This webinar is about getting better business results from the presentations you're already giving. 

LIONESS MAGAZINE FEATURES

 

Lioness for the Female Entrepreneur is our digital magazine for women who are starting (or thinking about starting) companies. Get the latest news, tools and resources to launch and scale startups. This week you can read great articles like: