Session #1

AI-Driven Sales

Overview

The session kicked off a multi-week AI Dream Team Workshop focused on practical applications of AI for speakers, consultants, and business professionals, with an emphasis on increasing sales, creating revenue streams, and improving efficiency in the speaking business.

Faculty and participants introduced themselves, sharing backgrounds, goals, and what they hoped to gain or contribute, creating a diverse and collaborative learning environment.

Main Topics Covered

Workshop Introduction & Structure
All sessions are recorded and assets will be made available privately to participants; sharing outside the group is discouraged due to faculty IP considerations.

The series emphasizes hands-on learning, weekly interaction, curated tools, and evolving curriculum tailored to maximize business benefit for participants.

Plans include in-person sessions and ongoing support through AMA (“Ask Me Anything”) follow-ups.

Practical AI Demonstrations
Image Creation: Demonstrated using AI (ChatGPT/DALL-E) to create hyper-realistic, custom images for presentations and marketing, replacing expensive stock photography and making content more engaging and relevant for specific audiences.

Headshot Generation: Highlighted AI tools (e.g., Insta Headshots, HeyGen) that generate professional headshots and even scripted video content, reducing costs and time for personal branding.

Stacking AI Tools: Explained the concept of “stacking” — using multiple AI tools for a workflow (e.g., transcribing with Otter, summarizing/explaining with ChatGPT), increasing productivity and output quality.

Real-Time Translation: Featured Wordly as a cost-effective real-time translation tool for events, making international conferences accessible at a fraction of traditional costs.

Prompting and Customization
Emphasized the critical nature of prompt engineering: prompting is iterative and requires specificity for best results; vague prompts lead to poor outcomes (e.g., “Tell me about Queens”).

Provided resources for learning advanced prompting (recommended a free Section course on prompt engineering).

Encouraged participants to experiment, iterate, and use “meta-learning” (use AI to ask for feedback on how to use AI better).

Revenue and Product Strategy
Shared creative approaches to productizing knowledge with AI (e.g., loading books into a custom AI that clients can query, or bundling tools as a value-add or as new revenue streams).

Outlined opportunity for physical and digital product stacking, such as using custom USB drives preloaded with content as profitable gifts or upsells at events.

Discussed the importance of understanding and negotiating with planners—moving conversations beyond speaking fees to include budgets for handouts, giveaways, and premium content.

Mastermind & Case Studies
Participants shared real-world applications, including:

Customizing AI-generated images for presentation themes (cycling cowboys, “clerks rock”)

Using AI to rewrite learning modules and curriculum for targeted company audiences (ExxonMobil)

Employing AI for newsletter content, pre-call research, and custom proposals using client-specific language (e.g., Toyota).

Addressed concerns about content control when feeding proprietary information into AI tools, suggesting methods (like paywalls or limited outputs) to protect IP while adding value.

Reiterated the importance of continuous and collaborative learning as AI tools, capabilities, and best practices are changing rapidly.

Action Items
Encourage experimentation with AI tools for image, video, and content creation, and practice advanced prompt engineering.

Identify opportunities to stack or bundle digital and physical products for new and increased revenue streams.

Leverage the cohort (faculty and peers) as a “Dream Team” resource for continual support and idea generation.

Stay on pace to try tools discussed, like ChatGPT Pro, Comet, HeyGen, and more; prepare for future sessions by reviewing assets and participating in collaborative docs.

Session #2

Program Development, Prospecting and Sales

Overview
The presentation focused on using AI tools for program development, prospecting, and sales, specifically to help speakers and consultants get hired and paid engagements.

Emphasis was placed on practicality and actionable steps, rather than theoretical aspects of AI.

Main Topics Covered

Program Development
Advises compiling all content (books, programs, transcripts, marketing materials) into a single document for AI training, making it easier to customize outputs for various proposals and events.

Recommends mastering a few tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Perplexity, Pickaxe) deeply, rather than dabbling in many.

Demonstrated use of AI tools like Keynote Accelerator and custom GPTs for generating and tailoring program descriptions.

Prospecting
AI dramatically speeds up identifying relevant events and opportunities; previously finding a few per week, now can find hundreds in minutes.

Encourages targeted searching using specific cities and timeframes (e.g., “Orlando, February”) to surface higher quality leads.

Shared prompts and a downloadable “super prompt” for finding events and decision-makers with high alignment to one’s expertise.

Sales Techniques
Customization is essential: use AI to tailor outreach (emails, RFPs, voicemails) to each prospect and their unique challenges.

Stresses verifying leads and focusing on paid opportunities; avoid expending effort on unpaid gigs.

Outlined prompts for AI-assisted follow-up emails and outreach sequences to nurture prospects over time.

Tools and Practical Insights
Tools discussed include Perplexity Pro, ChatGPT, Pickaxe, Comet, Gamma, and AppSumo deals.

Participants shared their own experiences using AI for research, program creation, contract review, and rapid customization.

AI can be used for iteration and self-improvement, such as refining prompts via ChatGPT’s internal rating and rewriting features.

Strategic Advice
Early adopters of AI enjoy a temporary competitive advantage, but these practices will soon become standard in the industry.

The importance of lifelong learning to keep pace with new technologies was discussed.

Encourages focusing on revenue-generating activities, such as finding and customizing proposals for high-fit events.

Action Items
Build and maintain an “AI one sheet”—a comprehensive, up-to-date document summarizing expertise and offerings.

Use provided prompts and tools to automate and accelerate outreach, proposal customization, and follow-up.

Optimize workflow with a limited selection of well-mastered tools, avoiding distraction by new “shiny object” solutions.

Session #3

Overview

The session, led by Susan Frew, CSP, explored how speakers and consultants can leverage Custom GPTs and AI Agents to streamline their business.
The emphasis was on practical applications, live demos, and step-by-step workflows rather than technical theory.

Main Topics Covered

Custom GPTs

Defined as “repeatable interns” trained for specific tasks (e.g., proposal generator, budget planner, pipeline builder).
Demonstrated how to build a GPT from scratch: uploading files, configuring conversation starters, and setting up a knowledge base.
Showcased real examples like Thriftinista (value-checking clothing finds), Speaker CFO (forecasting and budgeting), and a Keynote Interactivity Generator.
Key insight: GPTs save time by automating how you already work—instead of replacing creativity, they amplify it.

AI Agents

Described as “employees without benefits”: independent digital workers that run on schedules, connect to APIs, and execute multi-step workflows.
Examples included a travel-booking agent that syncs with Google Calendar and airline preferences.
Highlighted differences vs GPTs: GPTs respond when asked; Agents act on their own.
Security considerations: careful with auto-purchasing or sensitive data.

Practical Demos & Member Engagement

Built a GPT for Frank to automatically locate engineering conference CFPs.
Walked through workflows: how to map out repetitive tasks before automation.
Roundtable members shared early wins: Gmail auto-drafters, proposal generators, client comms, and event research bots.
Group consensus: Q&A-driven demos were more valuable than slides.

Tools and Practical Insights

ChatHub.gg: Compare outputs from ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini side-by-side (warning: don’t type chathub.com in a keynote!).
Comet Browser: Used for summarizing videos, reviews, and even finding cheaper Amazon alternatives.
Pickaxe: Popular for quick custom GPT builds, especially for those not coding.
OpenAI Platform Docs: Resource for more advanced builds.

Strategic Advice

Map workflows before building tools: don’t automate inefficiency.
Early adopters gain short-term competitive advantage, but agents and GPTs will soon become baseline in the industry.
Think of AI as staffing leverage—replacing admin tasks, not your expertise.
Keep experimenting: the best tools emerge through iteration, not one-off builds.

Action Items

Identify 2–3 repetitive workflows (proposal drafting, follow-up, prospect research).
Build a simple custom GPT for each before moving into more complex agents.
Use shared worksheets (Workflow Kickstarter → Mapping → Playbook) to structure processes.
Test tools like Comet and ChatHub for side-by-side validation of outputs.
Compare Pickaxe and OpenAI builds to determine what’s best for your needs.

Session #4

Leverage AI Tools To Develop, Process and Present More Engaging Content

Overview

This dynamic session brings together two leading voices in technology, marketing, and professional speaking—Terry Brock and Gina Carr—to share actionable strategies for thriving in today’s rapidly changing marketplace. Known for their engaging style and deep expertise, Terry and Gina will demonstrate how to leverage cutting-edge tools, AI-driven solutions, and proven marketing approaches to grow influence, income, and impact.

Main Topics Covered

Harnessing AI for Business Growth: Practical examples of how entrepreneurs and speakers are integrating AI into daily workflows to save time, generate content, and uncover new opportunities.
From Data to Impact: How to research, analyze, and present insights with tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gamma for professional presentations and client deliverables.
Personal Branding & Influence: Strategies for positioning yourself as a trusted authority by customizing AI tools and producing content that reflects your unique style.
Monetization Opportunities: Identifying how AI and digital platforms can support revenue streams—whether through speaking, consulting, or digital products.
Resilience & Resourcefulness: Lessons from real-life experiences (like presenting during unexpected tech or power failures) that highlight the importance of adaptability in professional speaking.

Strategic Advice

Focus on Tools That Matter: Avoid “shiny object syndrome” by selecting 2–3 AI tools to master, such as ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gamma. Depth of use trumps breadth of experimentation.
Personalize & Differentiate: Always “you-ize” your content—ensure that any AI-generated material reflects your voice, stories, and brand.
Think Beyond the Stage: Use AI not only to craft presentations but also to build ebooks, create social content, and provide post-event resources that extend your reach.
Future-Proof Your Business: Position your expertise through “answer engine optimization” so AI systems (and clients) recommend you as the go-to expert.

Action Items

Pick & Implement: Select one new AI-powered tool to explore this week and apply it to an immediate project (presentation, client proposal, or marketing content).
Create Soundbites: Use AI to generate and refine short, powerful soundbites that can be used in speeches, videos, and promotional material.
Build a Digital Asset: Repurpose one presentation or research project into a downloadable resource (ebook, guide, or checklist) to share with audiences and prospects.
Audit Your Tech Stack: Review your current subscriptions and tools—cancel those not adding value, and reinvest in the ones that make you more productive.
Engage the Community: Share one takeaway or success story from applying these ideas with your peers in Cigar Peg or your professional network.

Session #5

Master AI to Boost Your Speaking Career

Overview

In this high-energy, interactive program, business growth strategist Ford Saeks shares how to leverage AI, marketing, and strategic positioning to accelerate influence, attract ideal clients, and generate revenue. With more than 30 years of entrepreneurial experience and a track record of helping companies—from small businesses to global brands—Ford reveals practical, no-nonsense strategies that participants can immediately apply. His focus: not gimmicks, but proven methods to create measurable business results.

Main Topics Covered

Reframing Your Role: Why you must position yourself as an expert and thought leader, not just a speaker, trainer, or consultant.
The 5 Core Buckets for Growth:
1. Value Proposition – shifting from features to benefits.
2. Revenue Model – building clear pathways for clients to invest.
3. Stagecraft – using AI to strengthen delivery and engagement.
4. Digital Footprint – optimizing visibility in search engines and AI models (AEO: Answer Engine Optimization).
5. Sales & Marketing Playbook – creating scalable systems for growth.
AI as a Profit Tool: How to use AI to save time, create compelling messaging, generate leads, and optimize your brand presence.
Answer Engine Optimization (AEO): Moving beyond SEO to make sure your expertise is surfaced by AI-powered platforms.

Strategic Advice

Outcome First, Tools Second: Avoid being distracted by the latest tech; focus only on AI and digital strategies that deliver measurable value.
Lead with Benefits: Always position your offers in terms of the results clients will achieve, not the features you provide.
Build a Lifestyle-Friendly Model: There’s no one-size-fits-all approach—design revenue streams (speaking, consulting, products, joint ventures, agencies) that fit your business and life.
Raise the Value Conversation: Anchor your pricing and positioning in the size of the client’s problem and the ROI you provide.

Action Items

Clarify Your Value Proposition: Rewrite your website or speaker materials to emphasize benefits and outcomes.
Map Your Revenue Model: List your offerings from free to premium and align them with client needs.
Audit Your Digital Footprint: Update your website, LinkedIn, and directory listings; ensure they reflect your expertise and are AEO-friendly.
Leverage AI for Efficiency: Use AI tools to repurpose content, create presentation outlines, and generate FAQs that boost visibility.
Refine Sales Conversations: Develop probing questions that uncover clients’ economic and emotional pain points before discussing fees.

Session #6

Master AI Tools to Boost Your Impact Today!

Overview

The presentation focused on how speakers and consultants can increase visibility and booking opportunities in the age of AI-powered search and content discovery.
Led by Susan Frew, the session covered how to use ChatGPT, Canvas, Google NotebookLM, and other AI tools to improve online presence, generate optimized content, and leverage AI-driven SEO.
The emphasis was on practical, repeatable workflows and hands-on demonstrations rather than technical deep dives.

Main Topics Covered

Understanding AI Agents and Custom GPTs

Clarified the difference between Custom GPTs (repeatable assistants that follow defined processes) and Agents (digital employees that act independently).
Explained how agents can automate tasks like travel booking, research, and client follow-ups using APIs, Zapier, or Gemini.
Introduced the concept of “human in the loop”—where the user supervises and guides an AI agent’s work to prevent errors or misuse.
Encouraged attendees to think of their business as an org chart with digital roles that can be filled by AI agents.

Optimizing for AI Search

Highlighted the shift from traditional SEO to AI-driven search—tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Bing AI increasingly surface conversational answers instead of static links.
Shared her strategy for improving visibility by embedding location-based and topical keywords (e.g., “AI keynote speaker Denver”) across websites and social profiles.
Demonstrated how completing a comprehensive FAQ sheet enhances online discoverability.
Showed how to distribute that content across platforms (LinkedIn, Facebook, X, YouTube) for consistent indexing by AI engines.

Personalization and Knowledge Hygiene

Demonstrated how to customize ChatGPT’s personalization settings to reflect one’s voice, tone, and professional details—improving content quality and alignment.
Emphasized “knowledge hygiene,” the process of cleaning and updating public information about you online so AI models surface accurate results.
Participants used a provided prompt to see what ChatGPT already “knows” about them, identifying knowledge gaps to fill with accurate data.

Using ChatGPT Canvas and Editing Tools

Introduced Canvas Mode in ChatGPT for interactive editing—allowing line-by-line modifications, in-context questions, and citations visibility.
Showed how to isolate sections of prompts, branch new threads, and edit outputs efficiently without restarting conversations.
Encouraged members to use Canvas for writing proposals, FAQs, and marketing materials with live refinements.

Content Creation and Humanization

Explained the importance of using “Humanizer” GPTs to make AI-generated text sound authentic and natural.
Demonstrated plagiarism and AI detection testing with Grammarly and rewrites to lower AI-detection scores.
Noted that ChatGPT 4.5 already produces more humanlike, “empathetic” writing with minimal detection flags.

Tools and Demos

HeyGen: Used for creating AI video avatars and custom introductions (e.g., “Baby Beyoncé” intro).
Sunno: Tool for creating walk-up or event-specific songs; stressed that paid versions confer ownership rights.
ChatHub: Allows comparing outputs from different LLMs (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini).
NotebookLM (Google): Used for creating mind maps, summaries, strategic plans, and client-specific research notebooks.
- Demonstrated creating detailed reports and bios from a website URL.
- Showed how to use NotebookLM for deep research before discovery calls to ask more strategic client questions.

Strategic Advice

Treat your online presence as an evolving AI dataset—what AI “knows” about you determines what meeting planners and clients see.
Build FAQs and entity-rich pages to control how you appear in AI-powered search.
Use consistent naming conventions, titles, and tags across all channels to reinforce your authority and expertise.
Early adopters of AI optimization enjoy a window of advantage before the practices become widespread.
Regularly review and update your content to maintain “knowledge hygiene.”

Action Items

Fill out and post your FAQ/Fact Sheet across your website and social channels.
Customize your ChatGPT “personalization” settings to match your brand voice.
Add AI search-optimized keywords (e.g., “AI keynote speaker [City]”) to all bios and social profiles.
Use Canvas mode for editing prompts and refining your personal narrative.
Test and humanize your content with a Humanizer GPT or Grammarly plagiarism check.
Explore Google NotebookLM for deep research and client insight development.
Record short video clips (using HeyGen or similar) to personalize introductions and stand out in proposals.

Resources

Week One Resources

2025 Cigar PEG AI Dream Team Auction Package Training Questions

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-ymCX5npkRAHTZbrpkUoS51x8qP4W2zVnDoKeAaa1No/edit?tab=t.0

The FREE section prompting course https://www.sectionschool.com/events/live-events/introduction-to-ai

Talkadot

https://www.talkadot.com/s/jimharris/share

https://www.perplexity.ai/comet

Week Two Resources

2025 Cigar PEG AI Dream Team Auction Package Training Questions

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-ymCX5npkRAHTZbrpkUoS51x8qP4W2zVnDoKeAaa1No/edit?tab=t.0

Positioning and Program Development Tools –

shortcircuitmedia.com/ai-speaker-tools/

Video insturctions on creating your AI one sheet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z0Hj4ReAKs

Speaker Prompt Sheet

shortcircuitmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/

2025/01/ai-for-speakers_1737327854.pdf

Combined Event Prompt

shortcircuitmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/?-Event-Finder-Super-Prompt.pdf

Custom AI ($500 goes to CigarPeg) https://shortcircuitmedia.com/transform-your-speaking-career-with-ai-precision/ 50% off coupon: cigarpeg25

Week Three Resources

AI Agents-OPEN AI TECHNICAL

https://cigarpeg.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/AI-Agents-OPEN-AI-TECHNICAL.pdf

Building-Agents-and-GPTs-What-Why-How

https://cigarpeg.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Building-Agents-and-GPTs-What-Why-How-1.pptx

System Prompt_ “Flight Finder for Susan Frew”

https://cigarpeg.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/System-Prompt_-Flight-Finder-for-Susan-Frew.docx

Week Six Resources

HeyGen – https://www.heygen.com
NotebookLM (Google) – https://notebooklm.google.com

ChatHub – https://www.chathub.gg
Sunno Music Tool – https://www.sunno.ai
Humanizer GPTs – Search within ChatGPT’s Explore section for “Humanize”
Google AI Studio – https://aistudio.google.com

Dream Team Auction Resources

AI-Driven Sales

Overview

Main Topics Covered

Resources