Do you know what the best of the best do differently? There are universal principles, and our guest today will tell you what they are on this episode of The Speaker Lab. Alan Stein, Jr.'s career began as a performance coach working with youth and high school programs. The two schools he started with are part of Nike's elite programs. That work led to gigs with Nike and USA Basketball, which then opened more doors to the best coaches and players of the NBA. It was at that elite level that Alan learned what the best of the best do differently. He took that knowledge and began sharing it as a speaker, first in the basketball industry and then in the corporate world where he is today. On this episode of The Speaker Lab, we talk about how he made a name for himself in the basketball world and then transitioned into speaking for the corporate industry. He shares the process he uses to find and book gigs, and why much of his success has come from work nobody sees. He finishes with a great story about being part of a workout with Kobe Bryant, and the lessons Alan learned just by watching him. Whether or not you're a basketball fan there is plenty for you to uncover when you join us on episode 160 of The Speaker Lab! THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW:    What is the key to being successful as a speaker, according to Alan? What are the two sides of any speech? Who are the coaches he has worked with, and why does he believe in coaching? What is purposeful practice and why do you need it? How do you know if your content works and what should you do if it doesn't? How to combine serving others with self-promotion. The advice from Louis CK he follows, and why you should too. How many years does it take to "make it" in the speaking circuit? And so much more!   EPISODE RESOURCES Alan Stein's website Alan Stein on Twitter Alan Stein on Facebook Speaking Fee Calculator Booked and Paid to Speak Ready for more speakers? Join our free speaker workshop The Speaker Lab Facebook group Got questions? Send them in here Email me! Subscribe on iTunes, and leave us a rating or review