As a consultant in the speaking industry for over 20 years, I’ve refrained from commenting on offers from others promising to help create a million-dollar speaking practice. However, after coming across numerous such offers during the holidays, I am compelled to share my opinion. (Some of these offers come from people I’ve worked with.) Some may see my post as self-serving. This is a risk I’m not afraid to take.
- Due Diligence is Crucial: Thorough due diligence is essential before investing in any program. Research the program provider extensively, including their track record, reputation, and credibility within your industry. Look beyond promotional materials and seek unbiased reviews or opinions from individuals who participated in the program.
- Talk to Program Alumni: Reaching out to individuals who have completed the program is an excellent way to gain insights into their experiences. Ask about the specific benefits they derived, whether the program met their expectations, and if it delivered on its promises. Have others in the program had success with a program just like yours?
- Assess the Program’s Leader: Consider the qualifications and experience of the person or team behind the program. Do they have a successful background in the speaking and consulting industry? A credible track record can indicate the potential value of the program.
- Content Focus: Determine whether the program primarily focuses on developing your speaking skills, sales and marketing strategies, or both. Ensure that the program aligns with your specific goals and needs. A single program that can do all of these things is suspect.
- Leveraging Intellectual Property: Assess whether the program offers guidance on leveraging your intellectual property beyond speaking engagements. This can be crucial for diversifying income streams and expanding your business opportunities while creating an actual speaking practice.
- Group vs. Personal Attention: Evaluate your learning style and needs. Some individuals thrive in group settings, while others require more personalized attention. Ensure that the program format matches your learning preferences and needs.
- Lead Generation: If the program promises lead generation, inquire about the strategy for distributing leads. An overload of requests to decision-makers can be overwhelming and counterproductive. Clarify how leads will be managed to avoid such issues.
A critical and deliberate approach is vital to investing in programs to advance your speaking career. It’s essential to weigh the potential benefits against the costs and to verify the program’s effectiveness through research and firsthand accounts. This way, you can make a well-informed decision that aligns with your professional aspirations and goals.
Finally, can you become a million-dollar speaker? Maybe. It’ll take a hell of a lot of hard work. There is no magic pill.
Copyright 2024, Lois Creamer. Lois Creamer works with professional speakers who want to book more business, make more money, and fully monetize their message. She can be reached in the following ways: Lois@BookMoreBusiness.com
314-374-4007
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