SO YOU WANT TO BE A MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER?

Things to consider before throwing your hat into the ring! First of all, realize that there are thousands of people out there doing exactly what you want to do. If you are to be at all competitive in this business, you must bring your personal slant, image and or style to what you do. Spend some time on the internet and if that doesn't discourage you, move ahead. Don't quit your day job and make sure you have the flexibility you need to work at both. Word of mouth continues to be the best advertising when it comes to being hired as a motivational speaker. It takes time to become known at any level. Be prepared to present free of charge for a time. Networking close to home in any venue you can will assist in getting the word out. Be prepared to spend money on getting a web site designed and placed on the world wide web. One can spend thousands and thousands of dollars, but if you are willing and able to do some of the work in this web building and search placement business you can save substantial amounts, but still be prepared to spend a good amount of money. Marketing yourself is no easy task. Be ready to hire someone who has the skill to get you going in this new adventure; it is not inexpensive. Stationery, business cards and a good computer are staples needed.

Keep in mind that keynote speakers oftentimes are challenged with audiences who have been up late partying, are very distracted and are totally unfocused. Getting your room of listeners to pay attention and stay awake can sometimes be the most challenging. Be prepared to spend a great deal of time researching and doing homework. Know who is hiring you, be clear about their expectation and study the people to whom you will be speaking. This business is not for the faint of heart. Motivational speakers are sometimes looked upon cynically. You might be the star of your family and the applause is heartfelt in Aunt Millie's living room but there is a huge difference presenting in a ballroom with an audience of 700 conference revelers. The ability to laugh at yourself is helpful.

There are all grades and levels of motivational speakers. Aim to be the very best. Be prepared to work hard to become not just a motivational speaker but rather an expert motivational speaker. You can't settle for "average" or "just okay" . You need to work toward "spectacular" and "worthwhile". Expert motivational speakers make it all look so easy and fun. Be ready to be critiqued and humbled in this business. Be ready to produce evaluation forms and to take the feedback seriously. Listen to what people say about your work. And then make the modifications necessary to improve delivery and or content.

Creating individualized presentations for hiring organizations takes a great deal of writing. Draft after draft after draft. Be prepared and ready to have an occupied mind. A great deal of time and energy must go into the development of a worthwhile keynote presentation and even more for a seminar. What you used for the amalgamated meat cutters union you cannot use on the software developers conference. Individualized attention to the focus group takes creativity. Many sleepless nights of thinking can be expected.

If you are looking at becoming a motivational speaker because of the money you might make, think again. Be prepared to negotiate for your services. Business is challenged to do more with less and hiring motivational speakers oftentimes has a low cost account. Expect pay in other forms than greenbacks. Rounds of golf, restaurant certificates and free resort stays are but a few of the tokens used in negotiations. Keep an open mind, win/win works for everyone.

The world is getting smaller all the time. Be prepared to travel long distances to carry your message. Flying cross country was once a big deal; now, trips to Tokyo and Nepal are just a very long day's journey. Hiring organizations often have set travel fees to offer a motivational speaker; you may well spend more in travel than you get in return.

If you are still excited about your new challenge, proceed ahead and see you on the world wide web!

Jackie Pelletier built a successful career as a teacher, coach, recreation director, principal and interim superintendent. As a respected expert in the field of education, thousands of students and adults were inspired and challenged by her. She was honored as the State of Maine Physical Education Teacher of the Year, named to the Governors Council and recognized Statewide for her contributions in adaptive education and in the area of women's sports. Jackie is currently the Wine Training Coordinator at the most visited winery in the country at Biltmore Estate as well as an expert motivational speaker.