Well, think before you leap and quit your job to become a motivational speaker. And I do mean think.

Although I didn’t have kids when I started, I still had to pay my bills and eat. I couldn’t quit my job cold turkey not knowing when and where the next paycheck would come from. You can call me coward or chicken if you want. But you are not going to call me stupid.

I never forgot this lady with a beaming smile on her face. She came to announce to me that she quit her job to pursue her speaking. I mean… She was so excited. She felt like it was the best decision (more…)

I often resist talking about money when it comes to speaking. I just don’t want to send the wrong signal. You see, if money is the only motivation that brings us to speaking, we are doomed to fail.

There’s no doubt that there is a lot of money to be made. I’m making a of of money as a motivational speaker. But my primary motive is to make an impact. (more…)

Authenticity Is King!

Our audiences have little tentacles all around their heads picking up our imitations and insincerities. They may not say it to us, but they can feel it.

Be yourself. That’s one of the secrets to a lasting career as a motivational keynote speaker.

Who you are is the most powerful element you can bring (more…)

As A Motivational Speaker, you must always lead with your expertise. Then show your other stuff after you are in. That’s how you get paid big dollars to be in front of large groups on stage.

Choose one topic. Become the definitive expert on it. Stay with it even if it appears you might make more money talking about something else.

Now, I’m taking into consideration the fact that you have a love for your chosen topic. You are passionate about it.

Or better yet, you know you truly want to make a difference in that field. By the way, if money is your only motive, quit now.

At any rate, fight the temptations to (more…)

You Gotta Be Damn Good!

Now, I want to tell you exactly what you need in order to have a very successful career as a motivational keynote speaker.

Although it’s not the be-all-end-all, it’s one of the fundamental keys to success in the speaking business. (more…)

If you read the first post on this blog Become a Motivational Speaker, I talked about those who quite too early in the race.

As you can imagine, I should be the quitter, right? Also, by all indications, the odds were stacked against me. So, how did I make it? (more…)

By Rene Godefroy

I have heard that the turnover rate in the speaking industry is 90%. That sounds about right to me. It may be even more.

I know from experience when I started speaking, there were so many that started around the same time I did. Today, they are nowhere to be found. They completely vanished. They quit.

The remarkable thing is, they all had an advantage over me. English is their primary language. And they probably went to high school and college here in America. Well, at the time when I started, I was still learning English.

Come to think of it, I’m still learning today.

Let me tell you this… (more…)

I strongly encourage you to make some sacrifices now as far as your spending habits go. And if you are raising a family, make sure your wife or husband keeps his or her job for a while until the money starts consistently rolling in. You need the insurance for your kids.

You see, you gotta give up some things now to get what you want later.

The Speaking Industry is Booming.

Whether it is at work or in your circle of friends, notice how people tend to be discouraged and uncertain about their future.  They are going through some dark moments in their lives.

They are looking for hope, inspiration and encouragement. That’s your calling. You are the one who will light the candle in those dark hours. Don’t shy away.

Every time I mention to someone that I’m a motivational speaker, I often hear something like, “My company can really use you right now. Morale is very low at work.”

People are starving for hope, encouragement and more meaning. Your calling is to help them cope. And you will get paid well to do so. But more importantly, you get to make a difference. You get to change lives for the better. Talk about living and leaving a legacy!