How do you cultivate a positive and supportive network of peers and mentors in your field?

I wouldn't say this is wrong. However, what I have found that works the best is to 1) become known in whatever circles as someone who is really good--or shows great potential--at what you do; 2) be polite, friendly, and complimentary to others; 3) be helpful to those around you. The word will soon spread and you will attract many wonderful people into your network.

Wanting to improve our skills, expand our audiance, get new opportunities, and getting feed back should all be goals we are receiving our abundant life from God through Jesus by His Holy Spirit. When we know God and Hisgifts are given to sharpen, His message in life is given to share so His audience will increase, new opportunties in life are given to prove we are reaching our dreams and plans He has given us, and last but not least, feedback helps us improve and confirm we are going in His given direction. We have a limited mindset when we doubt all these goals from our network are limted to a few.

Yes of course you should do your homework in knowing what you want to achieve from someone before reaching out to them. However, I wouldn’t rush this process. It’s essential in doing the self reflection work first. I would also add that you should make a list of each person, write down who they are, where they work, why you chose them and what you are seeking from them. Having this figured out on a spreadsheet will keep you on track and focused. It will also help you be more efficient when speaking to people.

By remaining "Relationship-forward, Service-focused" with each other we build the level of connection that moves us from being "connected" to build a community. It's as a community we each individually and together collectively can make a difference in this world that so each of us and all of us. And it all starts with me focusing on how I can serve and support you, versus me focusing on how you can support me.

I have found that attending events, (both live and online) is a very effective way to network with other speakers and event producers. But I don't just attend- I offer support. When a speaker friend post on social about an upcoming speaking gig, I like, comment and share. I love connecting speakers with other event producers. I know that I am not always the right speaker to meet the needs of a particular event so I will refer my speaker friends to gigs that are better suited for them. I have had the great pleasure of others doing the same for me. If someone invites me to speak on a topic that is outside my scope I'm doing the promoter, event producer a greater service if I refer someone to them rather than taking the gig for myself.

Nurturing a relationship is about bringing value. It should be about collaboration and creating synergy. Invite the person to a zoom call to learn about each other and share what each one is looking for. Are they seeking more media exposure, connection to a particular group or type of connection? I do 5 Star Customer Experience Training primarily for the hospitality industry, I seek and welcome introductions with restaurant owners and hotel executives. Are they looking for paid gigs or ones that provide more exposure? If you have a streaming show, a YouTube Channel, a podcast-invite them to be a guest. There are many ways for speakers to work together in harmony, be supportive of one another and thrive in the speaking world.

To me, this is essential. Relationships are our most important relationship and they were only becoming more critical to our success as leaders. How you tend to them WILL make all of the difference. Being thoughtful and discerning about which relationships you want to nurture and how to do so win define and refine your leadership journey.

I believe a key component to continued success is continual improvement and being a life-long student. Sometimes speakers may have a mindset that if they're already getting paid as a keynote speaker they have nothing left to improve upon. The most successful people in any field have coaches, and usually more than one. I coach speakers and I am mentored by other speakers. We can learn from other speaker's styles, their business practices, their skills at connecting with decision makers and getting booked, how to craft a more a compelling story, how to create powerpoints that are more appealing. As the great Les Brown says, "You're never too old to learn and you're never too young to teach". My teachers are all around me and I learn daily.