Why you need a guest speaker in your Professional Development and Training Program

America loves television shows that give viewers a behind the scenes look into what makes someone or something a success. Amidst the passion, blunders, and poor decisions, we love to see one thing: their comeback story. 

It's exciting for me to see people succeed, especially when their life map indicates how far they’ve come. Their story,  your story, is what's most intriguing. 

At first glance, shows like The Profit, Shark Tank, and Bar Rescue are all about business and the bottom line. Upon closer inspection, however, we see a deeper commonality. Professionals like Robert Herjavekc, John Taffer and Marcus Lemonis give their clients more than a financial boost; they motivate, inspire, coach, and train. While these experts are hired for a variety of practical reasons, the story line is unchanged. To elevate your business, to make your entrepreneurial idea a reality, to inspire your colleagues, the support and guidance of a seasoned professional is invaluable. 

This same expertise is often called upon outside of television. For decades, guest speakers have been an integral part of the team learning experience. Whether it's industry, education, religious, nonprofit, healthcare, or customer service - you name it - professional experts have been vital.

Notable benefits include: 

• Exposing team members to real world experiences
• Strengthening processes and procedures within the company
• Motivating teams who are apathetic and lethargic
• Demonstrating commitment to leadership during conflict, loss, or change
• Increasing revenue and product distribution

Additionally, it affords you the opportunity to support your team without adding more to your own full 'plate'. Not to mention, it gives your team a break from you. 

"When managers invite a guest speaker into their team meeting, staff retreat, conference/training, the joy of practice becomes refined, clarified and revised."

-- Steve Sewell Speaker/Trainer

The best speakers for your organization are the ones you have a relationship with or those who come as a referral. A great free resource I recommend is LinkedIn. Your organization needs to hear from a professional speaker in the next 12-18 months in order to grow to the next level. Your success story depends on it!