Your roadmap to $60k and a TEDx talk in the next 6 months.

A lot of folks say that building a career around your "passions" just isn't possible anymore.

That's not true. Here's exactly how I did it, and how you can to.

Building a career around your passion for speaking ain't just a dream; it's a mission that takes grit, focus, and a whole lotta hustle.

Let’s break down how you can turn that love for speaking into a full-time gig:

1. Pin Down Your Niche

• Dig Into What Fires You Up: Think about the topics that get you excited, where you've got the know-how or experience. Could be anything from motivation, business strategy, personal growth, or even a specialized field like tech or health.
• Scope Out the Market: Take a hard look at the demand for your niche. Who's your audience? What problems are they wrestling with that you can help solve? Nailing this down will help you shape your message and offerings.

2. Sharpen Your Speaking Game

• Join the Right Groups: Get involved with public speaking clubs like Toastmasters. These groups are goldmines for practice, feedback, and building confidence.
• Find a Mentor: Seek out seasoned speakers who’ve been there, done that. Their advice, critiques, and insights can be the difference-maker in leveling up your skills.

3. Build a Standout Brand

• Establish Your Online HQ: Get yourself a slick website that shows off your expertise, speaking topics, and those golden testimonials. Being active on social media, whether it’s LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram, will help you connect with your audience.
• Content is King: Start putting out consistent content—whether it’s a blog, podcast, or YouTube channel—that speaks to your niche. This not only positions you as an expert but also builds a loyal following.

4. Create Your Signature Talk

• Hone Your Core Message: Develop a killer presentation that nails down your core message. It should be flexible for different crowds but always packed with your unique take.
• Test and Refine: Run your talk by small groups or at local events. Take the feedback and tweak until it’s rock solid.

5. Build Your Portfolio

• Start Local, Think Big: Begin with local gigs—community events, small conferences. These are your proving grounds and can lead to bigger, better opportunities.
• Document Everything: Record your speeches, gather testimonials, and build a portfolio that shows off your speaking chops. High-quality videos are especially powerful for marketing yourself.

6. Network and Promote Yourself

• Join the Pros: Get involved with organizations like the National Speakers Association. Rubbing shoulders with other speakers and event planners can open doors you didn't even know were there.
• Pitch Like a Pro: Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Reach out to event organizers, pitch your value, and show how you can make their event unforgettable.

7. Monetize Your Expertise

• Set Your Price: As you rack up experience, figure out your speaking rates. Offer a variety of packages—from keynotes to workshops to corporate training.
• Expand Your Income: Don’t just rely on speaking fees. Think about writing a book, launching online courses, or even offering one-on-one coaching.

8. Keep Growing

• Invest in Yourself: Never stop learning. Go to workshops, devour books, and soak up knowledge from other successful speakers.
• Stay Current: Keep a pulse on trends in your niche and the speaking world so you stay relevant and top of mind.

9. Measure and Adjust

• Set Your Targets: Know what success looks like for you. Is it the number of gigs, your income, or the reach of your message?
• Review and Revise: Regularly check in on your progress. If things aren’t working, don’t be afraid to pivot. Adapt to what your market or goals demand.

10. Consistency is Key

• Stick With It: Building a speaking career ain’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. Keep honing your craft, stay fired up, and don’t let up.
• Evolve as Needed: The speaking game changes. Be ready to roll with it, whether that’s embracing new tech or jumping into virtual speaking opportunities.

By following these steps, you'll be on your way to building a speaking career that’s not only sustainable but also something you can be downright proud of—while making a real impact with your words.

I did this, and I've taught 250+ other speakers, coaches, and authors do this as well.

DM me, let's get virtual coffee and discuss how we can do this for you too.

Coffee's on me!