The speaking world is currently a disaster. The industry is oversaturated with speakers clamoring to get booked, with a gazilion coaches selling a false dream of what it takes to 'make it', and meeting planners who are at their wits end dealing with the lack of professionalism amongst speakers.

Being at the top of your profession, you know what it's like to hustle, take risks and work hard. You understand what it takes to be a professional. And you also know how important it is to be strategic about how you grow your brand which is why you deserve the truth.

Myth #1: If you write a book, you will land speaking gigs.

TRUTH: Writing a book to show your expertise and spread the word is a great asset to add to your platform but it won't miraculously get you paid speaking engagements. The speaking world is oversaturated. The key to building a long term sustainable strategy is to connect with meeting planners.

Myth #2: It is easy to land paid bookings if you are an expert, have press and a great reputation.

TRUTH: Most speakers aren't truly experts in their field nor have the press and reputation behind them. If you do, excellent! You're miles ahead of the pack. However, if you don't have a sellable platform and a strategy to land speaking engagements, bookings will be sporadic and you will be wasting your time as if you're shooting in the dark.

Myth #3: If you have had speaker training or been speaking for years, you don't need more training. 

TRUTH: Typical presentation training may help you be more effective in front of people, but quite often it makes you less authentic as it is overly contrived with poses, gestures and speech effects. Even if you have been speaking for years, you may not necessarily be a master. It is a whole other skill set to be recognized and celebrated as a global thought leader …. One that only the top 1% master. That can be you! 

Myth #4: Only naturals or extroverts can be great speakers. 

TRUTH: Extroverts can often be too over the top and need to be tamed & contained! When introverts learn how to harness that quiet power within, they can be unstoppable. For those that are 'naturals,' they still need to develop their skills. Someone who can naturally dance well still needs to train to dance with the New York City Ballet. Being a master speaker is an art and craft that requires ongoing professional development to gain a competitive edge.

Myth #5: Your inspirational story will garner paid bookings.

TRUTH: You are more than your story. You have a rich history of experiences, education and skills you have developed. An inspirational story rarely sells to the paying market for speaking engagements. When you combine all the parts of who you are and package it into a compelling platform, your message will stand out and grab the attention you need to command high paying gigs. 

Myth #6: Your current messaging, positioning and brand platform is sellable for speaking gigs.

TRUTH: It is rare to find a speaker with a platform and speaking collateral that is truly innovative, fresh and sellable. Most speakers have messaging that are too generic, blending in with the million other speakers out there. They miss having their message positioned correctly for their target market or any market!!! And they lack a brand that has impact. To go global requires the whole package... specifically in order to land paid speaking gigs over and over.