"You make it look so easy!"     

"I've always wanted to be a speaker."                                    

"How did you get started doing this?"  

"What can I do to be like you?"

How many times do you hear this from one of your "wonderful fans" after a seminar session? As speakers and trainers, we have had the incredible opportunity of influencing the way people "think", have an affect on the way people "do their jobs", and probably most importantly, on how people "feel" about who they are and what they are doing with their lives.

We have a "concerted effort" to help those who want to emulate us and become speakers, trainers, and educators themselves. So what advice do you usually give them? Here are some points I generally use....

* Start with writing some short articles about "your take" on what motivates you to do your job well and submit to your local business newsletters, or industry, apartment or multifamily association publications. This will give you some exposure about who you are and your message.

* Create a couple of simple seminars (1 hour each) of those things you listed in your articles. This will give your message meaning and professionalism and when you are asked to speak, you will be ready!

* Volunteer to teach...anywhere... for free! This will give you practice and "networking opportunities"...and networking is life!

* Join some "different types" of associations that would increase your chances to network and speak. This will give you a foundation from which to talk to people on a regular basis and gain their connections in your local area, as well as for them to get to know you better.

* My best advice is to do "something" everyday or every week toward your goal for your speaking / training career and to let people know why your message has benefit to others.

* Finally, remember they will want to know why they should have you come and speak!

• 1. Get very clear on what it is you want to speak on. Don't try to be "all things to all people" as that dilutes your credibility.
• 2. Do research on your message to see what others are doing in the same area.
• 3. Don't try to be someone you're not! Always be YOU...as that is where your true strength and passion lie.
• 4. Finally, be patient....nothing good ever comes "over night". I was doing this LONG before I actually decided to make this a life time career!

And GET STARTED right away!!!!! Your Future is NOW!