Jenelle Kim

How to Start Your Own Business as a Motivational Speaker

So you are a sociable, affable person who has a story to tell. You know that sharing your life experiences, and wisdom can potentially help others, but you are unsure of how you can communicate your insight. Why not consider taking your message on the road as a motivational speaker? In addition to changing the lives of others, this career path can change you for the better as well. Curious as to what it takes to be an effective speaker when taking your message to the stage? Here are some tips for getting you on the right path.

Begin With One Topic

While most are hesitant and fearful of public speaking, you are comfortable with being in front of an audience and talking. Take your confidence and hone in on a specific topic you would like to discuss with your listeners. Whether you are addressing a sales team, or a social group, choosing an appropriate theme will have your audience focused and interested in what you are saying. If you are interested in writing a book or have written one, presenting its premise as an author and motivational speaker could be an ideal topic for your engagements.

Brand Yourself

No matter how great your message is, no one will listen unless they know who you are, which means you must get your name noticed. If you are an expert at relationships or a happiness guru, promote yourself as such. Branding yourself requires you to get your story out there for others. Start a blog, share in social groups, design, and hand out business cards every chance you get. Create a professional speaking packet for prospective clients. The goal is to get your name and message out there. Know that this will not happen overnight, and it will take a considerable amount of dedication. However, with some due diligence, you will become aware of who you are, and people will be willing to hear your story.

Make a List

Before you travel around the world and take the stage as a motivational speaker, you need to create a list of potential groups that would benefit from your message. Interested in reaching out to sales groups or business organizations because you are confident you have a relevant topic to their industry or goals? Create a list of businesses around the area you wish to travel. Do you want to speak to wellness or social groups? Locate them and build a list of contacts. This habit holds true regardless of the audience.

Reach Out

Once you have established yourself as an authority on your topic, and you have a prospective audience list, you need to reach out to them. The best place to start is with past or current clients or colleagues that know your work. Not only will speaking to those who have prior experience with your help boost your career as a motivational speaker, but they may provide you testimonials that can help promote you and your message.

Practice Your Public Speaking Skills

Even though you may be comfortable talking to an audience, practicing your public speaking skills should be a habit, routinely practiced without question. The more you refine your skills, the more effective you are as a motivational speaker. Your confidence will exude, and your audience will be engaged. Make this your mantra: practice, practice, practice. And then practice some more.

Be Genuine

People are always looking for someone they can trust. They don’t want to hear from a person who stands before them aloof, self-righteous, or indifferent. No, they need to feel you are genuine, honest, and unpretentious. Although you know your topic inside and out, let them know you are not perfect. You, too, have stumbled or struggled. Sharing your humanness will go a long way when it comes to connecting with an audience.
Remember, there are many ways to improve your life. Sharing your story with others could prove to be one of them. Keep in mind; motivational speaking should not be about the money or the accolades. It’s about changing lives, including yours.