There’s an old saying: “We don’t get hurt by what we don’t know. We get hurt by what we know but don’t do.” After you read The Wealthy Speaker 2.0 — you will know. You will know how to begin your speaking career or reenergize your existing one. You will know the importance of keeping your strategies and tactics in alignment with your true strengths and personal motivations. And you will know how to become a “wealthy speaker” in the broadest sense of the word — not just in the quantity of money you create, but in terms of the quality of the career you create. Then it’s a matter of taking action.
The value of this book is found in the quality of its content. Beyond data, facts and information about the speaking profession, Jane delivers that rare commodity of wisdom. There’s no shortcut to wisdom. You have to pay your dues, make lots of bad decisions and learn a lot of painful lessons to get to the point where you finally know what you’re doing. Even then, if you are truly wise, you keep growing. Jane has been there and done that. She’s seen the speaking business from a number of perspectives and has learned and grown every step of the way. You will have to travel your own path to wisdom, but having this book with you as you make the journey will be of immeasurable value.
At the National Speakers Association annual convention a few years ago, I gave a keynote speech about the power of being willing to let go. After thirty years in this business, I still believe that the most important thing I can do to keep my career growing is to always be willing to let go of my assumptions and embrace new ideas.
The business of speaking has changed more in the past five years than it did in the previous twenty-five. Technology, social media, and shifts in the economy have made it more important than ever to have a new perspective about how you spend your money and your time. The Wealthy Speaker 2.0 helps you strategize to use these changes to your advantage.
As you read this book, I challenge you to let go of any preconceived ideas you may have about your speaking career. Be open and willing to learn from Jane and the fabulous speaking professionals who have contributed to this book.
For many years, when any speaker has asked me for advice on what they can do to take their career to the next level, I have replied, “Let me start with three words: Call Jane Atkinson.” To that advice I will now add five more words: “Read The Wealthy Speaker 2.0.”
Joe Calloway, CSP, CPAE
Author of Becoming a Category of One