The Journey of Growth and Impact

Every speaker and educator has a story—a journey that brought them to the stage or classroom, filled with moments of triumph, self-doubt, and determination. If you’re like me, you probably didn’t start your career dreaming of being a speaker or educator. Yet, somewhere along the way, you discovered a passion for helping others grow, for sharing knowledge, and for empowering people to take action.

That passion comes with responsibility. Our role is not just to deliver content; it’s to inspire, guide, and transform. To do that effectively, we need to commit to our own growth—personally and professionally. Professional development is not a one-time investment but a continuous process. It’s about sharpening your skills, expanding your perspectives, and building meaningful connections.

I believe that when we grow as individuals, we create ripple effects that uplift those we teach, the organizations we work with, and the industries we serve. As speakers and educators, we’re not just shaping the next generation of professionals; we’re shaping the future of our industry.

Treat Your Speaking Business Like a Business

One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned is that speaking isn’t just about passion—it’s about running a business. The moment you step into the world of professional speaking, you’re not just a speaker; you’re a business owner. And just like any business, your success depends on strategy, consistency, and intentional effort.

1. Create a Business Plan
Start by treating your speaking business like any other entrepreneurial venture. This includes:

• Defining your niche and unique selling proposition. What makes you stand out as a speaker or educator?
• Setting short-term and long-term goals. Whether it’s booking a certain number of gigs, writing a book, or launching a course, know what you’re working toward.
• Developing a marketing strategy. This includes building your brand on social media, creating a professional website, and leveraging testimonials and referrals.

2. Build Your Personal Brand
Your brand is your reputation, and in speaking, reputation is everything. Be intentional about how you present yourself, both online and offline.

• Consistency is Key: Use the same tone, imagery, and messaging across platforms.
• Showcase Your Expertise: Share content that demonstrates your knowledge and passion for your niche.
• Be Authentic: People connect with authenticity. Let your personality shine through in your interactions.

3. Invest in Yourself
Every successful business reinvests in its growth, and your speaking career is no different. Budget for conferences, training, coaching, and tools that will help you deliver better value to your audience. Professional development isn’t just about what you learn—it’s about the confidence and credibility you gain, which translate into higher impact and more opportunities.

4. Track Your Metrics
Just like in real estate, your speaking business thrives on data. Track:

• The number of events you speak at annually.
• Audience engagement, such as positive feedback or post-session connections.
• Revenue and expenses tied to your speaking engagements.
  By understanding your numbers, you can identify what’s working, where you can improve, and how to scale effectively.

5. Network with Intention
Networking isn’t just about meeting people; it’s about forming genuine connections that open doors. Attend conferences, join professional organizations, and build relationships with education directors, event coordinators, and fellow speakers. Remember, your reputation precedes you—how you interact with others can make or break future opportunities.

Recognizing Key Conferences and Training Opportunities

Professional development takes many forms, and the right conference or training can provide invaluable tools, connections, and inspiration. Here are some key events and programs that have shaped my journey:

💛 BEATS Conference (Bringing Educators and Associations Together for Success)
BEATS was born out of a need to fill a void left by RAPDD, whose future became uncertain when the organizer stepped away from its continuation. In its void, we created BEATS—a fresh start for speakers and education directors to connect, learn, and grow.

As a collaboration between myself, Craig Grant, Alex Camelio, and Cindi Siggs, BEATS is designed to take the spirit of RAPDD to new heights. It’s a space where education directors and speakers can exchange ideas, refine their craft, and build a supportive network. Learn more at www.beatsconference.com.

💛 REEA (Real Estate Educators Association)
REEA is a must-attend for those looking to fine-tune their presentation skills and get their courses CE-approved. This conference offers opportunities to meet state regulators and take advanced courses like the GSI IDW or the new course creation program debuting at the DREI Summit. If you’re serious about raising the bar in your teaching, REEA should be on your list. Learn more at https://www.reea.org/

💛 RETI Speaker Academy
This two-day online program teaches the business side of speaking—from building your brand to managing logistics. I’ve found so much value in this program that I attend it every time it’s offered. It’s a game-changer for speakers who want to take their careers to the next level. Learn more at https://reti.us/academy

Broaden Your Horizons:
Although I haven’t attended conferences outside real estate yet, I recognize their importance. Programs like the National Speakers Association, storytelling workshops, improv classes, and coaching programs (e.g., John Maxwell, Jay Shetty) are invaluable for skill-building and perspective-shifting.

Recognizing My Mentors and Those I Admire

No one succeeds alone, and I am deeply grateful for the mentors and role models who have guided, inspired, and encouraged me along the way.

• Craig Grant and Alex Camelio: These two have been with me from the start, helping me take my first steps into speaking and guiding me through pivotal moments in my career.
• John Gillam: A mentor who became one of my closest friends, John rounded out my sparkle with the seriousness I needed to bring more structure to my teaching.
• Terry Watson: At a conference, Terry once told me, “I see you doing this, and I can’t wait to see how far you’ll go.” Those words stuck with me and gave me the confidence to dream bigger.
• Paula Monthofer: Paula is a shining example of speaking with heart and integrity. Her guidance and conversations have been invaluable to my journey.
• Sean Carpenter: Sean made me fall in love with real estate all over again by making it approachable and fun. His influence is a big part of why I love what I do.
• Marki Lemons Ryhal: Marki’s dynamic energy and kindness inspire me to bring my best to every session.

Each of these individuals has left an indelible mark on my journey, reminding me of the power of mentorship and the importance of lifting others as we climb.

What’s Next: Dream Big, Grow Bigger

Looking ahead, my dreams are as expansive as they are exciting. I want to:

• Become a certified John Maxwell instructor.
• Earn certification as an NLP Master Practitioner.
• Attend storytelling workshops and improv classes.
• Write a book titled “My Therapist Made Me Do This”—because, after years of encouragement, I finally believe I can.

These dreams aren’t just about personal growth—they’re about creating a lasting impact. My goal is to inspire joy, positivity, and authenticity in every room I walk into and to empower others to believe in their own potential.

Growth is a journey, not a destination. As speakers and educators, we have the unique privilege of shaping the next generation of professionals in our industry. By investing in ourselves, building authentic connections, and staying true to our values, we not only elevate our careers—we empower those we teach to do the same.

The path forward is clear: dream big, work hard, and let your impact speak for itself.