Being the New Kid on the Block sucks BIG TIME.
but not always
I love moving to a new area. I can declare who I am, what I want, take on the persona of my Purpose in Life, put it on a business card and open shop.
It's not to say that you can be an opera star if you can't sing, yet you can certainly join a choir and take voice lessons to improve your skills.
I also can't declare myself a brain surgeon or I'd get a lot of people in trouble, asking for the wrong blade at the wrong time in the operating room. But I know I can mingle with those in the Healthcare Industry and learn their secret handshake.
Here are Three Tips that got me a Speaking Gig (and well paid at that) in an industry I knew very little about.
I offered to teach free classes at a local apartment complex for Seniors. After the first class, where six q-tips showed up (a friend from Florida claims they call the elderly Q-Tips because they have white hair and wear white shoes. I nearly threw in the towel, thinking "This is getting me NOWHERE fast." However, I stuck with it, giving several series of three sessions in the same aquarium-shaped community room. Over time, I got one woman to work with me, then another, and another. Soon, I had a waitlist. I charge them my full fees.
One cried and told me I was an Angel sent from heaven. I didn't put that on my resume but it sure felt good.
Tip Number ONE: Give something away.
The Office Manager at the complex adores the work that I do, the respect I offer to the residents and how much "we've" skirted evictions because of my offerings. This Manager, who's forever piping up from the recess of her office, just off the community room, told me of a group she belongs to. It's a National Organization offering an annual Conference. She thought, since my services helped her residents so much, it might be a good class. Would I be interested in speaking at a break-out session?
I said "Yes" without even getting the details.
Tip Number TWO: Say yes!
Taking this Conference commitment, flinging it around a bit, to work the fear out, had me come up with the next idea. I want an audience to practice my presentation. I suggested I'd offer half of the going rate, with the idea that they'd get the benefit of my great speech for a steal.
I put in plugs around town to local organizations. Got an interview on the local radio station. Inquired into Guest Blog Posting to stretch my confidence and see what ideas stuck with folks.
So, now, after offering up my services for free, getting the Conference gig, and selling the same speech to others, I gain so much more experience, increased confidence, and loads of practice.
Tip Number THREE: Practice getting paid what you're worth.
Now it's your turn to sit at the Adult Table, play with the Big Wigs, Be Seen As The Expert, and run with the Wolves. I just threw that last bit in because I like imagining the experience!
And to make sure someone is reading this!! I know you are, because I'm The Expert in my Field!!
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