Deadly Mistake #3:
Be Careful…Listening to So Called Speaker Coaches Who Aren’t Currently Speaking and Making a Ton of Money at What They’re Claiming They Can Teach You Can Ruin Your Business.
Several years ago, I attended a function in Burbank, CA for speakers, authors, trainers, coaches and consultants. There were approximately 200 of us who were all there to hear three guest speakers talk about ways to generate more publicity.
After the three speakers gave their presentations, they sat together on stage to answer questions.
I immediately raised my hand for permission to approach the crowd microphone so I could ask my question.
After I was called on, I walked to the microphone, stated my name, the fact that I was a speaker and proceeded to ask my question. The three guest speakers were most gracious and answered my question in great detail.
As the function came to an end, I headed toward the exit when I was approached by a woman who asked if I was the “young” speaker who had asked the question. When I told her I was, she proceeded to start a conversation with me.
To summarize the conversation…she suggested that she would be the perfect speaker coach for me. When I asked her how many speeches she booked, her reply was none! Zero, no speeches ever…not one! So I said how are you suppose to teach me about building a motivational speaker business?
Be VERY careful of so called, “speaker coaches.” Most of them have never been successful at getting booked and paid to speak. Yet, they’ll try to dazzle you with statistical data, fancy charts, eloquent words, and persuasive sales lines.
Bottom line…..personally, I would NEVER give my hard earned money to someone who isn’t extremely successful at what they’re claiming they can teach me.
There’s a big difference between theory and actual, hands-on, real world, battling-in-the-trenches experience.
Remember, actions speak louder than words and if they haven’t done (or even better, if they aren’t currently doing NOW) what they’re telling you they can teach you, yet, they’re trying to convince you to pay them money, then I have only one word for you.
And, you’d better perk your ears up and hear this loud and clear. Here’s my one word suggestion for you: RUN!
Actually, let me change that to a two-word suggestion:
RUN FAST!
I’m as serious as a heart attack!
Get as far away from these people as you possibly can because they will do nothing more than suck your hard-earned money out of your pockets without putting any money IN your pockets!
I wish someone taught me that back in the beginning of my career when I was listening to these so-called “speaker coaches!”
Looking back, I now realize that choosing to listen to these people was one of the main reasons my career was in a constant downward spiral!
…and, one of the main reasons I was constantly “spinning my wheels,” feeling like a complete failure, ready to give-up and quit.
Have you ever felt like your business was spiraling downward? What made you keep going? Leave a comment…
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You are the man. I feel the same way about career coaches. Your advice is good for anyone looking to grow in any profession.
Great advice, James! Another thing I would add: Make sure the coach you’re listening to is giving advice that is consistent with who you are, what you want your business to look like, etc. Of course any good coach is going to push you beyond your comfort zone, but beware of “just do what I do and you’ll be successful”… it may very well have worked for that person, but if it’s not true to you (or true to who you want to be), it won’t lead you to a good place. Another one of those “looking back” lessons.
As an entertainer, speaker, and artist, I have had my fair share of people with claims of ways to fame and success that have no real portfolio or history as well. Everyone should do their research, not only can it save you money, but it can save your life.
Several years ago when I lived in Las Vegas, Sept. 11th hit. I lost my job and had little income. I was sleeping in my car and eventually payment on that came due. I found work, but I did not pay attention to my gut instinct. Before, I knew it I was working for someone that had very scary affiliations with some seedy people.
People with large claims and nothing to back it up, often have secrets to hide. So ask questions and do your research. The more information you have the wiser decisions you can make and in the long run, more creative as well.
Save yourself time, money, stress and even protect your life by being smart and learning as much as you can and checking your resources. Ask for referrals. Dream Big, keep going and growing.
Anytime you are being approached for coaching your first question should be “what have you done lately?”
Great points everyone!
Funny, I’ve experienced the same ‘sucking’ experience from very successful speakers and ‘mentors’ whom I thought I chose carefully. Be very careful out there. Be aware to weed out those who just want you to buy and, although they may give value, may not be what you thought you were buying. Sometimes the only way to learn is through experience. Caveat Emptor and all that.
James, as always, “THANK YOU”! You are my mentor, and you don’t even know it! A few years ago, I was a computer “dummy” and every email that came my way, I read and often got sucked up into buying something of little to no value that I thought would help me in my speaking career. I’ve been in the trenches and am just now making my way to see the light of day in the speaking and writing arena thanks to people such as Jim Rohn and YOU! Listen up, people….James is THE REAL DEAL!
I would extend it beyond coaches to what info is all over the Internet about becoming a public speaker. I am an infant in this field and trying to get off the ground. A lot of what I read gives me that “failure, ready to give up and quit” feeling. In fact in a moment of discouragement today my sweet wife told me I had to stop listening to what the “experts” say about how to do this and listen to my own heart. Nothing against you James, I am learning a lot from you and appreciate your willingness to share so much.
I would agree…there is a lot of smoke out there and a ton of people pretending they know how to build a speaking business.
James brilliant article
I was definitely having a hard time
in my speaking business.
Now with your help at your Bootcamp
I am a top speaker in the Spanish market
and get paid very well and became
professor in a very prestigious university,
Thank you SO MUCH James
Javier Rivero
http://www.DesarrolloTV.com
When we relocated from Washington, DC to my husband’s hometown in rural Indiana, it was due to his failing memory. I had started a business in 1982 and planned to keep it going, so I registered for a retail license in Indiana. I set aside a bedroom for my office, with phones working, but, I had no contacts and no help. Bill was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and care-giving was a full-time job! He cried a lot and didn’t know our phone # or address. I couldn’t leave him alone a minute.
My business spiraled down like a falling elevator. Book sales were limited to 2 stores in D.C. My speaking dates were 1 or 2 a year. But, I didn’t quit. He didn’t want me being on the computer, or the phone. I decided to write a book about caring for a victim of Alzheimer’s and I kept it short. When it was done, I was asked to speak for a state agency, for their Alzheimer’s case workers! I got paid, and kept praying and writing! I held several public seminars with Bill present. Took James’ Boot Camps to improve my marketing skills. After 4 years Bill was off prescriptions and onto vitamins. In 2 years he was healed. Book sales zoomed. I’m still a growing marketer! Thanks James! I’m aiming higher.
Yes, I have felt the downward spiral. What kept me going was my passion for my work.
You are so right. I have also found that after a certain point it’s not the money that motives anyway is the ability to empower others to create and be the best they can be. If we can inspire someone to see that they can get out of the trenches and be successful too, that there is hope and opportunity if they apply themselves and learn from the best, then we can all go to sleep at night knowing that we have made a difference but it has to come from someone who has done it. Great post!
Hey Javier,
Thank you so much for your kind words!! You are rockin my friend.
Excellent advice. When I hire a coach I make a point of finding out their track record of success. After all, have they earned the right to get paid for whatever they claim to be able to coach someone on.
On the other hand I always recommend someone do their research before hiring a coach. Make sure they know what they are talking about and as Shawn recommended, make sure there is congruency with who you are and what they recommend.
James
This is Sunny James from Pennsylvania
you give the best advice and as always you never steer anyone wrong.
You have helped so many, You are a great mentor and that is why you will always be on top because you are always serving others first. Keep it up
Sincerely
Sunny James
In this economy, I think a lot of businesses and speaking entrepreneurs are facing a challenge or spiral.
To prevent this, a mixture of multiple approaches works best for me, which is why I joined james’ monthly club, he certainly has a great approach.
Thank you Larry for the kind words and congrats on taking action and control of your speaking business!
Unless you want to speak for free, only listen to those who are making the BIG BUCKS. Treat your speaking business as a job and ask yourself, who can I learn from that will help me put more money in my bank account. That person is James Malinchak!
Great post!
It reminds me of something I read on Seth Godin’s blog a few weeks ago. He talked about the difference between hiring a professional or an amateur and he should have added a wannabe.
In many fields there are people who claim to be “experts” or “coaches” but have no actual record of success.
Seeking out people who are actually successful and have a proven track record is the way to go. It may cost more but you get results.
- Krista
Yes, thank God it was only a 90 day contract I signed…oh lah lah,Glad that is over. Next! so happy to be getting your coaching James, Feel like I am moving towards my dream life and lifestyle. so grateful for your expertise and for the amzing detail in the cd’s OI have listen through now twice. look forward to speaking with you and meeting you in person at the boot camp.
Took me time to read all the comments, but I really enjoyed the article. It proved to be Very helpful to me and I am sure to all the commenters here! It’s always nice when you can not only be informed, but also entertained! I’m sure you had fun writing this article.
I was looking exchange for essential advice on this subject. The information was significant as I am with respect to to embark upon my own portal. Thanks concerning providing a missing associate in my business.
James is no. 1 when is comes to teaching others about being a college speaker I went to his boot camp 2 years ago & now with the knowledge I learned am speaking to college students about alcohol awareness & it is a must if you want to learn how to become a successful speaker
thanks James
Sincerely
Sunny
this is so true James thanks for the great info