What do you do if your chances of getting a promotion as a motivational speaker are slim?

1. Self-Assess & Set Goals: Honestly evaluate yourself against promotion criteria. Analyze feedback and set goals to bridge the gap. 2. Sharpen Your Skills: Identify areas for improvement based on your self-assessment and promotion criteria. Focus on developing those skills. 3. Build Your Network: Connect with other speakers and industry pros to expand your reach and gain insights. 4. Diversify Income Streams: Explore new revenue options like online courses to showcase expertise and build a strong personal brand. 5. Take Action! Don't wait for opportunities, actively pursue them to showcase your talent and value.

The only way to succeed is to gather as much information as possible. Our worlds are only as big as the amount of information we own. If you don't know what it takes to get there, ask for the map. This means inquiring with leadership what does it take to get to the next level. What are the specific behaviors, skills, and outcomes they are looking for. But not just that. Ask them about budget constraints and availability of growth opportunities. You may find out that it isn't your merit that's the showstopper. In addition, find those who have already made the career jump and ask them what it took them to get there, and if they may offer advice, connections, or resources you can take advantage of.

The next step is to define your goals as a motivational speaker. What do you want to achieve in the near and distant future? Success isn't just about dreams, it's about quantifiable targets. Use the SMART method for your goals: Specific: Don't just say "more clients", but rather "increase bookings by 20% in 6 months". Measurable: How will you track progress toward your goal? Achievable: Ambitious but grounded in reality. Relevant: Align goals with your overall vision as a speaker. Time-bound: Set deadlines for milestones and the big goal. This brings clarity and makes progress tangible!

Now that you have the map and a thorough understanding of what you must accomplish, make a list and prioritize. For this exercise, I love to set up a 4-quadrant chart, where upper right square is big impact/small effort (lowest hanging fruit - you are gonna want to live here as much as possible); upper left is small impact/small effort (maybe some low hanging fruit, but be careful); lower left is small impact/big effort (not advisable); and lower right - big impact/big effort (some potentially huge wins + recognition live here). Focus on your attention on the big impact squares and conservatively assess tactics for each and time required for completion so you can execute effectively.

But first, take inventory of your superpowers. What are those skills that others seek you and your expertise out for. Is there another skill that would complement those in a way that makes you a more robust professional, but also creates a strategic differentiator (meaning what is that skill that is valuable in your function, but not often found there)? Focus on those first. Another avenue to pursue is to think about the skills you've always dreamed of developing but never found the time for. This is the time, they are probably gold mines waiting to be employed. Do it!

I find that continuous learning is vital. Explore platforms offering courses in advanced communication techniques, storytelling with data, or even AI basics for public speakers. In addition to the feedback from professionals around you, the use of AI in crafting more engaging, data-driven presentations can set you apart as a speaker who not only motivates but educates on the cutting edge of your industry and technology.

Courses/Workshops: Seek out specialized training on public speaking, storytelling, or areas relevant to your niche. Books/Podcasts: Consume insights from experts in motivation, communication, or your industry. Industry Events: Attend conferences to network and learn the latest trends. Coaching/Mentoring: Get personalized guidance from a seasoned motivational speaker. Targeted Feedback: Ask for constructive criticism from clients, colleagues, or friends to identify areas for improvement. This constant growth boosts your credibility and makes you an even more compelling speaker.

Join the Community: Find relevant speaker associations or groups for support and collaboration. Target Direct Outreach: Don't be shy about contacting potential clients, partners, or influencers within your niche. Amplify Your Presence: Use social media, a personal blog, or even a newsletter to demonstrate your expertise and engage your audience. Building a strong network takes effort, but it dramatically increases your visibility and opens doors to new opportunities.

Reach out to the fabulous people of your professional past. Think about those awesome partners you got to work on projects, initiatives, or just everyday processes. Did they leave your organization, or moved on to bigger things and you no longer have frequent contact? Be brave and reach out. Tell them you think about the times when you worked together and how much they contributed to your work and success. Inquire about their journey and where do they aspire to go next. In turn, tell them about your aspirations, the topics of your expertise and interest, and offer to come speak to their organization (if appropriate). Let them know what you aspire to accomplish and tell them how they may be able to enable or influence your process.

Use your professional media (hello, LinkedIn!) to amplify your brand and share your thought leadership. What's unique about you and the way you connect the dots? How are you thinking about your SME or function in new ways worth discussing and experimenting with? This will build a platform to jump off of to create passive and active income.

To build a sustainable career, diversify your income streams as a motivational speaker. Think beyond one-off speaking engagements: Services: Offer coaching, consulting, or training packages aligned with your expertise. Products: Develop online courses, eBooks, or other resources on platforms like Udemy or Teachable. Target Different Markets: Explore niches beyond corporate – think education, healthcare, or personal development. Leverage Platforms: Don't limit yourself to in-person events. Offer webinars, virtual workshops, or even hybrid models to expand your reach. Diversification makes you less vulnerable to market shifts and increases your earning potential.