Influence Insights Newsletter: Playing the Long Game – Patience, Persistence, and Building Relationships in Professional Speaking
Elliot Kay
Expert Speaker - Impactful Leadership Communication | Speaking Director | Speaker Awards & Summit Co-founder | Tedx Speaker | Communication Specialist for Experts Who Speak | 6x Author | Event Host
What sets successful professional speakers apart from those who give up too soon? It’s not just talent—it’s their ability to play the long game. Success in professional speaking requires patience, persistence, and a commitment to building meaningful relationships over time. If you’re serious about making an impact, you must be ready for a journey filled with rejection, continuous growth, and a focus on adding value.
Building Meaningful Relationships
One of the most critical components of professional speaking success is cultivating authentic, long-term relationships. Your network is your most valuable asset, whether you’re just starting out or already have experience. Focus on building genuine connections with event organizers, fellow speakers, and audiences. Show up, listen, and offer value before expecting anything in return. Over time, these relationships will open doors and lead to lasting opportunities.
Rejection is Inevitable
Every speaker, no matter how talented, faces rejection. You’ll hear “no” more often than you’d like—no to your fee, your pitch, or even your message. Understand that rejection is part of the process, not a reflection of your worth. Instead of letting it discourage you, see rejection as valuable feedback. Learn from each experience, refine your message, improve your approach, and target the right opportunities. Every rejection brings you closer to the right “yes.”
Handling “No” with Grace
How you respond to rejection defines your long-term success. Remember, no one owes you anything. Approach each “no” with humility, knowing it might simply mean the fit wasn’t right. Accept rejection with grace, and stay patient and persistent. If you remain dedicated to your growth and message, the right opportunities will eventually come your way.
Solve Problems, Evolve, and Add Value
The best speakers are problem-solvers. Your message should deliver real solutions to your audience’s needs. Always be evolving—take feedback to heart and adapt to the changing landscape of your industry. Continuously ask yourself, “How can I serve?” By consistently adding value, you will set yourself apart and create lasting impact.
Success in professional speaking isn’t about quick wins—it’s about playing the long game. Stay patient, build relationships, and never stop growing. Your persistence will pay off in the end.
Stay connected with Influence Insights for more tips and strategies on how to elevate your speaking career! Keep pushing forward, and remember that the long game leads to lasting success.
Let me know if you want tot come and do a talk for your company.
Powerful and gritty one-to-one life coaching and business mentoring for highly successful people who are at a crossroads, lost their mojo, need direction and want to reignite their potential for the journey ahead.
3 周Yes my mantra has alway been building trusted relationships & genuine friendships as the foundation of everything. Gives meaning, fun, passion and a willingness to do everything you can to build something special and enjoy the journey. It’s when your in a crowd of people, with no familiar faces and then suddenly you see someone you know well and they see you. No longer lost!