The Power of Group Learning

National Speakers Association Winter Conference 2019

A lesson learned long ago taught me that when we remain open to learning, the world becomes a brighter place. Learning in a group of people with like interests, makes things even better. This past weekend in Orlando with my colleagues at the NSA Winter Conference 2019, Marketing Evolution, (a collection of presentations, discussions and exhibits solely focused on the marketing trends within the business of professional speaking), I watched and listened attentively for one sole purpose... to learn. Needless to say, there were plenty of ideas, and certainly no shortage of people ready and willing to talk about them. It has often been pointed out that the number one fear among people is the fear of public speaking. For those of us who do it professionally, I would like to think that we have conquered that fear, but we still have a lot to learn.

The entire time spent with fellow speakers reinforced my belief that staying open to learning about the craft and the profession in which we choose to participate is a major part of staying relevant. Maintaining this openness as well as a curiosity and eagerness to be a part of the community in which we live and work, is a critical factor to our own success. I am constantly impressed by the level of attention to detail that successful people put into their business, no matter what industry it may be. Staying accountable, adaptable and aware of trends, techniques and technology are behavioral traits that I speak about in my keynote address, “The Spirit Of a Champion.” 

Having participated with my peers to share our collective knowledge for the advancement of us all reminded me of the basic truth that claims, "...none of us, is as smart as all of us." I am inspired by a mutual exchange of knowledge, so much so that I feel compelled to pass it on. Along with those who participated in the long days in Orlando, I share the love being a speaker for so many reasons, not the least of which is affording me inclusion into the NSA Community, a group that encourages interaction with folks who are willing to help you with a focused conversation, a bit of coaching, or to share an experience whenever they can. As we mature in our careers, we need to stop, more than just once in a while to reach out and grab ahold of something to teach or to learn. There is generally a warehouse of knowledge readily available and within reach... if we take the time to look for it.

I do like the phrase, "Sometimes we don't know, what it is that we don't know." However, that philosophy becomes troublesome when it evolves into, "That which you don't know,,, is something that you should!"