If You're a Speaker, You Also Need to Be an Author

In the dynamic world of professional speaking, where words are our most powerful tools, the journey to becoming a published author is not just an optional pursuit but a vital one. Not to further overload your plate that's already filled to the max with someone in the background, slicing up something else to add to it, but if you're a speaker, being an author in addition to that is a must. Regardless of the topics you passionately speak on, the act of putting pen to paper or fingers to keyboard opens up a realm of possibilities that can transform not only your career but also your impact on the audience. I had been a professional speaker for 18 years before I realized this. And do I kick myself about that ever so often? Absolutely. But am I glad I finally got on the good foot and published my first book in 2019? Without a doubt.

Crafting an Everlasting Legacy

Professional speakers are in the business of leaving a lasting impression. While a spoken word may resonate in the moment, a book has the potential to echo through time. By becoming a published author, speakers immortalize their thoughts and ideas, creating a tangible legacy that extends far beyond the duration of a single presentation. Believe it or not, if you deliver a killer presentation, people want more, and by having a book available upon the conclusion of your presentation either in-person or at online retailers' sites, you're giving people more. Whether it's filled with motivational anecdotes, business strategies, or thought-provoking insights, a book serves as a timeless artifact of your expertise.

Establishing Credibility and Authority

In the competitive landscape of professional speaking, credibility is currency. A published book acts as an elevated business card, providing tangible evidence of a speaker's knowledge and expertise. It serves as a powerful endorsement, validating the speaker's authority on the subject matter. When potential clients, event organizers, or media outlets see that an individual has authored a book on their area of specialization, it adds an extra layer of trust and credibility to their professional profile. When media look for an expert, they look for the person who...well...wrote the book on the topic. They do. Get all that expertise out of your head and into a book so you make it much easier for you to be seen as the authority that you and your audiences already know you to be.

Expanding Reach and Impact

Professional speakers aspire to reach as many individuals as possible with their messages. And while you may set your ambitious sites on getting on every stage from here to the other side of the planet, maximize your efforts with your book. A book serves as a powerful amplification tool, enabling speakers to extend their reach far beyond the confines of a conference room or auditorium no matter the multiple continents on which you've spoken. Through the written word, speakers can connect with a global audience, reaching readers who may never have the opportunity to see you at a live event. This expanded reach not only magnifies the impact of the speaker's message but also opens up new avenues for collaboration, partnerships, and speaking engagements.

Diversifying Income Streams

While professional speaking is a rewarding vocation, it often involves a degree of unpredictability. (Anyone remember the end of the first quarter of 2020? Every professional speaker on the planet was scrambling, trying to figure out what they were going to do with stages all over the world closing their doors.) The feast-or-famine nature of bookings can pose challenges. A published book, however, can provide a stable and ongoing source of income. Beyond speaking engagements, authors can generate revenue through book sales, royalties, licensing agreements, masterminds, workshops, merchandise, and more. This diversification of income streams not only adds financial stability but also allows speakers to focus on their craft without constantly chasing the next gig.

Enhancing Personal Branding

A powerful personal brand is a cornerstone of success for professional speakers. A published book becomes an integral part of that brand, serving as a symbol of the speaker's unique voice and perspective. Imagine being able to reference your book as a source during your presentations as opposed to referencing someone else's. Imagine being able to point people in the direction of your book for more information instead of some other title. Imagine going in the conference bookstore before your presentation to see your book sitting on a shelf and returning afterwards to see it's gone because audience members quickly swooped in after your talk to grab a copy for themselves and a second one for a colleague. Your book distinguishes you from the competition and positions you as a thought leader in your field. The association of being a published author elevates a speaker's brand, making you more attractive to potential clients, event organizers, and media outlets.

In conclusion, the journey from professional speaker to published author is not just a logical progression; it's a must! It's a transformative step that goes beyond the confines of public speaking, unlocking new dimensions of influence, credibility, and success. And don't end up being a best-seller or an award-winner. If you're anything like me, won't anyone be able to tell you a thing! By embracing the power of the written word, professional speakers can leave an indelible mark on the world, enriching lives and shaping the future through their enduring legacy in print. If you are a professional speaker and you are not yet published, don't wait any longer. I know if I had it to do all over again, I would have definitely written and published my book a lot sooner because ever since becoming an award-winning author, I've had zero regrets. Zero. And I guarantee, once you take the leap, you'll feel the exact same way.

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