"In a dark time, the eye begins to see"- Cavett RobertI have seen dark times, and they opened me up to be ready to recognize success. I have seen bright times and I have enjoyed the warmth of growing my business and supporting my industry.
I am shocked when others find ways to blacken the sunshine that is illuminating the faces of others. Why must people throw stones when someone else is rising high? I am excited about the path I am blazing, but I am also becoming aware of how people behave in selfish ways. It confuses me, but somebody always takes a shot at those who are excelling.
This week I attended my 9th annual convention of the National Speakers Association. Influence 2017 left me inspired for what is ahead for me in the next year. In my time as a member of this organization I have learned so much from the other speakers I have known (and those legends I did not have the honor of knowing). Each time I attend I come home fired up to do more.
When Cavett Robert founded the National Speakers Association over 40 years ago he told other speakers “Don’t worry about how we divide up the pie, there is enough for everybody! Let’s just build a bigger pie.” Too many get jealous of others and want to keep them from rising. Yet I believe in Cavett's theory of a bigger pie. It is paramount to my core thoughts about the speaking business (and the meetings business). I want to see everyone build a bigger pie. I get upset when I see those who undermine fabric of the pie growth speakers.
NSA has become a beacon of my success. When I meet people who want to become professional speakers, I encourage them to attend as many events (local and national) as they can. But not many get engaged. I hear many speaking "gurus" who sell services to those who want to speak talk down participation (as clearly they want to sell the information to those who want to make a living in this business), but I never could have found any success without my being engaged in NSA.
When I speak to audiences I always tell them that no matter what industry they are part of, they need to become active in their industry association. I am shocked how many associations do not champion the cause of associations. None of us can grow unless we all are on board to expand.
I am shocked by people who do not support their industries. It is so much easier to grow your industry's pie than to constantly chip away at the foundation of your peers. I did not know Cavett Robert, but I am sure he smiles at the speakers who have followed after him to expand our boundaries. Those who support the industry and grow the pie are the legacy he left behind. I strive to do my little part to add to that legacy. I look up and smile thinking of him. I am thankful he founded the NSA.
What do you do to add to the legacy of your industry? If you cannot answer that I challenge you to do something. Anything. No matter how small. It all adds up.
And do you know who founded your industry association? You are their legacy... learn their story.
Have A Great Day
thom singer
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