The days when professional speaking alone could sustain a career are fading fast. While delivering keynote presentations or motivational talks is still an essential skill, it’s no longer enough. To truly succeed in today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving marketplace, you need to become a thought leader—a multifaceted authority who connects with audiences through multiple channels.
As outlined in So You Want to Speak, speaking is just one piece of the thought leadership puzzle. To build a thriving career, it’s crucial to diversify, continuously evolve, and offer value in more ways than just standing on stage.
Speaking Is the Gateway, Not the Destination
While being on stage can amplify your message and give you visibility, it’s only the beginning. Professional speaking is one method of delivering your expertise, but audiences today expect more. They want ongoing engagement, actionable tools, and a deeper connection.
Thought leadership extends beyond the stage. It encompasses:
- Publishing books that establish your authority and provide tangible takeaways.
- Creating online courses that allow audiences to dive deeper into your expertise.
- Offering consulting or coaching to address specific challenges.
- Sharing insights through blogs, podcasts, or social media to remain top of mind.
By broadening your scope, you’ll reach more people, generate additional revenue streams, and solidify your reputation as an expert.
Diversify Your Income Streams
One of the pitfalls of relying solely on speaking engagements is the feast-or-famine nature of the work. Events can be seasonal, and unforeseen disruptions—like a global pandemic—can bring your calendar to a screeching halt. Diversifying your income streams creates a more stable and sustainable career.
Here’s how you can branch out:
- Books: Writing a book not only boosts your credibility but also provides passive income. It’s a lasting artifact of your thought leadership that can reach people long after your talk ends.
- Online Courses: Digital platforms make it easier than ever to turn your expertise into courses. These scalable products can generate income even while you’re sleeping.
- Consulting: Offering one-on-one or team-focused consulting services lets you dive deeper with clients and solve their unique challenges.
- Subscriptions or Memberships: Create a recurring revenue model by offering exclusive content, live Q&A sessions, or community access for a monthly fee.
Diversifying ensures your thought leadership practice thrives regardless of market fluctuations.
Stay Relevant Through Continuous Learning
The world changes fast. Audiences’ needs shift, industries evolve, and new technologies emerge. To remain a thought leader, you must commit to lifelong learning.
Here are a few ways to stay ahead:
- Read widely. Stay informed about trends in your industry and beyond. Diverse knowledge enhances your ability to draw connections and innovate.
- Attend events. Conferences, webinars, and workshops expose you to fresh ideas and keep your message aligned with current challenges.
- Engage with peers. Join mastermind groups or networks of fellow thought leaders to exchange insights and feedback.
In So You Want to Speak, I compare maintaining a speaking business to the ongoing upkeep of the Golden Gate Bridge—its iconic color requires constant care. Similarly, your thought leadership brand needs regular updates and refinements to stay relevant and impactful.
Focus on Building a Community
Thought leadership isn’t just about expertise—it’s about connection. People follow thought leaders who create value and foster a sense of community. Whether through engaging social media content, interactive workshops, or tailored consulting, your ability to connect deeply with your audience will set you apart.
Final Thoughts
Professional speaking alone won’t sustain a thriving career in today’s dynamic world. By embracing thought leadership, you unlock a diverse range of opportunities that amplify your impact and ensure long-term success. Speak on stage, write books, create courses, consult, and above all, keep learning.
The stage is just the beginning. Thought leadership is your gateway to creating a practice that thrives. Are you ready to step up?