Business-Building Action from Terry Brock
Funding Your Freedom – How to be an international professional speaker
Life with freedom and liberty is one of the highest ideals human being can reach. You deserve the right to live your life your way, on your own terms, providing value for others, and doing anything you want– – –as long as you don’t harm another, and take responsibility for your actions.
That’s the essence of the philosophy that I’ve had for many years. The key is finding a means to generate that income. If you can arrange to be born into a very wealthy family that leaves you a lot of money– – –cool! However, for most of us, we weren’t born with that silver spoon in our mouths.
Years ago I was able to put events into process that eventually led me to be a professional speaker and later to travel internationally. What I did is within reach for many people if they embrace similar steps. It is a matter of using the power of Relationship Marketing and adding value to others in various places.
Traveling internationally does have an appeal that is very practical as well as alluring today. Most economies around the world are struggling and many central bankers are wondering what to do in this economy. When you can take an international approach you diversify your ability to live and to achieve the lifestyle you want. In my work, I’ve had the honor to travel to 35 countries and have had (so far) four round-the-world trips. I find that speaking internationally is very educational and enriches our knowledge base in a wonderful way. I highly recommend living internationally to learn more and broaden your life perspective.
I often get people asking me about how I became an international professional speaker. It is simple, but not easy. Think of what you would do if you wanted to speak in a region near you. You’d build relationships and find a way to get to that location.
I started my international speaking when I was speaking as a contractor for the Coca-Cola Company in Atlanta, Georgia. I had earned a good reputation as a computer instructor for many employees there. As I cultivated various relationships I met people who had contacts with other Coca-Cola Company employees in Hong Kong. As they talked with each other, my Atlanta contacts recommended me to their Asian counterparts. That opened up the opportunity to work in several Asian countries training employees of the Coca-Cola Company. Relationship Marketing is the key here, as in many other areas.
Later on I wanted to get over to England and Europe. I didn’t have any corporate assignments there so I did something that you can also do. I made the decision to attend the annual convention for an event in my industry. I knew one person in England in my industry so I contacted that person and inquired about attending the convention.
Once I was at that convention, I was able to build relationships and friendships. From there I built more friendships and they were able to help get me business speaking in those countries. As I met people in other countries it continued to grow.
So, the bottom line is that you have to take the initiative. Be prepared to work and get known as a provider of value in your speaking. Make it a point to speak where people will be who live in the countries where you want to visit.
Get really good at what your speaking. Be the best in your field and expertise. Make it a point to speak at events where people from around the world are attending. Also, work proactively to find ways to be in those countries where you desire to speak. Continue to practice Relationship Marketing and serve others.
As you do this, you’ll be able to expand your reach in many ways. The world, literally, can be your playground!
How about you? What have you done that has helped you develop an international speaking business? Please leave your comments. Also, please share this with your community as you can help them to learn what it takes.
All the best,
Terry
Terry Brock, MBA, CSP, CPAE
Member, Professional Speaker Hall of Fame
Certified Speaking Professional
www.TerryBrock.com
Terry@TerryBrock.com
+1-407-363-0505
@TerryBrock
Facebook.com/MarketerTerryBrock
