I am a single mother of 4. I have 3 children with IEP's. Yet I crave to create a speaking business for myself. I want to inspire and encourage others. I currently do a podcast where I can practice my speaking everyday. I know I am able I am just not sure how to find people willing to assist me developing about my experiences. I definitely, want to create this business not just for myself but, for my children and other mother's out there.
9
21 Comments
21 Comments
Lonita Cook
25
11/03/20 at 12:55AM UTC
First, congratulations on raising 4 children! What a gift. And then to have and refine your dream is to experience the phenomenon of willfulness and desire. Go for what you truly want.
It sounds like you are constructing a motivational/transformational speaking brand. I am thinking your target demographic would be parents with children who have IEP's and all that goes with that experience (this is where you are an expert).
Craft a central message to your niche audience and build from there. What is the core challenge parents with children with IEP's face? Come up with 3 easy recommendations (based on your experience) for meeting those challenges? Let those 3 easy recommendations become the core of your philosophy and repeat them where ever you go: on your podcast, as a guest on someone else's platforms, when you submit a guest blog-post, when you guest appear with support groups.
For example, if I wanted to start a speaking business, I'd focus on Getting Your (truly) Independent Film into the Hands of a Professional Film Critic. I believe that the top 3 challenges of the truly indie filmmaker is knowing what qualifies a critic as professional, how to get the critic to respond when they reach out, and how to get the critic to give a thorough review of their film. I would craft my whole outreach on the solutions to these critical filmmaker challenges. But instead of just telling them the fix, I'd create some fun way to say I know their pain-points and tease the solutions. Invite them to listen to me on [insert platform here] and then deliver my full presentation.
But before all of that, start with the messaging. Don't get ahead of yourself. Really discover your niche. Create a teaser and presentation. Test it by guesting here and there on local platforms. Collect feedback. Refine your message accordingly. Once you've gotten to the point when your message is really clear to you and you can communicate it in your sleep, then you're ready to reach out to regional platforms and beyond.
Bonus thought: try to communicate your 3 easy recommendations in clear, but quippy or slick summaries.
Good luck!
2
1 Reply
Teniecka Drake
33
11/11/20 at 9:24PM UTC
Thank you!!! I am currently working on crafting my message. Funny you said that. I am enrolled in a speaking class taught by Les Brown. Definitely putting work in to learn.
1
1 Reply
Lonita Cook
25
11/11/20 at 10:42PM UTC
I love that you are seeking and doing. Keeping you in my thoughts. Keep rising!
Reply
LaToria Bolden
84
Mom Boss. Wife. Influencer. Let's Be Friends
11/03/20 at 4:12AM UTC
Hi
This is so awesome! With so much negativity in the world now we need a sweet soul like yourself! You sound really ambitious! Are you keeping your options open?
1
1 Reply
Teniecka Drake
33
11/11/20 at 9:29PM UTC
I am I am wanting to be a coach as well. Right now I practice speaking a lot using my podcast. Maintaining consistency to serve. I work to have conversations with positive people. Since my podcast is Faith based always look to inspire and motivate others. I am always open to new opportunities. Like Lisa Nichols says, "Sometimes opportunity is wrapped up in sand paper". I always look out for opportunities that are different for me. I did a recorded video for a Domestic Violence organization and it was wonderful. I am also a survivor and overcomer of Domestic Violence.
1 Reply
LaToria Bolden
84
Mom Boss. Wife. Influencer. Let's Be Friends
11/12/20 at 1:53AM UTC
Awesome! I would love to connect with you! Lets set up a Virtual Meet via Zoom! That is awesome!!! Yes you are worth it! https://calendly.com/latoriabolden/mutualcall45
Reply
Alison Swerdloff
106
Self-Care and Self-Discovery Consultant
11/05/20 at 1:38AM UTC
You are definitely an inspiration and have much to offer! With your experience with the IEP process, you can definitely help other parents just starting out. I am part of parent groups for a specific chronic illness and know that sometimes parents just need to hear that they are not alone. I would try to find parent groups where you can start presenting, even if for free to start, and create the best program. Then go for the paid venues. Keep pushing forward as you are the expert due to your personal experiences. Good luck and keep moving forward!
1
1 Reply
Teniecka Drake
33
11/11/20 at 9:32PM UTC
Thank you so much for this. I always am looking outside the box. I truly believe that there is an amazing opportunity that I will create. My Faith is pushing and I want to help others.
Reply
Alyssa N. Batchelor, M.S.
55
I put the lit in politics
11/10/20 at 10:50PM UTC
Molly Ruland is a great resource for public speaking and podcast hosting. She could definitely help you develop your speaking business. https://www.linkedin.com/in/heartcastmedia/
1
1 Reply
Teniecka Drake
33
11/12/20 at 6:17PM UTC
Thank You!!!!!! Appreciate it very much!!!
Reply
Karisa Karmali
763
Founder of Self-Love and Fitness
11/11/20 at 12:23AM UTC
Do you have a Youtube channel, or write for publications as a content-marketing method?
2
1 Reply
Joyel Crawford
94
I Grow Leaders For A Living!
11/11/20 at 1:51PM UTC
Can I give an "Amen" to Karisa's comment?! I was also going to suggest leveraging platforms like YouTube, LinkedIn and Instagram Live to leverage your visibility. It's a great way to be seen and heard and you control the branding narrative. I've also seen a lot of uptick on TicTok. I don't know how you feel about that sort of platform but there's a whole audience looking for advice and a SuperMom like yourself may have some amazing advice to share while building your brand.
P.S. Hosting your own podcast is a great way to build your brand but also check out other podcasts where you are the guest so others can hear you speaking as well. This also another way to get your voice out there. Good luck!
2
2 Replies
Karisa Karmali
763
Founder of Self-Love and Fitness
11/11/20 at 2:18PM UTC
Thank you! And amazing suggestions here as well! :)
2
Reply
Teniecka Drake
33
11/11/20 at 9:37PM UTC
Thank you so much and I do. I know it takes work to build. I am not giving up. I have been podcasting for almost 4 years now. I will keep plugging away. I even have written a short book. Now I have to continue to push push push. Thank you so much for your input. It is super helpful. I am on Tik-Tok,IG,Snapchat, LinkedIn and FB. I will continue to do my best to leverage all platforms. As long as continue you I know it will come into fruition
1
1 Reply
Joyel Crawford
94
I Grow Leaders For A Living!
11/25/20 at 8:46PM UTC
You got this, Queen! Please share those handles so we can all follow you.
Reply
Laura Carmela
34
Life + Health Coach for Working Women/Moms
11/11/20 at 6:08AM UTC
This is wonderful and you have so much to share - your stories and voice needs to be heard! I have a great resource for you! Emilie Aires of Bossed Up has a 2 Month Speaking Program( I did last year when she first rolled it out). Here is the link and looks like one is starting March 2021. You can always book a call with her too and she can talk to you about timing or any other support/ideas she may have!
https://www.bossedup.org/speakup
Wishing you all the best!!
1
1 Reply
Teniecka Drake
33
11/11/20 at 9:40PM UTC
Thank you. I am going to have to look into it. Currently in Les Brown's Power Voice System course. I love learning so I can enhance my abilities.
Reply
FrancescaVanderwall
461
Making money less stressful
11/11/20 at 2:42PM UTC
Where are you located? I have a few professional networking groups that might be of interest. If you're not close by, I can make some introductions.
1
1 Reply
Teniecka Drake
33
11/11/20 at 9:41PM UTC
I am located in Southern California. Thank you for considering me for connecting. Timing is everything.
1 Reply
FrancescaVanderwall
461
Making money less stressful
11/12/20 at 1:29PM UTC
Okay, two resources for you. They're both paid membership groups BUT I think they could be really worthwhile for different reasons.
1) Engaging Speakers. Literally a networking and coaching organization designed for people who want to develop a speaking business. https://engagingspeakers.com/
2) WESOS. Stands for Women Entrepreneurs Secrets of Success. Specifically the virtual chapter since we don't have a SoCal group...yet. I co-lead a chapter in the Chicago suburbs and it's been one of the best moves for my business. If you decide to attend a meeting, let me know and I'll see if I can join to say hi! https://wesosnetwork.com/
Hit me up anytime. I'd love to help you thrive however I can.
1
1 Reply
Teniecka Drake
33
11/12/20 at 6:22PM UTC
Thank you I will definitely look into them. It is always a challenge to figure out to generate income in a different way. I really cannot wait to speak on a virtual and hybrid stage. I am going to be working on creating another event myself. Thank you again. I am so happy and grateful now that I can see I am an international Speaker.
1
Reply
Looking for a new job?
Our employer partners are actively recruiting women! Update your profile today.
The Fairygodboss Feed
We're a community of women sharing advice and asking questions