Last November I attended the National Speakers Association (NSA) Fall Conference in Phoenix, AZ. During that conference, I met many outstanding people who are fellow speakers, as well as coaches and trainers. I learned about my own strengths as a keynote speaker, and I also learned where I could personally improve my skills. Years ago I adopted the philosophy that learning is a life long activity; as a speaker, the NSA is the premier university for that pursuit.
This week I’ll attend my first NSA Annual Convention. I met Phil Van Hooser, the president of NSA, at last November’s Fall Conference. He personally welcomed me into the NSA family and encouraged me to become a member. I distinctly remember that Phil compared joining NSA to Fishing Where the Fishermen Fish.
Phil reasoned that if you want to learn to be a good fisherman, the best way to learn is to go where the expert fishermen are already fishing and watch what they do. Where are the good spots on the river that they’re fishing? What type of equipment do they use? What bait are they using? What casting techniques do they use? Why and when? What is their mindset?
This Saturday thru Tuesday I’ll be casting my net at the 2010 NSA Annual Convention learning how to Fish where the Fisherman Fish. Here are a few of my goals while attending and a few examples of the progress made since last November.
Steve’s goals for 2010 NSA Annual Convention:
- Give a great performance during 20/20 Lightening Round concurrent session (I applied and was selected as one of 9 speakers to participate in this fun, fast format).
- Reconnect with colleagues and friends from the speakers world I’ve made over the last 3+ years.
- Make new friends and connections within the speakers world.
- Observe and learn during the numerous general and concurrent sessions.
- Remain open to new ideas, alert for new opportunities, and gracious to all suggestions.
Since attending the 2009 NSA Fall Conference, here are a few personal milestones:
- Joined NSA (I attended the Fall Conference as a guest).
- Selected Gumption as my primary thought leadership platform.
- Narrowed my speaking topics to those that are most popular and that I am the most passionate about.
- Reworked all of my speaking and marketing materials to reflect those changes.
In one week I’ll give a report about my experience at the 2010 NSA Annual Convention. I know I’ll have made lots of new contacts and friendships; I’ll most likely have validation for the direction I’m taking; I’ll have new ideas for improving my business and inspiration for further refining my focus; I’ll have had fun; I’ll be simultaneously overwhelmed, exhausted, and re-energized; I’ll probably be surprised by a few things I never even imagined.
Do you have a place that you can go and learn in your business world Where the Fishermen Fish?
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Next Blog Date: July 19, 2010