Certified

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Today I listened to the Entreleadership Podcast that featured Mark Sanborn. Prior to this afternoon I had never heard of this leader. I am not hesitant to call Mark Sanborn not only because he is on Dave Ramsey’s podcast, but also because of the CSP,CPAE distinction associated with his name.

Any Joe Shmoe or Skye Berger for that matter who wants to be a professional speaker looks upon these letters as a mother who watches her child walk across the stage to receive a doctorate degree.

The Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) distinction is a high level of achievement for a professional speaker. Additionally less than 200 people have ever received the Council of  Peers  Award of Excellence (CPAE) Mark Sanborn is one of them.

This post is not about Mark Sanborn believe it or not even though I just followed him on Twitter, and liked him on Facebook.

This post is in regards to the Nation Speakers Association (NSA).

Once upon a time I wanted to be a professional speaker I stumbled upon the National Speaker Association (NSA) website and noted the membership fee that would look like this if it where a hotel $$$$$$$$$.$$$

Yeah I could not imagine being able to pay that in college with children and speaking only enough to fill the tank for the next engagement.

My ever-persistent search for the loophole caused me to find that the NSA offered free resources. I  gladly registered for the free webinars in lieu of the  $$$.$$ membership fee .

Since this post is not about Mark Sanborn, I would like to share something he stated in the afore mentioned post cast

According to Mark Sandborn, “Hope is  having something new to try and being willing to try it”.

I have taken this assignment/post in a new light because of this insight. 

The NSA offers hope to  aspiring speakers by providing resources that will empower them to obtain the CSP.   Only 10% of NSA  and  Global Speakers Federation (GSF) members have this high distinction. 

CPS is the mark in which every professional speaker  aims for.

This distinction indicates the highest quality of speakers. There are many  excellent speakers that  do not hold this post- nominal  due to the extended time of completion and  guidelines outlined by NSA.

The CSP may be the difference between  meeting planner’s hopeful inquiry to  the signed contract for a speaking engagement. 

That said , here are Three Steps To Choosing A Stellar Speaker.

 Step one

Start planning NOW.  I have attended many gatherings that did not receive  care and attention to planning . These details would have made the event memorable. The events I enjoyed the most where very well put together. 

Step two

Ask for participant input.  I do not believe in preaching to the choir. I do however believe in the power of the voice of people. There is nothing like attending a conference where the keynote presenter looses the audience due to routine. Presenting common field knowledge for the industry is a NO-NO. Use a survey ask the people what they want to learn, and who they want to hear then make every attempt to make it happen.

Step three

Why have a meeting when you can launch an encounter.  Your staff, volunteers and supporters are accustomed to your annual get together. Set your next event off with a speaker that has your topic area as a niche specialization. This will truly engage your participants in experience not just the buffet style lunch.

When I collect $$$.$$ I will join the NSA as a speaking Professional. Until then, I am committed to educating audiences of individuals to change their lives.   

Skye

Nuggets :

I have  the following additions to my to –do list

1.    Join NSA

2.   Obtain CSP distinction

Leave a comment and help me get there!