Recently I was exhibiting at a conference and one young man, DeJuan, asked me how I got into the business of providing seminars. I explained that getting into professional speaking is like getting into anything else that you might be interested in.

Practice. First, if you are interested a field, then find opportunities to practice. In the case of professional speaking there are many organizations, particularly services organizations, which are looking for speakers on a regular basis. I was a member of Rotary and every week we would have a speaker.

Develop. Second, and in many ways this comes first, develop a presentation. Have one topic that you know and that you can speak about with credibility and self-comfort. When I first started training, most of my seminars were teaching computer software. My background is in understanding how people learn, but my most current experience was in computer training.

Niche. As you develop through the stages of speaking it helps to find an area that is your area of expertise. For me this is strategic planning. I have taken classes and attended workshops in creative problem-solving and have gained experience. Now I work with organizations to help them develop strategic multi-year plans.

ABL. Always be learning. Those that stagnate fall behind. Learning improves skills, knowledge, performance, insights, ability… I am mostly a “learn by doing” person and some learn by reading. I like watching and seeing. Know my learning style helps me to choose my best learning environments.

Focus. I have found that one of the ingredients in success is focus. Each year that I am in business, I have one main area that is my business focus. One year it was sales, and another year it was managing staff. It takes me an entire year to really learn, integrate and incorporate the new material and that is why I have only one major business focus.

Everything. Lastly, the hardest thing about being in business for yourself is that you wear all the hats. I have hear many time that “I used to be in business, but selling myself was too hard” or “I am good at one thing but not at all of it”. It is hard to run a business. Eventually, you might have enough resources to hire people to take care of what you don't do well.

Running a business is hard word that requires vigilance. Yes there are many positives. But they come at a price. If this is for you then GO FOR IT, if it is not then enjoy the view.