When you speak, you have a captive audience listening to your expertise, no matter what size group you have.
Many of you may know that Jessica Setnick has been my supervisor and one of my mentors for the past 5 years. I still remember the day I met her and told myself I wanted to be like her someday (Yes, that does seem a little stalker-ish and weird, but I’m okay with that!!)
She has always inspired me with her incredible knowledge about eating disorders, and her compassion for helping professionals understand more about how to help clients. Jessica also has so much insight with marketing and has taught me how to get my message out there to the people that need it the most!
Jessica had a private practice for a long time and has now moved on to more consulting work, especially in the area of professional speaking. She has been all over the world speaking to various audiences about eating disorders.
I was so thrilled when she told me she was writing a book on professional speaking for other dietitians. A Dietitian’s Guide to Professional Speaking is finally out! This information could not have come at a more perfect time for me!!
Here is my official review in case it helps you with deciding whether or not to get your copy:
I was so excited to get “A Dietitian’s Guide to Professional Speaking” and it could not have come at a better time in my professional life! I have always loved speaking and getting in front of an audience. Speaking is one of my favorite methods to spread my professional mission of eating disorder recovery and the power of intuitive eating.
As much as I love speaking, I haven’t made it a priority goal in my business (up until now!) because I didn’t really know how to monetize speaking in a way that made sense to my business. As always, Jessica breaks down complicated topics into realistic solutions and this book taught me exactly how to create my own unique speaking platform (something she explains in the book).
At the beginning of this book, my heart was pulled in many different directions when it came to pitching myself. I wanted to do it all! After going through the exercises in the book, I now have a clear plan of what’s in front of me: a templated “pitch” for in-person speaking events and podcast interviews, an outline of possible speaking presentations that make sense for my business, and MUCH more confidence that I can make speaking part of my professional business plan. I was able to “let go” so many things that just are not needed in my business and feel energized to focus on the pitches that matter.
Jessica always has a way to add in her own experiences to anything that she does to make you feel as if you can do it too. She adds in her own personal experiences with speaking from setting up presentations, deciding fees, organizing a presentation, and also potential disasters that could happen the day of the event! This book is truly an inspiration and step-by-step guide for anyone wanting to add speaking to their professional career.
Many of you know I’m starting a podcast this summer and also preparing for a presentation at FNCE on binge eating disorder.
I want to show other professionals that they can make money in private practice and make an impact doing what they love to do. I also share that when professionals invest in training like my courses and programs it’s an investment in getting to goals and achievements faster (and easier!). Learning from others who have been there and made their own success happen helps you do the same.
I have been pitching myself to many different podcasts, events and conferences, prepping for my own podcast, and thinking about how I can get my message out to more individuals that need to hear it.
As I’ve been working on my plans for how I can incorporate more professional speaking in my career, I wanted to share with you my top 3 takeaways from Jessica’s book and how I’m using them in my professional career:
- Don’t be afraid to put yourself out in front of your audience– they need your message and your services! If you’re afraid and nervous about doing this, you are probably doing it right.
- My thoughts: I have resources and offers for professionals wanting to learn more about growing an intuitive eating private practice. My community needs to learn about me because I have a lot to offer that could really support professionals!
- There is no right or wrong when it comes to accepting payment for talking. Some people do presentations for free as volunteer work, some people will only speak for $10,000. Whatever works for your business plan is fine.
- My thoughts: I have 2 little kids so speaking for free or a low amount is just not worth it to me right now. I have to make sure I am making money on the presentations that I do and I don’t feel bad saying that out loud. Every time I leave home for a conference I have to make sure I have childcare, things set for my kids, and I have to make sure I’m not missing tons of client sessions and losing money. I have decided bigger conferences that I would want to go to anyway are the right conferences to pitch. (like FNCE!)
- There are lots of ways to practice speaking. Social media, videos, podcast guest spots, local networking events, and small groups are great ways to get practice if you’re not so comfortable with your message!
- My thoughts: I have been on several other podcasts recently and I find I learn something every time I speak on one of these. I’m so excited about the Pursuing Private Practice podcast coming in August!! This has been a dream of mine for awhile and it’s finally happening. It’s a great way for me to practice speaking to my target audience!
So I challenge you – what’s one way you can put yourself out there to the audience that needs to hear your message?
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