Why It is Bad When People Complement Your Work?

Photo by davisco on Unsplash

I used to do a lot of speaking. Free of charge.

Ever since I discovered my passion for motivational speaking, I was on fire. Every time there was an opportunity to speak, I would jump on it.

I loved the momentum and the process of getting good.

However, I really wanted to make money spreading the message of inspiration.

I used to love the compliments from the audience. “How come you are so young and so smart!” “I loved your speech!” “Very inspirational message!” Or, my ‘favourite’ one “I wish you great success.”

There weren’t such comments as: “We would like you to speak to our team.” Or “What is your speaking fee?”

While my ego was boosted, I wasn’t making any money, which, let’s be honest, is a far better compliment of your work.

I started researching and analysing the “paid speakers market”, I realised I had to be a subject matter expert.

“We don’t hire motivational speakers; we hire speakers of expertise.” Was a response from one very snobby and unpleasant event planner of an organisation I contacted.

That conversation kind of stopped me in my tracks.

I wasn’t really clear on what my expertise was. I could speak on leadership, personal development, success, mindset, personal story of empowerment.

I didn’t want to be boring, so each time I would come up with a fresh topic.

I was definitely confident. But I was a jack of all trades and a master of none. I could really speak on anything.

And that was my major error.

If you attempt to speak/teach/train on anything, you end up speaking/teaching/training on nothing.

If you can help anybody, you help nobody.

If you really want to make it in the fierce coaching world, you have to go narrow and deep.

Don’t search praise. Search impact.

If people say, “You are so wonderful”, you are not doing it yet.

If people ask how to hire you, you are creating an influence.

The day you get crystal clear on your unique message and offer will be the day that will change everything for you.

The good news, you don’t have to spend years of aimless searching, trials and errors figuring out on your own what works and what doesn’t.

Clarity breeds mastery. Clarity eliminates struggle. Clarity attracts the right people to your offer.