Relax, I'm not going to get airy-fairy on you. We'll stay grounded. We'll stay rooted in practical realities of building your business as an expert who speaks. Picture this- The wise sailor accepts winds and tides as they are. The wise sailor doesn't try to change winds and tides. The wise sailor engages winds and tides to move boat across waters. Across briny deep from where boat is to desired destination. Are you with me so far?
Imagine this- Your speaking business is your boat. You're Captain as well as navigator. The waters of briny deep are present times, here and now, ocean in which you sink or swim as an expert in business of speaking. Are you still with me? Good. The winds and tides are feelings and attitudes, climate and environment in which your clients and prospects do whatever they do.
Now, please reflect upon this reality- The feelings and attitudes of people who lead organizations you serve as an expert who speaks, simply are. (Just as winds and tides simply are.) And these organizational leaders want to be successful at whatever they offer universe of markets and people they serve.
So, why this explanation? Because times have changed. As we start new century, new millennium, attitudes and feelings are evolving. There is now a ground swell of recognition, of receptivity, of awareness of non-physical aspect of life. And-sensitivity to place of human spirit in world of work.
For example, Barbara Scofidio, editor of Corporate Meetings & Incentives magazine reported an experience of what she called, "service with soul." (Her words) She referred to experience she had on a Southwest Airlines flight. As recently as a year ago I don't think you'd have seen word "soul" in a corporate magazine.