Real Breeds Real
I reminded Erika of how great I felt leaving her talks, but that my own roar got quieter and quieter as the days went on. When asked if she started off with such confidence and realization of self, this is what she had to say,“ I didn’ t start off like that. The thing that made me embrace it was to realize that I was good enough. That validation had to come from me. I had to surround myself with better people.
I had people in my life who were picking me apart- I had to get rid of them. I’ d rather have people around who challenge me to improve every day, not tell me to change. We have to grant ourselves permission to be great.”
“ They day I did my TED talk was transcendental- when you see
2000 people stand on their feet for something you allowed them to feel, helped them to feel, just from showing them the real you, and making them feel they could be the real them... it was the greatest gift I have received in life. People want to feel your vulnerability. It reminds them that they are human. Real breeds real.”
“ People want to feel your vulnerability. It reminds them that they are human.“
Tips on Becoming a Sought After Speaker
Now, as a sought after speaker with high profile engagements under her belt, it’ s hard for a new entrepreneur to see where they fit, or how to start their own portfolio. When asked what tips she’ d give a novice speaker on gaining lucrative and visible engagements she shared,“ Get out there and start speaking in your local community and build your way up. There are tons of organizations like Ignite, Chambers of Commerce, etc. Be creative. Start with 15 minute talks, go up to 30 minutes. Start with a message that you are 100 percent confident in and that comes from a vulnerable place. Show your audience,‘ if you do these things, this is how your life will change’. You want to make people feel something, because you can never make people do anything. You’ re vulnerability reminds them of their vulnerability. Doesn’ t matter the industry, people want to see how you are inarguably human. All those stories, you thought no one wanted to hear, they do want to hear. No one has had it easy. Tell people how you overcame.”
“ Also, the minute someone asks if you have a speaking fee, the answer is‘ yes’. Sit with paid speakers and ask them for tips, pay for an hour of their time and ask them what resources you should look for, what things you should do for your business. Speaking is a business. I’ m a professional but I’ m also like a standup comic. I’ m still looking for that middle ground- the through line.”
Erika’ s branding message resonates with us all. It speaks to anyone who’ s struggled with not only being who they are, but unearthing your tribe who want nothing more than to work with, support, and follow you.
We ended our chat with Erika enlightened and intrigued, and just a little bit more comfortable with who we are and what we stand for, but not before asking if she had only a minute to talk to a new entrepreneur and give them one piece of advice, for which she answered,“ People don’ t want gimmicks. People want you. Be you, because everyone else is taken.”
33 POWERCULTURE APR2013