Messages from our 2024/2025 Chapter President, Larry Long, Jr. 

March 2025 Top Tips For Your Speaking Business To Thrive in 2025 January & February could have flown by… if you let them!  As we’re quickly approaching 25% of 2025 and with NSA’s THRIVE Winter Workshop being hosted March 7-9 in Orlando, Florida, I’ve been thinking about how best to not just survive but truly Thrive as Professional Speakers. Our industry and profession can certainly be challenging…my consideration is that truly THRIVING as a Professional Speaker is not only about securing more engagements (although that’s a great start), it’s also about building a sustainable, scalable and fulfilling business - having true influence, delivering real Impact, maximizing opportunities, strengthening relationships and staying ahead in this constantly evolving environment. Answering, what does it take to Thrive in 2025? In 2023 I shared with the NSA Carolinas Speaker Academy students the following:   Keys to Speaker Success (could Relationships possibly be important ha-ha): 🎤Intentionality – Dream Big. Mentoring. Relationships. 🎤Take Action – Overcoming F.U.D. (Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt) 🎤Sales - Relationships 🎤 Speakers Speak – Marketing, Internal Drive & Desire 🎤Relationships 🎤3rd Party Endorsements – Referrals, Coaching, Relationships  🎤LinkedIn – Go-Giver Attitude, Get Out of Your Comfort Zone 🎤Relationships Here are some additional keys:  🔑 Sharpen Your Message: With so much noise and static in this noisy world, having crystal clear clarity wins. What separates you? Makes you unforgettable? What true transformation do you provide audiences? Is it time to spring into action for a refresh, refinement and reinforcing of your unique value? 🔑 Diversify Your Revenue Streams: YES, speaker fees are good; however, what happens beyond the Keynote could possibly be GREAT (or in the words of NSA Carolinas member, Ryan Vet’s book…‘Speak Goodr’ )! Have you explored additional products and services, i.e. coaching, training, consulting, digital products, etc. to create a more resilient and recession-proof business? 🔑 Leverage Tech + AI: I don’t foresee AI replacing speakers; however, I’ve already seen it empowering and advancing those open to embracing and utilizing it. Whether content creation, marketing automation, lead generation, etc., there is an abundance of ways to use it to improve efficiencies and outreach! Are you testing and trying, to put yourself in position to leverage for business success? 🔑 Strengthen Your Brand & Visibility: Pretty simple equation…if you’re not being found, it can be tough to be booked. How are you showing up, and showing out (i.e. demonstrating your unique value) on social media, in your network(s) and in front of decision-makers? Intentionality and consistency are critical and KEY! How are you increasing your ‘Be Seen’ factor, so you have the opportunity to sell more? #BeSeenSellMore … this last one should be no surprise 😉 … 🔑Invest in Relationships: The speaker business thrives on trust! From meeting/event planners, to previous clients, to fellow speaker colleagues, one of your strongest assets is your community and strong RELATIONSHIPS! How are you intentionally and meaningfully cultivating new relationships, and strengthening existing relationships?  I encourage you to make it happen by taking consistent action … YES, YOU can do it! The ultimate question is…will you? As your NSA Carolinas proud President, my goal is to ensure ALL of our members feel supported, and that our chapter serves as a resource to help you grow, challenge yourself and surround yourself with speaker colleagues who want to see you shine brilliantly, brightly and THRIVE in 2025! Let’s make 2025 a year of Action, Innovation and Impact! February 2025 R.O.I. Hope your year is off to a GREAT start, and you’re on your way to having your Best! Year! Ever! so that you can truly THRIVE in 2025. I love this quote often attributed to Zig Ziglar, “Don’t complain about the results you didn’t receive, from the work you didn’t do.” POWERFUL! The term R.O.I. traditionally stands for Return on Investment, but I invite you to join me in exploring whether or not R.O.I. could also be your Return on… Imagination Are you leveraging your creative juices and wearing your respective ’thinking caps’ to ideate and Dream BIG? Innovation If it ain’t broke…BREAK IT! (see how I flipped it and reversed it?). How are you continuously leveling up? Involvement How engaged and involved are you? Get In There! Yeah, yeah! We welcome your support (we rely on volunteers to achieve our Mission & Vision), attendance, participation and assistance in serving our professional speaker community. Interactions Relationships • Relationships • RELATIONSHIPS are critical, and a huge key to continued success. How are you Investing in those relationships? As we’re 10% through the year, I encourage you to take action today…RIGHT NOW! NSA Carolinas, our Board, Members & Partners are here to support you.  Please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly if we can better support and serve you in building a better Speaker professional business to become a better Speaker!   Make it a Fabulous February … it’s YOUR choice! January 2025 Kicking Off 2025 With Growth & Impact! Happy New Year NSA Carolinas! Hope you’re feeling great, as we kick off 2025 with a fresh, and refreshed slate of opportunity and potential ahead…for both Growth and Impact! My hope is that you’ll reflect on the power of new beginnings. Whether you’re an experienced speaker, or just starting your journey into this amazing profession, the start of a new year is a perfect time to realign goals, revise your vision, reignite your passion and recommit to your purpose…as we seek to make meaningful impact through our words.

Our Theme for 2024/2025 is ‘Swinging for The Fences,’ and my encouragement is for you to keep coming to the plate, sharing your stories and lessons, to inspire action, elevate humanity and lead lasting change. NSA Carolinas is dedicated to helping you hit ‘home runs’ by providing you with content, programming, tools, resources and community to help elevate YOUR professional speaking business to new heights! Please be sure to explore our website for the latest and greatest news and updates. We thrive as a chapter because of YOU –  your energy, expertise and commitment to raising the bar as a professional speaker for yourself and your colleagues. Let’s make 2025 about supporting each other, sharing keys to success and leveraging the power of our vibrant community. Excited to see you THRIVE in 2025, making this a year to remember! All the best, continued success, joy and fulfillment!

December 2024

Sales, huh? 

The BUSINESS of Professional Speaking = SALES

“I thought I signed up to be a professional speaker, not a sales professional!!!”

If I had a nickel for the number of times I’ve heard professional speaker colleagues mention these exact words, or share similar sentiments, I’d be RICH (and not just in happiness & joy, like I am now…although that’s priceless).

Please, make no mistake, the business of professional speaking = a sales role, and I encourage you to fully embrace it!

Please, make no mistake, the business of professional speaking = a sales role, and I encourage you to fully embrace it!

Yes, you can certainly try outsourcing, having someone else attempt to sell you, on your behalf, hire a speaker’s agent, sales rep, and/or work with a speaker’s bureau - sounds all fine & dandy, right?

…but, and it’s a BIG BUT!

Can anyone other than YOU…sell YOU… better than…YOU ?!?! My answer is NO!

As professional speakers, there are two (2) major aspects of our industry: 

As we approach 2025, I’d like to share some encouragement along with my top ten tips to help you strengthen your business plan. Here’s what I recommend:

BONUS: Enjoy yourself, trust the process, and learn something new daily. Have a blast along this

fantastic journey!

November 2024

Planning for Tomorrow…TODAY!

The successes we achieve tomorrow will be related to the work we do today... right now!

As a Professional Speaker, what actions are you taking, and what work are you doing to give yourself the best opportunity for the results you desire?

Do you have a clear vision for what you want in 2025?

Have you been filling your sales pipeline/funnel with potential, targeted opportunities and engagements?

Is your Signature Keynote “referable”?

Do you have a strong, and encouraging Mastermind group to challenge, and support you in achieving your goals?

As 2024 winds down, now is the perfect time to sharpen your focus, and lay the groundwork for 2025. This is not just about setting goals—it’s also about being intentional with how we design our business strategies, build relationships, and position ourselves for growth.

I’m encouraging, and cheering you on in your efforts to:

• Build a better speaker business; and 
• Become a better speaker.

Our professional speaking industry, and world, are evolving and innovating at a rapid pace; therefore, taking massive action early, planning strategically, and surrounding yourself with a supportive team are essential in order for you to THRIVE.

I strongly recommend you join us on December 6 & 7 at our Quarterly Retreat in Cary, NC as we focus on “Enterprise” for your professional speaking business!

Let’s swing for the fences ⚾️, be proactive and prepared; and map out the Game Plan for success in 2025.

October 2024

The Transformative Power of Global Experience

I recently had the incredible privilege of attending the Global Speakers Summit in Bali, Indonesia. This experience was an awesome reminder of the magic and power that comes with gaining global perspective, expanding horizons outside of our respective bubbles, and connecting with diverse voices and professional speaker colleagues from around the world.

As professional speakers, we often thrive on sharing stories, insights, and strategies that inspire action and change for our audiences; but, sometimes, it is stepping outside our comfort zones, immersing ourselves in different cultures, and learning from our international peers that fuels true growth. The Summit provided an opportunity to intently listen, learn and soak in the viewpoints, perspectives & experiences of worldwide colleagues.

Similar to those found locally within NSA Carolinas, as well as nationally within the greater NSA Community, the relationships developed from in-person events and interactions present opportunities for partnership, collaboration & engagements globally.

The wisdom gained, knowledge exchanged, and diversity of thoughts were a great reminder of the benefits of engaging beyond borders to build a better speaker business and become a better speaker.

I encourage you to explore the world outside of your immediate bubble as well ... get up and get out! Let's continue expanding our reach and embracing global learning, all in the spirit of sharing a powerful message to others in the world!

All the best, and here's to making a positive Global Impact!

September 2024

Now, more than ever, the value of Community, Connection, and True Collaboration has never been clearer.

Here are two quick stories that highlight the incredible power of community and the importance of genuine connections:

Recently, I returned from an engagement in Scottsdale (or should I say "HOTTSDALE" with those blazing 104° temps ), where I had the absolute joy of dining with fellow professional speakers, NSA & Black NSA members, and former NSA staff the night before I spoke. Words can’t fully capture how much that gathering filled my cup — the confidence, energy, and excitement I felt from networking and bonding with peers in the area was just priceless... read more.

The week prior, I had the privilege of being the Day 1 Opening Keynote and Day 2 Closing Keynote in Myrtle Beach. Having several NSA Carolinas members in the audience, including Mary Elizabeth Murphy and Heather Hansen O’Neill, along with another member who made a special trip just to support, made all the difference. They snapped action shots and cheered me on, and their encouragement truly lifted my spirit.

The simple nods of support, well-wishes, and kindness from fellow NSA Carolinas members are invaluable. My hope is that every member gets to experience the same sense of camaraderie and belonging that I’ve been so fortunate to enjoy. In my experience, what you gain from this community is directly tied to what you put into it.

NSA Carolinas Past President, Stan Phelps, is ALWAYS open to meeting (preferably for a 4-hour nature walk … aka golf ⛳️ ), listening, sharing insights, sage advice and guidance. Thanks for always adding to the community SP . Also, those who have been great chatting with our newest members include Past Presidents Jane Jenkins Herlong, Valda Ford, Chuck Gallagher and numerous fellow members like Mitch Savoie Hill, Anton Gunn and countless others.

So, I encourage YOU — yes, YOU — to dive in, get more involved, and actively support NSA Carolinas and your fellow members. It’s only then that you’ll truly feel the magic and power of community and collaboration.

Be well!

P.S. I’m heading to the Global Speakers Summit in Bali, Indonesia from 9/26 - 9/29 . If you’ll be attending too, let’s make sure to connect and expand our global impact together!

August 2024

A couple of years ago, my Coach gifted me the book Three Feet From Gold which highlights the message that oftentimes folks give up and throw in the towel when they are thisclose to success…and the Gold.

In our industry, there can certainly be times when you feel a bit helpless, and possibly even hopeless (maybe that's just been my experience - if you're immune to those feelings, please reach out to me directly and share the key to your success! Haha).

Although we may face challenges and obstacles that test our internal grit, resolve and dedication ... please take this message as a reminder that tough people (that's YOU!) > tough times. You have true power within; and your perseverance - even when the going gets tough - will lead to a wonderful journey filled with learnings and experiences to last a lifetime.

Setbacks provide opportunities for growth, innovation and a chance to spotlight your resilience and bounce-back skills. It is this persistence, even in the face of adversity, which allows you to hone your craft, inspire audiences and make a lasting and positive impact! You're moving forward and taking action (and risks) is a sign of your strength - I applaud you (LOUDLY!)

Please remember, we are on a journey similar to a marathon (“the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” – Chinese Proverb ), and each step means progress and/or learnings to get us closer to our goals and dreams!

I encourage all of us to keep supporting one another, share our experiences, celebrate victories (both large and small), as it is together where we can overcome any obstacle faced and reach heights never imagined in our respective professional speaking businesses.

NSA Carolinas, our esteemed Board, and me, personally, are here to help - please do not hesitate to reach out if we can support and assist you in building a better Speaker business and/or becoming a better Professional Speaker!

Hang in there ... you've got this!

Kindest regards!

Larry