Ok, so most of my blog readers know that in addition to being a wedding photographer and wannabe semi pro poker player (not), I also have a passion for helping other photographers build their businesses. I founded a community called the [ b ] School a couple of years ago and I often find myself flying around the country and world to speak and inspire up and coming photographers. I love it! I really do and I have more and more speaking engagements coming up this year and next.

The thing is... believe it or not... I actually get really nervous speaking in front of people and even though I am not very good at it right now... I am committed to getting better at it. Just like anything else in life, the more you practice and study something, the better you get. I hired a coach a while back and I think that's helped a bit, but recently, I have been going to seminars and speaking engagements not just to hear what they have to say, but how they say it. I am trying to pick up some tips & techniques for effective speaking.

In general, I personally can't stand a lot of "motivational speakers". Some times their "too happy to be alive" attitudes are just annoying, and they don't seems sincere. I've been to a few events in the last year and walked out the speakers were so bad.

This past weekend however, I went to a 3 day seminar called The Millionaire Mind Intensive and it was great. T Harv Eker who wrote Secrets of the Millionaire Mind, put together a program trying to teach people how to take control of their financial futures. There were two speakers, that alternated every couple of hours, and I took pages and pages of notes. Sure, there were a couple of parts that got a little hokey... but for the most part... I really like how they delivered the information... and... the information was actually really valuable and I have already made some changes in how I handle my finances. If you do go to the $97 3 day seminar... be aware... they will try to get you to sign up for more classes that cost a lot more. I didn't sign up for any of them, but I am considering actually going to one or two (going to depend on my schedule).

Last night, I went to the Business is Booming Tour with Brad Sugars. Joe Photo & I went and we both took lots of notes and had a great conversation afterwards. Brad gave away a ton of great info for small business owners and I liked his way of presenting. I think my style of public speaking is more like his. Straightforward, direct, with a low pressure sales pitch (that's how I roll). At the end of the night, he let people know about his business coaching company... which sounds really good. I am going to research it some more before making any decisions, but I think we could all benefit from a good business coach. Check the website for dates in a city near you.

If you have any questions on either of these programs, you can tune into Study Hall this afternoon at 4pm PST and ask away. By the way, Study Hall happens every Thursday at 4pm and it's FREE to all photographers.

Anyway... If you are interested in seeing me speak, be sure to follow @thebschool or check the [ b ] School blog for details. My next speaking gig is in the Bay Area on July 13th. It's only $20 if you pre-register or $30 at the door (if there's any room left). You can download the PDF below:

I've ordered my own caricature from Exaggerart and I'll share it with you as soon as it comes in.

Disclaimer. If you sign up for any of the more expensive T Harv Eker courses, I will receive a small percentage of your tuition. I don't get a dime from the Brad Sugar's thing.