Pick Your Experts...Carefully!

I've been 'in the Thunderdome' (January 2000 Tony Robbins event in Boston) where pounding music, fog and lasers had the crowd teetering on the brink of eargasm whenever Tony took the stage.

I've also been in tiny conference rooms, with tiny audiences, listening to speakers you've never heard of.

At age 50, looking back and weighing the impact of each, the biggest lesson I ever took and actually engaged...came from the latter.

About 6 years ago, in Concord NH, I attended an event to support a friend (I had spoken in her conference room the previous month) and got to hear a speaker from the seacoast of NH, who shared a lesson which continues to impact my life positively today.

He talked of the power of intentionally recognizing Gratitude in our lives.

Since then, I have faithfully FILLED numerous hard-bound Gratitude Journals, logging thousands of great 'moments' in my life.

Doing this has helped me consistently realize how many GOOD things are happening within me and around me. It's been the fuel that has helped keep me going during some dark times.

Is he the only speaker or coach who dishes on the physical and emotional benefits of being grateful?

Not at all.

Why did it work for me when HE said it?

Because his style of speaking, explaining and sharing RESONATED with my style of learning.

Let's face it: most speakers, authors and (cough cough) 'gurus' out there say the same thing, for the most part.

Some deliver in a cool, conversational manner, which I like (and this is how I deliver my presentations as well).

Others prefer to get an entire arena crowd THUMPING as they deliver high-energy decibels to enhance their message.

Mind you, I have nothing against world famous speakers. I've met several.

Jack Canfield (truly one of my favorites) was as gracious as I could have asked for.

I also enjoyed a wonderful conversation with Brendon Burchard at an event in Dallas.

Another one (she was in The Secret, that's all I'll give you) came off as obnoxious when, surrounded by a throng of adoring fans, she approached me in the hall outside he conference room, pointed at me, and said "You HAVE to come to my big money-making event in New York next month!"

Sorry, sister...that's not how I roll.

Which type of 'expert' works for you?

Or, a better question: Which one has been getting all your money...so far?

One thing I've noticed over the years, which has always bothered me, is the PITCH-FEST that so many of these huge Motivational Woodstocks have devolved into.

I get it. We are all here to make money, to trade our time for a paycheck.

In the Fall of 2017 there was an all-day Tony Robbins event happening in Boston. Knowing that I am in the industry, and really did get a lot from Tony's early materials when my personal development journey began, several friends asked if I would be attending.

"No way", I replied. "I don't feel like sitting there all day being sold to by his friends."

Sure enough, within the first 2 hours on event day, my social media news feed was being flooded by friends who were typing: "Ugh...pitch-fest!"

Here's my thing, when it comes to finding 'experts' from whom you can learn:

1) Find people whose style and message resonate with your learning style

2) Make sure the knowledge they share actually inspires you to take action (beyond their up-sell)

To all of my clients who have invited me (some as many as 9 times, so far) to share my message across your stages...THANK YOU!

To those who watch my videos on the Motivational Firewood™ YouTube Channel...I am honored!

To those who who seen me live, who reach out even years later to share how you took action on one of my lessons and created positive results...YOU are why I do this.

Who are YOUR experts?

Who inspires you to be better?

How can you make these people a bigger part of your life?

Now in his 14th year as The Motivational Firewood™Guy, Steve Gamlin shares his blend of positivity, engagement and humor with corporate and association audiences.

Drawing from a decade on the radio, 7 years of stand-up comedy and his ‘crash and burn to success’ journey, Steve shares 'real' messages for 'real' people.

For those who wish to harness the power of Visualization, Steve recently launched his “Engaging Your Why / Success Vision” learning program.