One Great Idea or One Trick Pony?

The theme of this year's National Speakers Association of Australia conference, which I attended last week, was "One Great Idea".

I remember one presentation in particular where the speaker did deliver one great idea. It was an idea about financial management and cash flow that most speakers could implement immediately in their business - and would lead to increased profit almost instantly.

Unfortunately, most people missed the idea!

Although this speaker did have a great idea, his delivery wasn't great. In fact, a number of people in the audience left early, and I'm sure some who stayed left mentally.

And that was a real pity.

Because it was a great idea. And it could improve their business instantly.

Sure, he could have delivered it in a more engaging way.

But that's not the point.

Quick question: If you had to choose between a great idea delivered poorly or a showy delivery with no take-away value, what would you choose?

I'm not sure what you'd say. Me? I'd rather get the idea. After all, as one of my colleagues said afterwards, "Wouldn't you still take a 24-carat diamond, even if it's in a paper bag?"

Have YOU got one great idea or are you just a one trick pony?

I know other speakers who prance around the stage, delivering a showy, entertaining presentation, but without any interesting, unique and valuable content. That might work as long as they can keep finding audiences for that presentation.

But that's getting harder to do. Especially now, when clients are looking for other ways to get the same message.

Here's the point: If you've got an idea, you can LEVERAGE that idea.

If you're booked primarily because of your delivery style and entertainment value, you're a one-trick pony. And I believe your days are numbered.

On the other hand, the speaker I heard with the great idea could turn it into a book.
Or write a training program and licence it to others.
Or create a 12-month coaching program for business owners.
Or write an on-line course to sell over the Internet.
Or ... any number of other things.

I'm sure he's doing some of these things already.

What about you?

So what about it? Do you have a great idea or are you a one-trick pony? Get clear about your ideas, and you'll always have ways to make money from them.

Key words: ideas, leverage

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Gihan Perera is the author of "Get Active: Web Sites for Speakers, Trainers, Coaches and Consultants" and "Fast, Flat and Free: What You Need to Know to Stay Ahead in a Connected World". Visit http://GihanPerera.com and get your complimentary copies now.

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