For a long time I tried not to engage in any negative exchange on my sites. I’m really not very confrontational at all. But I think this time I need to speak my mind.
A woman contacted me a few weeks ago. She wanted some information on my coaching program. Someone from my office spoke to her and gave the info she needed. In fact, I also spoke to her on the phone as well.
A few weeks later, she called again. This time she wanted to know about my credentials. She wanted to know what coaching school I attended. She also wanted to know what kind of certification I offer after my speaking for a living training.
As soon as she started asking these questions, I decided that I did not want to coach her. First, I don’t really wish to do much in the area of one-on-one coaching. It can be draining. I have too much on my plate. This is why I’m very selective on who I accept in my coaching program.
The reality is, anyone can be a coach. It’s like this: If the race to the top is a thousand miles and you are at the hundredth mile line, you can coach and teach those who are at mile number one. You have earned your qualification.
It’s About Results, Not Certification
People don’t buy certification. They buy results. For example, the lady who makes outgoing calls when an inquiry arrives at my office is a divorced coach (www.divorcewomencan.com). One of her clients was going through a nasty divorce to the point where she was very depressed and wanted to give up on life.
Leisa was able to help her bounce back. Her client is very thankful for it. Things are now going great for her. Not one time during the process did the client ask for proof or certification. As a matter of fact, she gladly signed up for another three months. Why? Because she’s happy with the results.
The teaching point is this: As long as your clients are happy with the results, you are qualified to coach. Let me put it another way…
If you wake up tomorrow with a really bad toothache. You’re going to find the closest dentist in your neighborhood that can take care of that tooth for you.
You will NOT care if there’s a diploma on the wall and what school the doctor attended. All you care about is someone who can take away the pain from you. Right?
Of course, you need to investigate before you invest. But, in my case, you just type my name in Google and you’ll get tons of proof that I’m the guy who’s living the dream you want to live.
She Called Back Again
The same woman called my office back and left a voicemail. She wanted to know how much money speakers make. She wants to know how she is going to be able to recoup the money she is spending. Although, I’m not sure where she’s spending her money.
Basically, she wants me to guarantee her that she will make money. How in the world do I know how much money she can make?
Look, I make no claim of income. It all depends on how much you are willing to put into it. Many talented and brilliant speakers started around the same time I did.
They couldn’t make it work. They went back to work. Yet, many others became wildly successful. The difference is not about talents or skills. It’s about commitment and determination.
Besides, there’s no guarantee in life. Okay, let’s say there’s only one guarantee. You will die one day. Other than that, life is a series of risks. You have to take them. If you are not dancing on the edge and taking some risks, you’ll always remain in the position or situation you are currently in. That means doing nothing is a risk in and of itself.
Service Vs Money
Early on in my speaking career, I made a huge mistake. I became a hustler. My focus was on money and things. After all, I’m living in a society that put a big emphasis on material possessions. It’s easy to become your environment.
The more money I made, the more I wanted. Simply put, it was all about ME. Now, I don’t live an extravagant life. I still live in the same little house I lived for the past twenty years. I drive a BMW for a specific reason. But I won’t get into that now.
By the way, did you know that multi-billionaire Warren Buffet still lives in the same modest house he bought years ago for $30,000? One day, I will write a blog post about this topic. It will be a wake up call for you. But Let’s get back to money.
As you might know, money and things don’t bring happiness. Think of all the rich people in Hollywood. They have lots of money. Yet, almost all of them are not happy. They are miserable! Just so you know, making more money will not make you happy. It’s an illusion.
Service is what triggers happiness. You are happy when you make someone else happy. It’s when you are truly connected with God. Luke 12:31 tells us this: “Seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.” To me, this is the most profound lesson in the Bible.
The word kingdom tells me there’s no lack. You see, when you lose yourself in service, you are seeking the kingdom. Service is not about you and the things you want. It’s about uplifting and edifying God’s people.
What’s remarkable about this is, all the things you want will come to you when you lose yourself in service. Throughout history, people who lose themselves in service never lack anything. Jesus came to serve and offer His life as the ultimate sacrifice. He did not lack anything.
Mother Theresa did not lack anything. By the way, she was not poor. If she wanted to give you one million dollars, she had access to it. The gurus who dedicate their lives to serving others always have plenty to keep serving and helping.
Sorry if I got a bit spiritual on you for a moment. But my point is this: As long as you keep pursuing the so-called success for your own self-interest, your struggles will never end. Even if you do get the money, you will have a miserable life. You will not be happy.
Everyday, you should ask yourself how can you make someone happy? How can you serve someone? What can you say in a video, article, or blog post to inspire someone to keep pressing on in spite of the challenges? How can you help someone make their dream become a reality?
Look, you don’t need a big stage to start doing so. You can start now with your acquaintances, friends, co-workers, and family members. You can serve those who are within your reach right now.
When people get a sense that you are truly out to make them happy and help them get what they want, they will voluntarily throw money at you. It may not happen at the beginning. But, sooner or later, it will happen.
I know I talk about making money in the videos I shared with you. But, that’s just to get your attention. Without getting your attention, I can’t share the essence of my message with you. Just keep that in mind.
Charity Vs Speaking For A Living
Now, I’m not telling you to start a charity. Although it would be a great idea to start one in addition to your business. I’m not telling you not to charge for your products or services. I’m rather telling you to focus on service. Think about how you can serve and help.
For example, I charge a fee to speak at events. But, I’m always challenging myself to serve my audience extremely well. My focus is how to help my audience improve their condition. By the way, that’s a surefire way to wipe out your fear on stage.
If a company calls and tells me they don’t have money, I will not accept the engagement. I need the money. I need it mostly to go and serve poor people in remote villages in my country.
I don’t have any problem with making money. The problem is with selfishness and greed. The problem is when the focus is on money. I want you to make beaucoup money. Make it so you can serve the unfortunate people who are beaten, sick, dejected, and neglected.
There’s something funny about money. The more you pursue it, the more it tends to run away from you. The more you cuddle and hug it, the more it makes you sick mentally or even physically. You see, money is like blood. It must flow or it will create blood clots and make you sick.
I am very very incouraged by your insights and wisdom. It is true, it is not the certificate but the experience passion. my mind is now wide open. People call me the motivator and i always wanted to go public, but i was failing because i thought people will ask me about the certificate. I now know, thank you so much for this article. Right away i am starting my career because of you. I have the topic and and i have prepared the lessons, the longest being for 8hrs and shortest 30 minutes and i have written 4 motivation books which i have not published. Thank you so much.
Cool! Great to hear from you Joseph. Thanks for participating in the conversation. Yes, the time to start is now. The person is you! Go for it my friend. You are more than qualified. Do not doubt your ability. You can help so many out there.
I agree with you that one cannot speak for charity only which I have been doing a lot. Professional speaking s a career, a job and effect a profession where people work for money. Sure, special training and traits are required and you are a great Nodel for us all.
Moeny follows – in any profession – if one does not focus on money only. Public speaking – in my experience – is a great service as well. We do not have too many professionals like you that I do dream of becoming.
While I train supervisors, managers and leaders in various circles, I have not projected myself as a public speaker which is where my passion is. We know both from you and other experts – that it passion that gets you what you want. I have not figured out yet what’s between me and my passion that is keeping from being a public speaker.
All the bebst to you all.
well, i have met people like her in my profession too as a fitness and dance artist. these are the types of people that trigger a lot of dreamers to STOP. when i saw this coming, i had the same experience…but when i saw i have a handful that God gave me to serve, not by certificate but by experience and service proof (result proof )because some opportunities in my time never issue certificates….i automatically said to myself…there are others who need my service….that’s right, let us serve those who deserve our service….and not to people like her…they don’t deserve us YET.
You are absolutely right Ana! …Not by certificate but by experience. The main thing is to produce results. By their fruits you shall know them.
Thanks so much for helping me. Rene God showed me a dream of me talking to a a large group of people. I was scared at first because I am a very shy person but he told be to look up how to become a speaker and it brought me to this and The first video you said two things one you said that you can be a shy person to become a speaker and you also said that if you want to become a speaker then go must have told you. Im thankful that you started this to help get us on our feet and down the road of helping others by speaking. Thank you Rene for helping me.
Hi Julie,
I’m not surprised by your reaction in the dream. We all have either consciously or subconsciously a fear of success. The large crowd you saw is your higher-self showing you what’s possible for you. Maybe I should it’s your God showing you how big He is.
The scary feeling your felt is what the world around you have instilled in you. All the negative stuff we are fed with throughout the journey. It takes a lot of mental clean up to get rid of the garbage in our head.
The reality is, if you really knew who you really are and what you are capable of, you would be stunned! You would wonder why have waited so long to start living the dreams in your head.
Just so you know, I was an extremely shy guy. Years ago, no one could have convinced me that I could do what I’m doing. Now, I look I was born to do this. Amazing! Okay, let’s Amazing Grace!
Amen!! Renee. I have been a fan of you and your messages for the past 3 years. This was a tremendous blog. I will work with you someday. Be Blessed.
Great to have you on board Martin.
hi rene you are the man saying exactly what is needed at such a time offcourse you where never reacting at all,its good to be real you,just as you have sounded in this post,i appreciat rene please dont stop this good work ,cheers instructor victo
Thanks for your feedback George.
Dear Mr Godefroy,
I was very happy to hear from you again. I want you to know that you were not over reacting concerning “Speaking Just For The Money Is Not Good.” You Were Right On! As a matter of fact I used Matthew 6:33 in my last motivational speech.
Your expert advice has been very helpful to me. I’m now a Christian Motivational Speaker. I started speaking to Seniors first, but I hope to speak at Rotary Clubs, Hospitals, Colleges, and any place where God opens a door.
I also have a website, it may be found at http://www.speakinginthespirit.com. Thanks again for your guidance, I really appreciate it
Barbara Caldwell
It’s my pleasure Barbara. I’m proud of you for taking the leap. Keep pressing on. Refuse to lose your momentum. The Christian market is huge. Speak anywhere, any audience size, and for any time for any amount.
It’s really ridiculous to think you need a certificate in order to establish yourself as an expert in a particular field. There are so many motivational speakers out there with no college degree or public speaking certificates. Poeple like Les Brown,the late Jim Rohn, Bob Proctor, or even Craig Valentine didn’t go to college or any institution to study public speaking. All it required was their fervent and sincere interest coupled with their determination to live their passion. That being said, I feel the more a person becomes enlightened as to the true meaning of life, the more the person becomes inclined to serve humanity with his talents or passion without the expection of overnight affluence. If you serve sincerely with all your heart, nature will always take care of you even beyond your expectation.
Giles, you are an awesome writer. Well said my friend. Let me rephrase this according to what I believe… “Nature will always take care of you beyond expectation”. I say God will always take care of you. Of course, it’s your choice what you want to call God. I believe in nature. But I also believe in what nurtures nature. Anyway, I’m glad you are on board. I see you are shining the light for many already. I am excited to be on the same highway with you. Great job!
I totally agree with you on all points. I believe that when you do what you love and do it for the sheer joy of helping others, the money will follow. Also I know that money is a vital necessity in order to survive. It is necessary sometimes in order to help others. But when you make money the uppermost priority in life whether to get a job, run a business, etc. it becomes your slave and it runs you. It’s all about your motives, and what you do with it.
Excellent Bobbie! Your business should never run you. It’s the other way around. Service in any endeavor is the elevator to success.
I totally agree with you. But don’t most people pursue a carreer in anything, speaking, sales, etc. with the notion of making a lot of money? Especially the younger generation? Then as we aged, we tend to know more about ourselved, hopefully, and we begin to really think of our true purpose in life. I was reading an article in he Costo Connection March 2012 edition, about Life is Calling by the former Today host Jane Pauley.
She was very successful in her carreer as the host of NBC’s Today and Dateline. I am sure she made tons of money. But at 61 years of age, she decided to reinvent herself and hosts a different show called “Your Life Calling with Jane Pauley”.
I think this is an example that people, after years of making money, is not motivated by money anymore, but would rather help and most of them asked themselves this questions: “What can I do to make this world a better place and How can I make a difference?”
You see Rene, I belong in the baby boomer generation, and what I need and really want to is share my experieces, (good or not so good),dreams, successs and failures, and ideas with women in the world. To reiterate to them that we have choices in life- to be what we want to be.
Just like you, from a bell man of a hotel to now a successful inpirational speaker. I really admire you for that. I really want to be a public speaker eversince I can remember in my grade school age. I wan to reach people, women, in particular, young and old, to convey my mesage that we possess the strenght, talent, ability,determination, caring,
and dedication to make ourselves a better person and in turm to make this world a better place for the us and generation to come. I love my life, all experiences that come my way, good or not that good, happened for a reason. I embraced them all and learned from them.
I always try to reimind myself to sing while I still can and to dance while music is still playing. Life is too short to not enjoy every moment of it. We can not bring back or buy back time (any second of it).
Once it’s gone it’s gone. And sometime, we have so much regrets for not doing what we want to do, what we want to say, and what we want to share to other people until it’s too late. So, we must make every second count. Stop more often to smell the roses or the flower of your choice.
Take a different route on our way home. Say “hello” to a stranger, appreciate what you have not just material objects, but people that care about you just becuase you are “YOU” and only about your acchievement or success, but also in times when you are down in the dumps or failure, BUT what you really are (emotionally, physially, and spiritually).
Thank you for being a part of this world and making a difference.
What you said about trying to find meaning after making the money is true. However, I wish I have a teacher at a young age to teach me what I know about service and money today.
Again, I don’t want to stop making money. That would be selfish on my part since I want to help others with the money I make. You see, you can’t help the poor if you are one of them.
All I am saying is this: Give and you shall receive. It’s not the other way around. One should be concerned about serving and giving value. Inevitably the receiving will happen.
I suppose the taker in me comes from the fact that I lived in survival mode for some time. Therefore, I had the fear of losing the little that I had. I cringe to think I embraced that kind of mindset in the past.
If I had someone to have some heart to heart conversations with me about all this.
I believe we are living in a world of plenty. Service attract plenty to us.
By the way, your philosophy about life and success is awesome. My late friend, Rosita Perez, was one of the top speakers in the world. She wrote a book that’s called The Music Is In You. She used to speak on stages with her guitar. To me and many others, she was an angel.
I agree with you that you can ‘t help the poor if you are among them. Don’t get me wrong, i love to make money so I can use to to better the world in small ways, to start. I came from a a third world country too so I know how it feels not to have the means, money, etc. To live in a house that is not particularty safe and it poured (litterally) when it rained. So, the search for money is within me too. The only thing, sometimes, that is stopping me is the fear that I am not able to reach that point when I work becuase i want to and not because I have to. I really want to be a motivational speaker. I just don’t know where to start. Your help and assistance is appreciated.
Thank you.
Music in Me
You know where to start. The music is in you. When you are unsure where to start, you just start. Trust in the process. Take the first, second, and third steps. Start where you are.
Here are 10 ideas you can use to start:
1- Write an article that offers solutions to a specific problem
2- Create a video that offers solutions to a specific problem
3- Put up a web site or blog
4- Go to the the shelters in your town and offer your help to do some training for them… Inspire those that are beaten and discourage
5- Write the outline of your book
6- Create a one pager about you and your speaking
7- Call some civic clubs in your town such as: Kiwanis, Optimist, lions
8- Go to speak to a classroom at a high school
9- Have a motivational event in your house or apartment for friends and family members with some refreshments
10- Post some motivational ideas on your Facebook
Do something, anything and call it your start. Then, keep the momentum going. Does that make sense? God needs something to bless for you.
I read your notes you sent Rosita Perez in Sept. of 2009. She must be an angel and she believed in you. How I wish I had the pleasure of meeting her. You must have been so devastated to hear the sad news about her passing.
I need an angel like her to coach me and guide me to be a motivational speaker just like what she was to you.
Wish you more success in touching people’s lives here and everywhere.
Music in Me.
Thanks for your good wishes. We are on the same journey. I wish you the same. Don’t look back. Don’t give up. Even when there’s no sign of success at first. Yes, Rosita had the music in her and I believe she was also the music.
Rene everything you said is fine. Nothing to mad about. Yes its nice to get paid while going to speak but I dont look for the money to go speak the only time i ask is if I dont have the money to get to the place I will ask for gas and food. But really if people are only speaking for the money they need to recheck themselves
Thanks for your feedback David. Yes, you should not be too overly concerned about making money, especially at the beginning. Serving the audience, exposure, platform hours are all very valuable for any speakers.
I believe Zig Ziglar gave over 300 speeches for free before he started making money. That’s a record. I didn’t give 300 free speeches. But I spoke for free many, many times when I needed experience and platform hours.
Maybe I should say marketing speeches instead of free speeches. After all, you get to be in front of audience to showcase yourself.
In fact, that’s how I got my first $1,500 check to speak. There are cases when someone enters the field without speaking for free. Usually, it’s when the person comes in with some kind of celebrity status.
So true! I don’t think she’s worth wasting your time!
Hello, MR. godefroy. I been listing to you for some time now. I know my calling from god is to be a blessing, i want to become a relationship coach, relationship speaker, Youth, parents, married couples and singles. Don’t know where too start
Correy,
When you don’t where to start, you just start. What I mean is this: Trust in the process. In order to start anything, you have to take the first step. You have to go through a process. You can’t skip that.
So, write a great piece of content – article, special report – that offers solutions to a specific problem for married couples. Everyday people are looking for solutions just like you are looking here on this site.
Make it available to the world. Give it away to married couple. That’s called service. You serve them. In opinion, you just discovered how to start.
You see, you don’t have to know how to start. It’s already in you. Create something. It may be a video, audio, article, blog post, etc.
When I started speaking, I have no earthly idea what I was going to talk about. I wasn’t lucky enough to have access to all the videos I created for you. Count it a blessing.
This is a very great article, that is what is really happening in this world, the world is full of self-interest people think of themselves of what they get and not what they give, this is very nice and I agree with you Dr Rene, we should live to serve others
Hi Justina,
I am glad what I said resonates with you. Let’s keep serving. The instruction is to give and you shall receive. It’s not receive and you shall give. Press on!
Dr, Godefroy, I do not think you are wrong at all. I have always lived my life with the thought that “if you take care of the people, the money will be there”. I always start each day with prayer on just one person I can touch today. I wouldn’t allow one person affect who you are. Embrace who you are and what you do!
God Bless you!
Rene,
I absolutely agree with you. I was motivated by 100% every time that I watched one of your videos. Let me say that I appreciate the FREE service that you provided for us.
I have been in demand to speak to young ladies more often, and I have yet to demand a “set” fee for my services. But the return that I get for touching the heart of 1 individual is priceless.
Thanks to you, I have completed my 1st book, P.U.M.A Girl: Part 1, an Extended Poem which is the prelude to the series that I am working on.
People always find a way to try and tear down what they can not understand or achieve.
Again, thanks
Dear Rene, I don’t want to be happy, I just want to be pleased and have the feeling of accomplishment. To be happy is something too difficult. I am happy if I can help my family , friends and students .I like offering more than receiving.The only thing I need is the others’ respect for I what I do and the values I believe in.It’s not about money, it’s about living a decent life after a career of more than 25 years of teaching. I am still young but I have a lot of experience and I want to share it with other people and make them not repeat the same mistakes.I completely agree with you.
Rene,
I strongly agree with you. I must also say that you’re more than qualified and greater than any certification. I respect your position and coaching expertise in the world of speaking.
You are correct sir, and you have reminded me of the real reason I set out on this journey…or should I say felt called to this journey!!!
if Luke 12:31 is copyrighted then, I am sorry Rene, I may have to use that quote, I hope you don’t get me for copyright infringement. I am let you know ahead of time and this public.
Denis
Denis it wouldn’t be a copyright because its from the bible anyone is allowed to quote whatever they want from the bible.
I really like what you said about The Bible-seek ye first the Kingdom of God and then all these things shall be added unto you. Being a recovering person, I really know that God must come first, at least for me, so that must mean service to my fellow brothers and sisters, get out of self and help someone else!
very well said people only tend to see dollar signs but what you speak from knowledge, wisdom, your own experiences, and truth is priceless.
No, Rene. You did not get a little spiritual, you were spiritual all the way…speaking passionately and prolifically from your heart. You’ve left me speechless. I will read it again and comment later. May God continue to bless you abundantly.
Hi Rene,
No, you were not wrong. I’d like to put it more into perspective about this woman and many other people so that others understand what place she and most often then not others are coming from that behave like this.
These people come from a place of lack and fear. They over analyze things so much that they talk themselves right out of it. She was coming from a place of what’s in it for me. Like you said, you have to want to help others.
I am a massage therapist, and when I was in school, it was the same thing. Only 2 others including myself were there to help other people. The rest kept talking about the money they were going to make after watching the commercials on t.v.
They never made it or dropped out. I on the other hand work for myself. They also came from a panic mode of oh God I’m getting old what should I do with my life? What’s the quickest way to earn a living. FOLKS, it just doesn’t work that way.
I think it is a smart move not to coach someone like this.
One, you would be wasting yours and theirs time. Two, people like that never truly get it and can hinder others they are trying to help when they can not even help themselves.
On another note of not accepting a company with no money. You should not do this for the simple fact that to do this would totally defeat the purpose of why you coach in the first place.
Let me explain: You coach to add value to these companies and make them more productive so they can make more money. If you did your teaching for free, then where is that very lesson your trying to teach? They would not learn it. If they want you bad enough then they will find the money to pay you for it.
I will save my breath until the next posting. Take care and by the way Renee,your English is perfect!
Warm Blessings,
Karen
words of wisdom!
Rene,
You are my Hero, and I’m sure Im not the only one. Money has always been the biggest most seductive entity to tempt us from our true calling followed closely by her ugly sister F.E.A.R.. The Bible even says, “It is easier for a Camel to go through an eye of a needle, than for a rich man to go to heaven.” ” Money is the root of all kinds of evil.” ” You cannot worship God and Money.” The list goes on and on. The principle of giving and serving is a sound principle based out of the heart of God. He will honor your service far beyond your dreams. I am so excited about this principle, I am going to add this in a section in the book I am writing. I would love to meet you with in the month if it’s possible to meet, I only live a few hours from Atlanta. Thank you for this wonderful reminder of what we are here for. Money is a Good Thing, but it can be the biggest enemy to the Best Thing!
Rene, you message has a lot of meaning. it is very positive and on point. You have earned your stripes, you have a right to speak your mind.
Enjoy you life my Brother.Hope to meet you one day!
Lionel
Bahamas
I agree with your opinion access to our success is to motivate people through our testimony of our pain hurt and failures, which will inspire them and motivate us to plateau in our stride.Iam writing a book Iwould like to send you a copy on completion please direct me how i should do so as I need your input before publishing. You are a Godsent angel at the appointed time.i would like my email address to be private
Great message, Rene. You are right in the money. By the way, I really loved the spiritual part of your message. Rene, I have a favor to ask. I am getting ready to get my book published. The manuscript is ready. I am wondering if you would be willing to read it and write a foreword for the book. Thank you so much for being my “invisible” mentor. The tithe of the book is: Your Dream is Still Possible.I am working with Create Space to get it published. Merci beaucoup et que Dieu te benisse. Bernard
Rene, Great message…The truth will set you free…but only the truth you know…Thanks for sharing
Very well put Michael. Thanks for your feedback.
Dear Dr Rene Godefroy. I agree with you 100%. You are highly qualified in your field of publis speak and need certificaation.
Your own sxpereince is signififance. You are already providing us great insight and motivation just through your weekly videos.
Any onw who is asking for more proof is a fool and just does not know how this business works.
Hats for you and I look forward to attendign your training once I am back to US.
Warmest regards!
Dr. Koya
Awesome Dr. Koya. I look forward to meeting you as well. Continue to allow your presence be a light unto those who are buried deep in darkness.
Dr. Rene, we all are with you. You are my guru. I followed on yout tips how to get speaking assignment, something I knew but was sitting on it. You got me going in the right direction. The local Rotary Club secretray responded to email and I sent her bmy ONE PAGE. I am hopeful I will get invited soon.
In the meantime, I contiue to speak my own forums at AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMEN, LEGAL OPEN FORUM, INTERFAITH AMERICA on URI South San Francisco Chapter. i follow a lot of what hear from you.
My continued prayers and best wishes to you for your total success.
Dr. Koya