What if you could actually get paid for the thoughts in your head and the words that come out of your mouth?

For years now, whenever someone asks what I do – whether I’m at a networking event or just getting my hair cut – I say with a smile, “I made up a job, wrote a book about it, and now people pay me to talk about that.” It usually gets a laugh, but it’s also true! I didn’t go the traditional route. I’ve got a trade school background in makeup, not an MBA, but here I am, making a living sharing what I’m passionate about.

This wasn’t an overnight success story. It’s taken years of training, practice, and trial and error to learn how to organize my thoughts, keep people’s attention, and make them curious. But once I developed these skills, I found something crucial: freedom. I could shape my own career, no longer waiting on someone else to say “yes,” like I did back in my early days as an actor.

I’ll never forget seeing T. Harv Eker on stage for the first time. He had the whole room hooked for an hour, and by the end, nearly everyone was lined up to buy his book. That was a turning point for me; I realized that commanding a room and inspiring action isn’t just a gift, it’s a skill – one that allows you to control your own economy. That’s when I knew that no matter what’s happening in the world, you can create opportunity if you can captivate others with your words.

One of my earliest experiences with this was selling tickets to my very first event. When the first person bought a $99 ticket, I knew I was on to something. It wasn’t just a single sale; that one “yes” turned into 30 more that day. It showed me that my words could have real impact and real value, and that was just the beginning.

From there, I went on to build a business where clients now pay up to $10,000 a month, and events where I’ve earned $150,000 before even stepping on stage, simply because of the ideas I share.

So, wherever you are in your career – whether you run a business, consult, coach, or aspire to speak – know that your words have the power to inspire and generate income. Learn to communicate effectively, organize your thoughts, and get comfortable with putting yourself out there. People will pay to hear your message when you deliver it with clarity, purpose, and a little curiosity.

Here’s to making your words work for you!