A few weeks ago I was listening to a National Speakers Association (NSA) training CD when Tom Searcy said something like, “Never create something once that you can’t sell twice.” Although it would most likely be considered wise counsel in the general market, I must admit that as a Christian speaker, my first response was to cringe. Sell? And not only once, but twice? Does everything in the world have to go back to money?
But the more I thought about it, the more I realized a slightly altered statement applied to the Christian speaker as well. After all, don’t we create new messages and hope to have the opportunity to share them over and over again? Wasn’t that the same as creating it once and “selling” it twice?
When I first began my speaking ministry, I would create a program, deliver it, and then stuff it away somewhere, possibly never to be seen again. And even after the Lord began multiplying my opportunities to speak, I often would write out a message in long hand in a journal, notebook, or even scratch pieces of paper! I can’t count the number of times I wrote it out, used it, and then couldn’t find it again. That’s not what I do now.
And you shouldn’t, either.
Now, as I write out a message, I create a Word file with everything I’m given, even if I know it’s more than I can use for that specific event. I also include thoughts on various messages, applications, and audiences this material can be tweaked and used for.
For instance, at different times, Celebrating Womanhood: Bubbles to Beaus, Babies to Bedpans has been slightly altered to fit messages about using your gifts, unity in the church, and for a more general women’s audience, I am Woman: Hear Me Whine! And my program on Beauty can be changed slightly to fit audiences of adult women, teens, or mothers and daughters. And it’s all from the same research.
So, after thinking more about the speaker’s statement from God’s point of view, I can say with confidence that His economy is definitely “Create once and TELL twice!”
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
But do this with gentleness and respect…
1 Peter 3:15
Grace and peace,
Vonda
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Carolyn’s passion is to help others shine with poise and purpose in their ministry as she cheers them on with much encouragement and inspiration.
As a certified consultant by the Protocol School of Washington, Carolyn offers her workshop participants a unique and fun opportunity to explore creative, motivational, and inspirational skills with immediate application. Her energy and joy for the Lord permeate every word, activity, and idea.
Carolyn and Helmut, her husband of over 40 years, reside in Greenville SC, where they share their empty nest with Toby, an adorable (and very spoiled) Miniature Dachsund.
Vonda Skelton is a speaker, author, and entertainer who praises God that He can take her messes and use them for His glory…and your entertainment! From black eyes to pink pigs and spider veins to webs of deceit, life is a stage—and every day offers a bounty of new material. You just can’t make this stuff up!
She loves training speakers and writers to share the messages God has given them through their own stories of life. In addition to being founder and co-director of Christian Communicators, Vonda is the owner of Christian Writer’s Den writing blog, co-director of the NCompass Writing Retreat, and co-owner of SCW Productions. Vonda and Gary have been married 42 years—and they’re still happy about it! www.VondaSkelton.com
Love this. Thanks
This is a valuable lesson that I wish I had known at the beginning of my speaking career.
For years I would keep a newly created program under a corporation’s name instead of creating a file for the topic. There were times when I knew the topic I wanted to glean information from but I couldn’t remember the company for whom I created the program. Much time was lost in the search.
Sharing this tip will save speakers’ time and help them to stay organized.
Serve on.
YES! You know I’m all in favor of keeping files of everything!! If we would just remember to back them up
Vonda, thanks for your “okay” to create once and “sell” twice! I have several devotions just sitting in a folder in my email. I never use them anymore though because I didn’t think you should. Thanks for saying it’s ok! Love you!
For some reason, I depend on you to give me permission to do this. THANK YOU! As I prepare for “A Mother’s Journey of Faith” to be presented late February, I am planning with a bigger audience in mind so that I can tell it many times ( I hope).
Thank you, teacher friend.
Thanks for stopping by, friends. Glad the post was helpful to you. And yes, it’s not only “okay” to use stuff over and over, but it’s also wise. After all, did Jesus only say a truth one time? No, He repeated truth over and over and in different ways and to different groups of people.
That’s a technique we should follow!
Yes, I have those journals. Did I write that in the red and white one or in the gray and blue one? You’ve just helped me to solidify a short-term goal to go through journals and make files electronically as I’m also editing my speaker sheet. The hope is to have good electronic files of content and updated speaking topic descriptions for marketing.
Way to go, Jeanette! You spur me on to greater organization, too!