January 15, 2008 by Kyle.

My brand as a professional speaker is The Black Belt Speaker. Since I’ve practiced martial arts and hold the rank of Black Belt, I thought it was appropriate.

I even wear a judo gi (uniform) on stage when I’m doing a presentation.

But the brand goes deeper than that. I quit my safe job as a training manager and HR manager with a state government agency to become a full-time professional speaker. I was a good trainer, but I’m going to be a phenomenal speaker - a Black Belt.

Just like I learned everything I could about judo and aikido and practiced constantly, I work on my speaking business with that same intensity. I am a serious student of professional speaking - from platform skills to marketing to customer service.

Are you a Black Belt in your career or your industry? Black Belt Nurse? Black Belt Plumber? Black Belt Accountant?

If not, why not?

Don’t tell me you’re going to settle for green belt…

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January 15, 2008 by Kyle.

I like to jog. Well, I don’t like it that much, but it’s my choice of activities for exercise. It gives me time to think. It helps keep my weight in check. And it keeps me from feeling like a slug.

So I run. I’m thinking about running the Oklahoma City Memorial marathon this spring. 26 miles. 26 long miles.

I went for a long run last week. 13 miles. It took me about 2 hours. Whew!

The most difficult 10 steps I took were the steps to walk into the other room to put my running shoes on.

What’s your challenge? Get started! That’s the tough part. Once you put your shoes on, the rest of the journey will follow.

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