At NCR, Ira Hayes developed a sales training program based on his success selling cash registers.  He had one professional program, Keeping Pace with Tomorrow.  He liked saying, "It's easier to find a new audience than develop a new program." Developed at NCR he took it public.

 Patricia Fripp, Past President of the National Speakers Association, whose hair salon business was renowned for customer service belonged to a professional business group and gave a speech on customer service at a meeting one member said, "After I gave a speech on customer service to my women's professional group, I was asked,  'How much would you charge to give that speech to my employees?'" If you don't know who Patricia is you may not be serious about professional speaking.

Two others were stand-up comics who created unique ways to use their skill at corporate and association meetings plus conventions.

Another, Bob Murphey, was a successful lawyer and rancher, a humorist in the Mark Twain and Rogers tradition, who began speaking to civic clubs, spoke wherever he was asked, whenever he could.  He was invited to perform at Wolf Trap.

Another, Jeanne Robertson, was Miss North Carolina, then a basketball coach who spoke as part of the job and became so successful was offered paid engagements.

Important Note:  Every successful professional speaker I know, (a) had something to say audiences wanted to hear, (b) became an excellent speaker speaking when and where they were asked and (c) became a professional when possible. In my view having something to say others want to hear is the first essential.

Suggestion:  As a full time professional speaker I followed Stephen King's advice for writers altered for speaking: I spoke some every day (refining my voice), listened to speakers every day (YouTube, TED Talks and NSA recordings), worked on material every day. I practice bits as I drive from place to place. Finally, become an original others want to hear. All the best, Story Gordon