Speak Out! What Members Say about NSA

We asked our members about the impact NSA has had on their careers. Here is what they said:

"Early in my speaking career, someone suggested that I join NSA.  I pompously responded, "I AM a professional speaker.  I don't need to join a speaking association."  One year later I attended my first NSA Workshop and was blown away.  It is the best thing I have ever done for my speaking career, and I should have joined earlier.  NSA is now the source for almost all of my professional development education.  It is also provides me with several opportunities each year to meet and see dear friends."
Certified Speaking Professional Ron Culberson, MSW
Herndon, Virginia

"I had been speaking full-time for 10 years and was supporting my family on my business income. Within three years of joining NSA I tripled my income. I continue to get ideas that further my business, often in the hallway or casual conversations. The greatest benefit to me of my NSA and NSA/Northwest membership is the connections I make, the ideas I get and the support to carry them out. NSA is well worth my time and money."
Certified Speaking Professional Linda Gabbert Keith, CPA
Olympia, Washington

"I started speaking full-time eight years ago. The first three years I was struggling a lot and not even making enough to cover my expenses. A friend told me about NSA and I immediately started attending chapter meetings as a guest. My business started to improve almost immediately. Once I could afford to join NSA, I did so, and I am still growing both personally and professionally.  Simply put, if I had not joined NSA I would no longer be in the speaking business. Instead I would have an RJ (Real Job)."
Ted Chambley
Vernal, Utah

"I enjoy the freedom of working for myself, but if I'm going to work with organizations on their challenges, I have to stay involved in organizations myself. If a client asks me how to handle an interpersonal issue, it would sound pretty silly for me to say, 'I wouldn't know about that. I do most of my work at home alone in my sweatpants.' NSA gives me the opportunity to work as part of an ongoing team, which keeps my communication and leadership skills sharp."
Melissa Lewis, MS
Overland Park, Kansas

"One of the greatest benefits to being an NSA member is the access that you have to the most dynamic and prosperous professional speakers who are willing to share their knowledge. NSA members are some of the most giving professionals I know. Because of NSA, my learning curve has been much shorter and sweeter. I can't imagine being a professional speaker and not being a member of NSA. NSA is synonymous with professional speaker success."
Christine Zust, MA
Cleveland, Ohio

"Prior to joining NSA, I worked for a variety of organizations. Launching my own business meant leaving the neat structure these organizations provided. However, NSA has provided me with better resources and support than any board of directors, management team or mentoring group I have ever had. The individuals I have had the privilege of meeting (regardless of their level of success in the industry) have never ceased to amaze me on their ability to give support and guidance. It is great to have a group of professionals with whom I can discuss industry trends and strategize future efforts. I do not believe I would be where I am today if it weren't for what I have learned through NSA."
Margie Thomas
Lebanon, Indiana

"I speak at many association conventions where the attendees from the same industry are, in fact, in a competitive relationship.  While they listen to speakers and visit with vendors, I sense there is a reluctance to share those crucial tips that contribute to their competitive advantage. When I joined NSA in 1983, I heard about the "Spirit of Cavett," which is to provide genuine support to your colleagues so that everybody wins. From my vantage point of 21 years in NSA, I have never known a more sharing, giving and helpful group of professionals.  At NSA, people honestly share the lessons of their successes and failures.  They tell you ‘the good stuff.’  Yes, the Spirit of Cavett truly lives in NSA."
Certified Speaking Professional Peter A. Land, MS, CMC, CPCM