Ten “Keeper” Quotes from NSA 2010

Last week, I was privileged to attend the 2010 National Speakers Association (NSA) Convention.

Although I was honored to share my knowledge at a “Meet the Pros” table, my favorite part of the convention was soaking in everyone else’s wisdom and experience. With over 1,200 Thought Leaders in one room, the air had an electricity and excitement like I’ve never experienced at any other convention.

For those unfamiliar with NSA, it’s comprised of experts first, speakers second. What truly sets the best speakers apart is their authenticity, hands down. During the convention, I took pages of notes full of insights and advice to help me in my business and in my life. I could blog for days about what I learned—but if you want that, you’ll need to attend the event next year!

I did note many fine one-liners—easy to share and worth repeating. Yes, I Tweeted many of these on the spot, but also wanted to pull a few together in retrospect for readers and friends!

“Laughter is the best way to get out of your comfort zone.”
– Pete Johnson

” The best way to become successful is to make others successful.”
– Robert Benninga

“If you want to be successful in any profession, you must decide to be famous.”
– Joachim de Posada, CSP

“I guarantee you that your audience will not remember all the bullets on your PowerPoint slides but they will never forget your stories. Because stories have the power to take people to a place that pure content never can.”
– Jean Gatz, CSP

“I’m a crier. Okay…I’m…emotionally incontinent” (named “quote of the convention” by Ty Boyd)
– Ruby Newell-Legner, CSP

“We hired you for the fun…but paid you for the content.” (speaking as an event planner)
– Mike McKinley, CSP, CPAE

“To what question are YOU the answer.” (talking about branding and differentiation)”
– David Avrin

The best day of your life is the day you decide your life is your own.”
– Joachim de Posada, CSP

“When an old man dies, a library burns to the ground.”
– African Proverb

“Adversity introduces us to ourselves.”
– W. Mitchell, CSP, CPAE