Update: The lights dimmed. The music blared. Mind expanding molecules electrified the air. Over 1,600 people couldn't sit still. The National Speakers Association Convention—Speaking with Soul and Substance—charged into San Diego. America's Finest City will never be the same.

I rubbed elbows with some of the most sought-after speakers, authors, mentors, leaders and humorists in the country. And with each session I attended, it became apparent that everyone wanted to do better. They're already doing great, but they still wanted to achieve more. What a place to mingle.

Feature Article: Are You in the Hunt?

Resource: National Speakers Association

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Victorious Venus...

Tennis star Venus Williams took Wimbledon by storm to win her fourth Wimbledon and her sixth Grand Slam title. She single-handedly silenced her critics with class, dignity and raw talent. "Something about us—no matter what we're ranked, no matter where we are, no matter what the next person says—ultimately we just believe in ourselves: and I think that's what makes the difference," Venus chimed.

She defeated the likes of Marion Bartoli, Anna Ivanovic, Svetlana Kuznetsova, Maria Sharapova and Alla Kudryavtseva to take the trophy. And most of these were upset victories. She ultimately believed in herself, which made all the difference in the world.

Do you believe in yourself?

It's easy to believe in yourself when you've signed a huge contract, made a million or three on a joint venture deal, or impacted thousands of teenage rogues to do the right thing. But do you have that same belief when the deal goes sour, your merchant account gets frozen, or when your inner circle think tank objects to the direction you're heading?

Would you cave in? Succumb to others' fears... or critical analysis, as they like to put it? Or do you believe what you offer is so important you can't keep silent?

Ranked number 31 in the world, most critics believed Venus was already washed up. Problem was she was too busy practicing and strengthening her own beliefs. Can you picture yourself as the clear underdog, willing to be the best at what you do, even without the support from the powers that be?

Are You in the Hunt?

Dear Associate,

"You're not looking to score," Charles revealed.

"You're hesitating. You're thinking pass instead of scoring. Look to score first, then if nothing develops, think pass."

Some honest words from an honest guy who cares. And also some of the best coaching advice I've received in quite some time. Was I offended? NOT.

We had lost another close game. Not good for the ego. And not good for the team.

Charles and I play full-court basketball on Saturday mornings. Although it's not the NBA, the guys take the game seriously. It's very competitive and everyone wants to win.

Although I'd win some games—I wasn't in the hunt...

What on earth do I mean?

I play hard. I push myself. I love to win. And I'm sure you do too.

But that's not enough...

Because winning games doesn't make you a winning force. It doesn't set you apart. It doesn't show you're hunting for a victory. There's a big difference between wanting to be a team player—and the player a team wants.

It's the same in the game of life...

Do you want enough financial freedom you'd never have money concerns again? Do you strive for perfect health—where you're always radiating light, energy and youthful beauty from within? Are you seeking meaning and fulfillment in causes that will benefit the many, and not the one? It comes as no surprise that success in any area is basically taking a set course of actions for a period of time to get the results you want.

How do you set yourself apart from your peers? What are you known for? Who would draft you on their team? Are you the clutch player everybody chooses first?

There are three common traits that are displayed by those in the hunt: Sacrifice, originality and boldness.

To join the hunt, you must make sacrifices. I'm sure most of us avoid that word. But we don't get something from nothing. There's always a price to pay.

Some gurus say you can wish something into existence. It was never that easy for me. I didn't begin losing weight until I burned body fat and absorbed fewer calories. I took deliberate action. That's the way it works.

Sacrifice may mean giving up American Idol to attend a weekly workshop. Or it could mean skipping the movies and dessert to purchase a nice outfit for personal business. Or that might mean flying thousands of miles to make a presentation without any guarantees you'll make your money back on travel.

Your sacrifices are an investment in you. And you must always continue investing. The worst thing you can do is quit because you didn't meet certain goals right away or because someone treated you poorly.

Greg, a dear friend who is returning to the speaking industry recently advised me, "You're mad because life isn't fair! Take a number!"

He's absolutely right. Everyone gets treated unfairly. That's how life is on this orb. But how you bounce back will determine how high you will soar.

I've met many professionals who want to improve their speaking and presentation skills. They've joined a weekly speaking group and some have been members for many years. But other than their weekly meetings: they don't participate in more advanced programs, sessions or even company-related events.

They're barely in the game—but surely, they're not in the hunt.

Many of these people would make incremental improvements in their speaking skills. And that's wonderful. But what's lacking was originality. They appeared to be performing as if modeling someone they've seen.

When this happens they don't stand out from the crowd. They become another spoke in the wheel. There's no hook to distinguish them from the masses.

For Star Trek fans who remember an alien civilization called The Borg, their main driving force was assimilation. They wanted to assimilate cultures into one collective where each unit would think the same thoughts. And perform the same brain dead functions.

How utterly boring...

If you want to create the lifestyle you want, not what someone else wants for you, then you've got to have original ideas and revelations. Avoid repeating someone else's message or delivery. Next you must do something with those ideas. You must be bold.

You can't hide in the shadows forever. You can't play it safe and sound like every other guru. You must distinguish yourself from your peers. You must trumpet your message or cause.

Sometimes that requires doing or saying something unpopular or shocking. Sometimes that means showing you care through a dose of tough love. Sometimes being bold requires being brutally honest.

If you've got a point of view that's different from pop culture, that's terrific. Position yourself as an authority on that subject. Then show the world how you can help them improve their circumstances.

One of my favorite talk show hosts is Dr. Laura. She's a champion for marriage and protecting children. If you've listened to her show you have to agree, she's bold and gets right to the point.

Most of her callers are programmed with so much lack thinking, it's hard to penetrate their consciousness. In fact, they're not searching for solutions as much as wanting her to validate their self-destructive actions. She prescribes strong medicine to her callers. From time to time, we could all use a dose of strong medicine.

Here's what's essential in becoming a hunter...

Create the buzz and the world will seek you. Distinguish yourself from other experts. And become the hunter in the hunt.

You can't play it safe and expect to make a significant impact in this world. You can't think, "I'd better not say that. What would people think? I might offend someone." Everyone whose legacy still survives has offended someone. Besides, you'd squash your soul's true music if you only played happy high notes.

The expert, mentor or coach who can help you the most is not the one who always tells you how good, smart and attractive you are. If they really care about you—they're going to tell you the truth. And that might offend you. But if you ponder their advice, you may make breakthroughs to success you never thought possible.

I've decided to change my game plan on the basketball court. I'm going on the offensive. I'll think scoring first—then pass.

So remember, if you want to become the player a team wants...

Sacrifice. Be original. Be bold. And not only get in the game—but get in the hunt.

Warm Regards,

When you're ready to shift from amateur to professional speaking, check out the National Speakers Association. The NSA is a rich resource of top-level authors, leaders and experts who share ideas, life lessons and business breakthroughs. Learn how to excel in this industry from the best in the business.