As I pursue writing, blogging and speaking more, I’m confronted with a conundrum – that being “what is my main topic?”
Should I talk about what I love or what I know?
I know what you’re thinking. This isn’t a hard decision; it should be straight forward. But check it…
What I know… what I’ve done for over ten years — that’s something people would instantly identify with me, and I would have instant trust and credibility.
But my passions… what I love most, isn’t on my resume, nor do I have clients or case studies in that area.
The goal is not just speak, but to influence and be heard. Thus part of the goal includes developing my experience and skills in oral presentations and that development can be groomed in spite of the subject matter, right?
I don’t need do talk about my passion to be a better speaker.
And if I’m established (paid) as a writer/speaker in one genre, how hard would it be to transition into another area?
Or should I speak for free in my passion and hope that in time I’ll be influential?
Or should I get a job in my passion, though of course it wouldn’t pay much initially, but stay the course until I grow in authority?
Or should I do both? (That always sounds good, but it could limit your impact/focus and balance with family responsibilities. Can’t burn on both ends for too long…)
I’m not sure – these are just my thoughts. What do YOU think?
Here some comments from some twitter/facebook friends:
From Twitter:
@joecook : experience determines whether ones love is able to merge with his / knowledge base to = success.
@tracylspears : Start with your passion.
@nathanbarry : Find overlap between the two.
From Facebook:
Melinda Berniece Powers Speak on what you love! Why? The power of love is far superior than the power of knowledge.
Sarah Ellis Speak on what you love! I firmly believe that if you aren’t doing what you love than you aren’t living your life to it’s fullest!
David Burkus First Step: Don’t be in a position where what you know ISN’T what you love.
David Burkus Not easy, but worth it in the end. I started my career as a pharmaceutical sales rep and pivoted 180 because it wasn’t what I loved. I cut my income in half that first year to do it. Looking back from the other side of the chasm though, it was the best decision I ever made (career-wise…wife still takes top honors overall).
Mike Loomis Speak on what you love. (AFTER you’ve explored it a bit, made some story-worthy blunders, and increased your “know”)
Lena Jefferson My thoughts are to speak on what u love…when u love something u “know” it, have lived it, and consequently develop a passion to share it (“teach” it)…