Messages from our 2024 Chapter President, Larry Long, Jr. 

September 2024

Now, more than ever, the value of Community, Connection, and True Collaboration has never been clearer.

Here are two quick stories that highlight the incredible power of community and the importance of genuine connections:

Recently, I returned from an engagement in Scottsdale (or should I say "HOTTSDALE" with those blazing 104° temps 🥵), where I had the absolute joy of dining with fellow professional speakers, NSA & Black NSA members, and former NSA staff the night before I spoke. Words can’t fully capture how much that gathering filled my cup — the confidence, energy, and excitement I felt from networking and bonding with peers in the area was just priceless... read more.

The week prior, I had the privilege of being the Day 1 Opening Keynote and Day 2 Closing Keynote in Myrtle Beach. Having several NSA Carolinas members in the audience, including Mary Elizabeth Murphy and Heather Hansen O’Neill, along with another member who made a special trip just to support, made all the difference. They snapped action shots 📸 and cheered me on, and their encouragement truly lifted my spirit.

The simple nods of support, well-wishes, and kindness from fellow NSA Carolinas members are invaluable. My hope is that every member gets to experience the same sense of camaraderie and belonging that I’ve been so fortunate to enjoy. In my experience, what you gain from this community is directly tied to what you put into it.

NSA Carolinas Past President, Stan Phelps, is ALWAYS open to meeting (preferably for a 4-hour nature walk … aka golf ⛳️ 😂), listening, sharing insights, sage advice and guidance. Thanks for always adding to the community SP 🐠. Also, those who have been great chatting with our newest members include Past Presidents Jane Jenkins Herlong, Valda Ford, Chuck Gallagher and numerous fellow members like Mitch Savoie Hill, Anton Gunn and countless others.

So, I encourage YOU — yes, YOU — to dive in, get more involved, and actively support NSA Carolinas and your fellow members. It’s only then that you’ll truly feel the magic and power of community and collaboration.

Be well!

P.S. I’m heading to the Global Speakers Summit in Bali, Indonesia from 9/26 - 9/29 🌍. If you’ll be attending too, let’s make sure to connect and expand our global impact together!

August 2024

A couple of years ago, my Coach gifted me the book Three Feet From Gold which highlights the message that oftentimes folks give up and throw in the towel when they are thisclose to success…and the Gold.

In our industry, there can certainly be times when you feel a bit helpless, and possibly even hopeless (maybe that's just been my experience - if you're immune to those feelings, please reach out to me directly and share the key to your success! Haha).

Although we may face challenges and obstacles that test our internal grit, resolve and dedication ... please take this message as a reminder that tough people (that's YOU!) > tough times. You have true power within; and your perseverance - even when the going gets tough - will lead to a wonderful journey filled with learnings and experiences to last a lifetime.

Setbacks provide opportunities for growth, innovation and a chance to spotlight your resilience and bounce-back skills. It is this persistence, even in the face of adversity, which allows you to hone your craft, inspire audiences and make a lasting and positive impact! You're moving forward and taking action (and risks) is a sign of your strength - I applaud you (LOUDLY!)

Please remember, we are on a journey similar to a marathon (“the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” – Chinese Proverb ), and each step means progress and/or learnings to get us closer to our goals and dreams!

I encourage all of us to keep supporting one another, share our experiences, celebrate victories (both large and small), as it is together where we can overcome any obstacle faced and reach heights never imagined in our respective professional speaking businesses.

NSA Carolinas, our esteemed Board, and me, personally, are here to help - please do not hesitate to reach out if we can support and assist you in building a better Speaker business and/or becoming a better Professional Speaker!

Hang in there ... you've got this!

Kindest regards!

Larry