Next Step Speaker Services

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Finding the Up-Sides to Failure

As I sat down to write today, I realized that something rare is happening. I. Have. No. Words. It's been one of those weeks with high highs and some low lows. God is doing a work in me, but it's left me feeling tired and stripped. It's days like these that I have to ask myself, "Is ministry worth it?" Earlier today, God reminded me that the answer is always yes because of Jesus. And He reminded me that He has a sense of humor because He used the words coming out of my own mouth to do it. Today I'm out of wisdom and lessons, but a month ago when I recorded Grit 'n' Grace, the new podcast that I co-host with Cheri Gregory, I had a lot of truth to share that I needed to hear (and live) today. True confession: I actually yelled, "Shut up!" (in the mean way not the funny way) at myself as I listened the produced version. It hurt so good, you know? So instead of new wisdom, I'm going to share words from a month ago that sank into my heart again today. Here's a little glimpse … Read More >>

Openings, One-Sheets, and On a Mission

Happy Thursday, friends! I'm a little late with the post this week since I was in Charlotte celebrating the release of Lysa TerKeurst's amazing new book Uninvited. I'm going to answer a couple of questions from readers, but make sure to read to the end for a little more info about the excitement of yesterday and directions to a GIVEAWAY. Question #1: Do you always begin your opening with a personal story? I know they are extremely effective, but since I am doing 3 different messages for the same group, would opening with a story become too redundant and predictable? I usually do open with a story, but rules are made to be broken. :) When I listen to Lysa TerKeurst, who is an incredibly effective speaker in every way, I always laugh because she breaks all the "rules" I put on myself. What I mean is that she doesn't use a formula, but nobody would argue with the power of her messages. Following Lysa's example, I'm trying to become my creative which means that I can't follow … Read More >>

An Announcement and Some Encouragement

Hi, friends! The month of July was crazy with travel, family activities, and She Speaks, but now I'm happy to be back with YOU. Thanks for hanging in there with me while I took a little blogging break. I'm coming back with the best of news. Next Step is adding a coach! My friend Melanie Chitwood is joining me to help those of you working on writing projects. You can click here to find out about her background and click here to read about her editing services. Here's what my friend Wendy Pope has to say about Melanie: "Melanie has such a sweet spirit and a special gift of exposing the strengths and weaknesses in your writing. She is a wordsmith who will tenderly help you craft your message with excellence. You don’t want to miss the opportunity to work with her!" ~Wendy Pope, Proverbs 31 Ministries Speaker and Writer If you are interested in Melanie's writing services, she'll begin doing FREE consultation calls next week. Simply fill out the Request Information … Read More >>

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Monday, June 27, 2016

How NOT to Drive an Event Planner Crazy

To get ready for my breakout session at She Speaks this year, I've been asking speaker friends like you to share your creative ideas for adding value to your events. It's been great to get your feedback! Last week I suddenly realized that I hadn't tapped an important group for the information I was seeking--the event planners themselves. I figured it would be valuable to hear what had been important to them instead of just shooting in the dark for what might be important to them. Duh! The responses I got were so enlightening! In reading the lists they sent me, though, I realized that I've probably been one of the speakers that tends to drive event planners around the bend. I've never meant to be the vehicle to crazy-ville, but I probably have been. I realized that I do really well on some points but that in my heart's desire to avoid being the diva speaker, I actually haven't given them enough information. Here's an example... When I arrived to one particular event, I … Read More >>

If You Like to Speak WAY Better Than You Like to Write

I don't want to be a whiner, because I know that I have amazing opportunities to write. To be honest, though, I like speaking so much more than I like writing. Writing is hard, hard work for me, and sometimes I just don't want to do it. Imagine the delight I've been experiencing in two new mediums: podcasting and Facebook Live! If you're in the boat with me on writing, you've GOT to try these mediums! They are ideally suited for speakers and both are up-and-coming ways to communicate. I started the day by listening to a recording of Chrystal Evans Hurst from She Speaks 2015. Her session was on podcasting, and she gave fabulous advice. Chrystal predicts that podcasts will grow in popularity because of the mobility factor on smart phones and because people can choose exactly what they want to listen to. About six weeks ago, my friend Cheri Gregory approached me about being her co-host on a new podcast. Can I just tell you that we're having a blast, and it's my … Read More >>

Tips for She Speaks 2016

It's only 5 weeks until She Speaks!!! Even though I know you're not all going this year, I'd love to whet your whistle for going at some point and to encourage those of you who are going. Years ago, I wrote a series of tips on She Speaks that tap into my first experience as an attendee. You can read the series by clicking on each link below: Tip 1 Tip 2 Tip 3 Tip 4 Tip 5 Tip 6 Do you have any questions about She Speaks either as a 2016 attendee or a possible future attendee? I'd love to answer them in the comments! _______________________________________________________________________________ BTW: My friend Cheri Gregory and I have started a new podcast. We're so excited, and we'd love for you to check it out by clicking here! … Read More >>

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Tuesday, May 31, 2016

What To Do After an Event

Just on time! I was wondering about what to write to you this week, and my client Rachel sent me a great question. How do I manage after I've spoken when I'm no longer running on adrenaline - when I get home and I'm replaying the event in my mind and how I did. It's difficult. Have you run into this too? I had asked Rachel to tell me about how her event went, so she started to evaluate... and maybe veered into picking herself apart. I've sure driven myself into the emotional ditch after an event! Before the event, we study, prepare, write, and practice, but how do we deal with our thoughts post-event? I've learned to do two things in a specific order. Celebrate what God did through you. For about a day or two, I won't allow myself to critique my message. I just bask in and celebrate God's work at the event. I offer the flowers of positive comments to Him as a bouquet, praise Him for the results women shared, and rest in my delivery. I've learned that … Read More >>

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Monday, May 23, 2016

Boasting in You

My mama taught me that it isn't nice to brag, and I'll bet yours did too. But it turns out that our mamas weren't quite right. The Bible actually endorses bragging as long as it's bragging (or the word is actually boasting) in the right person. Here's how Paul says it to the Corinthians: "We are not going too far in our boasting, as would be the case if we had not come to you, for we did get as far as you with the gospel of Christ. Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting of work done by others. Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our sphere of activity among you will greatly expand, so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. For we do not want to boast about work already done in someone else’s territory. But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” (II Corinthians 10:14-17) Paul uses the word "boast" over and over again in his letters to the Corinthians, and when I was teaching on this passage in a session from my Breaking … Read More >>

The Key Ingredient for a Growing Speaking Ministry

This week I had the pleasure of being interviewed by a former Next Step client and forever friend, Christy Mobley. I'll share the whole interview (and a great new resource) when it's available, but she asked me a question that still has me reflecting. "Amy," Christy asked, "what was the best piece of advice that you got as a new speaker?" I didn't even hesitate in my answer. Not only is it the best piece of advice I personally received, but it's advice I pass on to other speakers all the time. Here it is. Don't get me wrong. In this world of warring messages, marketing matters, but nothing counts as much as a strong message. When I first joined the Proverbs 31 Speaker Team, I had no marketing materials. Nothing. Nada. Zilch. No website. No biosheet. Not even a business card. So you can imagine how I felt when I measured my ministry against the other amazing women on the team and all their bright, shiny marketing materials. I panicked! When I started into … Read More >>

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Tuesday, May 3, 2016

The Gift of a Voice

I'm home! I'm home! Or at least my body is here, but part of my heart permanently resides in INDIA. Yes, many of you guessed correctly. Kathy Scott is the winner from Facebook, and Aimee Kidd is the winner from Instagram. Congratulations to the winners of a beautiful silk scarf! My brain is pretty mushy from all the travel, so today is going to be short and sweet. I can't miss the opportunity to remind you, though... As American women, we're blessed to have a voice. Respect. Standing in our communities. Rights. For most women in other parts of the world, that's not their reality. I had the chance to visit Mission India literacy projects last week, and I can confidently tell you that they're changing the world for myriads of women. Becoming literate is restoring their voice. As Kamala, the founder and developer of these programs said, "First they gain self-esteem. Then they gain confidence. Finally, they gain self-respect." Those are the essential keys to a woman's … Read More >>

Finding the Up-Sides to Failure

Openings, One-Sheets, and On a Mission

An Announcement and Some Encouragement

How NOT to Drive an Event Planner Crazy

If You Like to Speak WAY Better Than You Like to Write

Tips for She Speaks 2016

What To Do After an Event

Boasting in You

The Key Ingredient for a Growing Speaking Ministry

The Gift of a Voice

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