Q&A: "Can I pursue public speaking as a side hustle?"

Today's listener wants to get paid for public speaking, and has a compelling personal story — but wonders whether he needs a narrower niche.

So I've been public speaking for some years now, and I've just recently begun actively pursuing it as a side hustle. I believe I have a very unique story to tell that would let me speak to a very wide range of audiences. But what I've picked up from listening to you is that having a specific category or niche is better. So I'm wondering, is the same true for public speaking? I've created my website, I've sent out cold and warm emails, and I've taken a ton of other steps — but I keep stumbling over the topic or genre I want to fit into. I truly feel like my story and experience could cover a vast range of speaking opportunities, not just specialized ones, and I don't want to take myself out of the running by being too narrow. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

The most important question isn't the niche — it's your message. You're in front of a large group of engaged listeners, ready to take notes. What do you tell them? What's your truth, and how will your talk change their lives for the better? That matters more than the category.

In fact, the motivational-speaking model is often backwards: if you believe in something, are passionate about it, and can communicate it well, that is motivating. Gaelin clearly has a personal story, so the work is sharpening the message — less "he talks about playing football at the elite level," more "here's what people feel and take away after his talk."

Practical steps: cut your reel down and show off a tight version, give people confidence you'll deliver a great experience (this business runs on referral), get more video and testimonials, and speak anywhere you can — even five people, even for free. Two people worth following: Michelle Poler (@hellofears) and Ryan Avery (@ryanavery).

Have a question? Visit SideHustleSchool.com/questions.