How Johnny Campbell Became a Speaker
Starting a Speaking Business Takes Belief, Tenacity and Hard Work
Oct 1, 2008
Making a transition from employee to successful entrepreneur requires focus, tenacity and hard work. When Johnny Campbell, AKA The Transition Man, made the decision to enter the challenging, competitive field of speaking he had a plan, goals and time-frame to achieve success.
Finding the Motivation to Change
Johnny worked in the insurance industry as a claims adjuster. During that time he listened to and consoled claimants in the midst of every type of change imaginable.
"To say my job was difficult is an understatement," he says. "Not only were the people I dealt with daily living through major changes, the industry itself was in a constant state of flux. I survived five corporate restructurings, several mergers and downsizings until finally it was my job that was ‘phased out.’ When I lost that job I realized I needed to make a change for myself.”
Launching a Speaking Career
To launch his speaking career, Johnny did what he knew best: change. Taking the knowledge he’d amassed during his career he started cold calling to let people know he was in the business of speaking. He made over 100 cold calls a day to anyone who would answer the phone. He got up on stage and delivered presentations. He worked to build a name for himself.
Living in a rented room on ramen noodles and water, Johnny knew in his heart that he was meant to speak. His belief got him through the difficult times of his three year transition from "claims adjuster" to "attitude influencer."
“I bounced so many checks during that time that the bank stopped charging me,” he recalls. “My credit score plummeted from 700 to 350 but I couldn't look at that. I needed a roof over my head to survive and a phone to prospect for new business. Everything else was secondary. I was honest with my creditors and most of them appreciated my sincerity and my efforts.”
In the beginning he had a phone and a speech and a belief in himself and what he could do. When the money came he reapplied 40% of his earnings back into the business. He used the rest to survive.
“Sometimes I felt like a gambler,” he says. “I was always adding more chips and putting it all back in the center. But I believed it was possible and was dedicated to growth. When things changed I got out of debt quickly.”
Improving Speaking and Business Skills
Throughout the process Johnny did the work to hone his craft.
“In the beginning I was like a street basketball player,” he says smoothly. “I had the skill to make it but needed some polish. Toastmasters helped me to become predictably funny and get rid of umms and ahhhs.”
Though he had plenty of distractions along the way, he stayed focused, relentless in his pursuit of his dream.
“Early on I felt like I needed to be a keynote speaker, product salesperson, internet marketer, trainer, information marketer and personal coaching,” he recalls. “And while that may have landed me a job or two along the way I quickly learned not to try to be all things to all people. Today I’m clear. I’m a keynote speaker. I'm the Transition Man.”
Speaking Business Success
Today he travels the country speaking to groups of all sizes about how to deal with everything from corporate downsizing and business restructuring to personal issues such as disrupted careers, depleted savings, divorce, and an overall lack of motivation. Referring to himself as a Personal Agent of Change, Johnny helps people and businesses to succeed in these changing times.
“My speaking career wasn’t glamorous for a long time,” says Johnny. “I talked and shared my message. I was real. My presentation came from years of experience and people connected with the message.”
His advice to anyone dealing with change in their life is simple, “Decide what is most important to you and be relentless. Sometimes you have to be flexible in your approach but never lose sight of your goal.”
Johnny was inducted into Toastmasters Speaking Hall of Fame in 2007. He’s one of only 58 people to receive that honor. He was the youngest and the first African American to be recognized and the only American inductee in the last three years.
Though he’s hit many of his goals and is represented by several bureaus but still makes 20-25 calls per day.
“Success makes me feel good. Failure pisses me off,” says Johnny. “I take an active role in making sure my values, goals and actions are aligned so I can succeed more often than I fail.”
For more information visit Johnny Campbell online.
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