119. How I Built a Multi-Six-Figure Business By Learning to Speak: My Journey from Behind-the-Scenes to Center Stage

In this deeply personal episode, Kimberly pulls back the curtain on her journey from a career counselor making under $50,000 a year to building a multi-six-figure business that's maintained that level for five consecutive years. The vehicle that made it all possible? Speaking. Not keynote speaking at first—but strategic visibility through professional associations, conferences, and leveraging every speaking opportunity to build relationships and open doors.

But here's what makes this story different: Kimberly wasn't a "natural speaker." She didn't have a dramatic transformation story or overcome massive tragedy. She was someone who loved working behind the scenes in higher education and corporate HR—until a promotion conversation that felt like a slap in the face changed her entire strategy.

In this episode, she shares the real progression: from her first terrified speaking engagement (with a coworker by her side for moral support) to commanding a multi-five-figure keynote fee, and why "teaching her behind off" on stage is exactly what grew her business even when coaches told her not to give so much away.

What You'll Learn in this Episode:

• The promotion conversation that changed Kimberly's career strategy and why she realized good work alone wouldn't get her where she wanted to go

• How speaking at professional associations led to salary bumps, job offers, and opportunities Kimberly never even applied for

• The truth about speaking for free: when Kimberly still does it (rarely) and when it's worth it vs. when to command your fee

• The salary progression that speaking made possible: $50k → just under $100k → $150k+ → multi-six-figure business owner

• Kimberly's philosophy on pairing your expertise with what the audience needs (instead of just talking about what you want to talk about)

Stay In Touch → Connect with the community:

• Enroll or Book a Sales call for The Visibility Shift: kimberlybonline.com/tvs

• Follow me on Instagram/TikTok: @KimberlyBOnline

• Explore Brown Leadership: www.brownleadership.com

• Read the book "Next Move, Best Move: Transitioning Into a Career You'll Love" at www.nextmovebestmovebook.com

→ Share your question: Submit your question in a 90-second voice message, and I may address it in an upcoming episode. Submit here: https://www.speakpipe.com/YourNextMove