National Speakers Association sat down with long-time NSA member Patrick Donadio, MBA, MCC, CSP, for an in-depth Q&A regarding the CSP® (Certified Speaking Professional)^TM designation. Patrick, renowned as a power-house in communication, from the boardroom to the classroom, exhorts leaders and their organizations with powerful presentations to lead more effectively, present more powerfully, and to create deeper relationships.

Here’s what he says:

National Speakers Association (NSA): Receiving the CSP designation is a lot of work. It’s literally years of collecting and tracking information on your speaking career. Was it worth it? How have you leveraged your CSP designation?

Patrick Donadio (PD): An earned certification carries more weight than you think. I have two certifications: CSP and Master Certified Coach (MCC) designation. I use both all the time to position myself as different and unique from other thought leaders who speak, present, and coach as a living. My philosophy has always been that certifications have credibility and I leverage them in everything I do:

• In my introduction
• On my slides
• In my email signatures
• On my website – logo and description of what is a CSP
• In all my social media
• In my proposals, especially with clients who understand the value of certifications – healthcare, financial services, accountants, lawyers, engineers, law enforcement, education, etc.)
• When I talk with prospects
• When I am a guest on media

NSA: We’re gearing up for The Exclusive Mastermind, the CSP/CPAE Summit, in November. Would you recommend members attend this event – both the newly designated CSPs as well as those that have had their designation for 5+ years?

PD: The CSP Summit is great for any CSP. This is my 30^th year as a professional speaker and the valuable ideas I have learned from my CSP colleagues at the Summit were amazing! The key is the small, intimate groups and the ability to ask for help from your peers on your personal speaking and business challenges.

NSA: If this is someone’s first time at the Summit (or their 10^th), what should they expect from a mastermind group?

PD: The secret to getting value from the “mastermind." concept is to come prepared! What specific areas do you want to focus on in your business over the next 12 to 24 months? Be honest with the group and share your challenges and goals so they can help you shift how you think about and act on them.

NSA: Any last thoughts you’d like to share?

PD: Attending the Summit provided me with many great ideas and solutions to my speaking business challenges. More importantly, it allowed me the chance to meet and form new relationships with some of NSA’s best and brightest! The relationships I made at the Summit have continued to be beneficial long after the weekend. I highly encourage you to attend the Summit.

Patrick Donadio, MBA, MCC, CSP is the author of “Communicating with IMPACT.".  He has taught and coached two generations of leaders and their organizations to use his IMPACT process to communicate with clarity, lead more effectively, present with power, and improve results. Patrick is also one of a few people in the world to have earned the highest designations in both the speaking and coaching professions. He’ll also be at The Exclusive Mastermind in November. If you’re looking to develop professionally, be sure to sit down with him in Minneapolis. Come prepared to share openly and honestly!