Speaking Engagement for Personal Finance Seminar

OK, I am with you…

The first thing that comes to mind when you get invites on speaking engagement is that you are getting old.  I tried to deny it but reality sets in quickly.  I am getting older each day.If the average Pinoy man’s life expectancy is 60 years, I am just about to jump into the last 1/3 of my life on earth.  That probably is the reason why people look at you for wisdom at this time of our lives.  Or is this just on of the perks of success?

Anyway, a friend of mine called me up today not only to say hi but intently to get me to speak to their Personal Finance seminar in school.  I have not done something like this before so instead of turning her away and get excuses, I told her I’ll look into it.  Based on our discussions, I need to speak to their school’s graduating students about how they can take care of their own money after college.  (My friend is a professor.)

I got excited because I know I can relate to this topic.  I just recently wiped out almost half a million worth of credit card debts in one year of committing to erase it.  Success.  Now I am saving money for some future needs and my business projects of course.  And now more than ever, I realized how valuable it is to respect money and how it can help you live the life you want.  

I think I can help these kids.  I will rant about what they should not do and inspire them on what they should do.  I realized that as I teach, I learn the subject matter more and more.  So this should be worth the try.

They asked me for my PF (professional fee).  I said none.  Made them happy.  Meryenda is enough.  It’s an opportunity to make money but all I wanted to do is help.  

If I can help just one person in a group of 200+ students, I am more than paid.  If I manage to leave a lasting impression that can make one person rethink about his principles and values about money, I have succeeded and have returned the favor my mentors in the past have given me. If there is one in that group that I will able to influence to become a good provider for his or her family or to become a multi-millionaire or billionaire, I have earned my keep.

Moral lesson of the story:  Don’t pass up helping people.  It’s like a box of cholocate.  You will never know who will get what from you and your teachings that they will go on remembering you for the rest of their lives.

[ad]