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The Bankable Speaker Academy

10 members • $17/month

Publicist in Your Pocket

23 members • $27/m

6 contributions to The Bankable Speaker Academy
Day 3: The Problem You Solve & Why You’re the One
Actions to take: 1. Listen to Day 3 Audio Lesson 2. Read today's Post 3. Complete Day 3 Task by replying to this post Good morning and welcome to Day 3. Yesterday, you clarified your message. Today, we go one layer deeper—because this is where messages turn into money. Speakers don’t get hired for topics. They get hired to solve problems. If a buyer can’t clearly see: - the pain point they’re dealing with, and - why you are the right person to address it, they won’t move forward—even if they like you. Today is about naming the real problem and owning your unique solution. ✨ Today’s Bankable Speaker Truth People pay to relieve pain and create better outcomes. My work solves a real problem. Read it out loud. What You’ll Learn Today Pain points are the bridge between your message and a paid opportunity. When you clearly articulate: - what hurts, - what it’s costing, - and how you address it differently, your message becomes marketable, your pitch becomes easier, and your confidence increases. Today is not about exaggerating pain it’s about accurately naming what’s already there. Your Day 3 Task (15–30 minutes) Work through the checklist below, then post your response. ✅ Problem & Solution Checklist Review each area and answer honestly: ☐ What pain point keeps showing up in conversations with my audience? ☐ What are they frustrated, stressed, stuck, or overwhelmed by? ☐ What happens if this problem is not addressed? (cost to people or organizations) ☐ What have they already tried that hasn’t worked? ☐ What do I teach, equip, or empower them to do differently? ☐ What lens, framework, or lived experience shapes my approach? You may uncover more than one pain point—that’s normal. Focus on the strongest three for now. Post Below Using This Format I teach __________ who are struggling with ____ , _____, ______.If this problem(s) isn’t addressed, __________ happens. My approach is different/unique because __________. After you post, reply to at least one other person’s post with encouragement or clarity. Sometimes hearing your own words reflected back helps it click.
1 like • 6d
I partner with schools, districts, and youth-serving organizations who are struggling with low student engagement, limited early college exposure, and a lack of culturally affirming literacy experiences. If these problems aren’t addressed, schools waste valuable time and resources on programs that fail to shift student belief, while Black middle school students remain disengaged and underprepared to see themselves as college-bound. My approach is different because I use an author & teachers point of view, engaging storytelling, personal HBCU experience about the culture, and literacy-based experiences to introduce college and identity early in a way that makes students feel seen, capable, and inspired
Day 2: Clarifying Your Bankable Message
Actions to take: 1. Listen to Day 2 Audio Lesson 2. Read today's Post 3. Complete Day 2 Task by replying to this post Good morning and welcome to Day 2. Yesterday, you took stock of your speaker business and identified what may be missing. For many of you, message clarity showed up as one of the gaps—and that’s exactly where we’re going today. Before you can pitch confidently, follow up clearly, or get paid consistently, people need to understand what you actually do and why it matters. Clarity is not about being fancy. Clarity is about being understood. Clarity comes before confidence. ✨ Today’s Bankable Speaker Truth I don’t need a perfect message. I need a clear one. Read it out loud. What You’ll Learn Today A bankable message answers three simple questions: - Who do I help? - What problem do I help them solve? - What changes because of my work? - When this isn’t clear, pitching feels awkward, introductions feel long, and opportunities get missed—not because you’re not qualified, but because your message is doing too much. Today, we’re simplifying. This message will become the foundation for: - Your pitches - Your bio - Your content - How people refer you We’ll refine it over time. Today is about starting strong, not finishing perfect. 🛠 Your Day 2 Task (15–30 minutes) Complete this sentence: I teach __________ (audience)solve __________ (problem)so they can __________ (result). Then answer these two questions for yourself: 1. Where could I pitch this message? 2. Is this a problem people or organizations would pay to solve? Post Below Using This Format My bankable message is: I teach __________ solve __________ so that they can __________. After you post, reply to at least one other person’s post with encouragement or clarity. Sometimes hearing your message reflected back helps it land. I’m in the room with you—let’s keep building. __________________________________________________________________________________
2 likes • 6d
I partner with schools and organizations to embed early HBCU exposure through literacy-focused programming so middle school students build confidence, belonging, and college awareness.
Pitch plan
Share your pitch plan. How will you search for potential events this week? How many pitches will you send this week? And return and post how many you actually sent and how many you heard back from. Share any bookings in WINS! tab
1 like • 6d
This week I plan to send 5 pitches. I already researched the organizations and contacts via social media that align with my message. I'll follow up at the end og the week.
WINS! WINS! WINS!
Share your wins with us here! Remember wins can be BIG or small. Let us celebrate with you!
5 likes • 10d
I have a podcast interview today to share about my book, The HBCU Crew. I'm excited.
4 likes • 9d
@Shana Lewis The HBCU Crew is a middle-grade story that introduces students to the history, culture, and pride of Historically Black Colleges and Universities through friendship, self-discovery, and belonging. As a group of students experience life on the yard during summer camp, they learn that HBCUs are more than colleges—they are communities that nurture confidence, purpose, and legacy. It's perfect for classrooms and families, the story plants seeds of possibility early while celebrating Black excellence and literacy.
🎉 Welcome to Early Access: The Bankable Speaker Academy 21 Day Challenge
If you’re here early, it’s because you don’t wait for permission. You prepare before the opportunity shows up. Your membership starts now with Early Access—so when the21-Day Bankable Speaker Belief. Build. Bank. Challenge begins January 7, you’re already in motion. Why Early Access Matters: This time is about setting your foundation. • Clarifying your speaker identity • Releasing beliefs that block pitching and pricing • Getting organized before execution begins We don’t rush into business. We build belief and a runway so action takes flight. Your First Action (Do This Today) 1️⃣ Read This Out Loud Bankable Speaker Affirmation I am a bankable speaker. My voice has value and my expertise solves real problems. I choose myself and pitch with clarity and confidence. I treat speaking like a business, because it is one. 2️⃣ Introduce Yourself Below Share: - Who you are - Where you are from - Who you speak to (or would like to speak to if you're new) - Why you joined this challenge - One belief you’re releasing as you step into this challenge 3️⃣ Comment READY Once you’ve posted your intro, comment READY so we can welcome you properly. Early access isn’t about waiting. It's about walking in prepared. We’re building something real here—together.
2 likes • 10d
Hi everyone! I'm Bridgette from Charleston SC. I am a former teacher turned author and I want to speak to organizations with middle school students about the benefits college and career readiness EARLY with a specific emphasis on HBCU legacy & literacy. I joined this challenge for accountability and support. One belief I am releasing is that, I'm not ready which is masked in the fear of not being accepted.
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Bridgette Hickman
2
4points to level up
@bridgette-hickman-9426
Author | Educator | HBCU Alum + Advocate

Active 3d ago
Joined Jan 5, 2026