Family, We’re a little ways into the Poetry Business Institute launch, and I want to check the pulse of the community. 🔥 First, a HUGE congratulations to those of you who have already been: ✅ Completing lessons and modules ✅ Crushing the challenges ✅ Recording reels and short videos ✅ Documenting your process ✅ And most importantly — building your brands and businesses as a result! You’re proving what happens when poets take action. 👏 For Those Who Haven’t Started Yet… I want to hear from you — what’s holding you back? - Time? - Confidence? - Not sure where to begin?Drop it in the comments so we can help get you moving. Remember: the longer you wait, the longer you delay your growth and opportunities. How to Track Your Progress 📊 Did you know you can actually check off each lesson as you go? Here’s how ⬇️ Above each video in the Classroom, you’ll see a small check mark icon labeled “Mark As Done.” 👉 Click that when you finish a lesson. 👉 Your progress bar will update. 👉 Everyone (including you) will see your growth displayed inside the course. This isn’t just for accountability — it’s proof to yourself and the network that you’re moving forward. 🎯 Action Step Today 1. Go into the Classroom. 2. Complete your next lesson. 3. Hit “Mark As Done.” 4. Post a quick reel or short video sharing your takeaway. Let’s keep pushing together. Every click, every lesson, every video brings you closer to your certification and your first $1K as a poetry business owner. Drop a comment if you’ve marked at least ONE lesson done already!

Challenge: “Show Us Your Poetry In Action” 🎯 YOUR TASK: Record and post a video (60–90 seconds) of you delivering one of your poems — BUT this time, give a brief intro before the poem that explains: 1. Who this poem is for 2. What problem or feeling it addresses 3. Why you wrote it or why it matters to your audience This is your chance to connect your art to your audience's need — and that’s the heart of a poetry business. 📲 INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Post your video to Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or YouTube Shorts 2. Use the hashtag #PoetryBusinessChallenge and collab/tag @PoetryBusinessNetwork 3. Return to the network and drop the video link in the comments below this post 4. Watch and support at least 2 other poets who post 💡 Example Intro: “This poem is for young Black men struggling with self-worth. I wrote it after mentoring teens who said they felt invisible. It’s called ‘Unseen Kings.’ Let me know what you think in the comments!”

Hey poets! 👋🏽If you’re just getting started with turning your poetry into a business, this week’s challenge is especially for you. It can feel overwhelming trying to figure out what to say, how to show up, or how to present yourself professionally. That’s why this week’s video challenge is designed to help you take one powerful step forward: ✅ Claim your identity ✅ Build your confidence ✅ Start shaping your brand Even if you don’t have a business name yet…Even if you haven’t offered a paid service before…This challenge is for getting clarity, not being perfect. 🎯 YOUR CHALLENGE: Record a 60–90 second video introducing yourself as a poet on a mission. Try this script starter: “Hi, I’m [Your Name]. I’m a poet who believes [what your poetry stands for]. I write about [your themes] to help [your ideal audience]. I’m just starting my journey, but I know my poetry is meant to do more—and I’m here to grow.” 📲 POST INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Post your video to Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or YouTube Shorts 2. Use the hashtag #PoetryBusinessChallenge and tag/collab @PoetryBusinessNetwork 3. Come back here and drop your video link in the comments below 4. Show some love to at least 2 other beginner poets doing the challenge! 🌟 Bonus: We’ll shout out one beginner poet’s video on our Instagram! Don’t wait to feel ready. Show up as you are, and let us support your growth.

My graphic artist friends have artwork everywhere. They have it in the courthouse, the library, and the airport. I’m excited to have a poem in Ohio State’s Interfaith Devotional Booklet because I am investing in putting my poetry everywhere!

Here is another activity our chapter will provide to stimulate storytelling in our free workshop: A circle of people telling a story one sentence at a time. The first person starts the story off with a sentence. The next person adds a sentence to the previous sentence. And so on.