A Word From Dr. Shana
Hey Bankable Speakers — welcome to October and to Q4!
This is the season where intention meets execution. The question is — what’s your plan?
Have you pitched to Q1 events yet?
Have you started (or finished!) your book?
Are you consistently reaching out to build new relationships?
September was a month to remember for me — four speaking engagements, multiple cities, and countless connections. And while I loved being on stage, what really mattered were the conversations and opportunities that happened once I stepped off the stage. That’s exactly why having a book is so powerful — it keeps the conversation going after the mic drops.
This issue is all about focused, intentional planning for a strong Q1 launch. Whether that means writing your book, refining your pitch, or setting up your backend systems — what you do now will shape your 2026.
📣 Leads Section — 5 Fresh Opportunities
(Several of these are Q1 2026 events — perfect timing to pitch now!)
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Colleg Board Prepárate™ 2026
Looking For: Keynote speakers & workshop presenters. We welcome proposals from all professions in education.- Location: Chicago, IL - In person
- Date: April 13-15,2026
- Audience:
College Board's Prepárate conference assembles education professionals from across the nation to discuss new approaches to help Latino students succeed. Share your experiences, creative solutions, and insights by submitting a session proposal that showcases a program, strategy, or partnership that has a positive impact on students.
- Apply By: Oct 26
- Event info
- Apply to speak
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Southwest Washington SHRM
Looking For: Keynote speakers & workshop presenters and experts in HR related field *Speaker fee info requested.*- Location: Vancouver, WA - In person
- Date: May 8,2026
- Audience:
Top HR leaders & industry experts
- Apply By: Not given (so ASAP)
- Event info
- Apply to speak
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Black Writers Weekend
Looking For: We invite you to be part of this experience. By submitting to speak at Black Writers Weekend, you’ll join a powerful network of creatives, gain exposure to new audiences, and inspire readers, writers, and culture-shapers from around the country. Share your voice, your story, and your expertise.- Location: Atlanta, GA - In person
- Date: July 31-Aug 2,2026
- Audience:
Join us at Black Writers Weekend, where we showcase a diverse and talented lineup of local and national authors, artists, and performers. Across multiple venues, guests can enjoy author readings, improv writing, interactive storytelling, games, and hands-on workshops.
- Apply By: Not given (so ASAP)
- Event info
- Apply to speak
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Texas Healthcare Association
Looking For: Expert speakers in the following areas: Leadership, Management, Interpersonal Skills, Clinical care, Quality Legal & Regulatory Compliance, Finance & Operations Both in-person and virtual events will be offered in 2026.- Horseshoe Bay, TX (Austin area)- In person
- Date: April 12-15,2026
- Audience:
Licensed nursing facility administrators, assisted living managers, owners, operators, nurses, activity professionals, social workers, certified public accountants, and other health care professionals licensed to work in long-term care in the State of Texas attend THCA events
- Apply By: Not given (so ASAP)
- Event info
- Apply to speak
- EPCON National Conference
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Looking For: Experts from all discplines to lend expertise to the homebuilding industry-- leadership, field, HR, etc.
- Location: Miama, FL - In person
- Date: March 18-20,2026
- Audience:
All aspects of homebuilders-- Epconcommunities
- Apply By: Not given (so ASAP)
- Event info
- Reply EPCON to this email for link for speaker application if you're interested. Technology error won't allow it to be uploaded for some reason.
Pro Tip: The key to a booked calendar in Q1 is consistent outreach in Q4. The conversations you start now will turn into opportunities after the new year.
💡 Bankable Tip of the Week — Plan with Precision (and Think 10x!)
Intentionality wins every time. As we enter Q4, set up a weekly planning rhythm that positions you to win:
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Monday — Strategy Block: Review your Q1 goals. Choose 3 targets: new leads, proposals, or launches.
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Tuesday–Thursday — Outreach & Relationship Days: Send 3–5 pitches, follow up on pending conversations, and engage on LinkedIn.
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Friday — Focus & Follow-Up: Evaluate what worked, adjust your outreach, and prepare your next week’s plan.
📅 Bonus Tip: Time-block your “book writing” sessions like you would client work. Consistency compounds — even 30 minutes a day moves you closer to the finish line.
📘 Q4 Growth Strategy — Read 10x Is Easier Than 2x
This quarter, our collective growth strategy is simple: expand your mindset.
I’m inviting you to read 10x Is Easier Than 2x by Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy along with me this quarter. Each newsletter, I’ll drop a key insight to help you apply “10x” thinking to your speaking business.
🔥 This week’s takeaway:
Going 10x isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing less, but better.
To grow exponentially, you must eliminate the 80% of activities that keep you busy but don’t move the needle. Focus on the 20% that generates the greatest impact — like your signature talk, your book, and your top 10 relationships.
Ask yourself this week:
➡️ “What am I doing out of habit that doesn’t align with the speaker I’m becoming?”
➡️ “If I focused only on what’s working, what could grow 10x faster?”
We’ll keep unpacking this book every issue — consider it your Q4 reading assignment for next-level clarity.
📚 Invitation — The Bankable Book Intensive (Starts Oct 20)
Your book is more than words — it’s your business card, your credibility, and your bridge to bigger stages.
If you’ve been talking about writing your book but haven’t taken action, this is your moment.
Join me for the Bankable Book Intensive, a 8-week guided experience designed to help you write, position, and prepare your book for launch in Q1 2026 — alongside me.
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🗓️ Starts: October 20
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💻 Includes: Bi-weekly live coaching sessions, writing structure, publishing guidance, and marketing support
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🎁 Subscriber Bonus: Get $100 off with a special code at checkout. Reply BOOK if you want the code.
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⚡ Space is limited — save your seat today before it fills! Register NOW!
👉 Have questions before you commit? Join one of my Info Sessions this week to get all the deets.
✨ Quick Reminders & Upcoming Appearances
September may have been packed, but October is just as exciting! Here’s where you can catch me next:
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Oct 20 — Bankable Book Intensive begins! (Virtual)
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Oct 23 — PRSA Houston — Houston, TX
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Oct 25 — She Means Business Women in Business Roundtable — Houston, TX
Want to meet in person while I’m in Houston? Reply “CONNECT” and let’s make it happen.
🎤 Quick Challenge — Audit Your Q1 Readiness
Ask yourself:
✅ Do I have at least 20 new Q1 events on my radar?
✅ Have I sent 10+ pitches this month?
✅ Is my signature talk and one-sheet updated?
✅ Do I have a book or product ready to extend the conversation?
If not — now is the time to act. You don’t need a new year to start fresh. You need a plan and a push.
Closing
Q4 is here, and it’s time to think and plan like a 10x speaker.
Your next stage, client, and contract are already out there — but you have to move with intention now.
Join me for the Bankable Book Intensive (starts Oct 20) and use your exclusive code to save $100 as a newsletter subscriber. Reply with the word BOOK for your code. If you’re ready to get 10x results, do 10x thinking, and make Q4 your launchpad for 2026 — this is your moment.
Let’s go make it happen.
— Dr. Shana
The Bankable Speaker Coach + Mentor
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