My ONLY Credential 🎫

Dre Baldwin
2 min readNov 28, 2023

Certification: the action or process of providing someone or something with an official document attesting to a status or level of achievement.

I know professional speakers who have climbed the National Speakers Association (NSA) ladder of credentials, and as a result have a bunch of letters after their names. Things like CSP — “Certified Speaking Professional” — whatever that means.

I have none, but have a five-figure speaking fee.

I know coaches who have gone through different coaching certification programs, and have the accompanying credential letters or titles after their names.

I have zero, yet I don’t coach anyone for less than a five-figure investment.

Back in the day, I knew athletes who went through all types of training programs, had multiple trainers, and played in all the best AAU programs.

I had none of any of those. But still had a nearly decade-long professional playing career.

I have only one credential.

Balls.

In speaking, I simply decided on a fee and started asking for it.

As a coach, I built my brand to reflect what I charge.

In sports, I sold my way into the room — and played my way into staying.

You may want many credentials. You NEED only one credential.

It’s the same one I have.

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Dre Baldwin

The Discipline to Produce Your Best On Your Toughest Days. It ain’t for everybody. #TheThirdDay Creator of #WorkOnYourGame. DreAllDay.com