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THE INSIDERS PLAYBOOK • ISSUE NO. 001 • BSBS EDITION • JUNE 2026
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The
Insiders Playbook
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Real Access. Real Strategy.
Real Connections.
Issue No. 001 • June 2026
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BSBS 2026 • Howard University
We showed
up at
Howard.
And left
with an
award.
The BSBS Edition
What Happened. What Was Said.
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BSBS • Howard University • June 2026
Built for those who
refuse to wait for access.
The Insiders Playbook • BSBS 2026
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The Gala
BSBS Awards Night 2026
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The Session
Howard University
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On the Insider List
July
1
Application season opens.
Get your materials ready.
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A Note From Our Founder
This week exceeded every expectation.
The Insiders Playbook took the stage at the Black Sports Business Symposium at Howard University to deliver an accelerated version of the TIP mentorship curriculum: the same frameworks, strategies, and real talk that our members work through every month. The room was full of aspiring professionals who came because they wanted a real path in, not theory. That is exactly who TIP was built for. And to walk away from that stage with the Winning 10 Award was a moment that reminded us why this work matters. Thank you for being part of the community that made it possible.
Sara Walker
Founder & CEO, The Insiders Playbook
Join the Community
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BSBS 2026 • Howard University
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“The Insiders Playbook was built because the access was not always there. And it should be.”
Sara Walker, Founder • The Insiders Playbook • BSBS 2026
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ICYMI • Session Notes • BSBS 2026
Everything TIP Members Learn.
In One Room. In One Day.
At Howard University, we delivered an accelerated version of The Insiders Playbook mentorship program: the same curriculum TIP members walk through, condensed into one room, in one day.
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Timing and LinkedIn
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April – May: Co-op internships. October – November: Summer internships. 5 to 1 month before major events: contract and full-time roles. |
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LinkedIn chats are a cheat code. Talk to current and recent interns about the process. Talk to industry veterans about the path. |
| “Most people apply when they feel ready. The ones who get in apply when it’s time.” |
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Your Resume Is Your First Marketing Assignment
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Know your audience. Know their need. Show how you solve it. Tailor every resume to the specific job description. |
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Quality over quantity, always. Do not mass apply with the same resume. Real people are reading these. If there is a note-to-hiring-manager field, use it. |
| “Know your audience. Know their need. Show how you solve it.” |
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Every Interview Has a Different Job
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Recruiter screen: keep answers general, ask about culture and team structure, save your best questions for the hiring manager. |
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Hiring manager: bring specific, role-relevant questions, reference their work or recent news. Lock your social media before you get here. |
| “The recruiter wants to know if you fit. The hiring manager wants to know if you can do the job.” |
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Always Negotiate. Every Single Time.
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Ask for 24 to 48 hours to review. Never accept on the spot. It signals seriousness and gives you room to prepare. |
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Counter with a specific number anchored to market data. Do not give a range. Ranges always land on the lower end. If salary is fixed, negotiate title, start date, remote days, or project scope. |
| “Asking for more is not rude. Not asking is leaving money on the table.” |
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Recognition • BSBS 2026
Winning 10 Award.
The Insiders Playbook • Named Among the Winning 10
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The Recognition
Winning 10 Honoree
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The Community
The Room at Howard
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Keep These
in your back pocket.
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Salary Research • levels.fyi
See what the market is actually paying. Negotiate against data.
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Networking • LinkedIn
Your profile is your first impression. Connect with intention in your target role.
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Sports Calendar • Know the Major Event Schedule
Leagues pause. Internship cycles follow the calendar. Know the Super Bowl, MLB Draft, Olympics, and Combine dates.
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July
1
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On the Insider List
Application Season Opens.
The summer application cycle begins July 1. This is when sports organizations start reviewing candidates for fall and spring programs. Get your materials ready now.
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The Insiders Playbook
The Insiders Playbook
is built for you.
A private members network for aspiring and pivoting sports
and entertainment professionals.
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The Insiders Playbook
theinsidersplaybook.com • @theinsidersplaybookofficial
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The Insiders Playbook • New York, NY
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