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On this "Random Fit," hosts, and NASM Master Instructors, Wendy Batts, and Ken Miller, tackle a topic that hits close to home for many: procrastination and how it can stall our fitness journeys. Drawing from real-life experiences as personal trainers and everyday people, Wendy and Ken break down the various types of procrastinators—from the perfectionists who fear starting unless conditions are ideal, to the overwhelmed avoiders, crisis-makers who thrive under pressure, dreamy visionaries, and anxious worriers. Throughout the conversation, they reveal that procrastination isn't just about laziness. Instead, it stems from complex emotions, fears, and habits that often manifest as excuses or delayed action—whether it's waiting to get fit before calling a trainer, feeling paralyzed by too many choices, or holding off until the last minute to take action. Wendy and Ken share anecdotes from their own lives and training careers, highlighting how recognizing these procrastination patterns can be the key to overcoming them. Listeners will walk away with practical, actionable strategies specifically tailored to each procrastinator type. These include simplifying goals for the overwhelmed, focusing on effort and consistency for perfectionists, translating dreams into manageable steps, and providing a calming, supportive environment for the anxious. Plus, trainers will learn the importance of communication and empathy in helping clients move forward. Tune in for an honest, relatable conversation—packed with insights that can help you, your clients, or anyone struggling to get started, break through the cycle of putting things off, and finally act towards healthier habits. If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community! The content shared in this podcast is solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek out the guidance of your healthcare provider or other qualified professional. Any opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASM. Introducing NASM One, the membership for trainers and coaches. For just $35/mo., get unlimited access to over 300 continuing education courses, 50% off additional certifications and specializations, EDGE Trainer Pro all-in-one coaching app to grow your business, unlimited exam attempts and select waived fees. Stay on top of your game and ahead of the curve as a fitness professional with NASM One. Click here to learn more. https://bit.ly/4ddsgrm
Relying on a fundraiser's personal network isn't a fundraising strategy; it's a shortcut that can cost your nonprofit big in the long run. In this episode, Maria Rio and Caitlin McBride unpack why this common hiring question is a major red flag, what it reveals about an organization's approach to fundraising, and how small nonprofits can shift toward healthier, more sustainable donor relationships. Meet the Hosts Maria Rio: Expert fundraiser with 10+ years of experience helping Executive Directors secure the funding they need without the overwhelm. Caitlin McBride: Certified Fundraising Executive with a decade of experience making fundraising less chaotic and more doable for small nonprofits. 5 Key Takeaways Fundraising Is About Mission, Not Personal Rolodexes A fundraiser's job is to connect donors to the mission, not just to themselves. The strongest relationships are built between donors and the organization's cause, not one staff member. “Who Do You Know?” Reveals Short-Term Thinking When nonprofits ask this, they're often chasing quick wins instead of building long-term fundraising systems. It signals a lack of investment in donor stewardship. It's an Inequitable Expectation Not everyone has a wealthy, well-connected network. Tying job eligibility to personal privilege shuts out talented, values-aligned fundraisers from diverse backgrounds. Over-Reliance on One Person is Risky If donor relationships live only with one fundraiser, they walk out the door when that person leaves. That's a high-stakes gamble for any small nonprofit. You Need Hunters AND Farmers Hunters go after big gifts fast; farmers cultivate relationships for the long haul. The best fundraising teams balance both approaches for sustainable growth.
To get more information about booking a consulting day with Vince, please do one of the following:Send a direct email to Vince to bypass his sales team: vince@gabrielefitness.comClick the link below and fill out the form: https://coaching.vincegabriele.com/ Podcast SummaryIn this episode of the FBU podcast, Vince takes listeners along for part one of his “Long Island Gym Tour,” where he visits SPF Mastermind member gyms to offer real-time business advice. The main focus is on helping gym owner Joey Olivo at Legacy Strength maximize his training space to increase revenue by 33% without adding square footage. Vince shares his “pod system” concept for efficient group training layouts, highlights the importance of maximizing capacity during peak hours, and revisits the “Operation Money Suck” strategy for converting downtime into sales opportunities. Packed with practical, immediately actionable advice, this episode is a masterclass in making more money with the resources you already have. Top 5 PointsMaximize Space for Capacity – Redesign your gym layout to comfortably train more clients at once, using the “pod system” to create mini-gyms within your existing floor plan.Efficiency Equals Revenue – Moving from 8 to 12 clients per session at $50 each could mean hundreds in extra revenue per day without increasing operating costs.Remove Space Wasters – Eliminate unnecessary equipment, spread-out cubbies, and underused storage to open up more training space.Adopt “Operation Money Suck” – During blocked consult hours, only do activities that lead to or directly create new consultations—no busy work allowed.Prioritize High-Value Outreach – Focus first on past members, recent unconverted leads, and then 90-day leads before pursuing long-term joint venture partnerships. To get more information about booking a consulting day with Vince, please do one of the following:Send a direct email to Vince to bypass his sales team: vince@gabrielefitness.comClick the link below and fill out the form: https://coaching.vincegabriele.com/ If you're a gym owner seeking answers on how you can grow your gym, make more money, and have more freedom to do what you love, visit www.vincegabriele.com or book a call by CLICKING HERE!
Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, LG or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.Devin: What is your superpower?Caroline: Positive energy.Founders of social impact organizations—those working to change the world—often experience a unique kind of isolation. The challenges they face extend beyond scaling a business or managing operations; they wrestle with the pressure of delivering meaningful social change while also keeping a wary eye on their bottom line.That's why Caroline Diehl MBE, Founder and CEO of Social Founders, has dedicated herself to supporting the well-being of the people behind these organizations. She's not focused on the nuts and bolts of business planning or marketing. Instead, Caroline is building a global network that supports founders themselves, giving them a space to connect, decompress and recharge.As Caroline explained on today's episode, “It's amazing how some of the most experienced and brilliant social founders in our network still say that they feel lonely. They feel that they can't talk really openly to their board or to their management team. They can't constantly dump on their partner back at home. And they love the idea of connecting with other founders.”She's quick to note that the ecosystem for social impact founders doesn't match what's available to tech founders. “If you're a tech founder, you're on to a good thing. But if you're a charity founder or a social entrepreneur, it's pretty tough. And there's not much support for the actual founder.”Caroline's approach is all about founder well-being. Social Founders doesn't duplicate what others do. Instead, they partner with organizations offering practical business help, like the UK's School for Social Entrepreneurs, while focusing on the founder's mental and emotional health. “We're there for the well-being of the founder, which in turn helps that founder be a better founder,” Caroline said.The double bottom line—delivering both social impact and financial sustainability—adds another layer of complexity. Caroline captured this tension: “Sometimes you can create more social impact without having to focus on the money all the time and vice versa. If you're focusing on the money all the time, then you end up just maybe selling lots of mugs or stickers or something and not doing enough social impact.”Changemakers need not go it alone. Social Founders offers a global community, recognizing the value of peer support and connection. If you're building a social enterprise or founding a charity, consider joining the movement at socialfounder.org. You'll find a group of like-minded leaders who understand your challenges—and a network designed to help you thrive.tl;dr:Caroline Diehl MBE founded Social Founders to support the well-being of social enterprise and charity founders.She highlights the loneliness and unique pressures founders face, especially balancing impact and financial sustainability.Caroline emphasizes building networks over business advice, prioritizing emotional and peer support for changemakers.Her superpower, positive energy, has fueled her success and resilience across multiple impactful organizations.Listeners are invited to join Social Founders' global network for community, inspiration and support.How to Develop Positive Energy As a SuperpowerCaroline described her superpower as “positive energy.” She explained, “Whoever I'm talking to, whether I'm meeting some grand poobah running some big company or the people that I really love who are the grassroots founders and changemakers, or whether I'm just on my own… I can call on a superpower inside me of positive energy and make that happen.” Even during difficult times, when doubt creeps in, Caroline channels this positive energy to keep moving forward, whether she's running marathons or building impactful organizations.Illustrative Story:After founding the Media Trust and Together TV, Caroline started Social Founders from scratch, with no investment capital and little personal financial security. She had to convince funders, opinion leaders and founders from diverse backgrounds to join her network. Despite being “not young anymore,” she relied on her positive energy to inspire and mobilize others. Caroline shared that much of her energy comes from the people she meets—like a renowned Japanese dancer who supports people with learning difficulties through dance, or a young entrepreneur in Japan helping formerly incarcerated youth start businesses. These encounters continually fuel her own drive.Actionable Tips for Developing Positive Energy:Focus on your love for your mission and your passionate belief in the change you want to make.Keep reminders—like sticky notes with meaningful messages—visible in your workspace.Connect regularly with the people you aim to help; their stories can renew your motivation.When energy is low, spend time outdoors: go for a walk, bike ride or simply get fresh air.By following Caroline's example and advice, you can make positive energy a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileCaroline Diehl MBE (she/her):Founder and CEO, Social FoundersAbout Social Founders: Social Founders is the global network for social impact founders - we connect, support and celebrate founders of charities, social enterprises and community organisations.Website: socialfounder.orgCompany Facebook Page: facebook.com/socialfoundernetworkLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/social-foundersInstagram Handle: @social.founders Biographical Information: Caroline Diehl MBE is a highly experienced Founder, CEO, Chair and Entrepreneur working across the Creative Industries, Broadcast & Digital Media, Social Enterprise and Charity sectors. She is Founder & CEO of two new global networks: SocialFounders and ImpactMedia. She is the Founder, and was CEO until 2017, of the Media Trust - the UK's leading communications charity; she is Founder, and previously CEO, then Executive Chair, of Together TV (The Community Channel) until Sept.2022. She is an INSEAD Entrepreneur in Residence, and a Cambridge MA. She is also a Churchill Fellow, a Governor of the East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT) and an Associate of Newnham College, Cambridge. She has launched a podcast series: 'Social Founder Stories'. In her spare time she is a Marathon runner, an avid arts consumer & reader and a proud mother of two entrepreneurial sons. In addition to English she is fluent in Spanish and French, speaks good Italian and is learning Japanese after living in Tokyo earlier this year. Personal Facebook Profile: facebook.com/carolineDiehlMBELinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/carolinediehl-mbeInstagram Handle: @carodiehl Invest in Helping Families!Support Our SponsorsOur generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today's advertisers include FundingHope, Rancho Affordable Housing (Proactive), and Dopple. Learn more about advertising with us here.Max-Impact MembersThe following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support:Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Hiten Sonpal, RISE Robotics | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Mark Grimes, Networked Enterprise Development | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Dr. Nicole Paulk, Siren Biotechnology | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on August 19, 2025, at 1:30 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.SuperCrowdHour, August 20, 2025, at 12:00 PM Eastern. Devin Thorpe, CEO and Founder of The Super Crowd, Inc., will lead a session on "Your Portal, Your Future: How to Choose the Right Reg CF Platform." With so many investment crowdfunding portals available today, selecting the right one can be overwhelming for both founders and investors. In this session, Devin will break down the critical factors to consider—such as platform fees, audience demographics, compliance support, industry focus, and overall user experience. Whether you're a founder planning a raise or an investor exploring where to put your dollars to work, you'll walk away with a clearer understanding of how to evaluate and choose the platform that best aligns with your goals. Don't miss this practical, insight-packed hour designed to help you take your next step in the Reg CF ecosystem with confidence.SuperCrowd25, August 21st and 22nd: This two-day virtual event is an annual tradition but with big upgrades for 2025! We'll be streaming live across the web and on TV via e360tv. VIPs get access to our better-than-in-person networking, including backstage passes, VIP networking and an exclusive VIP webinar! Get your VIP access for just $25. A select group of affordable sponsorship opportunities is still available. Learn more here.Community Event CalendarSuccessful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025, Crowdfunding Professional Association, Washington DC, October 21-22, 2025.Impact Accelerator Summit is a live in-person event taking place in Austin, Texas, from October 23–25, 2025. This exclusive gathering brings together 100 heart-centered, conscious entrepreneurs generating $1M+ in revenue with 20–30 family offices and venture funds actively seeking to invest in world-changing businesses. Referred by Michael Dash, participants can expect an inspiring, high-impact experience focused on capital connection, growth, and global impact.Call for community action:Please show your support for a tax credit for investments made via Regulation Crowdfunding, benefiting both the investors and the small businesses that receive the investments. Learn more here.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 9,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe
In this episode of The Long Game Podcast, Alex Burkett interviews Logan Freeman, Global Head of SEO at ManyChat. Together they explore the evolving landscape of SEO in the AI era, particularly the rise of GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) and how it's changing everything from keyword strategy to attribution modeling. Logan shares tactical approaches for optimizing content for LLMs (large language models), including using FAQ schemas, focusing on off-page visibility, and thinking like a product marketer. They discuss how brand mentions are now more powerful than backlinks, why traditional SEO tools fall short for GEO, and how Logan approaches measurement when attribution is nearly impossible. The episode also explores LLM perception, off-site trust-building, and creative ways SEOs can future-proof their strategies by merging content, digital PR, and productKey TakeawaysSEO vs. GEO: Traditional SEO focuses on keywords, while GEO requires optimizing for hyper-personalized, conversational queries used in LLMs.LLM Perception Is Real: How AI models “perceive” your brand based on off-site mentions can limit (or expand) your visibility in AI answers.Brand Mentions > Backlinks: In the world of AI search, brand visibility across trusted platforms outweighs classic SEO signals like links.SEO as Product Marketing: SEOs must deeply understand users and position content like a PMM would—focused on problems, personas, and differentiation.Dark Attribution Is Growing: Most traffic influenced by LLMs doesn't click through—making measurement harder and more reliant on referral glimpses and qualitative insights.Go Beyond On-Page Optimization: Embedding schema, FAQs, and latent questions can increase the odds of being cited in LLMs.Get Creative with PR: To influence LLM results, you may need broad digital and traditional PR campaigns that shift how your brand is referenced across the web.Show LinksVisit ManychatConnect with Logan Freedman on LinkedInConnect with Alex Birkett on LinkedIn and TwitterConnect with Omniscient Digital on LinkedIn or TwitterSome interviews you might enjoy and learn from:Actionable Tips and Secrets to SEO Strategy with Dan Shure (Evolving SEO)Building Competitive Marketing Content with Sam Chapman (Aprimo)How to Build the Right Data Workflow with Blake Burch (Shipyard)Data-Driven Thought Leadership with Alicia Johnston (Sprout Social)Purpose-Driven Leadership & Building a Content Team with Ty Magnin (UiPath)Also, check out our Kitchen Side series where we take you behind the scenes to see how the sausage is made at our agency:Blue Ocean vs Red Ocean SEOShould You Hire Writers or Subject Matter Experts?How Do Growth and Content Overlap?Connect with Omniscient Digital on social:Twitter: @beomniscientLinkedin: Be OmniscientListen to more episodes of The Long Game podcast here: https://beomniscient.com/podcast/
Today's guest, Amita Sharma, shares her deeply personal experience with perimenopause in the corporate world, the mental health toll it took, and how she turned that struggle into NourishDoc, a global wellness platform for women 40 and over. This award-winning episode of Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads brings you a powerful, eye-opening conversation about the intersection of menopause, mindfulness, and mental health. With over 2 million downloads, we are proud to be the 2024 People's Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health and the 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner for Best Mental Health Podcast. We want to hear from YOU. Drop us a voice message or leave your thoughts at:https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Mental Health Quote:"The sooner you embrace yourself, the sooner you start living your truth. Otherwise, you're just wearing a mask." — Amita Sharma What This Episode CoversAmita opens up about the invisible toll of perimenopause, from brain fog and depression to sleep deprivation and lost libido—all while trying to survive in a high-stakes, male-dominated tech career. We explore how mindfulness, acupuncture, holistic nutrition, and boundary-setting became her survival tools, and how that journey became the seed for NourishDoc. This comprehensive wellness platform helps thousands of midlife women worldwide. SEO Keywords:Menopause mental health, perimenopause anxiety, midlife women support, mindfulness for menopause, holistic wellness, mental health for women over 40, Amita Sharma, NourishDoc Meet Our Guest: Amita SharmaA former high-tech executive turned wellness innovator, Amita Sharma is the founder of NourishDoc. Her lived experience as a perimenopausal woman in corporate America ignited a mission to support other women through the mental and physical chaos of midlife. NourishDoc offers integrative, evidence-based programs for women 35+, tackling sexual health, menopause symptoms, mental clarity, and long-term chronic condition prevention. Amita's Links:Website: http://www.nourishdoc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nourishdoc/X (Twitter): https://x.com/nourishdocYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nourishdocInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/nourish_docLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amita-sharma-nourishdoc/ Key Takeaways: Perimenopause isn't just hot flashes—it deeply impacts mental health, identity, and daily functioning. Holistic wellness tools, such as yoga, journaling, and red-light therapy, can help restore balance. There's a serious education gap in healthcare—many doctors are not trained to recognize or treat perimenopause. Actionable Tips from Amita: Track your symptoms and advocate for testing—don't wait for your doctor to connect the dots. Start mindfulness and journaling daily to help process changes and center yourself. Explore integrative therapies, such as acupuncture, dietary changes, and vaginal health supplements, to enhance quality of life. Important Chapters & Timestamps00:00 – Intro & Meet Amita03:00 – From Architecture to High-Tech to Holistic Health07:00 – What Perimenopause Really Feels Like12:00 – Mental Health Impact: Depression, Anxiety & Fog16:00 – Cultural Stigma & Workplace Silence22:00 – Loss of Libido, Intimacy, and Sexual Health28:00 – How NourishDoc Empowers Women35:00 – Systemic Gaps in Women's Healthcare43:00 – Amita's Advice to Her Younger Self References: NourishDoc Research & Programs – http://www.nourishdoc.com/ WHO and NIH studies on menopause-related mental health PubMed clinical research (as referenced by Amita) Subscribe, Rate, and Review!Love what you heard? Don't forget to subscribe for more bold, unfiltered stories about the real stuff going on in our heads. Please take a moment to rate & review us on your favorite podcast platform or on our website:https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews For feedback, stories, or shoutouts, visit:https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a #MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #PerimenopauseSupport #MidlifeWomenWellness#MenopauseJourney #NourishDoc #AmitaSharma #Grex #DirtySkittles #MindfulnessHealing#HormoneHealth #WomenOver40 #HolisticMentalHealth #AnxietySupport #BurnoutRecovery#SelfCareTips #PodcastForWomen #ChronicConditionPrevention #Podmatch #HealthEquityForWomen ***************************************************************************If You Need Support, Reach OutIf you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don't hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it's OK not to be OK—talking to someone can make all the difference.United States: Call or Text 988 — 988lifeline.orgCanada: Call or Text 988 — 988.caWorldwide: Find a HelplineMental Health Resources and Tools: The Help HubStay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesOfficial Website: goesoninourheads.netFacebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheadsInstagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittlesLinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty SkittlesJoin Our Newsletter: Sign Up HereMerch Store: goesoninourheads.shopAudio Editing by NJz Audio
Discovering Grayslake: Unveiling the Stories and People That Make Our Town Unique
Javier Franco, a military veteran and dedicated community member. Javier shares his journey to Grayslake, his passion for youth soccer through AYSO, and the importance of volunteering. The conversation highlights Grayslake's welcoming spirit, the value of local involvement, and the positive impact of youth sports. With heartfelt stories and practical advice, this episode celebrates the people and programs that make Grayslake a vibrant hometown. Building Community Through Youth Soccer: Lessons from Grayslake's AYSO with Javier Franco Discovering Grayslake isn't just a podcast—it's a celebration of the people, businesses, and stories that make this hometown special. In a recent episode, host David Wall sat down with Javier Franco, a military veteran, father, and passionate youth soccer coach, to explore how local involvement, volunteerism, and the beautiful game of soccer are shaping the fabric of Grayslake. This in-depth blog post unpacks the main themes and actionable insights from their conversation, offering a roadmap for anyone looking to make a difference in their community—on or off the field. Table of Contents The Power of Local Involvement AYSO: More Than Just Soccer Coaching: Leadership Over Technical Expertise Player Development: A Long-Term, Inclusive Approach The Heartbeat of Grayslake: Community Spirit Actionable Tips for Getting Involved The Lasting Impact of Volunteering Final Thoughts: Be a Good Human The Power of Local Involvement Javier Franco's journey to Grayslake is a testament to the transformative power of community. After years of moving due to military service and work, Javier and his family chose Grayslake for its welcoming neighborhoods, excellent schools, and the “Pleasantville” atmosphere where kids and dogs play freely and neighbors look out for one another. Key Takeaways: Community Roots Matter:** Settling in a place with a strong sense of belonging can have a profound impact on family life and personal well-being. Local Businesses as Pillars:** Organizations like Grayslake Rehabilitation Center, Servpro of Northwest Lake County, and City Chevrolet of Grayslake are not just businesses—they're community partners invested in the town's success. Actionable Advice: Attend local events and support small businesses to strengthen community ties. Get to know your neighbors—simple acts like a friendly wave or a helping hand go a long way. AYSO: More Than Just Soccer The American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) in Grayslake is a model for how youth sports can foster community, inclusivity, and lifelong learning. Javier, now a coach and community advocate, highlights several unique aspects of the program: Structure and Philosophy Grassroots to High School:** Programs start as early as age 4 (“six-you” group) and extend through high school, with age-appropriate training and competition. Certified Coaching:** All coaches receive nationally recognized training, ensuring consistency and quality across the board. Inclusive Programs:** Beyond the core age groups, AYSO offers adult leagues and the EPIC program for children with special needs (available in nearby regions). Community-Driven Leadership Volunteer-Led:** The program thrives on the dedication of parent volunteers, many of whom have deep roots in the community. Mentorship:** Experienced coaches mentor new volunteers, creating a supportive environment for both players and adults. Expert Insight: AYSO's focus isn't just on winning games—it's about developing better players and better people. The organization's 40-year legacy in Grayslake is a testament to its impact, with multi-generational involvement and a strong sense of town pride. Coaching: Leadership Over Technical Expertise One of the most powerful messages from Javier's story is that you don't need to be a soccer expert to be a great youth coach. What matters most is your ability to lead, inspire, and connect with kids. Breaking Down the Barriers Leadership Skills Trump Technical Skills:** Javier and his wife both became coaches despite different athletic backgrounds. Their success comes from their ability to motivate and manage children, not from deep soccer knowledge. Free, Ongoing Training:** AYSO provides free, high-quality training for all coaches, including mentorship from those with semi-professional and international experience. Encouraging New Volunteers:** Many parents hesitate to volunteer, fearing they lack expertise. Javier's advice: If you can lead and care for kids, you can coach. Actionable Advice: Step up to volunteer, even if you're new to the sport. Leverage your life and leadership experience. Take advantage of training and mentorship opportunities—AYSO and similar organizations are invested in your success. Player Development: A Long-Term, Inclusive Approach AYSO's player development model is built on the belief that every child deserves the chance to grow, regardless of skill level or background. Key Elements Age-Appropriate Progression:** From basic coordination and ball control at age 4 to small-sided games and advanced skills in later years. Focus on Fundamentals:** Weekly practices and summer programs emphasize core skills like dribbling, passing, and shooting, reinforced over time. Inclusivity:** Programs are designed to welcome all players, including those with no prior experience or those with special needs. Competitive Yet Supportive Travel and Competition:** Contrary to the myth that recreational soccer isn't competitive, Grayslake teams often play against other communities, fostering healthy rivalry and growth. Player-Centric Philosophy:** The goal is to help each child improve and enjoy the game, whether they aspire to play at the highest levels or just want to have fun. Expert Advice: Choose programs that prioritize development and inclusivity over short-term wins. Encourage your child to try new things and support their growth, regardless of their starting point. The Heartbeat of Grayslake: Community Spirit Javier's story is woven into the larger narrative of Grayslake's community spirit. From the redesigned AYSO shield symbolizing town pride to the multi-generational connections at Chamber of Commerce events, the message is clear: youth sports are about more than just the game. Building Lasting Connections Family and Tradition:** Many families have been involved with AYSO for decades, creating a sense of continuity and shared purpose. Events and Outreach:** Community events like Summer Days and Taste of Grayslake bring people together, while soccer programs offer outreach to immigrant and underserved families. Actionable Advice: Attend and support local events to deepen your connection to the community. Look for ways to use sports and other activities as vehicles for outreach and inclusion. Actionable Tips for Getting Involved Ready to make a difference in your hometown? Here's how you can get started, inspired by Javier's journey: 1. Register Your Child for Soccer Visit grayslakesoccer.com for easy online registration. Follow “Grayslake Soccer 396” on Facebook for updates, photos, and community news. 2. Volunteer Your Time Coaching isn't the only way to help—consider roles in administration, event planning, or equipment management. No experience? No problem. Training and mentorship are available. 3. Support Local Businesses and Events Frequent local restaurants and shops. Attend community events and bring your family and friends. 4. Spread Kindness and Positivity Perform small acts of kindness daily—hold the door, smile, greet a neighbor. Remember that everyone is facing their own challenges; empathy goes a long way. The Lasting Impact of Volunteering Javier and David both emphasize that volunteers are the backbone of any thriving community. Whether you're coaching, helping at a food pantry, or supporting local government, your efforts matter. Why Volunteer? Personal Growth:** Volunteering builds leadership, communication, and organizational skills. Community Impact:** Volunteers create opportunities, foster inclusion, and make Grayslake a better place for everyone. Unexpected Opportunities:** As Javier's story shows, volunteering can open doors you never expected—from podcast interviews to lifelong friendships. Expert Tip: Start small. Even a few hours a month can make a big difference. Look for causes that align with your interests and values. Final Thoughts: Be a Good Human As the episode closes, David Wall leaves listeners with a simple but powerful message: “Be a good human being.” Whether you're coaching soccer, supporting a neighbor, or just going about your day, kindness and community spirit are what truly make Grayslake—and any hometown—special. Key Reminders: Get involved, even if it's outside your comfort zone. Support and uplift those around you. Celebrate the small victories and the people who make them possible. Stay Connected Subscribe to “Discovering Grayslake” on your favorite platform—Spotify, Apple, Amazon, YouTube—and join the conversation about what makes our community great. Ready to get involved? Visit grayslakesoccer.com or reach out to your local organizations. Your hometown needs you! About the Author: This post is inspired by the voices and stories of Grayslake, with special thanks to David Wall and Javier Franco for their dedication to building a stronger, kinder, and more connected community. *
The nonprofit world is changing FAST - and the way we fundraise, build teams, and connect with communities is being rewritten in real time. If you've been feeling the tension between keeping your nonprofit afloat today and preparing for tomorrow, this episode is a must-listen. In this solo episode, Maria Rio dives into five powerful forces shaping the future of the nonprofit sector and lays out what organizations might look like by 2035. From workforce shifts and AI adoption to government instability and DEI backlash, Maria doesn't sugarcoat the challenges but she also shares smart ways small nonprofits can stay resilient, ethical, and effective through it all. The Future of Nonprofit Organizations: The Highlights The nonprofit workforce is already in crisis....and it's getting worse. Hiring and retention are major hurdles, with salary competition, burnout, and tight budgets making it hard to maintain strong teams. By 2035, nonprofits may rely more heavily on fractional staff and consultants, while in-house roles shrink to essential functions. Fundraising will rely even more on the ultra-wealthy. Donor concentration is increasing. Fewer donors are giving more, and donor-advised funds (DAFs) hold billions in untapped potential. While this creates big opportunities, it also makes funding riskier. A single major donor changing course could disrupt an entire budget. AI is transforming how nonprofits work, but not always for the better. From grant writing to stewardship emails, nonprofits are embracing AI. But too much automation risks alienating donors and devaluing relationships. Stewardship that feels “too perfect” may be seen as inauthentic, and relational fundraisers will become even more critical. Government funding is becoming unreliable and politicized. Nonprofits are facing freezes, layoffs, and rising scrutiny—especially if they advocate for equity. Some governments are threatening charitable status based on political alignment, putting advocacy-focused organizations at serious risk. DEI and CCF efforts are facing backlash but they're not going away. While many staff support Community-Centric Fundraising (CCF) and DEI, boards are hesitant or outright opposed. The result? Tension, watered-down messaging, and even lawsuits. But Maria sees a continued rise in CCF adoption, especially among younger, justice-focused fundraisers.
In this Kitchen Side episode of The Long Game Podcast, the Omniscient Digital team reflects on one key question: “What should we automate?” The discussion unfolds into a broader examination of agency culture, strategic thinking, and the nuanced costs of automation. They share personal experiments—from HARO email parsing to multi-agent PR systems—and debate the tradeoffs between saving time and losing essential context, mentorship, and learning. The team also explores how AI tools can be both empowering and distracting, and why automation shouldn't come at the expense of human development, team connection, or communication that builds trust. It's a thoughtful, candid look at what AI can't (and shouldn't) replace.Key TakeawaysAutomation Isn't All or Nothing: Not everything needs full automation—sometimes it's just about streamlining small, repeatable parts of a process.Human Touchpoints Still Matter: Automated communication can lack the warmth, accountability, and nuance of a genuine human message.AI Can Undermine Learning Opportunities: Over-automation risks removing hands-on work that builds junior talent and deep strategic expertise.Remote Culture Needs In-Person Balance: Offsites help rebuild alignment, context, and emotional connection that remote work alone can't deliver.Effort Signals Care: Taking the “harder” route—whether writing by hand or reviewing raw data—can demonstrate thoughtfulness and create deeper understanding.Small Talk Has Strategic Value: Informal conversation often reveals insights and context that structured meetings miss.AI Is Best as an Assistant, Not a Replacement: Tools like Fireflies or ChatGPT are useful for transcription and ideation, but real clarity comes from processing ideas manually.Show LinksConnect with David Khim on LinkedIn and TwitterConnect with Alex Birkett on LinkedIn and TwitterConnect with Allie Decker on LinkedIn and TwitterConnect with Omniscient Digital on LinkedIn or TwitterWhat is Kitchen Side?One big benefit of running an agency or working at one is you get to see the “kitchen side” of many different businesses; their revenue, their operations, their automations, and their culture.You understand how things look from the inside and how that differs from the outside.You understand how the sausage is made. As an agency ourselves, we're working both on growing our clients' businesses as well as our own. This podcast is one project, but we also blog, make videos, do sales, and have quite a robust portfolio of automations and hacks to run our business.We want to take you behind the curtain, to the kitchen side of our business, to witness our brainstorms, discussions, and internal dialogues behind the public works that we ship.Some interviews you might enjoy and learn from:Actionable Tips and Secrets to SEO Strategy with Dan Shure (Evolving SEO)Building Competitive Marketing Content with Sam Chapman (Aprimo)How to Build the Right Data Workflow with Blake Burch (Shipyard)Data-Driven Thought Leadership with Alicia Johnston (Sprout Social)Purpose-Driven Leadership & Building a Content Team with Ty Magnin (UiPath)Also, check out our Kitchen Side series where we take you behind the scenes to see how the sausage is made at our agency:Blue Ocean vs Red Ocean SEOShould You Hire Writers or Subject Matter Experts?How Do Growth and Content Overlap?Connect with Omniscient Digital on social:Twitter: @beomniscientLinkedin: Be OmniscientListen to more episodes of The Long Game podcast here: https://beomniscient.com/podcast/
Discovering Grayslake: Unveiling the Stories and People That Make Our Town Unique
In this episode of Discovering Grayslake, host David Woll sits down with Kori Pelikan, founder of Bubble Bash—a unique local business bringing foam and bubble party magic to families, schools, and events across Northeast Illinois and Southeast Wisconsin. Corey shares how a simple birthday party for her daughter sparked the idea for a business that now brings joy to communities all summer long. From the excitement of foam-filled fun to her commitment to safety, inclusivity, and family-friendly entertainment, Corey opens up about what makes Bubble Bash more than just a party—it's a movement of smiles, laughter, and local love. Tune in to hear about Corey's journey, her deep ties to Grayslake, and how she's turning special moments into unforgettable memories—one bubble at a time. Certainly! Here is your article with the names changed to David Woll and Kori Pelikan, keeping the same format, content, and context: Bringing Joy to Grayslake: The Story and Secrets Behind Bubble Bash Foam Parties By David Woll, Host of Discovering Grayslake Grayslake is a town that thrives on community, creativity, and a little bit of hometown magic. In this episode of Discovering Grayslake, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Kori Pelikan, owner of Bubble Bash—a business that's redefining how we celebrate, connect, and create memories in Northeast Illinois and Southeast Wisconsin. Bubble Bash specializes in foam and bubble parties, bringing laughter and excitement to backyards, parks, and community events. Whether you're a parent planning a birthday, a community organizer, or a fellow entrepreneur, Kori's journey and insights offer a treasure trove of actionable advice and inspiration. Let's dive deep into the main themes and expert tips from our conversation, so you can bring a little more joy—and a lot more bubbles—into your own corner of the world. Table of Contents The Spark: Turning a Fun Idea into a Thriving Business What Makes Foam Parties So Popular? Behind the Scenes: How Bubble Bash Operates Safety First: Creating a Fun and Secure Environment Building Community: The Power of Local Networks Expanding the Fun: Beyond Kids' Parties Lessons in Entrepreneurship: Balancing Family, Passion, and Business Actionable Tips for Hosting a Memorable Foam or Bubble Party The Heart of Grayslake: Kindness, Connection, and Community How to Book Your Own Bubble Bash Experience 1. The Spark: Turning a Fun Idea into a Thriving Business Kori Pelikan's story is a classic example of how a simple, personal need can ignite a business idea. When planning her daughter's birthday, Kori wanted something unique. She discovered foam machines, bought one, and the party was such a hit that neighbors and friends immediately asked, “Can you do this for us?” Key Takeaways: Start with a personal need:** The best business ideas often come from solving your own problems. Test the waters:** Kori's first event was a low-risk trial that validated the concept. Listen to your audience:** Immediate positive feedback from guests signaled a real demand. Expert Advice: If you're considering starting a business, look for opportunities in your own life. What do you wish existed? What gets people talking and asking for more? 2. What Makes Foam Parties So Popular? Foam parties aren't just a passing trend—they're a sensory, social, and safe way for kids (and adults!) to let loose. Kori notes that the laughter and joy are infectious, and the novelty never seems to wear off. Why Foam Parties Work: Universal appeal:** Kids of all ages love the tactile, immersive experience. Repeat business:** Many families and organizations book Bubble Bash year after year. Social media gold:** The visual spectacle makes for shareable, memorable photos. Pro Tip: Capture candid moments and share them with your guests. Kori sends photos to families after events, creating lasting memories and organic marketing. 3. Behind the Scenes: How Bubble Bash Operates Running a foam party business is more than just turning on a machine. Kori's approach is professional, efficient, and community-focused. Logistics and Equipment Foam Cannons:** Kori owns two, allowing her to serve multiple events or larger crowds. Setup Needs:** Access to water and electricity is essential. Coordination with venues is key. Duration:** Most parties last about an hour—enough for high-energy fun, then a smooth transition to food or rest. Weather:** Rain doesn't stop the party; kids are already getting wet! Environmental and Safety Considerations Hypoallergenic Foam:** Safe for kids, pets, and lawns. Grass Care:** Kori rotates the foam area to prevent lawn damage. Clean-Up:** The foam dissipates naturally, leaving no mess behind. Actionable Advice: Always do a site check before the event to ensure access to utilities. Communicate clearly with hosts about what's needed for setup and teardown. Invest in quality, safe foam solutions from reputable suppliers. 4. Safety First: Creating a Fun and Secure Environment Safety is at the heart of every Bubble Bash event. Kori's background as a teacher shines through in her clear, consistent rules and her ability to manage groups of excited kids. Core Safety Rules No running or sliding:** Prevents slips and falls. No diving or cannonballing:** The foam isn't deep—remind kids it's not a pool! No sitting under the foam:** Ensures visibility and prevents accidental bumps. Implementation Rules Stand:** Kori sets up a visible sign at public events. Active Supervision:** She keeps a close eye on the crowd and gently reminds kids as needed. Inclusive Fun:** Even grandparents have joined in—one memorable guest navigated the foam with her walker! Expert Insight: Safety doesn't have to kill the fun. Set expectations early, use positive language, and model the behavior you want to see. 5. Building Community: The Power of Local Networks Bubble Bash's success is rooted in community connections. Kori leverages local mom groups, Facebook communities, and word-of-mouth to grow her business. Strategies for Community Engagement Join local groups:** Participate in online forums and neighborhood networks. Collaborate, don't compete:** Kori often refers clients to other foam party businesses when she's booked, fostering goodwill. Support local events:** Bubble Bash is a fixture at Grayslake's Battle of the Bands, summer kickoffs, and more. Pro Tip: Don't underestimate the power of grassroots marketing. Authentic relationships and community involvement build trust and loyalty. 6. Expanding the Fun: Beyond Kids' Parties While Bubble Bash is best known for children's events, Kori is open to new markets. Adult and Teen Events Glow-in-the-dark foam:** Black lights and colored foam create a nightclub vibe. College and community events:** There's untapped potential for older audiences. Rebranding:** Kori is considering a separate identity to appeal to non-kid markets. Actionable Advice: Survey your audience to gauge interest in new offerings. Experiment with themed events (e.g., “Foam Olympics” fundraisers). Adjust your branding and messaging to match the target demographic. 7. Lessons in Entrepreneurship: Balancing Family, Passion, and Business Kori's journey is a testament to the power of reinvention. After 20 years as a teacher, she pivoted to entrepreneurship during the pandemic, seeking flexibility and joy. Key Lessons Follow your happiness:** Don't let fear of judgment hold you back. Seasonal balance:** Bubble Bash is full-time from May to October, allowing Kori to “hibernate” and recharge in the off-season. Family first:** Kori proudly identifies as a mom above all, structuring her business around her children's needs. Expert Insight: Entrepreneurship is about designing a life that fits your values. Don't be afraid to pivot, and keep your options open for future opportunities. 8. Actionable Tips for Hosting a Memorable Foam or Bubble Party Ready to bring the Bubble Bash experience to your next event? Here's how to make it unforgettable: Planning and Preparation Book early:** Summer weekends fill up fast. Choose the right location:** Flat, grassy areas work best; ensure access to water and power. Communicate with your host:** Share setup needs and safety rules in advance. During the Event Set clear rules:** Post them visibly and review with guests. Capture the moment:** Take candid photos and share them with families. Rotate the foam area:** Protect your lawn and keep the fun moving. After the Party Share your experience:** Post photos on social media and tag Bubble Bash. Give feedback:** Let Kori know what worked and what could be improved. Spread the word:** Word-of-mouth is the best marketing! 9. The Heart of Grayslake: Kindness, Connection, and Community At the end of our conversation, I shared a reminder that resonates with the spirit of Grayslake: you never know what someone else is going through. A simple act of kindness—a smile, a compliment, holding the door—can make all the difference. Let's keep Grayslake a place where: Neighbors support neighbors. Local businesses lift each other up. Every child (and adult!) gets a chance to play, laugh, and belong. 10. How to Book Your Own Bubble Bash Experience Ready to add some bubbly fun to your next event? Here's how to Let me know if you need the rest of the article or any further customization!
Ever tried to juggle visionary ideas, tight budgets, and a team that spans every learning style under the sun? In this episode of The Small Nonprofit, Maria sits down with management coach and EDI powerhouse Marisa Tran (they/them) to unpack what “people-first, consent-based leadership” really looks like when you're running a small shop. Marisa is an autistic, gender-queer, Irish-Vietnamese settler with 15 years of experience helping organizations clean up their HR, embed equity, and grow managers into actual leaders. Their superpowers: workplace harm reduction, accessibility audits, and coaching folks who were promoted for being great at their job...but never shown how to lead. Managing People – The Highlights Performance talks should be boringly routine Make goals and feedback part of every weekly or bi-weekly check-in so “the big scary review” never sneaks up on anyone. Consent in management LONG before performance reviews, work with the staffer to create a work plan and a check in cadence. Autonomy = trust. Recognition isn't one-size-fits-all Annual raises matter, but some staff love public shout-outs while others want quiet affirmation or extra learning budgets. Ask, don't assume. Leaders own the misses; teams own the wins When targets slip, step up and shield your crew. When they soar, hand them the mic and the credit. Diversity of thought strengthens strategy Pair big-idea generators with detail-oriented implementers and professional problem-spotters. Different brains, stronger outcomes. 3 Actionable Tips for Managing People: Bake goals into your meeting agenda Create a living doc or dashboard you revisit every check-in. Progress, blockers, next steps; nothing fancy, just visible. Run a “How do you like to be celebrated?” survey Five quick questions (think love-languages-at-work) will save you from that pizza-party flop and show staff you actually listen. Track turnover like a KPI Note tenure, role, and identities (where shared). Spikes in departures—especially among marginalized staff—are flashing red lights for culture repair. Resources and Links Connect with our host, Maria Rio Connect with our guest, Marisa Tran Marisa's website Support our show. We are fully self-funded! Watch this episode on YouTube Need help with your fundraising? Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :) Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show
Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, LG or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.Devin: What is your superpower?Jenny: Ability to make complex financial and legal concepts accessible.Creating a thriving community takes more than goodwill—it requires vision, leadership, and resources. Jenny Kassan, CEO of Opportunity Main Street, is proving that crowdfunding can be a powerful tool for revitalizing communities while offering investors a meaningful way to make a difference.Jenny is raising capital through a regulation crowdfunding campaign on SmallChange to renovate a historic building in Baltimore. This project, called Community Commons, will serve as both a hub for local businesses and a space for community-building activities. The first floor will feature a gathering space, coffee shop, and retail area, while the upper floors will house luxury furnished apartments for short-term rentals.Jenny explains her motivation: “I've believed for a while that it's really important to create a place-based ecosystem to grow this movement to move community capital into small business.” She has already raised $2.5 million for the project but is turning to crowdfunding to close the final gap.What makes this project stand out is its intentional focus on Baltimore. After hosting a women entrepreneurs' event in the city, Jenny fell in love with its historic charm and resilient spirit. “Baltimore is a beautiful, scrappy city,” she says. “There's a renaissance going on… it's a place where you can make a significant impact.”Jenny's choice of SmallChange as the crowdfunding platform is no accident. She highlights the portal's commitment to impact-focused real estate projects and its owner, Eve Picker: “She really cares about her clients… and the design of the page is absolutely beautiful.”By combining real estate with a community-driven mission, Jenny's project offers an opportunity for investors to see both financial returns and social impact. The short-term rental apartments are projected to generate strong revenue, while the first-floor activities will foster relationships, support local businesses, and teach community members how to invest locally.This isn't just about one building. Jenny hopes the Community Commons project will become a replicable model for other cities. “It's about creating a replicable model for community wealth building and supporting the local investing movement,” she says.With projects like these, Jenny is showing how crowdfunding can be a bridge between financial goals and community revitalization.Creating a thriving community takes more than goodwill—it requires vision, leadership, and resources. Jenny Kassan, CEO of Opportunity Main Street, is proving that crowdfunding can be a powerful tool for revitalizing communities while offering investors a meaningful way to make a difference.Jenny is raising capital through a regulation crowdfunding campaign on SmallChange to renovate a historic building in Baltimore. This project, called Community Commons, will serve as both a hub for local businesses and a space for community-building activities. The first floor will feature a gathering space, coffee shop, and retail area, while the upper floors will house luxury furnished apartments for short-term rentals.Jenny explains her motivation: “I've believed for a while that it's really important to create a place-based ecosystem to grow this movement to move community capital into small business.” She has already raised $2.5 million for the project but is turning to crowdfunding to close the final gap.What makes this project stand out is its intentional focus on Baltimore. After hosting a women entrepreneurs' event in the city, Jenny fell in love with its historic charm and resilient spirit. “Baltimore is a beautiful, scrappy city,” she says. “There's a renaissance going on… it's a place where you can make a significant impact.”Jenny's choice of SmallChange as the crowdfunding platform is no accident. She highlights the portal's commitment to impact-focused real estate projects and its owner, Eve Picker: “She really cares about her clients… and the design of the page is absolutely beautiful.”By combining real estate with a community-driven mission, Jenny's project offers an opportunity for investors to see both financial returns and social impact. The short-term rental apartments are projected to generate strong revenue, while the first-floor activities will foster relationships, support local businesses, and teach community members how to invest locally.This isn't just about one building. Jenny hopes the Community Commons project will become a replicable model for other cities. “It's about creating a replicable model for community wealth building and supporting the local investing movement,” she says.With projects like these, Jenny is showing how crowdfunding can be a bridge between financial goals and community revitalization.tl;dr:Jenny Kassan shares her vision for revitalizing Baltimore with a historic real estate project.Community Commons will combine short-term rentals with a hub for local businesses and activities.Jenny highlights the impact of crowdfunding and her partnership with the SmallChange platform.She demonstrates how simplifying financial concepts empowers underserved communities to raise capital.Jenny's replicable model aims to inspire more community wealth-building projects nationwide.How to Develop Simplifying Complex Financial Concepts As a SuperpowerJenny describes her superpower as the ability to make complex financial and legal concepts accessible. She explains, “I've learned so much about finance, securities law… and I feel like my superpower is bringing it down to a level of clarity for people.” Her passion stems from a desire to make the world of finance less opaque and intimidating, especially for those who lack traditional financial knowledge or access to resources.Illustrative Story:Jenny's superpower shone when she helped a worker co-op in Boston called CERO raise capital for a composting business. Comprised of highly disadvantaged individuals, the co-op needed funding for a truck but wanted to retain worker control. Jenny structured an offering of non-voting equity, allowing the workers to remain in charge while raising several hundred thousand dollars. This project exemplifies her ability to simplify financial tools for underserved communities, empowering them to achieve their goals.Actionable Tips to Develop the Superpower:Deepen Your Expertise: Invest time in learning the intricacies of your field, as Jenny did with finance.Practice Simplifying Concepts: Break down complex ideas into clear, relatable language to help others understand them.Empathize with Your Audience: Tailor your explanations to the needs and backgrounds of those you're helping.Stay Mission-Driven: Focus on using your knowledge to empower others and create meaningful change.By following Jenny's example and advice, you can make simplifying complex concepts a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileJenny Kassan (she/her):CEO, Opportunity Main StreetAbout Opportunity Main Street: Opportunity Main Street is growing a place-based community wealth building ecosystem in Baltimore that includes community investing in local business, a community business school, and mutual aid through a time-banking network.Website: opportunitymainstreet.comBiographical Information: Jenny is an attorney, coach, and ecosystem builder focused on capital access for underrepresented entrepreneurs.Jenny earned her J.D. from Yale Law School and a masters degree in City and Regional Planning from UC Berkeley.She is the author of Raise Capital on Your Own Terms: How to Fund Your Business without Selling Your Soul.Jenny co-founded the Sustainable Economies Law Center, the Force for Good Fund, and Opportunity Main Street. X/Twitter Handle: @jennykassan Personal Facebook Profile: facebook.com/jenny.kassanLinkedin: linkedin.com/in/jennykassanInstagram Handle: @thekassangroupSupport Our SponsorsOur generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today's advertisers include FundingHope, DealMaker, DNA, Rancho Affordable Housing (Proactive). Learn more about advertising with us here.Max-Impact MembersThe following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support:Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Hiten Sonpal, RISE Robotics | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Dr. Nicole Paulk, Siren Biotechnology | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on August 19, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.SuperCrowdHour, August 20, 2025, at 12:00 PM Eastern. Devin Thorpe, CEO and Founder of The Super Crowd, Inc., will lead a session on "Your Portal, Your Future: How to Choose the Right Reg CF Platform." With so many investment crowdfunding portals available today, selecting the right one can be overwhelming for both founders and investors. In this session, Devin will break down the critical factors to consider—such as platform fees, audience demographics, compliance support, industry focus, and overall user experience. Whether you're a founder planning a raise or an investor exploring where to put your dollars to work, you'll walk away with a clearer understanding of how to evaluate and choose the platform that best aligns with your goals. Don't miss this practical, insight-packed hour designed to help you take your next step in the Reg CF ecosystem with confidence.SuperCrowd25, August 21st and 22nd: This two-day virtual event is an annual tradition but with big upgrades for 2025! We'll be streaming live across the web and on TV via e360tv. Apply for the Live Pitch here. VIPs get access to our better-than-in-person networking, including backstage passes, VIP networking and an exclusive VIP webinar! Get your VIP access for just $25. A select group of affordable sponsorship opportunities is still available. Learn more here.Community Event CalendarSuccessful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.Devin Thorpe is featured in a free virtual masterclass series hosted by Irina Portnova titled Break Free, Elevate Your Money Mindset & Call In Overflow, focused on transforming your relationship with money through personal stories and practical insights. June 8-21, 2025.Join Dorian Dickinson, founder & CEO of FundingHope, for Startup.com's monthly crowdfunding workshop, where he'll dive into strategies for successfully raising capital through investment crowdfunding. June 24 at noon Eastern.Future Forward Summit: San Francisco, Wednesday, June 25 · 3:30 - 8:30 pm PDT.Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025, Crowdfunding Professional Association, Washington DC, October 21-22, 2025.Impact Accelerator Summit is a live in-person event taking place in Austin, Texas, from October 23–25, 2025. This exclusive gathering brings together 100 heart-centered, conscious entrepreneurs generating $1M+ in revenue with 20–30 family offices and venture funds actively seeking to invest in world-changing businesses. Referred by Michael Dash, participants can expect an inspiring, high-impact experience focused on capital connection, growth, and global impact.Call for community action:Please show your support for a tax credit for investments made via Regulation Crowdfunding, benefiting both the investors and the small businesses that receive the investments. Learn more here.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 9,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe
Send us a textUnlock the secret to high-impact ad creative and stop fighting the algorithms!In this episode, Jordan West sits down with performance marketing expert Andrew Faris to revolutionize the way you think about ad testing and creative strategy. Forget rigid A/B experiments—here's what really works on platforms like Meta and TikTok in 2025:Explore & Expand vs. Outdated A/B Testing • Discover why Meta's Bayesian engine fights your split-tests—and how switching to an “Explore & Expand” mindset turbocharges learning. • Learn to surface winning angles quickly, then scale them with minimal extra effort.Harnessing AI for Wild, CGI-Level Concepts • See real examples of “unhinged” AI-generated spots—think dinosaurs parachuting into lava—and learn how to keep your core message crystal clear. • Find out which AI tools are best for scripting, storyboarding, and turning crazy ideas into thumb-stopping ads.Prioritizing Human-to-Human Authenticity • Why polished avatars and lip-sync bots may backfire—and what your audience really craves instead. • Strategies for injecting genuine emotion, social proof, and community hooks into every campaign.Creative Volume & Variation: How Much Is Too Much? • The surprising truth about test volume: when “more creative” stops adding value—and how to find the sweet spot for your budget. • A framework for balancing length, hook styles, and visual formats so that every variation still drives toward a single, powerful message.Actionable Tips to Maximize Engagement • Messaging hierarchies: the one element you must nail before tweaking format or length. • Quick wins for rotating hooks, swapping B-roll, and layering in new calls-to-action—without blowing your production timeline.Whether you're a seasoned performance marketer or simply curious about the future of advertising, you'll walk away with:A clear roadmap for ditching endless A/B loopsCreative prompts to push your AI experiments beyond the ordinaryPractical checklists for testing and scaling your best-performing adsGuest info:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-faris-980b84108/
Eye-opening episode of SyncSpider's eCom Ops Podcast, with Richard Harris, CEO of Black Crow AI , a leading AI-driven e-commerce optimization platform. Discover how to revolutionize your e-commerce business by leveraging the power of artificial intelligence to predict user value, personalize customer experiences, and optimize your marketing strategies. Learn the common mistakes made in the industry and get valuable insights on influencer marketing and practical advice for implementing AI solutions. Don't miss this episode if you want to level up your e-commerce game and tap into the full potential of AI-driven growth!
Too many small nonprofits build their budgets on optimism alone, dreaming big without the strategy or infrastructure to back it up. This episode is all about why that's a problem, and how to stop the cycle of setting fundraising goals that hurt more than they help. In this episode of The Small Nonprofit, Maria Rio and co-host Caitlin McBride get real about what it means to set realistic, strategic fundraising goals, and what happens when you don't. From pressure-filled board expectations to outlier-year budgeting mistakes, they unpack the ripple effects of extremely optimistic thinking and offer grounded ways to move forward. Want to avoid budget burnout and build goals that actually serve your mission? This episode is your guide. Listen now and share it with your board. Realistic Fundraising Goals – The Highlights 1. Unrealistic fundraising goals hurt everyone. When goals are set without evidence or planning, it's frustrating and it's harmful. Fundraisers feel like they're being set up to fail, and the community loses access to reliable services. 2. Outlier years aren't a the baseline. Got a huge planned gift or a surge of support during a major global event? Great. But don't build your next budget assuming that lightning will strike twice. 3. The board can't just wish money into existence. When leadership insists on big numbers without offering support or resources, they undermine the very people doing the work. Fundraising isn't magical, it's methodical. 4. Growth means more than dollars. A 40% increase in revenue equals a 40% increase in workload. If you're not adding capacity, you're adding stress. 5. You need to track leading indicators. Revenue is a lagging indicator. Things like donor meetings, emails sent, and stewardship actions are what create that revenue. Track what's in your control. 3 Actionable Tips for Setting Realistic Fundraising Goals: 1. Use real data, not wishful thinking. Look at historical trends, capacity, and the types of revenue you've secured. Don't budget based on what you want to happen, budget based on what's likely. 2. Break down your revenue streams. Separate out grants, major gifts, recurring donors, etc. Goals should be specific to each stream, not one vague number slapped across the board. 3. Consider organizational context. If your staff just turned over, your website crashed last Giving Tuesday, or inflation is affecting your donors, factor that in. Not every year is a growth year. Resources and Links Connect with our host, Maria Rio Connect with our cohost, Caitlin McBride Support our show. We are fully self-funded! Watch this episode on YouTube Need help with your fundraising? Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :) Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show
Send us a textHate networking? You're not alone – and you're not doing it wrong. In episode 82 of the Serve First, Sell Later Marketing podcast, Sylvia Garibaldi flips the script on everything you think you know about building a referral network. Discover how to grow your practice by investing in real relationships (no pitching, no pressure), combining online and in-person touchpoints, and using small, intentional actions that actually lead to results. If you're a lawyer, mediator, or divorce professional tired of awkward coffee chats and cold messages… this one's for you.Inside this episode, you'll learn:01:01 The Networking Dilemma02:19 Flipping the Script on Networking03:47 The Power of Giving First06:00 Building Real Relationships07:31 Reframing Networking14:43 Activating Your Existing Network22:21 Actionable Tips for Relationship Building Resources:Feeling stuck about how to grow your practice, book a free strategy call here.#64 From Referral Plateau to Referral Powerhouse#27 Why Referrals Don't Easily Convert Anymore (And What To Do About It)#20 What Not To Do When Building Referral Partnerships #3 Unleashing the Giant: The Untapped Power of Referral PartnershipsRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts"Love listening and learning from the Serve First, Sell Later Marketing Podcast” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Sign up for our free LinkedIn newsletter on marketing your professional practice Connect with me on linkedin Join our online community Subscribe to my youtube channel
In this Kitchen Side episode of The Long Game Podcast, Alex Birkett and David Ly Khim reflect on the parallels between craftsmanship in daily life and high-quality marketing in the age of AI. They critique the growing dominance of low-effort, mass-generated content and advocate for a return to thoughtful creation—whether that's cooking a meal, writing a note by hand, or building content that stands out in generative search. The duo also dives deep into GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), sharing a powerful framework: Be the source. Be cited in the source. Or replace the source. They discuss the shift toward brand gravity, proprietary data, and becoming the trusted name in your category—especially as AI models increasingly shape what content gets surfaced.Key TakeawaysCraftsmanship Over Convenience: Great content is like a well-made meal—it takes intention, care, and can't be rushed or fully outsourced to AI.Be the Source, Be Cited, or Replace the Source: To win in GEO, you must create original content, appear in authoritative lists, or become the reference itself.Brand Gravity Is the New SEO Moat: Off-page presence, media saturation, and citations across the web influence your LLM visibility more than keywords alone.Proprietary Data Creates Value: Unique product data, micro case studies, and original research can't be easily replicated—and LLMs favor that originality.SEO Is Converging with GEO: While traditional SEO and LLM optimization are currently distinct, the two are quickly merging into one organic growth strategy.AI Is a Thought Partner—With Limits: LLMs can help challenge assumptions, but they're persuasive by nature—use them with discernment.Effort Signals Intent: In a noisy content landscape, showing effort is a competitive advantage that builds trust and emotional resonance.Show LinksConnect with David Khim on LinkedIn and TwitterConnect with Alex Birkett on LinkedIn and TwitterConnect with Allie Decker on LinkedIn and TwitterConnect with Omniscient Digital on LinkedIn or TwitterWhat is Kitchen Side?One big benefit of running an agency or working at one is you get to see the “kitchen side” of many different businesses; their revenue, their operations, their automations, and their culture.You understand how things look from the inside and how that differs from the outside.You understand how the sausage is made. As an agency ourselves, we're working both on growing our clients' businesses as well as our own. This podcast is one project, but we also blog, make videos, do sales, and have quite a robust portfolio of automations and hacks to run our business.We want to take you behind the curtain, to the kitchen side of our business, to witness our brainstorms, discussions, and internal dialogues behind the public works that we ship.Past guests on The Long Game podcast include: Morgan Brown (Shopify), Ryan Law (Animalz), Dan Shure (Evolving SEO), Kaleigh Moore (freelancer), Eric Siu (Clickflow), Peep Laja (CXL), Chelsea Castle (Chili Piper), Tracey Wallace (Klaviyo), Tim Soulo (Ahrefs), Ryan McReady (Reforge), and many more.Some interviews you might enjoy and learn from:Actionable Tips and Secrets to SEO Strategy with Dan Shure (Evolving SEO)Building Competitive Marketing Content with Sam Chapman (Aprimo)How to Build the Right Data Workflow with Blake Burch (Shipyard)Data-Driven Thought Leadership with Alicia Johnston (Sprout Social)Purpose-Driven Leadership & Building a Content Team with Ty Magnin (UiPath)Also, check out our Kitchen Side series where we take you behind the scenes to see how the sausage is made at our agency:Blue Ocean vs Red Ocean SEOShould You Hire Writers or Subject Matter Experts?How Do Growth and Content Overlap?Connect with Omniscient Digital on social:Twitter: @beomniscientLinkedin: Be OmniscientListen to more episodes of The Long Game podcast here: https://beomniscient.com/podcast/
Marketing doesn't have to mean manipulation. But for many small nonprofits, common practices like donor recognition, emotional appeals, and urgency-driven fundraising can unintentionally cause harm. In this episode, Maria and anti-oppressive marketer Natalia Sanyal unpack how to shift your messaging and methods without compromising your values or your impact. Natalia works with human-first brands, helping for-profit and nonprofit organizations market more ethically. Here she shares her seven ethical marketing filters, reflects on her own missteps, and gives nonprofit leaders practical ways to rethink recognition, storytelling, and inclusion — especially in a world where perfectionism is no longer the standard.
Running a small nonprofit often means juggling strategy, people, programs, and inbox chaos, all while making what feels like a million decisions a day. If you've ever felt stuck between leading and just trying to keep up, this episode is for you. In this candid and insightful conversation, Maria chats with returning guest Veronica LaFemina about one of the most overlooked pain points in nonprofit life: how decisions are made, delegated, and communicated. From messy inboxes to that nagging feeling of "did I already assign this?"- Veronica offers both clarity and real tools to help leaders make better decisions, faster.
Applied to 50+ UX or Product jobs & still no interviews or offers? Get UX job search help.Welcome to the Career Strategy Podcast with Sarah Doody, a UX Designer & UX Researcher with 20 years of experience who founded the UX job search accelerator, Career Strategy Lab. She's been doing UX career coaching since 2017.Follow Sarah on: LinkedIn | YouTube | InstagramStill stuck in job search mode even though you're “doing all the right things”? This episode might explain why.What if the problem isn't how hard you're working—but what you're working on?In this episode, Sarah unpacks one of the most powerful mindset shifts you can make in your career: moving from working in your career (busywork, perfectionism, burnout) to working on it (strategy, clarity, confidence). Drawing from her own business experience and the journeys of UX professionals she's coached, Sarah shows you how to stop spinning your wheels and start making high-leverage decisions that move your career forward.What You'll Learn in This Episode:✔️The difference between working in vs. on your career or job search✔️ Why busy doesn't equal progress—and what to do instead✔️ The costly habits that keep you stuck (like redesigning your resume for the 10th time)✔️ How to zoom out and make more strategic, long-term career decisions✔️ What cupcake bakers, physical therapists, and UX designers have in common✔️ 3 reflection questions to help you shift into CEO mode for your careerTimestamps:00:00 Introduction: Troubleshooting Formulas and Business Insights01:47 Starting My First Business: The Journey Begins02:13 The Importance of Working On Your Business03:22 Examples of Working In vs. On Your Business09:40 Applying Business Strategies to Your Career17:43 Actionable Tips for Career Growth21:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In this episode, we explore how common habits may be holding you back from becoming an influential safety leader. Learn how to communicate effectively, prioritize proactive safety metrics, and simplify documentation processes to showcase your value as a strategic partner in your organization. Join us to discover actionable steps you can take to improve your influence and gain respect in safety management.Read the full show notes at https://thesafetygeek.com/125 Timestamps:00:00 Introduction: The Frustration of Being Overlooked00:21 Why Safety Managers Are Not Seen as Strategic Partners00:38 Common Habits That Keep You Stuck02:18 Personal Anecdote: Spoiling Pets03:23 Transition to Becoming an Influential Safety Leader05:35 Mistake 1: Using Safety Jargon09:05 Mistake 2: Obsessing Over Incident Rates11:26 Mistake 3: Drowning in Documentation14:10 Actionable Tips to Gain Respect and Influence16:26 Conclusion: Stepping into LeadershipThank you for taking the time to listen to this episode. If you liked it, be sure to share it with your best safety friend. It's a goal of The Safety Geek to elevate the role of the safety manager, and that is why I share tips and resources on how you can manage your safety program more effectively. Visit the website at https://TheSafetyGeek.com Subscribe to the YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/safetygeek Sign up for the Safety Leadership Newsletter, where I share exclusive tips, content, forms, and templates at https://TheSafetyGeek.com/Newsletter Follow me @ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSafetyGeek LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brye-sargent/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/safety_brye/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thesafetygeek/
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Building a Fundraising Board Fundraising isn't about money; it's about PEOPLE. And some of your most powerful people? Your board. In this episode, we dive into the challenges small nonprofits face when trying to activate their boards around fundraising. From fear of asking to a total misunderstanding of what fundraising even is, we're breaking down the myths, sharing real-world tactics, and giving you the mindset shifts that actually work.
This week, we had Anatoliy Labinskiy, the founder and the CEO of GSM Growth Agency, sharing his rich experience in eCommerce with our audience. Find out how he learned the hard way how to succeed in eCommerce, what are the crucial things to pay attention to, and where most eCommerce business owners make mistakes.
In this episode of the Rocket Chiro Podcast, Jerry Kennedy explores how different age groups engage with brands online—and what that means for your chiropractic marketing. Using a recent infographic from NP Digital as a jumping-off point, Jerry breaks down why Gen Z takes longer to follow brands on social media, why Boomers tend to move quicker, and how your marketing strategy should align with your goals, target demographic, and level of urgency. Whether you're doing content marketing, social ads, SEO, or community outreach, understanding your audience's behavior is crucial. Jerry also shares actionable strategies based on patient intent—like how to attract people looking for acute care now versus those slowly building trust over time. Key Takeaways 1. Different Generations = Different Timelines Gen Z needs an average of 11 exposures before following a brand. Millennials and Gen X fall in the 6–7 range—similar to long-standing marketing wisdom. Boomers need only 3 exposures on average. The more content someone consumes, the more desensitized they become—especially Gen Z. 2. Trust and Time in Marketing Most people don't take action the first time they see you unless they're in a crisis or acute pain. Content overload and algorithm filters mean you're competing with everything—not just other chiropractors. Patience is essential in relationship-based marketing. 3. Match Your Marketing to Your Intentions If you need patients today, prioritize: Acute care marketing SEO and Google Ads Networking with professionals If you're building a long-term brand, focus on: Content marketing (blogs, videos, podcasting, community involvement) Authority building (testimonials, reviews, collaborations) Social media presence (but know it takes time!) 4. Tailor Your Tactics by Demographic Older patients: Use Facebook, email, direct mail, print, TV, radio. Younger patients: Use Instagram, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, influencer collaborations. 5. Don't Fish in the Wrong Pond Align your: Target audience Marketing platform Message and tone Budget and expectations Actionable Tips for Chiropractors Need patients fast? Prioritize acute care, SEO, and local Google Ads. Targeting Gen Z or Millennials? Use short-form content, influencer partnerships, and be consistent with social media. Want trust over time? Focus on storytelling, authority, and being visible both online and offline. Don't fake it. Be genuine and let your personality come through in your content. Adapt. Stay aware of platform changes and be ready to evolve your strategy. Final Thoughts “Marketing isn't magic—it's a process. And if you're marketing to people who take longer to trust you, you have to be patient, intentional, and consistent. If your expectations and execution don't match, you're just wasting time and money.” Work With Jerry Want help with your website, SEO, or want to get unstuck in your practice? Visit RocketChiro.com and request a Free New Patient Search Review or explore the Next Step Program for on-demand chiropractic coaching. Want Help Growing Your Practice? Jerry offers business coaching, website design, SEO, and Google Ads services specifically for chiropractors. If you're ready for less stress and more momentum, visit RocketChiro.com. Free New Patient Search Review: https://rocketchiro.com/chiropractic-practice-assessment Best chiropractic websites: https://rocketchiro.com/best-chiropractic-websites Chiropractic SEO: https://rocketchiro.com/chiropractic-seo Coaching for Chiropractors: https://rocketchiro.com/join
In this episode, join us for an inspiring conversation with Brock Johnson, a top Instagram growth coach, keynote speaker, and co-founder of Insta Club Hub. With nearly 1 million followers and the #1 Instagram course in the world, Brock shares his proven strategies for building a thriving social media presence without burnout. Whether you're a small business owner, creator, or aspiring influencer, learn how to turn followers into income and elevate your brand with practical tools and expert advice. Don't miss this episode if you're ready to master Instagram and achieve your growth goals!Learn: Practical Strategies, Expert Insights, and Actionable Tips to Grow Your Brand on Instagram✔️
In this episode of The Long Game Podcast, David Khim interviews Erik Episcopo, SEO Manager at Wiz, one of the fastest-growing cloud security companies (recently acquired by Google). Erik shares his unconventional career path, from answering a Craigslist ad while in Taiwan to building high-scale SEO programs at CrowdStrike and Wiz. They discuss what it takes to be a “super IC,” how AI is reshaping SEO workflows and strategy, and the importance of staying curious and adaptable in a shifting landscape. From experimenting with AI-assisted content to managing massive content refresh cycles, Erik offers a thoughtful, energetic view into what modern growth-focused SEO looks like.Key TakeawaysFrom Craigslist to Cloud Security: Erik began his SEO journey in Taiwan via Craigslist, building scrappy resume content—and now runs enterprise SEO at Wiz.What Makes a Super IC: Top individual contributors creatively solve problems, leverage AI, and own results without waiting for permission.Hiring for AI Fluency: Erik looks for candidates with real-world AI experiments, not just philosophical opinions on LLMs and content automation.SEO Workflows at Scale: At Wiz, Erik scaled content from day one—launching engines, refreshing content, and coordinating localization at speed.Early Career Lessons from Link Building: Writing hundreds of persona-based HARO pitches helped Erik master storytelling, resourcefulness, and outreach.The Value of Scrappiness: A past filled with “gray hat” tactics taught Erik the limits of SEO and how to think like a growth-minded marketer.Learning > Stagnation: A guiding principle for Erik is: if you're not learning or growing, it's time to move—and that's fueled his career pivots.Show LinksVisit Wiz and its Cloud Native Application Protection Platforms pageConnect with Erik Episcopo on LinkedInConnect with David Khim on LinkedIn and TwitterConnect with Omniscient Digital on LinkedIn or TwitterSome interviews you might enjoy and learn from:Actionable Tips and Secrets to SEO Strategy with Dan Shure (Evolving SEO)Building Competitive Marketing Content with Sam Chapman (Aprimo)How to Build the Right Data Workflow with Blake Burch (Shipyard)Data-Driven Thought Leadership with Alicia Johnston (Sprout Social)Purpose-Driven Leadership & Building a Content Team with Ty Magnin (UiPath)Also, check out our Kitchen Side series where we take you behind the scenes to see how the sausage is made at our agency:Blue Ocean vs Red Ocean SEOShould You Hire Writers or Subject Matter Experts?How Do Growth and Content Overlap?Connect with Omniscient Digital on social:Twitter: @beomniscientLinkedin: Be OmniscientListen to more episodes of The Long Game podcast here: https://beomniscient.com/podcast/
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you want to learn how my company helps nonprofits create a fundraising plan, this link will explain: https://www.gofurthertogether.ca/discoverycall How to create a GREAT fundraising strategy for your small nonprofit Every thriving nonprofit starts with a plan, not a guess. In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, we break down how a thoughtful, strategic fundraising plan can set your organization up for sustainable growth, smarter decisions, and way less chaos. You'll get a practical overview of what goes into a successful plan, how to make it work for your team (no matter the size), and why it's the single best tool to help you stop reacting and start leading. This episode is hosted by Maria Rio, a seasoned fundraising expert with over a decade of experience helping nonprofits grow their impact through clear strategy and effective implementation. Creating a fundraising plan for your nonprofit: 5 key takeaways A great plan is more than a calendar of events. A strong fundraising plan isn't a to-do list; it's your mission's compass. It links your big goals to everyday actions and keeps everyone pointed in the same direction. Start with what you know. Use your current data (donor history, revenue sources, and engagement patterns) as a foundation. You can't look ahead if you don't know where you're starting from. Short-term wins + long-term vision = sustainability. A good plan should help you meet today's goals and build the systems you need for future growth. Your plan helps you say no. When everything feels urgent, it's easy to chase shiny objects. But a plan gives you permission to decline distractions and stay focused on what really matters. Real growth comes from realistic goals. Forget plucked-from-thin-air numbers. Use benchmarks and historical trends to set fundraising targets you can actually achieve, and build momentum from there.
On the Schmooze Podcast: Leadership | Strategic Networking | Relationship Building
Ever feel like your book will never be finished? I get it. I believe every author hits that point when they doubt, question, and even want to give up. But pushing through those moments is what separates a dream from reality. Once your book is done, a whole new journey begins: publishing and sharing your message with the world. And this journey doesn't have to be one you take alone. The right strategies, partnerships, and community support can make all the difference in turning your book into a tool that amplifies your business impact. I work with authors to ensure their books reach the readers who need them most and drive meaningful engagement. My strategic book launch program focuses on building connections that matter—conversations, media opportunities, and business growth. If you're ready to take your book to the next level, schedule a complimentary book launch brainstorming session at www.BookLaunchBrainstorm.com. Now, it's my pleasure to introduce our panelists, who will share what it's really like to be a business author. Marva Bailer is the author of “Be Unexpected: Resetting Routines to Revolutionize the Future of Work,” a fresh, high-energy guide to building authentic connections and mastering soft skills in the modern workplace—offering creative, real-world strategies that turn everyday interactions into powerful opportunities for influence and impact. Sandra Long wrote multiple books about LinkedIn, including “Jumpstart Your Linkedin Profile: 67 Actionable Tips” and “LinkedIn for Personal Branding: The Ultimate Guide.” She is a LinkedIn Top Voice specializing in LinkedIn education and thought leadership. Stacey Larsen is the author of “Reframing The Leadership Dance: The Secret to Finding Your Rhythm as a People Leader,” which explores innovative leadership approaches. The book emphasizes the importance of adaptability and self-discovery in fostering effective leadership practices and navigating complex organizational landscapes. Please join me in welcoming Marva, Sandra, and Stacey. In this episode, we discuss the following:
In this Kitchen Side episode of The Long Game Podcast, the Omniscient Digital team dives into Google's new “AI Mode” for search and the broader implications of generative AI across content marketing and SEO. They explore the shift toward conversational, zero-click search experiences, the erosion of attribution data, and how marketers need to adapt in a world where AI Overviews and LLMs are changing how users discover information. With insights on content visibility, LLM optimization, brand mentions, measurement challenges, and even some “gray hat” strategies, this episode captures the tension between innovation and uncertainty in the age of AI-enhanced search.Key TakeawaysGoogle's AI Mode Redefines Search: The new Gemini-powered interface transforms Google into a conversational AI assistant, bypassing traditional search paths.Attribution is Getting Murkier: AI Mode and zero-click searches are making it harder to track SEO performance and justify investment.Brand Mentions Beat Backlinks: LLMs prioritize citations and visibility across platforms more than technical SEO or link-building.SEO is Shifting from Keywords to Visibility: Context, off-site presence, and how content is referenced matter more than keyword density.Marketers Need First-Principles Thinking: Foundational tactics still apply—like voice of customer and content structure—but need reframing for the AI era.Creative “Gray Hat” Tactics Exist: Ideas like editing Wikipedia, acquiring cited domains, or seeding Reddit threads can boost LLM citations.Measurement Will Require New Playbooks: Marketers must blend traditional analytics with self-reported attribution and qualitative feedback.Show LinksConnect with David Khim on LinkedIn and TwitterConnect with Alex Birkett on LinkedIn and TwitterConnect with Allie Decker on LinkedIn and TwitterConnect with Omniscient Digital on LinkedIn or TwitterWhat is Kitchen Side?One big benefit of running an agency or working at one is you get to see the “kitchen side” of many different businesses; their revenue, their operations, their automations, and their culture.You understand how things look from the inside and how that differs from the outside.You understand how the sausage is made. As an agency ourselves, we're working both on growing our clients' businesses as well as our own. This podcast is one project, but we also blog, make videos, do sales, and have quite a robust portfolio of automations and hacks to run our business.We want to take you behind the curtain, to the kitchen side of our business, to witness our brainstorms, discussions, and internal dialogues behind the public works that we ship.Past guests on The Long Game podcast include: Morgan Brown (Shopify), Ryan Law (Animalz), Dan Shure (Evolving SEO), Kaleigh Moore (freelancer), Eric Siu (Clickflow), Peep Laja (CXL), Chelsea Castle (Chili Piper), Tracey Wallace (Klaviyo), Tim Soulo (Ahrefs), Ryan McReady (Reforge), and many more.Some interviews you might enjoy and learn from:Actionable Tips and Secrets to SEO Strategy with Dan Shure (Evolving SEO)Building Competitive Marketing Content with Sam Chapman (Aprimo)How to Build the Right Data Workflow with Blake Burch (Shipyard)Data-Driven Thought Leadership with Alicia Johnston (Sprout Social)Purpose-Driven Leadership & Building a Content Team with Ty Magnin (UiPath)Also, check out our Kitchen Side series where we take you behind the scenes to see how the sausage is made at our agency:Blue Ocean vs Red Ocean SEOShould You Hire Writers or Subject Matter Experts?How Do Growth and Content Overlap?Connect with Omniscient Digital on social:Twitter: @beomniscientLinkedin: Be OmniscientListen to more episodes of The Long Game podcast here: https://beomniscient.com/podcast/
Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.Devin: What is your superpower?Prof. Alan: Creative problem-solvingThe world doesn't change on its own—people with vision, grit and creativity drive progress. Few embody this more than Prof. Alan Arthur Tratner, who helped organize the very first Earth Day in 1970 and has since built a global legacy supporting green entrepreneurs and inventors.Alan's work reminds me that bold action in the face of crisis can spark lasting transformation. In today's episode, he shared the story of rushing to the oil-soaked beaches of Santa Barbara after the catastrophic 1969 spill, an experience that moved him to tears and propelled him into environmental activism. “I broke down, fell on my knees and cried... and then I just said we've got to stop this. We have to find a way to do it,” Alan recalled.That determination led him to found Green2Gold, a unique non-profit incubator that has nurtured over 100,000 inventors, entrepreneurs and more than 300 non-profits focused on environmental and social responsibility. Alan's approach is rooted in the belief that innovation can solve the problems it helped create. “We invented our way into this mess, we could innovate and invent our way out,” he explained.One of the most compelling aspects of Alan's work is his early embrace of investment crowdfunding. He recognized that democratizing access to capital could accelerate the development of climate solutions. “Equity crowdfunding was the democratization of investing. No longer did you have to be wealthy or be in power... anyone in the world, accredited or unaccredited, could invest in an American company,” Alan said.Through Green2Gold's programs, Alan continues to champion breakthrough technologies in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and disaster recovery. His “Build Back Green” project, for instance, emerged in response to the devastating wildfires in Lahaina and now provides a blueprint for rebuilding communities in sustainable, resilient ways.If you're inspired by Alan's vision or want to learn more about Green2Gold's work, visit green2gold.org. For entrepreneurs and inventors seeking support—or anyone interested in investing in a better world—Alan and Green2Gold are showing what's possible when we put creativity and collective action to work for the planet.tl;dr:Alan Tratner shared his journey from the first Earth Day to launching the Green2Gold impact incubator.He described the critical role of innovation and entrepreneurship in addressing environmental crises worldwide.Alan emphasized the power of equity crowdfunding to democratize investment for green ventures and climate solutions.He highlighted the importance of perseverance, creativity and passion for lasting impact in nonprofit and business work.Alan offered actionable advice for aspiring changemakers to lead with purpose and build sustainable ventures.How to Develop Creative Problem-Solving As a SuperpowerAlan's superpower lies in the fusion of creativity, scientific thinking and practical experience. As he described, “I think that creative spark, that passion, you know, I try to give our entrepreneurs and our nonprofits the same feelings about... inventing in the fields that are going to make a difference.” He credits his background in science, art and design, as well as years of nonprofit leadership and invention, for giving him a “quiver of superpowers” that enable him to help others become problem solvers and critical thinkers.Illustrative Story:Alan shared how he has supported over 315 nonprofits and 100,000 entrepreneurs through Green2Gold by applying his expertise in nonprofit management, invention and funding. For years, he persisted with a wind turbine invention that was ahead of its time, waiting 45 years for the right moment to see it realized. He emphasized that passion and perseverance are crucial. “If you quit, you can't win,” Alan said, reflecting on the decades he devoted to innovations that now have renewed relevance.Actionable Tips for Developing Creative Problem-Solving:Treat your venture or nonprofit as a passionate career, not just a hobbyPut your whole self—brain, energy and opportunities—into your missionEmbrace challenges and persist through setbacks; don't give up if progress is slowSurround yourself with people who share your passion and driveThink entrepreneurially, even in nonprofit work, to build sustainability and legacyBy following Alan's example and advice, you can make creative problem-solving a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileProf. Alan Arthur Tratner (Earthling):Founder /Chairman of Green2Gold, Green2Gold global impact Incubator---501 c 3About Green2Gold global impact Incubator---501 c 3: Helped found Earth Day and the first UN International Conference on the Human Environment. Pioneered impact incubation for over 55 years in green tech, sustainability, and regenerative solutions. Leading the transition to sustainability and a global, inclusive green economy. Supported over 100,000 members and 315 socially and environmentally responsible nonprofits.Website: Green2Gold.orgBiographical Information: Alan Arthur Tratner, is the International Director of Green2Gold and has served as the President of the Inventors Workshop International and the Entrepreneur's Workshop, Director of the Small Business Entrepreneurship Center in California, a SCORE (US SBA) consultant, and was publisher of the Lightbulb Journal and INVENT! magazines. He is an inventor and serial entrepreneur, with 13 inventions/patents. He has been dubbed the “Minister of Ideas” by the media and has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Inc., Entrepreneur, Business Week, TIME, USA Today, America Online Forum, NPR, and has appeared on OPRAH, CNN, Good Morning America, and CNBC. Alan has mentored and assisted thousands of green technology, sustainable ecology and energy companies and inventors. He was a former Professor of Environment and Energy, participated in the First International United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, Stockholm Sweden, was staff member of Environmental Quality Magazine and helped establish Earth Day. He founded the Environmental Education Group Foundation with many supporters, including Nobel prize winner Dennis Gabor. Alan traveled the USA conducting the Ultimate Crisis and Solutions for Survival seminars, led an environmental and alternative energy delegation to the former Soviet Union for the Citizen's Ambassador Program. He was editor of Energies Journal for the Solar Energy Society of America, published the Geothermal Energy magazine and Geothermal World Directory. In the 1990's he became Director of the Green Business Conference of the ECO EXPO, created the Eco Inventors and Eco Entrepreneurs Workshops, and the New Environmental Technologies Exhibits. In 2012, Alan was inducted into the International Green Industries Hall of Fame and honored with Lifetime Achievement.Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/prof-alan-tratner-3935506/Support Our SponsorsOur generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today's advertisers include FundingHope, RedLineSafety, and Ovanova PET. Learn more about advertising with us here.Max-Impact MembersThe following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support:Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on June 17, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.SuperCrowdHour, June 18, 2025, at 12:00 PM Eastern. Jason Fishman, Co-Founder and CEO of Digital Niche Agency (DNA), will lead a session on "Crowdfund Like a Pro: Insider Marketing Secrets from Jason Fishman." He'll reveal proven strategies and marketing insights drawn from years of experience helping successful crowdfunding campaigns. Whether you're a founder planning a raise or a supporter of innovative startups, you'll gain actionable tips to boost visibility, drive engagement, and hit your funding goals. Don't miss it!Superpowers for Good Live Pitch – June 25, 2025, at 8:00 PM Eastern - Apply by June 6, 2025, to pitch your active Regulation Crowdfunding campaign live on Superpowers for Good—the e360tv show where impact meets capital. Selected founders will gain national exposure, connect with investors, and compete for prizes. To qualify, you must be raising via a FINRA-registered portal or broker-dealer and align with NC3's Community Capital Principles. Founders from underrepresented communities are especially encouraged to apply. Don't miss this chance to fuel your mission and grow your impact!SuperCrowd25, August 21st and 22nd: This two-day virtual event is an annual tradition but with big upgrades for 2025! We'll be streaming live across the web and on TV via e360tv. Soon, we'll open a process for nominating speakers. Check back!Community Event CalendarSuccessful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.African Diaspora Investment Symposium 2025 (ADIS25), Wednesday–Friday, May 28–30, 2025, at George Washington University, Washington, D.C., USA.Devin Thorpe is featured in a free virtual masterclass series hosted by Irina Portnova titled Break Free, Elevate Your Money Mindset & Call In Overflow, focused on transforming your relationship with money through personal stories and practical insights. June 8-21, 2025.Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025, Crowdfunding Professional Association, Washington DC, October 21-22, 2025.Call for community action:Please show your support for a tax credit for investments made via Regulation Crowdfunding, benefiting both the investors and the small businesses that receive the investments. Learn more here.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 9,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe
Nutrition Nugget! Bite-size bonus episodes offer tips, tricks and approachable science. This week, Jenn is talking about embracing the easy way out to achieve your health goals without the struggle. Forget the myth that health requires grueling effort or endless willpower—Jenn flips that idea with practical, clever strategies to make healthy choices feel like second nature. From Post-it note reminders to phone alarms with specific instructions, she shares how minor tweaks can remove the mental heavy lifting and set you up for success. Whether exercising before emails or eating more veggies, Jenn's approach minimizes decisions and maximizes ease. Curious how these simple hacks can transform your daily habits? What's one health goal you're struggling with, and how could you make it easier to stick to? Like what you're hearing? Be sure to check out the full-length episodes of new releases every Wednesday. Have an idea for a nutrition nugget? Submit it here: https://asaladwithasideoffries.com/index.php/contact/ RESOURCES:Become A Member of Salad with a Side of FriesJenn's Free Menu PlanA Salad With a Side of FriesA Salad With A Side Of Fries MerchA Salad With a Side of Fries InstagramThe Three-Hundredth (feat YOU) Cr-Cr-Cr-Cr-Cravings
In this episode of The Long Game Podcast, David Khim interviews Britney Muller—SEO scientist, AI educator, and former Hugging Face marketing lead—about the practical side of AI in marketing. Britney shares how her obsession with machine learning began in 2014 and how it evolved into creating her course Actionable AI for Marketers. They discuss the overuse of buzzwords like “AI agents,” the shift from backlinks to brand mentions, and the importance of making AI workflows approachable. Britney is passionate about demystifying AI, showing how it can be applied to real tasks like data analysis, strategy, and automation—without needing a technical background.Key TakeawaysAI Should Be Accessible: Marketers don't need to be technical experts—AI can empower anyone to work smarter with the right guidance and workflows. From Backlinks to Brand Mentions: AI-powered search increasingly prioritizes brand visibility across platforms over traditional link-building strategies. Buzzwords Like “AI Agents” Are Misleading: The term lacks clarity and often masks tools with vague or unproven capabilities. Prompt Engineering Is a Skill, Not Magic: Effective AI use begins with well-structured, specific prompts tailored to clear business goals. AI Is Already Automating Workflows: From cleaning datasets to automating outreach, AI has everyday use cases when integrated thoughtfully. Beware the AI Hype Cycle: Brittany encourages marketers to avoid philosophical hype and focus on practical, ethical AI applications. Start with Your Own Use Cases: The most valuable AI solutions are customized—start small with your real tasks and build from there. Show LinksVisit Data SciCheck Britney Muller's Actionable AI for Marketers courseConnect with Britney Muller on LinkedIn and TwitterConnect with David Khim on LinkedIn and TwitterConnect with Omniscient Digital on LinkedIn or TwitterPast guests on The Long Game podcast include: Morgan Brown (Shopify), Ryan Law (Animalz), Dan Shure (Evolving SEO), Kaleigh Moore (freelancer), Eric Siu (Clickflow), Peep Laja (CXL), Chelsea Castle (Chili Piper), Tracey Wallace (Klaviyo), Tim Soulo (Ahrefs), Ryan McReady (Reforge), and many more.Some interviews you might enjoy and learn from:Actionable Tips and Secrets to SEO Strategy with Dan Shure (Evolving SEO)Building Competitive Marketing Content with Sam Chapman (Aprimo)How to Build the Right Data Workflow with Blake Burch (Shipyard)Data-Driven Thought Leadership with Alicia Johnston (Sprout Social)Purpose-Driven Leadership & Building a Content Team with Ty Magnin (UiPath)Also, check out our Kitchen Side series where we take you behind the scenes to see how the sausage is made at our agency:Blue Ocean vs Red Ocean SEOShould You Hire Writers or Subject Matter Experts?How Do Growth and Content Overlap?Connect with Omniscient Digital on social:Twitter: @beomniscientLinkedin: Be OmniscientListen to more episodes of The Long Game podcast here: https://beomniscient.com/podcast/
In this episode of the Windermere Ask a Coach podcast, host Michael Fanning explores the powerful combination of visibility and ability in real estate careers. He addresses the common "feast or famine" cycle many agents experience and introduces Suzy Welch's PIE concept (People, Ideas, Execution) adapted for real estate success.00:00 Introduction to Visibility and Ability in Real Estate01:00 The Importance of Visibility03:15 Combining Visibility with Ability05:15 Susie Welch's PIE Concept for Real Estate05:50 People: Building Deep Connections07:52 Ideas: Bringing Value to Relationships09:48 Execution: Delivering on Your Promises12:48 Consistent Visibility and Relationship Building15:30 Actionable Tips for Real Estate Success18:39 Balancing Priorities for Sustainable Growth23:33 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsVisibility Challenge: Many talented agents struggle because they're not visible enough in their marketThe Secret Problem: "Being the industry's best kept secret is not a business strategy"Balance is Critical: Visibility without ability is just noise; ability without visibility means missed opportunitiesIndustry Statistics: 82% of transactions come from repeat clients and referrals, yet only 13% of buyers and 33% of sellers use a previous agentFocus on quality of relationships, not just quantity of contactsCase Study: Agent Sarah vs. Agent Tom - relationship-building vs. transaction-only approachRemember personal details and maintain connections beyond transactionsBecome a source of insight, information, and innovationCase Study: Agent Jennifer vs. Agent Mark - providing unique value vs. transaction-focused approachCreate workshops, personalized analyses, and genuine insights for clientsDevelop reliable, thorough systems that create exceptional client experiencesCase Study: Agent Lisa vs. Agent David - consistent systems vs. boom-and-bust mentality"If you want to optimize, you must standardize" - James ClearConsistent contact (at least every 45 days) generates 40% more repeat/referral business71% of clients say they would use their agent again, yet only 25% actually doSolution: Create non-negotiable communication calendars and follow-up systemsSuccess story: An agent who increased referrals by 40% after implementing consistent visibility strategies"You don't have a time problem, you have a priority problem"Top-earning agents (>$1M annually) spend only 30% of time on active transactionsLower-earning agents (
In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria sits down with major gifts expert, Emma Lewzey, to bust myths, shift mindsets, and bring some much-needed clarity (and courage!) to one of fundraising's most misunderstood areas. Whether you're in a small shop or a national organization, this episode will remind you: you don't need to be perfect to build authentic relationships; you just need to be curious, strategic, and a little bit brave. Major Gift Fundraising – The Highlights: Getting over the fear of asking for major gifts is about proportion: It's not about the amount, it's about alignment and impact. Your value as a nonprofit is real and tangible: You're not “begging" - you're offering a partnership that enables the donor to live out their values. Authenticity builds trust: Donors respond to transparency, not perfection. Fear and perfectionism are the biggest roadblocks: Don't wait for the perfect case for support or phone script - start with what you have. Small shops have big advantages in major gifts: Easier to build personal relationships and offer meaningful donor impact.
In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria unpacks the nonprofit power dynamic we don't talk about enough: what to do when you need to move things forward, but your Executive Director or board just… won't. Whether you're tired of chasing down information, being given confusing direction, or trying to navigate an ineffective board, this episode is your tactical guide to managing up. Maria offers no-fluff strategies to help you communicate clearly, influence with integrity, and protect your time and energy, all while getting things DONE. Nonprofit leadership: Managing your manager – The Highlights: Managing up ≠ manipulation: It's not about playing politics—it's about making sure your work and mission don't get derailed by dysfunction or indecision. Your ED is overwhelmed—help them help you: Understand their priorities and offer solutions, not problems. Frame your asks around impact, not effort. Control the narrative: Don't just ask for tools or decisions—explain how they drive results. Example: “Here's what this CRM enables us to do.” Find your champions: Not all board members or leaders are equal. Identify and amplify your allies to influence change from within. Know when to push, adapt, or leave: These tools work best with leaders who are collaborative. If your ED or board is toxic, no amount of strategy will fix the culture alone.
Today's episode blends career strategy with financial know-how, because who says you can't build your personal brand and your balance sheet at the same time? Joe Saul-Sehy and OG explore what it really means to shape your professional reputation—from the way you show up in meetings to how you set (and measure) your career goals. Whether you're climbing the ladder, shifting industries, or mentoring others, this episode delivers practical ways to take control of how you're seen and what you stand for at work. Inside this conversation: The “RAVE” model for boosting your brand Why being a cheerleader for your colleagues makes you a standout How appearances and visibility (yes, even your Zoom background) impact your path Real-world tips for growing your influence without bragging—or burning out We also get into the intersection of tech and money: Is AI ready to replace financial advisors? (Short answer: not quite.) What metrics every financially literate person should understand And why your credit card points strategy might need a second look Plus, Doug breaks out a trivia challenge involving coin collecting, and we unravel the very weird truth behind the 1 cent piece. Whether you're building a career, managing your money, or trying to do both with a little more polish—this episode's packed with insights that stick. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/your-career-brand-sb1672 Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201 Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Key TakeawaysWhat Is GEO?: Generative engine optimization refers to tailoring your content for AI-powered answer engines like ChatGPT and Claude—not just traditional search engines.From Keywords to Context: Search is shifting from keyword-based queries to conversational inputs and contextual, semantic understanding.Brand Mentions as the New Backlinks: In LLM-generated answers, offsite presence and brand mentions are becoming more valuable than traditional link-building.Surround Sound SEO Still Wins: Being mentioned across multiple credible platforms increases your chances of appearing in AI-generated outputs.Prompt Design & Data Quality Matter: Feeding models structured data, detailed context, and proprietary insights improves visibility and usefulness.AI Isn't Replacing Google—Yet: AI tools like ChatGPT expand how we find information, but don't fully replace deterministic, fact-based search.B2B Buyers Use Both Channels: AI tools may be used for early discovery, but buyers still verify information with Google before making decisions.Show LinksConnect with David Khim on LinkedIn and TwitterConnect with Alex Birkett on LinkedIn and TwitterConnect with Allie Decker on LinkedIn and TwitterConnect with Omniscient Digital on LinkedIn or TwitterWhat is Kitchen Side?One big benefit of running an agency or working at one is you get to see the “kitchen side” of many different businesses; their revenue, their operations, their automations, and their culture.You understand how things look from the inside and how that differs from the outside.You understand how the sausage is made. As an agency ourselves, we're working both on growing our clients' businesses as well as our own. This podcast is one project, but we also blog, make videos, do sales, and have quite a robust portfolio of automations and hacks to run our business.We want to take you behind the curtain, to the kitchen side of our business, to witness our brainstorms, discussions, and internal dialogues behind the public works that we ship.Past guests on The Long Game podcast include: Morgan Brown (Shopify), Ryan Law (Animalz), Dan Shure (Evolving SEO), Kaleigh Moore (freelancer), Eric Siu (Clickflow), Peep Laja (CXL), Chelsea Castle (Chili Piper), Tracey Wallace (Klaviyo), Tim Soulo (Ahrefs), Ryan McReady (Reforge), and many more.Some interviews you might enjoy and learn from:Actionable Tips and Secrets to SEO Strategy with Dan Shure (Evolving SEO)Building Competitive Marketing Content with Sam Chapman (Aprimo)How to Build the Right Data Workflow with Blake Burch (Shipyard)Data-Driven Thought Leadership with Alicia Johnston (Sprout Social)Purpose-Driven Leadership & Building a Content Team with Ty Magnin (UiPath)Also, check out our Kitchen Side series where we take you behind the scenes to see how the sausage is made at our agency:Blue Ocean vs Red Ocean SEOShould You Hire Writers or Subject Matter Experts?How Do Growth and Content Overlap?Connect with Omniscient Digital on social:Twitter: @beomniscientLinkedin: Be OmniscientListen to more episodes of The Long Game podcast here: https://beomniscient.com/podcast/
Why are short-form videos so essential for modern law firms?In today's rapidly digitalizing world, law firms are presented with the challenge of adapting their marketing strategies to keep up with evolving trends. Among these trends, short-form videos have emerged as a powerful tool not just for engaging potential clients but also for nurturing relationships with existing and past clients. But what makes short-form videos so crucial in the context of digital marketing, particularly for law firms?Short-form videos, popularized by platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts, are captivating due to their brevity and ability to convey valuable information quickly. Anthony Pritchard and Paritosh Pareek, co-founders of WP Sprints, suggest that crafting videos for a specific audience member adds value and relatability.Short-form videos are not just a fleeting trend; they are becoming a cornerstone of modern marketing strategies, offering an avenue for law firms to connect deeply with their clients. By focusing on audience needs, maintaining consistent engagement, and leveraging video for both education and promotion, law firms can transform their digital presence and profoundly impact their client relationships.Angelo gives listeners actionable tips on:00:00 Introduction 01:06 The Power of Short Form Video01:52 The Evolution of Vertical Videos03:25 Creating Effective Marketing Videos07:16 SEO and Video Marketing12:11 Using Video for Lead Generation20:23 Nurturing Clients with Video22:53 Book Review: The Power of Bad28:04 Actionable Tips for Video Marketing32:45 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsResources mentioned in this episode:The Power of BadConnect with Anthony and Paritosh here:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WPSprints.QuickFixInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wpsprints/X: https://x.com/NewVideoAnthonyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyprichard5280/ http://wpsprints.comConnect with meInstagramPinterestFacebookTwitterKarin on TwitterKarin on LinkedInConroy Creative Counsel on Facebookhttps://conroycreativecounsel.com
Join Norbert Strappler in the new SyncSpider's eCom Ops Podcast episode as he chats with e-commerce expert Chris Shipferling, the Managing Partner at GW Partners and Founding Partner at SouthCol, revealing strategies to maximize your business's value and master the exit process. Get ready to level up your eCommerce operations!
Send us a textEver finish your day feeling exhausted but unproductive? You're not alone! Join Jena and Kelly McLaughlin, founder of From Scratch Fundraising, as they get real about nonprofit productivity tactics that make a meaningful difference in combating overwhelm. Learn how to prioritize effectively, manage your energy instead of your time, and harness powerful tools like CRMs and project management systems.Discover:Why urgent tasks often overshadow important ones (and how to fix it!)The power of brain dumping and daily reviews for clarity and focusHow to combine or choose between Time Boxing and Time Blocking for your scheduleReserve your spot at Kelly's Friday Focus Session: Productivity Hacks for Fundraising on Friday, April 18, here. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Nonprofit Productivity Challenges03:06 Understanding Urgency vs. Importance in Nonprofits06:02 Strategies for Effective Time Management08:51 The Importance of Goal Setting and Energy Management12:04 Timeboxing vs. Time Blocking: Finding Your Fit15:09 Leveraging Tools for Enhanced Productivity17:55 Implementing Daily Reviews for Continuous Improvement20:53 Actionable Tips to Overcome OverwhelmWhat makes Donorbox the Best Nonprofit Fundraising Platform to Achieve Your Strategic Goals?Easy to customize, available in multiple languages and currencies, and supported by leading payment processors (Stripe and PayPal), Donorbox's nonprofit fundraising solution is used by 80,000+ global organizations and individuals. From animal rescue to schools, places of worship, and research groups, nonprofits use Donorbox to raise more funds, manage donors efficiently, and make a bigger impact.Discover how Donorbox can help you help others! The Nonprofit Podcast and a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials, expert advice, tips, and tactics are available on the Donorbox YouTube channel. Subscribe today and never miss an episode:
In this Kitchen Side episode of The Long Game Podcast, the Omniscient Digital team reflects on their experiences at SPRYNG, a standout B2B marketing conference in Austin. The conversation blends AI experimentation, prompt engineering, and the future of creativity with philosophical reflections on human connection, authenticity, and the soul of marketing. They explore why many AI users are missing the point by chasing “best practices,” and how real breakthroughs come from first-principles thinking and creative risk-taking. The episode also dives into the power of in-person events, emotional resonance, and inefficient—but high-value—tactics like dinners, meetups, and personal storytelling that can't be scaled.Key TakeawaysAI and Prompting from First Principles: Real innovation with AI comes not from templates or best practices, but from individual experimentation and intent.Four Modes of AI Maturity: From microtasker to teammate, AI can scale with how deeply users integrate it into their workflow.The Importance of Human Vibes: Tactical content aside, the SPRYNG conference reminded marketers that human connection and emotion matter more than metrics.Don't Optimize for the Median: Taking every piece of feedback can dilute differentiation—stand firm in your positioning.Community as a Business Superpower: Relationships built at events, meetups, and over meals have long-term impact beyond immediate ROI.Efficient Growth vs. “Inefficient” Magic: Some of the most meaningful, high-ROI activities are hard to measure—like handwritten notes, founder dinners, and late-night talks.Where's the Soul in AI Content?: As AI floods the web, standout content will come from real human stories, creativity, and nuance—not mass automation.Show LinksConnect with David Khim on LinkedIn and TwitterConnect with Alex Birkett on LinkedIn and TwitterConnect with Allie Decker on LinkedIn and TwitterConnect with Omniscient Digital on LinkedIn or TwitterWhat is Kitchen Side?One big benefit of running an agency or working at one is you get to see the “kitchen side” of many different businesses; their revenue, their operations, their automations, and their culture.You understand how things look from the inside and how that differs from the outside.You understand how the sausage is made. As an agency ourselves, we're working both on growing our clients' businesses as well as our own. This podcast is one project, but we also blog, make videos, do sales, and have quite a robust portfolio of automations and hacks to run our business.We want to take you behind the curtain, to the kitchen side of our business, to witness our brainstorms, discussions, and internal dialogues behind the public works that we ship.Past guests on The Long Game podcast include: Morgan Brown (Shopify), Ryan Law (Animalz), Dan Shure (Evolving SEO), Kaleigh Moore (freelancer), Eric Siu (Clickflow), Peep Laja (CXL), Chelsea Castle (Chili Piper), Tracey Wallace (Klaviyo), Tim Soulo (Ahrefs), Ryan McReady (Reforge), and many more.Some interviews you might enjoy and learn from:Actionable Tips and Secrets to SEO Strategy with Dan Shure (Evolving SEO)Building Competitive Marketing Content with Sam Chapman (Aprimo)How to Build the Right Data Workflow with Blake Burch (Shipyard)Data-Driven Thought Leadership with Alicia Johnston (Sprout Social)Purpose-Driven Leadership & Building a Content Team with Ty Magnin (UiPath)Also, check out our Kitchen Side series where we take you behind the scenes to see how the sausage is made at our agency:Blue Ocean vs Red Ocean SEOShould You Hire Writers or Subject Matter Experts?How Do Growth and Content Overlap?Connect with Omniscient Digital on social:Twitter: @beomniscientLinkedin: Be OmniscientListen to more episodes of The Long Game podcast here: https://beomniscient.com/podcast/
Welcome back to Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads, the award-winning mental health podcast that's not afraid to get real. In this episode, we sit down with Summer, the honest and hilarious host of Stressed, Depressed, and Anxious, to talk about living through anxiety, coping with depression, and what it really means to survive your own mind. Summer opens up about experiencing her first panic attack at 19, how writing became her emotional escape hatch, and why sometimes the simple act of spite is enough to keep going. From family stigma to workplace burnout, this conversation will hit home for anyone who's ever felt like their mental health story doesn't “fit the mold.” We're proud to be the 2024 People's Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health, the 2024 Women In Podcasting Award Winner for Best Mental Health Podcast, and the show that's crossed over 1 million downloads worldwide. We want to hear from YOU. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us written feedback or even a voice message here:
Associates on Fire: A Financial Podcast for the Associate Dentist
In this powerful episode of The Dental Boardroom Podcast, host Wes Reed, CPA and CFP of Practice CFO, sits down with the dynamic Stacy Farley—former corporate sales leader turned dental practice powerhouse. Stacy shares her remarkable journey from business and sales into the world of dentistry, specifically her transformational work in her father's full arch dental practice.Together, they explore what it really means to “sell” in dentistry, how to guide patients toward life-changing decisions, and why understanding the real value of treatment is critical for both practice growth and patient outcomes. With proven techniques, real-world stories, and actionable advice, this episode is a must-listen for any dentist ready to boost case acceptance and scale up with full arch treatments.Key Points:Stacy's Background: From business and corporate sales (Jenny Craig/Nestlé) to transforming a leading dental practice.Sales in Dentistry: Why "sales" isn't a dirty word—it's about guiding patients toward better health and confidence.The 4 Core Benefits of Full Arch Dentistry:Emotional Decision-Making: How patients often hit emotional tipping points before committing to treatment—and how to be ready.Patient Communication Strategy: Asking the right questions and reframing value over price.Sales Funnel Breakdown:Unique Selling Propositions (USPs): Why standing out in a "full arch frenzy" market is crucial for private practices.Actionable Tips for Dentists Getting Into Full Arch#DentalPodcast #FullArchDentistry #CaseAcceptance #DentalSales #DentalMarketing #DentalPracticeGrowth #PatientCommunication #StacyFarley #PracticeCFO #DentalLeadership #PrivatePracticeSuccess #DentalBusiness #DentalBoardroom
In this episode of the 'Events Demystified' podcast, host Anca Platon Trifan dives deep into the topic of sustainable events with special guest Alycia Drube, founder of Positive Impact Event Consulting. They explore actionable insights and strategies for event planners to minimize environmental footprints while delivering impactful experiences. Alycia shares her expertise in eco-friendly event practices, offering tips on integrating sustainability into events, measuring impact, and creating emotional connections with attendees. This informative discussion also touches on the importance of transparency, collaboration with vendors, and the role of storytelling in promoting sustainability in the event industry.
In this episode of The Long Game Podcast, Alex Birkett interviews Alice Wyatt, a B2B fintech marketing leader with experience at Codat, Bloomreach, and Adyen. Alice shares how her personal journey of building community and maintaining sanity in a fast-paced city like New York connects with her marketing philosophy: agile, people-first, and impact-driven. The conversation explores person-based marketing (PBM), the limits of MQLs, aligning sales and marketing teams, and embracing adaptability in an AI-disrupted world. Alice also reflects on how her approach to building community mirrors how great marketing is done: with empathy, boldness, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.Key TakeawaysFrom ABM to PBM: Moving beyond account-based strategies to person-based marketing creates deeper personalization and stronger alignment with buying behavior.MQLs Are Outdated: Relying on MQLs limits alignment; marketing and sales need shared, outcome-driven goals instead.Adaptability Over Tactics: Successful marketers focus on business outcomes and adapt tactics as priorities shift—agility trumps specialization.AI Is Redefining Roles: AI is reshaping marketing roles, requiring teams to adopt tools while maintaining strategic thinking and creativity.Community as a Superpower: Whether in marketing or life, building and contributing to genuine communities creates long-term value.Hire for Resilience and Curiosity: Non-traditional backgrounds (e.g., comedy, hospitality) often produce standout BDRs with adaptability and EQ.Thought Leadership ≠ Press Releases: Modern thought leadership means leading with perspective, not parroting trends or relying on legacy PR tactics.Show LinksVisit Alice's Forbes Council for Marketing ExpertsConnect with Alice Wyatt on LinkedInConnect with Alex Birkett on LinkedIn and TwitterConnect with Omniscient Digital on LinkedIn or TwitterPast guests on The Long Game podcast include: Morgan Brown (Shopify), Ryan Law (Animalz), Dan Shure (Evolving SEO), Kaleigh Moore (freelancer), Eric Siu (Clickflow), Peep Laja (CXL), Chelsea Castle (Chili Piper), Tracey Wallace (Klaviyo), Tim Soulo (Ahrefs), Ryan McReady (Reforge), and many more.Some interviews you might enjoy and learn from:Actionable Tips and Secrets to SEO Strategy with Dan Shure (Evolving SEO)Building Competitive Marketing Content with Sam Chapman (Aprimo)How to Build the Right Data Workflow with Blake Burch (Shipyard)Data-Driven Thought Leadership with Alicia Johnston (Sprout Social)Purpose-Driven Leadership & Building a Content Team with Ty Magnin (UiPath)Also, check out our Kitchen Side series where we take you behind the scenes to see how the sausage is made at our agency:Blue Ocean vs Red Ocean SEOShould You Hire Writers or Subject Matter Experts?How Do Growth and Content Overlap?Connect with Omniscient Digital on social:Twitter: @beomniscientLinkedin: Be OmniscientListen to more episodes of The Long Game podcast here: https://beomniscient.com/podcast/
Hiring in the nonprofit sector is harder than ever in 2025. With stagnant salaries, limited remote work options, and increased competition for talent, many organizations are struggling to fill positions and retain staff. In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria and Caitlin explore the key challenges nonprofits are facing and share actionable strategies to help you build a strong and motivated team. They cover why salary transparency is essential, how to support your employees beyond pay, and ways to streamline your hiring process to avoid common pitfalls. If you're struggling with hiring or retention, this episode is a must-listen! Why Is Hiring So Tough in 2025? – Episode Highlights: Why pay gaps and lack of transparency are pushing talent away. Why reducing remote options is a major dealbreaker for candidates. Understanding why fundraisers are leaving for higher pay and better support. How a long, disorganized hiring process can cost you top talent. From salary transparency to fractional hires, explore new ways to hire and retain staff.
In this episode of The Long Game Podcast, Alex Birkett sits down with Molly St. Louis, an award-winning multimedia marketer with experience in PR, content, and video strategy. Molly shares her journey from theater and journalism to leading marketing at high-growth startups, explaining how storytelling, creativity, and entertainment principles can elevate B2B marketing. The discussion covers how to craft bold marketing initiatives, the changing landscape of PR, and why video remains an underutilized asset in B2B. They also dive into thought leadership, media trends, and how brands can build credibility in a noisy digital world.Key TakeawaysCreativity in B2B Marketing: Borrowing storytelling techniques from entertainment can make B2B content more engaging.The Changing Role of PR: Traditional media placements are less impactful today, requiring an integrated, multi-channel approach.Why Video is Underutilized in B2B: Despite its effectiveness, many brands still hesitate to invest in high-quality video content.Thought Leadership is Not Just About Visibility: It's about offering unique perspectives, not just repeating industry trends.Earned Media vs. Owned Media: Press mentions help credibility, but companies must distribute and repurpose coverage for real impact.Micro-Audiences Over Virality: Niche content that resonates with the right people is often more valuable than mass exposure.Pattern Recognition in Marketing: Leveraging data and customer insights can help brands make better creative decisions.Show LinksConnect with Molly St. Louis by visiting Mosaic Group MediaConnect with Alex Birkett on LinkedIn and TwitterConnect with Omniscient Digital on LinkedIn or TwitterPast guests on The Long Game podcast include: Morgan Brown (Shopify), Ryan Law (Animalz), Dan Shure (Evolving SEO), Kaleigh Moore (freelancer), Eric Siu (Clickflow), Peep Laja (CXL), Chelsea Castle (Chili Piper), Tracey Wallace (Klaviyo), Tim Soulo (Ahrefs), Ryan McReady (Reforge), and many more.Some interviews you might enjoy and learn from:Actionable Tips and Secrets to SEO Strategy with Dan Shure (Evolving SEO)Building Competitive Marketing Content with Sam Chapman (Aprimo)How to Build the Right Data Workflow with Blake Burch (Shipyard)Data-Driven Thought Leadership with Alicia Johnston (Sprout Social)Purpose-Driven Leadership & Building a Content Team with Ty Magnin (UiPath)Also, check out our Kitchen Side series where we take you behind the scenes to see how the sausage is made at our agency:Blue Ocean vs Red Ocean SEOShould You Hire Writers or Subject Matter Experts?How Do Growth and Content Overlap?Connect with Omniscient Digital on social:Twitter: @beomniscientLinkedin: Be OmniscientListen to more episodes of The Long Game podcast here: https://beomniscient.com/podcast/
In this episode I reflect on my journey of rebuilding self-trust following the loss of my daughter Lauren, who would have turned 12 today. I share personal stories about the grief milestones I've encountered and how embracing these experiences has helped me grow stronger. I talk about engaging in meaningful activities, such as service projects, that have provided solace and connection throughout my grieving process. I emphasize the importance of recognizing and celebrating the small wins, loving yourself where you are, and allowing moments of hardship to build character and resilience. Whether you've recently experienced a miscarriage or have been navigating grief for years, this episode offers actionable steps for nurturing self-trust and finding peace in your unique journey. 00:00 Introduction and Personal Story 02:46 Reflecting on Milestones and Grief 09:19 Planning a Special Day for Lauren 12:55 Main Topic: Trusting Yourself Again 22:39 Actionable Tips for Building Self-Trust 30:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Get support from Amy! Click HERE Follow me on Instagram! @amy.smoothstonescoaching Visit my website. Photo by Canva
In this Kitchen Side episode of The Long Game Podcast, Alex, David, and Allie continue their in-person discussion in New York City, diving into marketing trends, proprietary data, and the role of differentiation in an AI-dominated landscape. They examine the shifting value of MQLs, how AI is automating SEO and marketing tasks, and why trust and credibility are the new forms of scarcity. The conversation also covers how companies can leverage original data, the intersection of brand and demand, and why marketers must rethink what truly adds value in the era of automation.Key TakeawaysThe Declining Value of MQLs: Traditional lead qualification models are losing effectiveness as buyer behavior evolves.AI and Automation in SEO: AI is automating repetitive SEO and marketing tasks, forcing companies to find new competitive advantages.Trust and Credibility as Scarcity: As automation floods the internet with content, trust and credibility are becoming key differentiators.Proprietary Data as a Competitive Edge: Unique data insights—both structured and unstructured—will be essential for creating valuable, non-generic content.The Future of Content in an AI World: The bar for content quality is rising, making originality and brand-driven storytelling more critical.Brand Affinity vs. Brand Awareness: Companies must focus on deeper brand affinity rather than just broad brand visibility to drive long-term success.Marketing's Role in Differentiation: Success will come from unique perspectives, creative execution, and human-driven insights rather than automated outputs.Show LinksConnect with David Khim on LinkedIn and TwitterConnect with Alex Birkett on LinkedIn and TwitterConnect with Allie Decker on LinkedIn and TwitterConnect with Omniscient Digital on LinkedIn or TwitterWhat is Kitchen Side?One big benefit of running an agency or working at one is you get to see the “kitchen side” of many different businesses; their revenue, their operations, their automations, and their culture.You understand how things look from the inside and how that differs from the outside.You understand how the sausage is made. As an agency ourselves, we're working both on growing our clients' businesses as well as our own. This podcast is one project, but we also blog, make videos, do sales, and have quite a robust portfolio of automations and hacks to run our business.We want to take you behind the curtain, to the kitchen side of our business, to witness our brainstorms, discussions, and internal dialogues behind the public works that we ship.Past guests on The Long Game podcast include: Morgan Brown (Shopify), Ryan Law (Animalz), Dan Shure (Evolving SEO), Kaleigh Moore (freelancer), Eric Siu (Clickflow), Peep Laja (CXL), Chelsea Castle (Chili Piper), Tracey Wallace (Klaviyo), Tim Soulo (Ahrefs), Ryan McReady (Reforge), and many more.Some interviews you might enjoy and learn from:Actionable Tips and Secrets to SEO Strategy with Dan Shure (Evolving SEO)Building Competitive Marketing Content with Sam Chapman (Aprimo)How to Build the Right Data Workflow with Blake Burch (Shipyard)Data-Driven Thought Leadership with Alicia Johnston (Sprout Social)Purpose-Driven Leadership & Building a Content Team with Ty Magnin (UiPath)Also, check out our Kitchen Side series where we take you behind the scenes to see how the sausage is made at our agency:Blue Ocean vs Red Ocean SEOShould You Hire Writers or Subject Matter Experts?How Do Growth and Content Overlap?Connect with Omniscient Digital on social:Twitter: @beomniscientLinkedin: Be OmniscientListen to more episodes of The Long Game podcast here: https://beomniscient.com/podcast/
Have you ever wondered where your listeners are when they hit play on your podcast? Are they on a long commute, folding laundry at home, or squeezing in an episode between meetings at work? Understanding where and how people listen can completely change the way you create content.Edison Research just released new data on podcast listenership, and the results might surprise you. Get your Ultimate Newsletter Kit: 5 Easy Formats for Busy Podcasters - thepodcastspace.kit.com/newsletter-for-podcastersChapters:00:00 Introduction to Podcast Listener Insights00:58 Understanding Your Audience01:56 Key Findings from Edison Research04:52 Actionable Tips for Podcasters05:57 Engaging with Your Listeners07:50 Conclusion and Next StepsResources mentioned in this episode:Let's work together to grow your podcast. Book your discovery call:https://bit.ly/PPodPartyFor the full list of links, resources and show notes, please visit:https://www.thepodcastspace.com/podcast/s3-91-where-are-podcast-listeners-tuning-in-new-edison-research-data-2025Subscribe to the Podcast on Audio Platforms: https://bit.ly/3Y4bF2c Subscribe to our newsletter for more Podcast Tips: https://thepodcastspace.ck.page/32680fa82e