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In a typically "off-the-rails" session on The Best Dam Podcast, Jill chats with Alex Raffi, the creative force behind Imagine Communications. Alex, a self-proclaimed impulsive idea hunter, shares his fascinating philosophy on brainstorming, human intuition, communication, and the art of storytelling in business.If you've ever wondered why your marketing isn't resonating or how to truly connect with your audience, Alex's insights—from the power of the subconscious to why humility can sometimes hinder success—offer a masterclass in modern communication.DiscussionThe Newsroom of the Mind: Alex describes the conscious mind as the "newspaper" and the subconscious mind as the"newsroom" where ideas are worked out. Your subconscious is always processing information, even when your conscious mind is asleep.Curiosity is the Engine: If you are not curious about something, the information gets ignored by your subconscious, meaning you won't have ideas about it. Therefore, to be great at something, you need to surround yourself with what you are curious about.No Rails in Brainstorming: Alex encourages bringing up even "weird" or abstract ideas during brainstorming, as the subconscious often gives hints (like a bird and a horse leading to a Pegasus) that can inspire others.The Artist's Release: Once a piece of art or marketing is created, Alex learned from his teacher that it's no longer the creator's. It is only "alive" when the audience interacts with it and interprets it as they choose.Perception vs. Perspective: It's impossible to change a person's perception (their deeply wired belief). However, you can change their perception by changing their perspective, which is learned, usually through storytelling.The Hero-Customer Model: In marketing, Alex advises against making your business the hero. Instead, you should speak to the customer in a way that shows them they are the hero, and your business is simply providing the tools they need to save themselves.The Humility Hurdle: Alex believes that humility often gets in the way of businesses identifying and promoting their most valuable traits. He suggests it's easier to bring in an outsider who can speak plainly and confidently about what makes the business unique.The Logo Buy-In Trick: When a client is hesitant about a final design, Alex sometimes lets them suggest a small, immediate change (like changing a color or adding a star). This gives them an actual hand in the creation, making it their logo and leading to approval.The Chamber's Core Purpose: Alex reminds listeners that the Chamber of Commerce is not "just networking". Its original and current purpose is to serve as an advocate for businesses, protecting them and connecting them with the city and necessary resources.Listen, Don't Wait to Speak: Alex admits he is impulsive and has to work on shutting up and truly listening to his talented team. He notes that Jill is naturally open to listening, not just waiting for her chance to tell her opinion, which is a valuable trait.LEARN MORETo learn more about Alex Raffi and Imagine Communications, you can visit the Imagine Communications website at www.marketingwithimagine.comKEYWORDSImagine Communications, Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, Brainstorming, Storytelling, Marketing Strategy, Business Advocacy#ImagineCommunications #BoulderCityChamberofCommerce #Brainstorming #Storytelling #MarketingStrategy #Business Advocacy
Get the scoop on upcoming events on the NKY Spotlight Podcast! Today, Tami Wilson shares details about the 2026 Legislative Session and Business Advocacy Preview and Brian McLaughlin of People Working Cooperatively highlights the Ramp it Up for Veterans telethon and Prepare Affair.The NKY Spotlight Podcast is powered by CKREU Consulting and sponsored by Schneller Knochelmann Plumbing, Heating & Air.
In this episode of the Chamber Chat Podcast, host Brandon Burton speaks with Janet Tressler-Davis, President and CEO of the Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce. They discuss Janet's extensive experience in chamber leadership, the growth and scope of the Westerville Chamber, and the importance of business advocacy councils. Janet shares insights on how these councils serve as a voice for local businesses, the value they bring to the community, and best practices for engaging members in advocacy efforts. The conversation also touches on the future of chambers, emphasizing collaboration and partnerships with other organizations. Transcript and show notes found at chamberchatpodcast.com/episode353. Please support this podcast by supporting our sponsors. Community Matters, Inc. chamberchatpodcast.com/podcast App My Community appmycommunity.com/chamberchat Resource Development Group rdgfundraising.com Econ Dev Ops econdevops.com Swypit chamberchatpodcast.com/cc
September 16, 2025 ~ Brian Shoaf, Vice President of Public Policy and Business Advocacy at the Detroit Regional Chamber, joins Kevin as members of Business for Federal Research Funding are meeting in Washington, D.C. to advocate for continued investments in research in the federal budget. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Sheinbaum solicita aumento en el presupuesto de la ATDT para 2026 | Ataques de phishing en México crecen 202% en los últimos 12 meses | Mistral AI logra valoración de casi $14,000 mdd con nuevo inversionista | Banorte renueva su alianza con Google Cloud en su apuesta por la AI | Banco Azteca es una de las historias innovadoras | Así lo dijo el director general para México de Veeam, Carlos Ortiz | El fundador y CEO de Business Advocacy, Gerald García, nos comparte el prompt que le cambió la vida | Joel Urrutia, director IT del STJ de Jalisco, nos da el IT Masters Insight
GNFCC Local Councils: Milton's 5th Year & Alpharetta Launch (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 110) In this episode of the GNFCC 400 Insider, host Kali Boatright, President & CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber, welcomes Jamie Bendall, Chair of the Milton Business Council, and Mary Trachian-Bradley, Chair of the new Alpharetta Business Council. Jamie reflects on […] The post GNFCC Local Councils: Milton's 5th Year & Alpharetta Launch appeared first on Business RadioX ®.
El fundador y CEO de Business Advocacy, Gerald García, conversa con el equipo de IT Masters Mag, Mónica Mistretta, Maricela Ochoa y Francisco Iglesias, sobre las nuevas necesidades legales que la inteligencia artificial exige, a partir de su caso que llegó a la Corte.
August 15, 2025 ~ Wendy Block, Vice President of Business Advocacy and Member Engagements for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, joins Kevin to discuss why CEOs are tightening their grip on workplace culture and dialing back some of the flexibility they once offered.
Steve Gruber delivers the Michigan Chamber Business Brief with Wendy Block, Senior VP of Business Advocacy at the Michigan Chamber. They break down the so-called “Invest in MI Kids” graduated income tax ballot proposal and provide a key mid-year legislative update on the issues shaping Michigan's business environment. MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!! JOIN TODAY!!!
July 23, 2025 ~ Wendy Block, Vice President of Business Advocacy and Member Engagement for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, joins Kevin to discuss a new study that shows a 4-day work week boosts job satisfaction, reduces burnout, and improves well-being.
In this episode of Main Street Matters, Jordan speaks with Josh Lammle, CEO of Patriot Owned Businesses, about the challenges small businesses face, the importance of community support, and the impact of economic policies on entrepreneurship. They discuss the need for advocacy, the role of small businesses in the economy, and the excitement surrounding pro-business initiatives. Main Street Matters is part of the Salem Podcast Network. For more visit JobCreatorsNetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine and Jordan discuss the challenges faced by small businesses in New Mexico with State Representative Mark Duncan. They explore the impact of COVID-19 on small businesses, the implications of the Paid Family Leave Act, and the burden of payroll taxes. Duncan emphasizes the need for small businesses to unite through trade organizations to amplify their voices against legislation that may harm them. The conversation highlights the disparity between large corporations and small businesses, particularly in terms of resources and legislative support. Main Street Matters is part of the Salem Podcast Network. For more visit JobCreatorsNetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For the most powerful voice in business in Michigan. The Michigan Chamber Business Brief. Wendy Block, Senior VP of Business Advocacy for Michigan Chamber. Chamber eyes top priorities in Michigan. MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!! JOIN TODAY!!!
For the most powerful voice in business in Michigan. The Michigan Chamber Business Brief. Wendy Block, Senior VP of Business Advocacy for Michigan Chamber. Lame Duck Session.
In this episode of the Crazy Wisdom Podcast, host Stewart Alsop reconnects with Eric Fisher, one of the show's earliest guests. Their conversation weaves through profound topics like the evolution of AI, the potential consequences of large language models (LLMs), and how AI might reshape both spirituality and education. Eric shares reflections from his time at Facebook, offering behind-the-scenes insight into the creation of algorithmic feeds and how those decisions echo into today's world of AI-driven interactions. Together, Stewart and Eric explore the nature of human attention, the future of work, and the potential divide between tech-driven living and a return to nature. Their discussion raises essential questions about where humanity is headed in the face of exponential technological change and how people can retain their sense of agency and spirit along the way. If you want to learn more about Eric visit his website mindfulimprov.com.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation!Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Reunion00:44 Reflecting on Past Interviews01:18 Spiritual Understandings and AI01:32 The Dual Nature of AI02:43 The Evolution of Facebook's News Feed05:32 AI's Role in Future Technologies13:47 AI in Education and Synthetic Data16:58 The Future of AI and Society21:54 Spirituality and Technology27:58 Humanoid Robots: Beyond Sex Dolls28:28 The Role of Robots in Agriculture and Home29:07 Industrial Robots vs. Home Robots29:44 The Philosophy Behind Technological Advancements30:22 The Vision of the Future: Post-Steve Jobs Era31:17 The Impact of AI and Automation on Society32:55 Accelerationism vs. Degrowth: The Tech Debate40:41 Demographic Crisis and the Future of Humanity45:18 Economic Inequality and the Common Man46:39 The Evolution of Political Ideologies52:09 The Future of Work and Society54:14 Concluding Thoughts and Future DiscussionsKey Insights1. The Dual Nature of AI: Promise and PerilEric Fisher highlights the dual potential of AI as both a tool for human advancement and a source of unforeseen challenges. Drawing from his experience at Facebook, he explains how algorithmic feeds designed to increase engagement eventually led to widespread issues like polarization and misinformation. This echoes in today's world of LLMs (Large Language Models), where AI's utility as a tool for learning, troubleshooting, and content creation exists alongside the risk of biased or manipulative outputs. The key takeaway is that technology, like a rock, is neutral — its impact depends on how it is used and who is using it.2. The Evolution of Attention as a ResourceAttention has become a central currency in the modern economy, and Fisher points out that the concept of "attention economy" wasn't even part of public discourse a few decades ago. Today, with the rise of LLM-driven AI companions and algorithmic feeds, attention is being sliced and sold with increasing precision. This shift raises questions about how much of human autonomy is being traded away in favor of frictionless convenience. As AI becomes more adept at predicting and shaping user behavior, the concept of "free will" within an attention-driven economy becomes murkier.3. The Next Phase of Education: Self-Directed Learning with AI TutorsBoth Stewart Alsop and Eric Fisher recognize the potential for AI to revolutionize education. Instead of the traditional classroom model, self-directed learning with AI-driven tutors could allow for personalized, one-on-one learning experiences for every student. Fisher notes that tools like ChatGPT have already enabled him to troubleshoot complex home systems, like his geothermal cooling system, without needing to call a specialist. This self-sufficiency could be mirrored in education, where AI assistants offer instant, tailored guidance to students across a range of subjects.4. The Blurring of Reality: Personalized AI-Generated WorldsA provocative idea discussed in the episode is the possibility of AI-generated personalized realities. Through augmented reality (AR) glasses or VR headsets, individuals could project and experience personalized versions of reality. Fisher points out that, in many ways, people already live in "personalized mental realities" shaped by language, perception, and cultural narratives. AI could make this more literal, with each person living in a bespoke, algorithmically generated world. While this concept sounds thrilling, it also hints at a future where shared consensus reality — the "real world" — becomes more fragmented than ever.5. Economic Shifts: From Worker-Centric to Business-Centric SystemsTracing the legacy of figures like FDR and LBJ, Fisher reflects on how America shifted from a society that valued the working class to one that prioritizes business interests. While earlier eras emphasized worker rights, health care, and public welfare, today's economy is focused on empowering small businesses and startups. Everyone is now expected to be a "business of one," as independent creators, gig workers, and personal brands become the dominant paradigm. The result is a world where individual workers act like micro-businesses, managing their own healthcare, retirement, and financial stability — often with no safety net.6. The Threat of Decentralized AI and the Loss of TruthWith Meta and OpenAI releasing LLMs and synthetic AI models into the open-source community, Fisher expresses concern about the fragmentation of "truth." As more people train and deploy their own AI models, the risk of misinformation rises. Just as search engines can prioritize certain content over others, decentralized AI models may be subtly — or overtly — biased. This issue becomes even more concerning if companies start inserting ad-driven recommendations into AI responses, giving users the illusion of objectivity when, in fact, they're being guided toward a commercial end.7. The Coming Collapse and the Chance for RenewalThe episode touches on a cyclical view of history, where moments of collapse often lead to periods of rebirth. Fisher compares this to the aftermath of the bubonic plague, which killed half of Europe's population but led to the Renaissance and an era of cultural flourishing. He speculates that a similar phenomenon could play out today. Whether through demographic decline, AI-driven disruption, or a collapse of old economic models, humanity could experience a dramatic contraction. Paradoxically, such a collapse might bring about an "age of spaciousness" where fewer people, better technology, and renewed humanism create a richer and more thoughtful way of life.
For the most powerful voice in business in Michigan. The Michigan Chamber Business Brief. Wendy Block, Senior VP of Business Advocacy for Michigan Chamber. Election and Lame Duck Preview MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!!! JOIN TODAY!!
Business groups in Tucson--issues from 2006 are the same issues in 2024. What progress has this region made on issues that have hindered our economy?
For the most powerful voice in business in Michigan. The Michigan Chamber Business Brief. Wendy Block is the VP of Business Advocacy and Member Engagement. Update on paid sick leave and wage ruling and the work underway to help soften the impact MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD! JOIN TODAY!!!
August 9, 2024 ~ The expansion of the paid sick leave law could have a bigger impact on businesses than the minimum wage increase. Wendy Block, Vice President of Business Advocacy and Member Engagement for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, joins Kevin and Tom to explain why this is.
For the most powerful voice in business in Michigan. The Michigan Chamber Business Brief. Wendy Block is the VP of Business Advocacy and Member Engagement. MI Chamber voices frustration, disappointment to Supreme Court's ‘Adopt and Amend' Decision MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD! JOIN TODAY!!
Did you know that 87% of the businesses in the United States are family owned? That's 32.4 million family businesses and they contribute $7.7 trillion to the GDP. Pat Soldano, a strong advocate for family businesses, joins Succession Stories host Laurie Barkman, The Business Transition Sherpa. Pat is the President of Family Enterprise USA (FE-USA) whose mission is to promote the growth of generational owned family businesses in the US. She is also President of Policy and Taxation Group that works to reduce onerous tax and economic policies for successful families, family business, and family offices. Family Enterprise USA is relied upon to be the voice in Washington, DC for family businesses, generationally owned businesses, and multigenerational businesses across the US. Listen in as Pat and Laurie discuss policy related challenges, particularly around taxes and estate planning. Succession planning impacts family businesses and that proactive planning is the way to mitigate some of these challenges over time. Find Pat Soldano Here: https://familyenterpriseusa.com/ https://policyandtaxationgroup.com/ ❤️ Show us the love on Rate This Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/successionstories _______________________________________ BUYERS BUY ON THEIR TIME, NOT YOURS. WILL YOU BE READY? Learn more about the Endgame Entrepreneurship Masterclass and build with your exit in mind. https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/course/ _______________________________________ My Links:
For the most powerful voice in business in Michigan. The Michigan Chamber Business Brief. Wendy Block is the VP of Business Advocacy and Member Engagement. Budget. Key bill that passed by MI House last night - increasing unemployed benefits from 20 to 26 weeks.
Oregon Business and Industry, a business advocacy group, recently released the 2024 Oregon Competitiveness Book. The report is the first of a yearly look at how Oregon compares to other states as a place to do business. Angela Wilhelms, the president and CEO of OBI, joins us to reflect on the data compiled in this report.
For the most powerful voice in business in Michigan. The Michigan Chamber Business Brief. Wendy Block is the VP of Business Advocacy and Member Engagement. 1.) Legislation Update. 2.) Feedback needed on plan to require employer disclose of paid leave benefits.
From the most powerful voice for Business in Michigan. The Michigan Chamber Business Brief. Wendy Block is the VP of Business Advocacy and Member Engagement. Independent contractor regulations happening at federal and state levels.
Venture into the heart of Tucson with Zach Yentzer, a dedicated community advocate and the Vice President of Business Advocacy at the Chamber, as he shares his transformative journey of growth, both professionally and personally. Dive deep into the compelling narrative of a man who not only championed the cause of Tucson Young Professionals, multiplying its impact manifold, but also embraced the vibrant essence of urban living with his family. Can downtown really be the ideal space for raising young children? Yentzer thinks so. Discover how he's challenging stereotypes, revitalizing downtown dynamics, and laying a blueprint for a sustainable urban family lifestyle. From his candid conversations about his professional transitions to intimate anecdotes about downtown family life, this episode is a refreshing take on Tucson's evolving cityscape. Join host Tom Heath in unraveling Zach's passion, commitment, and vision for a community where work, play, and family seamlessly intertwine. Whether you're an urban dweller, a professional seeking growth, or someone curious about Tucson's downtown evolution, this podcast promises insights, surprises, and thought-provoking perspectives. Don't miss this deep dive into a Tucson you thought you knew. Play now!
From the most powerful voice for Business in Michigan. The Michigan Chamber Business Brief. Wendy Block is the VP of Business Advocacy and Member Engagement. Coalition launch announcement. All about why it's needed, what's happening and what's next. MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!!! JOIN TODAY!!!
October 5, 2023 ~ Wendy Block, Vice President of Business Advocacy and Member Engagement for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, talks with Guy, Lloyd, and Jamie about the launch of the Great Lakes Growth Coalition.
From the most powerful voice for Business in Michigan. The Michigan Chamber Business Brief. Wendy Block is the VP of Business Advocacy and Member Engagement. Local preemptions. MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!!!! JOIN TODAY!!!
From the most powerful voice for Business in Michigan. The Michigan Chamber Business Brief. Wendy Block is the VP of Business Advocacy and Member Engagement. Repeal latest on several legislative proposal and a couple of new coalition efforts. MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!!! JOIN TODAY!!!!
Welcome to The Social Collectives Podcast! In this episode of The Social Collectives, Renee Ventrice and Aaron Sefchick are joined by Ciara McCoy, Head of SMB Advocacy at Meta and creator of Facebook's Global SMB Advocacy Program.Ciara discusses the importance of small business advocacy and how Meta is working to support small businesses. They also talk about the challenges that small businesses are facing today and how Meta is helping them overcome those challenges.SMB Advocacy at Meta is a team that is dedicated to supporting small and medium businesses (SMBs) on Meta's platforms. The team works with SMBs to help them grow their businesses, reach new customers, and build their brands. They also advocate for SMBs within Meta, working to ensure that their needs are met and that they have the resources they need to succeed.The SMB Advocacy team at Meta offers a variety of resources and programs to help SMBs, including:Free training and certification programs: The team offers a variety of free training and certification programs that can help SMBs learn how to use Meta's products and services to grow their businesses.Access to funding and loans: The team works with partners to provide SMBs with access to funding and loans to help them grow their businesses.Networking opportunities: The team organizes events and networking opportunities for SMBs to connect with each other and with potential customers and partners.Advocacy: The team advocates for SMBs within Meta, working to ensure that their needs are met and that they have the resources they need to succeed.#SMBAdvocacy, #MetaForSMBs, #SmallBusiness, #SmallBusinessOwner, #BusinessGrowth, #BrandBuilding, #SocialMediaMarketing, #DigitalMarketing, #Entrepreneurship, #EconomicGrowth, #MakeSmallBusinessesGreatAgainMeta for Small Businesses: https://www.facebook.com/business/Small Business Administration: https://www.sba.gov/SCORE: https://www.score.org/National Federation of Independent Business: https://www.nfib.com/Thank you for listening!We hope you enjoyed this episode of The Social Collectives. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to us on social media. We would love to hear from you!https://www.thesocialcollectives.org
From the most powerful voice for Business in Michigan. The Michigan Chamber Business Brief. WendyBlock is the VP of Business Advocacy and Member Engagement. Legislation wrap up and first 6 months in troves - the good, the bad and the ugly MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!!! JOIN TODAY!!!
From the most powerful voice for Business in Michigan. The Michigan Chamber Business Brief. Wendy Block is the VP of Business Advocacy and Member Engagement. Repeal of previous local preemption bills MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!!! JOIN TODAY!!
The Tallahassee Chamber is dedicated to improving the quality of life for our community, but what does this look like? Our focus is creating a strong regional economy by following a pro-job agenda that will foster growth in the areas of talent supply and education; innovation and economic development; community prosperity; and overall business climate. Through the efforts of the Chamber's Business Advocacy Committee, led by Rob Clarke, Chamber Board Chair-Elect and Ausley McMullen Shareholder, we advocate for policies critical to positive change in community issues and the growth of the capital region. On this week's episode of the Tallahassee Business Podcast, sponsored by MillCreek Financial Consultants, our President/CEO, Sue Dick chats with Rob about the collaborative work being done to address issues related to homelessness, job growth, and sales tax increases. Tune in to learn more about the Chamber's role as a business advocate and the initiatives and projects we support to bring Tallahassee to the forefront as a destination to live, work, and play.
From the most powerful voice for Business in Michigan. The Michigan Chamber Business Brief. Wendy Block is the VP of Business Advocacy and Member Engagement. Tell Us What You Think: What Will It Take to Grow Michigan? MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!!! JOIN TODAY!!!
From the most powerful voice for Business in Michigan. The Michigan Chamber Business Brief. Wendy Block is the VP of Business Advocacy and Member Engagement. Upcoming Chamber Day. MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!! JOIN TODAY!!
Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a tool we can all use to make our properties safer from crime and feel safer. If you would like to learn more about CPTED, you can literally get the introductory course right here in Billings this May. This episode features Michelle Williams, the Executive Director of the Billings Depot, a property that has benefitted from the Billings Chamber/Downtown Billings Alliance's CPTED program; and Dan Brooks, the Billings Chamber's Director of Business Advocacy. Thank you so much to PayneWest for sponsoring Chambercast!Sign up for the CPTED Basics CourseTo request a CPTED survey for your business, email jack@billingschamber.com.
From the most powerful voice for Business in Michigan. The Michigan Chamber Business Brief. Wendy Block is the VP of Business Advocacy and Member Engagement. Right to Work and the huge swath of labor union bills being introduced.
From the most powerful voice for Business in Michigan. The Michigan Chamber Business Brief. Wendy Block is the VP of Business Advocacy and Member Engagement. Small Business Summit Coming Up April 5
From the most powerful voice for Business in Michigan. The Michigan Chamber Business Brief. Wendy Block is the VP of Business Advocacy and Member Engagement. Lame duck look and next year legislative session preview
From the most powerful voice for Business in Michigan. The Michigan Chamber Business Brief. Wendy Block is the VP of Business Advocacy and Member Engagement. Upcoming Economic & Business Outlook Nov 10 - Tackling latest info and indicators on inflation, recession proofing, etc Make your voice heard!!! JOIN TODAY!!!!
From the most powerful voice for Business in Michigan. The Michigan Chamber Business Brief: Wendy Block is the VP of Business Advocacy and Member Engagement. Update on minimum wage and paid sick leave issue. We're filing an amicus this week. Make Your Voice Heard!!! JOIN TODAY!!!!