My personal social media is full of four main things: family, friends, food, and UGC. And as I type this, I hear the former saying, “Uh, what is UGC?” For over a decade, I’ve been creating social media content for brands, usually in exchange for complimentary products, ranging from skincare and makeup to spicy snacks…

“Will it work?” Along the way, we’ve been pushed to load our decisions with a need for certainty. It’s easier, it seems, to not try than it is to fail. But the question, “is it worth trying?” unlocks possibility. A surgeon in the middle of an operation should probably not experiment with an untested technique….

When big-name sponsors put their logo on your event materials, they’re essentially saying: “This event matters.” We know this firsthand because event sponsorships have been a big part of our marketing strategy. We’ve spent an estimated $500,000 on them, sponsoring… Read more ›

As a content marketer, I’m always on the hunt for effective ways to deliver content that will result in more customers and conversions. Video has grown into an essential marketing platform, and social media is rewarding those who prioritize a live approach. I’ve narrowed down the top live video stats to give you and your…

The AI model races are heating up. Right on the heels of DeepSeek-R1’s release, the industry is reeling from yet another powerful AI model hitting the market. I test drove the latest iteration of Alibaba’s Qwen models — Qwen 2.5. In this post, I’ll break down what Qwen 2.5 is, how you can use it,…

Where do con men come from? There are three conditions that need to be met: First, there needs to be rising societal pressure to get ahead, cut the line and find a win. Second, there needs to be people willing to set aside their ethical principles to take advantage of others in their community. And…

The tactics are broadly applicable, but how you apply them will depend on your business model. A local firm might focus on community-driven content and local SEO, while a digital-first platform might lean into educational resources and national visibility. To… Read more ›

I fly Southwest Airlines almost exclusively, and one thing I’ve noticed about Southwest is that their branding is on point. Whether I’m booking a flight on their mobile application, being served my go-to in-flight ginger ale, or walking through the terminal at Midway Airport, I’m surrounded by Southwest’s consistent brand colors, messaging, and imagery. This…

Imagine trying to describe a giraffe to someone whose never seen one. Maybe I’d say something like this: “Well, it has brown patches that look a little like puzzle pieces; a long, 6-foot-tall neck, and skinny legs.” This description is close enough, sure, but it doesn’t quite capture the sensation of seeing one in real…

But connection is where the value lies. Connected, resilient communities create possibility and forward motion. Division is satisfying in the short run, and it might even draw a crowd. But the only useful reason to disconnect is if it opens up the chance to increase connection somewhere else.