AILKEMY

"Think Further. Build Smarter. Lead Human."

After an intensive skunkworks and R&D phase, we launched AILKEMY for select client engagements. AILKEMY is a strategic intelligence consultancy that transforms information chaos into measurable alpha generation for investment professionals and leaders navigating AI transformation.

We help fund managers and executives generate measurable alpha by turning information chaos into decision-ready insights. We deliver private, board-ready intelligence that turns noise into decisive action. Confidential by default. It is either useful or it's not. We guarantee.

My Role as Co-Founder:
Product Management: Collaborated on the "Insight Engine", synthesis features, and verification methods across end-user needs.

Client Delivery: Lead MVP Insight Report pilots and the activation session that turns findings into actionable intelligence for our clients.

Go-to-Market: Built branding, sales, messaging, and narrative for executives, hedge funds, PE, VC, and large private investors.

Growth: Structured performance-aligned economics with zero long-term lock-in. Planned and launched campaigns to scale AILKEMY.

Why Clients Choose AILKEMY:
Hedge funds and multi-strategy platforms. Private equity and venture firms. Corporate strategy leaders and product teams. Large private investors and family offices.

✔️ Synthesis over summary: We reveal connections that change the decision.
✔️ Speed to signal: Time kills good ideas. We deliver while timing still pays.
✔️ Tailored intelligence: Built from first principles for your exact context.
✔️ Trusted foresight: Evidence-based and scenario-aware.
✔️ Founder accountability: You work directly with the founding team.

Signal mapping. Competitive and narrative intelligence. Scenario planning. Orthogonal validation. Regime awareness. Decision framing. Board-ready storytelling. Founder-led discovery and activation. The goal is simple: reduce decision latency and increase the quality of action.

Co-Founder, AILKEMY

Kaperider.com

About Kaperider Publishing, LLC

At Kaperider Publishing, we specialize in creating impactful books that inspire, educate, and empower readers across diverse topics, including technology, artificial intelligence, marketing, mental health, fitness, and more. Our mission is to bridge the gap between ambitious ideas and actionable outcomes, helping authors craft content that resonates with audiences and drives meaningful change.

Founded by Daniel Stouffer, a seasoned leader with over 20 years of experience in strategy, innovation, and digital transformation, Kaperider Publishing offers a unique blend of expertise, creativity, and results-oriented execution. From initial research and topic development to book outlining, authoring, and strategic marketing campaigns, we guide authors through every step of the publishing process to ensure their ideas reach the right audience.

At Kaperider, we believe that great books start with great strategies. That’s why we focus on:

🌟 Comprehensive Support: From concept to launch, we provide the tools, resources, and expertise to help authors succeed.

🌟 Actionable Insights: We simplify complex topics, transforming them into accessible, engaging content for real-world impact.

🌟 Strategic Marketing: Our tailored campaigns connect authors with readers, ensuring their work makes an impact in a competitive market.

What sets us apart is our commitment to excellence and community. Inspired by his role as a professional firefighter in Minneapolis, MN, Daniel Stouffer brings a team-first, mission-driven ethos to Kaperider Publishing. This unique perspective informs our collaborative approach, emphasizing trust, resilience, and the power of clear communication.

Whether you’re an experienced thought leader or a first-time author, Kaperider Publishing is here to help you bring your vision to life. Together, we’ll create books that inform, inspire, and leave a lasting legacy.

Author w/ Book & Newsletter Publishing

Winnebago

I'm in the middle of helping to steer a significant digital transformation initiative at Winnebago Outdoors. We're upgrading the ERP system to a new platform consisting of Microsoft D365, Salesforce, and the Teamcenter systems.

The Release Train Engineer (RTE) role is collaborative, involving deep engagement with the Agile Release Train (ART), a composite of agile teams working in concert to achieve a shared objective. Here's a closer look at what an RTE does day to day:

✔️ Navigating Complexity: An RTE acts as the captain of the ship in turbulent digital waters, guiding the ART through planning, execution, and delivery. This involves facilitating Program Increment (PI) planning sessions, a critical event where the roadmap for the next phase is charted, risks are assessed, and strategies are devised.

✔️ Fostering Synergy: One of the greatest strengths of an RTE lies in its ability to foster collaboration among diverse teams and stakeholders. This role ensures alignment across various functions, encouraging transparency and communication. The RTE serves as a bridge between strategic goals and tactical execution, ensuring everyone moves in unison towards common objectives.

✔️ Driving Value Delivery: At the heart of SAFe is the relentless focus on delivering value to customers. An RTE ensures that every element of the ART contributes to this goal, optimizing flows, removing impediments, and managing risks. This consistent drive towards efficiency and effectiveness culminates in accelerated time-to-market and enhanced product quality.

The presence of an RTE within a transformation initiative brings several advantages. These include improved coordination across teams, enhanced clarity and focus on business objectives, streamlined processes, and a significant uplift in the morale and productivity of agile teams. Essentially, an RTE turns chaos into clarity, complexity into simplicity, and plans into action.

Digital Transformation Manager

Fyndr Group

Get Your New Talent Found Faster with Fyndr.org
--------------------------------------------------------
Fyndr.org's mission is to create a more efficient, scalable, zero-cost process for hiring managers and candidates "to fynd each other", by leveraging AI technology to job search at scale.

At Fyndr.org, we help renewable energy, recycling, energy storage, and Green or Clean Tech companies find the perfect job candidate for their open positions; not just in terms of skills and qualifications, but also in personality, culture, and world outlook.

Our AI driven solutions support hiring managers and job seekers every step of the way — by connecting those hiring directly with those looking for opportunities. Job seekers are recommended by someone that knows them personally. 

Because finding your “next fyndr” isn’t just about credentials, it’s about creating opportunities for everyone involved to thrive with the resources, introductions, and opportunities to grow an awesome team.

Note: Fyndr.org is a concept, product, website, and marketing campaign created by Daniel Stouffer, as a case study to demonstrate his talents AND to help with his job search.

https://fyndr.org/about

Program & Product Manager, Owner

reThink-Solar

In 2007, a spark ignited my love for solar, fueling a drive toward a renewable future, one community at a time. Born from a desire to make solar energy accessible and affordable to all, we embarked on a quest to redefine the solar engagement. 

Starting with solar leasing in 2007, then residential sales, to commercial contracts, and now to Community Solar for all.

It's been an exhilarating ride, flavored with challenges, triumphs, and countless learning moments. Today, reThink Solar stands as a beacon for change, guiding individuals and businesses toward a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow. One that can be totally without costs or expense when you have the key ingredients.

reThink Solar's Mission

At the core of reThink Solar pulses a steadfast mission - to weave the benefits of solar energy into the fabric of everyday life. We dream of a world where everyone, regardless of whether they own or rent their home, can tap into the power of the sun.

Our mission is simple yet bold: connect our customers to local community solar farms, ensuring a minimum of 5% savings on their electric bills annually for up to two decades. Now, with our services extending across numerous states in the USA, that dream is becoming a reality. 

At reThink Solar, we believe that everyone should have access to clean and affordable energy, regardless of whether they own their home or business. That's why our community solar model is designed to connect with renters, homeowners, and small businesses alike.

The power of the sun is for everyone — because reThink Solar believes that change, like sunlight and all renewable energy, should be universal and unbound. There's no simpler path to saving on your electric bill while championing renewable energy.

https://rethink-solar.com

Renewable Energy Advisor, reThink Solar

SunPower Corporation

Coordinated prioritization, roadmap planning, product backlog management, and product team execution for $36M portfolio of related programs. Managed 9 product delivery teams, total of 50 members, engaging internal and external stakeholders and cross-functional teams to create energy storage solutions and renewable energy digital platform capabilities.

* Added 25K more customers to mobile app by developing and launching complex digital features.

* Managed 5 concurrent projects, from defining scope and allocating resources to mitigating risks, consistently delivering project plans, resource allocations, and prioritized backlogs.

* Reduced time-to-market for new SKUs from 6 months to 3 weeks by implementing new and improved new product introduction process (NPI).

What truly sets me apart is my tenacious passion, drive, and motivation. I don't back down when things get tough, even when it seems like everything is on fire. I learned this fearless attitude from my experience in the fire service. When faced with challenges, I don't run away – I run towards them. I bring this mindset to everything I do.

If you're looking for a Technical Program Manager who can navigate the complexities of your projects with confidence, deliver exceptional results, and bring a fiery passion to the table, then look no further. I'm a servant leader when it comes to agile product delivery processes, lean UX, and implementing business agility. I am ready to take on the challenge.

Technical Program Manager (storage solutions)

Elevance Health

Orchestrated product delivery timelines to achieve budget and delivery goals. Managed backlog for 25 user experience designers. Leader behind the scenes organizing and prioritizing projects with stakeholders across 7 different strategic objectives aligned to quarterly product plans. Crafted sprint plans outlining goals, tactics, schedules, risks, and resource allocation for 300+ digital products group.

* Wrote project charter and obtained team resources across 6 business units, built recurring 4-week cycles of “Plan, Do, & Measure” iterative planning cycles, resulting in formation of new business intelligence (BI) analytics team.

* Improved team throughput 11%, providing program support and direction for 5 to 7 scrum teams, clearing obstacles to ensure initiatives were delivered, meeting stakeholder requirements.

* Collaborated with procurement to improve supply chain operations for internal and vendor-maintained products, reducing onboarding of new technology into IT organizations from more than 4 months to less than 6 weeks.

But beyond all the technicalities, I am a firm believer in agile product delivery, lean UX, and embracing business agility at scale. In this fast-paced digital age, it's crucial to be able to adapt quickly to market changes and seize emerging opportunities with innovative, digitally-enabled solutions. 

That's why I leveraged lean and agile product development practices to continuously deliver top-notch products that truly impressed.

Strong advocate of agile product delivery, lean UX, and implementing business agility at scale. Support the ability to compete and thrive in the digital age by quickly responding to market changes and emerging opportunities with innovative, digitally-enabled business solutions. Leveraged lean and agile product development practices to continually deliver innovative, high-quality products (https://www.scaledagile.com).

Digital Program Manager (portfolio strategy)

Ideation, Product Management, and Strategic Thinking -- I have a proven record of managing process driven teams, as well as complex software products and web application development projects, both standard and extremely agile. 

I’ve been a contributor and leader of physical and virtual teams across many projects. I represent the user experience across the organization by breaking down the user needs, strategic vision, and delivery into achievable outcomes that drive user value.

I know exactly what it takes to drive the business, rally the engagement of diverse teams, and effectively manage programs. I’m really a Swiss Army knife relating to program management.

I help manage the user experience resources within the agile product and development processes within Anthem Healthcare. This role requires a cross-discipline approach to understanding process, workflow, and communications. I live "working in the grey" to help development, product, and user experience teams deliver valued product to the Anthem members.

Product Teams Manager (user experience)

Geostella

Executed product strategy, planned and managed road map for Solar SaaS engineering teams. Uncovered customer pain points and industry trends. Led cross-functional teams across 55-person start-up to create solar energy platform. Managed bi-weekly feature releases to drive growth and keeping ahead of the competition.

* Delivered innovative products, expanding market user adoption in first 6 months, by developing and executing revised product roadmap, aligned to company goals and customer needs, increasing leads generated 23% and PV system installations 1.1K.

* Developed and executed product roadmap, aligning with company goals and customer needs, reducing the 500+ backlog items to 75 actionable features

* Implemented agile product development methods, resulting in a 4 capability teams focused on core product lines which created 2 week release windows

* Collaborated with sales & marketing, product engineering, and field operations teams to develop effective roll-out strategies that minimized inventory costs

Geostellar pioneered big-data geomatics to make solar energy accessible, affordable and plentiful. The company is the recipient of numerous awards, including selection as an IHS Energy Innovation Pioneer, the Global Cleantech100, the Global Cleantech Cluster Association's Best of Solar, and the Always On Going Green Global 2000.

Director Product Management (field operations)

Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.

User Experience Design with Mentoring of Agile Teams

Led user and client meetings, collected and analyze product data to determine product feasibility. Created personas, task scenarios, and navigation & solution hierarchies. Helped wireframe and prototype product with various levels of field study and usability testing to ensure ease of use.

* Launched 3 internationalized websites by placing end user in focus during entire design process.

* Co-developed new hybrid approach for agile project delivery across 8 scrum teams, reducing backlogged features 35% and team churn, and delivering more user-friendly solution.

* Decreased slack time between feature start by developers 3 days due to better requirements definition

* Wireframed and prototype the product with various levels of field study or usability testing to ensure ease of use and feasibility.

* Worked with design teams and developers to successfully launch a new partner website.

* Invented user-centered design processes and methodologies that worked within the corporate environment.

User Experience Manager with focus on wireframes, user experience, and mentoring agile teams. Examples of websites where I was the UX Lead include https://www.ameriprise.com/ and https://www.columbiathreadneedleus.com/.

Manager User Experience (product delivery)

Verisae | an Accruent company

Drove platform capabilities guided by roadmap aligned with company goals and customer needs. Conducted market research, identifying gaps in market and helped UX / UI designers better understand how research, feature value, and engineering effort connected.

* Increased market share 20% by conducting thorough market research and competitor analysis to identify opportunities for product innovation.

* Collaborated with key stakeholders, customers, and cross-functional product teams to iterate product and establish tracking metrics, improving user satisfaction ratings 30%.

* Developed and executed public relations plan with industry experts at Gartner, Forrester, and others resulting in several magazine publications and placement of Verisae in the top quadrant of energy and sustainability SaaS platforms.

As an Information Architect then promoted to Digital Product Manager, IOT Energy Management, I help design how to make the right content and features available to the right people at the right time. 

My role involved the development of content systems and product features that help users find and manage asset, energy, and environmental data and access insights through business intelligence more successfully across the Accruent IoT SaaS platform.

Verisae is a provider of technology (...purchased by Accruent) and services for big retailers, manufacturers and other complex organizations. They do one thing better than anyone else. They  help our clients manage energy, maintenance, GHG emissions, and environmental performance through a single set of closely related technologies, connected devices, and IoT innovation.

Lead Digital Product Manager (energy IoT & SaaS)

The Ground Beneath Leadership Is Shifting

If you’ve ever felt the pressure to lead through uncertainty without a map, welcome. This is where we draw the new ones. AI isn’t knocking politely at the door. It’s rewiring how teams operate, how decisions get made, and how value is created.

Old playbooks don’t bend. They break. And the burden of clarity? It’s falling squarely on you.

If you’re the one responsible for making sense of chaos for integrating new tech, managing team emotions, aligning systems, and staying strategic without burning out, then AILKEMY was built with you in mind.

You’re not a passive observer of change. You’re the one others look to when everything changes. 

AILKEMY exists to help you build that kind of organization. We don’t hype tools. We train humans to lead through disruption.

Why Read AILKEMY? 

AI won’t replace you. But teams who master human–AI collaboration will. This isn’t about man versus machine. It’s about hybrid orchestration, the art of blending automation with empathy, speed with systems thinking, and clarity with courage.

Who Reads AILKEMY? 

AILKEMY is written for the most accountable people in the room—those who don’t have the luxury of waiting for certainty. Whether you lead others, build products, run a team, or want to stay relevant, it helps you lead with clarity, not chaos.

Why I Publish AILKEMY?

I’m Daniel Stouffer. I’m an author of dozens of nonfiction books, a systems thinker, a firefighter, and a futurist. I’ve helped leaders navigate disruption for two decades, not from a theory lab, but from the front lines of change: in startups, classrooms, fire stations, and boardrooms.

I write AILKEMY because I’ve lived the pressure of needing answers when the playbook no longer works. I know what it feels like to be the one people look to in moments of uncertainty. 

This newsletter, and the “Insights-as-a-Service (AIS) we’re launching, is my way of offering a lifeline of clarity, one issue at a time.

https://news.ailkemy.com

Daniel Stouffer

The Real Story Behind Amazon’s Massive Job Cuts

Amazon’s CEO Andy Jassy didn’t hide the reason. He told employees that “AI adoption and improved productivity” would lead to job reductions. Translation: AI agents are doing work humans used to do — faster, cheaper, and without vacation days.

This isn’t new…

AILKEMY Co-Founder, Author, and GenAI Marketer. ╰(*°▽°*)╯ “Think Further. Build Smarter. Lead Human.”

Open article: How Amazon’s 30,000 Layoffs Signal the End of Traditional Corporate Work by medium.com

How Amazon’s 30,000 Layoffs Signal the End of Traditional Corporate Work

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗜𝗴𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗔𝗜? 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗻𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗨𝗽 𝗧𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁

AI isn’t a “𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗱” anymore. 

It’s already shaping how teams make 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘀, 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀, and 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲. 

The leaders who understand this aren’t waiting for perfect timing; they’re adapting now.

And here’s the quiet tension most leaders feel but rarely say out loud:

What if the biggest threat to your organization isn’t AI… but staying locked into the same leadership style you used before it arrived?

That’s where 𝗔𝗜 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 steps in. Not as another loud, overhyped tech book, but as a simple, clear guide to help you lead with confidence in a world that’s moving faster every day. 

It’s built for leaders who want to stay 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗮𝗻𝘁, 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀, and 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀 through change without fear or confusion.

𝗕𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗶𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗶𝘁𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳, 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲.

https://lnkd.in/gFWwfjUn?

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 “𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗳𝘂𝗹” 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿?

We rarely talk about this on LinkedIn… but many top performers are driven not by passion, but by old survival instincts. 

You learn to excel because slowing down once felt unsafe. 

You smile because showing struggle wasn’t an option. 

You lead because being strong was the only role you ever knew.

And on the outside? You look unstoppable. On the inside? You’re exhausted from carrying a past your mind has outgrown… but your nervous system hasn’t.

This is where 𝗘𝗠𝗗𝗥 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆 becomes life-changing. It doesn’t force you to relive trauma, it helps your brain finally process it. The panic quiets. The perfectionism softens. Rest stops feel dangerous.

If you’ve ever wondered, “𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗼 𝗜 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀?”, the answer might not be mindset. It might be memory.

Real growth isn’t performing strength. It’s finally feeling safe enough to stop pretending.

https://surl.li/senksy

#EMDRTherapy #Traumahealing

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗜𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗬𝗼𝘂, 𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝘄

You’ve walked through fire.

You’ve sat in therapy with a trembling voice.

You’ve journaled the memories you once tried to outrun.

You’ve meditated long enough to meet both the storm and the silence inside you.

So why does doubt still whisper, “𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗜 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲?”

𝗕𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲. 𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝘆.

Your life isn’t defined by what happened to you,  it’s defined by the choices you make now.

What you think, commit to, and step into next determines whether you keep surviving… or finally start living.

https://lnkd.in/gCKdXbiD

𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘂𝗺𝗮 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗶𝘃𝗼𝗿𝘀: 

We look unbreakable in the daylight… yet it’s the quiet moments, hotel rooms, late evenings, and long drives where everything starts to slip.

𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗯𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝘃𝗲 𝗳𝗲𝗹𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗼𝗼.

That slow unraveling that doesn’t look dramatic from the outside but feels like your mind is picking a lock from within.

𝗡𝗼 𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗺𝘀. 𝗡𝗼 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀. 

Just a familiar pull toward the old escape route.

But what if the problem isn’t that you’re weak…what if your toolkit was simply never designed for the life you’re living now?

That question sits at the heart of 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆, the newest playbook in the Beyond Survival series, built not for the broken, but for the brilliantly functioning humans who are still carrying survival wiring.

𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗲. 𝗜𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆.

https://lnkd.in/gGG3pCdh

The question lingers in the air like static…

If AI can give all the answers, why do they still need us?

AI doesn’t steal your value. It revealed it.

Open article: Why AI Taking Your Old Job Makes You More Valuable Than Ever by kaperider.com

Why AI Taking Your Old Job Makes You More Valuable Than Ever

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺? 𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝘁?

Every expert knows this feeling.

Your wisdom is deep. Your story is powerful. Your impact is real.

But the book inside you?

It sits quietly in the background while you run the show, clients, operations, fires to put out, deadlines to meet. “𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗮𝘆” becomes a graveyard for brilliant ideas.

You don’t need more time.
You don’t need to become a writer.

You just need the right system that turns your knowledge into a scalable author business without you writing a single word.

That’s exactly what we built at 𝗚𝗵𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀.

If you’re ready to turn your expertise into authority, revenue, and a platform that works even when you’re not,  your book doesn’t have to wait anymore👇

Open article: How Ghostpartners Turns Your Wisdom Into A Scalable Business Without You Writing by articles.kaperider.com

How Ghostpartners Turns Your Wisdom Into A Scalable Business Without You Writing

𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗮 𝗽𝗶𝗲𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗲𝗹𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲… 𝘆𝗲𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄?

It hits all the right points, clear, concise, and persuasive.

But something’s off. Something human is missing. That spark that says this is real, this is lived, this is uniquely mine… It’s gone.

𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗜 promises speed, efficiency, and scale.
It can produce entire articles, emails, or marketing copy in seconds.

But at what cost?

Too often, it smooths over the quirks, the emotional inflections, the rhythm of your language, the imperfections that secretly make your writing magnetic.

And in a world where anyone can generate content in seconds,
𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗮 𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰.

Open article: When AI Writes, Who Speaks? How Generative AI Threatens Your Voice (And How to Reclaim It) by articles.kaperider.com

When AI Writes, Who Speaks? How Generative AI Threatens Your Voice (And How to Reclaim It)

𝗕𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁… 𝗶𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘁?

If you’re a small business owner, you know the drill:

You’re the 𝘀𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻, the 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿, the 𝗛𝗥 𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁, the operations team…and somehow still the one making dinner at 8 PM.

It’s not entrepreneurship. It’s exhaustion dressed as productivity.

And then people say, “𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗔𝗜!” As if that magically solves the overwhelm.

𝗔𝗜 𝗶𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴. 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗺𝗮𝗽 𝗶𝘀.

Small businesses don’t need another shiny trend.

They need clarity.
They need simplicity.
They need tools that remove pressure, not add more to your plate.

𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗿𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗸𝘆 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀, 𝗴𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘀𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲-𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀? 𝗢𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗮 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱?

https://lnkd.in/gPeDVJfu?

If the world moves this fast, why are we still following yesterday’s maps?

𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝗶𝘁. 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝗶𝘁.

And deep down, you know the truth:  𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗶𝘅𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻 𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲.

We need to teach young people how to 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸, 𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁, and 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺𝘀, not memorize solutions that might already be outdated.

What’s one way you’re helping your students, or your team, navigate a world that keeps changing?

Open article: Teach Self-Directed Orchestrators, Not Dependents by articles.kaperider.com

Teach Self-Directed Orchestrators, Not Dependents

We were told we could have it all: a 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫, a 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲, 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬, and a home that looked like a 𝐏𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝.

And for a while, we did.

Until the quiet moments started to feel unbearable.

You know the feeling, that anxious buzz beneath your skin, even when everything looks fine. You meet deadlines, remember the snacks, send the emails, show up with a smile… and still collapse at night, wondering why peace feels like something you’ll “earn” later.

It’s not you.

It’s the hustle.

Open article: Success Feels Like Survival: Why Moms Are Ditching the Hustle Habit for Inner Calm by rb.gy

Success Feels Like Survival: Why Moms Are Ditching the Hustle Habit for Inner Calm

𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐚𝐫 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐭 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞.

You didn’t fight your way to sobriety to survive it, did you?

You came this far to feel alive again, to wake up without the 𝐧𝐨𝐢𝐬𝐞, the 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐞, and the ache of pretending you’re “𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐞.” 

But if you’ve ever caught yourself white-knuckling through stress, biting back cravings, or wondering why peace still feels out of reach… maybe it’s time to ask a more complicated question:

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐦 𝐢𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧’𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠?

Open article: You’re Not Broken, You’re Wired: The Neuroscience of True Sobriety by articles.kaperider.com

You’re Not Broken, You’re Wired: The Neuroscience of True Sobriety

𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗥𝗠 𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝗵𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴?

Your CRM isn’t a graveyard. 𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗮 𝗴𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲. But only if you know how to listen.

Most leaders secretly assume the worst: 

Unqualified leads. 
Deals that never moved. 
Prospects who ghosted. 
Follow-ups that die somewhere between “𝗰𝗶𝗿𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸” and “𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻.”

We label these things as failures. 
We move on. 
We rebuild the pipeline from scratch. 
And we burn more money in the process. 

But what if those “𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀” aren’t dead at all? 

What if they’re patterns?
Signals.
Unclaimed revenue you already earned… but never collected?

This is where 𝗔𝗜-𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗲 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 (𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗢𝗽𝘀) flips the script.

Your business isn’t underperforming, your visibility is.

It’s time to illuminate what’s been sitting in your CRM all along.

https://lnkd.in/gFPgUn-4

𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗦𝗶𝘅-𝗙𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀! 

If you’re a 𝗻𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿, you’ve probably spent years polishing expertise, gathering stories, and collecting insights you know could help people. 

Yet your book still isn’t finished… or it’s published but not producing the clients, revenue, or impact you hoped for.

Here’s the truth most authors never hear:
𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺. 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺.

This book isn’t about chasing algorithms, pleasing gatekeepers, or throwing your manuscript into the void, hoping something magical happens.

𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲.

Open article: The Secret Every Six-Figure Author Knows (But You’ve Been Trained to Ignore) by articles.kaperider.com

The Secret Every Six-Figure Author Knows (But You’ve Been Trained to Ignore)

The latest essay in my 42 Essays Project is live: “When I Die?” 

It begins in a quiet room and ends with a posture you can live by. Evidence beyond the story. Practice beside philosophy. 

If you want a steady way to face endings and love better now, grab the complimentary copy and let’s talk about it.

https://lnkd.in/gEYTnUX7

A Field Guide for the Last Breath and Every Day Before It We measure a life in small sounds: the click of a defibrillator cart cooling in the hall, th

Open article: When I Die? by Daniel Stouffer • 3 min read

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗺𝘀 “𝗯𝘂𝘀𝘆,” 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝘀… 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗰𝗸?

Ever wondered why remote work feels 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 and 𝘀𝘂𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 at the same time?

Why is your team technically “𝗼𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲” yet somehow always behind?

Why does your workday stretch across time zones like a rubber band ready to snap?

"𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗻’𝘁 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸. 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸."

It revealed meetings masquerading as clarity. 
Urgency pretending to be progress. 
Teams running on fragments of attention instead of real flow.

If that hits a little too close to home… it should.

Welcome to 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀, the playbook for leaders who want momentum without burnout. Because work shouldn’t feel like you’re sprinting in sand ⬇️

https://lnkd.in/gaTZQNAh

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐣𝐨𝐛𝐬 𝐠𝐨 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐀𝐈 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦?

Remember your first job?
The shaky start. The kind manager. The lessons that shaped your career.

Now imagine that moment… no longer exists.

Because today, the first rung of the career ladder is gone.
AI agents now do what interns, assistants, and entry-level hires once did.

𝐍𝐨 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝. 𝐍𝐨 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐬. 𝐍𝐨 𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰.

If AI takes the first job, how do humans still begin?

We built hiring systems on “experience required.” But what happens when no one gets a chance to earn experience in the first place?

Read more in 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐫 at Amazon.

👉 https://lnkd.in/gQ5hWBft?

#BrokenLadder #FutureOfWork #ArtificialIntelligence

Remember your first job? 

That shaky start. The manager who showed you the ropes. The small mistakes that taught you big lessons.

Now imagine if that moment, that first chance, no longer existed.

Because in today’s world, it’s disappearing.

Open article: Broken Ladder: Rebuilding Human Beginnings in the Age of AI by danielstouffer.medium.com

Broken Ladder: Rebuilding Human Beginnings in the Age of AI

Another 3 a.m. zinger - Am I alone?

Let me name the first terror clearly. No one can live inside the full movement of your mind. Your thoughts, memories, and sensations are yours. Even the people who love you most cannot climb inside and steer. That privacy is real.

It's all good news once we learn how to hold it without fear.

Aloneness is not a defect. 

It is the space that lets just ‘being’ be truly meaningful...

https://lnkd.in/gK7nEZPv

A Field Guide to First-Person Terror At three in the morning, the ceiling turns into a sky without stars. The room feels bigger than your chest. You l

Open article: Am I Alone? by Daniel Stouffer • 2 min read

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐢𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐩. 𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐞’𝐯𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐧.

Generative AI has collapsed the 𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞, 𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐭, and 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲. Campaigns that once required endless approvals now go live in just days. Teams that once required an entire floor of desks now operate with precision, one strategist and one AI system at a time.

But here’s the question leaders can’t ignore:

𝐈𝐟 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭…
𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐮𝐩?
𝐎𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐭𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐛𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐤?

𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐈 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 isn’t just a guide. It’s a wake-up call. And for leaders bold enough to listen, it’s also a blueprint.

Open article: The Future of Marketing Is Faster Than You. Here’s How to Catch Up. by surl.li

The Future of Marketing Is Faster Than You. Here’s How to Catch Up.

Xocial Gong, LLC

At Xocial Gong, we help small business owners, startups, and freelancers build visibility, trust, and traction using LinkedIn — without relying on paid ads or complicated funnels. 

Our strategy is built around a simple truth: most people don't get business on LinkedIn because they’re using the wrong approach or none at all. We fix that by helping you optimize your profile, doing targeted outreach, and filling your calendar with meetings from prospects who are already interested in what you offer.

Our philosophy is rooted in the concept of the Link(Ed)In Net(Work)ER — also the title of my upcoming book. It’s about making genuine connections, doing the work that drives results, and using smart, human-first systems to grow your business.

What We Do:

Profile audits and optimization for visibility and credibility

Strategic outreach campaigns to connect you with decision-makers

Messaging frameworks that start real conversations

Calendar booking with qualified leads (no cold pitching, no fluff)

Ongoing support to keep your pipeline full and your presence sharp

Who We Serve:

Small business owners, solopreneurs, consultants, founders, and sales professionals who are ready to scale — and tired of being invisible online.

I don’t call myself a marketing expert or a sales guru. I’m just someone who cares, who’s done the work, still doing the work, learned what actually moves the needle, and now helps others do the same. That’s why I call myself the Chief Helpfulness Officer.

📲 Curious how we can help? Text me directly: +1 323-690-1659

Founder, Chief Helpfulness Officer

Iron Dog Fitness

I am the owner and founder of Iron Dog Fitness Personal Training.  I am a personal trainer with over 23 years of experience in the health and fitness industry.  My primary objective is to help you achieve your personal health and fitness goals. I don't put together a cookie-cutter workout and nutrition plan. I walk you through an initial assessment that is designed to target not just your goals but what you need to work on to assure a successful outcome specific to the plan we create together just for you.

USA Weightlifting Sports Performance Coach
International Kettlebell and Fitness Federation Certified Kettlebell Trainer
USATF Level 1 Coach
CIF Certified Coach

*Specialties: 
- Certified Kettlebell Trainer 
- Heavy Rope Training
- Optimum Performance Bodywork 
- Active Isolated Stretching Techniques 

For more information go to www.irondogfitness.com

Founder, Entrepreneur, Personal Trainer

Commerce Business Council

I proudly serve as a Ambassador as well being an active member of the Commerce Industrial Council Chamber assisting the chamber in the city of Commerce promote local business and build strong relationships with the community.  My services include assisting in promoting chamber events and informing members of the many benefits of chamber membership. My goal is to help every chamber member maximize the benefits of chamber functions as well as services provided and informing them of the many benefits available to them through the city.

Ambassador

I proudly serve as a Ambassador as well being an active member of the Commerce Industrial Council Chamber assisting the chamber in the city of Commerce promote local business and build strong relationships with the community. My services include assisting in promoting chamber events and informing members of the many benefits of chamber membership. My goal is to help chamber members maximize the benefits of chamber functions as well as services provided and informing them of the many benefits available to them throughout the city.

Ambassador Chair

AME -  Alliance of Multicultural Entrepreneurs 

Promote the vision of AME (Alliance of Multicultural Entrepreneurs), membership drive, social media marketing campaigns, seek sponsorship and facilitate networking events. Establishing and maintaining a strong business relationship between the business community and AME.

Board Of Directors

Board of Advisors

Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce

Volunteer in the promotion of the chamber, membership outreach, membership retention, event planning and organization and facilitation of networking events, grand openings and ribbon cuttings.

Project NEO

Outreach to the community to introduce them to the mission of Project NEO and it's free tutoring program for students of the Alhambra Unified School District. Fundraising, MC at events; help organize, coordinate and facilitate fundraiser events. 
Help with providing direction and making relevant decisions to grow and expand the mission of Project NEO to other community schools by providing a school-based learning program for at-risk youth.

President

Board of Director

Vice President

Santa Fe Springs Chamber of Commerce

As an Ambassador my responsibilities are to help facilitate chamber events, welcome and greet people as they arrive to chamber events as well as introduce prospective members including new members to current members.  My other responsibilites is to coach members on the benefits of chamber membership as well as introduce them to the various opportunities they have to get involved in activities of the chamber to help residents of the City of Santa Fe Springs.

MONTEREY PARK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Help with strategic planning for the advancement of the Chamber and member benefits. Establishing and maintaining a strong business relationship between the business community and the city of Monterey Park. Advise prospective members of the benefits of chamber membership and maximizing the results of participation. Membership retention and expansion. Establishing a healthy relationship amongst businesses and the community.

Executive Board Member

SOUTH GATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE A CORP

Primary function is to help the Executive Director in promoting the South Gate Chamber of Commerce, helping members understand the benefits of Chamber membership and introducing prospective members to the chamber. Assisting with chamber functions such as grand openings, open house, ribbon cutting and networking events. Help local businesses thrive in the community by building strong relationships within the community.

Board of Directors

LAPD Centurions Football

As part of the LAPD Centurions Football program my responsibilities primarily are to design and implememt a pre-season and in-season strength and conditioning program to help improve athletic skills, prevent injury and improve strength.

Head Strength & Conditioning Coach

Chief Helpfulness Officer at Xocial Gong LLC | LinkedIn Strategist | Community-Driven Brand Builder

What is a Personal Link(Ed)In Net(Work)ER?

Let’s break it down:
Link(Ed) = education, connection, access
Net(Work)ER = doing the work, increasing your net, becoming the responder who moves relationships forward

It’s a philosophy, a strategy, and the title of my upcoming book. (A free course is in the works too — stay tuned 📚👀.)

I started as a personal trainer with no marketing budget and no visibility. Before I even named my company Iron Dog Fitness, I had a tough realization: no one knew who I was. That sparked a journey of self-education and strategic experimentation.

I learned that Facebook creates awareness, LinkedIn builds trust, and newsletters keep you top of mind. I built my brand around these pillars, eventually growing from unknown to in-demand — and along the way, I helped others do the same.

As I volunteered with chambers of commerce and nonprofits, I used my newsletter and outreach to revive participation and drive real engagement. One councilmember even asked for my help on his mayoral campaign based on the transformation I sparked in his local chamber. That’s when I knew I wasn’t just promoting myself — I was building a repeatable system.

Today, I run Xocial Gong LLC, a LinkedIn-focused marketing agency for small business owners, startups, and freelancers — people like me, who wear too many hats and have too little time or budget.

Most of my clients don’t need to advertise on LinkedIn. They just need to optimize their profile, apply the right etiquette, and use proven outreach methods to get in the door with decision-makers.

That’s where we come in.

Xocial Gong is the “Link” and “Ed” educator that helps you get “In” with your ideal customers. We increase your “Net” profits by doing the “Work” for you on LinkedIn — using “ER” (Effective, Responsive) strategies to fill your calendar with quality leads who are already interested in what you offer.

Let’s connect if you’re ready to turn LinkedIn into your #1 relationship-building tool.
📲 Text me directly: 323-690-1659

Damien Orozco

This is so humbling and awesome. I was recently featured by the LinkedIn team in their “Community Member Spotlight” in Club Navigator Community.

Here is how this all got started: 

📧 Hi Damien,

I hope you’re having a good week!

I just reached out via LinkedIn. I’m Francesca, the new Community Manager in the Sales Navigator Community. I’ll be helping Eva to continue to grow and support the Community by providing opportunities for members to gain and share valuable insights. 

Over the past few months, we have been noticing your contributions and engagement in the Community, and we’d love to feature you in the next “Community Member Spotlight” that will be shared next week.

This totally caught me off guard, and quite honestly, my eyes got a little teary with happiness.

It's nice to be recognized for just being yourself. I do my best to share useful information and comment with valuable insights, and admittedly sometimes challenge a post.
#AttitudeofGratitude #Humbled #EntrepreneurLife #IAmI #BeYourSelf #StanSocialSprint

(5) LinkedIn

JSESSIONID

LinkedIn App Challenge

li_at

Sales Navigator

Chief Helpfulness Officer at Xocial Gong. Your personal Link(Ed)In Net(Work)ER. We hook'm, book'm and all you do is close'm. Let's grow your business. Find out how! 👉🏾📞🗣️💬 +1 323.690.1659

Looking for a way to fill your sales calendar without cold calls or awkward DMs? 👀

The old-school referral is still the most powerful growth engine for any small business.

But most people aren’t using it right on LinkedIn.

Here’s how to make referrals work for you (and for others):

1. Make it easy for people to refer you 
Don’t wait for someone to “remember” what you do. Share a simple one-liner about who you help and how. Post it on your profile and in your content. Example: “I help local gyms attract new members through social media.”

2. Ask directly – but make it specific 
A vague “Let me know if you hear of anyone” never works. Instead, try: 
“Do you know any gym owners who want more signups this month?” 
The more specific, the better the results.

3. Give referrals often 
Spot a need in someone’s network? Connect the dots. Comment on someone’s post with a tag and quick note. “@JaneSmith – thought of your bakery after reading this!” 
People remember those who help them win.

4. Use LinkedIn’s recommendation feature 
Take 5 minutes to write a LinkedIn recommendation for a client or partner. This is more public than a DM and gets noticed by their network, too.

5. Follow up with gratitude 
When someone sends a referral, thank them publicly (when appropriate) and privately. People are way more likely to refer again if they feel valued.

The best part? Referrals work both ways. The more you help others grow, the more growth comes back to you.

Want to keep your sales calendar full? 
Start by asking for one referral today—and give one to someone else in your network.

Who will you help next?

#StanSocialSprint #SmallBusinessTips #LeadGeneration #ReferralNetwork #LinkedInGrowth

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Ever get this advice? 👀🤔💭
"Just engage with your prospects' content, and you'll build relationships that turn into sales." 🤔

Here's the problem:

Most of my ideal clients on LinkedIn barely post. 
Some never post at all. 👀

So what do you do when there’s nothing to comment on? 
And your DMs are met with silence? 🦗

This is where most advice falls flat.

If you're selling to business owners, founders, or even busy execs, you’ll run into this all the time.

Here’s what actually works for me (and my clients):

1. Optimize your profile so it does the talking 

If your profile is clear, inviting, and focused on your buyer’s pain points, you become discoverable. 
Think of it as your 24/7 sales page. 🛠️ 
A good profile pulls people in, even without any outreach.

2. Post content that answers their silent questions
 
Most people don't post, but they do scroll. 
Share tips, quick wins, or stories that speak to the problems your ideal clients are facing. 
You might not see them like or comment, but they're paying attention. 👓

3. Use your network to get warm intros

If you have mutual connections, ask for a quick intro. 
People ignore cold DMs, but a warm intro from someone they trust cuts through.

4. Be visible in their circles

Join the same groups or events they attend. 
Show up to webinars, comment on company pages, or share their company’s updates. 
It’s about being seen, not just being in their inbox.

5. Give value before you ask for anything

Share a resource or insight that solves something for them, with zero pressure. 
No pitch, just help. 
That’s how you break the ice on LinkedIn—especially with people who don’t post or reply. 🧊

Bottom line:

Don’t wait for your prospects to make the first move, because most won’t.

Lead with value in your profile, your posts, and your approach. You’ll attract the right folks, even if they're silent.

This has opened more doors for me (and my clients) than any "just comment on their post" tactic ever has.

#LinkedInTips #LeadGeneration #RelationshipBuilding #SmallBusinessGrowth #StanSocialSprint

🚀 Zero Budget? No Problem! 3 Ways to Land Your First Clients (Without Spending a Dime!) 🚀

Just launched your dream business but your wallet's feeling a bit... empty? 💸 

Don't sweat it! As a entrepreneur who's seen businesses grow from zilch to empire, I know the first steps don't require cash, they require SMART action!

Here are my top 3 high-leverage, NO-COST strategies to attract your first paying clients:

1. 🗣️ Tap Your "Secret Sales Force": Your Network!

The Myth: You need new people.

The Reality: Your closest 100 contacts (and it can be as few as just 10) are your golden ticket! 

👉🏾 Friends, family, former colleagues 😃, they know you, trust you, like you, and are waiting to help.

Action: Reach out for advice, not a sale! "Hey, I just launched [Your Cool Business]! Could I get your quick feedback on my new website? Who do you know that needs [Your Solution to a Major Problem]?"

Why it works: It removes pressure, gets referrals, and refines your pitch!

2. 💡 Become the "Free Problem Solver": Content is King (When It's Smart!)

The Myth: You need a huge marketing budget.

The Reality: Your expertise is FREE marketing! Pick ONE platform (LinkedIn, FB Group, Reddit Forum, etc.) where your ideal clients hang out.

Action: Dedicate 1 hour daily to solving tiny problems for free. 

Share actionable tips, answer questions generously. (E.g., "The #1 subject line for cold emails is...")

Why it works: You build undeniable authority. When people see you solve small things for free, they'll PAY you to solve the big ones!

3.🤝 "Coffee & Collaboration": Partner Up, Don't Compete!

The Myth: You have to do it all alone.

The Reality: Other businesses serve your exact client, but offer different services! Think accountants + financial planners, designers + copywriters, personal trainers + lifestyle coach, etc.

Action: Find 3 non-competing businesses. Propose a mutual referral system. "My clients need [their service], and I'd love to confidently refer them to you, vice versa!"

Why it works: Instant access to qualified leads, built on mutual trust. It's like borrowing a sales team for free!

Remember: Your budget is zero, but your ingenuity and hustle are limitless! 

Which one are you tackling first? Let me know below! 👀🤔😃👇🏾

NOTE: Use this strategy even if you've been in business for a while but haven't worked with those in your inner circle to grow your businesses together.
#SmallBusiness #Startup #Entrepreneurship #ZeroBudgetMarketing #ClientAcquisition #BusinessTips #GrowthHacking #NoCostMarketing #BusinessStrategy #StanSocialSprint

🚨 Hot take: AI is EVERYWHERE, even in sales, trust has become rarer (and more valuable!) than ever.

I just finished reading this piece from LinkedIn, and wow, the future of B2B sales isn’t about who has the flashiest tech or the cheapest price. Now that buyers can fact-check, compare, and analyze every seller with just a few clicks (thanks, ChatGPT 👀), the real differentiator is human expertise.

Buyers want more than data 👉🏾 they want CONFIDENCE. 

That moment before they sign? They're asking, “Will I get blamed if this goes wrong?” 

Turns out, 86% say expertise is the biggest trust driver. 
Only 45% trust sellers. 
Ouch. That’s our opportunity to shine 🚀

Let’s focus on real insights, peer recommendations, and building that career-defensible confidence. 

If AI can answer a question, make sure you’re the one that can solve the problem!

Curious about how to become a trusted advisor in the AI era? Check out LinkedIn’s research (it’s worth your morning coffee): Source -> https://lnkd.in/gZAHDwKq
#Sales #AI #Trust #Expertise #B2B #FutureOfSales #StanSocialSprint

Ever heard this LinkedIn myth?
"You only get one shot to send a connection request. If they ignore it, you're done." ❌

Not true at all. 😏

Here’s how it actually works:

You CAN send another connection request, if you really want to. But here’s what you have to do:

👉🏾 Withdraw your first request (yep, you can do this in your Sent Invites) 📨 
👉🏾 Wait a little over 3 weeks (LinkedIn cools things off) ⏳ 
👉🏾 Now you can try again 🔄

Why try a second time?

Maybe your request got lost in their notifications, or the timing was off. 📬 People get busy. Sometimes, your profile or message has changed, and it might be more relevant now. ✨

Other times, you’ve built a bit more of a presence or mutual connections, so your re-attempt feels warmer. It can work. 🤝

But... should you always try again?

Not always.

If someone ignored your first request because they didn’t see value in connecting, sending another invite without changing your approach is just spammy. 🚫 If you don’t have a good reason, or if nothing has changed, don’t bother. 🙅🏾♂️

What to do differently on round two?

👉🏾 Personalize your next message 🗣️ 
👉🏾 Reference something new or relevant 📰 
👉🏾 Show actual interest, not just “let’s connect” 👀

LinkedIn isn’t just about numbers. It’s about real, human connections. If you really want to connect, put in the effort. 💡

The bottom line: Don’t let myths stop you from building your network. Just be smart about your follow-up. 🧠

Ready to take a second shot (the right way)? 🎯

Try this out and let me know how it goes. 👋🏾

#LinkedInMyths #LeadGeneration #RelationshipBuilding #NetworkingTips #PersonalBrand

Why LinkedIn doesn't work for me.

I hear this one all the time.

Here’s the funny part: It’s usually not LinkedIn. It’s how we’re using it.

Let’s break down the most common excuses (or reasons) and how to fix them.

1. "No one sees my posts."

Try mixing things up. Post content that actually solves a problem for your network. Use questions or share a quick story. Stories and solution-based content always get more attention. 💡

2. "I get connections, but no messages."

Don’t just collect contacts; start real conversations! Send a friendly note. Ask what they’re working on. Be curious, not salesy! 🫱🏾🫲🏾

3. "I post, but no one engages."

Do you engage with others first? Comment on their stuff. Give before you ask. LinkedIn rewards people who act like humans, not robots. 😄

4. "LinkedIn is full of spam."

True, sometimes. But you control your feed. Unfollow, block, or mute the noise. Connect with people who actually care about their work and reputation. 🧹

5. "It takes too much time."

You don’t have to spend hours here. Fifteen minutes a day gives you enough time to comment, post, and connect. Small actions add up over time. ⏰

Bottom line: LinkedIn actually works👉🏾 if you do. If you want to win a game, you have to show up. Swap the excuses for small habits that build trust and real relationships.

Sounds simple, but it’s proven to work time and time again.

#LinkedInTips #LeadGeneration #SmallBusinessGrowth #BrandBuilding #RelationshipMarketing #StanSocialSprint

Ever get a random cold call and cringe a little (actually probably a lot)?

Let’s be real: cold calling feels like knocking on doors people want to keep shut. 😮

But here’s what makes LinkedIn different. 🤔

On LinkedIn, you can actually build a relationship before pitching anything. 
It’s like showing up to someone’s party with something to add, not just a sales script.

Here’s the difference:

Cold Calling 

Pros:

🤔 Sometimes it’s the only way to reach prospects who aren’t on LinkedIn.
😃 If you’re quick and clear, you can get immediate answers.
😃 Builds phone confidence and grit.

Cons:

👉🏾 You interrupt someone’s day
👉🏾 They don’t know you or trust you.
👉🏾 You have seconds to make it work, or you’re out.


Relationship Building on LinkedIn 

Pros:

😃 You start with value, not a pitch.
👀 People see your name and face before you ever start a conversation
🗣️You can comment, share, and connect long before you ever “sell”.
🤗 Turns a cold call into a warm call if your prospect connects with you here.

Cons:

☹️ Not every ideal prospect is active on LinkedIn or even has an account. ⏰ Building genuine relationships takes time and consistency.

Bottom line:
 
There’s still a place for cold calling, especially for prospects who live off LinkedIn. 
But when you connect on LinkedIn first, your “cold” calls can suddenly feel a lot warmer.

Stop being a stranger. Start being a connection people actually want.

Have any tips you'd like to share 🤔 Drop them below 👇🏾
#LinkedInTips #LeadGeneration #RelationshipMarketing #BusinessGrowth #SmallBusiness #StanSocialSprint

Ever stared at your LinkedIn post, counting Likes and wondering what you’re missing? 👀

It’s easy to get stuck in the “Like trap”. A post takes off, and you start thinking you’ve cracked the code. Or... you get ten Likes and start doubting every word.

But here’s what most people get wrong about Likes 🤯 Likes are not a trophy, and they’re definitely not a sign you’ll win new business. ☹️

A Like can mean a lot of things:

👉🏾 Someone agrees with you (or barely reads it, hits Like, moves on)
👉🏾 They want you to notice them (they might be trying to win your business)
👉🏾 They're supporting the person you tagged or the event you shared
👉🏾 They're trying to get the attention of your network
👉🏾 They're your fans, and they love your content (could be prospects, power partners, or customers cheering you on)
👉🏾 Or, sometimes, accidentally hit the "Like" button.

None of these means they’re about to become your next client.

So, what do you really need to track if you want to see growth and land real leads? 📈👀🤔💭

Watch for the things that happen behind the scenes:

👉🏾 Are more people checking your profile after a post?
👉🏾 Did views on your 'Featured' section or 'Services' page jump?
👉🏾 Did you get more connection requests, or even better, more DMs with real questions?
👉🏾 Are people actually commenting, therefore starting conversations?

The best signals are off the main stage. The DM that says “I liked your post, can we chat?” is worth 100 Likes. 💬

So next time you post, don’t sweat a low Like count. Obsess over the right metrics: Profile views. DMs. The way people talk to you after they see your content.

If you want to stop chasing vanity metrics and start building real business through LinkedIn, send me a DM, or drop a comment below, and let’s talk strategy.

#LinkedInTips #LeadGeneration #BrandBuilding #BusinessGrowth

A cartoon of a young Mexican boy working on his computer in a traditional Mexican coffee shop. A cup of coffee, a kitten, and a Mexican sweet bread are on the table next to his laptop.

Ever look up in December and wonder where the year went? 🎯⏳

I think every small business owner does.

Eleven months fly by before you even realize it. Some things go exactly as planned. Others... not so much. 🤷‍♂️

Maybe you finally nailed that new outreach strategy. 💡 Or grew your LinkedIn presence and brought in new leads. 📈 Maybe you tried something bold that just didn’t hit like you hoped. 😅

The wins and the misses both count. Looking back, those “off-script” moments usually teach us way more than any plan ever could.

What worked for you this year? ✔️  
What surprised you? 🤔  
What totally flopped? ❌

Now’s the time to take stock so you can use every single lesson in December. There’s still a whole month left to finish strong. 💪🎉

December doesn’t have to be about slowing down. It can be your best month, if you want it to be. 🌟

So here’s what I’m doing: looking at the results, tweaking what didn’t work, doubling down on what did, and using every lesson to push harder this last month. 🔄

What about you?  
What’s one lesson you learned in the past 11 months, or what are you planning to do differently in December? 📝

Let’s hear it. Your reflection might help someone else wrap up the year on a high note. 🚀✨

#SmallBusiness #EntrepreneurLife #LinkedInTips #YearEndReflection #StanSocialSprint

You want more likes, comments, and shares? Stop overcomplicating it.

You don’t need a massive following or to be the next social media wizard.

Here’s the real game:

👉🏾 Talk like you talk. Forget the LinkedIn "professional voice." Just be human. 
👉🏾 Grab attention with your first line. Boring opening? Nobody reads the rest. 
👉🏾 Tell a quick story or use a real-life example. Nobody remembers a faceless company post. 
👉🏾 Ask for opinions, not just a yes or no. Smart questions pull people in. 
👉🏾 Use short paragraphs. If people have to squint on their phone, they’ll scroll right past you. 
👉🏾 Reply to every comment. If you don’t care enough to join the conversation, why should anyone else? 
👉🏾 Drop a useful tip or quick win. People remember you when you help them. 
👉🏾 Show up often. The post you never hit "publish" on does nothing.

None of this is rocket science.

Stop chasing "hacks" 🚫

Care about your audience, write like a real person, and show up. 💡

Do that, and engagement follows. 🚀

And if they don't comment and all you hear is crickets 🦗🦗🦗👂🏾👀, 
trust me, they're lurking. 😂

Which tip are you going to try first? 🤔

#LinkedInTips #ContentCreation #PersonalBranding #LeadGeneration #SocialSelling #StanSocialSprint

What's the fastest way you've seen someone accidentally break trust online? 🤔 I'm talking about the kind of trust built in DMs and comments, not contracts👇🏾

The kind that happens in the comments section, or in a DM that starts with, "Hey, I saw your post and..." 💬

Trust on LinkedIn isn’t built overnight. It’s not a switch you flip with a clever headline or a fancy banner image. 💡

It’s built in the little moments. The way you respond to someone’s story. The time you take to answer a question, even if there’s nothing in it for you. 💖

I’ve seen people try to shortcut this. Automated messages. Copy-paste pitches. It’s like trying to microwave a home-cooked meal. Sure, it’s fast, but it never tastes right. 🤢

The truth is, people can smell inauthenticity from a mile away. And once you lose trust, it’s almost impossible to get it back. ❌

So if you want to build a brand that lasts, start with trust. Show up. Listen. Give more than you take. 🎁

It’s slower, yeah. But it’s the only way I know that actually works. ✨

And honestly, it feels a lot better, too. 😊

What small, consistent action do you take every week to build authentic trust with your network? Share your best tip below!

#TrustBuilding #LinkedInTips #AuthenticityMatters #PersonalBranding
#ContentStrategy

Hey Small Business Owner, Entrepreneurs, & Freelancers. Let's shine together.

Let's try something new and unique today. Post your Black Friday Deal below. 
Here are all the rules:
(1) No business opportunity posts
(2) Share the regular price and what the Black Friday price is
(3) Tell us a little bit about the product or service.
(4) Help people understand how your product or service helps them.
Happy Posting
#SupportSmallBusiness #ShopSmall

You got some likes, comments, & shares on your last post. Amazing. 😃

Did it pay the electric bill? Probably not. 🤯

The most frustrating feeling for a small business owner is seeing high social media engagement but zero movement in the bank account. ☹️

The problem is usually that you are optimizing for Vanity Metrics instead of Buying Signals.📈📊🚦

If you want to know whether your content is actually generating sales leads, stop looking at the heart icon and start looking for these specific clues. 🕵🏽‍♂️

Here is the hierarchy of social media signals, from "noise" to "next customer":

🚫 THE NOISE (Low Intent)

👉🏾 A "Like" 👍🏾 or "Heart." 💖
👉🏾 Generic comments like "Great post! 🔥" or "So true!"
(These help the algorithm, but they don’t pay the bills.)

🤔 THE SILENT CONSIDERATION (Medium Intent)

These are hidden signals that show someone is evaluating your expertise for later.

🗝️ High "Save" Counts: A Save means, "I need this, but I can't implement it right now." They are flagging themselves as a future customer.
🤐 Private Shares: You see zero public reposts, but your analytics show 20 "Shares" (a.k.a. Dark Social). This means your content is being DM'd privately between decision-makers or partners.

💰 THE BUYING SIGNALS (High Intent)
The best leads often show up as "barriers to entry" in the comments. They have a specific hurdle they need you to remove so they can proceed with the purchase.

👉🏾 The Logistics Check: "Do you serve clients in [Location]?" or "Is this available for Mac users?"

👉🏾 The Availability Check: "Are you taking on new projects for Q4?"
👉🏾 The Implementation Question: "How would this strategy apply if my business is in [Specific Niche]?"

But the obvious 'Buying Signal' is when someone privately sends you a message inside your LinkedIn Inbox (or InMail), Emails you directly, calls you directly, or uses some other direct form of communication, such as your other social media accounts. 🗣️📞😃 That's a BIG WIN 🥳

The Takeaway:

If you are only getting hearts, your content is entertaining.
If you are getting specific questions, your content is selling.

Go check the comments on your last three posts. Are they noise, or are they signals?

👇🏾 Which of these "buying signals" do you see most often on your profile? Let me know below.
#SocialSelling #LinkedInStrategy #SmallBusinessTips #LeadGeneration #StanSocialSprint

Let’s talk about the one thing killing your LinkedIn profile faster than a bad headshot. 🚫📸

Writing your About section like it’s a press release.

Seriously, stop talking about yourself in the third person. 🤷‍♂️
It’s not building trust.
It’s just weird.

“John is a visionary leader...” 🙄
Who actually talks like that?

Here’s the real secret: your About section isn’t a résumé.
It’s a handshake. 🤝

Your "About" section is your shot to actually connect with another person. 👋

If your About sounds like a Wikipedia page, you’re missing the point.

Your prospects don’t care about buzzwords or how many industry awards you “seamlessly leveraged.” 🏆

Your prospects care if you understand their headaches. 😓
If you can relate.

Try this:

👉🏾 Share a real story about a problem you solved (or solve). 💡
👉🏾 Talk about why you love what you do. ❤️
👉🏾 Make it obvious you’re an actual human, not a corporate robot in a suit. 🤖

Easy test: read your "About" section out loud. 🗣️
If you wouldn’t say those words to a potential client over coffee, it's time to rewrite it.

Personal wins trust. 🏆
Trust brings business. 💼
Stop hiding behind stiff text.

Go review your profile. 🔍
Be brave.
Make it real.

And if you’re brave enough, drop a before and after in the comments. 📝

Let’s see who sounds more like a person than a press release. Feel free to criticize mine as well. I occasionally update it because I'm never happy with what I wrote a month ago. 😂

#LinkedInTips #PersonalBranding #StanSocialSprint #LeadGeneration #SmallBusinessGrowth

A cartoon image of a shocked Mexican campesino boy staring at his screen, which shows a bad LinkedIn profile. A kitten is on the table, looking at him. A spilled cup of coffee on the table with a Mexican concha sweet bread. He is inside an old traditional Mexican coffee shop.

🤒 Turning Sick Days into "Get Ahead" Days! 🚀

Feeling under the weather and stuck at home? While resting is essential, sometimes those couch-bound hours can be a secret weapon for tackling tasks you usually put off!

Instead of letting the guilt of missing work pile up, use that low-energy time to catch up on those low-stakes, high-impact administrative tasks that don't require peak focus:

📧 Email Triage: Aim for Inbox Zero! Delete junk, file old messages, and draft quick replies.
📞 Lead Follow-Up: Send those "checking in" emails or messages to cold/warm leads you've been meaning to contact. No big pitches, just simple outreach.
✍️ Content Outlining: Brainstorm and outline future blog posts, social media content, or presentations.
📊 Simple Data Entry/Organization: Clear out your desktop files or finally organize that cloud storage.

Think of it as "Productive Puttering." Grab a cozy blanket, sip some tea, and chip away at the little things. You'll feel better and come back to work with a cleaner slate!

What's one tiny task you're going to tackle today? Let me know in the comments! 👇
#SickDayProductivity #WorkFromHomeHacks #SmallWins #BusinessTips #GetAhead #StanSocialSprint

"Consistency is everything." Or is it? I challenge this thought. 🤔

That phrase gets repeated all the time, like it's the magic answer to every problem.

But let’s be real for a second.

Just being consistent doesn’t guarantee you’ll get the results you want. In fact, some forms of consistency can actually keep you stuck. 🛑

Here’s what I mean.

You can show up every day, do the same outreach, post the same stuff, use the same strategy over and over... and not move the needle. 

That’s what I call bad consistency: doing the same thing on loop, even when it’s not working, just to check off a box. 

Good consistency looks different.
It’s about creating a steady rhythm, but it’s also about making tweaks, learning from mistakes, and adjusting as you go. 🔄

It’s testing what works, then repeating the right things.

It’s being consistent with your growth, not just your habits.

I see small business owners fall into the trap of “just post every day” or “just send the same message to 100 people.” They stay busy, but wonder why nothing changes. 

It’s not about grinding the same way, every day, no matter what.

It’s about being consistent with the right actions—and not being afraid to change course when you see something isn’t working. 

The truth: Consistency matters. But if you’re not paying attention to results, you’re just wasting your time. ⏳

Consistency isn’t everything.
Curiosity, flexibility, and improvement matter just as much.

How do you know when your consistency is helping—or holding you back?
#LinkedInTips #BusinessGrowth #LeadGeneration #ContentStrategy
#SmallBusiness #StanSocialSprint

If you're a Los Angeles local and we haven't met, let's turn that around and meet in person and get to know each other at the Alignable Alliance of Commerce IN-PERSON networking event hosted by Yalda Noorzai & City National Bank in the City of Commerce and organized by Damien Orozco of Xocial Gong, LLC, Ambassador of Alignable.

WHEN: Wednesday, November 12th, from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM 
WHERE:  City National Bank
5601 E Slauson Avenue, Suite 100, 
Commerce, CA 90040 

COST: FREE for all Alignable and Non-Alignable members (MUST RSVP via provided link)

NOTE: If you are not a member of Alignable, set up a FREE account and come back to this post to RSVP. 

Scan the QR Code for easy registration. 👇🏾

#Alignable #CityNationalBank #XocialGong #BusinessMixer

You've likely read this advice so often that it's like trying to listen to an old, broken record that keeps repeating itself. (Where's that cool record emoji 😡🎵)

It's one of the most common pieces of LinkedIn advice out there:

"Engage with your dream clients' content by jumping into their comments." 

How are you supposed to comment on your ideal client's posts... when they never actually post?

Sounds great in theory. 

Spoiler Alert 🤯 Most of the business owners, founders, and decision-makers I want to work with? 👀

They barely post. Sometimes, they don’t post at all.

Maybe they hit "like" once in a while.
Maybe they reshare a viral article (sometimes that is all they do) once every blue moon.
But genuine, personal posts?
Pretty rare.

So what then? 
Do you hope they’ll magically start posting so you can finally engage? 👀😂
No way.

Here’s what actually works if your target clients are mostly silent on LinkedIn:

👉🏾 Focus on profile optimization 
Make sure your profile reads like a landing page, is completely filled out like a job application, and shines like an awesome resume. ✨

Speak directly to the pain points and goals of your ideal customers. 

If someone checks your profile after a cold outreach or a mutual connection, they should instantly see what you do and how you help.

👉🏾 Show up where they’re already active 
Look for industry groups, event pages, or comment threads where your target audience is likely to be present AND lurking.

Maybe they’re not posting, but they might be reading. 
Drop insights, help solve problems, and be visible in those spaces.

👉🏾 Consistent outbound with a human-first approach. 
Most of my new clients show up in the DMs, not the feed. 
Hint: Sometimes they even call. 📞

Send connection requests with a personal note. 
Reference something specific and keep it, well, actually human.
No templates, no generic pitches.

👉🏾 Use content as your signal; not theirs 
If your dream clients aren’t creating content, you have a clear lane to stand out.

Share short stories, quick tips, or behind-the-scenes moments that speak to their world.

That gets you on their radar, especially if your content aligns with the questions or challenges they’re quietly facing.

👉🏾 Add value without expectations 
Share resources, invite them to roundtables, webinars, or networking events. 
Mention them (thoughtfully) in your posts (there is a cool way to do this. Type 'secret' in the comments if you want me to inbox you the secret sauce). 
You don’t need to wait for them to post first to start building a relationship.

The truth is, most people aren’t creating content. 
But that doesn’t mean you shouldn't.

Be proactive about how you show up, start conversations, and add value; even if you’re the only one talking at first.

That’s how you become top of mind and turn silent scrollers (and even lurkers) into interested leads.
#LinkedInTips #LeadGeneration #RelationshipMarketing #BrandBuilding #StanSocialSprint

🚨MAJOR LINKEDIN MISTAKE🚨 I keep seeing. 👀
Are you guilty of this? 🤯

Newbies and old account holders alike are suddenly trying to chase “overnight success” on LinkedIn. 🚀

Most skip the part where you actually have to do the work. 💪

It’s not about flooding the feed or copying influencer hacks.
It’s about showing up for real. 🙋

Forget padding your timeline to trick the algorithm. 🤖

Get clear on who you want in your corner. 🤝
Study their profiles.
Listen to what they talk about, what gets them fired up, what problems keep coming up.

Shape your content around their pain points. Think this idea is crazy?
Stop faking it; instead, tune in. 👂

Rewriting your “About” section won’t magically create trust.
People can sniff out who’s genuinely curious versus who’s just showing off.
Your profile is your FREE virtual storefront. 🏬 Each word and every line counts. If you're like me, emojis count too (I like to add a little color and fun).

You want people to see something real, not a staged window display.

Here’s where most folks mess up:
They think hustle is about volume.

You win by showing up in the right conversations, with the right perspective. 🗣️

Drop insights where your crowd actually gathers.

Listen first.
Respond thoughtfully.
Don’t just post. Engage with others on LinkedIn.

Those “community-building blueprints” everyone’s selling?
They feel fake when it’s all algorithm games and recycled DMs. 🤷♂️
Automated outreach will never beat a smart reply that lands on someone’s thread, public or private. ✍️

Building real trust isn’t a weekend project.
You earn it one relationship at a time, quarter after quarter. ⏳

Count the number of people who actually know your work and trust you.
Then focus on growing that number, even if it’s slow.

That’s the agency you have: growing a real following, not just a big one.

Everything else? 🤔💭 It’s background noise.

Ready to ignore the noise and build something real?
Who’s actually tried this and seen the difference?
Challenge my suggestion in the comments. I'm okay with that, because there is always room to grow.

#LinkedInTips #TrustBuilding #RelationshipMarketing #AuthenticBranding #CommunityGrowth #StanSocialSprint

taplio

The Battle

Daniel Stouffer

Damien Orozco

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance ScoreDaniel Stouffer's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreDamien Orozco's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

taplio

The Battle

Daniel Stouffer

Damien Orozco

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Daniel Stouffer's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreDamien Orozco's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

Performance ScoreDaniel Stouffer's LinkedIn Performance