The #1 Done-For-You LinkedIn Growth System for Execs & Visionaries | We Don’t Just Advise, We Execute | Clients Gained 1M+ Followers in 2024 & 6-7 Figure Deals with Nike, NASA, US Army & More | Book Your Strategy Call 👇

After 10+ years building 15+ award-winning brands, and fueling 8-figure exits, I realized I was playing too small..

I craved a bigger impact.

So I launched Brain Apes to serve visionary founders and execs who want real traction and more influence, without endless trial and error.

What we do:

→ We blend real-world business development and social media expertise, no “copy/paste” course nonsense here.

→ We live in the trenches, delivering presence, strategy, and results that speak for themselves:

🥇 Scaled an org to 200+ employees
🥇 Got a franchise acquired for 8 figures
🥇 Built 37 award-winning brands in 2024
🥇 Added 1M+ followers to clients in 2024 alone
🥇 Fundraised $300K+ in wellness tech pre-seed
🥇 Built a portfolio of award-winning cannabis brands
🥇 Elevated 20+ coaches to 4-5-figure offers that sell
🥇 Managed and monetized 6, 7 and 8-figure audiences
🥇 Helped a local biz win 85+ awards (most in the state)
🥇 Scaled multiple retail & service-based businesses to 7/8+ figures and win awards 

What clients say:

“Working with you in 2024 was so helpful for account growth for my co-founder and me. In total, we added over 40,000 followers and generated millions of impressions. It also helped us raise funds for Prescribe Life—we’re over halfway through our $500K pre-seed raise. You and your team were awesome!”
– Oli J., Co-Founder of Prescribe Health

“Thanks to the offer stack you helped me build, I’ve been closing $20K offers. Also, I can’t believe how quickly you grew my LinkedIn: 0 to 8K in just a few months! You seriously delivered.”
– XK, Founder & Master Coach

“One of THE BEST decisions for my business and life! It’s only been seven days and my LinkedIn is exploding: at least 10X reach, more high-quality interactions, and tons more calls booked for my publishing services!”
– Ben Gioa, Founder of Leadership Awake LLC

Our formula:

1. Nail your positioning and offer
2. Boost content performance
3. Go on offense and get attention

You could spend 120+ hours a week to figure it all out…

Or let us handle everything for you.

(Our Strategy + Your Expertise) x Our Team = Audience Growth & Revenue.

→ We don’t work with everyone.
→ We always have a waitlist.
→ We’re not cheap, but we deliver on our promises (and then some).

Ready for massive results and unstoppable growth?

Book a free executive strategy call with me. 
I’ll give you clarity, no punches pulled.. 

And if we’re a good fit, we’ll craft an offer to work together.

Ready to see what’s possible for your brand in the next 90 days?

Claim your spot here:
brainapes.com/strategy

Jordan Murphy 🧠🦍

He's Not Working Harder. He's Working Smarter.

A solo landscaper. Affixes a self-propelling mower to a rope tied to a post.

Sends it on its way. It wraps around the post, pulling closer with each lap.

Covers the whole inner field.

While it works, he jumps on his ride-on mower. Zips around covering other areas.

Weed wacker comes out. Polishing the work as the mower finishes the innermost area.

Boom. Job done.

He's not working harder. He's working smarter.

This is what leverage actually looks like.

One guy. The right system. The right tools.

Maximum output. Minimal input.

He figured out how to do more with less.

But here's what most people miss:

It's not just about working smarter.
↳ It's about having the right tools for the job.

That mower doesn't work without the rope system.

The rope system doesn't work without the self-propelling mower.

The ride-on doesn't replace the system. It complements it.

The right tools, working together, create the leverage.

Most executives think they just need information.

"Tell me what to do and I'll do it."

"Give me the strategy and I'll execute."

But information isn't enough.

You can know exactly what to do to build executive visibility.

Post consistently. Share your expertise. Build your network.

But without the right tools, you're still working too hard.

You're manually creating every post. Manually tracking every interaction. Manually managing every piece of content.

You're the guy mowing the entire field by hand.

That's why we built the Executive Visibility OS™.

Not just information. Not just strategy.

The complete operating system with the right tools built for this exact mission.

Because here's the truth:

→ Information tells you what to do.

→ Systems show you how to do it.

→ But the right tools let you actually do it without burning out.

The Executive Visibility OS™ gives you:

The frameworks. The systems. The playbooks.

And the custom platforms built specifically for executive visibility.

Not generic tools you have to hack together.

Not information you have to figure out how to implement.

The right tools, working together, creating leverage.

So you can build visibility like that landscaper:

Set the system in motion. Let it work.

While you focus on the high-value work only you can do and have a team member run the OS.

Because here's what we know:

You don't need to work harder.
You don't need more hours.
You don't need to do everything manually.

You need the right tools for the job.

The Executive Visibility OS™ is the right tool.

Built specifically for executives who want to build visibility without burning out or looking bad when a team member runs the engine.

The system that works while you work on other things.

Information isn't enough.
You need the operating system.

Ready to work smarter?

DM me "OS" and let's get you the right tools for the job.

シ

📹 e_scapes33

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💬 Are you working harder, or are you working smarter?

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LinkedIn executive visibility for impact‑driven founders & execs who want steady, warm, high‑value pipeline and real authority in their market | 40+ award‑winning brands & 2M+ followers | Book your strategy call ↓

Alexandra Murphy

Stop. You're Solving the Wrong Problem.

A guy moving a cone behind someone's car.

The driver backs up. Sees the cone. Gets out. Moves it.

Gets back in. Backs up. The cone's back.

Gets out. Moves it again. Gets back in.

The cone's back. Again.

Back and forth. Over and over. Confused.

He can't solve what he can't see.

This is what solving the wrong problem looks like.

You fix it. You check. It's still there.

You fix it again. You check. Still there.

Because you're solving the symptom, not the constraint.

I see this with executives constantly:

Can't hire top talent. So they improve the job posting. Offer more money. Refine the interview process.

Check back. Still can't hire top talent.

Can't close deals. So they improve the pitch. Refine the product. Lower the price.

Check back. Still can't close deals.

Can't get funding. So they polish the deck. Add more traction. Improve the numbers.

Check back. Still can't get funding.

They keep solving it. It keeps coming back.

Because they're moving the cone.

But the cone isn't the problem.

The problem is invisible.

Here's how to identify the right constraint:

Ask: What's the one thing that, if solved, would make everything else easier or unnecessary?

Not "what's the most obvious problem?"

Not "what's the loudest problem?"

What's the constraint that's creating all the other problems?

For most executives, the constraint is invisible:

Executive visibility.

You can't hire top talent because they don't know who you are.

You can't close deals because buyers don't trust you.

You can't get funding because investors haven't been watching you.

The cone keeps coming back because you're not solving the real constraint.

Here's how weak executive visibility shows up:

You post job ads but top talent doesn't apply. They don't know you exist.

You reach out to buyers but they don't respond. They don't trust you.

You pitch investors but they pass. They haven't been following your journey.

You keep solving the hiring problem, the sales problem, the funding problem.

But the real problem is visibility.

Showing up as pipeline issues.

And here's why it keeps coming back:

Because you're not addressing the constraint.

So here's the question:

What problem keeps coming back no matter how many times you solve it?

Are you moving the cone? Or are you identifying the real constraint?

Because you can't solve what you can't see.

Stop moving the cone. Solve the constraint.

Ready to identify your real constraint?

Hit my profile and book your Executive Visibility Strategy Call.

(normally $527 - free while spots are available)

シ

📹 woodyandkleiny

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💬 What problem keeps coming back for you?

He Doesn't Know Every Detail. He Knows the Next Step.

A kid builds a trick shot.

But he's not planning the whole thing upfront.

He sets up one piece. Tests it. Watches what happens.

Then uses that information to set up the next piece guiding toward the end goal.

Each attempt tells him what to do next.

He's not guessing. He's building step by step.

This is how you actually build something.

Not with a perfect plan.

Not with a five-year roadmap that accounts for every variable.

Not by figuring out the entire thing before you start.

You build by knowing the next step.

Most founders waste months (at best) trying to see the whole path.

They want to know exactly how the product will scale before they build v1.

They want to map out year three before they've closed their first customer.

They want certainty about the end before they're willing to start.

And while they're planning, someone else is testing.

Someone else is setting up the first piece, watching what happens, and adjusting.

Someone else is building step by step.

And by the time the planners are ready to start, the builders are already three steps ahead.

Here's what that kid understands that most people don't:

You can't know the end until you start.

The trick shot reveals itself as you build it.

Each attempt gives you information you didn't have before.

The path forward only becomes clear when you take the step.

This is iterative strategy.

You don't need to see the whole staircase. You just need to see the next step.

You don't need perfect information. You need enough information to move forward.

You don't need certainty about the outcome. You need clarity about the next move.

And then you move.

You test. You learn. You adjust. You build the next piece based on what the last piece taught you.

The best companies I know were built this way.

They didn't start with the master plan.

They started with a hypothesis and a first step.

They shipped. They watched. They learned.

And then they built the next step based on what they learned.

The strategy emerged through building, not before it.

Because what you learn is:

The market will teach you things no amount of planning can predict.

Your customers will show you paths you never saw coming.

Your product will evolve in ways you didn't expect.

You can't plan for that. You can only respond to it.

And the only way to respond is to be in motion.

To be testing. To be building. To be learning from each step.

So here's the question:

What are you waiting to have figured out before you start?

What's the next step you already know, but you're not taking because you can't see the whole path?

Because you don't need to know the end.

You just need to know the next step.

And then take it.

シ

📹 littlebroslegit

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💬 What's one thing you're overplanning that you could just start testing?

You see someone crushing it with their brand.

Consistent posts. Engaged audience. Deals closing.

And you think: "They just showed up and it worked."

Wrong.

What you're watching is the final stretch.

The 6,000th patio block being laid.

You don't see the foundation that was poured months ago. You don't see the vision they held when no one was watching. You don't see the strategy sessions at 11 PM. You don't see the phases.. the intentional action, day after day, bringing it all to reality.

You see the shine. You miss the grind.

Here's what I know about playing the long game:

Consistency isn't sexy.

It's not the viral post. It's not the big launch.

It's showing up when you don't feel like it. It's being present with your audience, aware of your state, grounded in the moment. It's smiling through the doubt, relaxing into the process, trusting the foundation you're building.

Every curve. Every angle. Every block.

Most people quit before they see the track take shape.

They want the result without the reps. The visibility without the foundation. The brand without the consistency.

Truth is..

The executives who dominate their space?

They didn't get there by accident.

They built systems. They stayed consistent. They played the long game while everyone else chased quick wins.

And they didn't do it alone.

We make consistency simple.

Our systems and fractional full marketing team handle the foundation - so you can focus on being the visionary while we lay every block.

Strategy. Execution. Phases of intentional action.

You bring the vision. We build the track.

Ready to stop chasing and start building?

Let's talk.

Hit my profile and book your Executive Visibility Strategy Call.

(normally $527 - free while spots are available)

シ

📹 mattjonesmtb

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💬 Name one executive’s personal brand you admire?

Your Impact Is Real.. Your Presence Isn't.

A guy smearing paint on his face. Painting with his hands.

Perfectly projects himself onto the canvas.

Bold. Direct. Unmistakable.

He's showing the world exactly who he is.

There are two versions of you in the world.

The one at home. In business. Creating. Making impact.

And the one online.

For most executives, those two versions don't match.

You're doing great things.

Leading teams. Building companies. Making a positive impact.

Creating real value. Solving real problems. Changing lives.

But online? You're faceless.

Someone looks you up and finds:

An outdated LinkedIn profile.

No posts. No presence. No perspective.
Nothing that shows why they should trust you.
Nothing that shows why they should choose you.

Your impact is real. Your presence isn't.

And that's costing you.

Top talent researches you before applying. They find nothing. They choose someone else.

Buyers look you up before reaching out. They can't get a sense of you. They go with someone visible.

Investors check your profile before taking a meeting. They see no thought leadership. They pass.

Not because you're not capable. Because you're not visible.

Here's what I want you to understand:

You're bold in the real world.

You take risks. You lead. You create. You make things happen.

Be bold in the digital world too.

Paint yourself onto the canvas.

Show the world who you are. What you think. Why you matter.

Not with hype. Not with noise.

With presence.

Real, consistent, strategic presence that shows people exactly why they should trust you and choose you.

Because the hard truth is:

When someone looks you up, they're deciding.

Deciding if they trust you. Deciding if they want to work with you. Deciding if you're the right choice.

And if your digital presence doesn't match your real-world impact, they're deciding against you.

You don't need to be everywhere.

You don't need to be loud.

You just need to be present.

Present enough that when someone looks you up, they see:

Who you are. How you think. Why you're the obvious choice.

Your impact is real.

Make your presence real too.

Be bold physically. Be bold digitally.

Paint yourself onto the canvas and show the world exactly who you are.

シ

📹 bouboudesign_

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💬 When someone looks you up, what do they find?

I train founders & execs to turn LinkedIn into a warm, high‑value pipeline their team converts into deals | Executive visibility systems | 40+ award‑winning brands & 2M+ followers | Book your strategy call ↓

He Slows It Down to See What Everyone Else Misses.

An artist named Gaosu Sheying. High-speed photography turned into slow-motion visual art.

Splashing water. Shattering glass. Cause and effect mastered.

He visualizes. Executes based on hypothesis. Tests. Adapts to feedback.

He slows it down to see what everyone else misses.

This is what most executives miss about building visibility.

They're moving too fast.

Executing. Shipping. Solving. Building.

But they're not capturing it..

Here's what happens when you slow down:

You see the micro considerations. The small decisions. The process.

You see the beauty in how you think. How you execute. How your team works.

How you build for your clients.

You see the moments that work out better than expected.

And those moments? That's your content.

Most executives think content is:

A polished announcement. A big win. A final result.

But the best content is in the process.

The hypothesis you're testing. The feedback you're adapting to. The way you think through problems.

The small decisions that compound. The moments that reveal how you operate.

That's what builds trust. That's what creates visibility.

Because truth is..
People don't just want to see your results.

They want to see how you think. How you execute. How you handle the unexpected.

They want to see the process.

When you slow down and capture it:

↳ You document the micro considerations that show your expertise.

↳ You capture the moments that showcase how your team thinks.

↳ You reveal the process that makes people trust you.

And that becomes the content that builds your visibility.

This is what we do with executives:

We help them slow down enough to capture what they're already doing.

Not create content from scratch. Not manufacture stories.

Capture the process. Document the execution. Share how they think.

Because the beauty is in the process, not just the outcome.

The way you approached the problem. The hypothesis you tested. The feedback you adapted to.

The moment it worked better than expected. The decision that made the difference.

That's the content that builds trust and visibility.

Most executives are moving too fast to capture it.

They execute brilliantly. But they don't document it.
They solve problems. But they don't share how.
They create value. But they don't show the process.

And they wonder why no one sees their expertise.

So here's the question:

What are you missing by moving too fast?

What moments in your process could become content?

What micro considerations could showcase how you think?

Slow down. Capture it. Share it.

Your process is your content.
Your execution is your visibility.
Your thinking is what builds trust.

But only if you slow down enough to capture it.

シ

📹 artistsuniversum

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💬 What's one moment from your process this week that you didn't capture?

Everyone Has the Recipe. Not Everyone Has the Right Tools.

These guys made a massive lasagna using only construction tools and equipment.

Cement mixer. Power tools. Heavy machinery.

It's crazy. It looks delicious.

But would you eat it?

Here's the problem:

The equipment can't be perfectly clean. The tools aren't made for food.

They got it done. But not done right.

Because the wrong tools affect the quality.

Executive visibility works the same way.

Everyone has a general recipe.

Post consistently. Share your expertise. Build your presence.

But not everyone has the right tools.

Most executives are using construction equipment to make lasagna.

Generic scheduling tools. Basic content platforms. Duct-taped solutions.

They're getting content out. It looks like it's working.

But the quality is off.

Because truth is:
You can make content with any tools.

But without the right tools, it won't build real trust. It won't attract the right people. It won't sound like you.

The tools determine the quality.

That's why we built the EVOS Stack™.

The right tools. Built specifically for executive visibility.

Three components:

1. Beacon™

The physical device you plug in at home or office.

So your team can safely run your LinkedIn as if they're sitting at your desk.

No sketchy VPNs. No weird IP flags. No security issues.

Your team operates your account. Safely. Seamlessly.

No one has anything like this.

2. Content Studio

Your digital clone. Interview workflows. Planning. Media generation. Trend tracking.

We train a digital version of you so your EA or marketer can create posts, threads, and assets that actually sound like you and say what you mean.

Your nuances. Your values. Your perspective. Never lost.

Quality content without needing your time.

3. Outreach Hub

Sales Nav imports. Connection requests. Drip DMs. Inbox tags. CRM integrations. Distribution and community.

The place your operator runs outreach, replies, and relationship-building in one spot.

Instead of duct-taping tools together.

Everything in one place. Built for executive visibility.

Even if you know the recipe for executive visibility..

Without the right tools, you're making lasagna with a cement mixer.

It gets done. But not done right.

↓

Our Stack is built specifically for executives who want quality visibility.

Not just content. Quality content that builds trust and attracts the right people.

Not just presence. Strategic presence that sounds like you and works without your time.

The right tools for the right job.

So..
Are you duct-taping generic tools together and hoping for quality?

Or are you ready for the right systems + right tools?

Hit my profile and book your Executive Visibility Strategy Call now. 

(normally $527 - free while spots are available)

シ

📹 haus.plans

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💬 Are you making quality content, or are you using construction equipment?

The Gold Was Always There. He Could See It.

A guy standing in a river. Precisely strikes a rock with his tool.

A few precise hits. It breaks open.

He pulls it away. Reveals gold.

The gold was always there. He could see it.

This is what most people don't understand about opportunities.

They're always there.

The talent. The deals. The partnerships.

But your state determines whether you can see them.

When you're scattered, anxious, operating from lack, you can't see the gold.

You're looking at the same river everyone else sees. The same rocks. The same opportunities.

You can't see where to strike.

When you're present, aware, operating from abundance, the gold reveals itself.

You know exactly where to strike.

A few precise actions. The breakthrough happens.

Executive visibility works the same way.

The opportunities are always there.

Top talent is looking for leaders to follow.
Buyers are looking for experts to trust.
Partners are looking for people to work with.

The gold is always there.

But if you're invisible, if you're not present on LinkedIn, if you're not showing up with awareness and intention, you can't see the opportunities.

And they can't see you.

When you build visibility from the right state:

You're present. You're aware. You're operating from abundance.

And suddenly, you see the opportunities that were always there.

→ The comment from someone who becomes your next hire.

→ The DM from someone who becomes your next client.

→ The connection request from someone who becomes your next partner.

The gold was always there. Now you can see it.

Most executives know they should be visible.

They know they should be on LinkedIn.

But they're not in the right state to do it effectively.

They're scattered. They're inconsistent. They're operating from "I should post" but push it off.

And the opportunities stay hidden.

This is what we do:

We build your executive visibility from the right state.

Not scattered posting. Not anxious content. Not "I hope this works."

Strategic, intentional, abundant visibility that reveals the opportunities.

Our fractional marketing team handles the execution.

You stay present. You stay in the right state.

We make sure you're visible, consistent, and positioned to see the gold on LinkedIn and beyond.

The opportunities are always there.

The right talent. The right business. The right partnerships.

But your state determines whether you can see them.

And your visibility determines whether they can see you.

↓

Ready to see the gold that's always been there?

Hit my profile and book your Executive Visibility Strategy Call.

We'll build your visibility. Our fractional marketing team handles the execution.

You stay present. We make sure the opportunities can find you.

(normally $527 - free while spots are available)

シ

📹 goldrinn.prospector

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💬 What opportunities are you missing because you're not in the right state?

Same Problem. Better Packaging.

A lady doing dishes. A man adds another dirty dish to the sink.

She looks disappointed.

He taps her. She turns reluctantly.

A Louis Vuitton box.
She gets excited. Opens it.
Another dirty dish inside.

She snaps.

This is what hiring feels like right now.

You're drowning in work. You need help.
You hire someone. Great resume. Strong interview.
You're excited. Finally, someone who can execute.

Then they start..

Same problem. Better packaging.

Here's what's happening:

AI is making everyone look more capable on paper than they actually are.

Resumes are polished. Cover letters are perfect. Interview answers are rehearsed.

They look like the Louis V box.

But when you open it? Another dirty dish.

The pattern:

..Can't execute without hand-holding.
..Create more work than they solve.
..Need constant direction. Can't think strategically.

You thought this one was different.
It's more of the same.

Because you're solving the wrong problem.

The problem isn't finding better hires.

The problem is that the best talent doesn't know who you are.

Top talent isn't on job boards.
They're not actively looking.

They're being recruited by leaders they already know and trust.

Leaders who are visible. Who share their thinking. Who've built credibility publicly.

The best talent goes to the best known leaders.

So you're left with:

- People who need a job. People who are great at interviewing.

- Not people who are great at executing.

And now with AI, everyone looks impressive on paper.

But execution? That's where the Louis box opens.

You can keep hiring. Keep hoping this one is different. Keep opening boxes.

Or you can solve the actual problem.

The actual problem: Top talent doesn't know who you are.

Executive visibility solves this.

When you're visible, top talent sees how you think. They see your leadership. They see the problems you're solving.

They want to work with you. They come to you.

This is what we do:

Executive Visibility Advisory 
+ Fractional Marketing Team.

We build your visibility so top talent finds you.

We handle the execution so you're not drowning.

You get the talent and the team that makes it work.

Stop opening Louis V boxes and finding dirty dishes.

Build your visibility. Attract the talent.

Make yourself the obvious choice for the best talent.

Ready to stop the cycle?

Hit my profile and book your Executive Visibility Strategy Call.

(normally $527 - free while spots are available)

シ

📹 ponyatowskiy

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💬 How many disappointing boxes have you opened?

He Built the Momentum Before the Wave Came.

Running from shore. Throws the skim board. Jumps on.

Pumping to keep momentum. The wave forms. Picks him up.

Rides it back to shore. Flawless. He built the momentum before the wave came.

This is how opportunity actually works.

Most people wait for the wave.

They wait for the perfect moment. The right opportunity. The big break.

And when it comes, they're not ready.

Because the reality is:
You can't ride a wave without momentum first.

The wave doesn't create your momentum. It amplifies it.

If you're not already moving, the wave passes you by.

I see this with executives constantly.

They wait for the right time to build visibility.

"I'll start posting when I have more time."

"I'll build my presence when the business is more stable."

"I'll get visible when I need it."

And then the opportunity comes.

The investor who could have funded them. The buyer who could have changed everything. The top talent who would have joined.

But they're invisible.. No momentum. No presence.

And the wave passes them by.

The executives who catch the wave?

They built momentum before it arrived.

They were already visible. Already building trust. Already showing up.

So when the opportunity came, they were ready.

The wave didn't create their success. It amplified the momentum they already had.

Executive visibility is building momentum before the wave.

You don't build it when you need it. You build it before you need it.

You don't wait for the opportunity. 

You prepare for it.

You create momentum now so the wave can amplify it later.

Because here's what happens when you have momentum:

↳ When the investor checks you out, they see months of thought leadership. They trust you.

↳ When top talent researches you, they see how you think. They want to work with you.

↳ When the buyer finds you, they see your expertise. You're the obvious choice.

The opportunity amplifies the momentum you already built.

But if you're waiting to build visibility until you need it?

You're standing on the shore watching waves pass.

No momentum. No preparation. No way to catch it.

And the opportunity goes to someone who was already moving.

So here's the question:

Are you building momentum now?
Or are you waiting for the wave?
Because the wave is coming.

The opportunity. The investor. The talent. The buyer.

But if you don't have momentum when it arrives, you can't ride it.

Build your visibility now.
Build your network now.
Build your trust in the market now.

So when the wave comes, you're ready.

シ

📹 jlskim

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💬 Are you building momentum, or are you waiting for the wave?

High performers earn more because they work smarter and own their impact zone.

It’s like using a magnifying glass and the sun..

→ Same energy.
→ 100× more powerful when focused.

Here’s the 3-step strategy that unlocked massive leverage in my business and life:

1. 𝗭𝗲𝗿𝗼 𝗜𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀

Ever felt like you're juggling too much, only to realize half of it doesn't really move the needle? It hit me hard one day. It's about nailing down where you truly shine.. your real impact zone.

Think about what you love, what you're really good at, and where you can make the biggest waves. That's your sweet spot.

➠ Take a beat to reflect on your skills and what lights you up.

➠ Evaluate how each project or task contributes to your big picture.

➠ Focus fiercely on what aligns with your impact zone.

This is about maximizing impact to create leverage over your time.

2. 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗲

I learned the hard way you can't do it all. Embracing systems and automation was a game-changer for me. It's about freeing up your headspace to focus on the big plays only you can make.

➠ Automate the mundane. Trust me, it's liberating.

➠ Outsource like a boss. There are people who can do things better and faster.

➠ Systemize your operations. This was my aha moment for real growth.

It's about working smarter, not harder.

3. 𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗹𝗲... 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆

Balance? It's more like juggling. But here's the thing.. sometimes, you gotta throw all your balls in one direction. That's what I did with Brain Apes. We went all-in, and it was nuts.. but it paid off big time.

➠ There's a time for sprinting, and a time for chilling. Know when to hit the gas.

➠ Proven systems (info + tools) and live expert support? Lifesavers. They help you build the engine that runs while you’re executing the next big move.

➠ It's about making bold moves, but also knowing when to take a step back and recharge.

I’ve been on a SPRINT building out something special that’s getting -[ANNOUNCED]- tomorrow,, after getting back from some travel and having some family visiting through the new year! 

And I’ll be slowing down and savoring some family time this weekend.❤

Find your tactical imbalance and go beyond limits!

↓

P.S. Tell me (really, drop a comment):

Where do you make the biggest waves? 💬

What’s your impact zone? 💬

シ

📹 Robert C.K.

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If you want to break free, you need a strong skill stack.

The problem is you don't know what you don't know.

But I've got your back.

Here's how to build a skill stack around your core skill:

𝟭. 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗲:

Flashback to my first career → At Sprint, I started from the bottom, rapidly climbing to head of training and development.

My core skill? Connecting with people and simplifying complex problems.

𝟮. 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀:

As I grew, I didn't just focus on one aspect.

I built a wide foundation, learning everything from operational management to strategic planning, all complementing my core.

𝟯. 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆:

Mastery of natural talents is crucial, but so is adaptability.

I piloted new roles, embraced the unknown, and honed a range of skills that made me versatile and resilient.

𝟰. 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗨𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲:

Adopting this mantra changed everything.

It pushed me to keep learning, keep improving, and never settle.

This mindset is key to expanding your skill stack.

𝟱. 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗞𝗲𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲:

Effective communication amplified my impact.

It's a skill that connects all others, turning a group of skills into a cohesive, powerful stack.

𝟲. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺-𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿:

With a solid base in communication, I deepened my problem-solving abilities.

Each challenge became an opportunity to add another layer to my skill pyramid.

𝟳. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁:

Each new skill didn't just add, it multiplied the effectiveness of existing ones.

This is the power of building a skill stack - the whole becomes much greater than the sum of its parts.

𝟴. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆:

Identify your core skill, then start layering complementary skills.

Stay curious, embrace discomfort, and continually seek ways to combine and refine your abilities.

But don’t get distracted trying to learn and do everything.

The next level is about leveraging other people’s skill stacks..

If you're building an audience on LinkedIn and want to go faster (without having to develop and manage a team) I'll be opening up one new spot soon.

We’ll run our proven playbook.

(And do all the hard work for you)

Or we can install our playbook with your team and give you access to our internal platforms.

Grab Your Executive Visibility Strategy Call.

Hit my profile and book an appointment.

(normally $527)

シ

📹 _ryan.bean_

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↓

💬 Do you prefer to manage a team or work with an agency?

He's recording every step and you should be too.. I’ll explain.

Every step. Every shift in momentum. Every decision is captured and visible.

He's not just completing the course.

He's documenting the journey.

You see how he thinks. How he responds when balance shifts. What he does when the next platform isn't where he expected.

He gets an abundance of data to improve from and leverage..

His values show up in real-time. His beliefs drive every move. His energy either pulls you in.. or pushes you away.

And that's the point.

This is what executive visibility actually looks like.

You're not hiding behind the company logo. You're not letting the brand do the talking.

You're showing up. Sharing your experience. Your lessons. Your energy.

Every step of the journey.

People don't buy what you do.

They buy why you do it.

Simon Sinek nailed that.

But here's what most executives miss..

Your "why" doesn't live in a mission statement on your website.

It lives in how you show up. What you share. How you think through problems. The values you demonstrate when no one's watching.. except everyone is watching.

That's how you attract the right partners. The right talent. The right business.

And just as importantly.. that's how you repel the ones who would never resonate.

Your executive personal brand isn't about being liked by everyone.

It's about building connection and trust with the right ones.

The ones who see your journey and think: "That's someone I want to work with."

For me, it's all about being a compounder of impact.

Helping impact-driven leaders attract more of the right business, talent, and partners through their executive visibility.

Because when you document the journey.. when you share how you think, what you value, and why you do what you do..

You're not just building a brand.

You're building a magnet.

Ready to turn your executive presence into a compounding asset?

Let's talk.

Hit my profile and book your Executive Visibility Strategy Call.

(normally $527, free while spots are available)

シ

📹 parkourtangqi

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↓

💬 What's one lesson you learned by documenting your journey?

The Right Setup Changes Everything.

A bunch of friends. Crazy slip and slide.

Thick plastic sheets in a huge loop. Lathered up.

An excavator in the middle. Ropes strapped to the end.

They're grabbing the ropes. Getting swung around. Jumping each other. Creating ramps. Launching each other.

Pure chaos. But it works.

Because they built the right setup.

This is what an unfair advantage looks like.

Not just effort. Not just commitment.

The right setup. The right tools. The advantage no one else has.

Most people trying to build executive visibility?

They're doing it with basic tools. Generic advice. Trial and error.

Figuring it out as they go. Wasting time on what doesn't work.

They don't have the setup.

The Executive Visibility OS™ is the setup.

20,000+ hours of experience baked in.

From scaling startups. Leveraging social media for brand and business visibility. Running some of the biggest personal brands on social.

That's the setup.

But it's not just experience.

It's the processes that work on first principles.

The advantages we've built over time.

And the combined tool stack that no one has public access to.

This is what brings the resources of a whole team to one person.

You're not figuring it out alone.

You're not using generic tools everyone else has.

You're getting the setup that creates an unfair advantage.

Because the harsh reality is:

You can work hard with the wrong setup and get nowhere.

Or you can work smart with the right setup and get ahead faster.

The setup changes everything.

The Executive Visibility OS™ gives you:

The frameworks from 20,000+ hours of experience.

The processes built on first principles.

The proprietary tool stack no one else has access to.

The setup that makes executive visibility actually work.

This is the unfair advantage.

Not just information. Not just strategy.

The complete setup that gets you ahead faster.

Ready for the right setup?

DM me "OS" and let's give you the advantage.

シ

📹 lukesowby

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↓

💬 Are you building with the right setup, or are you figuring it out alone?

Balance. Momentum. Control. In That Order.

A dude on a longboard. Finesse footwork. Flips and tricks.

Making it look easy. Natural flow.

Balance. Momentum. Control. In that order.

Here's how this actually works.

It's not random. It's not just talent.

It's three principles. In a specific sequence.

→ First: Balance

Before he does anything fancy, he's balanced on the board.

Centered. Stable. Grounded.

Without balance, nothing else works.

You can't build momentum if you're not balanced first.

→ Second: Momentum

Once he's balanced, he creates forward motion.

Not jerky. Not forced. Smooth and continuous.

The momentum makes the tricks possible.

You can't have control without momentum.

→ Third: Control

With balance and momentum, now he can control the board.

The flips. The tricks. The finesse.

It looks effortless because the foundation is solid.

Control is the result of balance and momentum.

Executive visibility works the same way.

Three principles. Same sequence.

Balance. Momentum. Control.

↳ First: Balance (your message)

Before you build visibility, you need balance.

What are you known for? What's your positioning? What's your unique perspective?

Not everything. Not random topics. Balanced and clear.

Without message balance, visibility is just noise.

↳ Second: Momentum (your consistency)

Once your message is balanced, you create momentum.

Showing up. Sharing consistently. Building presence.

Not sporadic. Not forced. Smooth and continuous.

Momentum makes everything else easier.

↳ Third: Control (your results)

With balanced message and consistent momentum, now you have control.

The right people find you. The opportunities come to you. The results compound.

It looks effortless because the foundation is solid.

Control is the result of balance and momentum.

Most executives skip the sequence.

They want control (results) without momentum (consistency).

They want momentum without balance (clear message).

And they wonder why it feels hard.

But when you follow the sequence:

Balance your message first. Get clear on what you're known for.

Build momentum through consistency. Show up. Share. Be present. Nail distribution.

Control follows naturally. The right people find you. The results compound.

It looks effortless because you built the foundation.

This is the system.

Not random. Not hoping. Not guessing.

Balance. Momentum. Control. In that order.

So here's the question:

Where are you in the sequence?
Do you have balance (clear message)?
Do you have momentum (consistent presence)?
Are you trying to force control without the foundation?

Follow the sequence. The results follow.

Balance. Momentum. Control.

That's how executive visibility actually works.

シ

📹 jeff__corsi

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↓

💬 Which principle do you need to focus on right now?

You Built a Prison. Here's How to Escape.

A guy in a prison cell. Draws on the wall. Materializes what he draws.

Removes a can of black paint. Throws it on the wall. Creates an escape path.

Climbs through.

The guard sees it. Runs in. Confronts the black hole.

It's just wet paint.

The prisoner appears on the other side. Slams the door. Traps the guard.

He's free.

You built a prison. Here's how to escape.

This is what success feels like for most executives.

You built a business. It's making money. Revenue's good.

But you're trapped.

The business that was supposed to give you freedom became your prison.

You can't step away. You can't scale. You can't grow past the plateau.

You need better talent to run better systems.

But the talent you need doesn't know you exist.

The money's great. The freedom's not.

And here's what most executives do:

They try to escape by working harder.

Hiring more. Building more systems. Optimizing operations.

But that's the guard running into the wet paint.

It looks like the escape. But it just traps you more.

Because here’s the harsh reality:

You can't hire your way out of a growth plateau if top talent doesn't know who you are.

You can't build better systems if you can't attract the people who build them.

You can't scale if the market doesn't see you as the obvious choice.

The escape isn't more operations. It's visibility.

Executive visibility is how you escape.

Not by working harder in the prison.

By becoming visible enough that the right people find you.

When you have executive visibility:

Top talent sees how you think and wants to work with you.

They come to you. You're not chasing them.

Better talent means better systems. Better systems mean you can step away.

That's the escape.

But most executives are looking in the wrong place.

They think the escape is hiring another person.

Building another process.

Fixing another operational issue.

That's the wet paint. It looks like the exit. But it traps you more.

The real escape?

Build your visibility. Attract the talent. Let them build the systems.

Then you're free.

Because here's what happens when you have visibility:

1. The talent you need finds you.

2. The systems you need get built by people who know how.

3. The business runs without you being the bottleneck.

You're on the other side of the door. The prison is behind you.

So here's the question:

Are you trapped in the business you built?

Is the money great but the freedom's not?

Are you stuck at a growth plateau needing better talent and systems?

The escape isn't where you're looking.

Stop running into the wet paint.

Stop thinking more operations will free you.

Build your executive visibility. Attract the talent. Escape the prison.

Ready to escape?

DM me "ESCAPE" and let's get you out.

シ

📹 zachking

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↓

💬 Are you trapped in what you built, or are you free?

Here's How This Actually Works.

A guy with a soccer ball. Kicking it off the wall with precision.

Ball comes back. Complete control. Every time.

Looks effortless.

Here's how this actually works.

Three things make this possible:

1. The angle

He's not just kicking randomly. He's choosing the exact angle that brings the ball back to him.

Cause and effect. Predictable. Repeatable.

The angle determines the return.

2. The force

Too hard and the ball flies past him. Too soft and it doesn't come back.

He's calibrated the exact force needed.

Consistent force creates consistent results.

3. The position

He's standing exactly where the ball will return.

Not guessing. Not chasing. Already there.

He knows where it's going before it gets there.

That's the system.

Angle. Force. Position.

Master those three things and it looks effortless.

But it takes practice to make it look this easy.

Executive visibility works the same way.

There's a system. Three core principles.

Get them right and it looks effortless.

But most executives are guessing.

Here's the system for executive visibility:

1. The angle (your positioning)

What you're known for. Your niche. Your unique perspective.

Not random topics. Strategic positioning that brings the right people back to you.

Your angle determines who finds you.

2. The force (your consistency)

Too much and you burn out. Too little and nothing happens.

The right cadence. The right effort. Sustainable momentum.

Consistent force creates consistent visibility.

3. The position (where you show up)

You're not chasing opportunities. You're already where they'll find you.

LinkedIn. Your network. Your presence.

You're there before they need you.

That's the system.

Angle. Force. Position.

But here's the problem:

Most executives don't know the system.

They're kicking randomly. Hoping something works. Chasing the ball.

And it looks hard because they don't have the system.

The Executive Visibility OS™ gives you the system.

The exact angle to position yourself.

The exact force to maintain momentum without burning out.

The exact position to be where opportunities find you.

Plus some unfair advantages only for insiders.

Not guessing. Not trial and error. The system that works.

Because truth is:

Executive visibility looks effortless when you have the system.

But without it, you're just kicking balls and hoping they come back.

The system makes it repeatable. Predictable. Effortless.

Ready for the system?

DM me "OS" and let's give you the angle, force, and position that makes executive visibility work.

Or hit my profile and book your executive strategy call.

シ

📹 thesoccersamurai

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↓

💬 Are you guessing, or do you have the system?

He Committed Before He Knew Where He'd Land.

Rolling on his onewheel. Right to the curb.

Finesse launch. The onewheel stops. He flies.

Hands in his pockets. Into the water.

He committed before he knew where he'd land.

This is what leadership actually requires.

Commitment before certainty.

Taking the leap before you see the landing. Moving forward when you don't have all the answers.

Most executives wait for certainty before they commit.

They wait to see the full plan. The guaranteed outcome. The safe landing.

And while they're waiting, the moment passes.

Your competition gains ground while you’re indecisive..

The leaders who actually break through?

They commit before they know where they'll land.

They launch the product before it's perfect.
They hire the person before they're 100% sure.
They make the pivot before they have all the data.

They commit. Then they figure it out.

Because typically..

You never have full certainty.
You never see the complete picture.
You never know exactly where you'll land.

But you have to commit anyway.

I see this with executive visibility constantly.

Executives waiting for the perfect time to start.

"I'll build visibility when I have more clarity on my message."

"I'll start posting when I know exactly what to say."

"I'll get visible when I'm sure it will work."

And they never start.

Because they're waiting for certainty that doesn't exist.

You don't know how the market will respond until you show up. You don't know what will resonate until you share it.

You don't know where you'll land until you commit.

But you have to commit first.

The executives who build visibility that attracts top talent, funding, buyers, and partners?

They committed before they knew where they'd land. They started posting before they had it all figured out.

They showed up before they felt ready.
They built momentum before they saw the results.
They committed. Then they figured it out.

And here's what happens when you commit:

You learn faster. You adapt quicker. You build momentum.

The landing becomes clear as you're in the air.

But only if you jump.

So here's the question:

What are you waiting for certainty on before you commit?

What leap are you not taking because you can't see the landing?

What would change if you committed first and figured it out in the air?

Because the leaders who win aren't the ones with the most certainty.

They're the ones with the most commitment.

They commit before they know where they'll land.

Hands in their pockets. Full confidence. No hesitation.

シ

📹 colbe891.edits

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↓

💬 Are you waiting for certainty, or are you ready to commit?

Science confirms your nervous system's immediate impact.

Your state transfers to others in under 200 milliseconds.

Before you speak a word, your nervous system broadcasts. Calm or chaos. Confidence or doubt. People feel it before they hear it.

This is why some leaders walk into a room and the energy shifts.

Research from universities across the globe shows mirror neurons fire faster than conscious thought. Your team reads your tension, your presence, your groundedness.

The best leaders I work with understand this.

They manage their internal state first. They know a rushed, restless energy creates rushed, restless teams. A grounded presence creates space for clear thinking.

You can't fake it. Your physiology speaks louder than your words.

When you enter a meeting stressed, your team's heart rates sync to yours. When you pause before responding, you give everyone permission to think.

This is leadership at the biological level.

Most people focus on what they say. The real work happens in the 30 to 90 seconds before you open your mouth.

Breathe. Ground yourself. Let your nervous system settle.

Then speak.

In high pressure moments, I smile and relax. Sounds simple, but it works.

If my mind won't quiet, I use 4-7-8 breathing. Inhale through my nose for 4 seconds. Hold it for 7 seconds. Exhale for 8 seconds.

It slows my heart rate, calms my nervous system. Paired with smiling and relaxing, it brings me back to center.

Try it before your next big moment.

Heck, try it any time just to chill out..

シ

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↓

💬 What’s one thing you do to reset your energy?

The Goalie Knew It Was Over.

A soccer player juggling the ball through the air. Complete control.

Making progress down the field.

Slows down in the goal box. Teammate ready.

Draws the goalie out. Finesses around him.

The goalie knows he's beat. His face says it all.

The goalie knew it was over.

This is what mastery looks like.

Not just winning. Making the outcome inevitable.

The goalie knew before the ball hit the net.

Because when you have complete control, the result isn't in question.

Executive visibility creates this.

When you're visible, when you've built trust, when the market knows how you think, the outcome becomes inevitable.

Top talent knows they want to work with you before they apply.

Buyers know they're choosing you before the pitch.

Investors know they're funding you before the meeting.

The goalie knows he's beat before you score.

Here's what creates inevitability:

Control. You're not scrambling. You're not chasing. You're in complete command.

Patience. You slow down at the critical moment. You don't rush. You let them come to you.

Execution. When the moment comes, you finesse. No force. Just precision.

And they know. Before it's over, they know.

Most executives are chasing.

Chasing talent. Chasing deals. Chasing funding.

Scrambling. Hoping. Pushing.

And the outcome’s always uncertain.

But when you have executive visibility:

You're not chasing. You're drawing them out.
You're not hoping. You're executing with precision.
You're not uncertain. The outcome is inevitable.

Because they already know. They've been watching you. They've been learning from you. They trust you.

This is the difference..

Without visibility, every deal is a fight. Every hire is a gamble. Every pitch is uncertain.

With visibility, the outcome is inevitable. They know they're choosing you. You're just finishing what's already decided.

That soccer player didn't hope he'd score.

He knew. The goalie knew. Everyone watching knew.

Because mastery creates inevitability.
Executive visibility shows your mastery.

Build it. watch outcomes become inevitable.

Top talent knows they want to work with you.
Buyers know they're choosing you.
Investors know they're funding you.

Ready to make your outcomes inevitable?

Hit my profile and book your Executive Visibility Strategy Call.

(normally $527 - free while spots are available)

シ

📹 kingofpov80

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↓

💬 Are you chasing outcomes, or are they inevitable?

Grow Your Career 1% Daily - I’ll Show You How | Follow for Tips on Learning, Professional Development, and Productivity | Professor | MBA + JD

Is this the part where I talk about brand voice, distribution, and storytelling across the funnel? Or say we “help companies scale content that converts”?

𝗪𝗲 𝗱𝗼 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁.

But what we really do is write content your team doesn’t have to worry about, so you can stay focused on strategy, not sentence structure.

𝗛𝗲𝘆, 𝗜’𝗺 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗻. 👋

And my path here hasn’t exactly followed a playbook:
Banking → Law School → Teaching → L&D → Content

(Yeah… it’s been a ride.)

Today, I run a B2B content agency with my wife. We keep it lean and personal — just the two of us, plus our kids and a couple barky mini schnauzers. 

At Damn Smart Marketing, we give marketers writing they can trust and results they can stand behind.

✓ Content that sounds like you (not a template, not bland AI)
✓ Full support from idea to publication
✓ A partner who gets content
✓ Zero fluff, zero hand-holding
✓ More time to focus on what matters

In other words: you get to 🚀 while we handle the ✍️.

𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿? 𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘄𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸:

1️⃣ 𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗲-𝗳𝗼𝗿-𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀.
Blogs, LinkedIn posts, newsletters, case studies. If it’s got words, we’ll write it. You get to run the show without sweating every sentence.

2️⃣ 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀.
We’ve built an AI-assisted workflow that makes posting easy, effective, and actually worth reading.

If you're curious, DM me. 

No cold, hard pitch, I promise. Just a real convo about where you’re headed and whether some damn smart content can help.

Stephen 😀

Stephen Mostrom

How my wife and I work together without losing our minds (or our marriage)...

9 years ago, Donna and I started Damn Smart Marketing.
4 years ago, we niched down to B2B content writing. 
24 months ago, I joined full-time. 

It's been a wild ride. 
Full of ups and downs. 

And, when we share our story with others, the same question comes up every time.

"How do you work with your partner 24/7 without killing each other?"

Here's our formula: 

1 - Love your differences (really!)
2 - Create a clear division of duties
3 - Remove pressure whenever possible
4 - Talk about everything
5 - Leave your ego at the door

Interested in learning more about how we make it work?

👉 https://lnkd.in/gtPzBpME

Writer for B2B Tech & Finance ✍️ | Running a content agency with my wife (and yes, still married) | Human words, AI workflows | JD & MBA

I've got one resolution for '26. 
KEEP. IT. REAL. 

Real talk
- Words I’d say out loud, not empty-calorie buzzwords
- Taking a stance, not performative "thought leadership"
- Posting for people, not the algorithm

Real content
- Heart-first drafts, not perfect-first outputs
- A voice with fingerprints, not generic AI fluff
- Photos that feel lived-in, not perfectly staged

Real-ationships
- Showing up first, not keeping score
- Chats that run long, not calendar Tetris
- Conversations with pauses, not pitches

LinkedIn.
The business world.
The internet.
Honestly, the whole globe.

It’s getting more synthetic by the second.

Time to swim against the current. 

Real only. 
No exceptions. 

You in?

LinkedIn friends: Can you help me get the word out?

I’ve got *a lot* of thoughts on writing, creativity, AI (and where to avoid it), and B2B marketing. 

(Also the last season of Stranger Things… but that’s a separate thread)

I’m looking to connect with smart folks who care about these topics and want to have no-fluff conversations around them.

If you know anyone I should meet, I’d appreciate a tag or a DM:

- Podcast hosts
- Conference organizers
- Speaking opportunities
- Or adjacent worlds I should be paying attention to

And if you just want to talk about The Upside Down or how Steve + Dustin are an elite duo, I’m here for that too!

Thanks in advance. 🙏

I assume every LinkedIn post will flop (yes, even after 1M+ impressions). So, I run mine through this 10-point checklist before hitting publish.👇

The result?

10k+ followers
Viral client posts
Countless connections

Here's the checklist: 

1. Did I start with the good stuff?
Weak hook, no go. I’ll tweak it 100x to get it right.

2. Does this post sound like me? (Or like AI?)
Beep boop. No thanks, I’ll stick to Stephen writing. 

3. Did I make it easy to read?
No one’s reading bland blocks of text during their coffee break.

4. Did I paint the picture?
Feelings, stakes, pain. That makes a story real. 

5. Will I remember this tomorrow?
If it’s forgettable to me, it’s forgettable to them.

6. Am I talking to one person, or broadcasting to everyone?
Generic tone = generic results. I write to one reader and one reader only.

7. Did I edit out the filler?
Adverbs, clichés, throat-clearing intros. I cut them with a chainsaw.

8. Did I anchor it in lived experience?
Real stories beat abstract advice every day (twice on Sundays).

9. What’s the one thing I want someone to remember?
If my post has 6 points, it has no point.

10. Did I enjoy writing it?
If it felt like a chore, it’ll probably read like one too.

Your go-to?

Who in their right mind adds 25 pounds to their morning walk?

Umm....

Last year, I started wearing a weighted vest. Unless it's 110° or more, most mornings you'll find me with three dogs walking a mile loop around Chandler. 

Shoulders strained. 
Core (hopefully) engaged. 
CCR probably on repeat. 

It's the funny bit about exercise...

To get stronger, you have to intentionally do hard things. Lift heavy stuff, run when nothing's chasing you, or strap extra weight to your body. 

The reward?
Growth. 

Problem is, when I look at the mental side of work, all I see are shortcuts. AI wasn't the first, but boy is it the loudest. 

"Write 100 LinkedIn posts in 30 seconds!"
"Turn one idea into a week of content!"
"Hit publish without ever breaking a sweat!"

There’s absolutely a time and place for speed, efficiency, and productivity.

But if everything gets easier…
When do we actually get stronger?

This isn't theoretical. 

Darja Djordjevic (Columbia Univ) on AI: 
“Here is a machine that is always available, endlessly enthusiastic, and seemingly competent in every domain. That creates a powerful feedback loop. You skip the discomfort of starting from scratch and get rewarded in seconds.”

Great for the short-term. 
Hazardous for the long. 

That's why I'm personally putting on weighted vests at work, too. 

Writing the first draft from scratch.
Sitting with the mess before cleaning it up.
Thinking before prompting.

Do I use AI? Of course.
But it’s the spotter, not the lifter.

Because the discomfort *is* the workout.

Maybe I'm not in my right mind. 
Maybe that's okay... as long as I'm growing. 🤷

Last year, I ghostwrote on LinkedIn for a dozen execs. 12M+ impressions, 20k+ followers. Here are 4 post types that delivered (and why): 

1. Scar stories

Easily our top-performer. 

What were the bottom-rung moments in a career (fumbles, toxic peers, etc)? And, most importantly, what did you learn from them?

One six-figure impression post from last year started with, “When I left the boardroom, I thought I was fired.” 

These posts counter the perfect upward path so often embedded in thought leadership content. 

They take courage to post. 
And that’s why they work. 

2. Non-obvious + niche trends

Market trend posts work when you’ve got a one-of-one view. 
And genuine thought leaders do. 

The key is making sure the trends don’t sound like an economics report. 

They need to cut deep for your target audience. 
Show you’re in the trenches. 

Not “5 [industry] trends,” but “5 patterns showing up across every [industry] conversation I’m in.”

3. Have you seen?

This is the small-scale side of the trends conversation. 
Commenting on news happening right now, this minute. 

- Major shakeup in your industry
- Big, bold stance by leadership
- Real-time data that informs decisions

In one move, you bring your readership into the fold (“have you seen?”), then lay out your angle (“here’s how I see it”). 

Timely and opinionated. 

4. I used to think X, now I think Y

Growth is interesting. 

People love to map the trajectory a leader’s taken. They want to see the nitty-gritty thoughts that shape million-dollar (billion-dollar?) leadership. 

One post that caught fire last year…
 
It broke down the people side of a data-heavy business. “I used to think the numbers mattered most, now I think it’s those small hallway conversations.”

Growth. And how it happens. 
Your readers can easily take notes. 




What do these posts have in common?

- Specific to YOU, not just anyone
- Getting real with your struggles and journey
- Putting the “thought” in thought leadership

That’s what separates the leaders people sync with…
From content that gets scrolled past and forgotten.

I'm tired of reading LinkedIn posts stuffed with fluff. 

Too many words. Too little payoff. A waste of everyone's time...

The result:
Writer – Annoyed that their message isn't resonating. 😡 
Reader – Annoyed that their attention isn't respected. 😤 

Who's this working for?
Answer: no one.

Time to get back to an old writing rule I swear by, "Every word not working for you... is working against you." 

Time to ditch words that add nothing. 

↓↓↓
These are the 4 worst offenders I see every single day: 

1. Buzzword Bingo
“Leverage”
“Synergy”
“Thought leadership”
“Game-changing”

2. The Warm-Up Lap
“I’ve been thinking a lot lately…”
“I wanted to share a quick thought…”
“This might resonate with some of you…”
“Just some reflections…”

3. Captain Generic
“Bet on yourself.”
“Show up.”
“Do the work.”
"Success isn't linear."

4. Say It Again, But Louder
“In other words…”
“Put simply…”
“Let me explain…”
“To clarify…”

Instead of fluff, do this...

Get to the point. 
Respect your reader. 
Mic drop and move on. 

Yeah?

This might be my favorite January reading stack ever ↓

📚 How fear shaped history, politics, society, and more 
📚 One man's journey to consume the entire encyclopedia britannica
📚 The economist behind "Capital" takes on current events
📚 AI's impact on human writing (hint: it's not good)
📚 A globetrotting journey via classic works of fiction

What are you reading?
(Recommendations, please! I'm building my list for next month)

Buffer crunched 2M+ data points to answer the question: How often should you post on LinkedIn to maximize reach? ↓

2-5 times per week. 

Doesn’t have to be every day. 
Doesn’t have to destroy your calendar. 

But moving from “whenever I have time” or once a month to this range yields serious results. 

+1,182 more impressions per post
0.23 percentage point lift in engagement rate

Buffer calls it “flipping a switch.”

That’s why, when we work with busy execs and founders at Damn Smart Marketing, we use a simple 3 / 30 approach: 

3 → publish three posts per week (minus holidays)
30 → one 30-minute weekly brainstorm to generate raw ideas

(Huge shoutout to Devin Reed, who runs this process to perfection. His breakdown is worth a look: https://lnkd.in/gcghEk5R)

That’s it. 

The difference between fading into the background and showing up in the feed of the people you want to reach. 

Questions?
Drop them below or DM me.

It's official: most folks DO NOT want to read AI. 

I've suspected as much. Seen loads of spiky posts about it on LinkedIn. But this is 4,484 people casting their vote, and you can see...

Only 16% keep reading, no problem. 
Whoa. 🤯 

My thoughts: 

1 - This topic is emotional quicksand. 4k+ people voting on a LinkedIn poll... that crazy, and a signal that people REALLY care. 

This isn't a shoulder shrug.  
It's a raging fire we need to pay attention to. 

2 - How do you know something was written by AI? Short answer: you don't. Instead, we're all judging in seconds. 

Is it flat, lifeless? Could anyone have written it? 
Does it have an em dash or too many rule of threes?

There's no rulebook. 
Just people making assumptions. 

As writers, marketers, and content folks...
We have to know this. Understand it. Adapt to it. 

3 - Content is about making bets. Bets that something you create will resonate and lead to a conversation, trust-building, etc. 

Idk about you...

But I don't want to bet on 16% odds. The chance folks MIGHT ignore the AI of it all and keep reading anyway... even if ChatGPT can generate 1M words in 3 seconds.

The smarter bet? 
Write for people. Write what resonates. 

And at least according to this (pretty big) poll, that isn't AI. 



Ok, enough of my ramblings...
What do you think? 

P.S. Shoutout to Mel Barfield for doing the work.

This LinkedIn post should have been a snoozefest. ↓

Instead, it's one of the best examples of writing voice I've ever seen. 


We've all seen the new furry friend angle.
Usually it's “I got a pup! 🐶” and 5 likes.

But not Lauren. 

Check it…

1 - She pulls you right into the storyworld

“middle of the workday” → busy CEO
“puppy with bad eyes” → awwww
“definitely don’t need another dog” → tension
“skin of our gahdayum teeth” → relatability
“ohmygaaaahhhh” → human emotion
“drive four hours” → commitment

And then there’s her backstory:
“lost… one year ago this week”
😭😭😭

2 - She uses (gasp) humor

Pile of laundry?
Mitch McConnell? 

I won’t explain the funny here cause that ruins it. 
But c’mon. This is standup level. 

3 - She sounds so human

Running around at 1 million miles per hour. 
Making heartfelt decisions. 
Talking pup names with her husband. 
Reflecting on the past and looking to the future. 

All in 115 words. 



I’ve never met Lauren. 
Never seen her content on LinkedIn before. 
But you can bet I smashed that “like” button fast. 

And last I checked, 1000+ others had too. 

Wow. Great writing. 
Who knew?

“Have AI write the first draft, then edit.” 

I know smart folks who write this way. It works for them. Real talk, though, it's not how I do my best writing.

Here's why: 

1 - The 1000-pound anchor. 

Once words are on the screen, they’re hard to ignore. You start reacting to what’s there instead of imagining what could be.

That usually means less human judgment. Less original thinking.

You either have to edit hard and fast and often. 
Or you quietly settle.

2 - It’s painfully predictable.

AI leans on the same phrases, rhythms, and structures. Even when you tell it to mix things up.

So I’m left with two bad options:
- Everything I write starts to sound the same
- I spend time hacking and rearranging instead of thinking

Both feel like fighting the work instead of doing it.

3 - I want my creative muscles strong.

I plan to write tomorrow. And the day after that. And the day after that.

When I'm on a client call, I want ideas flowing straight from my brain (not from a prompt I used last week). 

That only happens with reps.

Staring down the blank page like it's a roaring dragon spitting flames. And coming out the other side untouched. 

---

My process instead: 

- I write the first draft, messy and human. 
- I get feedback from trusted peers and my co-founder. 
- I use AI for grammar, polish, and the occasional word swap.

That balance works for me. 
It protects originality without sacrificing speed or quality.

Curious how others do it.

AI-written first drafts?
Or human-first?

When execs and founders ask me how to win on LinkedIn, I give the same advice every time: Hook your reader. Here are 5 hook-writing tips👇

1. Know the fundamentals

Your hook = what shows before “see more.”
You’ve got about 200 characters to earn the click.
Make it count.

2. Use specific, emotionally charged words

Generic is boring. Stats are boring. I’ve seen enough posts start with a bland sentence + stat to fill a stadium.

Don’t aim for the head. Aim for the heart.

And use the words that speak to them...

Think:
– Burnout, not low engagement
– Ghosted, not no response
– Nightmare spreadsheet, not manual process

3. Inject your POV

There’s way too much “you should” on here. Try “I did” instead.

Personal stories beat generic advice every day of the week.

Simple formula:
Do interesting things. Talk about them.

4. Signal value early

If you’re sharing 5 tips, say that up front. Please don’t make people guess what they’re getting.

Clarity builds trust... fast.

5. Benefits, benefits, benefits

Assumption is a dangerous game on LinkedIn. The audience is too wide, too diverse.

So spell it out:
- Why should someone care? (benefit)
- What’s it going to help them do? (benefit)
- What’s the end result? (benefit)

If the value’s not obvious, they’ll scroll. Every time.


---
Your turn: What's your go-to tip for writing a standout hook?

Donna Mostrom calls our LLM “Cathy.”

Because we use ChatGPT.

Chatty Cathy.
Well played. 🫡

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The Battle

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