Expert Connexions

EXPERT CONNEXIONS: Creating a User-Centric User Experience in Marketing

In the dynamic landscape of modern business, “user experience” is a frequently used buzzword, but its tangible use within marketing may seem a bit abstract.

In this episode of Expert Connexions with Julie Holton, our marketing professionals share tactical ways to optimize our websites and create creative messaging hooks, all while enhancing our users’ experience. They emphasize the paramount importance of empathy, urging us to step into the shoes of our audience, to truly inhabit their perspectives, and to understand their unique worldview when it comes to our marketing endeavors.

EXPERT CONNEXIONS: Creating Your Own Movie Maestro

Have you ever planned a movie night… but when it comes time to start your movie, you just don’t know what to watch?

What if Artificial Intelligence could help you solve your family movie-night dilemma?

Today we encourage you to join us as we dive in and play around with AI. Dave Smith of Amplify Labs AI shows us how to use Chat GPT to create a custom GPT – to help him with specific tasks, like picking out a movie that meets every family member’s expectations.

Subscribe to Expert Connexions for more AI demos, expert interviews, and deep dives into the world of artificial intelligence! And be sure to check out the Artificial Intelligence playlist.

EXPERT CONNEXIONS: Navigating M&A: The Dynamics of Deal-Making with Max Friar of Calder Capital

It has been a turbulent few years for many mergers and acquisitions.
Economic uncertainty, market volatility, regulatory challenges, interest rates and financing costs — have led to challenges in many markets.

But despite the challenges, one M&A firm continues to experience record growth.

Listed four times in a row by Inc 5000, Calder Capital in Grand Rapids, Michigan is the fastest-growing M&A firm in the U.S.

In this episode, Julie Holton interviews founder Max Friar. You’ll hear his insights on mergers and acquisitions, including common misconceptions and errors that business owners face. Plus, with a goal set for an impressive 10 years of continuous growth, Max shares insights that have brought them this far and promises to keep the momentum going.

EXPERT CONNEXIONS: Sober(ish) with Kim Gamez

Taking risks, shameless hustle, and serial entrepreneurship all led this week’s expert to her current startup venture: Sober(ish).

Founder Kim Gamez says her quest to find the buzz without the booze led her first to TikTok, where she built a following — and a revenue stream.

She’s no stranger to starting new businesses and the questions that all startups face:

Bootstrap or seek external funding? How to create a unique product in a competitive market? And how to turn a personal passion into a successful business model?

Join us for an all-new episode as Julie Holton talks with founder Kim Gamez about bootstrapping her newest startup, Sober(ish). Discover the journey behind creating a non-alcoholic beverage brand that stands out, and hear how personal experiences and market trends influence Kim’s approach to entrepreneurship.

Kim also shares insights from her previous venture, Mi Padrino, which was featured in Forbes and the Today Show, and her transition to a new challenge in the non-alcoholic beverage industry. Learn about the importance of community building, and get expert advice for turning your passion into a profitable business.

EXPERT CONNEXIONS: Powering Progress: Inside Ultium Cells’ Groundbreaking New EV Battery Plant

A $2.6 billion investment in the EV industry is driving forward the future of the auto industry in electric and innovative ways – right in our very own Julie Holton’s town of Lansing Michigan.

In this week’s episode of Expert Connections, Julie interviews Grace Griffin, the Lansing plant director of Ultium Cells. Hear about the future of transportation and the diverse job opportunities available. Grace highlights the ongoing talent search and invites viewers to a talent showcase on January 31st.

\Ultium Cells is committed to sustainability and boasts a truly unique battery cell technology for General Motors’ electric vehicles. Grace emphasizes the company’s partnership with the Lansing region and its dedication to a community that has readily and openly embraced their work.

Learn more about Ultium Cells here: https://www.ultiumcell.com/

EXPERT CONNEXIONS: Marketing Trends to Ditch in 2024

‘Tis the season for experts to tell us how to get ahead in the coming year… Instead, a twist in this episode of Expert Connexions… with a look at what marketing trends to ditch in 2024!

Should you join the exodus from X?
Is there such a thing as being too niche?
And what should you do about plummeting organic reach on Facebook and Instagram?

Julie Holton talks with Alexis Neumann of mConnexions Marketing Agency about the anti-trends and what to replace them with, in your 2024 marketing game plan.

For a deeper dive into these anti-trends – along with a list of new trends – check out the blogs and resources from mconnexions.com.

Connect with Julie, Alexis, and the mConnexions team:
https://www.mconnexions.com/our-team

EXPERT CONNEXIONS: Hot 2024 Marketing Trends

Dive into the latest hot marketing trends for 2024! In this episode, Julie Holton talks with Alexis Neumann of mConnexions about everything from AI-driven marketing (and how there might be more strategy to its usage than you might think!) to the return of design minimalism.

Grab these actionable insights to enhance your marketing strategies and cruise right into the new year.

For a deeper dive into these trends, check out our blog at mconnexions.com. Keep your marketing game strong in 2024!

EXPERT CONNEXIONS: AI: Getting Your Team Engaged

Struggling to get your team to start using AI? The headlines all promise increased efficiency and profitability, but that’s only if you know how to use artificial intelligence tools.

In this episode, host Julie Holton talks with our resident AI expert, Dave Smith of Amplify Labs AI to learn step-by-step how teams can integrate AI into their workflows to increase profitability – and more. Here’s a hint: sometimes, you just need to start!

Dave shares a list of ways to motivate your team to start exploring the possibilities of deploying AI. Learn more about Dave and his own team at amplifylabsai.com

Subscribe to Expert Connexions for more AI demos, expert interviews, and deep dives into the world of artificial intelligence! And be sure to check out the Artificial Intelligence playlist.

 

EXPERT CONNEXIONS: Beyond the Hype: Practical Uses of AI in Business

Experts say there are “practical applications” for all businesses to be using AI. But what exactly does “practical” mean?

In this episode of Expert Connexions, Julie Holton talks high-level AI strategy with Jesse Flores, owner of Super Web Pros.

Hear how Jesse defines “practical”, along with his description of the evolution from AI as a novelty to a powerful disruptor and innovator.
He’ll also share his step-by-step AI growth map as he shows us how to integrate AI into business processes for increased productivity and profitability.

Subscribe to Expert Connexions for more AI demos, expert interviews, and deep dives into the world of artificial intelligence.

Connect with Jesse and SuperWebPros:

EXPERT CONNEXIONS: Grind Redefined: Creating Work-Life Balance

the employer, or the employee?

In this episode of Expert Connexions, Julie Holton dives deep into the elusive concept of work-life balance with Lisa Fisher, an acclaimed leadership coach and the 2021 National Woman of the Year.

Lisa Fisher is a founding investor for Keller Williams Realty Franchise in Lansing, and has developed training modules and global coaching programs for C-suite executives. In this episode, she shares insights:

– Defining Work-Life Balance: How to understand and achieve balance in today’s gadget-filled, fast-paced world.
– Recognizing Burnout: Early signs and how to steer clear of it.
– Strategies for Balance: Practical techniques that have proven successful for her clients.
– Impact of Remote Work: How has the shift to remote or hybrid environments affected our work-life balance?
– Employer’s Role: Should employers be concerned about their employees’ work-life balance?

Lisa’s experience offers a unique perspective on maintaining balance in high-pressure industries and the long-term effects of imbalance on teams and personal well-being. Learn more about Lisa Fisher and her work: lisafisherassociates.com

Connect with Julie Holton: mconnexions.com/our-team-julie-holton

For more insights and episodes on business growth, innovation, and leadership, subscribe to Expert Connexions with Julie Holton.

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