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Can we trust reviews anymore, or have they become part of the marketing game? In this episode of Mindful Bytes, we discuss the reliability of online reviews. With the rise of fake and paid reviews, can consumers trust what they’re reading anymore? The podcast panel explore how reviews have evolved, and how marketers are manipulating them. From buying fake reviews to the possibility of buying bad reviews to sabotage competitors, this episode asks the hard question: are reviews still trustworthy? Join Brian, Shawna, Olivia, and Ashton as they discuss personal experiences, potential solutions, and some ideas for what might come next in the review landscape.

What to Expect:

• The Shift from Brand Loyalty to Review-Based Purchasing: We discuss how consumers have moved away from relying on brand names to trusting reviews—and whether that trust is misplaced.
• The Problem with Fake Reviews: How marketers are buying positive reviews to increase sales, and the tricky ethics behind incentivizing reviews for untested products.
• Can We Trust Influencers? Olivia raises the question of influencer credibility and the lack of regulation on paid endorsements.
• The Possibility of Bad Reviews Being Bought: Brian explores whether companies might be paying for negative reviews to harm competitors.
• Signs of Fake Reviews: Tips on how to spot repetitive, unnatural, or overly generic reviews that might be red flags.
• A Future of Verified Influencers? Brian shares an idea, could platforms create a rating system for influencers to help consumers determine their trustworthiness?
• Word-of-Mouth’s Comeback: Brian shares another idea based on how consumers are increasingly trusting friends’ recommendations over online reviews, and how social media could play a role in connecting buyers to trusted reviewers.

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Could AI become your close friend? What if becoming “invisible” could help your business stand out? Have your heard about Instagram's new DM features? In this episode of Mindful Bytes, you'll be introduced to a new AI gadget and how it can potentially become your next friend. We'll explore using the private feed to deepen connections with your audience and new DM features coming to Instagram.

What to Expect:

• AI and Connection: Ashton introduces a new AI device called “AI Friend,” which acts like a virtual companion, and discusses the implications of AI in fostering connections.
• Becoming Invisible to Stand Out: Brian introduces a counterintuitive strategy—using DMs and private feeds to build meaningful, one-on-one connections instead of relying solely on public feeds.
• Instagram’s New DM Features: Olivia discusses how Instagram is shifting focus to DMs with new tools like birthday notifications, stickers, and customizable themes.
• The Future of Social Media: The panel discussed the declining impact of public posts and the increasing importance of private conversations in building authentic relationships.

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Let's Figure This Out Together:

• Schedule a Discovery Call
• Book Brian for a Keynote, Speaking Engagement, Team Workshop or Interview
• Get Help with Digital Strategy, Consulting, or Coaching

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• Launch your own podcast on BuzzSprout
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What’s more effective: building a personal brand or focusing on your company’s brand? Are wellness apps really beneficial, or do they pose hidden risks? How can chatbots like ManyChat enhance your social media engagement? Are AI-generated content and deepfakes a threat to online authenticity?

In this episode of Mindful Bytes, we dive into the current landscape of AI regulation, specifically discussing a bill in California aimed at controlling AI's potential to create deepfakes and other misleading content. We explore the pros and cons of using wellness apps, how chatbots like ManyChat are evolving to improve social media engagement, and the ongoing debate between building a personal brand versus a company brand. We wrap up with insights on maintaining authentic connections in the increasingly automated digital world.

What to Expect:

• AI Regulation and Its Impact: Learn about the proposed California bill and its implications for AI developers, especially concerning deepfakes and fake content.
• Wellness Apps: A discussion on the benefits and potential pitfalls of using apps for health and mental wellness, including privacy concerns and the importance of not outsourcing your health to technology.
• ManyChat Overview: Insights into how ManyChat is used to automate social media interactions and whether this tool can replace authentic engagement.
• Personal vs. Company Branding: A look at why personal brands are gaining traction over company brands, backed by surprising LinkedIn data.
• Authentic Connections: The importance of keeping it real in a digital world dominated by automation and AI.

Links Mentioned: (affiliate links used when possible)

• Watch Funny Bill Commercial
• Safe & Secure Innovation (AI Bill)
• Benefits of Mental Wellness Apps
• Rising Influence of Health & Wellness Apps
• ManyChat
• Schedule a Discovery Call with Brian

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Let's Figure This Out Together:

• Schedule a Discovery Call
• Book Brian for a Keynote, Speaking Engagement, Team Workshop or Interview
• Get Help with Digital Strategy, Consulting, or Coaching

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Do you trust the companies behind the tech you use every day, or are you concerned about the power they hold?

In this episode of Mindful Bytes, the team dives into the fascinating yet sometimes intimidating world of emerging technologies. We touch on AI facial recognition, the implications of Google's potential breakup, and why you shouldn’t underestimate Snapchat. We also explore the concept of the “Third Day Magic” effect on your mental health, discuss a major metric shift on Facebook and Instagram, and introduce a cutting-edge AI tool that could revolutionize how you handle phone calls. With special guest Maggie Thorne 🎀, who brings her unique perspective as a VP and American Ninja Warrior 💪, this episode is packed with insights, humor, and actionable advice.

What to expect in this episode:

• AI Facial Recognition & Ethics: Maggie Thorne shares her insights on how AI is reshaping safety, security, and marketing, but also brings up critical ethical concerns about its use.
• Third Day Magic: Shawna introduces the "Third Day Magic" concept, discussing the profound mental shifts that occur when we disconnect from technology for a few days.
• Snapchat's Growing Influence: Olivia breaks down why Snapchat's new subscription model is outpacing Meta and X, highlighting its unique appeal and user engagement strategies.
• Google’s Legal Battle: Ashton provides an overview of Google’s current antitrust lawsuit, explaining how it could lead to a breakup of the tech giant.
• Major Metric Change on Facebook & Instagram: Brian discusses a significant shift in how Facebook and Instagram will measure video performance, explaining why views will now be the primary metric and what that means for content creators.
• AI-Driven Call Notes: Brian introduces a new AI tool called "Plaud Note" that automatically records and organizes phone calls, offering a glimpse into how AI can streamline everyday tasks.

Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on how to navigate the fast-evolving tech landscape without losing touch with what truly matters.

Links Mentioned: (affiliate links used when possible)

• 3rd Day Magic
• Snapchat Subscriptions
• Google Breakup
• Metric Change for Facebook & Instagram
• The Plaud Note

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Let's Figure This Out Together:

• Schedule a Discovery Call
• Book Brian for a Keynote, Speaking Engagement, Team Workshop or Interview
• Get Help with Digital Strategy, Consulting, or Coaching

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• Launch your own podcast on BuzzSprout
• Join us LIVE in VR at the Killer Bee Studios by grabbing an Oculus headset. Plus, earn some reward points from Meta!

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In this episode, Brian shares how AI is reshaping various industries, from recruitment to customer service and even sports coaching. Imagine having AI help you make smarter inventory decisions or reducing daily tasks. But with these advancements come real concerns about privacy and regulation. We'll discuss two stories recently published about Meta's AI and Apple Intelligence, the importance of data transparency and user consent.

Shawna talks about her hilarious yet perplexing encounters with her new iPhone 15, which seems to be moving on its own. Could Apple be hiding some quirky code in their software?

Olivia raises an important point about using social media platforms to broadcast a brand’s political stance. Are we feeding the chaos? With social media platforms like X, Facebook, Instagram and even LinkedIn overflowing with political posts, it’s a challenge to avoid it all. Join us as we discuss ways to navigate the flood of information without losing our sanity.

Links Mentioned:

• Social Media During an Election Year
• AI Fixes for Common Business Problems (EntreprenuerMagazine)
• Meta's AI (SocialMediaToday)
• Apple Intelligence (TechCrunch)
• Academic Publisher AI Deal: Professors Outraged (Chronicle)
• Meta's Llama 3.1

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Let's Figure This Out Together:

• Schedule a Discovery Call
• Book Brian for a Keynote, Speaking Engagement, Team Workshop or Interview
• Get Help with Digital Strategy, Consulting, or Coaching

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• Launch your own podcast on BuzzSprout
• Join us LIVE in VR at the Killer Bee Studios by grabbing an Oculus headset. Plus, earn some reward points from Meta!

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Support the show

Let's Figure This Out Together:

• Schedule a Discovery Call
• Book Brian for a Keynote, Speaking Engagement, Team Workshop or Interview
• Get Help with Digital Strategy, Consulting, or Coaching

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• Launch your own podcast on BuzzSprout
• Join us LIVE in VR at the Killer Bee Studios by grabbing an Oculus headset. Plus, earn some reward points from Meta!

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• Creativity In A World Of Technology: Does It Exist?
• Mind Wandering (PNAS)
• Ready vs Done by Seth Godin
• 2 Ways AI Is Making A Difference

Support the show

Let's Figure This Out Together:

• Schedule a Discovery Call
• Book Brian for a Keynote, Speaking Engagement, Team Workshop or Interview
• Get Help with Digital Strategy, Consulting, or Coaching

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• Launch your own podcast on BuzzSprout
• Join us LIVE in VR at the Killer Bee Studios by grabbing an Oculus headset. Plus, earn some reward points from Meta!

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Have you ever felt lonelier after scrolling through social media? We discuss why this happens and how you can counteract it by focusing inward. Could solitude be the cure for loneliness? Join us on Mindful Bytes as we explore this compelling idea, drawing on insights from Wendell Berry to reveal how purposeful alone time can defy the pull of loneliness. Shawna discusses the fine line between loneliness and solitude, showing how choosing to be alone can offer profound mental health benefits, especially when contrasted with the false connections often promoted by social media. Olivia brings a nuanced perspective by explaining how both extroverts and introverts might navigate these feelings differently, adding layers to our understanding of social engagement.

Brian introduces us to the "Brick," a fascinating innovation by college students designed to help you manage smartphone distractions and foster a more introspective mindset, during the tech talk segment. Providing practical strategies to help you tune out the noise and tune into your own thoughts. Discover how intentional disconnection through tools like the "brick" device can help create more meaningful connections in your life.

We also discuss Instagram strategies with our savvy Millennial, Olivia, to boost engagement, emphasizing meaningful interactions over mere follower counts. As we wrap up, the conversation shifts to understanding and aligning personal goals with professional ambitions, stressing that success is subjective and personal.

This episode is packed with valuable insights that promise to help you navigate loneliness, embrace solitude, and optimize your digital presence.

Links Mentioned:

• Social Media Engagement Rate Calculator
• The Brick
• Epidemic of Loneliness & Isolation Article
• The Surprising Ways Solitude Is an Antidote to Loneliness

Support the show

Let's Figure This Out Together:

• Schedule a Discovery Call
• Book Brian for a Keynote, Speaking Engagement, Team Workshop or Interview
• Get Help with Digital Strategy, Consulting, or Coaching

Affiliate Links:

• Launch your own podcast on BuzzSprout
• Join us LIVE in VR at the Killer Bee Studios by grabbing an Oculus headset. Plus, earn some reward points from Meta!