Your Brand Amplified‪®‬ Anika Jackson

Have you ever pondered over the power of nonfiction? Have you ever thought about how sharing your own story could potentially change lives, or even save them? World, meet Nancy Erickson - an award-winning publisher, book coach, and beacon of hope. She traded in her high-tech industry job to follow her passion and transform society through the profound power of nonfiction. Listen in as she takes us on a journey from the heart-wrenching time spent with her terminally ill father, to the establishment of her own publishing house, Stonebrook Publishing, and her adventures in Amsterdam for the release of their first book.

Dive into the world of publishing with Nancy as your guide, as she sheds a brilliant light on the ins and outs of traditional publishing, self-publishing, and the hybrid approach. She breaks down the process of writing a book, right from answering the foundational questions to the significance of the book mapping process. If you've ever found yourself at a loss about the best way to share your story, you'll find Nancy's insights invaluable. She's been where you are, and she's used her experiences to help others navigate through their own writing journey.

But that's not all. Nancy passionately advocates for the power of personal storytelling. She emphasizes how sharing one's experiences can offer hope and help to those grappling with similar situations. Have you ever wondered how writing a book can help you expand your business? Nancy provides a compelling answer to that question. Each story is unique, as is each journey of writing a book. To quote Henry Ford, 'Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right.' So, if you're poised on the edge of sharing your story with the world, join us in this rich conversation with Nancy Erickson. Visit her website, Thebookprofessor.com, to learn more about expanding your business by writing a book.
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Imagine starting your first business at the age of 17 out of necessity. Sounds like an exciting journey, right? That's exactly what our guest, Scott Edwards, an accomplished entrepreneur and the brain behind more than a dozen successful businesses, did. Scott's remarkable journey is one of determination, innovation, and not being afraid to see opportunities where others might not. He shares his fascinating tale of launching one of the first full-time comedy clubs in the US in 1980 and underlines the significance of branding and quality customer service.

Scott's entrepreneurial journey is filled with highs, lows, but most importantly, valuable lessons that you can apply to your own ventures. He shares his experience of using his own name to market his businesses, like Sticky Fingers Barbecue Restaurant and Scott the Insurance Pro, and the impact these decisions had. Scott's approach to blending traditional and new marketing methods to effectively reach his target audience is insightful and refreshing. From using humor in marketing to leveraging business cards, flyers, and swag, he stands out in a digital world with his creative strategies.

Scott's story is a testament to the power of self-belief, perseverance, and the ability to learn from failures. As we wrap up this episode, he shares his strategies on overcoming challenges and finding success in the business world. We also explore the power of niche platforms like podcasts, and the role they can play in reaching your audience. Ending on a high note, Scott shares how to connect with him and his Standup Comedy Podcast Network. Get ready to be inspired, learn, and laugh along the way with Scott Edwards.

Check out more at scottscomedystuff.com!
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Follow us on all socials at @amplifywithanika and @yourbrandamplified Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Visit our website Connect with us at anika@yourbrandamplified.com Join me on PodMatch to start your own journey as a podcast guest!

As an educator with 37 years of experience under his belt, Steven Miletto breathes life into the discussion of his unique journey. His passion for learning sparked by his father's love of history, he has navigated the world of education with relentless determination. Listen in as we explore his career trajectory, the profound influence of mentors, and how his drive to create change has left a lasting imprint on the schools he's been affiliated with.

In our digital age, the transformative potential of AI can't be overlooked. Steve and I tackle this intriguing topic, highlighting the many tools AI brings to the table. From aiding students' communication skills to assisting schools in recruiting and retaining teachers, we explore the breadth of AI in educational settings. We also shed light on the pressing need to support our teachers - whether through professional development opportunities or better wages - to make the teaching profession an attractive one to both enter and remain in.

Finding the perfect school culture is pivotal to the overall educational experience. Steve shares a compelling story of how community connection led him to his job at Hartby. We then veer into the ever-evolving landscape of podcasting and how it has revolutionized the way we connect with educators worldwide. Closing off our discussion, we emphasize the power of education and inspiration in shaping students' futures. So, prepare to be enlightened and inspired by a conversation brimming with insightful anecdotes, practical advice, and boundless optimism for the future of education.

Listen to Steven's podcast, Teaching Learning Leading K - 12. 
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Did you know that your past is not a death sentence to your future? This profound insight came to me during my conversation with the passionate Sharon Bonney, the head of the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (CoABE). Sharon, driven by the inspiring journeys of her grandmother and husband, who both earned their GEDs as adults, is a staunch advocate for adult education. She believes, as do I, that everyone deserves a chance at bettering themselves, no matter their age or prior circumstances.

Sharon paints a vivid picture of the breadth of adult education, from basic literacy to digital literacy, workforce readiness, and even family literacy. But what struck me the most is the transformative power education holds. It's not just about acquiring skills; it's about changing lives, filling workforce gaps, and contributing to economic growth. Sharon also shares details about CoABE's key campaigns - 'Move Ahead with Adult Ed' and 'Educate & Elevate'- designed to bring adult education to the forefront of public consciousness. These initiatives have increased adult learners' access to Wi-Fi and devices, making the digital world more navigable.

Of course, like any important mission, there are challenges. We talk candidly about the difficulties of branding local education agencies and the scarcity of adequate funding for adult education programs. But Sharon's optimism and faith in the power of education shine through. From discussing the COIP wraparound support program's impact to sharing ways to reduce adult education's stigma, our conversation is both enlightening and instructive. So, tune in, whether you're an adult learner, a teacher, or just someone interested in the transformative power of education. This episode is guaranteed to leave you richer in knowledge and, hopefully, inspiration.


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Join us as we unravel the extraordinary tale of Kylie, a kid entrepreneur whose business, Kylie Kreates, has grown from selling pumpkins door-to-door to crafting handmade candles and soaps. You won't want to miss how this enterprising youngster has forged her unique path, cleverly choosing scents for her candles and naming her soaps after precious jewels. But what truly distinguishes Kylie's entrepreneurial venture is her philanthropic spirit – she donates a generous 20% of her profits to the Malala Fund to support girl's education in Afghanistan.

This is not just a story of a young entrepreneur, it's an exploration of the triumphs and challenges along her journey, and the inspiring impact she's making on her community. Crucially, Kylie is unwavering in her mission to empower others. Wait until you hear about her ambitious plan to establish a foundation to help other children embark on their own entrepreneurial journeys. Kylie's tale is a testament to her indomitable spirit and a striking reminder that age is no barrier to making a difference in the world. Get ready to be inspired by Kylie's remarkable journey and her radiant entrepreneurial spirit.

Learn more and order at kyliekreates.com!
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Follow us on all socials at @amplifywithanika and @yourbrandamplified Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Visit our website Connect with us at anika@yourbrandamplified.com Join me on PodMatch to start your own journey as a podcast guest!

Are you ready to be inspired by a story of transformation and resilience? This episode features a riveting conversation with Mike Acker, a multi-time author and transformational coach. Born to unconventional parents - a drug smuggler and a white witch, Mike's unique journey is packed with unexpected twists and turns. After a radical conversion, his parents moved to Mexico to dedicate their lives to serving the poor. Growing up in this environment, Mike overcame a speech impediment and cultural barriers, all of which have shaped his philosophy and work as a confidence and communication coach.

Delving deeper, we uncover more about Mike's transition into a coach for executive communication. From battling the odds in his personal life to making a career switch from pastoral ministry to sales, Mike's journey is nothing short of remarkable. We discuss his book, translated into seven languages, that has impacted lives globally. Imagine this - a royal sovereign engrossed in his book found at an airport store! Listen in as we talk about how Mike's words have resonated with many and the divine hand guiding his journey.

Finally, we get to pick Mike's brain on his expert strategies for public speaking and building confidence. He breaks down the three sources of confidence - identity, message, and skills - and how to utilize them. He emphasizes authenticity, listening to your audience, and providing value in communication. Tag along as Mike shares invaluable insights from his books on mastering public speaking and transform your fear into confidence. Don’t miss out on this journey through Mike's fascinating life story and his wisdom on communication and confidence building. 

So, are you curious about Mike's unusual upbringing and how it shaped his future? Intrigued to find out about his books that are changing lives around the world? Ready to unlock the secrets to confident public speaking? Then this episode is just for you. Tune in and let Mike's extraordinary journey inspire you.

https://www.stepstoadvance.com/
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Follow us on all socials at @amplifywithanika and @yourbrandamplified Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Visit our website Connect with us at anika@yourbrandamplified.com Join me on PodMatch to start your own journey as a podcast guest!