Real Business Connections Ben Albert

Fifteen Minute Friday episode #48 April Pertuis.

Everyone has a story to tell, and in the act of sharing, we unlock a profound connection between ourselves and the world. Whether we share stories about our moments of triumph or vulnerability, sharing our stories serves as a shining light for others, offering hope and inspiration. Moreover, it acts as the catalyst for our personal healing and self-discovery.

Today, we are thrilled to have April Pertuis, a Storytelling Coach, Podcaster, Author, and Book Writing Coach. Additionally, April is an Organic Visibility Expert and the CEO at LIGHTbeamers.

She unveils insights from her latest book, “Shine Your Light,” and gives us a sneak peek into what to expect from her transformative LIGHTbeamers Book Series.

In addition, April discusses the significance of sharing your story and unveils the secrets behind the art of storytelling. She generously shares her invaluable story formula, offering a comprehensive roadmap for anyone eager to craft a compelling narrative that resonates with their audience.

Remember, when you share your story, you shine a light. Tune in!

Quote Of The Day:
“When you share your story, you shine a light.” ~April Pertuis

Timestamp:
[01:36] A quick bio of our guest; April Pertuis
[02:52] Her latest book, Shine Your Light: https://bit.ly/3RcNGxn
[04:41] What to expect from April’s LIGHTbeamers Book Series: https://bit.ly/3ur7V1j
[07:01] Quote of the day: “When you share your story, you shine a light.” ~April Pertuis
[08:10] The importance of sharing your story
[13:05] The roadmap for telling a story (The story formula)
[22:10] April’s experience while working as a journalist for CBS Television and the reason behind her resignation
[25:58] How to get in touch with April Pertuis
Website: https://www.lightbeamers.com/
[27:19] Integration assignment

Key Takeaways:  
• “When you share your story, you shine a light.” ~April Pertuis [07:01]
• When you share your story, you not only offer hope, encouragement, and inspiration to others but also find healing for yourself. [08:10]
• The number one rule of storytelling is to know your audience. Understanding your listeners enables you to choose the right story that delivers a message they need to hear. [19:08] 
• “Our stories are gifts.” ~Ben Albert [25:38]

Integration Assignment:
Implement the story formula: Write down what it was before, what the transformation was, and what your other side is now.

People Mentioned and Other Resources:
1. Shine Your Light: https://bit.ly/3RcNGxn
2. Elevate Your Voice: https://bit.ly/47O0Lmh
3. Step Into Your Brave: https://bit.ly/3GcFg2M
4. Kiva: https://www.kiva.org/

Keep In Touch with April Pertuis:
Website: https://www.lightbeamers.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lightbeamers/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lightbeamers
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lightbeamers/
Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/lightbeamers
—
Follow Balbert:
Facebook www.facebook.com/realbusinessconnections
Instagram: www.instagram.com/realbenalbert/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/balbertmarkting
Website:  https://www.realbusinessconnections.com/
–
FMF is made possible by www://balbertmarketing.com/

Rochester Business Connections #143 with Dominic Piacentini. 

Watch the full episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/zZImb_ZZea0

Restorative practices play a pivotal role in fostering healthy communities. By emphasizing proactive relationship-building, these practices create a foundation that not only prevents conflicts but also facilitates their resolution in a respectful and mindful manner, contributing to a harmonious environment.

Today, we are joined by Dominic Piacentini, a Real Estate Agent at Revolution Real Estate, Co-Owner of Juice Properties LLC, and Director at Rush-Henrietta School District. Additionally, Dominic is a Master Practitioner of Restorative Practices and a Wellness Consultant.

In this episode, Dominic shares the backstory that propelled him to focus on these practices, drawing from his experiences in the Rush-Henrietta Central School District, where a commitment to wellness became a driving force in his journey.

One fascinating aspect explored in this episode is the Wim Hof meditation technique, a practice personally embraced by Dominic. Moreover, he delves into the benefits of cold plunges, explaining how they enhance self-awareness and foster a stronger mind-body connection.

As the conversation unfolds, Dominic shares compelling real-life case studies of clients he has worked with, showcasing the tangible impact of restorative practices in various settings.

Enjoy!

During this episode, you will learn about:
[01:31] Dominic Piacentini’s bio
[02:40] What are Restorative Practices?
[06:15] The backstory that led Dominic to focus on restorative practices  
[11:47] How to access Dominic’s consultation services: https://www.instagram.com/dominic_j_piac
[13:33] Dominic’s experience while working in the Rush-Henrietta Central School District, which led him to focus on wellness
[16:54] The Wim Hof meditation technique
[18:47] The benefits of cold plunges
[26:45] Case studies of clients he worked with
[35:38] Dominic’s involvement in real estate
[36:50] Rapid Fire Round
[43:12] How to keep in touch with Dominic Piacentini
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dominic_j_piac
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dominic.piacentini

Key Takeaways:  
• Restorative practices are a way of building community and relationships so that when things go wrong, people can resolve conflict in an intentional and mindful way that respects everyone’s vantage point. [03:46]
• 80% of restorative practices are proactive; we should build relationships and connections before things go astray. [05:21] 
• Cold plunges enhance your presence with yourself and promote mindful breathing, fostering a stronger connection between body and mind. [18:51] 

People Mentioned and Other Resources:
1. Wim Hof

Keep In Touch with Dominic Piacentini:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominic-piacentini-59976689/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dominic.piacentini
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dominic_j_piac
—
Follow Balbert…Facebook: www.facebook.com/realbusinessconnections
Instagram: www.instagram.com/realbenalbert/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/balbertmarkting
Website:  https://www.realbusinessconnections.com/
–
RBC is made possible by www://balbertmarketing.com/

Learn Speak Teach Episode #83 with Nippy Ames.

Welcome back to Part 2 of our conversations with Sarah and Nippy of “A Little Bit Culty.”


Watch the full episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/Nk3DnHyVMVE


Today, we are joined by Anthony "Nippy" Ames, an actor and former college athlete who spent over a decade in NXIVM before helping to unmask it's dark truths as a whistleblower. 

Nippy now co-hosts " A Little Bit Culty Podcast " with his wife, Sarah Edmondson, offering insights into the dangers of cults. Their daring escape from NXIVM is captured in the HBO hit docuseries, "The Vow."

In this episode, Nippy shares the compelling mission of  A Little Bit Culty Podcast and explores the red flags to watch out for when you sense something amiss in a leader or group. He also uncovers the manipulative techniques used by cult leaders, such as the infamous love bombing and the deceptive use of social proof, as seen in the NXIVM cult.

Additionally, Nippy reveals what led him to buy into the beliefs and ideology of NXIVM, as well as the invaluable lessons he learned during his 12-year involvement with the organization.

During this episode, you will learn about:
[01:40] Part 1 Episode #82 w/ Sarah Edmondson: https://realbusinessconnections.com/episode/sarahedmondson/
[02:15] The mission of the A Little Bit Culty Podcast
[05:27] Red flags to look out for in a leader when you feel something is amiss
[15:43] The feedback he receives from some of the audience of his podcast
[21:40] A case study of a Nippy's podcast guest who, despite initially exploring QAnon content on YouTube solely to support her boyfriend, ended up getting indoctrinated into the conspiracy
[24:15] How can you prevent your kids from adopting harmful online dogma?
[30:28] The love bombing technique used by cult leaders to attract and recruit new followers
[32:41] The manipulative use of social proof in the NXIVM cult
[43:42] Does the end justify the means in scenarios where leaders display cult-like behaviors for the team's benefit?
[53:55] What led Nippy to buy into the NXIVM cult's beliefs and ideology?
[59:53] Nippy's goals labs coaching program
[01:09:48] The most significant lessons he learned from his 12-year involvement with NXIVM
[01:11:49] Connect and support Nippy Ames:
A Little Bit Culty Podcast: https://alittlebitculty.com
The Vow: https://www.hbo.com/the-vow
[01:16:27] Nippy's final words & episode wrap-up

Key Takeaways:  
• People who are solely focused on results tend to make sales about themselves and what they can gain from it rather than considering what the product can offer to the other person. [12:05] 
• "Most people go to the internet to validate their belief system, not challenge it." ~Nippy Ames [20:33]
• The greater the value you bring to a cult organization, the more attention and recognition you receive. [32:53]
• "We make the best decision possible based on the data and circumstance that led us to that moment." ~Ben Albert [48:54]
• No one is going to have your best interests at heart more than yourself, your friends, and your family. [01:10:17]
• "Life gives you the lessons you need until you learn it." ~Nippy Ames [01:11:14]
• Hate doesn't care who it has. It only seeks to grow, and it will exploit any ideology or belief system as long as it fosters more hate and violence. And it smiles when it triumphs. [01:18:01]

People Mentioned and Other Resources:
1. Keith Raniere
2. Jim Jones
3. David Koresh
4. Charles Manson
5. Donald Trump
6. Dana White
7. Dalai Lama
8. Mark Vicente
9. Karl Marx
10. The Vow: https://www.hbo.com/the-vow
11. Scarred: https://www.sarahedmondson.com/book
12. Power vs. Force: https://bit.ly/3FVGpLG
13. Take Back Your Life: https://bit.ly/479mbdr
14. The Death of Outrage: https://bit.ly/49z55ao
 
Keep In Touch with Nippy Ames:
Podcast: https://alittlebitculty.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthonyames11/

Learn Speak Teach Episode #82 with Sarah Edmondson.

Watch the full episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/C9UhGRDjaPQ
 
People often join cults unknowingly, primarily because these groups don’t initially present themselves as the destructive organizations they can become. In this eye-opening conversation featuring Sarah Edmondson, we delve into the backstory of her life while living in Albany, New York, and how she unsuspectingly became entangled in the infamous NXIVM cult.

Discover why people get involved in cults and secret groups, and uncover the common template they often follow in their quest for power and control.

Sarah discusses the signs & red flags that can help us discern and recognize cult-like behaviors in groups. She also touches on the common traits shared by most cult leaders, such as parental attachment issues.

Additionally, Sarah draws parallels between cults and multi-level marketing schemes, emphasizing how the compensation plans of many MLMs predominantly benefit those at the top.

Tune in for amazing insights!

During this episode, you will learn about:
[02:53] A short bio of our guest, Sarah Edmondson
[04:08] The Backstory of Sarah’s experience while living in Albany, New York, and how she joined the NXIVM cult
[09:01] Why people get involved in cults and secret groups
[12:12] The Vow: https://www.hbo.com/the-vow
[12:58] The common template for all cults and secret groups
[15:35] What led Sarah to take the risk and commit her time and resources to NXIVM?
[22:02] The Scribe Media controversy story
[24:24] The infamous Theranos scandal involving Elizabeth Holmes
[30:04] Sarah’s TED X Talk: https://youtu.be/9K_CZbu-UAU?si=mv1n8ZMCxw_tFV2Z 
[32:19] How to discern cults
[42:50] The positive tools she learned from NXIVM
[45:44] A Little Bit Culty Podcast:https://alittlebitculty.com/
[48:00] Dalai Lama’s involvement with NXIVM
[49:33]The Vow: https://www.hbo.com/the-vow
Scarred: https://www.sarahedmondson.com/book
[54:38] What do most cult leaders have in common?
[1:06:29] Are all MLMs bad?
[1:11:44] How Sarah feels about her ongoing healing journey from the cult
[1:13:34] The Vow: https://www.hbo.com/the-vow
Scarred: https://www.sarahedmondson.com/book
A Little Bit Culty Podcast:https://alittlebitculty.com/
TED X Talk: https://youtu.be/9K_CZbu-UAU?si=mv1n8ZMCxw_tFV2Z 
[1:14:24] Connect with Sarah Edmondson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahedmondson
 
Key Takeaways:  
• All cults have a hidden agenda, and ultimately, it’s for the leader’s power and control. [11:40] 
• Gaslighting is when someone makes you doubt your reality and question yourself. [26:20]
• No group is insusceptible to abuse of power. [32:23]  
• “There is no better recommendation than a third-party referral, a third-party testimonial, and creating a tribe of people who speak positively about you behind your back.” ~Ben Albert [46:09]
• Most cult leaders have parental attachment issues. [55:49]
• The compensation plans of most MLMs are structured in a way that only benefits those at the top. [1:07:15]
 
People Mentioned and Other Resources:
1. Keith Raniere
2. Elizabeth Holmes
3. Dalai Lama
4. Richard Branson
5. Jim Jones
6. David Koresh
7. Scarred: https://www.sarahedmondson.com/book
8. The Vow: https://www.hbo.com/the-vow
9. Radical Acceptance: https://bit.ly/46VuWrn
10. Hey, Hun: Sales, Sisterhood, Supremacy, and the Other Lies Behind Multilevel Marketing: https://bit.ly/3MsVBnt

Keep In Touch with Sarah Edmondson:
Website: https://www.sarahedmondson.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahedmondson
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SarahJEdmondson/
Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/sarahedmondson
—
Follow Balbert… 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/realbusinessconnections
Instagram: www.instagram.com/realbenalbert/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/balbertmarkting
Website:  https://www.realbusinessconnections.com/
–
LST is made possible by www://balbertmarketing.com/

AB²C Lunch Break Live – Networking (LIVE ON LINKEDIN)
Your Panel:
Brandon Eastman: www.linkedin.com/in/brandonseastman/
Christine Smith: www.linkedin.com/in/christinesmith34/
Ben Albert: www.linkedin.com/in/balbertmarketing/
Andrew Biernat: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewjbiernat/
 
BIG THANKS TO ALL OF YOU from Ben of www.balbertmarketing.com
--
–
Real Business Connections is made possible by www://balbertmarketing.com/

Learn Speak Teach Episode #81 with Dr. Alexander Lyon. 

Watch the episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/C9UhGRDjaPQ
 
Positive communication for leaders is the cornerstone of effective and influential leadership. Leaders who prioritize positive communication inspire their teams, drive productivity, and enhance overall team morale, ultimately leading to organizational success.

In this episode, Ben Albert sits down with Dr. Alex Lyon, a tenured Professor of Communication at SUNY Brockport, co-author of ‘Positive Communication for Leaders’, and the creator of the Communication Coach- Alexander Lyon’ YouTube channel.

Dr. Alex shares the inspiring journey that led him to become a professor and the fascinating origin story of the renowned ‘Communication Coach- Alexander Lyon’ YouTube channel, boasting an impressive 516k subscribers and nearly 30 million views. He also explores why some people struggle to find success on the YouTube platform, offering valuable insights for aspiring content creators.

We gain insights into the inspiration behind his collaborative work in co-authoring ‘Positive Communication for Leaders’ with Julien Mirivel. Moreover, we delve into the key insights and principles discussed in this book.

Creating and maintaining positive relationships is a crucial aspect of leadership in any profession. So tune in as we unravel the keys to exceptional leadership and communication with Dr. Alex Lyon.

During this episode, you will learn about:
[01:52] Know our guest; Dr. Alex Lyon 
[06:23] What Dr. Alex Lyon learns from his interactions with students
[07:43] What inspired Dr. Alex to become a Professor?
[09:30] How he started and grew his YouTube Channel, ‘Communication Coach Alexander Lyon.’
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@alexanderlyon
[13:45] Why some people struggle to attain success with their YouTube channels
[16:51] What prompted him to co-author ‘Positive Communication for Leaders’ with Julien Mirivel?
[18:20] “What ultimately matters in leadership is not what you think or feel; it’s what you do.” ~Alex Lyon 
[23:39] How to properly greet people: Insights from chapter #1 of his book
[29:02] How do you navigate your different personalities as a leader and effectively treat your team members like superheroes?
[31:38] Asking open-ended questions after a good greeting: Insights from the chapter #3
[36:00] How to listen well as a leader: Highlights from Chapter #7
[45:57] Alex Lyon’s take on Twitter rebranding to X
[53:07] Rapid Fire Round
[55:44] Get a copy of the book: https://www.positivecommunicationforleaders.com/
[56:29] Connect and learn more from Dr. Alex Lyon
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@alexanderlyon
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexlyoncommunicationcoach/
[57:42] Integration assignment

Key Takeaways:  
• Finding good advice and applying it effectively is a superpower. [12:23]
• Entrepreneurs focus on identifying the problems they can help society solve. [14:47]
• “What ultimately matters in leadership is not what you think or feel; it’s what you do.” ~Alex Lyon [18:25]
• “Mindset drives behavior.” ~Dr. Alex Lyon [18:50]
• When a relationship, be it professional or personal, encounters challenges, one of the initial things we tend to withhold is greetings. [22:42]
• “Asking questions is a leadership behavior.” ~Dr. Alex Lyon [34:09]
• If you learn good greetings and how to ask questions, you will be among society’s top 10% conversationalists and connectors. [34:42]
• Listening well builds the relationship and helps create a bond with the other person. [36:09]
• “The more you practice listening, the better you will get.” ~Dr. Alex Lyon [40:31]

People Mentioned and Other Resources:
1. Gary Vee
2. Elon Musk
3. Bill Gates
4. Positive Communication for Leaders: https://www.positivecommunicationforleaders.com/

Keep In Touch with Dr. Alex Lyon:
Website: https://www.alexanderlyon.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@