In my latest interview, Dr. Lane Freeman, Director of Online Instruction at the North Carolina Community College System, dives into the transformative power of AI in education and beyond. From tips on integrating AI tools into the classroom to strategies for staying competitive in an ever-evolving world, this conversation is packed with insights for educators, business leaders, and innovators alike.
Read MoreMagic Mile Media, in partnership with Lenoir Community College’s Small Business Center and Visit Kinston, has announced the Social Media Summit 2025 (SMS2025), scheduled for Friday, January 31, 2025, in Kinston.
Read MoreIn a world full of filters and perfectly crafted images, people crave authenticity more than ever. Forget the polished facade—what really connects is showing up as your real, imperfect self. Being genuine can make the strongest impact, both online and in life.
In business, as in life, certain values consistently outperform others. Over the years, I’ve seen this play out time and time again—whether in leading teams, running a company, or building relationships. There are three key "greater than" principles that have become foundational in my work:
Read MoreImagine scrolling through your social media feed and stumbling upon a post that tugs at your heartstrings—a soldier surprising their child, a cute puppy doing something hilarious, or a local business sharing a behind-the-scenes moment. These kinds of posts grab your attention, keep you engaged, and often get you to click, share, or comment. That’s the power of understanding what works in today’s digital marketplace, and it’s something every business needs to harness if they want to stay relevant and thrive.
Read MoreDear High School Students,
Not every path to success requires a four-year degree. In fact, many students overlook opportunities in skilled trades and technical fields that offer rewarding careers. What are you passionate about? What are your strengths?
My career path has taken me through sales, leadership in politics, and entrepreneurship, but the principles that guide me remain consistent: trust, relationships, and the courage to embrace failure. These are the cornerstones of success, whether managing a team, launching a business, or leading a community through a crisis.
Read MoreAs Election Day approaches on Tuesday, November 5th, many people are venting their frustrations about national, state, and local politics on social media. It’s common to see heated debates, complaints, and accusations aimed at politicians and the government. However, real change doesn’t come from being a keyboard warrior—it comes from taking action.
Read MoreWhen it comes to TikTok or any social media platform, the real focus should be on quality and consistency. Whether you're selling widgets, houses, or any other product, the goal is to build trust and connection. People buy from those they know, like, and trust. That’s why the most important thing is not the exact time you post, but rather the value you consistently bring.
Read MoreKinston-based Magic Mile Media has launched simpleAIx, a subsidiary focused on making AI solutions accessible for businesses and organizations. President BJ Murphy, who founded the company and is a former mayor of Kinston, stated in the announcement, “You don’t need to understand all the complexities of AI. What matters is knowing we can help you implement systems that reduce overhead and increase your bottom line. Sales up, expenses down—that’s the goal with simpleAIx.”
Read MoreIn the world of business, distinguishing between sales and marketing is essential. While they often work hand in hand, their roles are distinct and equally important. Understanding the difference between sales and marketing can help you allocate resources effectively and drive your business forward.
Read MoreIf you think competing with the marketing power of large companies is impossible without a huge budget, think again. Thanks to AI, small businesses can level the playing field, finding opportunities to reach their audiences in cost-effective and creative ways. Here are three ways you can compete on a small budget.
Read MoreOne of the biggest issues people face when managing their social media presence is getting caught up in vanity metrics—the number of likes, followers, hearts, or comments they receive. These metrics can feel like a measure of success, but they often don't reflect the true impact of your work. Focusing too much on these numbers is a mindset trap that makes it easy to lose sight of what really matters.
Read MoreRunning a small business is challenging. There are always countless tasks to juggle and not nearly enough time to get them all done. I have found ChatGPT to be a helpful ally in my day-to-day business operations. It’s like having a virtual assistant that’s always available, helping you tackle some of the workload and scale your operations effectively. Here are three ways ChatGPT can help you grow and streamline your business.
Read MoreHaters are everywhere—whether it's on social media or in real life, people will always try to bring you down. Here's how to help their negativity lose its power.
Read MoreAt Magic Mile Media, we’re no strangers to wearing multiple hats. Our team is small, but our responsibilities are big, and AI has been a game changer for us. We use AI (Artificial Intelligence) daily to help us cut through the clutter and focus on what really matters—delivering impactful results for our clients and readers. Whether it’s editing videos, creating headlines for Neuse News, or brainstorming new strategies, AI is becoming an invaluable tool for us.
Read MoreA mentor once gave me advice that stuck with me: there's a huge difference between a reason and an excuse. That concept is something I constantly remind myself of, especially when faced with challenges. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that a bad habit or missed opportunity is justified, but the truth is, most of the time, it's not.
Read MoreAs we gear up for the 2024 Presidential Election, North Carolina is once again a key battleground. And there’s good reason for that. Our state has a long history of being unpredictable—electing Republican presidents and Democratic governors. With 16 electoral votes on the line, we’re a state that both parties are fighting hard to win. In 2020, Trump took North Carolina by just 1.3%, proving that this isn’t a state anyone can take for granted. If you think your vote doesn’t count here, think again.
Read MoreWhat if the secret to success wasn’t about fixing your weaknesses, but mastering your strengths? In school, we’re taught to aim for perfection in every subject, but in life and business, focusing on what you’re already good at is the real key to thriving. Going all in on your strengths leads to greater happiness and long-term success.
Read MoreMagic Mile Media was built on the idea that small businesses need help navigating the ever-changing world of social media. Almost eight years later, we've grown into a full-service company offering everything from live-streaming and video production to local and state news. The journey hasn't always been easy, but it has been driven by a commitment to helping businesses succeed in the digital age.
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