Dear 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.
Read MoreRANT ALERT: I’ve been bombarded with requests to publish so-called “dirt” on candidates for office. Here’s my response…
Read MoreAt the September 13th Lenoir County Public Schools board meeting, Chairman Bruce Hill admonished the public on when it’s appropriate to contact a school board member. He cited a chain of command, the need to go straight to the source, and emphasized the school board’s primary goal is to be policymakers. However, Mr. Hill seemingly chastises parents, guardians, and stakeholders for attempting in any type of way to hold school board members accountable. In an eye-opening statement, Mr. Hill says about the school board, “[we] aren’t as versed in education” and “we as board members we don’t know what goes on at the schools.”
Read MoreI am more concerned about the next four years for Kinston today than I was four years ago.
The impasses we face with the City of Kinston pose significant challenges for our community’s future, and we need leaders to step up at a time such as this. The mayor’s seat and two councilmembers’ seats are up for grabs, and the $10 filing fee period ends on Friday, July 16th at 12:00 pm.
Now is not the time to complain. Now is not the time to critique. Instead, if you feel led to run or compelled to serve your community greater than your role today, here is your opportunity to influence or shape the change you desire.
Read MoreSadly for the second year in a row, the Kinston City Council has sought these personal increases, yet this year's discussion is distracting from the fact that they are also raising property taxes. The cost to the taxpayers if approved would be $670,000. Despite the fact the Kinston City Council has already voted on their increases, they could amend the budget tonight, by stripping the salaries and allowances back to the FY20 funding and passing a revised budget.
Read MoreRoughly one year ago, Governor Cooper declared a state of emergency regarding COVID-19, and while an emergency is typically seen as a momentary crisis, this has been harnessed into the “new normal”, expanding bureaucratic control over citizens’ lives for an alarming period of time. Regardless of the continued state of emergency, our local officials are holding themselves to a different standard. The Kinston City Council and Lenoir County School Board continue to meet outside of their chambers and only through Facebook or Zoom. Are they afraid for their safety while asking their staff to be dismissive of their own? Are they worried about facing parents and the community in a real public forum again?
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