AILKEMY

"Think Further. Build Smarter. Lead Human."

After an intensive skunkworks and R&D phase, we launched AILKEMY for select client engagements. AILKEMY is a strategic intelligence consultancy that transforms information chaos into measurable alpha generation for investment professionals and leaders navigating AI transformation.

We help fund managers and executives generate measurable alpha by turning information chaos into decision-ready insights. We deliver private, board-ready intelligence that turns noise into decisive action. Confidential by default. It is either useful or it's not. We guarantee.

My Role as Co-Founder:
Product Management: Collaborated on the "Insight Engine", synthesis features, and verification methods across end-user needs.

Client Delivery: Lead MVP Insight Report pilots and the activation session that turns findings into actionable intelligence for our clients.

Go-to-Market: Built branding, sales, messaging, and narrative for executives, hedge funds, PE, VC, and large private investors.

Growth: Structured performance-aligned economics with zero long-term lock-in. Planned and launched campaigns to scale AILKEMY.

Why Clients Choose AILKEMY:
Hedge funds and multi-strategy platforms. Private equity and venture firms. Corporate strategy leaders and product teams. Large private investors and family offices.

✔️ Synthesis over summary: We reveal connections that change the decision.
✔️ Speed to signal: Time kills good ideas. We deliver while timing still pays.
✔️ Tailored intelligence: Built from first principles for your exact context.
✔️ Trusted foresight: Evidence-based and scenario-aware.
✔️ Founder accountability: You work directly with the founding team.

Signal mapping. Competitive and narrative intelligence. Scenario planning. Orthogonal validation. Regime awareness. Decision framing. Board-ready storytelling. Founder-led discovery and activation. The goal is simple: reduce decision latency and increase the quality of action.

Co-Founder, AILKEMY

Kaperider.com

About Kaperider Publishing, LLC

At Kaperider Publishing, we specialize in creating impactful books that inspire, educate, and empower readers across diverse topics, including technology, artificial intelligence, marketing, mental health, fitness, and more. Our mission is to bridge the gap between ambitious ideas and actionable outcomes, helping authors craft content that resonates with audiences and drives meaningful change.

Founded by Daniel Stouffer, a seasoned leader with over 20 years of experience in strategy, innovation, and digital transformation, Kaperider Publishing offers a unique blend of expertise, creativity, and results-oriented execution. From initial research and topic development to book outlining, authoring, and strategic marketing campaigns, we guide authors through every step of the publishing process to ensure their ideas reach the right audience.

At Kaperider, we believe that great books start with great strategies. That’s why we focus on:

🌟 Comprehensive Support: From concept to launch, we provide the tools, resources, and expertise to help authors succeed.

🌟 Actionable Insights: We simplify complex topics, transforming them into accessible, engaging content for real-world impact.

🌟 Strategic Marketing: Our tailored campaigns connect authors with readers, ensuring their work makes an impact in a competitive market.

What sets us apart is our commitment to excellence and community. Inspired by his role as a professional firefighter in Minneapolis, MN, Daniel Stouffer brings a team-first, mission-driven ethos to Kaperider Publishing. This unique perspective informs our collaborative approach, emphasizing trust, resilience, and the power of clear communication.

Whether you’re an experienced thought leader or a first-time author, Kaperider Publishing is here to help you bring your vision to life. Together, we’ll create books that inform, inspire, and leave a lasting legacy.

Author w/ Book & Newsletter Publishing

Winnebago

I'm in the middle of helping to steer a significant digital transformation initiative at Winnebago Outdoors. We're upgrading the ERP system to a new platform consisting of Microsoft D365, Salesforce, and the Teamcenter systems.

The Release Train Engineer (RTE) role is collaborative, involving deep engagement with the Agile Release Train (ART), a composite of agile teams working in concert to achieve a shared objective. Here's a closer look at what an RTE does day to day:

✔️ Navigating Complexity: An RTE acts as the captain of the ship in turbulent digital waters, guiding the ART through planning, execution, and delivery. This involves facilitating Program Increment (PI) planning sessions, a critical event where the roadmap for the next phase is charted, risks are assessed, and strategies are devised.

✔️ Fostering Synergy: One of the greatest strengths of an RTE lies in its ability to foster collaboration among diverse teams and stakeholders. This role ensures alignment across various functions, encouraging transparency and communication. The RTE serves as a bridge between strategic goals and tactical execution, ensuring everyone moves in unison towards common objectives.

✔️ Driving Value Delivery: At the heart of SAFe is the relentless focus on delivering value to customers. An RTE ensures that every element of the ART contributes to this goal, optimizing flows, removing impediments, and managing risks. This consistent drive towards efficiency and effectiveness culminates in accelerated time-to-market and enhanced product quality.

The presence of an RTE within a transformation initiative brings several advantages. These include improved coordination across teams, enhanced clarity and focus on business objectives, streamlined processes, and a significant uplift in the morale and productivity of agile teams. Essentially, an RTE turns chaos into clarity, complexity into simplicity, and plans into action.

Digital Transformation Manager

Fyndr Group

Get Your New Talent Found Faster with Fyndr.org
--------------------------------------------------------
Fyndr.org's mission is to create a more efficient, scalable, zero-cost process for hiring managers and candidates "to fynd each other", by leveraging AI technology to job search at scale.

At Fyndr.org, we help renewable energy, recycling, energy storage, and Green or Clean Tech companies find the perfect job candidate for their open positions; not just in terms of skills and qualifications, but also in personality, culture, and world outlook.

Our AI driven solutions support hiring managers and job seekers every step of the way — by connecting those hiring directly with those looking for opportunities. Job seekers are recommended by someone that knows them personally. 

Because finding your “next fyndr” isn’t just about credentials, it’s about creating opportunities for everyone involved to thrive with the resources, introductions, and opportunities to grow an awesome team.

Note: Fyndr.org is a concept, product, website, and marketing campaign created by Daniel Stouffer, as a case study to demonstrate his talents AND to help with his job search.

https://fyndr.org/about

Program & Product Manager, Owner

reThink-Solar

In 2007, a spark ignited my love for solar, fueling a drive toward a renewable future, one community at a time. Born from a desire to make solar energy accessible and affordable to all, we embarked on a quest to redefine the solar engagement. 

Starting with solar leasing in 2007, then residential sales, to commercial contracts, and now to Community Solar for all.

It's been an exhilarating ride, flavored with challenges, triumphs, and countless learning moments. Today, reThink Solar stands as a beacon for change, guiding individuals and businesses toward a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow. One that can be totally without costs or expense when you have the key ingredients.

reThink Solar's Mission

At the core of reThink Solar pulses a steadfast mission - to weave the benefits of solar energy into the fabric of everyday life. We dream of a world where everyone, regardless of whether they own or rent their home, can tap into the power of the sun.

Our mission is simple yet bold: connect our customers to local community solar farms, ensuring a minimum of 5% savings on their electric bills annually for up to two decades. Now, with our services extending across numerous states in the USA, that dream is becoming a reality. 

At reThink Solar, we believe that everyone should have access to clean and affordable energy, regardless of whether they own their home or business. That's why our community solar model is designed to connect with renters, homeowners, and small businesses alike.

The power of the sun is for everyone — because reThink Solar believes that change, like sunlight and all renewable energy, should be universal and unbound. There's no simpler path to saving on your electric bill while championing renewable energy.

https://rethink-solar.com

Renewable Energy Advisor, reThink Solar

SunPower Corporation

Coordinated prioritization, roadmap planning, product backlog management, and product team execution for $36M portfolio of related programs. Managed 9 product delivery teams, total of 50 members, engaging internal and external stakeholders and cross-functional teams to create energy storage solutions and renewable energy digital platform capabilities.

* Added 25K more customers to mobile app by developing and launching complex digital features.

* Managed 5 concurrent projects, from defining scope and allocating resources to mitigating risks, consistently delivering project plans, resource allocations, and prioritized backlogs.

* Reduced time-to-market for new SKUs from 6 months to 3 weeks by implementing new and improved new product introduction process (NPI).

What truly sets me apart is my tenacious passion, drive, and motivation. I don't back down when things get tough, even when it seems like everything is on fire. I learned this fearless attitude from my experience in the fire service. When faced with challenges, I don't run away – I run towards them. I bring this mindset to everything I do.

If you're looking for a Technical Program Manager who can navigate the complexities of your projects with confidence, deliver exceptional results, and bring a fiery passion to the table, then look no further. I'm a servant leader when it comes to agile product delivery processes, lean UX, and implementing business agility. I am ready to take on the challenge.

Technical Program Manager (storage solutions)

Elevance Health

Orchestrated product delivery timelines to achieve budget and delivery goals. Managed backlog for 25 user experience designers. Leader behind the scenes organizing and prioritizing projects with stakeholders across 7 different strategic objectives aligned to quarterly product plans. Crafted sprint plans outlining goals, tactics, schedules, risks, and resource allocation for 300+ digital products group.

* Wrote project charter and obtained team resources across 6 business units, built recurring 4-week cycles of “Plan, Do, & Measure” iterative planning cycles, resulting in formation of new business intelligence (BI) analytics team.

* Improved team throughput 11%, providing program support and direction for 5 to 7 scrum teams, clearing obstacles to ensure initiatives were delivered, meeting stakeholder requirements.

* Collaborated with procurement to improve supply chain operations for internal and vendor-maintained products, reducing onboarding of new technology into IT organizations from more than 4 months to less than 6 weeks.

But beyond all the technicalities, I am a firm believer in agile product delivery, lean UX, and embracing business agility at scale. In this fast-paced digital age, it's crucial to be able to adapt quickly to market changes and seize emerging opportunities with innovative, digitally-enabled solutions. 

That's why I leveraged lean and agile product development practices to continuously deliver top-notch products that truly impressed.

Strong advocate of agile product delivery, lean UX, and implementing business agility at scale. Support the ability to compete and thrive in the digital age by quickly responding to market changes and emerging opportunities with innovative, digitally-enabled business solutions. Leveraged lean and agile product development practices to continually deliver innovative, high-quality products (https://www.scaledagile.com).

Digital Program Manager (portfolio strategy)

Ideation, Product Management, and Strategic Thinking -- I have a proven record of managing process driven teams, as well as complex software products and web application development projects, both standard and extremely agile. 

I’ve been a contributor and leader of physical and virtual teams across many projects. I represent the user experience across the organization by breaking down the user needs, strategic vision, and delivery into achievable outcomes that drive user value.

I know exactly what it takes to drive the business, rally the engagement of diverse teams, and effectively manage programs. I’m really a Swiss Army knife relating to program management.

I help manage the user experience resources within the agile product and development processes within Anthem Healthcare. This role requires a cross-discipline approach to understanding process, workflow, and communications. I live "working in the grey" to help development, product, and user experience teams deliver valued product to the Anthem members.

Product Teams Manager (user experience)

Geostella

Executed product strategy, planned and managed road map for Solar SaaS engineering teams. Uncovered customer pain points and industry trends. Led cross-functional teams across 55-person start-up to create solar energy platform. Managed bi-weekly feature releases to drive growth and keeping ahead of the competition.

* Delivered innovative products, expanding market user adoption in first 6 months, by developing and executing revised product roadmap, aligned to company goals and customer needs, increasing leads generated 23% and PV system installations 1.1K.

* Developed and executed product roadmap, aligning with company goals and customer needs, reducing the 500+ backlog items to 75 actionable features

* Implemented agile product development methods, resulting in a 4 capability teams focused on core product lines which created 2 week release windows

* Collaborated with sales & marketing, product engineering, and field operations teams to develop effective roll-out strategies that minimized inventory costs

Geostellar pioneered big-data geomatics to make solar energy accessible, affordable and plentiful. The company is the recipient of numerous awards, including selection as an IHS Energy Innovation Pioneer, the Global Cleantech100, the Global Cleantech Cluster Association's Best of Solar, and the Always On Going Green Global 2000.

Director Product Management (field operations)

Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.

User Experience Design with Mentoring of Agile Teams

Led user and client meetings, collected and analyze product data to determine product feasibility. Created personas, task scenarios, and navigation & solution hierarchies. Helped wireframe and prototype product with various levels of field study and usability testing to ensure ease of use.

* Launched 3 internationalized websites by placing end user in focus during entire design process.

* Co-developed new hybrid approach for agile project delivery across 8 scrum teams, reducing backlogged features 35% and team churn, and delivering more user-friendly solution.

* Decreased slack time between feature start by developers 3 days due to better requirements definition

* Wireframed and prototype the product with various levels of field study or usability testing to ensure ease of use and feasibility.

* Worked with design teams and developers to successfully launch a new partner website.

* Invented user-centered design processes and methodologies that worked within the corporate environment.

User Experience Manager with focus on wireframes, user experience, and mentoring agile teams. Examples of websites where I was the UX Lead include https://www.ameriprise.com/ and https://www.columbiathreadneedleus.com/.

Manager User Experience (product delivery)

Verisae | an Accruent company

Drove platform capabilities guided by roadmap aligned with company goals and customer needs. Conducted market research, identifying gaps in market and helped UX / UI designers better understand how research, feature value, and engineering effort connected.

* Increased market share 20% by conducting thorough market research and competitor analysis to identify opportunities for product innovation.

* Collaborated with key stakeholders, customers, and cross-functional product teams to iterate product and establish tracking metrics, improving user satisfaction ratings 30%.

* Developed and executed public relations plan with industry experts at Gartner, Forrester, and others resulting in several magazine publications and placement of Verisae in the top quadrant of energy and sustainability SaaS platforms.

As an Information Architect then promoted to Digital Product Manager, IOT Energy Management, I help design how to make the right content and features available to the right people at the right time. 

My role involved the development of content systems and product features that help users find and manage asset, energy, and environmental data and access insights through business intelligence more successfully across the Accruent IoT SaaS platform.

Verisae is a provider of technology (...purchased by Accruent) and services for big retailers, manufacturers and other complex organizations. They do one thing better than anyone else. They  help our clients manage energy, maintenance, GHG emissions, and environmental performance through a single set of closely related technologies, connected devices, and IoT innovation.

Lead Digital Product Manager (energy IoT & SaaS)

The Ground Beneath Leadership Is Shifting

If you’ve ever felt the pressure to lead through uncertainty without a map, welcome. This is where we draw the new ones. AI isn’t knocking politely at the door. It’s rewiring how teams operate, how decisions get made, and how value is created.

Old playbooks don’t bend. They break. And the burden of clarity? It’s falling squarely on you.

If you’re the one responsible for making sense of chaos for integrating new tech, managing team emotions, aligning systems, and staying strategic without burning out, then AILKEMY was built with you in mind.

You’re not a passive observer of change. You’re the one others look to when everything changes. 

AILKEMY exists to help you build that kind of organization. We don’t hype tools. We train humans to lead through disruption.

Why Read AILKEMY? 

AI won’t replace you. But teams who master human–AI collaboration will. This isn’t about man versus machine. It’s about hybrid orchestration, the art of blending automation with empathy, speed with systems thinking, and clarity with courage.

Who Reads AILKEMY? 

AILKEMY is written for the most accountable people in the room—those who don’t have the luxury of waiting for certainty. Whether you lead others, build products, run a team, or want to stay relevant, it helps you lead with clarity, not chaos.

Why I Publish AILKEMY?

I’m Daniel Stouffer. I’m an author of dozens of nonfiction books, a systems thinker, a firefighter, and a futurist. I’ve helped leaders navigate disruption for two decades, not from a theory lab, but from the front lines of change: in startups, classrooms, fire stations, and boardrooms.

I write AILKEMY because I’ve lived the pressure of needing answers when the playbook no longer works. I know what it feels like to be the one people look to in moments of uncertainty. 

This newsletter, and the “Insights-as-a-Service (AIS) we’re launching, is my way of offering a lifeline of clarity, one issue at a time.

https://news.ailkemy.com

Daniel Stouffer

Feedback encouraged.
I'm testing different ways to 'present me'. Have a look. Let me know if any of this resonates or needs a tweak. - Thanks!

----------
“AI is commoditizing most copywriting. 

I don’t sell words. I sell outcomes and risk control. I build the message framework, brand voice controls, and proof validations that make your Generative AI output sound unmistakably like you and perform as it should. 

If you want faster cycles, fewer revisions, and copy you can defend to leadership… and your customers, that’s what I do.

Do you have a voice system, or just a style guide nobody can enforce due to your tsunami of AI Slop Copy?”

Explore...👇
https://lnkd.in/eBxJH3aJ

JSESSIONID

li_at

Helping growth teams replace AI slop with copy that earns trust, converts, and scales. Think Further. Build Smarter. Lead Human.

“Your AI-generated slop content is now your stranded asset.”

Most teams think content decays slowly. That used to be true. Now it can collapse overnight. Not because your ideas got worse, but because the Internet got louder. 

AI made publishing easy. It also made trust harder. If your website, sales pages, and nurture emails sound like everyone else's, prospects do not argue. 

They simply drift away. 

The fix is not “write more.” The fix is to rebuild your content into a system that carries voice, proof, and intent. 

If your content used to convert, but now it just exists, this is for you.

Dig Deeper 👇
https://lnkd.in/gbVqYPy6

Chief Helpfulness Officer at Xocial Gong LLC | LinkedIn Strategist | Community-Driven Brand Builder

What is a Personal Link(Ed)In Net(Work)ER?

Let’s break it down:
Link(Ed) = education, connection, access
Net(Work)ER = doing the work, increasing your net, becoming the responder who moves relationships forward

It’s a philosophy, a strategy, and the title of my upcoming book. (A free course is in the works, too. Stay tuned 📚👀.)

I started as a personal trainer with no marketing budget and no visibility. Before I even named my company Iron Dog Fitness, I had a tough realization: no one knew who I was. That sparked a journey of self-education and strategic experimentation.

I learned that Facebook creates awareness, LinkedIn builds trust, and newsletters keep you top of mind. I built my brand around these pillars, eventually growing from unknown to in-demand — and along the way, I helped others do the same.

As I volunteered with chambers of commerce and nonprofits, I used my newsletter and outreach to revive participation and drive real engagement. One councilmember even asked for my help on his mayoral campaign based on the transformation I sparked in his local chamber. That’s when I knew I wasn’t just promoting myself — I was building a repeatable system.

Today, I run Xocial Gong LLC, a LinkedIn-focused marketing agency for small business owners, startups, and freelancers — people like me, who wear too many hats and have too little time or budget.

Most of my clients don’t need to advertise on LinkedIn. They just need to optimize their profile, apply the right etiquette, and use proven outreach methods to get in the door with decision-makers.

That’s where we come in.

Xocial Gong is the “Link” and “Ed” educator that helps you get “In” with your ideal customers. We increase your “Net” profits by doing the “Work” for you on LinkedIn — using “ER” (Effective, Responsive) strategies to fill your calendar with quality leads who are already interested in what you offer.

Let’s connect if you’re ready to turn LinkedIn into your #1 relationship-building tool.
📲 Text me directly: 323-690-1659

Damien Orozco

Fun days at today's first networking breakfast mixer of the year, hosted by the DoubleTree by Hilton - Rosemead. 
The event was organized as a collaboration networking event by the Commerce Business Council, the Montebello Chamber of Commerce, and the Rosemead Chamber Of Commerce.
 
It's always great when chamber of commerce organizations come together to host a joint mixer, increasing networking opportunities for members of their chambers with members of other chambers. We are all in it together. Team work, makes the dream work! 🥳
#NetworkingEvents #MorningMingleNetworkingEvent #CommerceBusinessCouncil #RosemeadChamber #MontebelloChamber #DoubleTreebyHiltonRosemead

undefined undefined

Alignable event and account invite

Want my free "The 3-1-1 Client Formula: Book Your Calendar with Qualified B2B Leads in Just 5 Minutes a Day on LinkedIn"? Comment 👉🏾 5 a Day Workbook in the comments

LinkedIn 5 a Day Workbook Lead Magnet

Want my free "The 3-1-1 Client Formula: Book Your Calendar with Qualified B2B Leads in Just 5 Minutes a Day on LinkedIn" workbook? Comment 👉🏾 5 a Day Workbook in the comments below 👀🗣️😃

LinkedIn Xocial Mastery Invite

Want more helpful tips. If you're based in the USA or Canada, I'd like to invite you to join my LinkedIn Xocial Mastery Community👀🗣️😃 Comment 👉🏾 "COMMUNITY and I will reach out to you with instructions on how to join for FREE!

LinkedIn Xocial Mastery Community Invite

Stan Store Affiliate Lead Magnet Link

Here is how to get leads and clients on Instagram with automation and AI👉🏾 https://join.stan.store/XocialGong

30 Minute Discover CTA Invite

Need help with a marketing strategy tailored to your specific needs? Let's have a conversation. Book A Discover Call With Us Today!👉🏾 https://calendly.com/xocialgong/30-minute-discovery-call

iron-dog-fitness

commerce-business-council

xocial-gong-llc

xocial-gong-press-release

DoubleTree by Hilton

Commerce Business Council

Montebello Chamber of Commerce

Rosemead Chamber Of Commerce

Chief Helpfulness Officer at Xocial Gong. Your personal Link(Ed)In Net(Work)ER. We hook'm, book'm and all you do is close'm. Let's grow your business. Find out how! 👉🏾📞🗣️💬 +1 323.690.1659

I call it the "Peek-a-boo" stage 👀😂
Checking out someone's LinkedIn profile isn't just creeping. It's a strategy. 

Most people don't realize this: when you view a profile, LinkedIn notifies the profile owner.

That notification? It's your silent handshake. 🤝

So here's what I do.

I view a prospect's profile 24 hours before I send a message or a connection request. Not random. Not by accident. I'm planting a seed. 🌱

When that message lands, I'm no longer a stranger. I'm the face they just saw in their notifications.

It's like walking into a room where you already nodded at someone across the hall. Warmer. Easier. Less awkward.

But here's the real debate:

Do you go incognito in Private Mode, hiding in the shadows, or do you let your name and headline do the work in Public Mode? 🔍

Pick a lane. There are only two kinds of people on LinkedIn:

1. The ones who stay in the shadows and wonder why nobody responds.
2. The ones who show up, get noticed, and start real conversations. 💬

I know what works for me. 👍🏾

How about you? 👀

Do you stay private, or do you like people to know you were there? 🤔

Drop your answer in the comments.

Let's see who's really out here building relationships. 🧑💼

#LinkedInTips #LeadGeneration #StanSocialSprint #RelationshipBuilding #PersonalBranding

Happy Sunday, LinkedIn family! Here's today's hot LinkedIn tip: Your LinkedIn inbox isn't just for random hellos. It's also your digital treasure chest 🏴‍☠️🪙🧰 in your sales pipeline. 📝💼

If you treat it like casual conversation, you're leaving money on the table. Seriously. 💸

Every missed reply is a missed opportunity. I've seen founders let red-hot leads turn ice cold, just because they "forgot to reply." Ouch. ❄️

Let's keep it simple:

👉🏾 Mark important messages inside your LinkedIn inbox as unread so they don't slip away. 🔔
👉🏾 Use the "Star" ⭐ feature to tag high-potential leads, especially if it seems they're likely to convert into a hot sales lead that could result in a booked meeting. 😃
👉🏾 Block off 15 minutes a day (yes, every day) to clear out the inbox and follow up. ⏰

I get it, life gets busy. But 15 minutes can mean the difference between another closed deal and an opportunity lost to your competitor.

Your next sale could be sitting in that pile of unread messages. 📬

No fancy tools. No magic strategy. Just discipline.

How many unread messages are lurking in your inbox right now? Be honest, drop your number below. 👇

#SalesStrategy #StanSocialSprint #InboxManagement #FollowUpTips #LinkedInInboxTips

Consistency beats talent every single time. 🚀

I've watched average service providers quietly become industry giants, not because they're the best, but because they refuse to disappear. 💪

Every day, for years, they're showing up, sharing insights, building trust, growing their network. 🌱🤝

Meanwhile, the "brilliant" folks with flashy posts? Most go hard for a month, then vanish the second results don't go viral. 🎇👻

Here's a tough truth: the LinkedIn game isn't about raw talent or being a genius. It's about persistence. About being the one people remember, simply because you never leave. 🧠🔁

The algorithm is simple. If you play every day, it keeps letting you play. 🎲💼

So if you're waiting for inspiration or the perfect idea, stop. Show up, even on the boring days. Post when you think no one notices. Consistency is your secret weapon. 🗝️🔥

Forget being "the best." Be the last one standing. 🏁

How long have you kept at it? Are you in for the long run, or waiting for overnight results?

Tag someone who needs the reminder, let's keep each other accountable. 🫶

#LinkedInTips #PersonalBranding #StanSocialSprint #Consistency #LeadGeneration

Stop writing for "Everyone." You are attracting "No One." 🚫

Let me be blunt.
I repeat, "Write for everyone, attract no one." 🗣️

If your post could apply to any business, any person, any situation, it's doing nothing for you. Zero. Zilch. 🕳️

Most content out there sounds like background music in a dentist's office. Safe. Bland. Instantly forgettable. 😴

Want leads? Want engagement? You need to aim for being memorable, not universally liked. 💥

Here's the real secret: 

Good content repels most people. It should turn off at least 90% of your audience. It should have 10% of readers hooked, nodding, and thinking, "Finally, someone gets it." 🎯

That's who you're writing for.

Your ideal client. The one with the headache, you know how to cure. 💊

Trying to please everyone? 
That's like making a pizza with every topping. No one actually wants that. Most just want the one combo that hits the spot for them. (Hint: I love Buffalo Chicken Pizza) 🍕

So get specific. Talk about pain points your best customers complain about on Monday mornings. ☕️

Call out the problems only you can solve. Let the rest scroll past. If non-buyers unfollow, congratulate yourself. You just made room for the right people. 🎉

It's simple. Watered-down content gets ignored. Brave, honest, targeted content gets business. 💡

If you haven't already done so, starting today, pick one person.
Write the post they desperately need to read. 📝

If you don't know who that person is, figure it out. Your next lead is waiting on it. ⏳

Who are you writing for today?
Tag them. Call them in. 📲
If you never repel anyone, you're not attracting anyone either.
#contentmarketing #stansocialsprint #usergeneratedcontent #socialmediatips #LinkedInTipsforSmallBusinessOwners

Bet most of you didn't know this LinkedIn hack. 👀🤔💭😮

You can't send a video message to a prospect from your laptop 💻 or desktop 🖥️ unless you record it elsewhere and send it as a link. Not happening. 😡

Desktop browser? Forget it. The option isn't there. 😮

Here's the truth: the only way to record and send a LinkedIn video message is on your phone. 📱

Open the LinkedIn mobile app. Go to your DMs. Spot that little Camera 📷icon? That's your secret weapon to sending a video directly through LinkedIn's inbox without having to copy and paste a link. 🎥

Why does it matter? Video DMs crush every other outreach tactic. They work. They stand out. 🚀If you wonder why this is true, just ask me in the comments or send me an inbox message. 

But if you're chained to your desktop, you're missing out, plain and simple. 🚫

Next time you want to actually get a reply, grab your phone. 🔓

Try it and tell me what happens. Did you spot the Camera icon? Did you use it? 👀

I'll be here to hear your results. 👂

#LinkedInTips #LeadGeneration #StanSocialSprint #SocialSelling #VideoMarketing

Trying to pitch the CEO? That's like showing up to the Super Bowl with a kazoo. 🏈🎺

Nobody's listening.

Here's the real game: skip the corner office. Talk to the people who care if something actually works.

The ops folks. The sales reps. The quiet genius in accounting who never misses a bug. 🕵️‍♂️

Win them over, and you're golden. Suddenly, your name bounces around the office like a viral meme. 💬

By the time the CEO hears about you, it's already a done deal. ✅

Want to see the fast lane to trust? It's not a cold email to "Dear Decision Maker."

It's a DM to "Hey, saw you're always the first to fix broken CRM stuff, what drives you nuts about it?" 🚀

That's how legends are made. Not with a chart. Not with a pitch deck. Not with a LinkedIn message written by a committee.

So, stop chasing shiny titles and aim for the people making things tick. 🔧

Become a legend in the break room first. The boardroom will catch up.

You want to sell? Start where people are actually buying. 💡

Who gets it already? Tag them. Who needs this wake-up call? Tag them too.

Let's make some noise. Preferably not with a kazoo. 🎉

#leadgeneration #salesstrategy #stansocialsprint #relationshipbuilding #linkedin

This is probably one of my newest favorite posts I've seen on LinkedIn because it lays out the facts...🤣

Chairman – VaynerX, CEO – VaynerMedia, Creator – VeeFriends

Nobody talks about saving money. 

You don’t need Peacock when you’re signed up to 7 different streaming services already… 

People are f*cking leasing new sh*t with money they don’t have. People that are broke having closets and wardrobes..

Everyone’s like “inflation” and “we got f*cked by the Boomers” .. no accountability. Do you know what the Boomers think? They didn’t go out to eat every day .. they cooked at home. They didn’t have 7 purses.. They had 1 purse for 9 years. 

Materialism has eaten up society. 

Some people argue that life is short, so they’re going to spend their money how they want. On the record, that’s fine. You can do whatever the f*ck you want .. but then, don’t complain.

Want more sales calls on your calendar? Stop begging strangers for their time. 📞🚫

Let's be honest. If you open with, "Can we get on a quick call?", you'll get ghosted more than you'd like to admit. 👻

Nobody owes you 15 minutes. And most people know that 15 minutes = a discovery call, or, in other words, a sales call. You need to prove you're worth it.

Here's how you flip the script: 
Try asking for permission to share real value. 💡

I call it the "Permission Asset" play. 
It sounds like this:

"Hi [Name], I put together a simple checklist on [Pain Point] that helps small business owners. Would it be helpful if I sent it over? No strings attached." ✅

That's it.

What happens next?

👉🏾 If they say yes, you just scored a warm lead, someone who wants what you have. 🔥
👉🏾 If they say no, you avoid awkward calls and wasted time. ⏳
👉🏾 Either way, you come across as helpful, not pushy.

When you offer value first, your DMs stop feeling like cold calls and start sounding like invitations. 🎉

Here's the real test: 
Can you name one resource you wish someone had sent you for free? 
Now, go create it for your own network. 🚀Boom 🧨That's fire 🔥 when it comes to providing value. 💰

What's the best free resource you've shared lately? Drop it in the comments, let's build a library of game-changers together. 👇🏾😃
#LinkedInTips #LeadGeneration #SmallBusinessGrowth #ValueBasedMarketing #SocialSelling #StanSocialSprint

You're invited to join us at the Alignable Alliance of Commerce's first 2026 IN-PERSON kick-off networking event of the year, hosted by The Compound by Dirt Dog Inc. Commerce and organized by Damien Orozco of Xocial Gong, LLC, Ambassador of Alignable.  

WHEN: Wednesday, October 8th, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM WHERE: Dirt Dog the Compound in Commerce, 2909 Supply Avenue, Commerce, CA 90040
COST: FREE for all Alignable and Non-Alignable members (MUST RSVP via provided link)

WHAT TO EXPECT: 

First, we will begin the meeting by discussing best practices for networking to maximize your experience and achieve your goals.

Secondly, if this is your first time attending one of these networking events, don't worry. As your host, I will help you get the most out of this event so that your time with us is well spent.

Thirdly, at each event, I will give you a free tip on how to grow your brand and your business using Alignable and other networking and marketing strategies you can implement immediately during and after the event. 

Help me make this an incredible experience by answering the questions below:

Question #1:
What is the biggest challenge you are facing right now that, if I gave you some advice, would help you grow your network and generate more sales?

Question #2:
What could I do to increase the likelihood that you will register and attend the event, and to ensure you don't want to miss it?

Question #3:
We all have different schedules, so I want to consider that and create events that accommodate the schedule challenges we face.

Question #4
Would it make sense for me to host one in the morning, another during lunch hour, and one in the evening? Each on separate weeks? For example, Week 1 at 7:00 am, Week 2 at 12:00 pm, and Week 3 at 7:00 pm? Thank you for answering these questions.

I want to be the best host possible, so as long as I understand how I can optimize these events for you, I can host events where everyone can participate. 

Damien Orozco, Ambassador
Alignable Alliance of Commerce,
Founder & Chief Helpfulness Officer, Xocial Gong LLC.

Help spread the word and invite others to join our group and attend our events. I promise you it will be fun, engaging, and insightful.
#InPersonNetworking #AlignableAllianceofCommerce #DirtDog #BusinessMixer #NetworkingLuncheon #StanSocialSprint #XocialGong

Dirt Dog Inc.

Xocial Gong, LLC

Alignable

Do people really hate their birthdays that much? 🤔💭😕
Today, the first person this year 'blocked' me on LinkedIn after sending them a happy birthday message.

Initially, she replied with a 'Thank You.'

Then I asked if she had any exciting plans for the new year of life she's been blessed with (not a sales pitch, by any means).

Surprisingly, I got a thumbs up 👍🏾, and then I was blocked.

A similar thing happened once last year with another person. I sent them a happy birthday message and was immediately 'blocked' without any response.

It's weird, but a true story. 😂 Do people really hate their birthdays that much that they block you for wishing them well?
Why do you think they reacted this way? 🤔💭
#BirthdayBoundaries #LinkedInEtiquette #BuildingConnections #StanSocialSprint #LinkedInTips

Your face might be costing you deals (or whatever that is in your profile photo section) 😬

Think your LinkedIn photo doesn't matter? Think again. 📸

In less than a second, people decide if they can trust you, just by looking at your profile picture 👀

Not your headline.
Not your experience.
Your face.

If your photo is dark, blurry, or looks like you snapped it on the way to the airport, you're losing deals before you even say hello. 🚫

Here's the truth:

👉🏾 You don't need a suit or fancy backdrop.
👉🏾 You do need daylight, a real smile, and eye contact 😁
👉🏾 The "approachable" vibe? It's what buyers want most 🤝

1000 words in your summary won't save a profile pic that whispers, "I don't want to be here." 🙈

Want to know where you stand?
Rate your current profile photo from 1 to 10. 🔟
No lying.

Even better: DM it to someone who doesn't know you and ask for brutal honesty. 💬

Ready to find out if your photo is helping or hurting?
Drop your score below or tag someone who needs the nudge. 👇

#LinkedInTips #PersonalBranding #LinkedInProfileOptimization #SmallBusiness #StanSocialSprint

Stop handing out business cards. Serious🤔💭😲
Throw away your business cards. 🗑️

You meet someone at an event. You trade cards. What happens next?  
They toss it in their bag, forget your name, and your big "connection" dies before it starts. ☠️

Try this instead: 👇🏾

👉🏾 Next time, pull out your phone. 📱  
👉🏾 Open the LinkedIn app.  
👉🏾 Click the search bar at the top.  
👉🏾 See that little QR code in the top right corner? Tap it. 🧑‍💻  
👉🏾 Show it to your new contact. 
👉🏾 Have them scan your QR code.
👉🏾 Boom. You're connected on the spot.😃

No lost cards. No awkward follow-up. No one is searching for your email three days later. ❌

You get:

👉🏾 Instant connection 🤝  
👉🏾 Their face next to their name (no more "who was that guy?") 🧠  
👉🏾 The ability to DM tomorrow, not next quarter ⏱️

Bet most people in the room have no idea this feature exists. 🤷‍♂️
Instant, immediate first impression gold. 👏🏾

Go ahead. Try it right now.  
Open your LinkedIn QR code and see if you can surprise someone today. 🎯

Did you even know this trick was hiding in your app? 🤔💭

HINT: If you have a Sales Navigator account, the app offers useful ways to remind yourself about your new connection and what they mean to you. Type 'community' as a comment if you're in the USA or Canada and want to learn more. 🙌🏾

#LinkedInTips #StanSocialSprint #LeadGeneration #NetworkingStrategy #OmniChannelMarketingStrategy

Your Brand. Their Living Room. Total Local Authority. 🏠📺🛋️👀🚀

There is nothing quite like the "Wow" factor of a customer seeing your business on their Roku or Apple TV. It builds instant trust before you even knock on their door.

If you’re a home service provider looking to dominate your local market, it’s time to move beyond the mailbox and onto the screen.

What is Streaming TV?

Streaming TV refers to the digital delivery of TV shows, movies, original series, live sports and events, breaking news, and other videos through ad-supported streaming platforms. Unlike traditional TV, streaming puts viewers in control by offering choice, flexibility, and the ability to watch what they want, when they want.

What are the key benefits of advertising on Streaming TV?

Targeted TV Commercials + Streaming Platforms = Targeted TV/Audience 🎯

✅ Targeted by Zip Code
✅ Shown on Premium Channels
✅ Built for Small Business Budgets

Advantages: TV audiences are twice as likely to make a purchase after seeing an ad

• CTV is the best way to reach households with children 
• CTV mirrors America’s diversity profile compared to traditional TV

Technology allows advertisers to target by location, demographics, interests, occupation, and even income bracket.

No Contracts. Minimal Spend Requirement.

Where do TV ads appear?

Reaches your target households through all major streaming platforms, devices, and television networks. Partners include Hulu, Roku, Paramount, Amazon, Apple, and DirecTV, with commercials appearing on major networks such as ABC, CBS, NBC, Weather Channel, HGTV, Fox Sports, and CNN, among others.

Type "STREAM" in the comments if you would like to learn more.
NOTE: We only work with US-based businesses.
#streamingtv #Geofencing #advertising #MarketingForSmallBusiness #StanSocialSprint

I often see others saying text-only posts are dead.💀

Wrong. Text-Only posts are not dead. 😮

That's just more engagement bait gibberish. 🧲

If anything, they're the secret weapon most people ignore.💣

Look at your feed. Videos everywhere. 🎥 Fancy graphics screaming for attention (some images being embarrassing, outright low quality "AI slop") 🤦♂️

But you know what actually makes you pause? ⏸️

A raw, plain-text post. No distractions. Just words. 
Words that feel like someone slid it into your inbox, not your feed. ✉️

Here's why it works: 

👉🏾 It's human. 👤 Polished content looks nice, but the text feels real.
👉🏾 There's zero fluff. 🍃 Short lines. Lots of white space. Zero effort to consume.
👉🏾 It's honest.😃 You can't hide behind flashy edits or stock photos. 🫣

The best performing posts I've seen? 🏆 
A few sentences and a story that actually means something.

Try it. 👇

Share a simple thought or observation here on LinkedIn. ✍️

Forget the Canva templates and the ring lights for five minutes. 🚫🖼️💡 
Write what you want to say, hit post, and see what happens. 🎯

Chances are, more people will actually read it, because it doesn't look like an ad. 👓

So here's my challenge: 🎲

This week, drop the visuals. 
Go text-only. 
See who listens when the noise disappears. 🔇

If you're still stuck on the bench, tag a friend who always overthinks their post. 🤔👥

Let's see who dares to keep it simple. 🤝

#LinkedInTips #ContentStrategy #PersonalBranding #StanSocialSprint #LeadGeneration

🚀 Perplexity & Microsoft: Is This The Ultimate Power Move? 🤖☁️🤔💭

The AI search world just got a $750 million glow-up! Perplexity AI has officially inked a massive three-year cloud deal with Microsoft.

Here’s the tea ☕️:

👉🏾 The Bill: A cool $750M. Perplexity is heading to the Azure clouds!
👉🏾 The Hookup: This gives Perplexity elite access to run frontier models from OpenAI, Anthropic, and xAI via Microsoft’s Foundry service.
👉🏾 The Drama: After some legal friction with Amazon over its shopping bot, Perplexity is diversifying its "friend group." While they’re still keeping AWS as a "preferred" cloud partner, they now have a major safety net in Azure.
👉🏾 The Goal: Faster searches, smarter shopping agents, and zero downtime.

Microsoft is proving Azure is the "place to be" for every major AI player, not just OpenAI. 🏗️🎮👾

Is this the start of an AI search revolution? What do you think?👇🏾
#PerplexityAI #Microsoft #CloudComputing #ArtificialIntelligence #TechNews #Azure #StanSocialSprint

reuters.com

Perplexity signs $750 million AI cloud deal with Microsoft, Bloomberg News reports

The Connection Request 👉🏾 Stop sending blank connection requests.
Blank connection requests are the fastest way to get ignored.

Seriously, when was the last time you accepted a connection request that said nothing but "I'd like to add you to my professional network"?

You don't start a conversation with a stranger by staring at them blankly, right? It might get you punched in the mouth. So why do it on LinkedIn?

Adding context is your secret advantage.

When you send a request, say something real.
Show them you noticed their work.
Give them a reason to hit "Accept."

Try this instead:
"Hi [Name], I just read your post about [Topic]. Your point on X really hit home. I'm also in [Industry] and would love to swap ideas."

or 

"Hi [Name], I just read your post about [Topic] and agreed with your point on X. I work in [Industry] too and would love to follow your work."

Flattery + Context = Acceptance.

That's it.
It's not rocket science.
It just takes 10 more seconds.

Every time I take the extra moment to personalize, my acceptance rate shoots up.

When I get a blank one?
Delete.

So, let's settle this. I am actually very curious:

Do you ever accept blank connection requests?
Drop a Yes or No below.
Every honest answer helps someone here on LinkedIn learn.

#OnlineNetworkingTips #ConnectionRequests #StanSocialSprint #LinkedInTips #InboxStrategies

Stop "Pitch Slapping" me. 🚫

You know the type. You accept a new connection and, before you can even blink, BAM... a sales pitch lands in your DMs. 💥

No hello. No context. Just a cold, hard sell tossed your way like a surprise pop quiz at 7am.

Let's be real, nobody likes a digital ambush. 😬

Imagine walking into a networking event and someone just hands you a business card, starts rattling off their product features, and never even asks your name.

That's what a cold pitch DM feels like. Zero connection. Zero trust.

Think of LinkedIn like a cocktail party, not a used car lot. 🍸

Here's a better way:

👉🏾 Start with a genuine hello 👋🏾 
👉🏾 Find common ground  
👉🏾 Ask questions (and actually listen to the answers)  
👉🏾 Build some trust before trying to sell 💡

You're not just chasing sales. You're building a reputation. 

The fastest way to get blocked? Pitch slapping someone right out of the gate. 🚫

Want to stand out? Be human first, seller second.

I've heard some wild stories about bizarre DMs. What's the worst sales pitch you've ever gotten in your inbox? Drop it in the comments and let's have a laugh (or cringe) together. 😂

#LinkedInEtiquette #HumanFirstSelling #LeadGenerationTips #StanSocialSprint #RelationshipMarketing

I'm hosting the Alignable of Commerce IN-PERSON Networking Event at Dirt Dog on January 21. 😃👇🏾
Just putting this out here again in case you didn't see it yesterday. 

You're invited to join us at the Alignable Alliance of Commerce's first 2026 IN-PERSON kick-off networking event of the year, hosted by The Compound by Dirt Dog Inc. Commerce and organized by Damien Orozco of Xocial Gong, LLC, Ambassador of Alignable. 

WHEN: Wednesday, October 8th, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM WHERE: Dirt Dog the Compound in Commerce, 2909 Supply Avenue, Commerce, CA 90040
COST: FREE for all Alignable and Non-Alignable members (MUST RSVP via provided link)

Mario A. Vitale, Charlene Dimas-Peinado and 13 other attendees

View event: Alignable of Commerce IN-PERSON Networking Event at Dirt Dog

Alignable of Commerce IN-PERSON Networking Event at Dirt Dog

Your LinkedIn profile is your landing page (Hint: especially if you don't have a website) 🖥️, your storefront 🏪, and sometimes, your first impression 👀.

So why do so many small business owners still use "Owner" or "Founder" as their headline? 🧐

Let's be honest. Those titles tell people almost nothing. It's like handing someone a blank business card and hoping they'll figure out the rest 📝.

Every day, potential clients land on your profile and decide in seconds if they want to connect, learn more, or just keep scrolling 🕒.

Most of them keep scrolling. Not because your business isn't valuable, but because your profile doesn't make it clear who you help or how you solve their problems ❌.

Here's the truth:

Generic titles are a trust killer 🚫.

If your headline only says "Owner," and not much else, you're making your visitors do all the work. And no one has time for that ⏳.

Try this simple fix:

Swap out your title for a value statement 💡.

For example:

👉🏾 Helping local businesses get found on Google with easy SEO strategies  
👉🏾 Guiding coaches to triple their qualified LinkedIn leads with authentic outreach  
👉🏾 Helping startups generate 5-star reviews that build brand trust and attract sales

See the difference?

Now, instead of seeing a title, people see a promise. They know if you're right for them or not, in just a few seconds ⏱️.

Three quick steps to update your LinkedIn headline:

1. Start with WHO you help (your target audience) 👤  
2. State the RESULT you deliver (get specific) 🎯  
3. Mention your secret sauce (your unique approach or service) 🥇  

It doesn't need to be fancy. It just needs to be clear ✨.

Your profile should answer: Who are you for? How do you help? Why should someone trust you? 🤔

Want practical feedback? If you're a small business owner located in Los Angeles who does not offer any type of marketing services, drop your current headline below, and I'll rewrite the first 5 for FREE 🆓.

Don't let a single connection slip away because your profile didn't tell your story 🚀.

Own your impact, not just your title 🙌.

#LinkedInTips #StanSocialSprint #SmallBusinessGrowth #PersonalBranding #LeadGeneration

taplio

The Battle

Daniel Stouffer

Damien Orozco

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance ScoreDaniel Stouffer's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreDamien Orozco's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

taplio

The Battle

Daniel Stouffer

Damien Orozco

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Daniel Stouffer's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreDamien Orozco's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

Performance ScoreDaniel Stouffer's LinkedIn Performance