Jessie van Breugel 🟣

Authority Figures

We help you get high-quality leads to grow your business — without selling out, burning out, or becoming a full-time content creator.

Using our Authority Flywheel™, we help you:

1. Nail your offer and messaging
2. Build a trusted audience of qualified people
3. Use ChatGPT to streamline content + client acquisition

Clients have closed $10k–$50k+ in weeks, and filled their pipeline without paid ads.

Overall, our clients have made over $2.1 million in revenue via LinkedIn.

DM me “AFP” to get the details.

Co-Founder

Realigned Coaching

As a LinkedIn Brand Strategist, I help creators and entrepreneurs communicate their brand value better and build their thought leadership and online presence through excellent brand and content strategies.

Free training how this works: https://authority-figures.com/program

Owner

Medium

To crystalize my thoughts and inspire others, I publish my content on Medium.
I write about the creator economy, personal branding, and entrepreneurship.

Writer

MessageBird

We are building the platform for the future of communications. The MessageBird platform enables businesses to communicate with consumers in any part of the world in the same way they do with friends and family - via their favourite communications channels, on their own time-frames and with all the context of previous conversations.

Our SMS and voice solutions connect you to seven billion phones worldwide. Since our beginning 8 years ago, we have experienced staggering growth and have been disrupting the trillion dollar telecom market every single day. We've only just begun.

Technical Customer Support

L1NDA - The Next Gen Work Platform

As a Customer Success Specialist at L1NDA, I was responsible for delivering first-line support to our customers and providing them with the best knowledge of our products. Since I was on the forefront of launching a new tech-product into the market in January 2019, I've also gained experience in the fields of acquiring, onboarding, and activation of new customers. 

During this period I’ve noticed that I naturally transitioned from delivering reactive support into proactively operating on the needs of the customers. I did this in close collaboration with (key)-account management, product development, engineering and marketing.

Customer Success Specialist

Guidion

As Team Manager of the servicedesk, I was responsible for managing and directing my team of approx. 25/30 on-call workers. Besides this I was heavily involved in optimising our processes and workflows in order to get better results. 

Starting this job without any significant experience, I've gained really valuable skills in the fields of leadership, empathy and coaching. My style of leadership is one of participation and I firmly believe in the principle of 'lead by example'. I see myself as somebody that’s not afraid to take the lead and always with critical point of view.

Team Lead

Responsible for the operation of the Verisure-account within Guidion and besides this flexible working for other accounts within Guidion.

Customer Support Representative

Apollo Amsterdam Pro Basketball

My research was about the on- en offline marketing communications strategy of Apollo Amsterdam. The goals was to attract more visitors during home games of Apollo Amsterdam H1. The result was a ready-to-implement strategic plan for the upcoming three years.

Research Internship

Couverts.nl

As Customer Support Employee at Couverts.nl, I was responsible for first- and second-line support for our customers and prospects.

Customer Support

Fashion House Beverwijk B.V

Responsible for providing purchasing advise and inventory management.

Sales Employee

The Bootcamp Club

Partly responsble for customer-base in Amsterdam region with daily contact and sales. 
Present at the Strong Viking Brothers Edition as representative of The Bootcamp Club.

Intern Sales & Events

helped 112+ founders get leads with an AI-powered system | $2.1M in client revenue

If you’re a coach or founder, this is for you ↓

The #1 reason you're on LinkedIn:

Leads to grow your business.

Because you want to...

– Make your family proud
– Have the freedom to travel
– Spend more time with the people you love
– Own your time (not just your calendar)
– Leave behind the 9-to-5 hamster wheel

Because your business isn't just a business — it's how you live free and serve deeply.

Right?

You didn’t quit your job to work longer hours in your own business.

You want freedom. Authority. Clients you actually like.

We help founders get INBOUND LEADS on LinkedIn with an AI-powered system — without endlessly chasing, burning out, or becoming a full-time content creator.

With our Authority Figures Program and my 1-1 support, together we:

— Get crystal-clear on your positioning and message
— Build an audience that trusts you (and buys from you)
— Use AI to streamline content + client acquisition — fast & secure

Here's a small selection of the experts we've worked with:

— Nicholas added $32K in new revenue in 8 weeks selling his new group program.
— Josh closed two deals in the first 6 weeks, hitting his first $10k+ month.
— Tobias secured $50K in new contracts and filled out his pipeline.
— JP closed 3 clients by dialing in his content and DM strategy.
— Linda closed her first $7,5K client within two months.
— Jon signed 3 clients and got a 2X+ ROI in 3 months.
— Gabi closed €15,000 in revenue in the first 4 weeks.
— Julius closed his first $4,5K client within 2 months.
— Laszlo closed 3 deals within the first 30 days.

If you're an expert with a high-ticket offer and you're ready to grow —

Send me a DM with “AFP” and I’ll send you the details.

Founder

The Creator Academy teaches creators to make magic internet money through audience-building and personal branding. Twitter and LinkedIn courses: https://thecreatoracademy.xyz/

jessie van breugel 🟣

After 12+ months of testing Canva to get inbound leads

I'm sharing the 25+ page playbook with you – steal this ↓

Comment “DESIGN” and it will arrive in your inbox.

This is the only Canva Guide you need to get more leads:

☑ 25+ Pages
☑ Tips & tricks
☑ How-to guides
☑ All the Magic Studio Guides
☑ Features you didn’t know before

To get this for FREE:

1. Like the post 
2. Comment “DESIGN” and I'll DM you.

♻️ repost for priority-access – my inbox tend to be full

“inbound is dead.” yeah… right | check my featured section to see how we’re still making it work ↓

99% of LinkedIn Profiles leave money on the table. 

After $2.5M in client revenue, steal my system ↓

↳ Comment “GUIDE”, and I’ll send over The LinkedIn GPT Playbook.

It's the exact system I've used to;

→ Help our clients close $2,500,000+
→ Train 100s of coaches & consultants 
→ Book 1,000s of meetings with $0 on ads
→ Become a Top 50 LinkedIn Creator worldwide
→ Grow a 75K+ audience w/o engagement pods
→ Get invited on dozens of key podcasts, and live events

I share key insights I've NEVER shared before like

→ How I reverse engineered 100s of viral lead magnets
→ The GPT analysis I did on 100,000+ DMs
→ The 6-Figure Authority System I built

Stop losing clients because of a weak profile.

Your LinkedIn Profile should generate warm leads 24/7.

You’re closer to results on LinkedIn than you think.

Want access?

1. Like this post so it can help more people
2. Comment “GUIDE” and I’ll send it over.

♻️ Repost this PDF to help someone win today

I’ve decided to give away free access to:

My AI LinkedIn Team – the full system (get it today ↓)

By combining our marketing team with a series of custom-built GPTs, I’ve created the most leveraged marketing team I’ve seen.

Like this post, comment “TEAM” below and you’ll receive a DM.

Run this entire AI LinkedIn Team to:

- Generate more traffic
- Drive more inbound leads
- Increase the close rate of sales calls
- Nurture warm leads at massive scale

The members of this AI Sales Team: 

1. HookGPT
2. EditorGPT
3. VisualGPT
4. ProfileGPT
5. IdeationGPT
6. CarouselGPT
7. ResearchGPT
8. CopywriterGPT
9. LeadMagnetGPT
+ a few more.

How to get access to the downloadable templates and set up guides for all of these:

→ Like this post
→ Comment “TEAM”

And then I’ll send you access (must be connected)

ps. I might not be able to get back to everyone who comments, so if you want priority access, click the repost button ♻️

GPT-5 = insane for lead gen (most people don’t know this)

Today I'm giving away 1000+ marketing prompts for FREE ↓

Comment “1K” and I’ll DM you the full system.

This includes specific prompts on:

☑ Influencer marketing
☑ Brand management
☑ Marketing research
☑ LinkedIn marketing
☑ Content marketing
☑ Product marketing
☑ Email marketing

It’s everything you need to have in 2025:

To replace your marketing team, 
or cut down on marketing costs.

You want to stop working just harder.
Instead, start working smarter.

To get access to this resource:

1. Like this post so it can help more people
2. Comment “1K” and I’ll send it to you.

♻️ Repost to get priority access (my inbox = a bit full)

GPT-5 is the best copywriter I’ve ever hired.

(It produced $325,000 in pipeline over the last 4 weeks)

Comment “EXPERT” and I’ll send you the full system.

Everybody loves GPT-5 right now (I am guilty, too)

Instead of messing around, I trained a new marketing expert.

One that doesn’t ask for a raise each month.

And works 24/7.

Here’s how it works:

🪝Viral Hook Writer
→ Writes short, scroll-stopping hooks
→ Turns 1 idea turns into 11 viral hooks

🤖$3K/Month LinkedIn Copywriter
→ Writes authority-building posts in your exact voice
→ Turns raw ideas into polished, DM-generating content

Together, they drive your lead-gen:

Hooks → get the attention of your ideal client
Content → nurture & convert in this into a conversation

No templates or one-size-fits-all bs.

Just GPT-5, running like a $3k/month copywriter.

Want the exact system?

Like this, comment “EXPERT” & I’ll DM you the full system.

(Repost for priority access ♻️ – or be patient)

After 3 years, I finished – The LinkedIn GPT Blueprint

Over 10,000+ words and you can have it for FREE ↓

Comment "GPT" and I'll send it to you

It's the exact system I've used to;

☑ Get invited on dozens of key podcasts, and live events
☑  Become a Top 50 LinkedIn Creator worldwide
☑  Book 1,000s of meetings with $0 on ads
☑  Train 100s of coaches & consultants 
☑  Help our clients close $2,500,000+
☑  Generate millions of organic views

I share key insights I've NEVER shared before like

→ The “6-Figure No Sales Calls System” I built 
→ The GPT analysis I did on 100,000+ DMs
→ How I created 100s of viral lead magnets

It shows you EXACTLY

How to close clients on LinkedIn - without burning out.

This is the #1 guide you need to win on LinkedIn.

And I promise: this is worth your time.

To get access:

1. Like this so it can reach (and help) more people
2. Comment "GPT" and I'll send it to you

♻️ Repost this for priority access.

I've booked 300+ calls from LinkedIn DMs in 2025.

I compiled the 3 most effective templates – steal them ↓

Our 3 highest-converting DM templates:

1) “The Direct Hit”
2) “The 9-word DM”
3) “The 50/50 Message”

These 3 are our top performers—coming directly from a vault of 11 high-converting DM templates we use daily.

Want access to all 11 templates?

Like this post + comment “DM” and I’ll DM you the full pack.

ps. I might not be able to get back to all the comments straight away, so if you want priority access: hit repost ♻️

An ex-client makes $500,000/mo from content.

But here's the crazy part:

He does 0 outbound DMs.

ZERO.

Everyone’s trying to overcomplicate content.

You don’t need:

𐄂 A $3K/mo lead-gen agency
𐄂 The $200 ChatGPT Pro subscription
𐄂 4 hours a day “being active” on LinkedIn

I just dropped a masterclass showing how anyone can write content that attracts ideal clients — without needing a massive audience or paid ghostwriter.

This is the same system I use (and teach clients) to turn posts into inbound leads — one that has generated over $2.5m in client revenue.

In this training I cover:

☑ AI workflows to create content fast
☑ Posts that turn attention into clients
☑ Crafting authority with 1 key strategy
☑ Real examples that closed 5-figure deals
☑ DM frameworks that convert without pitching

Want access to the full training?

1. Like this post
2. Comment “CONTENT” below

And I’ll share it with you.

ps. if we're not connected already, send me a connection request so I can DM you

Use GPT-5 to become a LinkedIn expert within hours.

Copy these prompts to build your 6-agent marketing team ↓

Comment “AGENTS” & I’ll send you the full system breakdown.

I’ve spent months testing this complete lead-gen system:

1 project prompt + 6 agents = 1 week of LinkedIn Content

The workflow looks like this:

You start with a master project prompt inside ChatGPT. 
That’s the foundation the system runs on.
Then each agent executes:

Agent #1 — The Strategist
→ Breaks down your offers, positioning, proof, and tone — feeding the system everything it needs to create LinkedIn content that actually fits your brand.

Agent #2 — The Researcher
→ Pulls real ICP pains, language, and objections from Reddit, forums, and comment threads — fueling content that hits home and feels real.

Agent #3 — The Architect
→ Converts those pains + proof into a structured content pipeline: ideas, CTAs, and angles all mapped to your funnel.

Agent #4 — The Critic
→ Pressure-tests every hook, outline, and draft for proof and voice — only LinkedIn-ready ideas make it through.

Agent #5 — The Writer
→ Rebuilds drafts into scroll-stopping posts with punchy openings, clean flow, and your exact tone baked in.

Agent #6 — The Editor
→ Runs the final sweep: fact-check, polish, and approve — leaving you with 7 ready-to-publish posts for the week.

That’s the stack.
1 system gets you 6 agents.
This is a week of content on autopilot.

Want the full system + copy-paste prompts?

1. Like this post so it can reach (and help) more people
2. Comment “AGENTS” below and I'll send you a DM.

♻️ Repost this for priority access – DMs are a bit full.

I spent 4+ yrs learning how to get inbound leads on LinkedIn.

You can learn it in <1 hour. Steal my book-bundle for FREE ↓

Comment “BOOKS” and I will send it your way.

This LinkedIn Lead-Gen Book Bundle has:

→ 5 clean, ready-to-use playbooks
→ The step-by-step DMs to book calls
→ 49 templates to create viral lead magnets
→ Tactics I used to generate 6k leads with 1 post
→ The exact workflows (and GPTs) I use for viral visuals

I’m giving away 5 books for FREE.

Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll get inside:

1) LinkedIn Authority Playbook:

→ How to optimize your profile so clients find YOU 
→ The 5-step content system to get authority & leads
→ Viral hooks & frameworks to grab attention instantly

2) Viral Lead Magnet Playbook:

→ GPT that sparks lead magnet ideas
→ The Launch Protocol: How to Use The “Golden Hour”
→ 4 templates that generated me 5,000+ leads

3) The LinkedIn DM Vault:

→ 11 templates to get replies & book calls
→ The 4 Key Frameworks for LinkedIn Outreach
→ The 7-Step DM System to go from “hello” → “I’m in”

It’s everything I learned in 4+ years on LinkedIn and exactly what our clients used to make over $2.5M in revenue.

Want a copy of this bundle?

1. Like this post so it can reach (and help) more people
2. Comment “BOOKS” and I will send it your way.

Ps. this post was created with the EXACT strategies covered in these books 👀

I grew to 75K+ on LinkedIn with this AI Idea Generator.

Today I'm handing it over to you, for FREE:

Comment ‘IDEA” if you want this and I'll send it.

The #1 challenge founders have on LinkedIn:

“I know posting is important... I don’t know what to talk about.”

You could wait for creativity to strike, 
Or you could just use this AI tool.

And, start posting today.

It's a simple tool, but it generates endless content ideas. 

Inside, you’ll get:

☑  A proven framework for never running out of things to say
☑  365 content idea prompts (1 prompt a day for a year)
☑  Templates for authority, storytelling & lead gen posts
☑  Live examples from my high-performing content
☑ 10+ plug-and-play content angles that convert

Whether you're on LinkedIn for the first time, 
Or, looking to grow your current audience.

This AI tool helps you to be consistent & strategic on LinkedIn.

Built for coaches, consultants, creators, and founders: 

Want access?

Comment “IDEA” and I DM you the link myself.

♻️ Repost this for priority access.

Your LinkedIn Headline has 1 purpose (not 5)

Yet, most people do it wrong. Steal our strategy ↓

↳ Comment “PROFILE” & I send you our 5-page strategy document.

On LinkedIn, your headline is a sales hook.

With one job:

Pull someone in from the feed to your profile.

How to craft a headline that get you inbound leads:

✔ Identify WHO you help → be ultra-specific
✔ Clarify the WHAT → use measurable results
✔ Explain the HOW → share your unique method
✔ Remove the #1 Frustration → remove objections
✔ Include a CTA → make it easy to take the next step

Remember:

A strong headline makes prospects curious to learn more.

Your profile is where you do the rest of the selling.

I’ve created a 5-page LinkedIn Strategy to position yourself as the authority on LinkedIn.

Including a 60-day plan to drive inbound leads, so you can rely on cold DMs and endlessly chasing begging people.

Want access?

1. Like this post so it can help more people
2. Comment “PROFILE” and I’ll send you a DM

ps. repost this for priority access ♻️

80% of your leads will come from 20% of your content.

80% of your growth will come from 20% of your priorities.

80% of your revenue will come from 20% of your effort.

But most founders keep trying to “do more”:

– More posts
– More projects
– More busywork

You don’t need to do more.
You need to do more of what works.

The algorithm doesn’t build your business.

Systems do.

And once you know what the 20% is —
you double down, build around it, and delete the rest.

That’s where focus starts to pay like leverage.

I’ve put together the ultimate starter pack for inbound leads on LinkedIn. This is perfect for coaches and founders who want to close more high-ticket clients. This includes 8 GPTs, 5 playbooks and countless templates.

Want access?

1. Like this post so it can reach (and help) more people
2. Comment “SYSTEMS” and I’ll DM you.

ps. repost this post for priority access (my inbox = full rn)

🚨 Cold DMs on LinkedIn are dying.

Here’s what’s replacing It (steal this strategy ↓)

↳ Comment “SALES” & I send it to you

This works exceptionally well if you’re tired of: 

𐄂 Endless LinkedIn pitch DMs
𐄂 Spray and pray cold outreach
𐄂 Cringy “just following up :)” messages

These strategies aren’t just annoying.
It also burns trust with your prospects.
Long before a real conversation even starts.

I just released a 25-page guide on LinkedIn Inbound Sales – a proven system that attracts inbound leads on LinkedIn, and how to convert these leads into revenue.

Here’s what’s inside:

☑ The 7-Step DM Flow to go from cold → close
☑ How to use AI & Lead Magnets for 1,000s of inbound leads
☑ The Cold → Warm → Hot nurture model for closing deals without pitching.

+ So much more…

For the next 24 hours, I’m giving it away.

Want a free copy?

1. Like this post so it can reach (and help) more people
2. Comment “SALES” & I send it to you

♻️ repost this for priority access – or wait a few days before the resource arrives (my inbox is very full at the moment)

The #1 most powerful system for founders in 2025:

0 ads. 100% organic. 1,000s of leads – Copy this system ↓

Comment “LEADS” and I’ll DM you the breakdown.

Most founders waste their time chasing:

→ trying 4 channels and burning out
→ only impressions, but no pipeline
→ paying agencies for 0 results

I turned the system upside down:

1 channel. 1 strategy. 1 system.

And the numbers speak for themselves:

→ 1,000s of leads (2,000+ some days)
→ 4M+ organic views in 90 days
→ multi 5-figures in profit/months

Want the complete breakdown where I walk you through the full system?

Comment “LEADS” and you’ll get access.

(heads up: must be connected – repost for priority access)

It’s not too late to make $1,000s with AI.

I put together 100+ strategies to start today – get access ↓

This is the Ultimate AI Money Playbook:

→ 100+ validated ideas
→ 25+ niches and industries
→ The blueprint to get started today

AI has leveled the playing field.

It rewards speed — not experience.
You don’t need a team, funding, or coding skills.

Just the right system.

This playbook shows you how to turn simple ideas
into income-generating assets with AI.

To get access:

1. Like this post so it can help more people
2. Comment 'AI' & I will DM you the playbook

♻️ repost this for priority access (inbox = full rn)

STOP wasting $3k/month on design services.

I spent 100+ hours creating visuals w/ ChatGPT - copy this ↓

Comment “VISUAL” and you’ll get access.

If you’re a coach, consultant, founder, 
You know design is important on LinkedIn but,
spending all day in Canva doesn’t bring you leads.

This is the only guide you’ll need to 
create lead-generating visuals.

This playbook helps make design easy & effective:

☑ Use prompts to edit your design like a pro
☑ Create mock-ups within minutes with GPTs
☑ Leverage “Contrast Captions” for better copy
☑ Access the A-Z workflow for Tweetstyle Visuals

To get this for FREE:

1. Like the post so it can reach (and help) more people
2. Comment “VISUAL” and I'll DM you.

♻️ repost for priority-access – my inbox = full rn

I've collected 100+ AI lead-gen tools.

I've been saving them in my Trello - get access ↓

Everything lead-gen related, it's in there:

☑ Video editing
☑ Content creation
☑ Web development
☑ Copywriting & ads
☑ LinkedIn growth tools
☑ Outreach & personalization
☑ Video & creative generation
☑ CRM pipeline management
☑ LinkedIn growth & automation
☑ Content creation & repurposing
☑ Funnel optimization & analytics

I've included a tool for EVERY marketer.

Want access?

1. Like this post so it can reach (and help) more people
2. Comment 'TOOLS’ and I’ll send it to you

99% of LinkedIn overcomplicates building custom GPTs.

I just finished our newest GPT — it builds GPTs (get access ↓)

↳ Comment “BUILDER” below and I’ll DM you the link.

This GPT is built to power your entire LinkedIn workflow.

𐄂 No tech setups
𐄂 No endless prompts
𐄂 No developer required

This GPT helps you:

☑ Create your own GPTs in minutes
☑ Turn your systems into AI-powered assets
☑ Train them on your frameworks, tone & workflows

It’s the exact same process I use to build Authority Figures GPTs —
now packaged inside one simple builder.

The future of AI is here:

Stop working harder.
Start working smarter.

This is LinkedIn done with you, not for you.

Want access to this GPT?

1. Like this post (so it reaches and helps more people)
2. Comment “BUILDER” below and I’ll DM you the link.

♻️ repost for priority access (my inbox = chaos right now)

I paid over $25,000 to learn how to get inbound leads.

Today, I’m sharing it with you for FREE – get access ↓

↳ Comment ‘PLAYBOOK’ and I’ll send it over.

When I was stuck under $10k/month, I thought more content was the solution.

I can tell you this:

It wasn’t.

Yes, content is crucial to get inbound, but it’s not the full picture.

So I invested over $25k to work with some of the leading experts.

Now, our business is making multiple 5 figures in profit per month.

(profit, not revenue)

At this level, these are the strategies I use.

I’ve broken it down into 3 systems.

System 1: How to generate leads using content
→ Stop chasing. Start attracting the right people

System 2: What people get wrong about content
→ Virality = cash (with the right system in place)

System 3: How to talk to your ideal clients
→ Oldschool Linkedin Profile don’t work anymore

+ I tackle the #1 question everyone has:

“What’s the best content TYPE for inbound leads?”

Want access to the exact systems that generate 100s of inbound leads per week?

1. Hit ‘like’ so this post can help more people
2. Comment ‘PLAYBOOK’ and I’ll send it over

ps. repost this for priority access ♻️

LondonHouse Chicago

As Director of Sales and Marketing, I instill a culture of high performance by providing consistent opportunities for growth, acknowledgement, and a vision for success the team can trust and follow. Responsible for leading all property level sales and marketing initiatives. Achieved our goal of being the most followed hotel in Chicago on Instagram, streamlined sales strategies and processes resulting in a 76% growth in year over year awarded RFP value, and ranked #1 in conversion within a comp set of eleven similar hotels.

Director of Sales and Marketing

Influencer Advisory Council – IAC

Advisor and Board Member

HSMAI Chicago Chapter

Our mission is to be the leading source for sales and marketing information, knowledge, business development, and networking for professionals in tourism, travel, and hospitality. With a strong focus on education, HSMAI has become the industry champion in identifying and communicating trends in the hospitality industry while operating as a leading voice for both hospitality and sales and marketing management disciplines, as well as connecting its members with customers.

VP of Sponsorships

The Dow Hotel Company

Responsible for marked increases in business travel, convention, corporate group and airline segments. Developed sales strategies to increase revenue and cultivate new business sources through analysis of reports, client interface, leverage of electronic media, and developmental meetings with Sales staff.

Complex Assistant Director of Sales - Embassy Suites & Doubletree Chicago O'Hare

Liberty Machinery Co.

In my Marketing and Business Development role, I helped clients with the liquidation of surplus machinery and industrial equipment. I also assisted clients in the procurement of used machinery through sales from inventory or brokerage.

Marketing and Business Development

Argyle Cut Stone

As Co-Owner, I was involved in every facet of operation in this 3rd generation owned business. My responsibilities included all accounting duties, all human resources duties, purchasing, marketing, sales, contract negotiations, field measurements and machine operations.

Co-Owner

Clear Creek Stone Company, Inc.

As Vice President of Finance and Operations, I was involved in every facet of running this limestone fabrication business. Responsibilities included accounting, human resources, purchasing, sales, union contract negotiations, and land and asset deals.

Vice President Of Finance And Operations

Renaissance Hotels

As Director of Business Travel, I was responsible for all transient preferred accounts, as well as attaining new group business from Fortune 500 companies. Surpassed 2005's inaugural year transient budget by 8%. In 2006, increased average daily rate of Preferred Accounts by 11% over the previous year. Created a highly successful contest and blog with over 500 qualified followers.

Director of Business Travel, Chicago O'Hare

Hilton Chicago Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center

Responsible for all transient preferred accounts as well as attaining new group business in the automotive, chemical, insurance and energy markets. Increased negotiated account revenue by over 30% two years in a row. Established a Loyalty Rate for small companies that other hotels would not sign on, servicing an underserved market niche that increased sales and boosted average daily rate.

Global Account Manager

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants

Responsible for building partnerships with potential preferred accounts while developing relationships with existing clientele. Integral role in supplying additional leads to the group sales team. Successfully procured accounts with Ameritech and Boeing worth over $700,000 annually.

Business Travel Sales Manager, Hotel Allegro

After 8 years of being out of the hospitality industry, I walked into a travel agency to the exclamation, "Hey! You're the Bingo Guy!" An email marketing campaign to drive sales from 8 years prior confirmed three things: 

•	The Power of Storytelling
•	The Power of Personal Branding
•	I Needed a Cooler Nickname

If you're looking to:

•	Develop creative paths to success
•	Find opportunities hiding in plain sight
•	Communicate strategic alternatives

Then let's chat!

In a world spinning with possibilities, I believe it's the genuine relationships we forge that make it go round.  And when you apply a bespoke touch to business – tailoring your sales, marketing, and personal brand to resonate with each individual – that's where the magic happens. 

Things I love talking shop about:

•	Customer service that's relationship-focused
•	Critical thinking & problem solving that gets to the root of the problem
•	Storytelling - Ask me about that bingo contest
•	Digital marketing & social media - CHDM certified!
•	Creative ideas & content development

Away from work I love spending time with my family, creating art, playing golf, and rooting for the Cubs and Bears. Additionally, I support the Michael J. Fox Foundation and Muscular Dystrophy Association. Please message me if you’d like to share your story or need help in reaching your goals.

Don Barnett

Every hotel Director of Sales when they need to add another $500K in revenue to next year's budget...

Creative Solutions for Hospitality Success | Director of Sales & Marketing at LondonHouse Chicago | Certified Hospitality Digital Marketer

Every hotel salesperson when someone wants a tour after 5pm.

My son and I team up for Halloween every year. 

Costumes ready. IYKYK

You can't triple stamp a double stamp!

You flew across the country, spent $3,000 on a badge and a badge lanyard... And now you’re standing awkwardly by the coffee station trying to make small talk with a stranger about the weather in Orlando. ☕🌦️

There’s a better way.

Earn recognition through content 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 the conference, and suddenly you’re not introducing yourself. People are coming up to 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 
Because they already 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 you. 
They’ve been liking your posts, watching your videos, and thinking, “I relate to this person.”

🌟 These aren’t strangers. They’re just friends you haven’t met yet. 
And that’s a serious edge over everyone still fumbling through “So... what do you do?”

Not looking to start a fight, but here goes nothing.
𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗴𝗼 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆? 
My take: 𝗡𝗼.

Here's why.
I've had a long career in this industry, and I went to 𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘭. 

I'm not saying you shouldn't go to school. 
I'm not knocking you if you have a degree in hospitality.

But I can tell you firsthand that you can excel in this industry without a degree in it. And I know many, many other people who have as well.

Here are some of the prerequisites you should have if you skip the degree:

• Joy in meeting people
• Situational adaptability
• Active listening skills
• Genuine empathy
• A sense of humor
• Resourcefulness
• Accountability
• Gratitude
• Patience

While I'm a Hilton guy, I really like Hyatt's perspective on our industry. To care for people so they can be their best.

That doesn't require a degree. That requires you to be a good human being.

🔥 𝗛𝗼𝘁 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆 🔥 
Should you hire an agency for social media? 
What's the cost? What should they actually 𝘥𝘰?

Let me be very clear: 𝗛𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆. DIY rarely goes well and isn't consistent. And don't hire just 𝘢𝘯𝘺 agency. Definitely not the ones who think “onsite content” means grabbing a photo off your outdated website.

Here’s the dealio:

💸 𝗖𝗢𝗦𝗧 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗗𝗢𝗪𝗡 (ballpark, don’t come for me if your cousin Becky charges less):
• $𝟱𝟬𝟬 - $𝟭𝗞/𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵: Basic strategy, remote posting, no onsite visits, no video.
  Think: Just going through the motions to check that box on your marketing plan.
• $𝟭𝗞–$𝟯𝗞/𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵: You’re getting strategy + real content creation + onsite visits. This is the sweet spot for many hotels when it comes to a balance of help and cost.
• $𝟯𝗞+/𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵: Full content studio vibes. Video, influencers, strategy, ads, analytics, probably a drone, posting daily.

2026 is around the corner. If your social feed is as stale as the food on that room service tray in the hallway, your guests are noticing. So is your competition.

Need a referral? I know some great people!

"We don't have a budget for that." 
Did you order a code red on your hotel's social media efforts? 
 
Here's an old school wake-up call for an old school mentality. 
  
We're in an industry where competition is fierce and standing out online is no longer optional. It's vital. A strong digital presence helps you reach a wider audience, attract new guests, and build customer loyalty.  

"But what's the ROI?" 
📈 How about driving more direct bookings to save thousands of dollars on OTA commissions. 
📈 Or an influencer post resulting in 50 dinner reservations.  
📈 Or a wedding lead worth $50K following a reel showing a wedding at your hotel.
  
What, can't handle the truth?

Want to know the best monkey to get off your back?
(A close second is the monkey pictured, he refused to Purell his hands)

It's the judgement of others as you try to get ahead in this world.

So how do you get that monkey off your back?
🧾 Receipts.

Here's an example. I went all-in on creating content on LinkedIn a few years ago. And I've heard it all.

"What, is he trying to be an influencer?" (snark x 10)
"He's on LinkedIn all day."
"Did you know your husband has a second life online?" (said to my wife 🤣)

No, no aaaaaaaand no.

Consistent content creation, honing my writing skills, and with a lot of patience, not only have these efforts resulted in revenue booked at our hotel, but I've personally increased my annual take-home $$$.

Armored in these receipts, I don't give a s$%& what people think.

A conductor turns their back on the audience to lead a symphony. Think about 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 as you orchestrate your wins.

🔥 𝗛𝗼𝘁 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆 🔥 
There are two types of salespeople:

🚫The “It takes 7 no's to get a yes” believers
🚀 And the “Cool, thanks. I'm going to go find 6 new yeses instead” realists

Here’s why I think the 7-No's crowd needs a new GPS:

𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗱. 
We work with an AV partner at our hotel who is 𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘻𝘪𝘯𝘨. Best I've ever worked with in my entire career. So if another AV company comes calling and I say “we’re good,” that’s not a challenge. It's closure. Respect the no. Repeatedly poking the bear only makes people want to permanently block you.

𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟳 𝗮𝘀𝗸𝘀? 
You’re literally on a platform right now that affords you the ability to provide edutainment and value on a daily basis to hundreds, if not thousands. Share something useful. Make them laugh. Teach them something. Stop asking and start giving.

Or, you could spam them 6 more times.

So, are you Team “7 No's to Glory” or Team “Next Opportunity, Please”?

We all have industry lingo.
Hospitality has RevPar, ADR, OOO, etc.
But does your family have it's own jargon?

Pictured: A package of tortillas that has been "racooned." 

In our house, that's when someone has opened a package of something in a way that would suggest racoons got in the house and opened it with their creepy little hands, re-sealable sections be damned.

What vernacular is unique to your family?

𝗛𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗹 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗣𝗦𝗔 🚨 
Want to be the top performer at your hotel? 

Here’s a wild idea: 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗹 𝘀𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻.

You know the type. Site tours with the usual features and benefits, templated prospecting emails, the monthly blitz no one asked for. It’s all very… 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦.

But then there’s 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯 who seems to book business like they’ve got a cheat code. 

They’re not working harder. They’re just 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗴𝗮𝗺𝗲.

So here’s the look in the mirror moment: 
Are you blending in with the crowd… or are you building a reputation as someone people 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 want to work with?

✨ Be the one clients 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳, not just the one who “circles back in Q4.”

“They laugh at me because I'm different; I laugh at them because they're all the same."
- Kurt Cobain

In your feelings about an email?
Give me 30 seconds and I'll share my favorite communication hack...

Everyone: Ready to get this week started!
AWS: Nope.

Every now and then, I have a moment of enlightenment.
Or should I say, something 𝘋𝘰𝘯'𝘴 on me?
I'm here all week, tip your server.

This week’s wisdom: I leveled up in my career the moment I stopped obsessing over the competition and started focusing on outdoing the 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘦.

Consider this. Your competitors have their own budgets, timelines, and internal chaos. And honestly? Their goals might not even be 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 level of ambitious. 

The moment I shifted into “𝘮𝘦 𝘷𝘴. 𝘮𝘦” mode, everything changed. 

More peace.
More growth.
Less doom-scrolling other people’s wins.

🌟 And a great bonus? It feels way better rooting for your industry colleagues when you’re not constantly measuring yourself against them.

What’s one “it finally Don’d on me” moment you’ve had in your career?

Eager to close a sale before the end of the year? 

Use one of the best tools at your disposal:
 
💣 Leverage Social Proof

💥 𝘖𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦'𝘴 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘦'𝘴 𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦.

For your hotel or company, this might mean:

• TripAdvisor
• Testimonials
• Google Reviews
• Influencer Endorsements

For your personal brand:

• LinkedIn Recommendations
• Colleague Referrals
• Client Testimonials

Have you used social proof to seal the deal?

Will 2026 be a tougher year?
Are you protecting your future self? 
Or are you pushing back on trying something new?

You can send emails, DMs, make calls or go on a blitz. 

But if you did that to the same audience multiple times a week, the mere sight of your name would illicit a gag reflex (or gag order).

You don’t need a flux capacitor to change your future, just a new plan.

By showing up consistently and authentically on LinkedIn via content and/or comments:

➡️ People get to know you
➡️ You stay top of mind in a non-intrusive way
➡️ You meet people you wouldn't have otherwise

Is LinkedIn part of your 2026 plan?
_______________________________________________________________

If you’re ready to start, check out the link in the comments. Your future self will high-five you for it. ⚡

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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);}jessie van breugel 🟣's LinkedIn Performance

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