Questions No One Knows the Answers to (Full Version)

In the first of a new TED-Ed series designed to catalyze curiosity, TED Curator Chris Anderson shares his boyhood obsession with quirky questions that seem to have no answers. (Introducing the series "Questions no one knows the answers to")

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Websites Built for Connection, Not Just Clicks

Your website is often the first place people meet your brand—and first impressions matter. Instead of overwhelming visitors with information, the most effective websites create meaningful moments of connection. That might mean highlighting real customer stories, showcasing your team’s personality, or using design elements that reflect your brand’s warmth and authenticity.

A connected experience doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built through thoughtful design, intuitive layout, and content that feels human. When your website invites conversation and connection, your audience becomes more than traffic—they become part of your community. And that connection is what turns curiosity into trust.

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Ryan Stone @ 707-480-0959 /or

Terry Minion @ 707-434-9967

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Why Your Website Should Feel Like a Conversation

A great website does more than explain who you are—it makes visitors feel welcomed and understood. When your site speaks with people instead of at them, you build trust right from the first click. Clear navigation, friendly copy, and interactive elements like quizzes, forms, or chat features help create that conversational feel.

Think of your website as a digital handshake. It should guide visitors, answer questions before they’re asked, and invite them to take the next step. When people feel seen, heard, and valued online, they’re far more likely to stay, explore, and come back again.

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Ryan Stone @ 707-480-0959 /or

Terry Minion @ 707-434-9967

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How to Generate the Most Creative Ideas (No Talent Required)

Ever feel stuck staring at a blank page, waiting for inspiration to strike? Here’s the harsh truth: creativity isn’t magic—it’s a system. In just 2 minutes, this video breaks down how to generate brilliant ideas on demand, even if you think you’re “not creative.”  

We’ll uncover why originality is a myth, how the greatest thinkers like Einstein and Picasso worked, and a simple method you can start using today to spark genius ideas effortlessly.  

No fluff. No waiting. Just actionable steps you can use right now to unlock your creativity.

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Terry Minion @ 707-434-9967

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Creating Content That Feels Like a Conversation

Your audience doesn’t want to be talked at — they want to be talked with. The most engaging brands don’t just broadcast; they invite interaction. Ask questions. Encourage replies. Follow up when someone shares a thought or story.

When your content feels like a conversation rather than a campaign, people stay engaged because they feel included. They’re not passive viewers; they are active participants in your brand’s world.

And when people feel like they belong, loyalty grows naturally.

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Ryan Stone @ 707-480-0959 /or

Terry Minion @ 707-434-9967

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Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving from Us to You.

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EASY THANKSGIVING TURKEY | how to cook and carve the BEST turkey recipe

Are you ready to make the BEST Thanksgiving turkey? Trust me, it’s easier than you think! You don’t need to brine and you don’t need to baste. Just a few simple steps and you’ll have a perfectly golden, juicy, and insanely flavorful roasted turkey that’ll impress your family and guests.

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Ryan Stone @ 707-480-0959 /or

Terry Minion @ 707-434-9967

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Why Transparency Strengthens Your Brand

People don’t connect with perfection; they connect with honesty. Sharing a challenge you overcame, a mistake that taught you something, or a behind-the-scenes glimpse of your process gives your audience something real to hold onto.

Transparency shows that there are humans behind your brand — humans who care, try, learn, and evolve. When you let people see the work and the journey, trust deepens. And trust is the foundation of any lasting audience relationship.

In a world full of polish, authenticity stands out.

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Ryan Stone @ 707-480-0959 /or

Terry Minion @ 707-434-9967

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Turning Audience Insights Into Meaningful Content

Your audience is speaking every day — through comments, DMs, and even silence. When you treat these signals as data, you start creating content that truly resonates.

Maybe people need clarity on a process you take for granted. Maybe they’re craving encouragement, or they want to see real examples of what you teach. When you build content around their needs rather than your assumptions, your message becomes more useful, more personal, and far more impactful.

Connection grows when people feel understood — and that starts with paying attention.

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Ryan Stone @ 707-480-0959 /or

Terry Minion @ 707-434-9967

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Don’t chase happiness. Become antifragile | Tal Ben-Shahar | Big Think

Don’t chase happiness. Become antifragile, with Tal Ben-Shahar

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Turning Consistency Into Connection

Consistency builds recognition — but connection builds loyalty. Once your audience knows your voice, it’s time to deepen the relationship.

Start by listening. What questions are people asking in comments or emails? What challenges keep coming up in your industry? Use those insights to create content that feels personal and relevant.

Authenticity matters, too. Share stories, behind-the-scenes moments, or lessons learned. When your audience sees the human side of your brand, trust turns into genuine connection — the kind that keeps people coming back, not just clicking through.

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Ryan Stone @ 707-480-0959 /or

Terry Minion @ 707-434-9967

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Why Consistency Builds Trust Online

In today’s digital world, visibility is only half the battle — trust is what turns visitors into loyal customers. And trust is built through consistency.

When your website, social media, and email content all share the same message, tone, and look, your audience starts to recognize you. Over time, that recognition becomes reliability — they know who you are, what you offer, and what to expect.

The key is to show up regularly with value: insights, tips, and updates that reflect your brand’s voice. Because the more consistent your presence, the stronger your credibility — and the easier it is for people to choose you with confidence.

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Ryan Stone @ 707-480-0959 /or

Terry Minion @ 707-434-9967

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What Is Branding? 4 Minute Crash Course.

What is branding? A brand is not a logo. A brand is not a product. A brand is not a promise. A brand is not the sum of all the impressions it makes on an audience. A brand is a result–it's a person's gut feeling about a product, service or company. It's in their heads and in their hearts. A brand is your reputation. 

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Ryan Stone @ 707-480-0959 /or

Terry Minion @ 707-434-9967

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Build Your Brand, One Post at a Time

A strong online presence isn’t built overnight — it’s built consistently. From a professional website that tells your story, to regular blog posts that keep your audience engaged, every piece of content works together to strengthen your brand.

Add in thoughtful social media management across Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, and you’re not just posting — you’re connecting. Pair that with a personalized email newsletter and even video content on YouTube, and suddenly, your business isn’t just visible — it’s memorable.

Whether you need marketing guidance, business consulting, or a partner to help you stay consistent, we’re here to make sure your message gets seen, shared, and remembered.

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Ryan Stone @ 707-480-0959 /or

Terry Minion @ 707-434-9967

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The Power of Done-For-You Marketing

What if you didn’t have to figure it all out?
What if you could hand over your marketing to someone who already knows what works — and just get back to business?

That’s the power of done-for-you marketing.

No more Googling what time to post.
No more trying to learn Canva at midnight.
No more abandoned email lists or outdated blog posts.

With our Trend Setter Package, you get a full team behind you — without the cost of hiring in-house. That means:

• A website that actually gets updated
• Content that sounds like you, not generic filler
• Social media that builds trust and connection
• Email campaigns that convert (without feeling spammy)
• A strategy that grows with your business

The result? You look professional, consistent, and current — even when you’re off the grid or focused on your next big move.

Let us take marketing off your plate. You’ve got better things to do. 

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Ryan Stone @ 707-480-0959 /or

Terry Minion @ 707-434-9967

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How To Reprogram Your Dopamine To Crave Hard Work

Inside: the 3 simple, proven protocols to reprogram your brain to crave hard work — all summarized neatly from this video.

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Social Media That Actually Brings in Business

You’ve probably heard it before: “You need to be on social media.”

But what does that really mean for a business owner like you?

It’s not just about pretty pictures or clever captions. Social media should be working — not just existing.

Here’s what we mean:

• Your posts should reflect your voice, values, and goals
• You should be connecting with people who actually want what you offer
• You should be building trust — not just followers
• And yes, you should be seeing leads, sales, or bookings as a result

That’s where most businesses get stuck. They post sporadically, hope for the best, and eventually burn out when they don’t see engagement or results.

The Trend Setter Package changes that.

We create strategic, branded content that tells your story, builds community, and gently guides people toward your offer. We handle the scheduling, the design, the writing — and the analytics.

So instead of wondering what to post (or if it’s working), you can focus on showing up for your customers — while we make sure your digital presence is doing its job.

Because social media isn’t just noise. When done right, it’s a pipeline.

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Ryan Stone @ 707-480-0959 /or

Terry Minion @ 707-434-9967

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What Happens When You Stop Doing It All Yourself

Let’s be honest — you didn’t start your business to become a digital marketing expert.

But these days, it can feel like that’s part of the job:
Posting regularly on social media.
Figuring out SEO.
Creating blog content, newsletters, reels, and ads...
And keeping up with trends that change faster than the weather.

Here’s the truth: Doing it all yourself isn't just exhausting — it can slow your business down.

When you're constantly trying to juggle marketing on top of everything else, you're likely to:

• Post inconsistently (or not at all)
• Burn out creatively
• Miss opportunities to connect with your ideal audience
• Waste time on strategies that don’t move the needle

That’s where the Trend Setter Package comes in.

We step in as your full-service internet marketing team — handling the heavy lifting so you can focus on what you do best. Our team manages your content, designs, website updates, social posts, and more — all with your brand’s goals and personality in mind.

You get your time back. You get consistency. And best of all, you get results.

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

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The 6 Disciplines of Strategic Thinking | Michael Watkins

Strategic thinking isn’t just a skill for C-suite executives; it’s advantageous for anyone aspiring to lead. So whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, building your capacity to recognize opportunities and challenges, prioritize directions, and mobilize resources can often be the difference between growth and stagnation. 

In this video lesson, Professor Michael Watkins introduces six key disciplines that drive strategic success and shares how they can help fast-track your career.

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Ryan Stone @ 707-480-0959 /or

Terry Minion @ 707-434-9967

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Why “Done-for-You” Marketing Works

You’re already busy running your business. Keeping up with algorithms, content creation, and email campaigns? That’s a full-time job in itself.

That’s why our clients love the Trend Setter Package — we do 80% or more of the work for you.

From managing your website and social media to creating fresh, relevant content, we act as your full-service Internet Marketing Department — without the overhead.

You stay focused on your business. We help it grow online.

Simple, effective, and surprisingly affordable.

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

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