Saturday, May 17, 2025

How to Fail Intelligently | Amy Edmondson


You may have once feared a big red “F” (for “Failure”) at the top of a graded assignment. Even as an adult, failing can make you feel discouraged or ashamed. But Harvard researcher Amy Edmondson’s research tells us that some failures are smart and productive — and “intelligent failure” offers a potential learning experience that could pave the way to greater success. She argues this desirable “F” should be a goal.

Ryan Stone 
p: 707-480-0959
e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion
p: 707-434-9967
e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

First Impressions Matter – Make Your Homepage Count


Your homepage is the digital front door to your business. Within seconds, visitors decide if they’ll stay or click away.

Here’s what your homepage needs:
  • Clear messaging – Who you are and what you do.
  • Strong visuals – Clean design and engaging images.
  • A clear call to action – Tell visitors exactly what to do next (e.g., "Book Now," "Learn More").
If people can’t figure out what you offer in 5 seconds, it’s time for a homepage refresh.

Ryan Stone 
p: 707-480-0959
e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion
p: 707-434-9967
e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Sunday, May 11, 2025

Happy Mother's Day


Happy Mother's Day

Ryan Stone 
p: 707-480-0959
e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion
p: 707-434-9967
e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

The world is poorly designed. But copying nature helps.


Biomimicry design, explained with 99% Invisible.

Ryan Stone 
p: 707-480-0959
e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion
p: 707-434-9967
e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Sunday, May 4, 2025

Why Every Business Needs a Website


In today’s digital world, having a website isn’t just a bonus—it’s a necessity. Whether you're a small business, freelancer, or nonprofit, your website acts as your online storefront, open 24/7.

A well-designed site builds credibility, helps customers find you, and showcases what you offer. It’s also a central hub for sharing updates, answering questions, and even making sales. Without one, potential customers may not take your business seriously—or may not find you at all.

Think of your website as your business card, sales pitch, and customer service desk rolled into one. If you're not online, you're missing out.

Ryan Stone 
p: 707-480-0959
e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion
p: 707-434-9967
e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Friday, May 2, 2025

"Branding Your Business: Start with What You Stand For"


Branding isn’t just about logos and colors—it’s about creating a clear identity that connects with your audience. The first step? Know what your business stands for. What are your values? What problem do you solve? What feeling do you want customers to walk away with?

From there, build a visual style (like your logo, fonts, and colors) that reflects that message. Keep it consistent across your website, social media, packaging—everywhere your brand shows up. And don’t forget your voice! The way you communicate is just as important as how things look.

Great branding builds trust, tells your story, and helps your business stand out in a crowded market. Start with clarity, stay consistent, and always lead with purpose.

Ryan Stone 
p: 707-480-0959
e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion
p: 707-434-9967
e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Monday, April 28, 2025

How to Brand Yourself Without Feeling Fake


In this video,  I’m going to break down why "authenticity" became one of the most powerful currencies in branding, where most people get it wrong, and then I’ll give you my 5-step framework to brand yourself in a way that actually feels like you.

Ryan Stone 
p: 707-480-0959
e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion
p: 707-434-9967
e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Saturday, April 26, 2025

What Does the Trend Setter Package Inculde?


OUR TREND SETTER PACKAGE INCLUDES ALL THE FOLLOWING SERVICES:

>  Professional Website

>  Blog & Regular Blog Posting

>  Limited Social Media Posting & Management
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
>  Personalized Email Newsletter

>  Video & YouTube Channel

>  Marketing & Business Consulting

Ryan Stone 
p: 707-480-0959
e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion
p: 707-434-9967
e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Monday, April 21, 2025

Easter Monday


Ryan Stone 
p: 707-480-0959
e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion
p: 707-434-9967
e: tminion@upwardtrend.org



Saturday, April 19, 2025

Less is More: The Magic of a Simple Life


In this video, we explore the concept of "less is more" and uncover the hidden magic that a simple life can bring. From decluttering your space to lightening your mental load, discover how embracing minimalism can lead to a richer, more fulfilling existence. 
Join us as we delve into the philosophy of minimalism and show you how to create more space for what truly matters. Whether you're a seasoned minimalist or just curious about simplifying your life, this video is for you!

Ryan Stone 
p: 707-480-0959
e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion
p: 707-434-9967
e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Trend Setter Package


Our Trend Setter Package is unique in that it offers even the smallest businesses the marketing power of a much larger business. We do this by combining all of our services into one low cost monthly package, which ensures your Internet properties are updated regularly every month.

Think of it this way; You open a business and want some customers. So, you put out a sign. Then, you want some more business. So, you put out a sign down the street, then two streets over, then out on the freeway, and pretty soon you have them all over town. People now know about you even if they have never been in your store or used your services.

This is exactly what we do for you via the Internet. Beginning with a website, we add a blog, a monthly (or more often for some businesses) email newsletter, social networking in Facebook, Twitter, Linked-in. Next we add a YouTube channel and video is included. We help you get found. Last is our own consulting to help you get the best of our services and more.

We do this in a systematic way, which allows us to keep the cost low. Now, virtually every business can afford to look like a much larger business.

Each business is different. Give us a call to talk about your specific business. We will let you know how little it takes to get started right away.

Ryan Stone 
p: 707-480-0959
e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion
p: 707-434-9967
e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Sunday, April 13, 2025

CONFUSED ABOUT HOW YOUR BUSINESS CAN…


Use Internet? Website? Blog?
E-Commerce? Social Networking?
YouTube/Videos?
HTML Newsletters?
“What Is This Stuff?"
“Who Has The Time To Deal With It?"
“What’s In It For Me?"
Too Expensive?
RELAX. . .

We Make It So Easy! And So Affordable!


Ryan Stone 
p: 707-480-0959
e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion
p: 707-434-9967
e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Thursday, April 10, 2025

why do some things just look so good?


Ryan Stone 
p: 707-480-0959
e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion
p: 707-434-9967
e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Harvard negotiator explains how to argue | Dan Shapiro


Dan Shapiro, the head of Harvard’s International Negotiation program, shares 3 keys to a better argument.

Ryan Stone 
p: 707-480-0959
e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion
p: 707-434-9967
e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Sunday, March 23, 2025

How to generate the most Creative Ideas(even if you are not creative)


We all struggle sometimes to come up with truly creative ideas. But the secret isn’t talent—it’s a system. In this video, I’ll show you the one trick that helps generate genius ideas effortlessly. No more waiting for inspiration—just pure, actionable creativity.  

Ryan Stone 
p: 707-480-0959
e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion
p: 707-434-9967
e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Thursday, March 20, 2025