Sunday, June 15, 2025

Happy Father's Day


Happy Father's Day

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

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

Friday, June 13, 2025

Why great thinkers ask divergent questions | Natalie Nixon


Asking the wrong questions can hold you back. ‪Natalie Nixon‬ explains how to ask divergent questions to become a great thinker.

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

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

Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Focus on What You Do Best—Let Us Handle the Tech


You’re great at what you do. Whether you're a service provider, artist, or entrepreneur, your time is best spent growing your business—not wrestling with plug-ins or broken layouts.

Hiring a web pro means:
  • Less stress and wasted time
  • A site tailored to your specific goals
  • Someone who understands design, UX, and conversions
Let us handle the pixels—so you can focus on your passion.

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

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

Saturday, June 7, 2025

DIY Isn’t Always Cheaper in the Long Run


It’s tempting to build your own website using a drag-and-drop builder—but DIY sites often lack the performance, security, and SEO needed to compete online.

Professionally built websites:
  • Rank better in search engines
  • Are built for speed and scalability
  • Come with ongoing support and fewer headaches
Cutting corners today could cost you leads tomorrow. Invest smart, grow faster.

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

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

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

The Art of Doing Anything Exceptionally Well ( even if you are not pro )


Want to master anything in life?
In this video, we break down The Art of Doing Anything Exceptionally Well — from mastering your craft to understanding the power of repetition, focus, and patience. Learn the real process behind becoming elite at any skill, with a powerful story of Hokusai, the Japanese artist who created his masterpiece at 73.

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

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

Sunday, June 1, 2025

Your Website = Your First Impression


When someone Googles your business, your website is often the first thing they see. If it’s outdated, slow, or confusing, you could lose potential customers in seconds.

A professional web designer ensures your site:
  • Looks polished and reflects your brand
  • Works flawlessly on phones, tablets, and desktops
  • Loads fast and is easy to navigate
First impressions matter. Make yours count.

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

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

Thursday, May 29, 2025

Why Your Business Needs Social Media


Think social media is just for fun? Think again. For businesses, it’s one of the most powerful tools to build your brand, connect with customers, and boost sales.

Here’s Why It Works:
Visibility: Stay top-of-mind with current and potential customers.

Trust: Build relationships by showing the people behind your brand.

Results:
Drive traffic, sales, and engagement—often on a small budget.

Easy to Start: You don’t need to be a pro. A few thoughtful posts can go a long way.

Whether you’re sharing tips, behind-the-scenes moments, or customer shoutouts, social media helps you stand out—and grow.

Bottom line: If your business isn’t on social, you’re missing out. Now’s the time to jump in!

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

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

Monday, May 26, 2025

Does stress affect your memory? - Elizabeth Cox


Explore the stages of how your memory stores information and how short-term stress impacts this process.

--

You spend weeks studying for an important test. On the big day, you wait nervously as your teacher hands it out. You’re working your way through, when you’re asked to define "ataraxia." You know you’ve seen the word before, but your mind goes blank. What just happened? Elizabeth Cox details the complex relationship between stress and memory.

Lesson by Elizabeth Cox, directed by Artrake Studio.

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

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

Friday, May 23, 2025

Build Trust with Testimonials and Social Proof


People trust people. One of the most powerful things you can have on your website? Testimonials and reviews.

Here’s why:
  • They show real experiences with your service or product.
  • They build credibility.
  • They can boost conversion rates significantly.
Bonus tip: Add logos of trusted partners or certifications if you have them. A little social proof goes a long way.

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

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


Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Don’t Forget the Basics – Contact Info and About Page


It sounds simple, but you’d be surprised how many websites hide the basics.

Always include:

  • A contact page with your email, phone number, and social links.
  • An about page that tells your story, builds trust, and shows the human side of your brand.

Customers want to know who they’re doing business with—and how to reach you if they have questions. Make it easy.

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

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

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

Monday, March 17, 2025

Happy St. Patricks Day!


Happy St. Patricks Day!

Have a Lucky Day.

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

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


Friday, March 14, 2025

"7 Simple Brain Exercises to Boost Your Brain Power and Focus"


Ready to sharpen your mind like never before? In this video, we’re exploring unique and engaging brain exercises that go beyond the usual advice. These activities are not only fun but also scientifically proven to enhance your focus, memory, and overall mental performance!

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

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


Wednesday, March 5, 2025

The ULTIMATE Guide To Typography For Beginners


Understanding typography is important if you want to be a better designer, because text commands the most visual attention in any design. So in this video, I'm going to walk you through everything a beginner needs to know about Typography in order to get started designing right away. You'll learn about the different kinds of typefaces and when to use them, the variables you can control to make your text look amazing, and how to build a typographical system for your own designs.

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

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


Monday, February 24, 2025

Monday, February 17, 2025

Happy Presidents' Day


Happy Presidents' Day

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

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


Friday, February 14, 2025

Happy Valentines Day


Happy Valentines Day TO YOU.

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

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





Thursday, February 6, 2025

10,000 years of branding explained in 6 minutes | Debbie Millman


Branding isn’t buzz — we’ve been doing it for thousands of years.

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

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


Monday, January 27, 2025

Obstacles do not Block the Path - They are the Path | A Powerful Inspira...


In this inspiring Tale, we delve into a timeless tale of determination and reward. A King places a boulder on a road, testing the character of his subjects. While the wealthy merchants and courtiers pass by, only a humble peasant steps up to the challenge. Watch as he transforms an obstacle into an opportunity, ultimately discovering a hidden treasure that changes his life. This story reminds us that true greatness lies in taking action, even when others choose to walk away. Join us to explore the power of perseverance and the rewards that come from facing challenges head-on! 

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

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


Saturday, January 18, 2025

The art of asking the right questions | Tim Ferriss, Warren Berger, Hope...


The art of asking the right questions

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

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


Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Thursday, January 9, 2025

Leadership development must start here | Simon Sinek


In this short clip from one of our leadership development lessons, ethnographer and bestselling author Simon Sinek describes how business leaders can earn the respect and loyalty of their team. 

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

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