Breaking into brand partnerships can feel overwhelming especially when you're building a business, growing on social media, and figuring out your value at the same time.

In this episode of VMN Business Talk, we sit down with Alyssa Bruno, NYC-based content creator and entrepreneur, to talk about how creators and entrepreneurs can land brand deals strategically without guessing, undercharging, or chasing the wrong opportunities.

Alyssa shares real, actionable insights on:

• How to approach brand deals as a business owner (not just a creator)

• What rates to charge and how to think about your value

• How to research and reach out to brands the right way

• What brands actually look for beyond follower count

• Contracts, deliverables, and protecting yourself in partnerships

• How to build long-term, authentic brand relationships on Instagram and social media

This conversation is especially valuable for entrepreneurs, consultants, wellness professionals, and service-based business owners who want to use content and partnerships as a growth channel without losing authenticity.

If you're building a personal brand, navigating social media monetization, or looking to turn visibility into revenue, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and a smarter framework to work from.

🎧 Listen now and start approaching brand deals like a CEO.

If you want to be a guest on one of our live streams to talk about your business challenges and explore possible solutions, email us at [email protected].

Social media isn't what it used to be — algorithms shift, attention spans shrink, and businesses are fighting harder than ever to stay visible. In this episode of VMN Business Talk, we're joined by Josh Cary and Braxton Wood to talk about how to build a powerful social media growth strategy and a personal brand that actually drives results.

Josh, a podcast and media expert, and Braxton, a business strategist and founder of The Operator's Advantage, share what's working right now for small businesses, creators, and entrepreneurs who want to scale smarter.

💡 In this episode, you'll learn:

• The new rules of social media marketing for small businesses

• How to grow your personal brand and stand out in a noisy world

• Practical social media strategies that attract the right audience (not just more followers)

• The secret to growing your podcast and using media to build authority

• Simple small business tips for creating consistent content that converts

• How to use storytelling and visibility to grow your small business organically

Whether you're a small business owner, consultant, or creative professional — this conversation will help you rethink how you show up online and build real, lasting visibility.

🎧 Listen now to learn how to grow your brand, attract your ideal audience, and use social media the smart way in 2025/2026.

If you want to join us at iHeartRadio in January or at future events, reach out through http://victormnichols.com/iheartnyc.

Social media can feel overwhelming—but with the right roadmap, it becomes one of the most powerful tools for growth. In this episode of VMN Business Talk, we sit down with Ankur K. Garg, seasoned entrepreneur, brand strategist, and pioneer in social media and e-commerce, to talk about what really works.

🔑 What you'll learn in this conversation:

• How to build a roadmap to success in business and social media

• Four organic strategies that always work (no matter the platform)

• Who should actually be on social media (and who shouldn't)

• How AI is changing the game for content and branding

• What businesses should be posting to grow both followers and revenue

Whether you're running a local business, building your personal brand, or leading a larger organization—this episode gives you actionable strategies you can start using today.

If you want to be a guest on one of our livestreams to talk about your business challenges and explore possible solutions, email us at [email protected].

Negotiation isn't just for boardrooms—it happens every day, in business, at home, and even with ourselves. In this conversation with Damali Peterman—lawyer, mediator, negotiator, educator, and author of Be Who You Are to Get What You Want—we dive into what authentic negotiation really looks like.

Damali shares: ✨ Why negotiation is part of daily life (not just high-stakes deals) ✨ The influence of her mother and family on her negotiation style ✨ Why authenticity is more powerful than "fitting a mold" ✨ The Foundational Five for any successful negotiation: ✨ How active listening goes beyond hearing words—it's about body language, tone, and emotions ✨ How to identify and leverage your unique superpowers

Whether you're an entrepreneur, a business leader, or someone who just wants to communicate more effectively, these insights will help you rethink how you negotiate every day.

🎥 If you want to be a guest on one of our streams, email us at [email protected].

In this episode of VMN Business Talk, we sit down with Christian J. Duncan, Vice President and Business Development Officer at BCB Bank, to explore what true relationship banking looks like—and why it matters more than ever for entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Christian shares why he believes in meeting clients where they are. From helping startups build credit to co-hosting grand opening events for small businesses, his holistic approach to banking is transforming lives and communities.

🔍 Topics we cover: – The difference between a bank and a banking partner – Building trust and community through personalized financial strategy – How BCB Bank supports business growth beyond loans and accounts – Real examples of community-driven impact and support

If you've ever felt like just another account number, this episode will show you what it means to have a financial partner who's truly invested in your success.

If you want to be a guest on one of our livestreams, email us at [email protected].

What if you never had to send another invoice again? In this episode of VMN Business Talk, we sit down with Hugo Sanchez, a visionary Hispanic founder who's changing the way professionals get paid—with one simple idea: charge before the call starts.

Hugo shares his journey of building MOTI App, an all-in-one video, messaging, scheduling, and instant payments platform built for experts, coaches, consultants, therapists, and anyone tired of chasing money after the work is done.

🎯 In this episode, we cover: – How to build and scale a tech company from the ground up – The mindset of a great salesperson and the secret to products that sell – Challenges and breakthroughs of being a Hispanic tech founder – Why MOTI App is changing the game for professionals who get paid by the hour – The future of expert services and how automation, trust, and convenience are driving the next wave of entrepreneurship

Whether you're building your first business or rethinking how you get paid, this conversation will inspire you to take control of your time, your value, and your cash flow.

If you want to be a guest on one of our livestreams to talk about your business challenges and explore possible solutions, email us at [email protected].

Download MOTI App https://motiapp.com

Grief isn't just about death—it's about loss, and it shows up in many forms. In this powerful and fulfilling conversation, Lindsay Schambach, Executive Director of Imagine, A Center for Coping with Loss, shares her perspective on why grief education—especially for kids—matters now more than ever, and how we can build more compassionate communities through strategic partnerships.

We explore: 🧠 Why you can't compare or judge grief 🧒 The importance of grief education in schools 🛐 Collaborations with religious leaders, hospitals, cemeteries, and the Department of Education 🤝 How a nonprofit can scale through purpose-driven partnerships 📈 The strategy behind increasing her organization's newsletter open rate from 19% to 66%

This isn't just a nonprofit success story—it's a leadership masterclass in empathy, connection, and strategic growth.

One of the most meaningful streams we've done.

Imagine website https://imaginenj.org/

If you want to be a guest on one of streams, email us at [email protected].

Health insurance can feel like a maze—especially with rising costs and confusing coverage options. In this episode, we sit down with Robert Alfieri, a healthcare expert with over 14 years of experience at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey.

Now the founder of The Health Insurance Professors, Robert has helped clients save over $1.5 million through smart, personalized strategies. He joins us to break down what's really going on in the health insurance world—and how individuals, families, and small businesses can protect themselves and make better decisions.

This episode is brought to you by Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey—the state's leading health insurer, trusted by generations of families and business owners. BCBSNJ is committed to improving health and enriching lives across New Jersey.

What we cover: – The scams and fine print no one warns you about – Special enrollment periods and who qualifies – Common mistakes in choosing coverage – Affordable strategies for small business owners – How to get help when it matters most

To get personalized support: You can contact Robert Alfieri directly by phone or text at 973-688-9636.

If you want to be a guest on one of our episodes to talk about your business challenges and explore possible solutions, email us at [email protected].

In this episode, Vic sits down with networking pro and founder of World Golf Network, Dan Pincus, for a real conversation on what it takes to build strong, lasting business relationships.

Forget the surface-level stuff—this is about quality over quantity, trust over transactions, and how to show up with intention in every connection.

You'll hear: ✔️ Why meaningful connections matter more than a long contact list ✔️ How to build real trust and respect in your network ✔️ The underrated skill of active listening ✔️ Ways to communicate better and make an impact ✔️ Real stories of connections that turned into big opportunities

Whether you're just starting out or looking to strengthen your relationships, this episode is packed with timeless insights and practical tips you can use right away.

If you want to be a guest on one of our streams to talk about your business challenges and explore possible solutions, email us at [email protected].

This episode dives into a side of government contracting most people overlook—and it's not just about the money.

Victor M. Nichols, networking and marketing expert, breaks down how minority-owned and small businesses can tap into government contracts not just for revenue, but for powerful relationships and long-term opportunities.

In this episode, we cover: ✔️ The hidden value in government contracts—beyond the paycheck ✔️ How to use contracts to build strategic alliances and networks ✔️ What young entrepreneurs need to know (and overcome) to break into this space

This one's packed with practical advice and perspective. Hit play and learn how to think bigger when it comes to contracting.

If you want to be a guest on one of our streams to talk about your business challenges and explore possible solutions, email us at [email protected].