In this episode of VMN Business Talk, we sit down with Ameer Washington, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Newark, for an honest conversation about what it really takes to build meaningful partnerships between nonprofits and businesses.

Ameer shares his personal journey from growing up in the Boys & Girls Club of Newark to leading the organization today and explains what keeps him committed to this work. Together, we explore why nonprofits can be powerful strategic partners for businesses, what effective partnerships look like in practice, and where collaborations often fall short.

We talk about moving beyond one-time donations toward long-term, value-driven collaboration, real examples of successful and failed partnerships, and how the right nonprofit relationships can benefit employees, customers, and local communities alike.

This episode is for business owners, executives, and leaders who want to understand how purpose, strategy, and impact can work together not as charity, but as a smart, intentional way to do business.

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 vmn@victormnichols.com.

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.