Author: MagicBrad

Magical Since 1957 - Born an dRaised in Minneapolis (Fridley), Minnesota. Self-Employed most all his life, MagicBrad is an entertainer (magician), presenter, marketer and event producer.
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Boost Your Twin Cities Home Services Business with Direct Mail Marketing: Roofing, Remodeling, Landscaping & More

Boost Your Twin Cities Home Services Business with Direct Mail Marketing: Roofing, Remodeling, Landscaping & More

SEE: MailBoxPower.com

If you own a home services business in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota, you already know how competitive the market can be. Whether you specialize in roofing, windows, doors, siding, landscaping, decks, pools, patios, kitchen renovation, or bathroom remodeling, standing out in your neighborhood is key to attracting more leads and turning them into loyal customers.

One powerful yet often overlooked strategy? Direct Mail Marketing — especially when targeted at specific neighborhoods across Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and surrounding suburbs like Fridley, MN.

SEE: MailBoxPower.com

Why Direct Mail Works for Home Services

Digital marketing is everywhere, but direct mail cuts through the digital noise and gets your business directly into the hands of homeowners. According to the Data & Marketing Association, direct mail has a higher response rate than email, social media, or paid ads—especially for localized services.

When Twin Cities residents are considering upgrades to their kitchens, bathrooms, siding, or landscaping, a well-designed postcard or flyer delivered straight to their mailbox can prompt immediate action.

Target Homeowners with Services They Need

Direct mail allows you to segment your audience and focus on the most relevant neighborhoods—places where older homes may need new roofing, window replacements, or kitchen remodeling. Consider seasonal promotions too:

  • Spring and summer are ideal for promoting landscaping, decks, pools, and patios.

  • Fall is the perfect time to push siding and window replacement.

  • Winter can spotlight interior remodels like kitchen and bathroom renovations.

Use Eye-Catching Design and Clear Calls to Action

Make sure your mail pieces include:

  • Before-and-after photos of recent projects

  • Testimonials from local clients in the Twin Cities

  • Clear contact information

  • Limited-time offers or discounts

  • A QR code linking to your website or online portfolio

Work with a Local Expert: MagicBrad in Fridley

For an edge in your marketing strategy, connect with MagicBrad in Fridley, Minnesota—a seasoned entrepreneur who helps home service professionals grow through creative and cost-effective direct mail campaigns. MagicBrad knows the Twin Cities market inside and out, and he can help you craft mail pieces that generate leads and drive results.

Through the Synergy Collaborative, MagicBrad supports local businesses by sharing marketing tools, collaborative promotions, and insider tips to stand out in the roofing, windows, doors, siding, remodeling, and landscapingindustries.

Start Sending Direct Mail in the Twin Cities Today

Don’t let your business get lost in the crowded online space. With targeted direct mail campaigns, you can place your brand directly in the hands of motivated homeowners ready to invest in their properties.

Whether you’re replacing roofs, upgrading windows, building decks, or offering full-scale kitchen and bathroom renovations, direct mail is a proven way to grow your visibility across Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and nearby communities like Fridley.

Ready to make your business stand out?
Reach out to MagicBrad in Fridley and discover how direct mail marketing can transform your home services business in the Twin Cities.

SEE: MailBoxPower.com

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Sip, Socialize, and Succeed: Top Business Networking Events with Drinks in Minneapolis and St. Paul

Sip, Socialize, and Succeed: Top Business Networking Events with Drinks in Minneapolis and St. Paul

Blog Post:

If you’re someone who enjoys a good craft cocktail or locally brewed beer while building your business network, the Twin Cities has plenty to offer. From happy hours with hustle to mixers that mix business with pleasure, Minneapolis and St. Paul are buzzing with business networking events designed for professionals who like to sip while they socialize.

Networking with a Twist in the Twin Cities

Business networking doesn’t have to be all suits and stale coffee. In Minneapolis and St. Paul, networking events often happen at lively venues like breweries, cocktail lounges, rooftop bars, and even speakeasies. These events offer the perfect blend of relaxed socializing and meaningful business connections.

Popular Networking Events Where the Drinks Flow:

  1. Synergy Socials
    Hosted by the Synergy Collaborative, these events rotate through popular bars and event spaces across the Twin Cities. Open to entrepreneurs, freelancers, event planners, and marketers—these socials mix live music, craft drinks, and meaningful conversation. (Ask about Synergy First Thursdays!)

  2. Twin Cities Startup Happy Hour
    Usually held in downtown Minneapolis, this casual meetup attracts founders, developers, marketers, and creatives. Great beer. Better ideas.

  3. Chamber After Hours (Minneapolis and St. Paul Chambers)
    Both the Minneapolis Regional Chamber and St. Paul Area Chamber host monthly “After Hours” events at some of the area’s best restaurants and taprooms. Great for meeting professionals in finance, real estate, insurance, and corporate leadership.

  4. Women Who Wine & Network
    This recurring event brings together ambitious women entrepreneurs and business leaders in a relaxed, wine-friendly setting. It’s social, supportive, and full of sparkling connections.

  5. Happy Hour Hustle (Northeast Minneapolis)
    Known for attracting a mix of creatives, small business owners, and tech folks, this monthly gathering is a go-to for authentic, alcohol-accompanied networking.

Why Boozy Networking Works

Let’s face it—sometimes, a drink helps take the edge off. A relaxed environment can break down barriers, spark creativity, and make it easier to start a conversation with a potential partner, client, or collaborator. The Twin Cities’ vibrant food and drink scene adds extra flavor to these professional gatherings.

Stay in the Loop

Want to be the first to know about upcoming networking events with drinks in the Twin Cities? Join local groups on Meetup.com, follow the Synergy Collaborative on Facebook, or subscribe to local event calendars like MSP Business Events or Eventbrite.

Final Sip:

Business gets done where the conversations flow—and often, that’s over a glass of wine or a locally brewed IPA. Whether you’re new to the networking scene or a seasoned social butterfly, Minneapolis and St. Paul offer a spirited lineup of events where business and pleasure mix beautifully.

Want help promoting your next Twin Cities networking event? Contact MagicBrad with the Synergy Collaborative and get it featured in our next roundup!

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Building a Legacy Brand: Christian-Inspired Products with Printful

Building a Legacy Brand: Christian-Inspired Products with Printful

In a world where faith, fashion, and entrepreneurship can intertwine beautifully, launching a Christian-inspired brand on Printful offers a powerful way to share your beliefs, inspire others, and leave a lasting legacy. Whether you’re a graphic designer, ministry leader, or simply a believer with a message, your online store can serve as a beacon of light for generations to come.

Why Christian-Inspired Products?

Faith-based apparel and accessories go beyond fashion—they carry purpose and message. Each item can uplift, encourage, and speak truth. Whether it’s a shirt with a Bible verse, a journal with a faith-filled affirmation, or a tote bag with an inspiring message, these products create daily reminders of hope and strength.

Printful: Your Partner in Purpose

Printful makes it easy to bring your vision to life without needing to hold inventory or manage shipments. You design the products, sync them to your online store (Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, etc.), and Printful handles the rest. This streamlined process allows you to focus on your message and your mission.

Steps to Create a Legacy Brand

1. Define Your Core Message:
What scriptures, values, or faith-based themes define your brand? Think about your life story, your testimony, and the principles that guide your walk with Christ. Let this become your creative compass.

2. Create Purpose-Driven Designs:
Use tools like Canva or Adobe Illustrator to create eye-catching graphics and typography. Keep your audience in mind—do you want to speak to young adults, families, or church groups? Make your designs meaningful and relevant.

3. Choose the Right Products:
Start with popular items like T-shirts, hoodies, mugs, hats, journals, or wall art. Think about what your ideal customer would wear or use daily—and make it a source of inspiration for them.

4. Tell Your Story:
People connect with authenticity. Use your product descriptions, social media, and website to share your “why.” Whether it’s personal healing, a mission-driven cause, or a desire to spread the Gospel, let your story shine through.

5. Build Community Around Your Brand:
Encourage your customers to share photos and testimonies. Consider starting a blog, podcast, or newsletter that shares devotionals, prayer requests, or behind-the-scenes of your faith journey.

6. Commit to Long-Term Impact:
Legacy means long-term. Be consistent, be patient, and trust that seeds planted today will grow tomorrow. Collaborate with ministries, support charitable causes, and use your store to make a difference.

Final Thoughts

Creating a legacy brand of Christian-inspired products isn’t just about profits—it’s about purpose. It’s about using creativity as a tool to share the love of Christ and build something that echoes into eternity. With Printful as your fulfillment partner and faith as your foundation, your brand can be more than a business—it can be a ministry.

If you’re ready to start your journey, remember: all you need is a vision, a voice, and a little bit of faith.

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What is the most popular topic amongst humans?

ChatGPT said:

The most popular topic amongst humans tends to shift depending on context—like location, time, or platform—but broadly speaking, human relationships are consistently one of the most talked-about and universally engaging topics.

This includes:

  • Love and dating

  • Family dynamics

  • Friendship

  • Social connection and belonging

Closely following that are:

  • Health and wellness (especially mental health)

  • Money and financial freedom

  • Entertainment and pop culture

  • Technology and the future

  • Self-improvement and purpose

If you’re thinking in terms of content creation or engagement online, topics that combine emotional resonance with practical value (like relationships + psychology, or money + freedom) tend to go viral or stay relevant longer.

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What is the Job Title of the Person that Hires a Certified Consultant?

The person who would hire a Certified Consultant is typically someone in a leadership or HR-related role, looking to improve team performance, hiring processes, or individual productivity. Common job titles include:

  • HR Director or HR Manager

  • Talent Acquisition Manager

  • Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO)

  • Organizational Development Manager

  • Director of People & Culture

  • Learning and Development Manager

  • CEO (in smaller companies)

  • Founder or Business Owner

  • Team Leader or Department Head

  • COO (Chief Operating Officer)

  • Leadership Coach (as a referral source or direct user)

They hire consultants to assess team dynamics, optimize roles, reduce burnout, and align instinctive strengths with job responsibilities. Let me know if you’re targeting a specific industry or company size—those factors could narrow it down even more.

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Get Paid to Post? Crypto Social Media & Affiliate Marketing Secrets!

Get Paid to Post? Crypto Social Media & Affiliate Marketing Secrets!

Are you a business owner or entrepreneur in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, looking for new ways to monetize your online presence? If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I really get paid just to post on social media?” — the answer is YES.

In today’s digital world, crypto-powered social media platforms and affiliate marketing programs are flipping the script on how people earn income online. Whether you’re running a brick-and-mortar business or scaling a side hustle, it’s time to turn your content into cash.

The Rise of Crypto Social Media

Traditional platforms like Facebook and Instagram make billions off your content. But what do you get? Maybe some likes… but no deposits.

Enter Web3 social platforms that reward users in cryptocurrency for their posts, likes, shares, and comments. Platforms like Minds, Diamond (on DeSo), and Farcaster are gaining traction — and they pay in crypto.

For Twin Cities entrepreneurs, this opens up an innovative way to reach local and global audiences and earn while you engage.

Benefits for local business owners:

  • Visibility: Showcase your brand to new audiences who are already engaged in the crypto and tech-savvy world.

  • Credibility: Be seen as a forward-thinking leader adopting the next wave of digital tech.

  • Revenue: Earn tokens that can be exchanged or reinvested in your business.

Affiliate Marketing: The Passive Income Secret

Affiliate marketing is nothing new, but combined with content creation, it becomes a powerful tool. By promoting relevant products and services through tracked links, you can earn commissions — often recurring — every time someone makes a purchase through your link.

Some affiliate programs offer 50%+ commissions — and you don’t need to handle inventory or customer service. Just post a blog, share a video, or even talk about a service at your next networking event in Downtown Minneapolis or Lowertown St. Paul.

Smart Ways to Combine Affiliate Marketing + Crypto Social

  • Share affiliate links on your crypto social media accounts and earn both crypto rewards and commissions.

  • Recommend Web3 tools, crypto wallets, or AI software as an affiliate to other Twin Cities professionals.

  • Launch your own “Get Paid to Post” workshop or coaching offer.

Tools and Tips to Start Earning

Here are a few tools and platforms to get you going:

  • Crypto Socials: DeSo, Lens Protocol, Minds

  • Affiliate Platforms: Wealthy Affiliate, ShareASale, Kartra, ClickBank

  • Link Tracking: Pretty Links, Bitly, or Kartra’s built-in affiliate system

  • Local Networking: Synergy Collaborative meetups, held around Uptown, North Loop, and St. Paul’s Creative Enterprise Zone

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re running a boutique in Edina, a gym in Woodbury, or a coaching business from a co-working space in Northeast Minneapolis, the opportunity to get paid to post is real — and growing. By combining crypto social mediaand affiliate marketing, you unlock multiple streams of income that work while you sleep.

Want help getting started? Connect with the Synergy Collaborative, based right here in the Twin Cities, for ongoing support, strategy, and collaboration opportunities.

Let’s turn your posts into profits — from Minneapolis to St. Paul and beyond!

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Get Paid to Post? Crypto Social Media & Affiliate Marketing Secrets!

HOST: MagicBrad 

Co-Host: Sean Hurdle

SEE MORE about Sean Hurdle at: MagicBrad.com/sean


Get Paid to Post? Crypto Social Media & Affiliate Marketing Secrets Revealed!

Are you a savvy marketer living in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota? Looking to level up your affiliate game and tap into the emerging world of crypto-powered social media? If so, you might want to pay close attention to what’s happening in the world of decentralized platforms, blockchain rewards, and automated affiliate income.

The Rise of Crypto Social Media

Imagine getting paid in cryptocurrency just for sharing your thoughts, posting content, or engaging with others online. Platforms like Farcaster, DeSo, and Friend.tech are disrupting traditional social media by rewarding users with crypto tokens for their activity.

This is the next-level passive income opportunity for content creators, affiliate marketers, and even small business owners in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metro area looking to grow their online influence.

Affiliate Marketing + Crypto = Explosive Potential

Let’s combine two powerful money-making models:

  • Affiliate Marketing (promoting other people’s products for a commission)

  • Crypto Social Media (earning digital assets for your engagement)

This is perfect for:

  • Influencers in Uptown Minneapolis

  • Entrepreneurs in St. Paul’s Lowertown arts district

  • Content creators in Northeast Minneapolis

  • Home-based business owners in suburbs like Edina, Maple Grove, or Roseville

You can now monetize your audience in two ways—commissions from your affiliate links AND crypto payouts for the very content that promotes them.

Best Affiliate Niches for Crypto Social Media

If you’re affiliate-savvy and located in the Twin Cities, here are a few hot niches to jump on:

  1. Crypto Tools & Wallets – Help newcomers set up secure wallets.

  2. AI Software & Automation – Promote platforms like Jasper or ChatGPT Pro.

  3. DeFi & Trading Courses – Educate others while earning.

  4. Email Marketing Tools – Mailbox Power, ConvertKit, or GetResponse.

  5. VPN & Online Security – Highly converting and privacy-focused.

  6. SaaS Subscriptions – Think recurring commissions.

Combine your affiliate links with posts, videos, or memes on crypto-friendly platforms and watch the synergy happen.

Local Spotlight: Minneapolis-St. Paul Affiliate Marketers Unite

If you’re near the North Loop, Mall of America, or even sipping coffee in a co-working space in St. Paul’s Highland Park—consider forming a crypto affiliate mastermind group. Sharing ideas in person can accelerate your results and build momentum.

Look for Synergy Socials or connect through local groups like the Synergy Collaborative, an affiliate marketing network headquartered right here in the Twin Cities.

3 Pro Tips to Maximize Earnings

  1. Use Tracking Links with UTMs
    Know which posts and platforms are converting.

  2. Create Value-Focused Content
    Tutorials, product reviews, and case studies work great.

  3. Cross-Promote on Multiple Platforms
    Link your crypto social posts to YouTube, Facebook, or your blog.

Final Thoughts: Ready to Get Paid to Post?

The future of affiliate marketing is not just on YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok—it’s decentralized, on the blockchain, and paying you directly in crypto. If you’re a Twin Cities entrepreneur ready to explore these crypto affiliate secrets, now is the time to position yourself as a pioneer.

Want to learn more? Connect with MagicBrad and the Synergy Collaborative to discover the exact platforms and affiliate programs that are paying Twin Cities marketers REAL money in crypto and commissions.

Call to Action: Join the Simple Synergy System Group—hosted by MagicBrad—and start earning for the content you’re already posting. Let’s build your digital income stream from Fridley to Eden Prairie!

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Essential Tips for Safe Parking and Effective Striping

Essential Tips for Safe Parking and Effective Striping: What Every Home Service Business Should Know

In the competitive world of home services—whether you’re a contractor, roofer, painter, HVAC tech, or real estate agent—first impressions matter. One often-overlooked but critical part of your curb appeal and customer experience is your parking lot. A well-striped and safely designed lot not only increases customer confidence but also minimizes liability.

Here are some essential parking lot striping and safety tips tailored for home service businesses:

1. Prioritize Visibility and Clean Lines

Clear, freshly painted stripes enhance both the safety and aesthetic of your property. Faded lines can confuse customers and delivery drivers, increasing the risk of fender-benders.

Pro Tip: Use high-contrast paint and reflective beads for nighttime visibility. Re-stripe annually, especially before winter in the Midwest.

2. Optimize Traffic Flow

Direct your clients, employees, and vendors where to go. Strategic placement of arrows, signage, and stop lines helps maintain smooth traffic patterns.

Home Service Business Insight: If you have delivery vans or service vehicles, dedicate a loading/unloading zone to keep the lot efficient.

3. Ensure ADA Compliance

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires businesses to provide accessible parking spaces. Avoid fines and boost inclusivity by making sure your lot includes properly marked and measured ADA spots.

Bonus: Clients will appreciate your attention to detail and care for all individuals.

4. Maintain Regular Inspections

Minnesota’s winters and freeze-thaw cycles can wreak havoc on asphalt. Cracks, potholes, and eroding paint lines compromise safety.

Quick Tip for Contractors: Keep a maintenance calendar and schedule parking lot inspections along with your other facility tasks.

5. Use Durable Striping Materials

Latex paint is affordable, but thermoplastic striping or epoxy options provide longer-lasting results.

For Landscapers and Pressure Washers: Consider adding striping to your list of upsell services. Property managers and commercial clients love bundled offers!

6. Hire Local Professionals

Invest in a reliable parking lot striping service in the Twin Cities. These pros know the regional weather patterns and can help you comply with city ordinances.

Networking Tip: Partner with fellow Synergy Collaborative members to trade referrals and expand your reach.

7. Educate Your Team

Make sure your staff knows the importance of designated parking areas, fire lanes, and loading zones. A well-informed crew keeps your business compliant and professional.

Why This Matters for Home Service Businesses

A clean, organized parking lot is more than just asphalt—it’s a reflection of your brand. Whether you’re hosting clients, hiring new team members, or setting up your home office for consultations, a polished exterior sets the tone.

Need Help with Parking Lot Striping? Connect with local experts in the Twin Cities who specialize in asphalt maintenance, parking lot striping, snow removal, and curb appeal enhancements. The Synergy Collaborative can introduce you to trusted vendors that keep your business looking professional year-round.

Get Noticed. Stay Safe. Look Professional. Your parking lot is often the first impression your customer gets—make it count.

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20 Commercial Real Estate Services

Here’s a list of 20 commercial real estate services that are commonly needed for the maintenance, improvement, or development of commercial properties:

  1. Roofing Installation & Repair

  2. Window & Glass Replacement

  3. HVAC Installation & Maintenance

  4. Plumbing Services

  5. Electrical Contracting

  6. General Contracting & Construction

  7. Commercial Cleaning & Janitorial Services

  8. Asphalt & Concrete Paving

  9. Parking Lot Striping & Maintenance

  10. Security System Installation (CCTV & Alarms)

  11. Fire Protection & Sprinkler Systems

  12. Pest Control & Extermination

  13. Elevator Installation & Servicing

  14. Interior Design & Space Planning

  15. Landscaping & Grounds Maintenance

  16. Property Management Services

  17. Energy Efficiency & Solar Panel Installation

  18. Painting & Coating Services

  19. Signage & Wayfinding Solutions

  20. IT & Network Infrastructure Setup

SEE: MagicBradRealEstate.com

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It’s Hard to Sell a Steak to a Vegan: Know Your Audience

It’s Hard to Sell a Steak to a Vegan: Know Your Audience

Have you ever tried selling a steak to a vegan? Doesn’t matter how juicy, marbled, or perfectly grilled that cut of meat is—if your customer doesn’t eat meat, it’s an instant “no sale.”

This phrase is more than just a clever metaphor. It’s a simple truth in business and marketing: if you’re offering something to someone who doesn’t want or need it, your pitch is already doomed.

The Problem Isn’t the Product—It’s the Fit

Steak isn’t a bad product. It’s a high-value offering to the right crowd. But to the wrong person, it’s irrelevant—maybe even offensive.

The same applies in any industry. If you’re pushing high-end real estate to someone looking to downsize into a tiny home, or offering high-tech gadgets to a digital minimalist, you’re wasting both your time and theirs.

It’s not about convincing someone they’re wrong. It’s about finding the people who already want what you’ve got—and serving them better than anyone else.

Know Who You’re Talking To

Before you start crafting that sales pitch, ask:

  • Who is my ideal customer?

  • What are their values, wants, and pain points?

  • How do they talk? What do they care about?

  • Am I offering them steak… or tofu?

You can’t build trust if you’re tone-deaf to your audience’s preferences.

Marketing Misalignment: The Silent Profit Killer

You could have the best product in your industry, but if you’re marketing it to the wrong people, you’ll feel stuck. You’ll wonder why your message isn’t landing, why you’re getting ghosted, and why your calendar is filled with leads who never convert.

It’s not always about working harder. Sometimes it’s about refining your aim.

Speak Their Language

Once you know your audience, speak directly to their values. If your ideal client is a health-conscious millennial living in the Twin Cities, don’t serve up greasy burger ads—focus on wellness, sustainability, and local flavor.

If you’re offering a service, show how it solves their specific problem. Use their lingo. Tap into their worldview. Don’t try to turn a vegan into a carnivore—just become the best plant-based option on the table.

Bottom Line: Right Offer, Right Person

Marketing isn’t about shouting louder. It’s about whispering the right words to the right people.

So next time your sales are slumping, ask yourself:
Am I trying to sell steak to a vegan?
If so, it’s time to realign your message, re-target your market, and serve up something your ideal customer actually craves.