Off the Record with BJ Murphy
By BJ Murphy
www.bjmurphy360.com
@bjmurphy360
Off the Record with BJ MurphyOct 16, 2019
Canceled for 2024 - Off the Record, Episode 2.13
Some of this mess you guys are doing on Facebook has GOT to GO for 2024! Let us know in the comments if you agree or disagree with us and look - if you agree with us - we still love you. And if you don't - we still love you. But also we said what we said. - BJ Murphy & Aleatha Thrower
We Said What We Said - Off the Record, Ep. 2.11
This is probably the most "Off the Record" we have ever been. But you know what? "We said what we said."
The Whole Show is an Aleatha Rant - Off the Record, Ep. 2.10
Aleatha walked into the office and said we had to record today because she needed to fuss at me. But then I threw her off her game as only I can do. Enjoy her rants!
Off the Record, Ep 2.09 - We're Back: Aleatha was becoming too famous
After a 6-month to 10-year hiatus, we're back!!! Aleatha admits she was becoming too famous, so she stopped recording OTR. Find out what's been happening and what we would've told our younger selves. #offtherecord
www.bjmurphy360.com
Aleatha Reacts to TikTok Comments - Off the Record, Ep. 2.08
Aleatha hates reading TikTok comments, so we thought she should blindly react to comments on some of the most viral TikToks featuring her. And if you think this is funny, you're right!
You're welcome. ;)
www.bjmurphy360.com
What in the Kyle Rittenhouse is going on? - Off the Record, Ep. 2.06
BJ has 4 cups of coffee before 11am and was up at 2am - what in the world!? And Aleatha just might skip Christmas altogether! hahaha
North Lenoir High School - Business Management Class Talk
A week after chatting with ECU students I had the opportunity to address a business management class at North Lenoir High School. In a first for me, I shared actual slides created in 2016 at the startup phase of Magic Mile Media (pre-Neuse News). In the talk, I broke down why I started MMM, how I used a SWOT Analysis, what I learned about the market, how I projected financials, and more.
This ain't a performance - Off the Record, Ep. 2.04
In this episode of OTR, Aleatha decrees she doesn't like fake people. #bigsurprise We discuss App State family weekend, my latest talks at ECU and North Lenoir, and more. Then my OTR Commentary chastises elected officials for not representing the people first.
ECU College of Business Leadership Conference - How to Make Money
What are the fundamentals of how to make money? How can you do that in an ethical way? In this address to ECU College of Business students, I shared, "We all will make more money if we invest our time into inspiring teams rather than managing employees."
Three key points:
1. Treat people fairly and like family.
2. Work hard and let go of fearing failure
3. Solve more problems by empowering others to make decisions
Four philosophies that drive me:
1. Trust is greater than Skill
2. Relationships are greater than Money
3. Doers are greater than Complainers
4. Master the Mundane
Final thought:
Go all-in on your strengths and what makes you happy.
Aleatha's Momma on the Birthday Episode - Off the Record, Ep. 2.03
We celebrated my 41st birthday with a special guest...Aleatha's momma! She addresses what "swivet" means and one mistake today's parents make. Oh, and guess how many times Aleatha's momma popped her on the show!
We are Spun All the Way Up - Off the Record, Ep 2.02
Aleatha's in a swivet and we're spun all the way up on this episode of Off the Record. This may be the most Deep Run episode yet.
Why We Shouldn't Care - Off the Record, Episode 2.01
Aleatha and I kick off a "new season" of OTR with a winding down of life's events this summer. We have an intense discussion about why we should stop caring about other people's opinions.
www.bjmurphy360.com
Four Things You Can Do - Off the Record, Ep. 10
Aleatha and I consider "Neuse News: The Musical", we plan a team outing and I give four things you can do when complaining about politics. And what's our show without a few laughs?
Work Ethic - Off the Record - Ep. 9, Pt. 2
In part 2 of OTR Episode 9, we discuss what's missing in the work ethic of this generation. Can you guess Aleatha's motivation to work as a teenager? Too good to miss.
They Should Resign - Off the Record, Ep 9 - pt 1
This OTR was so much fun, we've made it a two-part episode. How many banks are on the south side? What gives BJ anxiety? Aleatha explains why BJ is a part of the problem. And BJ's OTR Commentary addresses the need for two Kinston City Councilmen to resign.
Tend Your Corn - Off the Record, Ep. 8
Aleatha's sidebar on "tending your own corn" was so strong, I almost didn't give my own OTR commentary. But I did and used it to address Vernon Park Mall. Enjoy OTR Episode 8 - Tend Your Corn.
Tammy Kelly goes Off the Record, Ep. 7
Have you ever had your mouth washed out with soap? And my OTR commentary addresses the lack of humility and kindness in leadership. Join us as local Agricultural Extension Director Tammy Kelly joins Episode 7 of Off the Record.
Twice Times - Off the Record, Ep. 6
The southern draw is strong, BJ apologizes to OTR viewers, and Aleatha compares BJ to Screech. All this and much more on Off the Record, Ep. 6 - Twice Times.
Off the Record, Episode 5 - BJ and Aleatha
Aleatha describes having won Mom of the Year. BJ details his recent near-death experience. And the Off the Record commentary solves the shortage of workers challenge crippling our economy.
www.bjmurphy360.com
BJ on the Encounter Grace Podcast
Ep. 16: On Making and Reporting News with B.J. Murphy.
Entrepreneur & Former Kinston Mayor, BJ Murphy talks about local politics, being involved in your community and navigating friendships in divisive times.
Subscribe to the podcast: http://gracekinston.org/watchlisten/podcast
Encounter Grace is a podcast for thinking Christians living in the real world. A ministry of Grace Fellowship Church in Kinston, NC. www.gracekinston.org
Off the Record, Ep. 4 - Michelle Davis Cash
Does former Lenoir County School Board candidate and lady angler Michelle Davis Cash believe in ghosts? What does BJ have to say regarding the latest alleged police brutality video and social media's reaction? This and more on Off the Record Episode 4.
Off the Record, Ep. 3 - Tony Sears
Kinston city manager Tony Sears joins me and Aleatha on Off the Record. And we spoke about everything but the City of Kinston. And in my sidebar commentary, I discuss managing finances and the best way to handle debt.
Off the Record, Ep. 2 - Kelly Cannon
This week on “Off The Record” we have a special guest, BJ becomes a gift-giver, and Aleatha shares how she really feels about Facebook birthday posts.
Off the Record - Episode 1
Ok, test run number 2, but this is too much fun not to share. We’ll start having guests soon. STAY TUNED!
Off the Record - Episode 0 - Dry Run
As we begin to play with the "Off the Record" set Aleatha and I shoot the breeze about a bunch of silly topics. Tell us what you liked best and also what topics you want us to discuss or guests you'd like us to invite to the show.
Watch the episode here: https://youtu.be/fzfy7CyAjBE
Episode 3.02 with Sen. Jim Perry
Senator Jim Perry is a native of Lenoir County and proud father of three. He went to Woodington Middle School, South Lenoir High School, Lenoir Community College and North Carolina State University. A few days ago, he dropped by Magic Mile Media and Neuse News to chat with BJ about a range of topics including some of his career and life experiences. Jim shared his thoughts on how our legislature works, why we should pay attention to the Second Amendment debate, and the importance of the North Carolina 2020 census.
Key points
- A peek into Jim Perry’s early life and the school years
- Jim’s first real job and first stab at entrepreneurship
- Business lessons Jim learned from a career at Affordable Care Inc.
- Being a senator can seem like a thankless job and it is definitely time-consuming
- Challenges in North Carolina and why your census information matters
- The current situation with our state budget and other hot issues
- The Second Amendment: it’s about culture and the realities of our environment
- What would 48-year-old Jim Perry tell his 22-year-old self?
- How can you help?
BJMurphy360 Podcast - Episode 3.01 with Gram Spear
In our first podcast episode of 2020, we’re doing things a little differently. In the studio is Gram Spear, Vice President of Perry Management Inc. A native of Kinston, Gram attended Appalachian State University and East Carolina University. His wife and several friends recently launched a faith-based private school to deliver classical education accessible to all students, regardless of economic backgrounds. On this episode, Gram chats with BJ about basketball, social media, business practices, life, legacy and a deep commitment to faith.
Key points
• The backstory: Gram’s early life and the Spear’s family business
• How Gram ended up at Perry Management Inc.
• Thoughts on LinkedIn
• Businesses need to control their own narrative
• Examples of how people spread misinformation on social media
• Opportunity scholarships in North Carolina
• Gram talks about his faith and how it impacts his business and family life
• Hope Preparatory Academy is offering classical Christian education
• A great Brandon Ingram story
• What advice would 52-year-old Gram Spear give to his 22-year-old self?
www.bjmurphy360.com
Using Text Messaging to Grow Your Community - Episode 2.16
Using Text Messaging to Grow Your Community
Did you know you can use text messaging to connect with people and grow your brand? Zac shares how he’s been doing exactly that after getting the idea from Gary Vaynerchuk. As a marketer, BJ is always on the lookout for new developments in social media, so he’s keen to see how small businesses and entrepreneurs can incorporate text messaging into their marketing. Tune in to hear the discussion.
Key points
• The Neuse News/ Magic Mile Media team had a Christmas party, and it was a blast
• Have you heard about Jingle Stumpy and the Christmas tree with no limbs?
• Zac explains how he is giving out his cell phone number to build his brand
• Will WhatsApp or some other entity introduce a similar service?
• Organic reach on LinkedIn is not really great compared to a year ago
• Ideas for using text messages to promote your brand
• There's no way to know whether the person sending you a text is a real person
• Annoying new followers who like all your posts and then quickly try to sell you stuff
• Has Zac’s dad been watching and sharing our podcast episodes?
Call to Action
Save Zac Holcomb’s number 252-549-0247. Send him a text, tell him who you are, tell him about your business, and connect with him.
Episode 2.16
www.bjmurphy360.com
Podcast Weekly Roundup: BJ & Zac - Episode 2.15
How does government help businesses in Kinston? How has social media helped Zac’s brand? How does one post a classified ad online to Neuse News? As Magic Mile Media marks its third anniversary, BJ and Zac unpack the answers to these questions and hint at upcoming speaking engagements.
Key points
• Zac has had an aggressive social media presence and business is growing
• Magic Mile Media is three years old
• What does the government do to help business owners and entrepreneurs?
• BJ posted two videos to show how easy it is to promote an event or place a classified ad with Neuse News self-service option
• BJ will have quite a few speaking gigs in 2020
• Educators are striving to make their courses relevant to industry requirements
• Using video to tell the story of sports in a way that promotes the Neuse News brand
• Zac has a challenge for BJ… and it has something to do with Kinston’s basketball scene
www.bjmurphy360.com
Political opinions in the local news
Agree or disagree with political opinions, we're going to continue allowing both, because that's reflective of who our country is.
https://www.bjmurphy360.com/source/liberals-and-conservatives-are-neighbors-too
Shane Swindell: 17-year-old entrepreneur
Spotlight on Kinston’s 17-Year-Old Entrepreneur
With the help of his family, 17-year-old Shane Swindell opened a business in the old K-Mart building on N. Queen Street, Kinston. The store is aptly named Shane’s Discount Outlet and provides quality pieces of merchandise at discounted prices. BJ and Zac sat down with Shane to discuss why he started the business, ideas for a social media marketing strategy, and the young entrepreneur’s business and academic aspirations.
Key points
- The What and Why of Shane’s Discount Outlet
- Opening hours
- What you will find at the discount outlet
- How does he find good deals?
- Staffing and resourcing
- Ideas for a social media strategy
- Shane’s plans for school, college, and beyond
- Why your brand should be about you
www.bjmurphy360.com
Episode 2.13 Creating and Using Video Content
BJ and Zac sat down to catch up as well as recap the recent Social Media Masterminds meetup. They discuss Zac’s experience with TikTok and how he dared post a funny TikTok video to LinkedIn–yes, the professional site. Is BJ making progress towards his goal of mastering video? Tune in to find out.
Key points
- Where did the idea for an SM3 meetup come from?
- Most people over-analyze their content before posting
- Why did Zac post a TikTok video on LinkedIn?
- Day trading attention
- You need to choose a social media platform to be active on
- Telling our local news via more video
- Recording videos can help more people… and future generations
www.bjmurphy360.com
ECU College of Business Lecture - Life Stories and Career Advice
What philosophies have driven BJ to get to where he is today? On November 18, 2019, he revealed this and more to students of East Carolina University. BJ talked about his own student days, his career journey and his sojourn into politics. Besides giving career advice and nuggets on entrepreneurship, BJ shared the story of how Neuse News came to be.
Key points
- Will resumes become obsolete?
- BJ’s recounts his college years and early internships
- Why BJ went into sales… and politics
- Leadership lessons from Hurricane Irene
- Spotting marketing clues and using them to shape business strategy
- How the mayor of Kinston used social media during two hurricanes
- The inspirations behind Magic Mile Media and Neuse News
- Why most newspapers in the country are losing subscribers year after year
- Neuse News has put out about 3,000 pieces of content in 16 months
- Local news online for free without pop-up ads–how is that possible?
- Philosophies that have shaped BJ’s journey
- Why BJ videoed this event at ECU’s College of Business
www.bjmurphy360.com
Vocational Education Discussion - Episode 2.11
It’s Okay to Get a Vocational Education at the Community College
Magic Mile Media and Neuse News were at the 2019 Holly Jolly Holiday Show at the Kinston Community Center. Amidst the bustle, BJ and Zac took time out to record this podcast episode where they pondered the merits of internships, our community college system, and the four-year college degree. They also caught up on recent happenings in business and on social media.
Key points
• Why students love visiting Additive America, Neuse News, and Magic Mile Media
• Magic Mile Media is partnering with Lenoir Community College to develop a livestreaming course
• Being successful in social media for business requires much more than hashtags
• Are you considering vocational education for your high schooler?
• Instagram has phased out the vanity metrics on likes… and not everyone’s happy
• What does it mean for Neuse News to transition from a project to a “legit” business?
• How BJ will respond to LinkedIn connections who insist on a salesy introduction
Call to Action
Do you think we should encourage all high school students to get a four-year college degree?
www.bjmurphy360.com
Dear High School Students (and parents)
Dear high school students,
It's OK to get a vocational education at your community college. In fact, there are many occupations that will pay you handsomely if you possess the right training and skill set.
To your success,
BJ
www.bjmurphy360.com
Episode 2.09 - Fuel from Haters
LinkedIn and Facebook algorithms seem to prioritize native, organic content over reshared posts. Knowing which types of posts get more reach helps you choose how to repurpose or create content for various social media platforms.
On this episode, BJ and Zac discuss what they’ve learned through trial and error, recent business developments, how they deal with haters on social media, and so much more.
Key points
• What it takes to livestream a football game
• Why Zac started recording (and livestreaming) his 3D printing process
• How Neuse News is using the YouTube channel
• Selling versus telling stories: People don’t like to be sold to but they like to buy
• Should businesses send marketing campaigns via snail mail?
• The Neuse News email newsletter is free and ad-free
• Formatting video for IGTV
• Zac’s LinkedIn “algorithm test”
• Two Facebook hacks: native videos and watch parties
• BJ’s interesting experience with a hater
• Embracing the people who don’t like what you’re doing
www.bjmurphy360.com
Episode 2.08 - ECU Intern Anna Ratti - The Facebook Journalism Project
The Facebook Journalism Project with Anna Ratti
Have you heard about the Facebook Journalism Project (FJP)? Facebook is partnering with local journalism entities across the country and providing them with grants to support projects aimed at building community through local news.
On this episode, BJ is joined by Anna Ratti, an intern student from East Carolina University. Using Q&A style, she gathers all the information needed to submit a Neuse News application for an FJP grant.
Key points
• What is the Facebook Journalism project and how did BJ hear of it?
• Specific Neuse News activities that the Facebook Journalism grant award would fund
• Key players and resources needed to realize the Neuse News sub project
• Who will benefit from all this?
• About community engagement and drawing upon diverse perspectives in the community
• How will success and impact of the sub project be measured?
• Plans to enhance organizational sustainability
• Potential challenges and how they will be addressed
• Current audience numbers and demographics
• Redefining how some local newspaper stories are covered
www.bjmurphy360.com
BJMurphy360 Podcast Episode 2.07 - LinkedIn and Facebook with Zac Holcomb
Recently, a local small business used social media to tell the world they were modifying their business hours. Though they recognized the power of social media to communicate an important change in business, it turned out they hadn’t been using the same channel to promote their business.
On this episode, Zac and BJ exchange notes on some of the best practices for posting on Facebook and LinkedIn. Whether you’ve been posting regularly on social or you’ve been wondering what to post, you’ll want to listen in.
Key points
· Leveraging social media for marketing
· There is no such thing as a perfect post–any post can go viral
· In business, it’s okay to be a copycat
· Develop a relationship with people before you try to get them to buy
· Why you shouldn’t use your personal Facebook profile for business
· How Zac uses YouTube ads
· A tip to make your video go viral
· Does it matter how the Facebook and LinkedIn algorithms work?
· An upcoming Social Media Masterminds meetup
· The idea of a four-hour workweek
Call to Action
For more conversations like this, join our Social Media Masterminds Facebook Group–a community of entrepreneurs and rising personal brands.
BJMurphy360 Podcast Episode 2.06 - Talking Strategy with Zac Holcomb
Following the inaugural Social Media Masterminds Marketing Summit (SM3), the team at Magic Mile Media decided to relaunch the BJMurphy360 website, continue with regular meetups, and be intentional about building a content funnel.
Zac is a newcomer to Kinston and on this episode, he and BJ share perspectives on how local business owners can promote their businesses a bit better, and some of the dos and don’ts when it comes to social media.
Key points
· Key action points from the SM3 Summit
· Big Plans for the BJ Murphy360 podcast and content funnel
· Why Zac is establishing local connections
· How local businesses can rethink the allocation of their advertising budget
· The beard challenge #BeardTheBeej
· People are using social media to make buying decisions
· Disrupting the news business with a new approach
· How one business is killing it on social
· A key strategy to employ when managing social media accounts
· Why BJ will spend less time at the drawing board and more time at the doing board in 2020
Call to Action
Do you use social media for business? We’d love to hear from you. Send us a message to let us know how relevant or not social media is to your business’s marketing strategy.
BJMurphy360 Episode 2.06 with Zac Holcomb
On today's episode Zac and I talk about how we've overcome mistakes, why we're producing so much content, networking with business leaders on and off social media, how to reallocate marketing dollars to be more effective and more.
www.bjmurphy360.com
BJ's Keynote at the Sm3 Summit
At the first annual Sm3 Social Media Masterminds Marketing Summit I needed to fill in for a speaker and ended up giving the final keynote address of the day. Since then we've started the launch of www.bjmurphy360.com, which will include a blog, videos, newsletter and more. Here are the topics that I covered at the summit:
1. Social media philosophies
2. "Greater Than" series
3. Descending order of Facebook engagement
4. A sample content model for your brand
5. An example social media strategy for realtors
6. Your strengths and being happy
I truly hope you enjoy this and it gives you value.
www.bjmurphy360.com
BJMurphy360 Episode 2.04 with Zac Holcomb
On this episode, Zac and I find out the main communication tool of the next generation. We also discuss how to edit videos and how daily videos are equivalent to daily diary entries. Zac also shares the story of how 3D industrial printing helped protect a cochlear implant for a wrestler. We also talk about the Neuse News Model for hyper-local, digital news and why we're both engaging more with the LinkedIn platform.
ww.bjmurphy360.com
Episode 2.04
BJ Murphy with Drew Dacey
What is the #1 thing small business owners should look for in hiring employees? High Point University freshman and recent Arendell Parrott Academy graduate Drew Dacey had a class assignment to interview someone in their field. Drew is from our area and loves what we're doing at Magic Mile Media and Neuse News and reached out to me. Here's what happened...
www.bjmurphy360.com
BJ at the Sm3 Summit Social
What is Neuse News? Why did I start Magic Mile Media? Why are we building these businesses? What's driving us? The night before our first ever SM3 Summit: Social Media Masterminds Marketing Summit dozens of our attendees gathered at Big Game Brewing for a social. I answered several of these questions and more. Hopefully, there's a nugget or two in here that you can use to challenge yourself today. #toyoursuccess
www.bjmurphy360.com
www.magicmilemedia.com
www.neusenews.com
Episode 2.03
Former intern Parker Mitchell on a test episode
How often does a 19-year-old check Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook in a day? Parker Mitchell is a former Neuse News intern and he currently helps with play by play for our high school football game of the week. As I was setting up for a podcast with Zac Holcomb (go check it out!) Parker and I chatted about the state of social media in his generation. This was not a planned event, but he dropped some incredible insight for you marketing professionals.
www.bjmurphy360.com
@bjmurphy360
Episode 2.02
BJ Murphy and Zac Holcomb
I have re-launched the "BJMurphy360 Podcast" with the help of my friend Zac Holcomb. He recently moved his young family to Kinston from Ohio to start Addititive America, an industrial grade 3D printing company. On today's episode we chat about why Kinston, changes in social media and how small businesses can move fast with today's technology.
www.bjmurphy360.com
Season 2, Episode 1
Social Media Roundtable - BJ Murphy | Brandon Potter | Aleatha Thrower
As social media practitioners, we see mistakes made by small business owners every day. Join me, Brandon Potter and Aleatha Thrower as we discuss the impact social media can have on your business. Oh, and what do we call this? LOL (listen till the end). >>> www.sm3summit.com
Social Media Chat with Marie White, Turner-White Photography
"Social media is one of those things where we all think that we know it because we're consumers of it and we use it. So we think we know everything there is to know about it...until you own a business, or until you're trying to promote a non-profit, or until you're trying to get the word out about something else." - Marie White, Turner-White Photography and Vice President of Professional Photographers of North Carolina
Thank you to Turner-White Photography for helping to sponsor the SM3 Summit: Social Media Masterminds Marketing Summit on Saturday, October 5th. For more details, click here >>> www.sm3summit.com.
Tanglewood Church's Graduation Sunday Message
For the first time in my life, instead of giving a welcome at church I had the honor of actually bringing the message. Pastor Allen Stocks and his leadership team at Tanglewood Church invited me to speak on Graduation Sunday.
My message was entitled "Side to Side" which took some cues from the parable of the talents and the movie "Hitch".
Five key talking points:
- Service to others leads to greatness
- Master the mundane
- Answering the question "why?"
- Trust and happiness
- And, the oxygen mask
Congratulations to this year's graduating class. I promise you'll have challenges ahead, but the opportunities to use your talents and contribute to this world are far greater.
Watch the message here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWV75-ltJMQ
Episode 32 - Interview with Bryan Hanks
Bryan is the former Editor of the Kinston Free Press, has written for multiple national news outlets, and is an avid sports fan. We've worked together long enough that he's written both favorable and unfavorable editorials about policy/advocacy positions I've taken over the years. As you can tell we've got a great mutual respect for each other.
I visited him at his home (full of Washington Redskins and UVA memorabilia) and we discussed sports, politics including Trump and the state of NC, and more. Our Rapid Fire Round included Lebron or Jordan, Coach K or Wooden, Wood Ducks or Indians, NC East or West BBQ, and when the first female POTUS could be sworn in. Then Bryan asks a Question of the Day that you do not want to miss!
Oh, and you can spot our special guest? #toyoursuccess
www.bjmurphy360.com
www.magicmilemedia.com