VMN Business Talk

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 th...

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...

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 busines...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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: 🧠 Wh...

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...

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 l...

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 contra...

Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools in business and branding—but how do you craft a story that truly connects, sells, and elevates your brand? In this episode of VMN Business Talk , we sit down with Ivy Charmatz , a four-time New York Emmy® Award-winning storyteller , former Executive Producer at News 12 New Jersey , and Senior VP at Mercury Public Affairs , to break down how businesses...

Podcasting isn't just about talking into a mic—it's a powerful marketing tool that can elevate your brand, attract clients, and generate revenue. In this episode of  VMN Business Talk , we sit down with Josh Cary , podcast host, media strategist, and founder of Cary Studios, to dive deep into how podcasting can become a piece of your marketing strategy. 💡 What You'll Learn: ✔️ How to start your o...

Events aren't just gatherings—they're powerful tools for brand growth, networking, and sales. In this episode of VMN Business Talk, we sit down with Andrea Lokshin, VP of Sales & Marketing at Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment, and Maria Cucciniello Falzo, founder of The Hip Event, to explore how businesses can maximize their events for impact and success.  What You'll Learn in This Episode: How t...

In this episode of VMN Business Talk , we sat down with Matthew McQueeny , Head of Enterprise Experience at Konabos, entrepreneur, and 2x Sitecore MVP, to explore his unique concept of "Earnfluencing." Earnfluencing blends earned media with influencer strategies, helping businesses create organic brand awareness and authority without relying solely on paid marketing. What We Covered in This Conver...

In this episode of VMN Business Talk, we dive into the critical topic of stress management and work-life balance with our esteemed guest, Pooja Desai , also known as Tia Bua. Pooja is a mother, wife, philanthropist, and minority woman business owner with over 25 years of experience in healthcare. She's a passionate advocate for children's mindfulness and wellness and a compassionate storyteller....

In this episode, we explore the incredible impact of giving back to communities and how businesses, both large and small, can make a difference. Joined by Sue Vorcheimer, Director of Marketing at 1776 Morristown and owner of Sue V Marketing & PR, we dive into practical strategies and inspiring stories that demonstrate the power of philanthropy in business. Sue shares actionable examples that small...

In this episode, James Orsini , President of Startup Operations at VaynerX , shares his leadership insights and how they've evolved in response to the changing dynamics of the workplace, especially post-pandemic. From the importance of empathy and trust to navigating remote work challenges, James discusses what makes effective leadership in today's world. We also explore how cultural perspectives...

In this episode, Kevin Shulman, the author of the book: "Goal-Setting Boot Camp: Getting From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be ,  shares actionable insights into goal setting and how it can drastically transform your life. From overcoming common mistakes to understanding the difference between dreams and goals, Kevin emphasizes the power of written goals and the psychological impact of commit...

In a world dominated by AI and fast-paced technology, standing out isn't about saying more—it's about saying it better. In this episode, Vic Nichols sits down with communication expert Renee Marino to explore how mastering the art of human connection can set you apart in both business and life. Discover how to: Balance the efficiency of AI with authentic, heartfelt interactions. Build trust and co...

In this episode, we dive into key strategies for bringing clients back and setting up communication practices that drive repeat business. Packed with actionable advice, this episode is perfect for new entrepreneurs aiming to strengthen their networking skills and foster meaningful client relationships to grow their business. What you'll learn: Proven methods to reconnect with past clients and fost...

Join me, Vic Nichols , in this episode as we tackle the real-world challenges business owners face today. You will discover the importance of disciplined financial planning and smart reinvestment strategies that can transform their bottom line. You'll explore how building a supportive community of fellow entrepreneurs can lead to invaluable connections and shared insights. Additionally, you'll lea...

In this episode, Victor Nichols unpacks the power of strategic partnerships and how they can unlock new growth opportunities for businesses of all sizes. We explore why these collaborations are essential and dive into questions like: Which industries benefit the most from strategic partnerships? How do you find the right partners that align with your company's goals and values? What are the key pi...