What Is GeekPack?

​GeekPack per the LinkedIn company page "is a business education company built for online business owners who are technically excellent—but revenue is inconsistent. We work with coaches, course creators, service providers, and agency owners who have the skills, the systems, and the clients—but not a predictable pipeline."

Founder Julia Taylor, self-professed introvert "who'd rather be behind the screen than out in front," is a "business coach for tech-savvy women" (although I've seen a few gentlemen in the group), "helping you stop hiding in the backend & build predictable revenue."

Special thanks to Julia Taylor for allowing me to interview her!

Julia began GeekPack in October 2018, but started her first business in 2016. On becoming a military spouse with multiple moves, Julia started her business to manage her own career progression with flexibility to work from anywhere. As she shared on social media about her journey—teaching herself how to code, build websites, location independence with the RV life—she began hearing "I want to be able to do what you do—can you teach me how to do it?" 

“I wanted everything I did to be based around a supportive & encouraging community" as any time she asked any tech questions, she was made fun of. “I wanted to teach people how to build websites and start a business, but I wanted to wrap it around community—supportive, encouraging, and geeky," thus GeekPack was born.

Who Is This For?
Following and participating in the GeekPack programs are useful for solopreneurs, authors (writing books is your business!), and even nonprofits. 

I have seen a number of fellow nonprofit leaders in the GeekPack program. I asked Julia how she sees the match in her programs for nonprofit founders. “There are many parallels with nonprofit leaders and business owners—selling a service or funding, storytelling, marketing, letting others know you exist, have conversations, build relationships, networking—it's all the same. The only real difference is owner vs nonprofit, but I would argue most nonprofit leaders feel like owners, because they're probably the ones who started it, so there's not a huge difference. There are a lot of similarities.”

GeekPack offers a number of programs:

• 6-week free foundation program thanks to a grant partnership with Verizon Small Business Digital designed to help you think through your brand: the Who, What, Why, Where, and How of your business plan. Entry is open to all with an application process and new cohorts regularly starting.
• Revenue OS (Operating System) is the GeekPack flagship paid program where you work closely with Julia for personalized guidance as you move forward with your business plan. The focus is on creating habits that will help you build predictable revenue. While this sounds more geared to the solopreneur, the concepts absolutely translate to nonprofits as well. 

Get to the Point
I recently completed my second iteration of the 6-week foundation program--completion certificate achieved!

I initially completed the program a year ago, year 3 of my business, where I gained insights that guided me forward, to ensure my business foundation was in place. Admittedly, I participated half-heartedly, thinking I knew more than I did and more focusing on the day-to-day of what I was doing in my business to build connections.

I gained insights but not nearly as many as I did this year with many thanks to my instructor in GeekPack, Glenna Garcia.

This time on year 4 of my business, I'm taking a step back to check my business foundation, and listening—truly participating this time each and every week—showing up live 2x/week with the cohort, watching the Verizon videos accompanying each lesson, doing the homework, and engaging with my classmates—all fellow solopreneurs.

This year was more of an intermediate program—perfect for where I am in my business and for others in my cohort.

• The next-level frame of reference was refreshing.
• I was also tapped to be an "Ambassador" during the session which totally got my attention, focus, and tapped into my existing business service of social engagement. I made a point to be present and participating! Who knows—a future business opportunity for me with GeekPack! At a minimum, deeper connections with a program I already love.

What's Next?
The timing for the most recent GeekPack/Verizon program was perfect to commit to investing in Revenue OS, which I also highly recommend. It is not necessary to take the GeekPack/Verizon program before jumping into Revenue OS, however, I found the programs a good match for me.

Revenue OS provides:

• Personalized 1:1 interviews or chats with Julia Taylor to map your business plan, mid-program status check, and solidifying your ongoing plan.
• A handy app to track daily progress with an opportunity to reflect on your week's activities—what worked, what didn't, what to consider adjusting in your strategy. (Julia is an app developer and a whiz at it—the app alone is gold!) This is where you build the daily, weekly, and monthly habits that will lead to more stable revenue.
• Inclusion in a group of like-minded business owners also going through the program. It's a fabulous resource to bounce ideas off of, share challenges and successes, and get out of your own head which is useful when you're predominantly working on your own as a solopreneur, author, or small nonprofit. (a number of folks in the GeekPack programs lead small nonprofits!)

Want More?
Head here to sign up for GeekPack/Julia Taylor's email at a minimum. This will keep you posted of upcoming opportunities to join programs or learn about new options available.

Head here to apply for the next GeekPack/Verizon program.

Head here to learn more about the Revenue OS program. 

Your Turn!
Have you found any business development programs you like and have participated in? 

Love to hear about them! We all grow by sharing resources! Let's Chat or message me on LinkedIn or Substack to share!

What's the Difference?

This is a frequent question I receive and I'm glad for it! The differences may seem subtle on the surface but are significant when you dig in.

Short Definition

• Brand Marketing is more the backbone of your business, your strategy and consistency
• Marketing is more the nuts and bolts how of marketing, the tools and methods you use to share your opportunity

Resources
This post will pull together information from four resources: 

• Vistaprint
• Shopify
• Kantar
• Aventi Group

Comparisons
We'll review the basic differences between brand marketing and marketing, pulling thoughts together with a beautiful graphic courtesy of the Vistaprint article cited. 

Brand Marketing

• ​This is the unique identity of your company, what differentiates you from competitors
• Shares your core values
• Reflects your target audience's preferences—reflects your Ideal Client Persona (ICP).
• Establishes your brand reputation
• Remains consistent
• Creates trust, loyalty, and awareness of your business
• Pieces can include your logo and brand color scheme—your brand voice

​
Marketing

• Strategies—the how of your message—that evolve over time, may change depending on products, services, or even campaigns
• SEO tactics
• Social media content
• Email newsletters
• Sales or donor campaigns

Great Marketing Quotes Courtesy of Vistaprint

• Marketing can be a great way to get a customer’s attention, but branding is a great way to keep their attention
• Marketing drives sales, branding drives recognition and loyalty
• Branding comes first, marketing comes second - ah, the chicken or the egg question is settled!
• Marketing strategies come and go, but branding is forever

Recent Poll Results
I conducted a poll on LinkedIn recently asking what the biggest frustration is about marketing?

• Responses overwhelmingly noted it's a "time suck"—a necessary "evil" of doing business and all would far rather be doing client work.
• Less noted an admission of not really knowing how to market! It's not like it's an intuitive skill, yet somehow we all need to be an "expert" marketer in addition to a business manager. 

Get to the Point
I provide brand marketing services, which includes marketing services, but I start any conversation by identifying your brand marketing pieces to see if we need to strengthen or establish your plan. 

Your Turn!
Do you have a solid brand marketing plan in place yet or simply random thoughts as your foundation? Are you able to see the difference between brand marketing and marketing?

I'd love to hear your brand marketing and marketing journey--Let's Chat or find me on LinkedIn or Substack!

Meet Author Liane Davey

I discovered Liane last week on a LinkedIn live interview by Lynnaire Johnston. You can find Liane on her website and her LinkedIn. "Thoughtload" was released in May 2026 and is her fourth published book. I'm looking forward to checking on the other three! 

Liane has created a community website, full of resources, that you'll want to spend time getting to know. It's available on her book landing page. You can find her book on Amazon, available in Kindle, Audible, and paperback. I'm a big fan of audiobooks and loved that the author read the book. It was very engaging, full of her personality and warm humor. 

Who Is This For
Liane regularly coaches and speaks with teams, so much of the focus was on a team perspective. I was still able to find plenty of useful nuggets as a solopreneur (as would an author). I was definitely thinking of nonprofit teams I've worked with while reading. Even as solopreneurs, we're working with clients and occasionally teams. I found the majority of the content very useful.

Focal Points of "Thoughtload"
The author focuses on three basic premises:

• Attention/Focus
• Emotions
• Energy

I paid most attention in the Attention and Energy sections. The Emotions segment is certainly useful when juggling team personalities, but she offered many examples of useful considerations for personal relationships as well. 

Focus Fine Points
Points that resonated with me:

• Liane urged a focus thought session on the outcomes you or your team are aiming for.
  • What would it take to make meaningful progress in 6 months?
  • Is this what customers want from me?
  • Take a photo or create a Canva design of your outcome goals to save as your phone's wallpaper for regular visibility.
• Calendar review
  • What activities are essential vs trivial/non-essential? (do you need all of those meetings?)
  • Create 3 Priority Lists
    • Category 1: the most important, tied to your outcomes
    • Category 2: tied to helping others meet their outcomes, items you're counted on to deliver
    • Category 3: basic admin tasks that simply need maintained
  • Ensure activities are important, urgent (delegate as able), targeted, and essential.
• Focus results: I loved this framing.
  • ​If you focus on activities, you become a busy person.
  • If you focus on outputs, you become a productive person.
  • If you focus on outcomes, you become an effective person. 

Energy Fine Points
Schedule set-up

• Focus & Forge time: scheduled at the strongest, most focused, energetic part of your day; no more than 2 hour blocks broken into two 45 minute sessions with a 15 minute break in between.
• Connect & Collaborate time: may be afternoons when your energy is a bit less, more scattered. This is a good spot for your Category 2 activities when you're productive but your best thought time isn't necessarily needed - possibly client calls or tasks assisting others. 
• Tidy & Tend time: low energy demand activities but they continue to move you forward. This is a good spot for your Category 3 activities, admin or routine sorts of tasks.

Get to the Point
I definitely recommend "Thoughtload" by Liane Davey! It's not a long read, I love hearing the author read the book, and she offers so many additional resources including blog posts, worksheets, and even a printable planner. Give it a try!

Your Turn!
Reality check: 1) Do you find you focus on activities, outputs, or outcomes? 2) Have you assessed your day's energy and are in alignment with your priority list? 

My turn: 

• I'll admit, I'm amazing with activities which typically do lead to outputs. Outcomes? I'm working on more focus there. It's also a matter of how you frame "output" vs "outcomes" I propose. I am much better at being "productive" vs "effective"!
• Liane's category references line up better than many "time blocking" efforts I've run into. I naturally tend to schedule as she suggests, but I'm also paying more attention to outcome tasks for my energy. 

How about you? Let's Chat or message me on LinkedIn or Substack!

Tipping Point for AI
(image from the movie Meet the Robinsons)

Podcast episode 217 from The Artificial Intelligence Show pulled together a number of important stories that demonstrate the seeming unfazed domination of AI is facing some serious challenges at the moment. 

Pope Leo has issued his first encyclical (full document linked) warning AI is an existential threat to humanity. His timing is intentional, dated to the 135th anniversary of Pope Leo XIII's first major modern social encyclical defending workers' rights in the Industrial Revolution. The significance is important. Pope Leo XIV intentionally selected his name recognizing today's industrial revolution due to AI and "new challenges for the defense of human dignity, justice, and labor." 

Anthropic co-founder Chris Olah shared his remarks at the Vatican following the pope's encyclical, echoing his own concerns about the future with AI and urging continued discussion in hope of creating AI for the benefit of all. 

Public Backlash
The Artificial Intelligence Show podcast shares an additional story discussing the current public backlash against AI. In conjunction with this:

• Loud boos and displeasure with college commencement addresses made news this spring when a former Google CEO spoke at the University of Arizona with similar reactions at the University of Central Florida and Middle Tennessee State University
• OpenAI founder Sam Altman has recently faced personal threats and attacks to his home and corporate buildings
• Alex Kantrowitz shares his take on "AI's Public Relations Emergency"

​Where Do We Go From Here?
There is a palpable dichotomy between the fast-forward enthusiasm of Silicon Valley in the US and the "AI arms race" internationally vs the increasing push-back from the public. The "tech bros" are all-in to build the technology, build faster, and build better than competition. 

We are told we "must" develop AI skills or be left behind. Businesses and individuals are doing their best to figure out best and safe use cases for the tool with a few figuring it out while the majority are fumbling along, hoping others figure it out better to lead the way. (refer to this recent story on safety when a company's entire database and back-ups were deleted in NINE SECONDS)

Gen Z in the Cross-Hairs
Gen Z—our current crop of college grads—has spent the past four years in this age of burgeoning AI in a mass of confusion and mixed messaging. Teachers and education systems have tried to figure the tech out along the way but with a lot of fear and hesitation imposed on the young scholars in the process. The result is while the tech has been developing, the students were accused of cheating if they used it, and few were taught how to use it responsibly. Many in this generation simply shut down and viscerally react any time they hear "AI." 

While growing up surrounded by the tech yet often having to teach themselves, they're now told AI must be embedded in everything they do to have any hope for a job. Others use it but are hesitant to heavily dive into it as they seek to maintain what they identify as human skills or the potential to lose skills by relying on AI too much. Many remain concerned about the level of hallucinations from AI. 

Gen Z is effectively being told they're not needed as the current enterprise goal of AI use is seemingly to take the very entry level jobs they're seeking. This will become a large problem as the generations shift and Gen X heads toward retirement years with little entry level training happening. 

Concerns about the environment have been a cornerstone of Gen Z beliefs. This issue has resonated with multiple generations as there is a push for more data centers to feed the growing demand for AI use. Fights against data centers have increased due to concerns about electricity and water demand along with noise pollution from potential neighboring residents. 

Where Do We Go from Here?
We seem to be at a tipping point in the progress of AI. 

• The tech continues to rapidly improve, beyond the needs or capabilities of the majority of the population. While many companies have an AI service, using AI for productivity or efficiency remains limited. 
• Building data centers has become a flash point for protests.
• Keep learning and keep integrating! AI is not going away. We need to figure out together how to make it useful as a tool and accessory to our human brains and activities. SmarterX is a great resource for human-first AI education with many free education opportunities available. (even more with paid training)
• Be cautious and focus on safety, personally and professionally. The rise in AI agents that perform tasks bring more stories to learn from leading edge mistakes. Connect only what's necessary for the particular AI task rather than giving your entire systems to AI control or management. 
• Do not share the personal information of others in your database (this one's for the nonprofits!). Privacy concerns abound. 

Get to the Point
The Pope's first encyclical seems a very important topic, but The Artificial Intelligence Show reference to it is the only comment I've seen about it. Add to that Anthropic's Chris Olah's remarks following the Pope and opening resources in this post, discussions need to happen on the topic of AI to defuse the push for the tech from the makers of the tech. (self-serving much?) Silicon Valley is simply producing the product of AI while attempting to reassure us "we'll figure it out as we go." That's no longer satisfying anyone and harder questions are being asked.

Advancing the tech is great - most of us are using it more as we get more comfortable and it's simply incorporated natively into products. But let's be thoughtful in our use of it, where and when it's appropriate to use, what do we want as a society, rather than decisions being made for us from a select few indicating we have no choice.

We always have choice.

Your Turn!
AI impacts all of us. Are you frustrated? Concerned? Bullish on advancing AI rapidly? Somewhere in between?

I'd love to hear - Let's Chat or find me on LinkedIn or Substack!