Registration is now open for the Winter Renewal Retreat to be held at The Big White Barn in Readfield, Maine on Sunday, December 14, 2025 from 10AM to 5PM.  Register soon as space is limited to 12 participants

This retreat is a collaboration of three healers – a massage therapist and yoga teacher (Danielle), a yoga and embodied movement teacher (Kristy), and a clinical psychologist (John). You are invited to slow down with us and take care of your being. In our daily lives, we are often rushing around and feeling like there is rarely time to relax without external demands (or internal pressure, for that matter) getting in the way. This retreat is designed to help you remember how to relax, how to invest in your own peace and healing, and to let go of things you have been feeling stuck with, emotionally. We will be relaxing, meditating, journaling, talking about self-compassion, moving mindfully (maybe even dancing), doing yoga, receiving massage and learning self-massage techniques. Participants will each receive a journal and we will provide lunch, snacks and drinks. At the end of the retreat, each participants will be given a personalized bottle of massage oil to practice self-massage techniques learned at the retreat.

Come relax and de-stress with us!

Register using the QR code in the flyer or by emailing John Agee at

Join us for the 2nd Annual Trunk or Treat at Quirion Inc. in Augusta! Bring the whole family for an afternoon of Halloween fun on Saturday, October 25th from 1:00pm–3:00pm at 712 W River Rd, Augusta, ME. Kids can collect candy from decorated trunks, enjoy games, and check out the festive trunk contest. We’ll also have a food truck on-site to keep everyone fueled up for the fun. Costumes are encouraged—come ready for spooky good times!

https://www.facebook.com/events/610879411902343/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22your_upcoming_events_unit%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D

Kents Hill School is delighted to announce the appointment of Erin Fogg as Chief Advancement Officer. With more than 20 years of progressive experience in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership, Erin will play a key role in advancing the school’s mission and preparing it for a bold and sustainable future.

Erin joins Kents Hill from the University of Maine at Augusta, where she served as Vice President of Advancement and Alumni Relations. In that role, she established the institution’s first formal advancement and alumni engagement program, laying the groundwork for a philanthropic strategy to advance the university’s long-term strategic objectives.

Previously, Erin was Vice President of Development and Communications at Good Shepherd Food Bank, Maine’s largest hunger-relief organization. During her eight-year tenure, she tripled annual philanthropic revenue, expanded the development team from six to 16, and successfully planned, launched, and led the landmark Campaign to End Hunger in Maine—a four-year, $250 million comprehensive initiative.

“As we prepare to launch the most ambitious campaign in our history and bring philanthropy to new heights, Erin brings exactly the kind of leadership we need - strategic, mission-driven, and deeply human,” said Dr. Molly T. MacKean, Head of School. “She has a gift for bringing people together around a shared purpose, and her vision and commitment to expanding opportunity will strengthen the partnerships that make this community so extraordinary. With Erin as a partner in this work, I know we will step boldly into Kents Hill’s third century.”

Prior to the Good Shepherd Food Bank, Erin served as Director of Development Operations and Gift Planning at The Jackson Laboratory, an internationally recognized biomedical research institute headquartered in Bar Harbor, Maine. She holds a B.A. in Communications from Elizabethtown College and a Master of Business Administration from Husson University.

“It is an honor to join Kents Hill School at this pivotal moment under the visionary leadership of Dr. MacKean,” said Erin. “I am inspired by how Kents Hill fosters a vibrant community of learning and belonging in the heart of Maine, with an impact that ripples across the state, nation, and globe through its alumni. I look forward to partnering with leadership, supporters, alumni, and students to reimagine how philanthropy can sustain and amplify Kents Hill’s impact well into its third century and beyond."

To learn more about Kents Hill School, visit www.kentshill.org.

When it comes to telling your business's story, there’s one crucial mistake that many businesses make: they cast themselves as the hero. They talk about what they do, how they do it, and why they are the best at what they do.. But here’s the truth—your customer doesn’t want to hear about how great you are. They want to know HOW you can help them.

In the world of marketing, your customer is the hero of the story, not you. This shift in perspective is challenging for many businesses to wrap their heads around, but it’s the key to creating a connection that resonates and drives action.

Let’s take a step back and think about the structure of a classic story—the hero’s journey. In this narrative, the hero is someone who has a goal, but they face obstacles that they can’t overcome alone. They need guidance, support, and the right tools to succeed. This is where the mentor comes in. The mentor understands the hero’s challenges and provides the knowledge, skills, and resources the hero needs to achieve their goal.

In your business’s story, you are the mentor. You are Obiwan, Glinda, or one of the Seven Dwarves. Your customer is the hero who needs to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Your role is to help them on their journey by providing the products, services, and expertise they need to succeed. You’re there to guide them, support them, and ultimately, ensure they win.

When you understand that the story you’re telling isn’t actually about you—it’s about your customer—you unlock the power to create real engagement. You move from just talking about yourself to speaking directly to the needs and desires of your audience. This is how you capture attention, build trust, and guide your customers through their journey from awareness to consideration and, finally, to conversion.

But if you get this wrong, if you make the story all about you, you risk losing your customers’ attention and, with it, their business.

So, the next time you sit down to craft your marketing message, ask yourself: Am I positioning my customer as the hero? Am I acting as the mentor who helps them succeed? If not, it might be time to rethink your approach.

Next week I am going to share with you Donald Miller’s 7 Part Story Framework in order to show you how you can structure your website, presentations, videos, etc. into a compelling story that will engage your audience. 

Aaron Moseson is the founder of Alleyoup Media, a video storytelling studio that helps businesses cut through the noise and connect with their audience. If you're ready to turn your message into a story your customers care about, get in touch at or visit https://www.alleyoup.com

Jay-Z might have 99 problems, but when it comes to your customers, they only have three—at least when it comes to why they buy what they buy. Understanding these three types of problems is crucial for any business that wants to truly connect with its audience and drive engagement.

Let’s break it down:

1. External Problems: These are the obvious, surface-level issues that customers are looking to solve. For example, if someone needs a car, the external problem is simple—they need a vehicle. If they need accounting services, the external problem is finding an accountant. Businesses often focus solely on these external problems because they’re easy to identify and address. But here’s the thing: Businesses sell to solve an external problem, but customers buy to solve an internal one. Read that line one more time. This is the key to creating deeper engagement with your customers.
   
   
2. Internal Problems: These are the deeper, often unspoken issues that drive a customer’s decision to purchase. These problems are about how the customer feels and what they believe about themselves. For instance, let’s talk about shoes. If the external problem is “I need shoes,” then why did you buy the specific brand you’re wearing right now? Perhaps it’s because those shoes made you feel a certain way—more confident, more comfortable, or more aligned with your self-image. Understanding these internal motivations is the key to unlocking the real reasons people buy what they buy.
   
   For example, I own three types of shoes: Red Wing Iron Rangers, Hoka Clifton 9, and Patagonia Wild Idea Buffalo Boots. On the surface, all three solve the external problem of needing footwear. But the reasons I chose each pair are tied to internal problems. The Iron Rangers remind me of Indiana Jones, tapping into an aspirational identity. The Hokas solve a comfort problem, ensuring my feet don’t hurt during long days on the job. Each purchase was driven by something deeper than just needing shoes. Don’t worry, I will get to the Wild Idea Buffalo boots next.
   
   
3. Philosophical Problems: These relate to the bigger picture—the beliefs and values that customers hold. They’re about what a purchase says about the customer’s identity and how it aligns with their worldview. Take my Patagonia boots, for example. They’re made from buffalo hides as part of Patagonia’s commitment to sustainability. I bought them not just because I needed boots, but because I believe in supporting companies that prioritize environmental stewardship and reducing waste. This philosophical alignment was the deciding factor in my purchase.

So, why does this matter?

If you want to truly engage your customers, you need to address not just the external problems but also the internal and philosophical ones. When you align your marketing with these deeper motivations, you create a powerful connection with your audience—one that goes beyond the surface and taps into the real reasons they choose your product or service. 

Businesses may sell to solve an external problem, but customers buy to solve internal and philosophical ones. If you can understand and speak to these underlying issues, you’ll be better positioned to capture their attention and earn their loyalty.

Next week I am going to build on how we utilize customer problems and engage them in a compelling story. Everyone talks about how storytelling is an important part of business, but do you actually know how to tell a story? Stay tuned…

Aaron Moseson is the founder of Alleyoup Media, a video storytelling studio that helps businesses cut through the noise and connect with their audience. If you're ready to turn your message into a story your customers care about, get in touch at or visit https://www.alleyoup.com

Join GoNetSpeed for a friendly lunch networking event at Lisa's Legit Burritos. 12 local businesses will get 3 minutes to talk about themselves and share their story with others while enjoying a great lunch on us.

Registration for attendees is simple; just e-mail Jocelyn to reserve your spot. First come, first serve!

Please bring your business cards for networking and a name tag, if you need a name tag please let us know and we will be happy to provide one for you!

Lunch is included, come network and enjoy great food provided by GoNetSpeed and Lisa's Legit Burritos

Location: Lisa's Legit Burritos, 304 Water Street, Gardiner, ME 

In a world filled with constant noise and endless distractions, capturing your customers' attention has never been more challenging. You might feel like you’re shouting your message from the rooftops, but the reality is, many of your potential customers aren't even aware you exist. But why?

Use the link below to watch the 90 second video.

https://youtu.be/vJG698U2Mvo?si=wBJ0Ak_YT2Nriccb

In 1999, psychologists Daniel Simons and Christopher Chabris conducted an experiment that revealed something remarkable about how we process information. Participants were asked to watch a video of people in white shirts passing a basketball and count the number of passes. It seemed like a simple task—until a person in a gorilla suit walked through the scene. Astonishingly, about 50% of the viewers didn't notice the gorilla at all. Why? Because they were so focused on counting the passes that their brains filtered out everything else.

This phenomenon, known as inattentional blindness, is a powerful metaphor for the challenge you face in marketing today. Your customers, much like the participants in the study, are intently focused on their problems. They are counting the "passes"—navigating their pain points, searching for solutions, and managing their day-to-day tasks. Meanwhile, your marketing message is the gorilla. It’s there, front and center, but it’s being ignored because it doesn’t directly align with what they’re focusing on.

So, how do you ensure your marketing message is seen? The answer lies in understanding that your customers are not ignoring your message on purpose—they’re simply too focused on their own issues to notice it. To capture their attention, you must shift your focus from what you want to say to what they need to hear.

Here’s the key: Talk about their problem. When your marketing addresses the specific pain points your customers are already dwelling on, you become relevant to them. Suddenly, your message isn’t just another piece of noise—it’s a potential solution they’ve been seeking. When you align your messaging with their immediate needs, you break through the clutter and capture their attention effectively.

Imagine if, instead of trying to shout louder than the noise, you whispered the exact words your customers needed to hear. That's how you ensure they don't miss the "gorilla"—your message.

In today’s crowded marketplace, where customers are bombarded with thousands of marketing messages every day, understanding and addressing their problems is the only way to cut through the noise. When you do this, you don’t just get noticed—you get remembered.

If you’re ready to make sure your customers see the gorilla, let’s talk about how we can refine your messaging to focus on what truly matters to them.

Aaron Moseson is the founder of Alleyoup Media, a video storytelling studio that helps businesses cut through the noise and connect with their audience. If you're ready to turn your message into a story your customers care about, get in touch at or visit https://www.alleyoup.com/
 

🏡 Looking for an affordable place to call home in Augusta, Maine? 🌟

C&C Realty Management has apartments in Kennebec County available now! Enjoy comfortable living in a welcoming community with options to fit your needs and budget.

✅ Affordable Rent (Kennebec County Income Limits Apply)
✅ Great Augusta Locations
✅ Pet Friendly & 24/7 Maintenance

📩 Apply online today and find your perfect home! www.ccrealtymanagement.com

Join Kennebec Behavioral Health for our 10th annual fundraiser, A Night Out. The evening will include a dueling pianos, Vegas-style showcase called “Keys to the City” with Jim Ciampi and Seth Holbrook. This request-based sing-along showcase will combine comedy with music. 

When: October 18, 2025
Cocktail Hour : Appetizers, raffle & cash bar- 6 PM
Show: Dueling Pianos Show- 7-9 PM 
Where: Club Calumet, 334 W River Road, Augusta, ME 04330

Proceeds will benefit the College Scholarship Fund. The Scholarship Fund supports graduating high school students in Maine who are pursuing a degree in the behavioral health field. 

Purchase tickets at https://www.kbhmaine.org/anightout/. 

Melissa Walden Photography is offering a complimentary consultation and style guide! Melissa Walden Photography is a central Maine photographer that specializes in personal branding sessions. 

We help create content for businesses to use on their website, social media platforms and print materials. These lifestyle sessions are intended for individuals and small groups. A personal branding session captures your brand which can include the business owner and staff, products or services and clients. 

Learn more here: melissawaldenphoto.com

Contact Melissa

Branding

Maine Brand

Headshots

Maine Headshot

Maine Professional Photography

Looking for a great day on the course while connecting with local leaders? Join the University of Maine at Augusta for the 17th Annual UMA Golf Classic on Friday, July 25, 2025 at the Natanis Golf Course, 735 Webber Pond Road, Vassalboro, ME

This event supports UMA student athletes and offers businesses the chance to get involved by forming a team, sponsoring a hole, or both. It’s a great way to support students, enjoy a day of golf, and engage with the community.

The day will include an 18-hole scramble, contests, raffles, and a Jersey Mikes lunch.

Details and registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSczpz7A7MZN-dFxmwjs0CtH9NSZ32B6p9O495htsZjA9Whu5Q/viewform

Congratulations to our CEO, Cathy Bond, for being this year’s recipient of the prestigious Maine Credit Union League President’s Award!

This award is personally selected by League President Elise Baldacci and her team, and is reserved for an individual who has made an extraordinary impact on the credit union movement. Elise Baldacci shared, “When I think about credit unions in Maine, I think about cooperation and good-hearted people who are hardworking, kind, and always there to help a member in need. And to me, there’s no one more exemplary of those special qualities than Cathy Bond.”

Read the full article here!