Tony Buffum’s Post

Street Parties/Lunches aren't just about the food, music, and games; they're about bringing people together and lifting each other up, especially during tough times like grief. 🏡🎉 Did you know that the most significant pandemic affecting us all is loneliness? People are often living quiet desperate lives behind closed doors. As someone who has lived in my street for over 35 years, I have been intentional in building connection and community. I realised I can’t change the world but I can have an impact by focusing on sharing care and love in my street. I recently had the pleasure of experiencing something truly special at our Street Lunch, and I couldn't wait to share it with you all! It wasn't just about the fun and games; it was a shining example of the power of community engagement. The Street Lunch brought together people from all walks of life, going beyond barriers of age, ethnicity, and background. It was a beautiful reminder that our differences are what make us stronger when we come together. In the middle of the music and laughter, there were moments of connection as people shared their stories and experiences. These interactions weren't just surface-level; they were the building blocks of lasting friendships and community support. Businesses, take note! Being part of events like our street lunch can be a great opportunity to engage in your community in meaningful ways. You're not only building brand loyalty but also making a real difference in people's lives. It is a chance to demonstrate your commitment to social responsibility and also create a positive brand image rooted in empathy, compassion, and authenticity. So, whether you're someone who wants to impact the world positively, connect with your customers, or just someone who loves a good party, let’s keep celebrating community and spreading joy wherever we live! Join me in my vision to change the world one street at a time 🎉🏡 What happens in your street? ❣️ #HandlingGrief #GriefSpecialist #GriefCoach #GriefSupport #GriefRecovery #HandleYourGrief #StreetParty #StreetLunch #Community

We know genuine connection – with neighbors next door and business owners down the street – makes for a more meaningful experience. And we believe getting to know people in your community should be as easy and enjoyable as an afternoon stroll. That’s why, since 2004, our magazines have been the means to a more connected life. Today, our industry-leading publications greet residents in hundreds of upscale neighborhoods nationwide. Stroll is Turning Neighborhoods Into Communities by sharing residents' stories and photos in the magazine. And through Business Spotlight stories, advertising, and in-person events, neighbors meet the people behind local businesses as well. 🏡 #stroll #strollmagazine #then2company #greatplacetowork #workwithus #opportunities #then2co #publication #wfh #then2company #careeropportunity #connections #community #neighborhood #franchiseopportunity #magazinepublisher #marketing

Imagine if you had all the wealth you could dream of. What would it do for you? How would your life change? Typically, when I ask this question, it turns out to be more about making an impact… on our kids, our parents, our friends, our community, even the world. Aspiring to be wealthy so you can use that wealth to make impact someday is a wonderful aspiration but what can you do NOW to make impact in these areas? How can you start that ripple effect sooner? What can you do in your workplace? What can you do in your volunteer life? What can you do in your free time? What can you do while you shuttle your kids to/from school or activities? You don’t have to be a millionaire to make an impact. Start with smiling, making eye contact and saying hello to literally everyone you encounter each day. It’ll make more of a difference than you think and it’s completely FREE.

An exert from my Friday message to our veteran community at WM... It’s RED FRIDAY…Remember Everyone Deployed! I have my RED T-shirt on with my RED New Jersey Devils hat. One game down in the hockey season and we are off to a good start. The Devils take on the Desert Dogs (AZ Coyotes) tonight. Some of you may know that I work and manage the Innovative Employment Program (IEP) that has a veteran component/focus included. I have been having great discussions about the expansion of IEP, National Guard partnerships, SkillBridge and other components to the program. So, I have had a reduced presence in the VALOR chat over the last two-weeks, but it does not minimize my appreciation and recognition of the folks that are “bringing it” every day to help the veteran community right here. Let me take a minute to talk about the word RECOGNITION for a moment. In my doctorate study I focused on multiple generations in the workplace, bringing them together to work as a cohesive team and achieve extraordinary results with the number one goal of retaining the folks you have in your organization. Recognition comes up a lot. It’s not about free food ( I do love that!) or “stuff”. It can be as simple as recognizing people who come to work daily (SEE THEM), leaving their families and choosing to be a part of the organization. Saying “thank you”, “please”, “good job”, “nice effort” is a RECOGNITION of the contribution. When you show up to work recognize others did the same! And, yes, I believe people work for money, but money provides safety and security and conditional happiness. Appreciation adds fuel to an employee’s drive and is confirmed with a paycheck. Today, I recognize the VALOR group, my teammates/co-workers, the leaders above me that I want to make shine by doing the job they entrust me to do at a high level. I recognize not all jobs are created equal or with equal effort required but all jobs done are important.

#optoutside is still one of the best #marketingcampaigns. ✔️the message is simple and consistent over the years ✔️the CTA is compelling and clear ✔️they made it really easy to take action Bravo 👏 REI #marketingcampaign #REI #blackfriday #optoutside

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So true, you harvest what you seed. Whether people namely like it or not, any conflict continues until there is truce, regardless of the amount of atrocities committed by both parties. First after such truce is reached, the real peace building can start. There are only two scenarios to sustainably end a conflict: -1- a “final solution” or total defeat of one of the two parties, leaving no-one behind to reignite the conflict in decades from now (God beware us!) -2- truce and working on the root-causes in order to grow sustainable understanding for each other and establish convergence. If this is established, the wrong leaders lose their divergent control. Against all odds there sometimes are examples of such inspiring convergence to be followed! See: https://lnkd.in/dsUG9m85 & www.pax.ngo

I was thinking about the idea of “community” yesterday as we sat along the parade route watching our hometown 4th of July parade. The sight of neighbors and friends coming together, waving flags, and sharing smiles reminded me of the true essence of community. According to Wikipedia, “a community is a social unit with a shared socially significant characteristic, such as place, set of norms, culture, religion, values, customs, or identity. Communities may share a sense of place situated in a given geographical area or in virtual space through communication platforms.” So many of us rely on our community to support us, shelter us, educate us, and include us. Our hometown, with its familiar faces and cherished traditions, provides a sense of belonging and continuity that is irreplaceable. However, the idea of community has evolved significantly over the years. In addition to our local neighborhoods, many people now find meaningful connections through online communities. These virtual spaces can be just as valuable, offering support, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging, no matter where we are in the world. Whatever community means to you—whether it’s the friendly faces you see every day, or the online friends who share your interests and passions—I hope you feel included and valued. Let’s cherish the diverse ways we come together and support one another. Happy 4th of July weekend! May your celebrations be filled with joy, unity, and a profound sense of community. #humanresources #community #friends #july4 #smallbusinessconsulting #hr

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! The holiday season (in what ever way you practice, believe or celebrate) is coming fast. Remember that this is a great time to foster your relationships with your partners and those you hope will become your partners. Take the extra time to give them a call to see what their holiday plans are. Make the effort to send them a treat you know they will enjoy. Soak up the joy of the season with them. Think less about you and your needs and more about them and theirs this season. That’s the gift that keeps on giving. There are hundreds of reasons to pick up the phone. Make the time. #holidayseason2023 #findthejoy #customerexperience #salesdevelopment #salescareers #partnership

Do you remember why you chose your career or started your business? Probably not, and here’s why. In business, it’s very easy to become self-centered. We focus on how I can get my next promotion, my next client, or my next big payday. This happens especially in times of uncertainty and tension. The problem with this mentality is that it neglects the whole reason why we started doing what we do. “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is ‘What are you doing for others?’” - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Foundationally, business and jobs are built to help people. We create mission statements that are supposed to remind us of that. Money and success are supposed to be byproducts of our service. Today, I want to heed the message of the great Dr. King and realign my values. I want to ensure that whatever success I have this year comes from something that's first valuable and helpful to people other than me. Our path to personal success should be paved by acts of service to the community we’ve found on our way. #martinlutherkingjr #mlkday #personaldevelopment