As a Gen X mom born in 1976, I've had a front-row seat to one of the greatest transformations in human history: a technological revolution. I grew up in a world where advertising was something that happened to me. Companies bought television commercials, radio spots, billboards, and full-page newspaper ads, planning for us to know what was coming. Today, anyone can create a video in their kitchen, wearing sweatpants, and reach millions before dinner. This isn't just evolution; it's a complete rewriting of the rules. My generation remembers both worlds—rotary phones, encyclopedias, and film that had to be developed. We became digital natives, learning technology well enough to teach our boomer parents.

But then, our kids arrived, and suddenly we weren't the experts anymore. They navigate apps I've never heard of and communicate through platforms that seem to appear and disappear overnight. I've watched social media evolve from a digital yearbook into one of the most powerful communication tools ever created. Every generation thinks they're living through unprecedented change, but Gen X actually did. We are the bridge generation, old enough to remember life before technology ran everything.

Today, I'm excited to discuss the difference between those who use social media to get attention and those who use it to direct attention. I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Eric Dunn, who has spent over a decade defining communication in this new era, not through traditional advertisements but through storytelling and authenticity. Eric amassed over 3 million followers on Vine, where he learned a critical lesson: attention is easy to earn, but trust is much harder.

Eric's story is fascinating because he could have remained in the world of viral moments but chose to evolve. He became a marketer, a strategist, a nonprofit co-founder, and importantly, a storyteller. Today, we're diving deep into the themes of influence, authenticity, community, and the future of media, exploring what happens when someone uses a camera for something bigger than themselves.

Eric currently sits at the intersection of creativity, entrepreneurship, and community pride in Jacksonville. He's navigated multiple iterations of digital media, from Vine to today's creator economy, while also elevating Jacksonville's parks and businesses.

Join us as we unpack Eric's journey, his thoughts on the evolving digital landscape, and how he harnesses his platform for meaningful impact. We'll explore the importance of taking risks, the value of community, and how to build authenticity in a digital age. This conversation is not just for content creators; it's for anyone looking to understand the nuances of communication in our rapidly changing world.

Whether you're a content creator, entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, marketer, or simply someone wondering how to use your voice for good, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and honest perspective.

Connect with Eric Dunn

🌐 Website: EricVDunn.com

Instagram: @ericvdunn_

Facebook: Eric Dunn

LinkedIn: Eric V. Dunn

Learn More About Jax Parks

🌳 Website: Jax Parks

Instagram: @jaxparks

Facebook: Jax Parks

Whether you're looking for hiking trails, community centers, summer camps, fitness programs, family events, or hidden gems throughout Jacksonville, Jax Parks has something for everyone.

Learn More About H.E.A.D. On Youth Impact

Visit Eric's website to learn more about the nonprofit and ways to support its mission of serving children and families throughout Northeast Florida.

Because at the end of the day...Your platform isn't defined by how many people are watching. It's defined by where you lead them.

#SchmoozeWithSuze #Jacksonville #JaxParks #EricDunn #CreatorEconomy #DigitalMarketing #Community #PersonalBranding #Leadership #DigitalAmbassador #SocialMediaStrategy #JacksonvilleFlorida #PurposeDriven #Marketing #Storytelling

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