Purple Essence LLC - Digital Strategy + Consulting

22/04/2026

I'm honored to be part of this piece from this morning. I had the Riley Creek tunnel and path to myself today. This happens often when I visit. I feel it's P saying hi or at least giving me the space to reflect.

Halfway up to path to Paisley Park, a MPR photographer introduced himself and said he took pics of me and wanted my info. Then he asked me to stand in front of some art on the fence. I had just gotten done crying -- seeing tributes to the late Daniel Lacey and notes from fans telling Prince how much they influenced their lives.

I feel absolutely blessed to have lived at the same time as Prince and to have collaborated with him briefly before his untimely death. I never met him, but he knew who I was and we interacted briefly on Twitter. To be part of any Prince news or writings is a complete honor and I thank MPR for the opportunity.

If anyone is thinking about visiting Paisley, please do! And if you need a friend to go with you, I'm available!💜

https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/04/21/photos-prince-fans-around-world-mark-10-years-since-his-death

Fans gathered at Paisley Park in Chanhassen to honor Prince on the 10th anniversary of his death, adding tributes to the longtime memorial site.

09/04/2026

Hot take: most people are using AI “wrong”… and it’s exactly why they think it’s overhyped.

If you’re only using it to write captions, answer quick questions, or save a few minutes here and there—you’re missing the point.

What I’m actually seeing (and what’s way more interesting):

People are using AI in their *personal lives*.

Not for business. Not for productivity. For *thinking*.

Here are the four tools showing up the most:

• – journaling, venting, rewriting texts they’re nervous to send
• – working through ideas, decisions, and deeper conversations
• – replacing search for everyday curiosity
• – creating visuals without any design background

But if I had to say the one most people are sleeping on right now?

Claude.

It’s not the loudest tool—but it might be the most *useful* for real life.

It doesn’t just give answers. It helps you *think better*.

And that’s the shift I don’t think we’re talking about enough:

AI isn’t just becoming a tool.
It’s becoming a sounding board.

As a digital strategist, I’ve seen every wave of tech promise “efficiency.”

This is the first one that’s changing how people process their own thoughts.

That’s bigger than content.

That’s behavior.

And most people haven’t caught up yet.

Are you actually using AI… or just testing it?

07/04/2026

Unpopular opinion:
If your entire business strategy is “invest in SEO”… you’re already behind.

I said what I said.

Because here’s what’s actually happening—
People aren’t just Googling anymore.

They’re searching on TikTok. Instagram. LinkedIn. AI. Even in comment sections.

And yet I still hear small businesses say,
“We just need to focus on ranking higher.”

For what?
If your customer isn’t starting there anymore?

Don’t get me wrong—SEO still matters. I have a background in it and I still use it.

But relying on it *alone* in 2026 is like building a storefront on a street people stopped walking down.

The businesses getting attention right now?
They’re showing up in search *and* in feeds.

They’re answering real questions in their content.
They’re creating posts people save, share, and come back to.
They’re becoming visible before someone ever opens Google.

I’ve seen businesses get more traction from a few strategic posts than months of waiting on SEO to “kick in.”

That’s not a fluke. That’s a shift.

So if your strategy is:
“Optimize website and hope people find me…”

You might want to rethink that.

Because visibility today isn’t just about ranking.
It’s about *showing up where people are already looking.*

So I’m genuinely curious—
Are you still relying on Google to bring in business, or are you seeing more traction from social right now?

06/12/2025

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, FAM!

So excited to announce, I just finished my new eBook for beginners who want to start creating simple, personalized craft projects with confidence.

Create, make and sell one of your unique projects in 7 days!

If you or your favorite creative has been wanting a clear starting point, this guide walks you step-by-step through your first design and project.

Grab your copy here → https://buymeacoffee.com/kathyg

20/09/2024

Allen Stone at First Avenue & 7th St Entry on Saturday was one for the history books! So proud of Uncle Al with his first headlining gig on the First Ave stage.

Before the show, I asked him how he felt standing where Prince stood over the years. He said he couldn't think about it or he'd get too overwhelmed and he thought Prince would be saying, "who's this lily white, west coast guy doin here?!" Personally, I think Prince would give his blessing. Allen is the real deal and an extraordinary performer.

Another memory created with one of my favorite people in the world💜

10/08/2024

Congrats The Motor Control 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

Our manager Kathy Gaalaas attended to learn more about the sync game and connect with professionals who can help us get placements. One perk was submitting a song to get feedback. It ended up "Get Down!" caught the ears of the judges and we got "Best Pop/Rock Original Song"! And just in time for our HUGE album release next Friday!

Thanks to all of you for your support and hanging with us all year to get these songs heard!
We love y'all 🤘🏻


John Eric Steiner Purple Essence LLC - Digital Strategy + Consulting