Networking Unleashed: An Interview with Jimi Gibson and Michael A Forman, Professional Speaker

Jimi Gibsonjimi@Thriveagency.comPlease share a brief Bio.Jimi Gibson is VP of Brand Communication at Thrive Internet Marketing Agency, a full-service digital marketing agency with 160 employees and over 20 years helping businesses grow online. He specializes in AI search optimization and helping companies transition from traditional SEO to visibility in AI-powered search results. A TEDx speaker, TEDx coach, and Forbes contributor, Jimi has appeared on more than 70 podcasts discussing how AI is fundamentally changing how businesses get discovered online. His expertise lies at the intersection of personal branding and emerging search technology—helping business owners understand why the companies that will thrive in AI search are those led by visible, citeable authorities. Before joining the agency world, Jimi had a career as a professional magician, performing at venues including MGM Grand and operating his own theater. That background in audience engagement and storytelling now informs his approach to helping businesses stand out in an increasingly crowded digital landscape.What are 2-3 things you would love to talk about?First, how AI search is becoming the new networking. When someone asks ChatGPT or Perplexity "Who should I work with for [service] in [city]?", the person AI recommends gets the warmest introduction possible without ever being in the room. Business owners who are personally visible online are getting inbound connections from people who already trust them before the first conversation.Second, why being great at in-person networking but invisible online means you're leaving half the table empty. Your reputation used to travel by word of mouth. Now it travels through AI. If someone meets you at an event and then Googles you or asks an AI about you and finds nothing, that connection dies.Third, what 25 years as a professional magician taught me about being memorable. Magic is the ultimate networking skill. You learn how to own a room, create a moment people talk about, and make someone feel like the only person in the world. Those same principles apply to how you show up online and in business.What are 2-3 things you would like to gain as a result of being on this podcast?I'd love to connect with business owners who are great at building relationships in person but know they're falling behind online. Those are exactly the people who need to hear this message. I'd also love to build a relationship with you, Michael, because what you teach about intentional networking is the human side of what I'm talking about on the digital side. And honestly, I'd love for listeners to take my free Q1 AI visibility audit of 400 business and business owners.Any website you wish to share with the audience?https://thriveagency.comAny social media links you wish to share with the audience?https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimi-gibson/Michael is a business networking expert specializing in enhancing professionals' networking and communication skills to drive profitability. As a leading authority in this field, he is highly sought after for his dynamic presentations and workshops. His extensive experience has consistently led to significant improvements in corporate profitability by empowering individuals and organizations to connect more effectively and efficiently.Digital Courseshttps://michael-s-site-fc88.thinkific.com/