I help entrepreneurs leapfrog over the typical potholes that derail most small businesses with inspiration, motivation, education, and support across a wide range of business topics drawn from over a decade of running my own business, teaching entrepreneurship for the City of New York, and coaching and consulting privately with dozens of women and minority small business owners. Honestly, why go it alone when help is an email away?
Consumer Power Play
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It's hard to avoid the politicization of almost all aspects of life these days, especially in light of the new US administration's aggressive rollout of an agenda and priorities that have proved to be incredibly disruptive to so many people's lives and livelihoods. The rollback of DEI programs, mass deportations, the threat of freezing and/or cutting federal funding, potential gutting of regulatory and compliance across industries, to say nothing of the significant federal employee layoffs, growing international ill will, and the tariff wars, impact us all whether directly or indirectly. But, there is (maybe) a glimmer of hope. While many consumers are banning together to boycott companies that do not align with their values—high on the list are: Meta, X, Target, Walmart, Sam's Club, Sephora and Home Depot—others are providing resources to drive consumers to small businesses that are negatively impacted by these new policies and the political climate. Not gonna lie, I am 100% on board with consumers wielding influence with their dollars. After all, protest takes many forms. As our politics have become more and more influenced by corporate donors and extremist views, it's ever more important to remind companies that their actions have consequences that can adversely impact their revenue and stock prices. But do boycotts really work? You bet they do. Just ask McDonald's, who recently reported a decline in global sales for the first time in almost 4 years in large part due to boycotts over the conflict in Palestine. Kellogg's and Nestlé each took a hit last year after TikTok's Let Them Eat Cereal boycotts targeted each brand over Q2 and Q3, respectively. It's a great reminder that ethics and values matter to both our businesses and our customers and can play a powerful role in attracting, engaging, and activating real affinity and loyalty. Whether you're looking for good options for yourself or your business, here are some helpful resources spotlighting black-owned, female-owned, LGBTQI+-owned enterprises: Goods Unite Us and Open Secret may also help you figure out which companies and politicians you wish to support with your hard earned cash and loyalty or to share your feedback and values with. And, if you're struggling to navigate a path forward for your business in these times of chaos and uncertainty, I'd be happy to support you. Schedule some time with me. Your success is our strategy!No longer want to receive my newsletter but don't want to miss my special offers and announcements? Click here. |
Easily Said & Done
I help entrepreneurs leapfrog over the typical potholes that derail most small businesses with inspiration, motivation, education, and support across a wide range of business topics drawn from over a decade of running my own business, teaching entrepreneurship for the City of New York, and coaching and consulting privately with dozens of women and minority small business owners. Honestly, why go it alone when help is an email away?
Hi Reader, Something I've been enjoying of late are multiple influencers showcasing the limits of ChatGPT and the like. One guy asks it some pretty basic questions, such as to name a number between one and one hundred that includes the letter 'a.' (Spoiler alert: there aren't any). ChatGPT lies to his face over and over again. Another one provides examples of business fails due to AI. Some are pretty extraordinary. But here's the thing, this isn't just a harmless gimmick, it's a warning cry,...
Have you seen the video of McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski trying to promote the new Big Arch burger ahead of its March 3rd launch? How about any of the many, many videos or memes negging on it for a host of reasons, including how Kempczinski refers to the burger as "a delicious product" or his failure to take a real bite of it, seeming almost disgusted by it. To me, there are three great marketing stories going on here. 1. Going Viral Isn't the Goal Yes, there is such a thing as bad PR and...
This fall my mom was diagnosed with mild-to-moderate dementia. While sad, it did not come as a surprise. It's one reason I sold her house and we moved in together late last summer. At first, I planned outings to the Y and other senior programs, scheduled visits from family and friends, coordinated physical therapy appointments, and designed little daily activities to keep her engaged and stimulated. This winter it's gotten harder and harder to get mom out of bed let alone dressed and out the...