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?
Tick Tock, TikTok
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If you're not on TikTok, you probably don't care too much about the bill that passed Congress last week calling on ByteDance to sell controlling shares to a US company and endorsing a ban of the app in US markets if this doesn't happen. But, here's why you should: Like it or not, TikTok is a (not insignificant) driver of the US economy supporting small and medium-sized businesses in particular. A recent study I read said that 15% of all product discovery begins on TikTok, which helps to level the playing field for smaller businesses competing against bigger players in the marketplace with deeper pockets for advertising. While I don't use TikTok in my business, I have learned a ton from the app and, yes, been entertained by pet videos, inspired by cooking videos, and brought up to speed on breaking news stories ahead of those stories appearing via the usual news outlets. A ban on TikTok doesn't just mean more than 116 million Americans will have to find news and entertainment on another app. It will adversely impact many people's livelihoods, advocacy reach, and sense of well-being. Plus, let's be honest, there really isn't a US-based tech company that isn't also in the business of capitalizing on our data, skirting data privacy laws, and spreading dis- and mis-information in ways that influence critical public opinion. Personally, I also don't completely trust a body of individuals who have consistently shown they really do not understand our modern digital age and the how the 'inter webs' and social media actually work. After all, these are the same folks who entrust these same tech firms to regulate and police themselves. Lately, I've heard there's less appetite in the Senate to pass the bill. But whichever side of the debate you support, I encourage you, if you're based in the States, toreach out to your Senators to make your opinion known. Sending a huge shout-out of thanks for all the well wishes sent to Mom on her new hearing aids. I'm really proud of how far she's come in such a short time and they've made a huge difference already. It's a great reminder that sometimes the only way to get over your fear is to go right through it to get to the other side. We both truly appreciate your support and encouragement! Until next time, PS - If you missed it, get inspired by Old Dogs, (learning) New Tricks. 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...