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I posted on LinkedIn to “pay attention to the details.”

Called it a note to self, maybe should have been a note to Costco.

Costco recalled nearly 80,000 pounds of its Kirkland-brand butter products last month because they were missing a legally-required “Contains Milk” allergy statement.

This recall could’ve been avoided and impacted completely usable products, which has the potential for major losses for Costco. Don’t let this be your product – always make sure to double-check product packaging before going to production.
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Customer service is a chance to create delight and impact. It can amplify or undermine the marketing investments that you say are important

As in all things, getting the systems right is the foundation for everything else that follows.

Everything is customer service

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According to EMARKETER, we’re almost at peak media with “a plateauing of consumption in the 11 media formats measured.”

Americans are forecast to add 5 minutes of media consumption next year, and 4 the year after.

Social is basically saturated.

What’s your reach strategy now?

Think outside the feed.

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Turns out Meta has a hidden quality score for ads.

According to my Meta rep (who can’t see the actual score), the algorithm analyzes over 500 aspects of each creative to determine how performant it is / will be and that drives placement opportunity.

Right now, Meta wants Reels.

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I ended my post on lessons from Dropout with:

Trying to do what the industry heavyweight(s) does but a bit better is not a viable plan. Finding the gap in their model—the unserved audience—is a winning plan.

Know the game you’re playing. Know the way you want to play it. Know the strengths and weaknesses of the other players. Know your style. Know the loophole.

I decided to make a diagram

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consumer confidence fell unexpectedly mid-October

What could have caused that 🤔

Fall 2024: the vibe got weird #analysis

there’s a lot of uncertainty. There’s financial strains. The election is behind us, but there’s always a transition uncertainty that happens that gets people no matter who wins. And if it’s your side or not your side, that still gets people a little bit worried before the official transition happens next year. So I think consumers are coming from a place of I don’t want to say scared, but a little bit more cautious

People might just ease into 2025 at this point.

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Seth builds on this sentiment in this great podcast strategy walkthrough.

There are 4 decisions you make that determine the future of your business.

When you pick your:

  • Customers
  • Competitors
  • Distribution
  • Constraints
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Choose your customers, choose your future

-Seth Godin

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Apple continues its services push:

Any verified business can now create a consistent brand and location presence across apps that customers use every day, including Apple Maps, Wallet, and Mail.

Now more than just a Google Business Profile clone, Business Connect adds:

  • Branded email: name and logo in Mail
  • Branded payments: logo in Tap to Pay
  • Branded incoming call screen with Business Caller ID (coming soon)

Apple is turning its hardware network into an integrated marketing platform.

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data shows consumers remember and engage with emotionally-resonant ads.
  • High-quality video should be emotional, not just technically sound
  • Consumers want to feel included
  • Remember social media is associated with negative emotions
  • Funny is memorable
  • Brands that make people feel happy get paid

Brands aren’t people, but they can act like people are behind them.

Are you not entertained?