💰 Where's Your Money Going?

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Hey Reader -

This week, we’re talking about the shifts that could impact your business—from consumer behavior to marketing strategy and the tools that make execution easier.

More people are realizing that where they spend their money is just as important as how they earn it. They’re over watching billionaires cash in while everyday people struggle. They’re tired of big corporations and political parties making decisions that don’t serve working Americans. And now they’re choosing to take control by spending more with small businesses and independent brands. If you’ve been waiting for a moment to stand out, this is it.

At the same time, small business owners are throwing money at marketing but don’t know what’s actually working. If you’re not tracking your data, you’re setting yourself up for wasted dollars and missed opportunities. Good news: I’ve got a free resource to help you stop the guesswork and start making smarter marketing decisions.

And because we all need a little something to make life easier, I’m sharing a few products that have been keeping me productive, hydrated, and entertained lately.

Let’s get into it.👇🏽

Here's what's on the agenda today:

Profits → This Week's Top News To Keep More Money In Your Pockets
Pointers → Stop Guessing: The Marketing Data You Should Actually Track
Products → A Water Bottle, an AI Tool, and a Show Worth Watching
Predictions → The Shift to Values-Driven Spending & What It Means for Small Businesses

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🗓️ Upcoming Workshops:

Each month, I host a series of workshops to share different skills that help you grow your business. Here's what's on the agenda for this month:

If you're seeing low traffic to your website, I'm partnering with WBEC South to share a few search engine optimization strategies for you. (Virtual Event. Register here.)
Do find yourself rambling in meetings and unsure if people really Then you need to be at my workshops with PRSA, where I'll share strategies to help you communicate clearly and confidently -- while getting your point across quicker. (Virtual Event. Register here)
The best trait to help your business scale? Leadership... and I don't mean just telling people what to do. I'm partnering with the SBA to host a workshop where you'll learn the attributes that make the best manager and practice ways to coach your team to success. (Virtual Event. Register here.)

💰 Profits:

This week's top news to keep more money in your pockets:

Ready to bet on yourself and give up the 9-to-5 grind? Here are 5 proven strategies to help you with the transition.
Leadership experts say these 6 phrases will help you influence people more.
The best entrepreneurs don't stop at "no." Here's how you can build immunity to rejection.

🚀 Pointers:

Marketing without data is like driving with your eyes closed—you might get somewhere, but it’s probably not where you want to be. You'll also probably crash and end up with the care (or business) you've invested in completely totaled.

Too many small business owners throw money at marketing without knowing what’s actually working. Are your Instagram ads actually bringing in customers? Is your email marketing actually driving sales? Or are you just wasting your time?

If you’re not tracking your marketing data, you’re flying blind. And as small business owners, every dollar counts, so that’s a risk you can’t afford to take.

Here's what you should be tracking, Reader:

What’s bringing in sales? Not all marketing channels perform the same. Double down on the ones that actually convert.
Where’s your money going? If a campaign isn’t delivering results, it’s time to tweak or cut it.
Who’s engaging with your content? Understanding your audience’s behavior helps you tailor your messaging for better results.

You don’t need to be a data expert to start making smarter marketing decisions. My free resource, Track It, Grow It: The Small Business Marketing Metrics Guide, walks you through exactly what to track and how to use your data to fine-tune your strategy—without the overwhelm.

⚡️ Products:

Stanley Quencher - I've been on the road speaking and leading workshops multiple times each week. My Stanley Quencher has been an absolute necessity in ensuring I stay hydrated.
Gemini - If you're not using AI, you're behind. Gemini integrates into my Google workspace making it easier for me to get things done and increasing my overall productivity.
Severance - yes, it's a show BUT we all need an escape from reality, right? I wonder how much fun my outie has.

*Heads up: I may earn a commission if you grab these, but I only recommend tools I actually love and use in my business!

🔮 Predictions:

Consumers are waking up. They’re tired of watching billionaires hoard wealth while working people struggle. They’re fed up with corporations that exploit workers, dodge taxes, and funnel money into politics at the expense of everyday people. And they’re realizing that every dollar they spend is a vote for the kind of world they want to live in.

With the recent 24-hour blackout, we're seeing that this shift isn't just talk. It’s showing up in where people choose to shop. More consumers are intentionally moving their money away from big-box retailers and mega-corporations, opting instead to support local businesses, independent brands, and values-aligned companies. Shopping small is becoming more than just a feel-good decision—it’s an act of resistance.

That means small businesses have an opportunity like never before. People are actively looking for alternatives to Amazon, Walmart, and other retail giants. They want businesses they can trust, brands that align with their values, and owners they can connect with on a personal level.

So, what does this mean for you?

Your story matters. Consumers are buying into people, values, and missions. Make sure your brand message is clear and compelling.
Community is everything. The brands that foster real relationships with their customers through social media, email marketing, and personal interactions will win big.
Now is the time to stand out. Shoppers are searching for small businesses to support. Make it easy for them to find you, understand what you stand for, and fall in love with what you offer.

2024 will be the year of values-driven spending and small businesses that lean into this moment will thrive.