Category: Money
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2016 Q3/Q4 Economic Indicators Snapshot
As I do at the end of each quarter, let’s take a look at how the markets are faring. What could be on tap as we close out the year? How might we want to structure our B2B and B2C marketing efforts? Markets First, let’s check the broad markets. DJIA: S&P 500: NASDAQ: All three…
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The economic case for marijuana legalization and taxation
This fall, citizens of the Bay State face ballot question 4, the question of legalizing marijuana for recreational use. A Yes vote legalizes marijuana for recreational, non-medical usage (it’s already legal for medical use). A No vote keeps the law the same. A bit of background about me: I’m a Massachusetts resident and have been…
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Economic Snapshot: Post-Brexit Metrics
I take a look at common economic indicators once a quarter or so publicly, usually at the end of each quarter. Now that the UK has voted to leave the EU – and the ensuing economic shock has hit – I thought it would be a good time to examine those indicators again. A couple…
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On Brexit, Part 1: Measure to Mitigate Uncertainty
The UK referendum to exit the European Union creates a vast cloud of the worst thing for business: uncertainty. Article 50 of the EU constitution, the lawful secession of a member state, has never been exercised until now. How do business leaders and marketers consider this turn of events? The short answer: too soon to…
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Economic Conditions Snapshot for Q2
Remember how at the beginning of the first quarter, some economic advisors were shouting that the sky was falling, sell everything, and run for the hills? How are things shaping up? Was that warning warranted? Let’s take a look at the economic conditions of the first quarter and how the second quarter is shaping up.…
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What’s the right marketing budget?
As 2016 marketing planning shifts into high gear, one of the top questions marketers and stakeholders ask is, “What should we spend on marketing? What’s the right marketing budget?” The answer is a bit like Goldilocks: not too much, not too little — spend just the right amount. Marketing and advertising tools can help us…
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2016 Economic Conditions Snapshot: Don’t Panic
I shared the dire predictions of the Royal Bank of Scotland for 2016 recently; the TL;DR version was “panic, sell everything, and hide in your bunker“. Is their prediction warranted? Panic isn’t, but caution is. One of the most important lessons about economics is to do your own work. Download the data, make your own…
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End of Q3 Economic Check-In for Marketers
Once upon a time, when I worked in financial services, I checked charts and quotes daily. I watched the world’s markets like a hawk, because macroeconomic issues that could impact my work often had leading indicators days, weeks, or months in advance. Even today, I still check in, though not nearly as frequently because my…
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Are you on the MAP? (Marketing Affiliate Program)
I’m grateful that many of you have enjoyed my books and publications over the years, from Marketing White Belt to the most recent Marketing Blue Belt. Today, I want to unveil a new way for you to be a greater part of these books: join the Marketing Affiliate Program! What’s in it for you? By…
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The missing investment ingredients in marketing ROI
Do your marketing ROI calculations sync up with the reality of your company’s bottom line? Or have you put together an ROI calculation and found your net revenue projections falling short? Chances are, you’re missing some key ingredients in the calculation of ROI, especially on the I part, investment. Recall that ROI is a simple…
