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09 Jan 2024
Sticky Post By Posted in Celebrity Entrepreneurs, News Permalink

Taylor Swift Strategies Every Tech Leader Should Apply in 2024

Sticky Post By On January 9, 2024


Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Some readers, at least, may be relieved to note that they don’t need to be a fan of Taylor Swift to admire her music industry successes. Even a modest glance at the 34-year-old pop icon’s journey reveals masterclass-level business process acumen and strategic planning — to the tune of a $1.1 billion total net worth as of October 2023, according to Bloomberg.

I can comprehend why one might initially shy from modeling the career of a pop star, but as a person in tech, trust me when I say that she is a true inspiration for entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in a sector that’s just as competitive and ever-changing as music.

How to remix her strategies into your own:

Stand firmly for your core values and rights

Swift took a bold stance against both Spotify’s “freemium” model and Apple Music’s early royalty policy, emphasizing instead artists’ rights. Tech execs, too, can celebrate and advance their core values and rights, even if that means going against our own industry giants. Actions might include advocating for fair practices, speaking and writing pieces that emphasize the importance of data privacy or ensuring equitable compensation for creators on digital platforms. Doing so not only reinforces your brand and its market integrity but also has the capacity to drive significant change.

Related: Taylor Swift Is Officially a Billionaire — Here’s How She Did It and Where Her Net Worth Comes From

Master both control and ownership of your innovations

Swift famously re-recorded her first six albums in order to gain ownership of those new masters — a pioneering move. For folks on the tech side, it’s likewise important to emphasize control and ownership of intellectual property.

So, secure those patents, maintain control of the source code of your software, and then go ahead and boldly innovate in product design. This degree of ownership has its obvious long-term benefits, but when push comes to shove in any delicate situation, it also serves as a defense against potential takeovers or unfair practices.

Embrace multiple touchpoints

Swift excels in both streaming and physical sales, time and time again balancing digital presence and tangible products. Similarly, tech entrepreneurs shouldn’t put all their eggs in one basket but aim for a presence across various platforms. Have you developed a web app? Cool, now create a mobile version, too. Make physical products? Consider offering a digital one that can work alongside them. And yes, this will call for more time, money and resources, but it will also expand market reach and resilience.

Related: Top CEO of 2023? Taylor Swift and Beyoncé – Here’s Why.

Own community engagement

Swift is simply a genius at fan engagement, using social media and personal interactions to build and nurture a community that seems constantly in touch with her in one form or another. And while I’m fully aware that many variables are at play here, tech entrepreneurs can also harness social media, forums and direct feedback channels to connect with users. If you haven’t already, engage in discussions on further personalizing users’ experience to build a broader community — to foster loyalty and enhance brand sentiment and reputation.

Dive into experiential marketing

The 12-time Grammy Award winner has also set new benchmarks in live music, most recently evident in the engineering and production of the Eras Tour, along with the resulting concert movie.

Tech entrepreneurs, particularly those with a sizable marketing budget, know all too well that experiential marketing can be a game-changer. So, if and when possible, look into ways to offer interactive product demos or immersive virtual reality experiences. At the very least, host industry events such as panels or mixers for memorable experiences that are relatively easy to execute.

Related: How TikTok and YouTube Have Changed the Music Industry Forever

Work towards becoming a change-maker

The Eras Tour ticket pre-sale process was intended to be open only to verified Swift fans, but more than 14 million wound up trying to get them — including an untold number of bots, leading to a public dispute between the singer and Ticketmaster. The result was significant reform in concert ticketing broadly, which further solidified her reputation for shaping business practices for the better.

Most tech entrepreneurs might prefer to work under the radar to encourage improvements, but they can spearhead reforms — advocate for better in-house policies, collaborate in pursuit of fairer rules/laws and tweak products to better solve industry-wide problems.

Be flexible

Swift is known to seamlessly transition across music genres — adaptability that keeps her interesting to fans and newcomers alike. Tech entrepreneurs need to be analogously flexible, ready to pivot in response to market trends and the expected needs of customers by tirelessly adapting products for expanded user groups, among other strategies.

Related: The Benefits of Investing in Talent: How It Impacts the Music Industry and Beyond

Juice your narrative

Swift’s fan base has carefully tracked her brand’s evolution through each album phase, from 2006 Nashville newcomer to present-day pop colossus. From a marketing perspective, it’s simply a #chefskiss. Tech entrepreneurs should also focus on their storytelling — be fearless in evolving their marketing to resonate with different audiences via dynamic visual branding and compelling content across numerous mediums.



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08 Jan 2024
Sticky Post By Posted in Automated Intelligence, News Permalink

ChatGPT Users Grapple with Uncertainty As Watershed Lawsuit Threatens AI Future

Sticky Post By On January 8, 2024


Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Discover 4 urgent tips to navigate the legal challenges of AI, as an unprecedented lawsuit could put ChatGPT users in the crosshairs.

AI mastery starts here: Download your limited-time FREE chapter from, ‘The Wolf is at The Door,’ & order your copy to conquer an AI-driven world today.



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07 Jan 2024
Sticky Post By Posted in Information Technology, News Permalink

Interested in IT? This CompTIA Bundle Might be Just What You Need.

Sticky Post By On January 7, 2024


Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.

The IT industry is growing every single day, and the need for new qualified workers is growing right along with it. If you’re setting out to embark on a promising career path this new year, then you might want to consider IT and the CompTIA certification exams that can help you start working. To prep for such exams, The Complete CompTIA & IT Exam Lifetime Access Training Bundle is on sale for $39.97 (reg. $2748) through January 7th only.

This five-course bundle features 180 hours of content on a variety of IT and CompTIA essentials. The courses focus on CramWise™, LinuxPath, DojoLab, and CodeDirect. They are taught by instructors from Exams Digest, which has an average 4.1/5-star instructor rating for its experience offering high-end online training for CompTIA as well as Amazon, Cisco, and similar focuses. The bundle also comes with ExamsDigest lifetime access, which includes exam simulators, IT labs, and more e-learning experiences with additional focus on CompTIA, AWS, Cisco, Microsoft, and more.

This CompTIA exam prep bundle is rated an average of 5/5 stars by verified purchasers. One recent five-star reviewer described it as “Great courses for an awesome price.” Discover what all the hype is about and set a course for a future in IT with this limited-time deal.

The Complete CompTIA & IT Exam Lifetime Access Training Bundle is on sale for $39.97 (reg. $2,748) through January 7th at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Prices subject to change.



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06 Jan 2024
Sticky Post By Posted in Excel, News Permalink

Learn to Program in Excel for $10

Sticky Post By On January 6, 2024


Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.

Microsoft Excel is an iconic program that has been used by administrative professionals and analytics specialists for decades. Learning to program with Excel can save any modern professional tons of time while opening a world of organizational and developmental possibilities. Through January 7th only, you can get The Complete Microsoft Excel Course Including How to Program in Excel for just $10 (reg. $40).

This 13-hour course features breakdowns of many of Excel’s most valued and helpful functions. It will have detailed and focused sessions on data visualization, programming with Excel and VBA, and collecting and processing analytics with the software.

Discover why over 1.5 million students have taken this course already and how it’s maintained an average 4.4/5-star rating across all that traffic. Across the course’s 200+ lectures, you can find helpful breakdowns on basic formulas and functions within Excel, how to create charts, generate data sets, how to create pivot tables, and much more.

The course is taught by award-winning MBA professor and venture capitalist Chris Haroun, who has an average rating of 4.5/5 stars for his well-researched courses and e-learning experiences. Having a background in raising and managing over one billion dollars throughout his career, Haroun is well positioned to provide this helpful piece of education on Microsoft Excel.

Don’t wait too long to secure an educational resource that will benefit your professional life for years to come.

The Complete Microsoft Excel Course Including How to Program in Excel is only $10 (reg. $40) through January 7th at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Prices subject to change.



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05 Jan 2024
Sticky Post By Posted in Growth Strategies, News Permalink

Outpace Competitors in 2024 with Fresh Niche Growth Tactics

Sticky Post By On January 5, 2024


Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

A niche market is simply defined as a subset of an overall market, with the individuals comprising it sporting unique and often nuanced needs. This is why businesses that target them typically focus on one type of product or service. And this focused effort can result in remarkable returns: A study published in a May, 2013 edition of Market Intelligence & Planning revealed that businesses that engage with niche markets experience “increased profits, prices, sales, growth, market shares and competitiveness.”

The challenge is that anticipating future growth in these sectors, while vital to success, is no easy feat.

1. Early homework

The first step in securing growth is to find your niche market — a sector underserved by current products and perhaps ignored by broad-market companies. The good news is that the possibilities are expansive. Harvard Business Review found that no less than two-thirds of customers feel that “companies are not responding fast enough to their changing needs.”

One reliable way to find a niche market with potential for growth is to evaluate your own needs and the needs of those around you. Does your mother lament how bare her house feels now that you’ve moved out? Then she’s part of a growing community of empty nesters perhaps in need of personalized home décor. Does your gym buddy keep complaining about how his coffee doesn’t fit into a training regimen? Then he might be part of the health-conscious cold-brew lovers market.

Related: How to Effectively Beat Your Direct Competition in a Niche Market

2. Evaluate demand

A market close to your heart will be the easiest to research and serve. Just ensure that yours isn’t too small to be profitable. Simply because a sector is underserved does not mean it has the potential for growth. This is why evaluating market demand — including its maturity and business cycle — is crucial.

That said, even if there doesn’t appear to be growing demand, this doesn’t mean your business cannot drive it. For example, in 2021, a garden furniture company conducted a case study revealing that UK households, on average, invested approximately £670 ($853 US) in enhancing outdoor spaces, then strategically analyzed how to better impact sales outcomes. Resulting insights led to a remarkable 160% boost in revenue and the introduction of 450 unique stock-keeping units to the company’s product lineup. By conducting a similar base-rate analysis, your business, too, can shape products for a niche market while simultaneously influencing that market.

Of course, customers’ needs are always changing, so you’ll likely need to pivot and expand at some point, but the street goes both ways; you can also strategically drive demand with a product line.

Related: How to Grow Your Profits in a Niche Market

3. A deeper market dive

Once you have found a market with potential for growth, you’ll need to find out what product or service will meet its unique needs and why these needs aren’t currently being met. There are a variety of ways to conduct associated research, usually by looking at the broader markets they’re part of. Methods include:

  • Tracking down current industry reports: They must detail the size and drivers of — and barriers within and without — a sector, including its potential for growth.
  • Engaging with potential customers: Despite its time-consuming nature, this step is essential. Surveys are an effective mode of interaction, but for more in-depth insights, don’t shy away from individual discussions, either through social media platforms or face-to-face meetings.
  • Identify competitors: Oversaturated markets will likely have the least potential for growth, not surprisingly, but also keep in mind that — though they may be tempting — niche markets with no competitors can also pose sales risks, even when catered to. So, it can be helpful to expand or pivot slightly to give yourself competitive protection.

Related: How To Spy on Your Competition With Social Media

4. Consider external factors

When contemplating the potential for growth, be sure to take into account external factors that alter customer need and demand, and otherwise alter a market broadly. (We all saw, for example, how impactful the Covid-19 pandemic was on businesses of every size.) Getting ahead of them will let you plan and adapt. Also, it’s not uncommon for radical innovations (in technology, principally) to “leapfrog” a business, so keep a wary eye on advancements and plan how to incorporate them into offerings.

Another common external factor is the gamut of governmental regulations and their capacity to force compliance, influence customer buying willingness and trust, and/or outlaw a product altogether. Here again, being a student of possibilities — taking note of even possible regulatory changes — will allow you to quickly customize offerings and educate customers.

Related: What Every Entrepreneur Must Understand About Their First 10 Customers

5. Potential for early adopter relationships and strategic partnerships

Cultivating relationships with your early adopters will provide valuable insights and feedback, which helps refine, improve and expand a product in alignment with the ever-evolving needs of a niche market.

Another key growth assist can come in the form of helpful allies. The presence of influencers is a good indicator that a market has room for growth. Partnerships with these influencers and other thought leaders can fuel increased visibility and access.



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04 Jan 2024
Sticky Post By Posted in News, News and Trends Permalink

Teen Booted From Flight Over 1-Centimeter Tear in Passport

Sticky Post By On January 4, 2024


This article originally appeared on Business Insider.

Jake Burton, 19, was thrilled for his very first flight, his mother, Rachael Burton, told Business Insider.

Jake, Rachael, and Jake’s father, Chris, were scheduled to board a Ryanair flight on December 28 out of England’s East Midlands Airport to Alicante, Spain, for an eight-day New Year’s trip in nearby Benidorm.

The family arrived at the airport, checked in for their flight, went through security, and finally arrived at their gate.

Excitement — and nerves for the first-time flyer — set in, Rachael said.

The flight started boarding, and when the family reached the desk to scan their tickets and have their passports checked, a Ryanair worker told Jake that his passport was damaged, Rachael said. He wasn’t allowed to board the flight.

A small tear in the passport prevented the 19-year-old from flying

On the first page of the passport, above the page that displays Jake’s photo and information, was a tear near the binding of the passport.

Jake’s passport had been issued in October 2022, and the family said they hadn’t noticed the tear. They believe it happened when Jake used his passport recently as his main form of identification after his wallet and IDs were stolen.

BI couldn’t find anything on the airline’s website with information about damaged passports, but a Ryanair representative told BI the top corner of the passport was also missing and said in a statement that “this 19-year-old adult passenger was correctly refused travel on this flight from East Midlands to Alicante (28 Dec) by the gate agent at East Midlands Airport as his passport was damaged and therefore not valid for travel.”

But the UK government says a damaged passport is “one which the customer cannot use as proof of identity because of its condition.” This can include laminate peeling, detached pages, “where the front, back or personal details page has been cut,” or damage like tears, rips, or bite marks, the website states.

An image of Jake Burton and the tear in his passport.

Jake Burton and the tear in his passport. Rachael Burton via BI

Meanwhile, Jake’s parents were still able to board the flight. Rachael said their son encouraged them to go on their eight-day trip without him.

“There was no way on this planet. I just couldn’t do it,” she said. “I wouldn’t be able to enjoy myself.”

The family decided to look for other options. Rachael said the Ryanair worker told her other airlines might be willing to accept the passport. The family headed to another budget airline’s desk and were told the passport’s tear was small and fine to travel with, she said.

“They accepted the passport right away and said that they would try to get us on a different flight,” she said. “Unfortunately, there wasn’t any other flight available.”

Defeated, the family headed home. They first had to exit through border control. There, Rachael said, a border control agent also thought the passport looked fine.

“Her exact words were, ‘I’m so sorry for you because I think these passports are fine,'” Rachael said.

“For other people to say, ‘This passport is fine,’ that’s what’s frustrating,” Rachael said.

Instead of spending New Year’s Eve in Spain, they ended up having a quiet night at home in England.

Passengers in line at a Ryanair check-in desk.

Passengers in line at a Ryanair check-in desk. EyesWideOpen/Getty Images via BI

The family lost more than $1,500

Rachael said that altogether, the family lost £1,234, or about $1,560 USD, between flights and transportation to and from the airport.

This isn’t the first time a person has been denied boarding due to a damaged passport. In December, a couple had to cancel their honeymoon to Turkey after Turkish Airlines prohibited the husband from flying with a water-damaged passport, BI previously reported.

Ultimately, Rachael encourages others to double-check their passports before a trip and avoid using them as their everyday ID.

“With it being that small, I didn’t realize something like this could jeopardize you going,” she said.

For future trips, the family said they’d get covers for their passports.

“We’re getting him a new one now, and it’ll be under lock and key in a nice cupboard,” Rachael said.



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03 Jan 2024
Sticky Post By Posted in Finance, News Permalink

Moderna soars on analyst upgrade

Sticky Post By On January 3, 2024


Moderna stock outlook

Moderna (NASDAQ: MRNA) saw its stock surge 13% after Oppenheimer & Co. (NYSE: OPY) analyst Hartaj Singh upgraded the stock to “outperform” and predicted five product approvals by 2026. This comes despite a dismal 2023 for the company, marked by declining COVID-19 vaccine sales and investor concerns about pipeline progress.

Moderna Inc. is a pioneering biotechnology company founded in 2010 with its headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts. They specialize in developing mRNA-based therapeutics and vaccines, including their flagship Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine, the first mRNA COVID vaccine. CEO Stéphane Bancel leads the company, which boasts a market capitalization of $42.51 billion and employs over 3500 people worldwide.

Decoding Moderna’s post-pandemic playbook

Moderna’s core business revolves around its mRNA platform technology. This biotechnology breakthrough instructs cells to produce specific proteins for therapeutic or preventative purposes. This technology has been applied to develop personalized cancer vaccines and vaccines for infectious diseases like COVID-19 and RSV. Despite COVID-19 vaccine sales being their current revenue driver, the company’s future hinges on its diverse pipeline of new products.

More than just a shot in the arm

Moderna’s recent stock surge isn’t just a blip on the financial radar. It’s a resounding vote of confidence in the company’s future, fueled by a burgeoning pipeline with promising candidates. Oppenheimer & Co.’s bullish outlook is rooted in three game-changing possibilities:

The RSV savior

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory infection that can be deadly for infants and older adults. While most children encounter it before age 2, some experience severe complications, leaving a significant unmet medical need. With a potential approval date as early as April 2024, this vaccine could be a lifesaver, protecting those most vulnerable from a potentially devastating illness.

The flu fighter

Seasonal flu strikes fear into the hearts of millions every year, disrupting lives and clogging healthcare systems. Current vaccines offer decent protection, but their effectiveness wanes over time, requiring annual booster shots. Moderna’s flu vaccine candidate takes a different approach, aiming for broader and more durable protection. The hope is that a single shot could shield you from multiple flu strains for extended periods, significantly reducing the burden of this annual battle. That’s the potential Moderna’s flu vaccine holds.

The cancer warriors

Cancer, in its many forms, remains a formidable foe. But personalized cancer vaccines, tailored to each patient’s unique tumor profile, could be a game-changer. Moderna is pushing the boundaries here, developing vaccines targeting melanoma and other cancers. Think of it as training your immune system to recognize and attack your specific cancer cells, turning your body into a powerful defense system. This is truly personalized medicine at its finest, and the potential to save lives is immense.

Why 2024 could be Moderna’s year

The Oppenheimer upgrade came following a challenging year for Moderna in 2023. COVID-19 vaccine sales peaked, and concerns about the company’s pipeline progress weighed on the stock. However, analysts expect a turnaround in 2024 and beyond as new products launch and COVID-19 booster education efforts increase vaccine distribution.

Moderna’s stock surge reflects renewed analyst and investor confidence in the company’s long-term potential. The potential approval of RSV and flu vaccines in the near future could inject significant revenue streams, while progress on cancer vaccines offers long-term growth prospects. Additionally, declining operating expenses and a potential rebound in COVID-19 booster sales in 2025 could further bolster the company’s financial health.

A rising tide lifts all boats

The far-reaching impact of Moderna’s recent surge goes beyond the numbers on a ticker. This positive news isn’t just a boon for the company itself, it is a splash of hope for the broader biotechnology industry and countless patients worldwide. Here’s how:

Moderna

The analyst upgrade and stock surge act as a powerful validation of the company’s pipeline strategy. Investors are voting with their wallets, expressing confidence in the game-changing potential of the RSV, flu and cancer vaccines in development. This newfound trust can unlock doors to further investment, fueling even more research and accelerating the path to bringing these innovations to market.

Biotech industry

Moderna’s success with mRNA technology isn’t just a win for one company, it is a beacon of light for the entire medical sector. Their pioneering work paves the way for broader adoption and exploration of this revolutionary technology by other research teams and companies. This could lead to a new wave of innovation, tackling previously untouchable diseases and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in healthcare.

Customers

Ultimately, the true beneficiaries of Moderna’s pipeline lie in the potential health benefits for millions worldwide. Imagine infants and older adults protected from the dangers of RSV, thanks to a readily available vaccine. Picture a future where seasonal flu becomes a memory, thanks to a more durable and effective vaccine. And envision the hope offered by personalized cancer vaccines, empowering patients’ immune systems to fight their unique tumor profiles. These are just glimpses of the potential impact on individual lives and public health.

While challenges remain, including potential delays in product approvals and competition within the vaccine market, Moderna’s recent upgrade and pipeline progress signal a possible shift in its fortunes. If the company successfully executes its strategy, it could regain its place as the leader in the biotech industry and deliver life-changing therapies to patients worldwide.



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02 Jan 2024
Sticky Post By Posted in News, News and Trends Permalink

NFL Team Owner Throws Drink at Opposing Fan During Game Loss

Sticky Post By On January 2, 2024


Talk about bad sportsmanship!

The billionaire owner of the NFL’s Carolina Panthers, David Tepper, is under fire for allegedly throwing a drink on a Jacksonville Jaguars fan during Sunday’s game at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville.

In a clip that’s now gone viral on social media, Tepper can be seen throwing the liquid in his cup out of the window of his box before slamming the cup down, causing a Jaguars fan below to look up in anger.

The incident appears to have occurred after Panthers’ quarterback Bryce Young threw an interception in the final moments of the game.

“We are aware of the video and have no further comment at this time,” NFL spokesperson Tim Schlittner said, acknowledging the clip without providing further information.

Related: NFL Player Lived In the Stadium for Two Years To Save Money

The Panthers lost the game 26-0 and currently have a record of 2-14.

This weekend’s incident marks Tepper’s second public display of disgust over the team.

In November, Tepper was seen exiting the Panther’s locker room and screamed an expletive after a 17-10 loss to the Tennessee Titans.

Tepper has owned the Panthers since 2018 after purchasing the team from disgraced former owner Jerry Richardson, who faced allegations of racism and harassment at the time. Richardson passed away in March 2023.

Related: Kelce Jersey Sales Spike After Taylor Swift Attends NFL Game

The Panthers are set to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday at home.

Tepper is worth an estimated $17.5 billion, per Bloomberg.





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01 Jan 2024
Sticky Post By Posted in Branding, News Permalink

Forging Ahead: Understanding Influencer Partnerships in Brand Creation and Management

Sticky Post By On January 1, 2024


Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

In today’s digital-first world, brands are increasingly turning to social media influencers to amplify or be the face of their brands.

The decision to collaborate with influencers, however, is not one to be taken lightly. Compared to traditional marketing channels, influencer partnerships come with their own set of challenges and opportunities. There are several factors brand managers and marketers should consider in evaluating whether an influencer collaboration aligns with their brand strategy and goals, and it goes far past their follower count.

Related: Influencers Have Some Serious Power — Are They a Worthwhile Spend for Brands?

1. Authority and trust in the category

In the realm of influencer brands, authority and trust reign supreme.

Founders who have established themselves as authorities within their respective niches are poised for success. Influencers with extensive knowledge and expertise will earn the unwavering trust of their audience, regardless of the industry. When an influencer boasts such authoritative credentials, their recommendations carry a level of trust to their audience.

Related: 5 Things You Should Know Before Collaborating With An Influencer

2. Influence that sells

While a substantial following certainly helps an influencer brand reach a broad audience, it’s not just about the numbers. Some influencers amass followers for various reasons unrelated to their industry acumen — be it their dating lives, roles in movies or prowess in sports.

Others demonstrate the principle that true influence isn’t solely based on follower count. Micro-influencers may have smaller audiences, but they often boast higher engagement rates and a more targeted reach, making them increasingly popular among brands seeking authentic and effective partnerships. These influencers possess the unique ability to sell products earned through a history of reliable recommendations and endorsements. It’s this trust that underpins someone’s overall influence in the market.

True influence is about having the power to sway preferences and decisions through a genuine, proven connection with an audience.

3. An authentic brand story and aesthetic

Authenticity serves as the cornerstone of influencer-driven brands. It’s the authenticity that initially attracts followers, and transitioning that authenticity to a brand is a formidable challenge. In a market saturated with brands, a name alone is often insufficient to capture the attention and loyalty of consumers.

Today’s customers seek a deeper story, a genuine connection and an aesthetic that mirrors the founder’s identity. To truly resonate and sell effectively, influencers need to align closely with the brand’s values, story and ethos. This alignment ensures that their promotions and endorsements do not feel forced or superficial, but rather, they appear as a natural extension of the influencer’s own narrative and principles.

When an influencer shares a strong correlation with the brand — be it through shared values, lifestyle or aesthetics. It enhances the credibility and impact of their endorsements, leading to a more authentic and effective partnership.

Related: 5 Ways to Identify Influencers Worth Your Brand’s Time and Money

4. A product that serves a market need

Most consumer markets are saturated, making innovation and market relevance paramount. Standing out amid the sea of products and services necessitates identifying and addressing a genuine market need. If an innovation meets an unaddressed market need, then it can put itself in a position to be successful.

A product or service might be interesting thanks to the influencer’s marketing skills, but if the brand and its products don’t meet a need, it will have difficulty succeeding.

5. Product excellence beyond expectations

Product mediocrity will be swiftly dismissed. Influencer-owned brands face heightened scrutiny, with the burden of proving their products’ superior quality given that they are personalities rather than scientists or manufacturing experts. Their fame in the market presents a challenge — the need to exceed customer expectations. These brands must deliver products that not only meet industry standards but also surpass them.

The influencer’s reputation hinges on delivering the highest quality; this commitment is the brand’s greatest asset. Whilst an influencer may know what they want to create, working out where in the world to manufacture it, how to negotiate MOQs and pricing, adhering to regulations and making the product meet expectations should not be underestimated.

Bad decisions here can kill a young brand or business before it’s even started. Poor decisions can also set these brands up for failure as they grow.

Related: Why Consumers Care About Influencers, and Why You Should Too

6. Smart and effective operations

Ecommerce operations, from warehouse management to shipping logistics, fulfillment and customer service, are intricate and demanding. Customers anticipate a seamless shopping experience. Anything less than excellence can tarnish a brand’s image.

Influencer brands must master the art of efficient operations, ensuring that the customer journey is flawless, from browsing to delivery. Regardless of the industry or market, many sales take place online and making this as easy as possible for the customer is essential for success.

7. Continual community building

The community an influencer has built should never be neglected. It must always be the brand’s guiding principle. Deviating from this ethos risks alienating the most loyal followers, who may turn against the brand if they perceive a shift in priorities. Nurturing the community, engaging with followers and actively seeking their input and feedback ensures that the brand remains aligned with the expectations and values of its audience.

In the dynamic world of influencer brands, it’s not just about capitalizing on an influencer’s following. Success hinges on the fusion of trust, authenticity, innovation and exceptional operations. When harmoniously orchestrated, these key factors create a brand that not only reaches for the stars but firmly grasps them, delivering substantial returns and leaving an indelible mark in the field.

The magic isn’t in the follower count alone — it’s in the mastery of these crucial elements that distinguishes thriving influencer brands from the rest.



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31 Dec 2023
Sticky Post By Posted in News, stock market Permalink

This Tool Can Help You Make a Killing in the Stock Market

Sticky Post By On December 31, 2023


Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.

Whether you’re investing for your business or for yourself, you want to make the smartest investments possible. Sure, the stock market is booming right now, but that won’t always be the case. You need to know how to navigate through lulls and downturns. Fortunately, Tykr Stock Screener is a tool you can always have at your disposal, and it’s on sale through the end of the year.

Tykr has earned a 4.9/5-star rating on Trustpilot and AppSumo and a 4.5/5-star rating on Capterra because it makes investing safer and more educational. The intuitive tool gives you instant access to information on more than 30,000 US and international stocks to help you decide what is or is not worth your money. In addition to screening individual stocks, it’s also an educational platform enabling you to manage market risk.

All of Tykr’s calculations and algorithms are open-source, and the result of its behind-the-scenes work is a series of stats on every individual stock. Each stock is categorized as On Sale (potential buy), Watch, or Overpriced (potential sell) and has a score to indicate its overall strength. With a lifetime Premium Plan, you’ll have abundant access to stock information as the market changes, giving you the confidence to invest more safely.

Treat yourself to better investing in 2024.

Now through 11:59 p.m. PT on January 1, you can get a lifetime Premium Plan to Tykr Stock Screener for an extra $20 off, making it the exclusive price of $99.97 when you use code STOCK at checkout.

Prices subject to change.



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