Megatrend incoming – crypto and AI
In a busy news week for business owners – from the UK budget to the upcoming US election – here’s a handpicked selection of some of the stories and analysis that have caught my eye, plus a helpful guide to keeping stress at bay.
Enjoy!
Megatrend alert
Could AI be crypto’s greatest ally? Two of the most ground-breaking forces in technology are beginning to converge, as artificial intelligence and blockchain find increasingly compelling use cases for integration. That’s why asset manager Bitwise estimates the intersection of AI and crypto could add a collective $20tn to global GDP by 2030. The combination is occurring along two distinct vectors: the application of blockchain technology to AI systems and the implementation of AI within crypto infrastructure.
A super effective framework for project briefing
Everyone has their favourite briefing template for projects. I’ve found a particularly effective one is the Get/Who/To/By format, created by the BBDO ad agency in New York on the mid-2000s. Designed to be a tight framework built around behaviour change, it remains the choice of many planners and strategists worldwide. It’s clear, simple and can be captured on one page. Discover the origin of G/W/T/B here – and how to implement it.
Why a third of the meetings we attend are a waste of time – and how to fix them
For an amusing and insightful take on meeting culture, check out Adam Grant’s WorkLife podcast. In this episode, he chats to organisational psychologist Steven Rogelberg to find out why $25mn a year is wasted per thousand people in meetings – and the specific practices and techniques you can use to ensure effectiveness. One great tip revealed is from Shopify’s operational strategy. It saw the company create a tool that calculates the cost of each meeting, based on average salaries. This would have very useful for some of the big agency ‘meeting bloat’ gatherings I’ve attended in the past.
How the ‘cosy web’ can help you build your business
Now the DTC magic formula of cheap reach and low CAC has been eroded, brands need new paths to grow and this is where the ‘cosy web’ of niche platforms and tight, loyal communities can help. In this ‘Decoding Community’ deck, strategist Zoe Scaman reveals why the revenue opportunities of finding your customers on so-called big social has been usurped by a proliferation of private community pockets.
The future of work – according to your youngest colleagues
I’ve been reading Deloitte’s 2024 Gen Z and Millennial Survey and a few things stood out. Younger workers are after more than just a paycheque – they want purpose, flexibility and workplaces that genuinely support wellbeing. Over half of them would walk away from a role that doesn’t align with their values, and many are choosing mental health and work-life balance over larger salaries. For some business owners, this is a wake-up call. Creating a purpose-driven, flexible environment isn’t just a nice-to-have anymore – it’s essential if you want to attract and keep top talent. In short, if your workplace doesn’t feel like it’s “for” your people, they’ll find one that does.
Liquidity – the key to sustainable business growth
In my latest article, I delve into the critical role liquidity plays in sustaining and expanding a business. Drawing from my experiences at JustFix, I discuss strategies we've implemented to maintain optimal liquidity, such as consistent communication, robust investor relations, leveraging social media and collaborating with market makers. I also highlight the importance of balancing business operations with market dynamics and caution against the risks of mismanaging liquidity. You can read the full article here.
Four routes to mental resilience
For those who’ve had a tough week – maybe the UK budget saw your business plans challenged, for example – here are some simple ways to reduce stress. Entrepreneurship is never easy, let’s be honest, but this model has helped me move from ‘survive’ mode to ‘thrive’ mode in the past.
Drop me a line
It’s been great to see this newsletter’s audience grow week-on-week (hello to any new subscribers!) and I’d love to get your input to make it even better. Are there big stories or topic areas you’d like me to focus on? Think about what would benefit you and send me a suggestion or two and I’ll look to cover it in the weeks and months ahead.
Look out for more great insights and inspiration in your inbox next Sunday.
Cheers!
Adam