Tariff Loophole or Not: Buying Directly From Chinese Manufacturers

What if everything you knew about marketing was wrong? In How Brands Grow, marketing professor Byron Sharp argues that many of the marketing principles commonly taught in business schools are unsubstantiated myths. By examining the real-world data that indicates which marketing techniques succeed and which fail, Sharp claims to have discovered a new set of empirical rules that directly contradict the widely-held “common sense” principles of marketing.

In this guide, we’ll explore what Sharp believes most marketers get wrong about where a brand’s profits come from and the psychology behind consumers’ purchasing decisions. Furthermore, we’ll define what Sharp believes to be the optimal strategy to market any brand. In addition, we’ll contrast Sharp’s theories with those of marketing experts who argue against his contrarian stance, such as Al Ries and Jack Trout (Positioning) and Seth Godin (Purple Cow). Finally, we’ll update Sharp’s theories in light of the most recent marketing developments and trends, including personalized advertising, social media engagement, and the renaissance of the subscription business model.

A recent investigation found that laborers at a $100 billion clothing giant earn as little as 4 cents an item and work up to 18 hours a day. Such labor conditions are just one of the problems with fast fashion; the industry also has a huge impact on the environment—contributing to climate change, landfill waste, and plastic pollution. To lessen the environmental impact of fast fashion, businesses will need to switch to sustainable, biodegradable materials, while consumers must change their mindset and opt for slow fashion or minimalism.

Chinese firms have pioneered a different approach to online shopping than Western firms, blending e-commerce with everything from social media to gaming to financial services within the same apps. Western companies can learn a thing or two.

What if everything you knew about marketing was wrong? In How Brands Grow, marketing professor Byron Sharp argues that many of the marketing principles commonly taught in business schools are unsubstantiated myths. By examining the real-world data that indicates which marketing techniques succeed and which fail, Sharp claims to have discovered a new set of empirical rules that directly contradict the widely-held “common sense” principles of marketing.

In this guide, we’ll explore what Sharp believes most marketers get wrong about where a brand’s profits come from and the psychology behind consumers’ purchasing decisions. Furthermore, we’ll define what Sharp believes to be the optimal strategy to market any brand. In addition, we’ll contrast Sharp’s theories with those of marketing experts who argue against his contrarian stance, such as Al Ries and Jack Trout (Positioning) and Seth Godin (Purple Cow). Finally, we’ll update Sharp’s theories in light of the most recent marketing developments and trends, including personalized advertising, social media engagement, and the renaissance of the subscription business model.

Reboot explores the rise and fall of Jodie Fox’s global business, Shoes of Prey—an innovative start-up that allowed customers to design their own shoes. Fox offers an honest look into her successes and failures as an entrepreneur, proving that there’s always value in the process of owning a business, even if your business doesn’t work out. She also provides advice on dealing with many of the situations you’ll encounter should you build a global business.

Throughout this guide, we’ll discuss topics such as how to start your business, how to negotiate cultural differences as an international entrepreneur, and how to manage mental health struggles as a business owner. We’ll also use examples from Fox’s time with Shoes of Prey to illustrate her points. In our commentary, we’ll discuss strategies for developing a business idea, offer advice for identifying and navigating cultural differences in business, and explore additional tips for taking care of your mental health.

In 7 Powers, business strategist Hamilton Helmer argues that a company’s long-term success hinges on establishing a sustainable competitive advantage. Drawing from decades of experience advising top companies, he identifies seven strategies to help you outmaneuver competitors and achieve long-term success.

This guide explores each of Helmer's seven strategies, detailing how they create unique competitive advantages and when to implement them. Whether you're an entrepreneur launching a startup, a manager in a growing company, or an executive leading an established corporation, Helmer's insights will help you focus your resources on the most effective strategies at each stage of your company's development.

Additionally, we’ll complement Helmer’s ideas with research from management professionals and suggest actionable strategies to help you apply his concepts to your own business.

Chinese firms have pioneered a different approach to online shopping than Western firms, blending e-commerce with everything from social media to gaming to financial services within the same apps. Western companies can learn a thing or two.

Have you ever wondered how the economy works - how millions of individuals can buy and sell goods and services without a master coordinator? Have you wondered why we use money, rather than bartering our services with each other? Why do some nations prosper, while others stay poor despite vast natural resources?

Basic Economics by Stanford economist Thomas Sowell is an incredibly useful, broad introduction to economics. Containing no math, it instead communicates intuitive principles that will help you understand how market transactions work and the effect of policies on the economy. Understand how prices for goods are set, why rent control has bad side effects, and the purpose of brand names.

Chinese investors are staking a growing claim in Italian businesses—a trend that Italian entrepreneurs and the general public see a bit differently.

What if everything you knew about marketing was wrong? In How Brands Grow, marketing professor Byron Sharp argues that many of the marketing principles commonly taught in business schools are unsubstantiated myths. By examining the real-world data that indicates which marketing techniques succeed and which fail, Sharp claims to have discovered a new set of empirical rules that directly contradict the widely-held “common sense” principles of marketing.

In this guide, we’ll explore what Sharp believes most marketers get wrong about where a brand’s profits come from and the psychology behind consumers’ purchasing decisions. Furthermore, we’ll define what Sharp believes to be the optimal strategy to market any brand. In addition, we’ll contrast Sharp’s theories with those of marketing experts who argue against his contrarian stance, such as Al Ries and Jack Trout (Positioning) and Seth Godin (Purple Cow). Finally, we’ll update Sharp’s theories in light of the most recent marketing developments and trends, including personalized advertising, social media engagement, and the renaissance of the subscription business model.

The home goods industry is seeing its worst downturn since the 2008 financial crisis due to inflation, a sluggish housing market, and shifts in post-pandemic consumer spending. In response, big retailers are cutting costs, changing marketing strategies, and diversifying product offerings. Recovery will depend on factors like interest rate cuts, the housing market outlook, and consumer spending.

Lower-income Americans are cutting back on spending due to rising grocery and gas prices, inflation, and growing debt. In response to falling consumer spending, major retailers and restaurant chains are cutting prices and introducing budget-friendly options, while some smaller companies are struggling to survive.