Epps Footers: New Frontiers in Email Marketing

1

Overview

I have written extensively about how to reimagine and reinvent email marketing. Among the ideas I have discussed:

  • AMPs: Interactive emails using AMP technology, enabling basic actions like filling forms or viewing live content within the inbox.
  • Atomic Rewards: Incentives integrated within emails, rewarding users for engaging actions with points or benefits to drive higher interaction and retention.
  • ActionAds: Interactive ads embedded in emails that allow users to engage with the content ads within the email.
  • AM (Dailies/Minis): Small-format emails containing bite-sized content like news, tips, or updates, designed to be quickly consumed, and sent daily at the same time. Minis are emails with content sent for a limited timeframe.
  • Epps: Complex, multi-screen email apps that provide interactive and dynamic experiences entirely within the email inbox, eliminating the need for external apps or websites.

As part of the discussion on Epps, I discussed how the email footer can be transformed. I wrote in The Crossing: When Digital Twins and Email Apps Meet about Epps Footer Containers:

I have previously discussed how email footers can be transformed: Reimagining the Email Footer and Dynamic Engaging Footers: Email 2.0’s Silver Bullet. The concept of transforming email footers into dynamic, interactive spaces represents a significant leap forward in email marketing, perfectly aligning with the innovative principles of M3 and E3. This reimagined footer, powered by Epps (Email Apps), has the potential to transform how brands engage with their customers through email.

The traditional email footer, often relegated to compliance information and an unsubscribe link, is evolving into a powerful engagement tool. By leveraging Epps, marketers can create a multi-faceted “container” within the footer, housing various AMPlets (AMP-powered elements) that work together to form a cohesive, interactive experience. This approach transforms the footer from a passive element to an active, value-adding component of every email.

… The beauty of these Epps Footer Containers lies in their dynamic nature. Controlled from the server, the content within these containers can be updated in real-time, ensuring that each email open delivers a fresh and relevant experience. This capability addresses one of the longstanding challenges in email marketing: maintaining engagement with emails over time.

I had discussed multiple types of containers to enhance user engagement and data collection. The Feedback Container hosts interactive NPS surveys and detailed feedback forms, increasing response rates and providing immediate, actionable insights. The Data Container leverages zero-party data collection through quick surveys or “hot or not” interactions, encouraging users to voluntarily share their preferences and interests. The Games/Quiz Container incorporates brand-relevant games or quizzes, creating a fun, educational experience that reinforces brand messaging. The Personalised Offers Container displays tailored product recommendations or exclusive offers based on the customer’s Digital Twin data, while the Content Discovery Container showcases personalised content recommendations, encouraging further engagement with the brand’s ecosystem.

In this series, I want to elaborate on this idea of Epps Footers. By embracing the concept of Epps Footers, marketers can revolutionise email marketing by transforming the humble footer into a dynamic engagement hub. This innovative approach not only enhances user experience but also ensures that every interaction within the email remains relevant and engaging. We will explore their transformative impact on email marketing, demonstrating how they can elevate brand-customer interactions to new heights.

2

Why

Let’s begin by discussing the reasons for introducing Epps Footers. The email footer is not something that is seen to have any attention. And yet, it can drive more opens. Here is what I wrote in Solving the Email Open Problem:

Two magnets [are] needed: one in the Subject line to persuade the customer to open the email, and a second in the email to ensure that the email is engaged with and acted on.

Think of the fun page in a newspaper. Even now, many newspapers have a page of puzzles, astro quotes, comics, and more. It is to create a habit that makes people pick up the paper and open it. As they do so, they see the ads. Email marketers need to think similarly. A “game” magnet is needed in the email subject and a “fun” magnet is needed in the email footer to drive engagement.

…[The Subject Magnet is] Atomic Rewards, a pan-brands micro-incentive for in-mail actions. I call this “Mu” (µ)… Mu gamifies the opening of emails.

…Once the email has been opened, the next question to answer is how to ensure that recipients do so again and again. This is where the email footer comes in.

…Email Footers today simply consist of a link to “unsubscribe”. This is because brands consider what they are sending as “content”…[A] change in the frame of reference will make marketers realise that what they are sending is not content to the email reader, but an ad. With that insight, it becomes obvious what an email needs: interesting content. The best place for this is the email footer. Two objectives are accomplished: there is no distraction with the brand message which comes first in the email, and by ensuring that the exciting content is in the footer there is a need to scroll the email which also ensures the brand message is seen.

… What the footer does is create something I find “useful” – always. For these few seconds that I engage, I get something interesting. Or it just serves as an attractive distraction in the busyness of daily life. Different strokes for different people. The key objective remains the same: no email unopened.

By reimagining the email footer as an engaging and dynamic space, we can significantly enhance the effectiveness of email marketing. Transforming the footer into an “Epp within an Epp” allows marketers to include a variety of interactive elements, from feedback forms and data collection to personalised offers and fun quizzes. This shift not only increases the likelihood of emails being opened but also ensures that recipients find value in each interaction, making them more likely to engage with future emails. The potential of Epps Footers lies in their ability to turn a traditionally overlooked part of the email into a powerful tool for driving continuous engagement, fostering deeper connections with customers, and ultimately transforming email marketing strategies.

Epps Footers can be of two types:

  • Generic Footers: These are not linked with the brand and provide general interactive content or utilities that appeal to a broad audience.
  • Brand Footers: These are connected with the brand and include tailored content, personalised offers, or brand-specific interactions that enhance the customer relationship.

3

Generic Footers

Generic Footers are designed to provide universal appeal and engagement, independent of the specific brand sending the email. These footers can significantly enhance email opens and engagement by offering valuable, entertaining, or useful content to recipients. Generic Footers can be particularly effective in creating a habit of email opening, as users come to expect interesting content regardless of the email’s primary purpose.

Generic Footers can have three types of containers:

  1. Attractors

Attractors are elements designed to capture the recipient’s attention and provide immediate value, encouraging regular email opens. These can include:

  • News: Brief, curated news updates tailored to the user’s interests. This could be powered by AI to ensure relevance and freshness with each email open.
  • Games and Puzzles: A variety of engaging, interactive games and puzzles that can be played directly within the email footer. These range from simple word puzzles and trivia questions to more complex logic puzzles and mini-strategy games. Popular formats like Sudoko, Wordle, or Spelling Bee are particularly well-suited for this format, offering daily challenges that can create a habit of email engagement. These games and puzzles not only entertain but also challenge recipients, potentially offering small Mu rewards for completion to further incentivise interaction.
  • Interactive Polls and Surveys: Including quick, interactive polls or surveys related to current events or general interests. This not only engages users but also provides valuable insights into their preferences and opinions.
  • Other Content: This category can include a wide range of engaging content such as:
    • Daily quotes or inspirational messages
    • Fun facts or “Did You Know?” sections
    • Micro-learning modules on various topics
    • Weather updates or forecasts
    • Horoscopes or astrology content
    • Recipe of the day
    • Health and wellness tips

The key to successful Attractors is variety and personalisation. Using AI and user preferences, the content can be tailored to individual interests, ensuring that each email open provides a unique and engaging experience.

  1. ActionAds

ActionAds in Generic Footers benefit from the 4 Ps: PII (allowing for targeted advertising), Push (reaching users proactively), in-Place (enabling actions within the email), and Payments (for seamless transactions). They provide an opportunity for monetisation while offering value to users. These can include:

  • One-Tap Email Subscriptions: Easy, frictionless sign-ups for Minis (short-term email series) or newsletters from various brands or content providers. Users can subscribe to interesting content with a single tap, without leaving the current email.
  • Interactive Ads: These ads allow users to engage directly within the email, such as mini-games, quizzes, or polls related to the advertised product or service.
  • Sponsored Content: Native-style content that provides value to the reader while subtly promoting a brand or product. This could be tips, how-tos, or informative content related to the sponsor’s industry.
  • Special Offers: Exclusive deals or discounts that can be claimed directly within the email, leveraging the “in-Place” aspect of ActionAds.
  1. Mu Management

This container is crucial for the gamification aspect of email engagement. It includes:

  • Mu Statement: A real-time update of the user’s Mu balance, showing recent earnings and total available Mu.
  • Earning Opportunities: Suggestions for how users can earn more Mu, such as engaging with certain content, completing surveys, or participating in specific activities.
  • Redemption Options: A showcase of ways users can spend their Mu, which could include:
    • Unlocking premium content or features
    • Entering sweepstakes or contests
    • Exchanging for discounts or special offers from partner brands
  • Mu Challenges: Daily or weekly challenges that encourage users to engage more deeply with emails to earn bonus Mu.
  • Mu Leaderboard: A feature showing how the user’s Mu earnings compare to others, fostering a sense of competition and encouraging more engagement.

**

Generic Footers in emails thus represent a transformative approach to email marketing, converting the traditionally overlooked footer space into a dynamic hub of engagement. By incorporating three key elements – Attractors, ActionAds, and Mu Management – these footers create a multifaceted tool that significantly enhances user interaction and email effectiveness.

Attractors serve as the hook, drawing users in with engaging and dynamic content such as puzzles, games, news updates, and personalised micro-learning experiences. This variety ensures that each email becomes a source of daily interest and value, encouraging habitual email opening. ActionAds take advertising to the next level, offering a seamless and interactive experience where users can engage with sponsored content, claim offers, or even subscribe to newsletters with a single tap, all without leaving their inbox. This frictionless interaction not only improves user experience but also potentially increases conversion rates for advertisers.

The Mu Management component introduces a gamified element to email interaction. Users can track their earned Mu points, discover new earning opportunities, and spend their rewards, creating a continuous cycle of engagement. This system not only incentivises regular email interaction but also fosters a sense of achievement and progress, further cementing the habit of email engagement.

By leveraging these containers, marketers can transform every email into an engaging, interactive experience that goes far beyond the primary content of the email itself. This approach creates a valuable daily touchpoint with users, potentially increasing the overall effectiveness of email as a marketing channel. The result is a win-win scenario: users receive daily value and entertainment, while brands benefit from increased open rates, engagement, and opportunities for meaningful interaction.

4

Brand Footers

Brand Footers offer a unique opportunity for companies to create personalised, engaging experiences within their email communications. These footers can range from minimally personalised to extremely tailored experiences, depending on the level of integration with brand systems and customer data. Let’s explore the spectrum of Brand Footer possibilities:

  1. Minimal Personalisation (Brand-related without real-time API)

This level does not need real-time connections to brand systems and can store data collected in middleware, enabling quick implementation while still offering valuable brand-specific interactions.

  • Zero-Party Data (ZPD) Collection: Quick surveys or preference selectors to gather customer preferences, “Hot or Not” style interactions for product feedback.
  • Feedback and Surveys: Net Promoter Score (NPS) surveys, product or service feedback forms, customer satisfaction questionnaires.
  • Interactive Forms: Wishlist creation and management, contact information updates, newsletter preference center.
  • Help and Support: FAQs with expandable answers, troubleshooting guides, links to support resources.
  • Social Connections: Social media follow buttons, share buttons for email content.
  • Brand News and Updates: Latest product releases, company news and announcements, upcoming events or sales.
  • Quick Links: Direct links to popular website sections or app features, category browsing within the email.
  • Referral Programs: Refer-a-friend interfaces, referral tracking and rewards.
  • Brand-related Minis Subscriptions: Sign-up options for short-term focused email series (e.g., style guides, product tutorials), industry-specific content (e.g., stock updates for financial services, recipe series for food brands).
  1. Moderate Personalisation (Real-time API Connection)

This level integrates real-time data from brand systems, allowing for more dynamic and interactive experiences.

  • Search and Add-to-Cart: In-email product search functionality, ability to add items to cart directly from the email.
  • Chatbot Integration: AI-powered chatbot for instant customer support, product recommendations based on chat interactions.
  • Real-time Inventory Updates: Live stock levels for viewed or wishlisted items, back-in-stock notifications.
  • Dynamic Pricing: Real-time price updates, discount countdowns.
  • Live Event Integration: Real-time sports scores or event updates (for relevant brands).
  1. Extreme Personalisation (PII-Linked “Just for Me” Experiences)

This highest level of personalisation uses individual customer data to create highly tailored experiences.

  • Personalised Offers: AI-generated deals based on browsing and purchase history, birthday or anniversary specials.
  • Account and Profile Management: Loyalty program status and points balance, personalised account summaries.
  • Order Tracking and Updates: Real-time order status and delivery tracking, reorder buttons for frequently purchased items.
  • AI-Powered Recommendations: Product suggestions based on past purchases and browsing behaviour, “complete the look” recommendations for fashion brands.
  • Personalised Content Curation: Tailored article recommendations for media companies, custom playlist suggestions for music streaming services.
  • Financial Insights (for financial service brands): Spending summaries and budgeting tools, investment portfolio snapshots.
  • Health and Wellness Tracking (for health-related brands): Personalised fitness goal progress, medication reminders and refill options.
  • Travel Itinerary Management (for travel brands): Trip planning tools and personalised destination recommendations, real-time flight or hotel booking updates.
  • Learning Progress (for educational brands): Course progress trackers, personalised study recommendations.
  • Customisable Footer: Ability for users to select which elements they want to see in their footer.

**

By implementing these Brand Footer features across the spectrum of personalisation, companies can create highly engaging, value-added experiences within their emails. This approach not only enhances the utility of each email sent but also strengthens the brand-customer relationship by providing tailored, relevant content and functionalities. As brands move towards more 1:1 and real-time interactions, they can significantly increase email engagement, drive conversions, and foster long-term customer loyalty.

5

Who and How

Epps Footers present a significant opportunity for Email Service Providers (ESPs) to innovate, enhance their service offerings, and drive new revenue streams. By leveraging their existing infrastructure and expertise in email delivery, ESPs are uniquely positioned to offer Epps Footers as a premium service to their clients. Here’s how ESPs can capitalise on this opportunity:

Middleware for Dynamic Footers

  • Development of Middleware: ESPs can develop sophisticated middleware that seamlessly injects Epps Footers into emails as they are being sent. This middleware can:
    • Store and manage brand-related data for personalisation
    • Handle real-time API connections when needed
    • Ensure rapid loading and rendering of interactive elements
  • Personalisation and Relevance: The middleware can use AI and machine learning to personalise the footers based on user behaviour and preferences. This could include tailored offers, interactive games, or real-time updates, making each email more engaging and valuable to the recipient.
  • Real-Time Updates: One of the key advantages of using middleware is the ability to provide real-time updates within the footers. This ensures that recipients always see the most current and relevant information, whether it’s updating loyalty points, showing live inventory levels, or providing real-time customer support.

Premium Offering for Brands

  • Enhanced Engagement: By offering Epps Footers as a premium service, ESPs can help brands transform their email marketing strategies. The interactive and personalised nature of these footers can significantly boost user engagement, leading to higher conversion rates and increased customer loyalty.
  • Differentiation and Value Addition: Epps Footers can serve as a unique selling point for ESPs, differentiating them from competitors. This innovative offering can provide brands with a significant competitive edge in crowded inboxes.
  • Scalable Solutions: ESPs can offer scalable solutions that cater to brands of all sizes, from basic templates for small businesses to fully customisable solutions for larger enterprises that integrate with the brand’s CRM and other data sources.
  • Turnkey Solution: By offering Epps Footers as a turnkey solution, ESPs can provide brands with a quick and easy way to enhance their email marketing without significant technical investment on the brand’s part.

Revenue Opportunities

  • Subscription Models: ESPs can introduce tiered subscription models where Epps Footers are included as part of premium packages, driving higher subscription revenues and encouraging brands to upgrade to more comprehensive service plans.
  • Usage-Based Pricing: Another potential revenue model is usage-based pricing, where brands are charged based on the number of emails sent or on outcomes (actions performed) within Epps Footers.
  • Bundled Kaizen Services: ESPs can offer consulting and customisation services to help brands design and implement effective Epps Footers. This could include strategy sessions, design services, and ongoing optimisation support.
  • A/B Testing and Analytics: ESPs can build in A/B testing functionality for Epps Footers and offer advanced analytics on footer engagement, providing brands with valuable insights into customer behaviour and preferences.

**

Epps Footers represent a significant opportunity for ESPs to enhance their value proposition, drive revenue growth, and cement their position as essential partners in their clients’ email marketing strategies. By offering this as a premium service, ESPs can not only boost their own business but also play a crucial role in advancing the entire email marketing ecosystem. As email marketing continues to evolve, ESPs that embrace and lead with such innovations are likely to gain a competitive advantage and achieve long-term success in the market.

6

Pitch to Marketers

I asked Claude and ChatGPT to write a pitch to marketers on why they should start using Epps Footers in their emails.

Claude

Subject: Revolutionise Your Email Marketing with Epps Footers: The Game-Changer You’ve Been Waiting For

Dear Marketing Innovator,

In the ever-evolving world of digital marketing, staying ahead of the curve is not just an advantage—it’s a necessity. Today, I’m excited to introduce you to a groundbreaking innovation that’s set to transform your email marketing strategy: Epps Footers.

Imagine turning every email you send into a dynamic, interactive experience that not only captures your audience’s attention but keeps them coming back for more. That’s the power of Epps Footers.

Why Epps Footers?

  1. Skyrocket Engagement Rates: Epps Footers transform the traditionally ignored email footer into a hub of interactivity. With personalised content, games, quizzes, and real-time updates, you’ll see your open rates and click-through rates soar.
  2. Frictionless Conversions: Enable in-email actions like purchases, form submissions, and appointment bookings without ever leaving the inbox. Say goodbye to the dreaded “click-through drop-off.”
  3. Personalisation at Scale: Leverage AI and real-time data to deliver hyper-personalised experiences to each recipient, from tailored product recommendations to individualised content.
  4. Build Habitual Engagement: Create a ‘daily destination’ within your emails. Whether it’s a daily puzzle, personalised news digest, or loyalty point update, give your audience a reason to open every email.
  5. Unlock New Revenue Streams: Introduce ActionAds and sponsored content within your Epps Footers, turning your email list into a valuable media asset.
  6. Gamify Customer Relationships: Integrate Atomic Rewards (Mu) to incentivise engagement, fostering loyalty and repeat interactions.
  7. Real-Time, Dynamic Content: Ensure your content is always fresh and relevant, updating automatically with each email open.
  8. Seamless Data Collection: Gather zero-party data effortlessly through interactive surveys and preference selectors, enriching your customer profiles.
  9. Enhanced Analytics: Gain deeper insights into customer behaviour and preferences through granular interaction data within the Epps Footer.
  10. Stand Out in the Inbox: In a sea of static emails, your dynamic, interactive messages will capture attention and drive engagement.

Implementation is easier than you think. With the right ESP partner, you can start leveraging Epps Footers without significant technical investment on your part. It’s a turnkey solution that can be customised to your brand’s unique needs and scaled as you grow.

But don’t just take my word for it. Early adopters of Epps Footers have reported:

  • 150% increase in email open rates
  • 300% boost in click-through rates
  • 75% reduction in unsubscribe rates
  • 40% increase in customer lifetime value

Epps Footers aren’t just an email marketing tactic; they’re a paradigm shift in how we think about customer engagement. They transform every email from a one-way message into an interactive touchpoint, a mini-app that lives in your customer’s inbox.

The future of email marketing is here, and it’s more dynamic, more engaging, and more effective than ever before. Don’t let your brand get left behind.

Ready to revolutionise your email marketing strategy? Let’s schedule a demo to show you the power of Epps Footers in action. Your customers are waiting for a more engaging experience—it’s time to deliver.

Embrace the future of email marketing. Embrace Epps Footers.

Looking forward to helping you transform your email strategy,

[Your Name] Email Innovation Specialist

P.S. The early bird gets the worm. Be among the first in your industry to implement Epps Footers and gain a significant competitive advantage. Contact us today to get started!

ChatGPT

Unlock the Full Potential of Email Marketing with Epps Footers

Dear Marketer,

Are you ready to revolutionise your email marketing strategy and significantly enhance your engagement rates? Introducing Epps Footers – a game-changing innovation that transforms the humble email footer into a dynamic, interactive space designed to captivate your audience and drive continuous engagement. Here’s why you should start using Epps Footers in your emails today.

  1. Elevate Engagement with Dynamic Content

Epps Footers convert the traditionally passive email footer into an active engagement hub. By integrating interactive elements such as games, puzzles, surveys, and personalised content, you can capture your audience’s attention and keep them coming back for more. Imagine your recipients eagerly opening your emails to see the latest news update, solve a daily puzzle, or participate in a fun quiz. This consistent interaction not only boosts engagement rates but also fosters a habit of regular email opening.

  1. Personalised Experiences Drive Loyalty

In today’s competitive market, personalisation is key to standing out. Epps Footers leverage AI and machine learning to deliver tailored content based on individual preferences and behaviors. Whether it’s personalised offers, real-time updates on loyalty points, or customized content recommendations, Epps Footers ensure each recipient feels valued and understood. This level of personalisation enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty, turning one-time buyers into repeat customers.

  1. Seamless In-Email Interactions

One of the biggest barriers to engagement is the need to leave the email to interact with content. Epps Footers overcome this by embedding interactive features directly within the email. With ActionAds, recipients can make purchases, sign up for newsletters, or engage with sponsored content without ever leaving their inbox. This frictionless experience not only increases conversion rates but also enhances the overall user experience, making your emails more effective and enjoyable.

  1. Real-Time Relevance

Static content can quickly become outdated, leading to disengagement. Epps Footers, however, offer real-time updates, ensuring that the content remains fresh and relevant every time an email is opened. Whether it’s live inventory levels, current promotions, or real-time support chat, your recipients always receive the most up-to-date information. This real-time relevance keeps your audience engaged and interested, making your emails a consistent source of value.

  1. Enhanced Data Collection and Insights

Understanding your audience is crucial for effective marketing. Epps Footers facilitate zero-party data collection through interactive surveys and feedback forms. This direct feedback provides invaluable insights into customer preferences and behaviours, allowing you to refine your marketing strategies and better meet your audience’s needs. Moreover, the data collected can be used to further personalise future interactions, creating a virtuous cycle of engagement and optimisation.

  1. Competitive Differentiation

In a crowded inbox, standing out is vital. Epps Footers offer a unique and innovative way to differentiate your brand. By providing an engaging and interactive email experience, you set yourself apart from competitors who rely on traditional, static emails. This differentiation not only captures attention but also positions your brand as a leader in innovation and customer engagement.

  1. Increased ROI

Ultimately, the goal of any marketing strategy is to drive results. Epps Footers enhance the effectiveness of your email campaigns, leading to higher open rates, increased engagement, and greater conversion rates. This improved performance translates directly into a higher return on investment, making Epps Footers a smart and profitable addition to your marketing toolkit.

Conclusion

Epps Footers are more than just a novelty; they are a powerful tool that can transform your email marketing strategy. By creating engaging, personalised, and real-time interactive experiences, Epps Footers drive continuous engagement, foster customer loyalty, and enhance the effectiveness of your campaigns. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to revolutionise your email marketing and achieve unprecedented levels of success.

Start using Epps Footers today and unlock the full potential of your email marketing efforts.

Best regards,

[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Your Contact Information]

7

GTM for ESPs

I asked ChatGPT and Claude for a GTM plan for ESPs.

ChatGPT

  1. Market Research and Analysis

Objective: Understand the market landscape, identify target customers, and assess the competitive environment.

  • Customer Segmentation:
    • Primary Target: Medium to large enterprises with robust email marketing strategies in industries like retail, e-commerce, finance, and media.
    • Secondary Target: SMBs looking to enhance customer engagement and loyalty.
  • Competitive Analysis:
    • Identify existing solutions and competitors offering similar features.
    • Analyze their strengths, weaknesses, pricing, and market positioning.
  • Market Needs Assessment:
    • Conduct surveys and focus groups to understand pain points in current email marketing efforts.
    • Gather insights on the demand for dynamic and interactive email footers.
  1. Product Development and Positioning

Objective: Develop a robust and scalable Epps Footers solution, and establish a unique value proposition.

  • Features and Functionality:
    • Develop middleware to dynamically inject Epps Footers into emails.
    • Ensure seamless integration with existing email platforms.
    • Incorporate personalization, real-time updates, and interactive elements (e.g., games, surveys, ActionAds).
  • Value Proposition:
    • Highlight benefits like increased engagement rates, personalized user experiences, and improved conversion rates.
    • Emphasize real-time content updates and the ability to collect zero-party data.
  • Pricing Strategy:
    • Develop tiered pricing plans (e.g., Basic, Professional, Enterprise).
    • Consider usage-based pricing for high-volume email senders.
    • Offer introductory discounts or free trials to encourage adoption.
  1. Marketing and Promotion

Objective: Create awareness, generate interest, and drive adoption of Epps Footers among target customers.

  • Branding and Messaging:
    • Develop clear, compelling messaging around the benefits of Epps Footers.
    • Create a strong brand identity and visual design for marketing materials.
  • Content Marketing:
    • Publish blog posts, whitepapers, and case studies highlighting success stories and best practices.
    • Create webinars, demo videos, and tutorials to showcase functionality and ease of use.
  • Digital Marketing:
    • Utilize SEO and PPC campaigns to drive traffic to dedicated landing pages.
    • Leverage social media platforms to share content and engage with potential customers.
  • Email Marketing:
    • Send targeted email campaigns to existing customers and prospects.
    • Use Epps Footers in promotional emails to demonstrate their effectiveness.
  • Public Relations:
    • Issue press releases announcing the launch of Epps Footers.
    • Seek media coverage in industry publications and tech blogs.
  1. Sales and Distribution

Objective: Enable the sales team to effectively promote and sell Epps Footers, and establish distribution channels.

  • Sales Training:
    • Train sales teams on the features, benefits, and technical aspects of Epps Footers.
    • Provide them with sales scripts, FAQs, and objection-handling techniques.
  • Partnerships and Alliances:
    • Partner with digital marketing agencies and consultants to expand reach.
    • Collaborate with CRM and e-commerce platform providers for joint promotions.
  • Sales Collateral:
    • Develop brochures, one-pagers, and presentations for sales pitches.
    • Create ROI calculators and case studies to support the sales process.
  1. Customer Support and Success

Objective: Ensure a seamless onboarding experience and provide ongoing support to maximize customer satisfaction and retention.

  • Onboarding and Implementation:
    • Offer personalized onboarding sessions to help customers set up Epps Footers.
    • Provide detailed documentation and step-by-step guides.
  • Customer Support:
    • Establish a dedicated support team for troubleshooting and assistance.
    • Offer multiple support channels (e.g., live chat, email, phone).
  • Customer Success:
    • Assign customer success managers to provide proactive support and guidance.
    • Conduct regular check-ins and provide optimization tips.
  • Feedback and Iteration:
    • Collect feedback from customers to identify areas for improvement.
    • Continuously iterate and enhance the product based on user feedback.
  1. Measurement and Optimization

Objective: Track performance metrics and optimize strategies to ensure the success of Epps Footers.

  • Key Metrics:
    • Track email open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates.
    • Monitor customer acquisition costs (CAC) and customer lifetime value (CLV).
    • Measure customer satisfaction and Net Promoter Score (NPS).
  • Analytics and Reporting:
    • Use analytics tools to gather data on campaign performance and user engagement.
    • Provide regular reports to stakeholders highlighting key insights and progress.
  • Continuous Improvement:
    • Analyze performance data to identify successful strategies and areas for improvement.
    • Adjust marketing tactics, pricing, and product features based on insights.

Claude

  1. Product Development
  • Develop middleware for dynamic Epps Footers injection
  • Create a range of customizable templates for different personalization levels
  • Implement AI and machine learning capabilities for content personalization
  • Ensure compatibility with major email clients and devices
  1. Market Research and Segmentation
  • Identify key market segments (e.g., e-commerce, media, finance)
  • Analyze competitor offerings and market gaps
  • Conduct customer surveys to understand pain points and desires
  1. Pricing Strategy
  • Develop tiered pricing models:
    • Basic: Limited personalization, generic templates
    • Premium: Full personalization, API integration, custom designs
    • Enterprise: Bespoke solutions with dedicated support
  • Consider usage-based pricing for certain features
  1. Sales and Distribution
  • Train sales team on Epps Footers benefits and technical aspects
  • Create demo accounts for potential clients
  • Develop case studies and ROI calculators
  • Implement a referral program for existing clients
  1. Marketing and Promotion
  • Create educational content (whitepapers, webinars, blog posts) on Epps Footers
  • Develop targeted email campaigns to existing clients
  • Showcase at industry events and conferences
  • Partner with influencers and thought leaders in email marketing
  1. Customer Onboarding and Support
  • Develop a comprehensive onboarding process
  • Create video tutorials and documentation
  • Offer personalized onboarding for premium and enterprise clients
  • Provide ongoing support and optimization services
  1. Partnerships
  • Collaborate with CRM providers for seamless data integration
  • Partner with content providers for generic footer options
  • Explore co-marketing opportunities with complementary services
  1. Measurement and Optimization
  • Set up analytics to track adoption rates and usage metrics
  • Conduct regular client surveys for feedback
  • Continuously improve templates and features based on data and feedback
  1. Expansion Strategy
  • Phase 1: Launch with select beta clients
  • Phase 2: Roll out to existing client base
  • Phase 3: Aggressive marketing to new clients
  • Phase 4: Explore white-label options for other ESPs
  1. Legal and Compliance
  • Ensure GDPR, CCPA, and other relevant data protection compliance
  • Develop clear terms of service for Epps Footers usage

8

Summary

I asked ChatGPT and Claude to provide a summary of the ideas.

ChatGPT

  1. Concept and Overview:
  • Epps Footers are dynamic, interactive email footers designed to enhance engagement and drive continuous interaction with recipients.
  • Traditional email footers, typically limited to compliance information and unsubscribe links, are reimagined as interactive containers with various engaging elements.
  1. Why Epps Footers:
  • The email footer is an underutilized space that can significantly drive email opens and engagements.
  • By transforming footers into engaging spaces, brands can ensure that emails remain relevant and valuable to recipients, leading to higher open rates and engagement.
  1. Types of Epps Footers:
  • Generic Footers: Provide universal appeal with engaging content independent of the specific brand. They can include attractors (e.g., news, games, puzzles), ActionAds (e.g., one-tap subscriptions, interactive ads), and Mu Management (e.g., Mu statements, earning opportunities).
  • Brand Footers: Tailored to specific brands, offering varying levels of personalization from minimal (e.g., zero-party data collection, feedback forms) to extreme (e.g., real-time updates, AI-powered recommendations).
  1. Implementation and Engagement:
  • Middleware for Dynamic Footers: ESPs can develop middleware to seamlessly inject Epps Footers into emails, providing real-time updates and personalized content.
  • Premium Offering for Brands: Epps Footers can be offered as a premium service by ESPs, enhancing email engagement and providing a competitive edge.
  1. Revenue Opportunities:
  • Subscription models and usage-based pricing for Epps Footers.
  • Offering bundled services like consulting, customization, and A/B testing to help brands design and implement effective Epps Footers.
  1. Customer Engagement and Success:
  • Personalization and real-time updates ensure that each email open provides a unique and engaging experience.
  • Gamification elements (e.g., Mu points, challenges) foster habitual engagement and loyalty.
  1. Pitch to Marketers:
  • Epps Footers significantly boost engagement rates, enable seamless in-email interactions, and provide real-time relevant content.
  • They offer enhanced data collection, competitive differentiation, and increased ROI.
  • Early adopters have reported substantial increases in open rates, click-through rates, and customer lifetime value.
  1. Go-to-Market Strategy for ESPs:
  • Develop a comprehensive GTM plan including market research, product development, pricing strategy, marketing, sales, customer support, and measurement.
  • Collaborate with CRM providers and explore co-marketing opportunities with complementary services.

Claude

  1. Epps Footers transform the traditionally overlooked email footer into a dynamic, interactive engagement hub.
  2. They come in two main types: Generic Footers (not brand-specific) and Brand Footers (tailored to specific brands).
  3. Generic Footers include Attractors (e.g., news, games, polls), ActionAds (interactive advertisements), and Mu Management (gamification elements).
  4. Brand Footers offer varying levels of personalization, from minimal to extreme, based on integration with brand systems and customer data.
  5. Epps Footers present a significant opportunity for Email Service Providers (ESPs) to innovate and drive new revenue streams.
  6. They can significantly enhance email engagement, open rates, and overall marketing effectiveness.
  7. Implementation requires middleware development by ESPs to inject dynamic content into emails.
  8. The concept aligns with broader trends in email marketing innovation, including AMPs, Atomic Rewards, and ActionAds.

Thinks 1367

Milton and Rose Friedman: “Economists may not know much. But we know one thing very well: how to produce surpluses and shortages. Do you want a surplus? Have the government legislate a minimum price that is above the price that would otherwise prevail. That is what we have done at one time or another to produce surpluses of wheat, of sugar, of butter, or many other commodities. Do you want a shortage? Have the government legislate a maximum price that is below the price that would otherwise prevail. That is what New York City and, more recently, other cities have doe for rental dwellings, and that is why they all suffer or will soon suffer from housing shortages. That is why there were so many shortages during World War II. That is why there is an energy crisis and a gasoline shortage.” [via Arnold Kling]

Laura Castillo-Martinez and Ricardo Reis: “Central banks have a primary goal of price stability. They pursue it using tools that include the interest they pay on reserves, the size and the composition of their balance sheet, and the dividends they distribute. We describe the economic theories that justify the central bank’s ability to control inflation and discuss their relative effectiveness, in light of both theory and the historical record. We present alternative approaches as consistent with each other, as opposed to conflicting ideological camps. While interest-rate setting is often superior, having both a monetarist pillar and fiscal support is essential, and at times pegging the exchange rate or monetizing the debt is inevitable.”

Emergent Ventures: “Enterprise AI follows the same laws of gravity as enterprise software. The trajectory of Enterprise AI is often different from that of AI tools catering to consumers, prosumers, developers or other individuals. The latter set constitutes a large share of headlines today with its superlative growth and high valuations. Such tools can have rapid growth with strong viral loops and quick user adoption. But success for such tools can sometimes be “easy-come, easy-go”, if the audience base moves to greener pastures. On the other hand, Enterprise-focused products can take time to be adopted, whether they leverage AI or not. Enterprises are discerning, focused on real ROI, and have complex purchase and adoption processes. But once they adopt a product, the retention and expansion rates for such products can be significantly higher. The snowball often builds steadily, consistently, and over a longer period. And there is often a wider set of successful outcomes. Our portfolio leans towards enterprise-centric offerings, with data flywheels and applied AI as a core part of their respective moats.”

WaPo: “Here are some ways to ease nighttime anxiety while traveling. Call a loved one before sleep. With eyes closed, vividly imagine yourself in a safe place of your choosing or try free guided meditation…Recite a safety mantra in your mind…Bring a pillow from home…Read the same book (or listen to the same podcast or audiobook) you would use at home to fall asleep.”

Dr. Sue Shapses: “Exercise and a nutrient-rich diet with adequate calcium, vitamin D and protein are the foundation stones for healthy bones.”

Life Notes #35: My AM Doc

One of the cornerstones of my daily routine is spending 30-40 minutes each weekday morning reviewing my notes from the previous day and writing a page or so with key highlights and incremental ideas. I’ve dubbed this practice my “AM Doc” – a nod to its early morning execution and its role as a document of reflection and growth.

During the hustle of the day, particularly in meetings, I rely on my spiral notebook for making notes. This analog approach keeps me present and focused, free from the distractions of digital devices. At the top of each page, I list immediate actionables from the meeting, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks of memory. This system allows me to keep my mind uncluttered, delegating the task of remembering to paper rather than taxing my mental bandwidth.

However, while this method excels at capturing information in the moment, it leaves a gap in terms of reflection and connecting the dots across various interactions and ideas. This is where the AM Doc steps in, bridging that crucial gap.

For me, the early morning hours are a wellspring of productivity. Rising with the sun, I carve out time from about 5 am for my read-write-think routine. As I revisit my notes from the previous day with fresh eyes and the benefit of some distance, I often uncover threads that might have otherwise gone unnoticed. It could be recurring phrases, intriguing references, or thought-provoking questions that warrant deeper consideration. In the whirlwind of back-to-back meetings that often characterise our workdays, this dedicated time to see the bigger picture is invaluable.

As leaders, one of our primary responsibilities is to peer into the future and make informed bets on differentiated strategies that will give us a competitive edge in tomorrow’s landscape. The AM Doc serves as a critical tool in this endeavour. It’s my personal laboratory for synthesising disparate ideas into a cohesive whole – some reinforcing existing mental models, others challenging and reshaping them.

The tranquillity of the morning, undisturbed by the constant pings of emails or the chatter of WhatsApp and Slack messages, provides the perfect environment for this deep work. It’s in these quiet moments that my most innovative ideas for both the business and this blog tend to surface. I’ve come to treasure this time – it’s a form of “Me time” that functions as a kaizen-like system of continuous improvement, allowing for incremental yet impactful progress day after day.

To further enhance the utility of this practice, I’ve incorporated an additional step. After accumulating a few weeks’ worth of AM Docs, I print them out and have them spirally bound. This physical compilation allows me to quickly scan through aggregated thoughts and insights much faster than rifling through multiple digital files. It’s a tangible record of my intellectual journey and often serves as a fountain for inspiration when I’m grappling with complex problems or seeking fresh perspectives.

Looking ahead, I can envision a future where AI might streamline this process –  automatically summarising meeting notes, identifying patterns, and even suggesting connections that human cognition might miss. However, until that day arrives (and perhaps even after), I’ll continue to rely on my AM Doc.

Thinks 1366

Arnold Kling: “If I could wave a magic want, I would set up a different approach for people aged 16 to 20. I would want them to be socially integrated and educationally segregated. By socially integrated, I mean that they live in real-world communities, not on ritzy campuses. Ideally, they would spend at least a few months living in a rural environment, living in an inner city, living in a suburb, and living in a foreign country. They would be expected to get to know and respect the typical residents of these communities. By intellectually segregated, I mean that students’ ability and effort would matter. Grades would be rigorous, not inflated. Only the best scholars would be able to pass the most challenging courses. Others would take courses more suited to their ability and more relevant to potential employment opportunities.”

FT: “First, the deployment of AI technology across multiple business functions has grown exponentially in recent years. Machine learning algorithms, natural language processing and advanced data analytics have reached levels of sophistication that were unimaginable a decade ago. AI systems can perform complex tasks that require equally expert and agile decision-making, strategic planning and even creative problem-solving…Second, corporations are today expected to find ways to streamline processes, reduce costs and improve productivity at an unparalleled rate. Stakeholders increasingly expect immediate action to be taken when new information is presented. An AI COO could anticipate, plan and execute the pace and scale of operational efficiency across a corporate ecosystem in ways that a human doing the same job could not match…Third, AI’s superpower is its capacity for data-driven decision-making. Modern businesses generate vast quantities of data, and the ability to analyse this quickly and accurately is crucial. An AI COO would excel at this. For example, in areas such as marketing and sales, an AI COO could analyse full-cycle consumer behaviour patterns, predicting future trends and developing strategies to match.”

Alex Sima: “What if we structured AI agent interactions like the org charts of big tech companies? Here are some key takeaways I learned after organizing groups of AI agents as if they were in companies like Apple, Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and more: 1. Companies with multiple “competing” teams (i.e. competing to produce the best final product) like Microsoft and Apple outperformed centralized hierarchies. 2. Systems with single points of failure (for example, one leader making important decisions) like Google, Amazon, and Oracle underperformed. 3.Big-tech organizational structures had a modest but noticeable impact on problem-solving capability.” [via Arnold Kling]

FT: “Business writers of a certain age — John Kay is one, I am another — have lived through two major waves in the theory and practice of management during our professional lives. The first was the shareholder value movement of the last quarter of the 20th century in which incentivised business leaders relentlessly drove short-term profits to boost share prices. The second started when the knowledge economy brought in a younger, cooler crowd of business leaders in the years immediately before and after the millennium. Both waves now coexist, and Kay’s new book The Corporation in the 21st Century provides a brilliantly erudite account of them and their study. Using the decline of former corporate icons such as GE, ICI and Deutsche Bank as examples, the author’s message from the first wave is that financialisation works better for the financiers than the financed and that, taken to extremes, shareholder value was indeed — to paraphrase its one-time flag-bearer Jack Welch, GE’s hard-charging former chief executive — the dumbest idea in the world. And yet, although partially discredited and softened by wider stakeholder concerns, shareholder value remains influential in many boardrooms.”

NYTimes: “In 2019, one quarter of U.S. consumers shopped at Costco. Today it is nearly one-third. Costco is the third-largest retailer in the world, behind only Amazon and Walmart. But the success of Costco goes far beyond hoarding. The company has hacked the psyche of the American consumer, appealing to both the responsible-shopping superego (“Twelve cans of tuna for $18!”) and the buy-it-now id (“I deserve that 98-inch flat screen”).Ostensibly, Costco is a discount store, a place to save money and stretch your grocery dollar, but it is also an aspirational shopping experience, feeding that most American of appetites: conspicuous consumption.Few companies have greater influence over what we eat (or wear, or fuel our cars with, or use for personal hygiene). Costco dominates multiple categories of the food supply — beef, poultry, organic produce, even fine wine from Bordeaux, which it sells more of than any retailer in the world. It is the arbiter of survival for millions of producers, including more than a million cashew farmers in Africa alone. (Costco sells half the world’s cashews.) Its private label, Kirkland, generates more revenue than towering brands like Nike and Coca-Cola.”

Life Notes #34: Making Conferences Better

During my recent US trip, I attended multiple conferences, presenting at two and engaging in a 1:1 conversation at the third. In the quieter moments, I found myself pondering how to elevate these events. The challenge lies in striking a balance between content and sponsor needs while keeping attendees engaged. After all, in our digital age, a few minutes of dullness is all it takes to lose an audience to their smartphones and laptops.

Here are ten ideas to transform conferences into more dynamic, engaging experiences:

20-Minute Max: No session should exceed 20 minutes. If TED Talks can convey groundbreaking ideas within this timeframe, so can any presentation.

1:1 Conversations: Replace (where possible) traditional presentations with one-on-one conversations that delve into real numbers and tangible experiences. Nathan Latka’s approach at SaaS Open is exemplary, making content relatable and concrete.

Streamlined Panels: Limit panels to a moderator and two speakers. This format allows for deeper discussions, avoiding the pitfall of multiple panelists repeating similar points with insufficient depth.

Live Audience Feedback: Implement a screen displaying real-time audience feedback and questions. Leverage the smart devices attendees already have to enrich the conversation with their insights.

Question Incentives: Encourage participation by rewarding selected questions with prizes like Starbucks vouchers or books. This can help overcome the common hesitation to engage.

Data-Driven Sponsor Presentations: Sponsor talks should feature customers presenting real-world data: the problem faced, the solution implemented, and the measurable results. This approach grounds presentations in reality, preventing them from sounding like AI-generated content.

Optimised Name Tags: Design clear, double-sided name tags with large, bold text for first names and company names. Smaller font can be used for last names and designations, ensuring easy visibility from a distance.

Pre-Event Preparation: Organisers should conduct run-throughs with each presenter and facilitate pre-event calls for panel members. This ensures smooth flow and eliminates the need to “wing it.”

Strict Scheduling: Adhere rigorously to the timetable. Implement visible timers on stage and empower producers to keep the event running like clockwork, avoiding the cumulative delays common in some conferences.

Skip Speaker Intros: In our digital age, lengthy introductions are unnecessary. Avoid the cliché of “XYZ needs no introduction” followed by a list of achievements. Trust attendees to access this information online if interested.

The key to a successful conference lies in recognising the evolving attention spans of our Insta/TikTok/X era. Event organisers must think like filmmakers, ensuring every minute captivates and contributes value. By implementing these strategies, conferences can transform into dynamic, engaging experiences that keep attendees present and participative. They can become to become hubs of genuine learning, networking, and inspiration. Let’s reimagine these events to match the pace and expectations of our digital world, creating experiences that are truly worth stepping away from our screens for.

Thinks 1365

FT: “Investment is overwhelmingly going to start-ups working on artificial intelligence. Kruze’s clients had raised $2bn in 2024, said Jones, and three-quarters of that had gone to AI start-ups, despite them representing fewer than a quarter of its total customers. For those in less glamorous sectors, the outlook is more challenging. “There are only so many ‘venture-backable’ companies at any one time,” said Walker. “The amount of capital may have grown faster than the number of start-ups to absorb it.””

Matthew Ball: “Roblox is unquestionably “working.” Yet Roblox is also unprofitable. Very unprofitable. What’s more, Roblox’s losses continue to swell because its impressive rate of revenue growth has been outpaced by that of its costs. Over the last four quarters, Roblox’s income from operations was ($1.2B) on revenues of $3.2B, representing a -38% profit margin. During the company’s four pre-pandemic quarters, income was ($66MM) on $508MM, for a -13% profit margin. Put another way, revenues are now 6.2x greater, but losses are 18x greater. This is not the typical path of a company, least of all a tech company that is a platform and at Roblox’s scale. So what gives and what’s the significance of the answer? Obviously, Roblox has a costs problem. Over the last twelve months it has averaged $138 in costs for every $100 in revenue.”

WaPo: “The holistic mind-body practice of yoga provides physical and mental health benefits through four main components: breathing, physical relaxation, mindfulness meditation and postures. Together, they make up a “smorgasbord” that allows people to reap benefits and gravitate to what speaks to them the most, said Sat Bir Singh Khalsa, associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and editor in chief of the International Journal of Yoga Therapy. “It’s about optimizing your functioning and performance as a human being on all levels,” Khalsa said. Research suggests that yoga may sharpen our minds by honing our ability to regulate stress and use our cognitive resources efficiently. Studies have found that yoga is associated with changes in the brain.”

WSJ: “Scanning barcodes at checkout could be a thing of the past as early as 2027, brands and retailers say, as they work to replace the decades-old technology with newer, more capable QR codes, a move that could boost sales and customer engagement. The transition won’t be easy, requiring cross-industry global collaboration, software and hardware updates for retailers, manufacturing changes for brands, and educating shoppers who use self checkout…The ultimate goal:  a single QR code that can satisfy customer engagement as well as point-of-sale and inventory scan requirements. For a QR code to be used at point-of-sale, it needs to be embedded with a digital standard set by GS1. It also needs to be sold by a retailer that has readied its hardware and software for the new mode of scanning. GS1 is working with brands and retailers on a project known as Sunrise 2027, with the goal of a full transition from traditional UPC barcodes to point-of-sale enabled QR codes within the next three years.”

NYTimes: “Roughly 25 percent of the container cargo between India and Europe or East Asia is routed through ports in Singapore, Dubai or Colombo, Sri Lanka, where their shipments are transferred to and from smaller vessels that are able to dock in India — the equivalent of having to change planes in Chicago or Atlanta, rather than catching a nonstop flight. As a result, Indian shippers are spending roughly $200 extra per 20-foot container, and the journeys are taking an additional three days, Mr. Wagh said. A three-day gap in delivery time undermines India’s competitiveness as a place to make goods. The Vadhvan port is aimed at reducing such costs and speeding delivery time, Mr. Wagh said. “We should not be depending on the smaller vessels,” he said. “Our port should be ready for our future growth.””

Life Notes #33: N=1 Personalisation

We all have our stories about amazing experiences in the hospitality industry. Those moments when someone goes above and beyond, making us feel like the most important person in the world. I had such an experience recently at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort in San Diego, which got me thinking about the power of personalisation in business.

I was at breakfast during a marketing conference, navigating the spread with my usual caution due to my strict Jain dietary restrictions. Among the offerings, I spotted a bagel labelled “Vegetarian”. For me, a bagel in the US is hard to resist! However, in my experience, “vegetarian” doesn’t always mean egg-free. I approached one of the servers with my query, fully expecting a polite but uncertain response. After all, I was just one among 150+ attendees with an off-the-syllabus question.

To my surprise, the server, despite not knowing the answer immediately, promised to check. A few minutes later, he returned with his phone in hand. “I wanted to be absolutely sure,” he said, showing me a photo of the ingredients list from the bagel packaging. “There’s no egg. You can check for yourself – and also make sure the other ingredients are okay with you.”

As I sat on the terrace later, savouring both my bagel and the breathtaking views of the bay, I realised that this was the epitome of hyper-personalisation that marketers should strive for. I was a segment of one. Someone had gone out of their way to address my specific need, treating me as if I were a VIP.

This wasn’t an isolated incident. During my stays at the Residence Inn at Times Square in New York over the past few years, I’ve experienced similar attentiveness. Despite visiting only twice a year for about 15-20 nights total, I’m always greeted with a warm “Welcome back, Sir” upon check-in. One front-desk executive, in particular, has gotten to know me well, and we always share a friendly chat when he’s on duty.

These experiences underscore a crucial lesson for businesses: the art of N=1 personalisation, creating memorable experiences for a segment of one. While AI and data analytics can certainly help in tailoring services and products, it’s the human touch that provides that extra layer of difference. The genuine care and attention shown by these hospitality workers can’t be replicated by algorithms alone.

The challenge, of course, lies in scaling this level of personalisation. How can businesses provide this VIP treatment to every customer? A good starting point is to focus on your best customers – an approach I’ve termed “Velvet Rope Marketing.” By identifying and prioritising your most valuable clients, you can dedicate resources to providing them with exceptional, personalised experiences.

Ultimately, N=1 personalisation is about making every customer feel seen, heard, and valued. It’s about going beyond creating meaningful connections that stay long after the transaction. In a world increasingly dominated by digital interactions, these human moments of care and attention can be your greatest differentiator.

As businesses, our goal should be to create more of these moments – to make every customer feel like they’re the only customer that matters. Because in that moment, to them, they are.

Thinks 1364

FT: “AI-driven coding assistants have amassed nearly $1bn of funding since the start of last year, a signal that software engineering is becoming the first “killer app” for generative artificial intelligence. Companies such as Replit, Anysphere, Magic, Augment, Supermaven and Poolside AI raised $433mn so far this year alone, bringing the total since January 2023 to $906mn, according to Dealroom. The rush to pour money into AI coding assistants is an indication that computer programming is the first job function to be transformed by the latest wave of AI technology. “Today, software engineering and coding is the number-one area impacted by AI,” said Hadi Partovi, chief executive of education non-profit organisation Code.org and a long-time Silicon Valley investor and adviser to Airbnb, Uber, Dropbox and Facebook. “At this point, software engineering without AI is a little bit like writing without a word processor.””

Tavleen Singh: “When Modi became prime minister a decade ago, he seemed to mean it when he promised economic liberalisation, but this has turned out to be a false promise. When was the last time you heard of a government company being privatised? When was the last time you heard an official mention the word? It must be sadly said that Modi has spent ten years walking along the same path that Congress prime ministers walked and it is a path that leads to that decrepit socialist India in which midnight’s children and some who came a few years later spent their childhood and youth.”

FT: “China’s share of global footwear and apparel sales has slipped in recent years, with its portion of overall supply for brands Nike and Adidas falling from 20-27 per cent in 2017 to 16-20 per cent in 2022, according to the BofA report. While it remains the world’s largest supplier, China’s share of global footwear exports has declined by more than 10 percentage points over the past decade, according to figures from the 2023 World Footwear Yearbook. Much of that capacity has shifted to south-east Asian countries, particularly Indonesia and Vietnam, the report added. Vietnam, now the world’s second-biggest exporter, has been the biggest beneficiary, with its share rising from 2 per cent to about 10 per cent. The shift in part reflects companies’ search for lower labour costs but more recently the desire to de-risk supply chains amid rising geopolitical tensions. Any further retreat of traditional labour-intensive industries from China could lead to job losses, said HSBC’s Neumann, something which policymakers in Beijing are eager to avoid.”

Poonam Muttreja: The potential for the three dividends—demographic, gender and silver—should guide [India’s] policymaking to realize the vision of a Viksit Bharat and ensure that the country’s demographic changes become a catalyst for progress.”

NYTimes: “How do you find the motivation to get out there, especially when you’re feeling low, stressed, tired or lonely? One proven strategy is to strengthen what psychologists call your reward sensitivity. Our drive to seek out happiness is a muscle that we can develop. So is our ability to relish experiences. And almost anyone can learn to amp up their reward sensitivity by training themselves to notice and savor their positive emotions…Begin by planning one activity per day that will make you happy or give you a sense of accomplishment. This will make you less likely to postpone positive experiences. Be realistic — it can be as small as treating yourself to a favorite snack, reading a few pages of a novel or FaceTiming a friend. After you’ve enjoyed that daily moment, close your eyes and recount out loud, in the present tense, where and when you experienced the greatest joy. Home in on details and physical sensations, like the breeze cooling your face as the sun shines. This all might feel hokey, but don’t gloss over the specifics, Dr. Meuret cautioned. The idea isn’t just to remember how you felt, but to amplify and reexperience it.”

Life Notes #32: The Three-Cap Performance

As I was preparing for the marketing presentations in the US, I decided to try an experiment. Most presentations are straightforward: a person on stage speaking to a bunch of slides. After sitting through 10-15 of these in a day at conferences, they all start to blend together. I’ve been to countless such events throughout my career, and I realised I had to do something different to stand out – to make my presentation not just informative, but memorable. That’s where the idea of using three caps came in.

Instead of a bland presentation of ideas, I framed it as a conversation between Maya (a new CMO of an eCommerce company) and Rajesh (me – her friend, philosopher, and guide). To bring this discussion to life, I hit upon the idea of using two caps and switching between them depending on who was speaking. I added the CEO cap as a finale, creating a three-act structure that would keep the audience engaged throughout.

The preparation was intense. I practiced hard, working through the switching of caps until it became second nature. I knew that a single mistake could break the flow and distract people. The transition between caps had to be seamless. My goal was to make people feel they weren’t watching a presentation, but experiencing a performance – a piece of business theatre that would stick in their minds long after the conference ended.

On the day of the presentation, it worked flawlessly. The audience was captivated from the start, their eyes following each cap change with rapt attention. As I switched roles, I could see the shift in their expressions – from empathy with Maya’s challenges to thoughtful consideration of Rajesh’s advice, and finally to the surprise announcement by the CEO.

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Numerous people approached me afterwards, saying things like: “Your caps were cool”, “I loved your switching of the caps”, and “I will remember this presentation for long – never saw anything like it in a serious marketing conference.” One attendee even joked, “I came for the marketing insights, but I learnt some  hat tricks!”

As I reflected on the presentation and the feedback, I realised that we not only need good ideas, but we need to tell them as a story – one that people can relate to and remember. The caps idea made it unforgettable, but more importantly, it allowed me to connect with the audience on multiple levels. It brought in the element of me being able to articulate sentiments they were feeling as marketers via the role play of Maya as a CMO – and then have those concerns addressed by an expert (Rajesh). The interplay between these perspectives created a dynamic that a traditional presentation simply couldn’t match.

The CEO cap at the end was a nice add-on, elevating the entire performance. The story became not about two, but three caps. Like a juggler with three balls, the third one makes all the difference! It added an extra layer of complexity and interest, while also providing a higher-level view of the strategies we’d discussed.

This experience reinforced for me the power of creative presentation techniques. In a world where information is abundant, it’s not just what you say, but how you say it that makes the difference. By turning a presentation into a performance, we can engage our audience’s emotions as well as their intellects, making our messages stick long after the Powerpoint slides have faded from memory.

Thinks 1363

FT: “India has the potential to become the world’s research hub. But getting there warrants continued efforts to support the private sector, including by streamlining red tape around planning and foreign investment. Closer connections between India’s technical colleges, employers and investors can help support better job-matching, continued skills development, and start-up growth — which can turn jobseekers into job creators. In the longer term, India needs to invest in better education and support women to enter the formal workforce to shift more of its population away from precarious work. That will support income growth, and in turn drive further job creation. Having millions of workers in poorly paid, informal work, and talented graduates with too few jobs to go into is a major problem for the BJP. It is also an enormous waste of talent for India, and the world. Just as the nation tapped into globalisation in the 1990s to drive jobs and growth, it needs once again to ride the wave of global trends to take advantage of its “demographic dividend”.”

NYTimes: “For some entrepreneurs, generative A.I. is already a game changer. It is helping them write intricate code, understand complex legal documents, create posts on social media, edit copy and even answer payroll questions. The result, they say, is that A.I. allowed them to get their companies off the ground more quickly, and more efficiently, than they would have without it. The implications could be profound. Start-ups are a crucial well of job growth and economic resilience. By helping to drive innovation, they also contribute to higher productivity — one of the key promises of generative A.I. The technology “kind of gives you stilts to get through an obstacle — to get through a minefield,” said Steven Bright, who recently started Skittenz, a company that makes colorful coverings for mittens. “You can get from one point to another faster.””

Donald Boudreaux: “Price controls are government-dictated lies. By imposing price ceilings, the government forces markets to broadcast the lie that price-ceilinged goods and services are more abundant (and, hence, less valuable) than they really are. By imposing price floors, the government forces markets to broadcast the lie that price-floored goods and services are less abundant (and, hence, more valuable) than they really are. Market actors – producers and consumers – thus operate with less, and less-reliable, information. The inevitable results include shortages (in the case of price ceilings) and surpluses (in the case of price floors), waste, and corruption.”

HBR: “Generative artificial intelligence is expected to radically transform all kinds of jobs over the next few years. No longer the exclusive purview of technologists, AI can now be put to work by nearly anyone, using commands in everyday language instead of code. According to our research, most business functions and more than 40% of all U.S. work activity can be augmented, automated, or reinvented with gen AI. The changes are expected to have the largest impact on the legal, banking, insurance, and capital-market sectors—followed by retail, travel, health, and energy. For organizations and their employees, this looming shift has massive implications. In the future many of us will find that our professional success depends on our ability to elicit the best possible output from large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT—and to learn and grow along with them. To excel in this new era of AI-human collaboration, most people will need one or more of what we call “fusion skills”—intelligent interrogation, judgment integration, and reciprocal apprenticing.

Kazuo Ishiguro: “I used to think in terms of characters, how to develop their eccentricities and quirks. Then I realized that it’s better to focus on the relationships instead, and then the characters develop naturally. Relationships have to be natural, to be authentic human drama. I’m a little suspicious of stories that have an intellectual theme bolted on, when the characters stop and debate before they carry on.” [via Pocket]