Does the Economy Feel Solid to You?

Plus Co-Thinking with AI, Snail Mail's Effectiveness, and an Inspirational Kick in the Pants

Author

Pat Miller
March 04, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

Welcome to our 1,076 readers (33 new this week) including our latest subscribers:
Anne, Cristina, Dr. Kelly, Dana, Veda, Lori, Sandra, Brent and Scott!

Welcome back to the Small Business Summary…I gotta be honest, I’m feeling a surge of momentum. Maybe it’s the warmer weather or the fact that I’ve been hitting golf balls a few times a week. Either way, things are coming up ACES for the SBOC and the newsletter. I’ve got some really big things to announce in the next few weeks - I can’t wait to share. As for today, I’m mixing up the medicine with a few different topics.

In this week’s episode:

  • Does the economy feel good to you right now?

  • How to find confidence with marketing your content

  • Snail mail thank you notes work - do you send them?

  • And, a 3-minute inspirational chat to do great things in your business

REMINDER: SAVE THE DATE The Small Business Owners Community Virtual Summit presented by Horicon Bank is coming up on 4/29 from 9am-Noon. The keynote is going to melt your face. Trust me on this one…you gotta be there. Get on the wait list for your chance to win a free ticket! I’ll announce the line up on Monday, 3/17…stay tuned 🙂 

Ok, on with the show!

Pat

Warning: As entrepreneurs we need to be able to discuss the economy without having a political freak out.
You can do it. I believe in you.

Stocks, Tariffs, and Americans Voting with Their Money

Why This Matters (WTM): There is a LOT going on with the economy. On Monday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 1.5%, as new 25% U.S. tariffs on Canada and Mexico took effect today, along with an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods. This morning both China and Canada announced new retaliatory tariffs on imported US goods.

In the past two weeks, I’ve had two separate conversations with small business owners that say they are feeling some hesitancy from their clients. They shared that their clients were uncertain to make big or long-term investments.

In addition to the current market conditions, I found this article pointing out that 4 in 10 Americans are choosing to back companies that seem to better align with their political views.

So, I ask you: Are you seeing or feeling a shift with your clients? I’d love to hear your experience and how you’ve handled it. If I get enough replies, I might recap them in next week’s email.

Let’s hope thing settle down and we’ll see a robust economy in 2025! (Fingers Crossed)

AI Hack: Co-Thinking to Solve Problems

WTM: In our initial work with Gen AI, we’ve asked it to write for us, do some research, or analyze stuff - you know, tasks. This article reminds us that Gen AI can ALSO be a terrific thinking partner for when you’re considering a decision in the business. Do you use Gen AI to Co-think on your biggest challenges?

hbr.org/2025/02/how-ai-can-help-managers-think-through-problems

Inspiration: Are you doing work that matters?

WTM: I’m all about doing what must be done to make money. But, it’s also important to be aware of when we’re doing the same thing over and over and missing what might be possible. Consider this a 3-minute PEP TALK to get you doing great things.

Win a $100 Business Book Shopping Spree!

WTM: Reading is the easiest way to improve our knowledge and stay sharp as entrepreneurs. I want to double down on reading (and encouraging YOU to read, too.) So, I’m offering a $100 gift card for a business book shopping spree. Click the picture to fill out the entry process - Good Luck!

ul.ink/Z4QY7

It’s one click, people…

One Click Poll: Do You Read Business Books?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

What’s Stopping Your From Marketing Your Content?

WTM: If you’re like me, you sometimes hesitate when it’s time to toot your own horn. Before hitting publish or advocating on your own behalf, you’ll overthink it and shove yourself back into the “why would anyone care what I say” corner. This article is written from the perspective of marketing a book, but I think it applies to ANY kind of content marketing. (Toot-Toot).

www.avivapubs.com/blog/what%E2%80%99s-holding-you-back-marketing-your-book

Do you send Snail Mail Thank You Letters?

WTM: What if there was a way to reach your ideal client for .73 cents and guarantee a nearly 100% open rate? We’d all take that deal! Sending physical thank you notes is something that is always on my mind but I just haven’t gotten around to yet…This article is the pep talk I need! Do you send them? What is your experience?

www.smeweb.com/why-your-business-might-want-to-send-a-thank-you-letter

80’s Song of the Week:
After the Fire - Der Kommissar

WTM: So, I’m at the gym (I know, gun show, sorry to distract everyone) and this song came on my Spotify playlist. DAMN. What a jam. Turn it up, bro!

And last but not least…some humor…

If you enjoyed this week’s newsletter - share it with a friend or the world on social media! Nab your link below for your chance to win lavish prizes. 🙂