Growth Tactics Newsletter #126

The next few years are shaping up to be the most transformative in human history. With AI, decentralization, and a shift from scarcity to abundance, small brands have an unprecedented opportunity to play big.

But here’s the catch — the future could go two ways:

• Mad Max (chaotic, cutthroat, and divisive)

• Star Trek (collaborative, abundant, and connected)

The good news? You get to choose the path for your brand.

Let’s dive into how you can grow your brand, stay strong through challenges, and even become a source of value and positivity. 💡

🌟 1. Embrace AI — Don’t compete with it

AI isn’t here to take your job — it’s here to take the boring parts of your job.

Question: Are you spending hours on tasks that could be automated?

Hack:

• Use AI tools like ChatGPT, MidJourney, or Canva’s AI to speed up content creation.

• Tools like Postit.ai can help auto-edit photos/videos and post them at the optimal time for your audience (yes, shameless plug — but it works! 😉).

• Experiment with AI-driven audience analysis to understand when and how your audience engages.

Growth Tip: Think of AI as your creative assistant. Let it handle the heavy lifting while you focus on storytelling and connection.

💡 2. Decentralize your brand — Build community-led growth

We’re moving from centralized, top-down models to peer-to-peer ecosystems.

Question: Is your brand still “broadcasting” to your audience, or are you co-creating with them?

Hack:

• Create a private community on Discord, Slack, or even a Facebook Group.

• Reward brand advocates — offer perks, early access, or affiliate programs for loyal customers who bring others in.

• Use user-generated content. Let your community create for you — reviews, photos, even memes.

Growth Tip: The brands that will thrive aren’t those with the loudest megaphones — they’re the ones with the deepest connections.

🚀 3. Think exponential — not incremental

Big companies focus on 5% growth. You can aim for 500%.

Question: Are you optimizing for small wins or big leaps?

Hack:

• Set a “Massive transformative purpose” (MTP). Why does your brand exist beyond profit? Think: “We make watches” vs. “We inspire people to live in the moment.”

• Apply 10x thinking: Instead of asking, “How can I get 10 more customers?” ask, “How can I get 1,000?”

Growth tip: Small brands grow fast when they solve big problems. Don’t just sell — inspire.

⚡ 4. Scarcity to abundance — Be the brand that gives more

AI will drive abundance — but scarcity marketing is still everywhere. Flip the script.

Question: How can you give more without depleting your resources?

Hack:

• Run “Pay what you can” sales for loyal customers.

• Offer free resources — guides, templates, or webinars — that align with your brand.

• Collaborate with micro-influencers who genuinely love your brand (hint: Social Cat can help with that 😉).

Growth tip: Generosity builds loyalty. The more value you give, the more your community gives back.

💥 5. Prepare for the chaos — But lead with optimism

The next few years will be messy — but also full of opportunity.

Question: Does your brand have the resilience to adapt to rapid changes?

Hack:

• Create “What if” scenarios. What if TikTok bans promos? What if your supply chain halts? Plan backups.

• Stay agile. Don’t over-invest in one channel. Spread your brand across multiple touchpoints (email, social, community, etc.).

• Build with a “test and learn” mindset.

Growth tip: In chaos, nimbleness wins. Small brands can pivot faster than giants — use that to your advantage.

🔥 New brand shoutout

Fully Nutrition is a wellness brand dedicated to providing high-quality, vegan, and cruelty-free gummy supplements designed to support various aspects of health, including immune function, digestion, and joint health. Committed to sustainability and transparency, the company ensures all ingredients are ethically sourced and free from GMOs, artificial fillers, and colors. Their recyclable packaging reflects an eco-conscious approach, and a portion of every purchase is donated to the Animal Welfare Institute, underscoring their dedication to ethical practices and animal welfare.

🔥 Influencer shoutout

Cycling After 50 is an inspiring personal blog by Stuart Farrell-Humphrey, a passionate road cyclist who began his cycling journey just six months ago. With a focus on endurance training, Stuart is preparing for the prestigious London Edinburgh London 2025 event, sharing his experiences, progress, and love for the sport along the way. His content features a mix of personal rides, gear tips, maintenance hacks, and training updates, all tailored to motivate and engage fellow cyclists, especially those starting later in life. With 12.2K followers, Stuart’s authentic storytelling and dedication to cycling after 50 make his profile a relatable and motivating space for the cycling community. 🚴‍♂️💪

See you next time!