PPPPublic Service Announcements (Four Ps #253)
Because I Care About Your Physical, Social, Emotional & Mental Health
Happy Cold and Flu Season, my friends!
Though “unhappy” might be more accurate. 🤧
It seems like everyone has been under the weather these past few weeks:
The dreaded “CES cough”
The NRF Flu
Notes coming home from the school nurse
Canceled birthday parties everywhere 🎉⛔
Even if researchers use AI to battle viruses and diseases, basic human “ew” factor and dismal hygiene will likely keep germs a step ahead—and keep scientists playing catch-up. 🦠
Being married to a physician has made me extra cautious. Over the years, I’ve learned plenty about medications, preventative measures, and healing aids. ⚕️
This knowledge often comes in handy, and it may have even helped me close a business deal when several prospects I’d been meeting developed flu symptoms. Upon my recommendation, two of them started Tamiflu within 24 hours and were feeling better in just two days. Those who didn’t act quickly endured a much longer bout with the virus. 🤝
So, here’s my public service announcement: Tamiflu works—just don’t delay. If you have the flu, get your Tamiflu right away.(Non-disclaimer: I am not a paid Tamiflu spokesperson!)
THE PERSONAL: Let’s Get PPPPhysicals
Speaking of health... I recently breezed through my annual physical with flying colors 🏆, managing to dodge the seasonal bugs that have been making the rounds. (Who knew that eating healthier and getting regular exercise would actually pay off in a stellar blood test? 🥗🏋️)
Don’t get me wrong: resisting my sweet tooth 🍰 has been an ongoing struggle, but so far, I’ve held strong. ✊
What really surprised me, though, was one of the hottest topics at major industry gatherings like CES and NRF. Amid the jaw-dropping tech reveals 🤖 and business innovations 💼, there was one common thread weaving its way into every conversation. I'll give you a hint: “O-O-Ozempic.”
Time-Crunched Event-Goers: At high-intensity conferences, everything moves at warp speed. Meals become an afterthought. When hunger (or stress-eating) strikes, what to do? Preventing that stress is a job for “O-O-Ozempic...”
Conversations Over Cocktails: At post-event gatherings, this was a common topic that kept popping up as a unifying thread among strangers and colleagues alike. It seemed everyone I talked to was either already taking it or curious about how it could help them slim down and stay healthy. “O-O-Ozempic...”
A Broader Societal Shift: We’re facing increasing rates of obesity, thanks in part to processed foods, sedentary lifestyles, and socioeconomic factors. GLP-1 receptor agonists—like Ozempic—have sparked hope in the battle against obesity and Type 2 Diabetes, grabbing the attention of investors, scientists, and the general public. They could fundamentally change how we approach weight management, diabetes, and even heart health. “O-O-Ozempic...”
Ozempic is a prescription drug originally developed to treat Type 2 Diabetes. It basically works by mimicking a hormone that helps control blood sugar and appetite. Many people are now using it “off label” for weight loss, and the results have been notable. However, like any medication, it comes with potential side effects—plus a price tag and possible insurance hurdles.
And its long-term effects haven’t even really been tested. While anecdotal success stories can be encouraging, it’s crucial to remember that everyone’s body and medical history are unique. What works for one person might not be right—or even safe—for another. ⚠️
So... "Talk to Your Doctor About Ozempic" 🩺
Don’t rely on hearsay. Before starting any new medication or supplement, consult a healthcare provider who understands your personal health profile.
Weigh the pros and cons. A doctor can explain not only the benefits of Ozempic but also potential side effects or interactions.
Maintain healthy habits. Medications aren’t magic bullets. Keep an eye on your diet and aim for consistent exercise. These lifestyle factors remain essential whether you decide to take Ozempic or not.
It’s fine (if not a little weird) to chat about health trends with friends at conferences or on social media, but when it comes to serious decisions—especially something as impactful as prescription medication—your best bet is always a qualified medical professional. So before you rush to jump on the O-O-Ozempic bandwagon, take a beat. ⏳ Your health—and your peace of mind—will thank you.
THE PRACTICAL: Ohh, the PPPPlaces You'll Go
The new space race is now a social media space race. And the game is on... 🚀
TikTok’s fate might change by the day, but the looming uncertainty around a potential ban—now or later—has brand marketers buzzing (and scrambling). Some want to salvage TikTok. Others are bracing for its demise. Plenty are in flat-out denial. Regardless of where you stand, one thing’s clear: the world of social media is entering a new era—or, as English football fans might say, the “silly season.”
Beyond TikTok: It might be tempting to jump ship to Meta’s family of apps (Facebook, Instagram) or X (nee Twitter + Vine). But brand-safe community-building remains a tall order on these platforms. Yes, they can drive reach and awareness, but if your goal is deeper, culture-building engagement, you might need to think differently.
Still, brands rely on existing social networks for discoverability. So, what’s the landscape look like right now?
Instagram & YouTube: Short-term winners, perhaps, but challenges loom. Even with longer Shorts, creators aren’t always thrilled with algorithmic changes, and brands have minimal data ownership. Remember, Meta and Google are “here for themselves,” not to do you any favors.
Bluesky’s ‘Flashes’: Think Instagram but on a fledgling platform. It allows users to post photo slideshows with up to four pictures or short videos. Novel? Sure. Established? Not quite yet.
LinkedIn’s AI Tools: A professional network adding free AI features for job hunters and recruiters might not feel “cool,” but it’s a powerful channel for B2B marketers—and it keeps evolving.
Substack: Far more than newsletters now. With multimedia posts, “Notes,” and live video, Substack offers a direct path to audiences without the noise of bigger platforms. It’s also aiming to help publishers keep ownership of their content. (See: Tim Fullerton)
A TikTok ban could trigger an exodus to other Chinese-owned apps like Lemon8 or Red Note (a.k.a. Xiaohongshu)—but here’s the catch:
Lemon8 is owned by ByteDance, just like TikTok, so if one is banned, the other probably won’t survive in the U.S. either.
Red Note (300M monthly users) is popular among Mandarin speakers. But if it gains too much traction stateside, expect the same government scrutiny TikTok is getting.
Meanwhile, the mere threat of a ban has driven a 216% spike in Americans learning Mandarin on Duolingo, hinting at just how eager some users are to stay connected. Yet for brands, chasing these platforms could be risky. Ni hao, indeed!!
Of course, don't forget about email marketing, which remains a rock-solid bet. In fact, 73% of B2B buyers prefer hearing from sellers via email, versus 28% for social media. And where people go, paid ads follow. Reports from Stacked Marketer suggest purse strings may get looser this year. That means CMOs will be asking: Where do we allocate these extra dollars?
Meta Ads, Google Ads, & SEO: Still the “Big Three” in most budgets.
YouTube, Native Ads, & TikTok: Attracting smaller but notable slices of ad spend.
Digital Billboards: Even these might see a boost.
So, What’s Next? As the social media ecosystem shifts beneath our feet, brands need a balanced approach—embrace the platforms that work best for short-term reach, but don’t overlook the value in building an owned community. Email remains a mainstay, and with budgets potentially expanding, keep an eye on which channels align most with your objectives (and won’t vanish overnight).
Whether TikTok stands or falls, the social media space race isn’t going away. Now is the time to future-proof your strategy, keep flexibility top of mind, and prepare to pivot—before the next “silly season” sets in.
THE PROFESSIONAL: PPPPlatform to Ponder
I’ve spent a fair amount of time talking about AI lately—so let’s shift gears for a moment and focus on how all of today’s biggest marketing trends are converging.
We’re at an exciting time where big trends for the year ahead are being discussed, planned, and implemented -- it's an intersection of AI, the creator economy, brand safety, retail media, evolving social platforms, and video-powered shopping.
It might sound overwhelming, but these aren’t just isolated developments; they’re pieces of a larger puzzle, coming together in a seamless way.
First and foremost, this is retail and commerce media's moment.
Revenue First, Revenue Always: You’ve likely heard the buzz: retail media is on track to account for one in five advertising dollars by 2028.
Privacy-First Targeting: No need to compile hyper-personal data; in-app + on-site signals (location, shares, likes, comments, clicks, purchase intent) offer plenty of context.
Proving Incremental Sales: Standardized measurement WITHING your owned-and-operated platforms can help brands see exactly how in-store campaigns influence conversions.
Less Risk, More Reward: Brand safety concerns are rising online—making controlled retail spaces increasingly attractive for advertisers.
The Creator Economy and shifting social (detailed above) are in a state of "mid-disruption." The modern consumer wants more than a sterile ad; they want content with personality, authenticity, and cultural relevance. That’s the creator economy in a nutshell. At the same time, social platforms (think: waning TikTok, boring Instagram, and emerging alternatives) are evolving faster than ever. So why now?
Community-Driven Content: Creators bring loyal audiences and a personal touch that brands can’t replicate alone.
Audience Fragmentation: With so many platforms vying for attention, brands need a unifying strategy to meet consumers wherever they are.
Video-powered commerce + AI are a powerful combo. Video remains the fastest-growing format—especially when paired with AI-driven personalization that tailors products, offers, and experiences to individual shopper preferences. Picture an interactive livestream inside a store or brand-safe environment, backed by AI that knows exactly who might be interested and how to keep them engaged. That’s the future of frictionless shopping. Key themes:
Engagement on Steroids: Video converts. Combine it with AI’s predictive horsepower, and you have a recipe for higher click-throughs and sales.
Adaptive Content: AI can test multiple video styles, messaging angles, and price points on the fly, optimizing real-time to boost performance.
Enter the renaissance of owned-and-operated platforms, designed for multi-directional engagement, video, and culture-jacking without the baggage of third-party algorithms. ⚙️ Genuin is one platform to rule them all! We're bringing ALL of this together: retail media opportunities, AI optimization, creator-driven authenticity, and safe, interactive spaces to deliver a truly seamless marketing solution. Here’s how:
Community Media Network: Genuin fosters a multi-directional environment that resonates with how consumers and creators actually interact today.
Brand-Safe Ecosystem: No more gambling with shady ad placements or harmful content adjacency. Genuin ensures your content appears in the right context, every time.
Omnichannel Precision: Whether it’s in-store activations, social integrations, or direct brand channels, Genuin unifies your campaigns under one roof.
Data-Driven Insights: AI-powered analytics give you precise visibility into engagement, conversions, and ROI—online and offline.
And at a time when brand safety is top-of-mind, retail media is skyrocketing, and social platforms are evolving at warp speed, Genuin offers a future-proof answer. By aligning the best of AI, creator content, and direct consumer engagement—both online and in-store—Genuin stands ready to redefine how brands connect, convert, and thrive in the new marketing landscape.
THE POLITICAL: PPPPeace Out, President Biden
As I write this, the night after Inauguration Day, with a new president sworn in, I have to admit I didn’t watch a single moment. After two months in a state of numbness, I spent the last 48 hours focusing on work—burying my head in the sand for just one more day.
My silent protest… that mattered not at all: Refusing to witness any part of the day’s events might have been my personal form of protest, but I’m under no illusions that it changed anything. Even on such a historic day, I couldn’t find the energy to engage. Instead, I felt an overwhelming sadness—sadness at the way Joe Biden leaves public life.
So we come to the the end of Biden’s political tenure and career. 50 Years in Washington... From Congress to the White House, Biden’s public service spans five decades. Today is his last day, and it marks the close of a storied career. And for Kamala Harris: Once a trailblazing figure as Vice President, she now appears relegated to… not much.
The electorate’s mixed emotions speak for themselves:
Democrats often mention economic recovery and Biden’s leadership style.
Independents & Republicans highlight his decision not to run again (and how that shapes his legacy).
Many Raiders fans (jokingly or not) lament the era because there was only one Super Bowl without the Chiefs since he took office.
Biden’s legacy is yet another Rorschach Test:
Accomplishments: Some will point to the economic rebound and measured tone of leadership.
Challenges: Others cite immigration missteps, concerns over age and health, and controversial presidential pardons (notably, Hunter Biden).
Foreign Policy: Afghanistan, Ukraine, Israel—Biden’s handling of global crises is another flashpoint.
I had hoped his real legacy would be a renewed sense of decency in a post-Trump era. But over the past few months, that notion seems to have crumbled. Instead, it feels like we’re left with a bruised democracy—one that, to me, may be marred by two Trump terms, Supreme Court appointments, and the erosion of civil discourse.
Looking forward... or trying to, at least. I want to leave you with an optimistic note, but as the saying goes, “If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing.” So perhaps I’ll close with a simple wish for better days ahead. History will judge Biden’s legacy in time, and we can only hope the next chapter isn’t as tumultuous as the one we just closed.
Good luck to us all!
PPPPopular PPPPosts:
Moderation and the collapse of brand safety - Solution to Marketers' Latest Dilemma
Their face, their choice - Why I stopped posting my kids' faces online
Amazon's new power play - Why retailers should avoid being penny-wise and pound foolish
Misinformation on the rise - Trust is the new currency, and many companies going are broke
For PPPParents:
Terrible mom bullies and catfishes her own daughter - People
GenZ are becoming pet parents because they can't afford human babies - Fortune
Parents are gaming their kids' credit scores - Atlantic
How young people feel about dating in 2025 - dazed
For Prophets:
Substack offering $25K to ‘creative genius’ to pull from TikTok - FastCo
24 AI Tools Ranked from Essential to Forgettable for 2025 - Substack
Nvidia tools will let developers add security and safety controls - VentureBeat
Alphabet announced brought its AI stack tools to Workspace - Verge
For Profits:
Community Notes: Reddit hit $1 billion in advertising revenue in '24 - FastCo
Meta to cut 5% of staff, with a focus on the lowest performers - Bloomberg
Musk and Zuckerberg unite in opposition to OpenAI’s shift for profit - WSJ
RFK Jr. faces scrutiny over ties to deadly measles outbreak - Daily Kos