Malokun Labs’ Post

The current fundraising climate for beauty brands is undeniably challenging. Investors are increasingly hesitant, often citing concerns about profitability. This has led many founders to consider bootstrapping as a viable alternative to equity investment. Here's why bootstrapping could be the right path for your brand: - Prioritize Sustainable Growth: If you value steady, organic growth over rapid scaling, bootstrapping may be a better fit. Investors typically seek high-growth potential, which might not align with your brand's slower-paced approach. - Maintain Full Control: Bootstrapping allows you to retain complete autonomy over your business decisions. While investors offer guidance, they can significantly influence your brand's direction and pace. If maintaining control is paramount, bootstrapping offers that freedom. - Retain 100% Equity: Many founders dream of building a highly valuable company. By bootstrapping, you can retain full ownership, maximizing your potential return. Jamie Schmidt, who bootstrapped her brand to a nine-figure exit with Unilever in 2017, serves as an inspiring example. Considering Equity Investment? Here's What You Need to Know: - Fundraising Takes Time: Be prepared for a longer fundraising process than anticipated. It can easily take several months, even up to a year, to secure investment. - Niche Focus Can Be Advantageous: Investors are drawn to brands with a clear niche focus. If your brand caters to a specific audience or cause, aligning yourself with investors who share that passion can increase your chances of success. - Maintain Business Momentum: Fundraising is a full-time job, but it's crucial to maintain your brand's momentum during this process. Consistently hitting your business goals will strengthen your position when negotiating with investors. - Profitability Matters: Demonstrating profitability or having a clear path to profitability is paramount in the current climate. Investors are more likely to invest in brands that can generate sustainable revenue. Need Fundraising Guidance? If you're still considering equity investment, I can help. My self-paced accelerator, RaiseSmart, equips you with the knowledge and strategies needed to navigate a successful fundraising journey. Learn more and enroll today at https://lnkd.in/gY7zPNRD Let's make your beauty brand a success, whether through bootstrapping or securing the right investment.

There are two things that I value in all of the people I work with - whether that's clients, partnerships or wider business buddies. 1️⃣ That we are on a journey together (I also want to 🤢 at that but bear with me...) to be more sustainable. Some people are way ahead in the journey than I am and others are starting out. None of us are perfect, that doesn't matter. What does matter is that our actions are heading in the right direction. 2️⃣ They know it's okay to fail at this sometimes. Some of my clients don't realise the great initiatives and actions they are taking. It's simply part of what they've always done. Therefore, they don't shout about it or make a fuss. They quietly get on and do it. Some of my clients think that if they do shout about it, someone will come along and point out all the stuff that they're not doing, doing wrong or could do better. 🙄 And the truth is - that might well happen. But we should share what we're doing to build better regardless of this because again - no one is perfect. 👉 No single business is getting it 100% right 👉 There is always more we can do. So many times I'll have conversations with people and they'll try to justify decisions or choices made with phrases like: "It was all I could afford at the time," or "I didn't know back then". ♻️ I get sustainability wrong all the time. 🫣 My business isn't perfect Most importantly, I don't judge because it's a journey towards building something better. For years, I used to think that because I was vegan it would offset loads of other actions. (Until I started measuring my content marketing and comms. Then I got a shock). Now, I try to do small actions that will all add up. Like over the summer where: 🚞 We took the train on holiday instead of flying or driving (feel free to ask me how much two kids enjoyed interrailing) 👗 Instead of buying new, I dyed some questionable Vinted and charity shop purchases to a more wearable colour ⬛️ 😀 I made some big decisions on how I can run my business more sustainably. It's a work-in-progress. It always will be. But I'll be sharing more of what I'm doing from now on and encouraging my clients to do the same. How about you?

Scaling a business is not just about growth strategies – it’s about how you project your vision. Here are 8 principles with examples that will help you build a clear, compelling business vision: 1. Purpose Your purpose drives everything. Companies like Patagonia thrive because their mission to protect the planet is core to every product and initiative. People don’t just buy jackets—they buy into a cause. Patagonia’s “Don’t Buy This Jacket” campaign challenged consumerism to highlight their sustainability mission. 2. Clarity A clear, focused message is essential. Monzo, the UK-based digital bank, makes banking straightforward with its easy-to-use app and transparent approach to fees and features. Monzo’s clear messaging around “banking made easy” simplifies complex financial services, helping customers understand exactly what they get—no hidden charges, just easy, intuitive banking. 3. Personalisation Tailoring your vision to your customers’ needs fosters loyalty. Netflix thrives on personalised recommendations that make each user feel catered to. Netflix’s recommendation engine helps each user discover content based on their preferences, driving higher engagement. 4. Authenticity Real stories foster trust. BrewDog has built its brand on transparency and an anti-corporate ethos, regularly sharing financial reports and inviting customers to become shareholders. BrewDog’s “Equity for Punks” programme gives fans a stake in the business, reinforcing their commitment to community and independence. 5. Impact Show the difference you’re making. Who Gives A Crap sells sustainable toilet paper, donating 50% of profits to improve sanitation in developing countries. Their mission-driven approach has helped raise millions for sanitation projects, proving they’re about more than just selling a product. 6. Adaptability Evolving with the market keeps you ahead. Gymshark, a UK fitness brand, started as a small garage operation and adapted into a global leader in athletic wear, thanks to its digital-savvy approach. Gymshark’s shift from selling supplements to top activewear was driven by listening to its young, fitness-focused audience on social media. 7. Consistency Consistency builds trust. Coca-Cola has maintained its core message of happiness and togetherness for decades, making it a timeless brand. Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke” campaign personalised bottles with names but still tied back to their core theme of sharing joy. 8. Inspiration Consistency builds trust. Innocent Drinks has maintained a playful, ethical brand voice across all products and communications. From quirky packaging to natural ingredients and sustainability, Innocent’s consistent "good for you and the planet" message has built a loyal customer base. — Enjoy this? Repost it to your network and follow Bruce Smith for more. PS: Are you a Marketing Director? Learn how to project your business vision in a more compelling way. Search Anecdote Agency

While companies aren’t necessarily founded with greater social, cultural or environmental purposes in mind, that doesn’t mean they can’t incorporate them. Today’s consumers choose brands that focus on purpose - is purpose a part of your decision-making, plans and culture? Here are 3 critical steps that can help put your brand on a purpose-driven path. #DonationMatch #Brands #Purpose #CauseMarketing

Who are we building for? Long before you launch your startup, one of the very first things you think about is who your customers are going to be. We came up with three potential, broad groups for BRiMM. First, the obvious preaching-to-the-choir target market. There are people who have been living sustainably for some time. They are mostly affluent and/or politically-motivated. They’re relatively small in number and will only be ‘winnable’ if we can offer them a better option than what they already have today – a tall order. Also: there are not enough of them alone to build a business. Second, the ‘sustainability curious’. There’s a new and growing audience – let’s call them ‘sustainability curious’ – who are interested in living sustainably because of what’s happening to the planet, but for a variety of reasons it’s not their primary motivation when it comes to purchase decisions (e.g. if they search for a holiday, sustainability will be a factor in their choice, but is likely to come below cost or whether it’s family-friendly etc.) Third, a mass audience. There’s also a mass audience of people who are potentially sympathetic to living more sustainably, but remain out of reach mostly for cultural (buying eco-friendly is seen as “posh”) and economic reasons. So our job is to make what we are recommending desirable and credible, but not prohibitively priced.  We are going to start with a core audience (two - and subsets of this group eg parents, design devotees), and grow from there; having a more defined audience allows us to connect with them in a variety of ways (e.g our newsletter), and then scale up once we get some traction. That core audience are active consumers – they tend to be relatively affluent and have a high carbon footprint (so are a good group to try and influence). They are not wealthy individuals in the luxury space – it’s down a couple of rungs from there – but they can afford an optional membership like this. How we get beyond that group will determine how big this can be. +++ To get a flavour of what we're building, sign-up for our newsletter: www.brimm.co.uk Follow me James Haycock to hear the highs (hopefully) and lows (inevitably) of building a new, purposeful business.

From community banks to fintech startups to venture capital companies, people seek financial service partners they can trust for the long term. We think the branding of these organizations can go a long way in building and communicating that trust.  Here are five reasons a rebrand could help your financial service company. 

Over the past decade, observing the transformation of the creator economy has been remarkable. The democratisation of creation means anyone, anywhere in the world, armed only with a phone and an idea, can build communities and businesses. Yet, amidst this flourishing economy, lies a poignant truth: the pulse of this economy, the emerging creators propelling it forwards, remain significantly underserved. I have witnessed firsthand the toll it takes on creators - the burnout spawned by relentless pressure to create, the nerves stemming from shouldering major brand campaigns and the apprehension of taking even a moment's respite for the fear of financial repercussions. Creators are the creative, the director, the production crew, the social media manager and more, all while navigating the unforgiving glare of the public eye. The support system provided by companies and industry bodies that has enriched all of our careers often eludes these individuals. We spoke with hundreds of creators, three quarters (73%) of which told us that they want but often find it difficult to find fast-track, affordable access to business coaches and consultancy, while half (50%) told us they want the industry to provide more creator-centric events. On top of this, the creator economy is entirely new, booming, & has its own unique rules and ways of working. We keep trying to apply old business practices, but this industry deserves a custom approach. These creators are entrepreneurs launching businesses, brands, products, shows that are shaping the world we live in. As Marie-Elise Droga, Head of Fintech Partnerships at Visa aptly observes, "the creator economy is emerging as the digital equivalent of tomorrow’s small and mid-sized business segments — the new breed and next-generation of SMB clients." She astutely adds, "we recognize that even though creators typically have the same needs as a traditional small business, they are treated as individual consumers." In order to address this, today Billion Dollar Boy launches #FiveTwoNine: The Creator Club - a private membership community dedicated to empowering emerging creators in the ‘Business of Being a Creator’. FiveTwoNine will operate as a global platform providing educational resources, physical spaces, & business connections for creators & its many entrepreneurs to network, workshop ideas, & collaborate. The Club launches with a digital platform, alongside events in New York & a flagship physical club in London in partnership with six Founding Creator-entrepreneurs, representing a variety of backgrounds and expertise, with support from LIPTON Teas and Infusions, social media platforms, VCs, lawyers, accountants, manufacturers.....the whole ecosystem. This is a project we have been working on since January last year with countless hours from our FiveTwoNine team led by Becky Owen, Sophie Crowther & a breadth of support across the business. I am so excited to see it launch, congrats everyone!

𝘼 𝙏𝙖𝙡𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙏𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘼𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩 𝘼𝙡𝙡 𝙊𝙙𝙙𝙨 Once upon a time, in a bustling city filled with dreams and ambitions, there lived a group of aspiring entrepreneurs. They were driven by a shared vision: to build successful businesses that made a positive impact on the world. However, they faced a formidable challenge—they had limited financial resources to fuel their aspirations. Despite the constraints of their budgets, they embarked on a journey of innovation and creativity. They gathered in a cozy coffee shop, armed with laptops and fueled by determination, to brainstorm ideas for overcoming their financial limitations. Instead of relying on traditional marketing channels that required hefty investments, they would harness the power of digital platforms to amplify their voices. They turned to social media, crafting compelling content that resonated with their target audience. They shared behind-the-scenes glimpses of their businesses, hosted live Q&A sessions, and ran interactive polls—all without spending a dime. Their efforts paid off as engagement soared, and their brands began to gain traction in the digital landscape. They also recognized the importance of positioning themselves as thought leaders in their industries. They shared their expertise through blog posts, articles, and LinkedIn updates, providing valuable insights to their audience. By consistently delivering high-quality content, they earned the trust and respect of their peers and customers alike. They made sure to actively engage with their audience, responding to comments, messages, and inquiries with genuine interest and enthusiasm. They fostered a sense of community around their brands, building meaningful relationships that would prove invaluable in the long run. They never forgot the importance of optimizing their LinkedIn profiles. They understood that their profiles served as their digital storefronts, showcasing their expertise and attracting potential clients and collaborators. By ensuring their profiles were complete, compelling, and keyword-rich, they maximized their visibility and expanded their networks—all without spending a cent. In the end, their perseverance and ingenuity paid off. Despite their limited budgets, they thrived in the digital realm, leveraging zero-cost marketing tactics to propel their businesses to new heights. Their story served as a testament to the power of creativity, collaboration, and determination in the face of adversity. They knew that their journey was far from over. For in the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship, there were always new challenges to overcome and new horizons to explore. They were ready to face whatever the future held, confident in their ability to thrive against all odds in the digital revolution. 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 👉 https://lnkd.in/dSqgtHFJ.

Milk Chocolate® Launches New Platform to Transform Property Buying in Australia Milk Chocolate® Property is reshaping the property landscape with its new digital platform, addressing what its founders call an “archaic and fragmented” industry. This platform simplifies the entire process, from planning (via a tailoring a Bespoke Game Plan™) to post-purchase management, making it easier to buy, invest, or renovate. According to co-founder Richie Ragel, “It pairs clients with the right location across Australia based on their unique financial goals and lifestyle needs.” Discover how technology is making property investment more accessible. Click the link below to read more. ⤵️ https://elite.ag/166kcu2 #realestate #eliteagent #eliteagentmag #realestateagent #PropertyInvestment #RealEstateTech #AustralianStartups REACH Australia

Title: "Small Businesses: Harnessing Power of Branding & Innovation" The small business landscape is evolving with a velocity that's breathtaking. It's an exciting time for entrepreneurs, as they navigate the labyrinth of trending industry news, innovations, and developments. Their weapon of choice in this journey? Marketing and branding. Branding is no longer a luxury reserved for the big industry players. It's a necessity for every small business striving for recognition in a saturated market. It's the magnetic north for your business compass, guiding your path amidst the swirl of competition. The rise of digital marketing has created a level playing field. It's not about who has the deeper pockets anymore. It's about who can tell the most compelling story. A well-crafted narrative can catapult a small business from obscurity to the spotlight. Emerging technologies are revolutionizing the way we approach marketing and branding. Artificial Intelligence \AI\, for instance, is making personalized marketing a reality. It's about treating your customers as individuals, not demographics. Blockchain, the technology behind cryptocurrencies, is also making waves. It's promising a future where customer data is secure, and digital advertising is transparent. It's an exciting development that could foster trust and loyalty with customers. The rise of social entrepreneurship is another trend worth noting. Consumers are increasingly drawn to businesses that stand for more than just profit. It's about weaving social responsibility into your brand narrative. In essence, marketing and branding are not just about selling a product or a service. They're about selling a vision, a cause, an identity. It's about creating an emotional connection with your audience that transcends the transactional. So, my entrepreneurial friends, embrace the change. Leverage the power of branding and ride the wave of innovation. Remember, in the world of small business, the only constant is change. #SmallBusinessInnovation #PowerOfBranding #MarketingFuture