Happy Friday!

As promised here is your weekly 3 - 2 - 1 update bringing you the most relevant and actionable insights for the week.

1 “Time Well Spent” Video

1- The Trump Tax Cuts Got Me Fired, but My Business Grew by 80%

How this one simple email got Dan fired by a client, but resulted in 80% growth for his accounting firm. A lesson on humanizing your brand.

2 “Deep Dive” Articles

1- 15 Startup Costs Every Small Business Owner Needs to Know

If you’re thinking about starting your own business, or even if you’ve already begun the process, there are several costs that you need to consider in your budget. It’s easy to overlook some elements that could prove to be costly later on. Going through the list below will help you ensure you’ve thought of everything and avoid nasty surprises.

2- Technology Addiction: Unmasking the Silent Threat to Adult Well-Being

There are significant dangers of pathological technology use that impact neurological, psychological, and social well-being, including the six most common types of addiction. From gaming to online shopping, this pervasive issue demands recognition and understanding. By arming ourselves with knowledge, we can take control of our digital lives and avoid becoming victims.

3 “Stay Ahead” Articles

1- Adobe-Figma $20B Collapse Highlights Key Lessons from History’s Failed Mergers

In the volatile world of business mergers and acquisitions (M&A), the collapsed deal between Adobe and Figma serves as a recent reminder of the precarious nature of such ambitious endeavors. Announced in September 2022, the $20 billion merger was positioned to redefine the creative software landscape. However, it succumbed to significant regulatory hurdles, marking a notable addition to the murky history of failed M&As​​​​​​​​​​. And the fallout has consequences that reach beyond the boardrooms of big tech.

2- Insurance Company Layoffs Signal Lasting Industry Changes

The insurance landscape is undergoing a significant transformation as major players like GEICO, Liberty Mutual, and Farmers Insurance grapple with layoffs and restructuring. Prudential Financial and Hippo have also made headlines with substantial job cuts. These developments, though seemingly daunting, are part of a broader trend that the industry as a whole needs to find new ways forward. Here’s what the recent news means for the bigger picture.

3- Want to Build a Philanthropic Business? Tips from Patagonia’s Roaring Success Story

According to a 2023 report by Oxford University’s Net Zero Tracker, only half of the world’s biggest companies have set a target to hit net-zero emissions by 2050. But, only 4% meet the criteria laid out by the United Nations Race to Zero campaign. But, many companies are failing to meet their targets. For businesses that want to do good, the American outdoor apparel brand Patagonia stands out. Its estimated annual revenue of $1.5 billion pooh-poohs the idea that business and philanthropy can’t coexist.  

Stay Connected!
For daily insights and non intrusive updates, don't forget to follow Dan and Certainty News on social media.

Do you have a story we should cover or do you have questions? Respond to this email and let us know!

Don’t Forget to Play Your Game,

The Rigging the Game Newsletter Team