My job is to continuously learn, teach, and stay on top of marketing trends, business news, tech updates, and local Rhode Island developments. Instead of only sharing with my team and clients, this post is where I share the most relevant, useful, and sometimes surprising insights—all in one place.

This post is updated weekly with new insights, so check back regularly for fresh takes on what’s happening in the world of business, marketing, and technology—both in Rhode Island and beyond.

March 18, 2025: This Week’s Insights

Quick Snapshot: Google makes its largest acquisition by purchasing cybersecurity firm Wiz for $32 billion, Unilever shifts focus to influencer marketing, and Airbnb expands beyond home-sharing services.

1️⃣ Google Acquires Cybersecurity Firm Wiz for $32 Billion

Google’s parent company, Alphabet, has announced an agreement to acquire cybersecurity startup Wiz for $32 billion in cash, marking its largest acquisition to date. This move aims to enhance Google’s cloud security offerings and competitiveness against rivals like Microsoft and Amazon.
👉 Read more on Google’s acquisition

What this means for you: Cybersecurity threats are becoming more sophisticated, and even small businesses are at risk. If a company as large as Google is investing billions into cloud security, it’s a clear sign that businesses of all sizes should prioritize their own digital protection. Reviewing your cybersecurity measures, ensuring proper data encryption, and using secure cloud platforms can help safeguard your business from potential threats.

2️⃣ Unilever Shifts Focus to Influencer Marketing

Unilever’s new CEO, Fernando Fernandez, plans to increase spending on social media influencers to mitigate consumer distrust of corporate branding. The company will shift to a social media-first advertising model, raising its investment on these platforms from 30% to 50% of its total advertising budget.
👉 More on Unilever’s influencer push

What this means for you: Influencer marketing can effectively reach targeted audiences. Collaborating with influencers relevant to your industry can enhance brand visibility and credibility. Whether you have a budget for high-profile influencers or micro-influencers, this strategy can create more authentic connections with your audience.

3️⃣ Airbnb Expands Beyond Home Sharing

Airbnb is increasing its marketing and hiring efforts as it prepares to launch new business ventures in May to diversify its revenue streams beyond home sharing. The company plans to relaunch its experiences offering to enhance users’ stays with travel activities, investing $200 to $250 million towards these new businesses.
👉 Airbnb’s new strategy

What this means for you: Diversifying service offerings can open new revenue streams. Consider how your business can expand its services to meet evolving customer needs—whether it’s offering add-on experiences, bundling services, or tapping into new customer behaviors.

4️⃣ Retailers Embrace AI for Personalized Customer Experiences

Retailers like Ulta Beauty are leveraging AI to enhance data analytics and maintain the relevance of physical stores. AI aids in personalizing customer interactions and optimizing inventory management, ensuring a seamless shopping experience.
👉 How AI is transforming retail

What this means for you: Implementing AI can improve customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. From chatbots to AI-driven product recommendations, using smart technology to personalize customer experiences can give your business a competitive edge.

5️⃣ Fashion Brands Utilize Memes as Marketing Tools

Starter pack memes have evolved from internet jokes into significant marketing tools. Brands, including Gucci and H&M, have embraced these memes for product placements, seeing them as a means to authentically engage consumers in an era where traditional ads are often skipped.

What this means for you: Leveraging meme culture can increase brand relatability and reach, especially among younger audiences. Incorporating humor and cultural commentary into your marketing strategy can enhance engagement and virality.

6️⃣ Cryptocurrency Market Projected to Reach $5 Billion by 2030

The global market for cryptocurrency trends was valued at $2.1 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $5 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 15.4%. This growth is driven by the impacts of stablecoins, DeFi platforms, digital wallets, and NFTs.
👉 The future of cryptocurrency

What this means for you: Staying informed about cryptocurrency trends can open new avenues for investment and payment options. If your business accepts digital payments, consider how blockchain technology might impact financial transactions in the future.

7️⃣ Rhode Island Black Business Association Faces Funding Challenges

The Rhode Island Black Business Association (RIBBA) is grappling with funding shortfalls amid delayed funding packages. This jeopardizes their leadership development programs, highlighting the challenges DEI-focused nonprofits face in securing consistent funding.
👉 Challenges facing RIBBA

What this means for you: Supporting local organizations like RIBBA can strengthen community ties and promote diversity. Exploring partnerships or sponsorships with such associations can enhance your business’s social responsibility initiatives.

🔗 Curated Resources for Rhode Island Business Owners

Here are 5 resources worth checking out this week:

• Google’s Agreement to Acquire Wiz: What it means for cybersecurity → Read more
• RI Ranks as Worst State to Start Business: → GoLocalProv
• Google’s Latest Update: March Update Rolling out Now → Read More

🎁 Bonus: Business Insight of the Week

How to Create a Marketing Strategy That Actually Works

Too many businesses approach marketing like throwing spaghetti at a wall—trying everything and hoping something sticks. Here’s how to ensure your strategy actually drives results:

1. Set Clear Goals: Define what success looks like (more leads, increased brand awareness, higher conversion rates).
2. Know Your Audience: Identify your ideal customer, their pain points, and where they spend their time.
3. Pick the Right Channels: Not every business needs TikTok or PPC ads—choose the platforms that best reach your audience.
4. Measure Everything: Track website visits, ad performance, customer engagement, and sales to know what’s working.
5. Adjust and Optimize: Marketing is an ongoing process—test, tweak, and scale what’s delivering results.

Having a plan ensures that every marketing dollar is spent wisely. Whether you handle it in-house or work with an RI Marketing Agency like mine, a strong strategy can be the difference between wasting money and seeing real growth.

March 14, 2025: This Week’s Insights

Quick Snapshot: AI is evolving marketing strategies, TikTok expands into local services, and Rhode Island’s Tidewater Landing Stadium nears completion.

1️⃣ AI’s Growing Influence in Marketing 🤖

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing marketing, helping businesses personalize experiences, automate customer service, and analyze data in real-time. AI-powered content generation is also on the rise, allowing brands to scale content production without compromising quality.

• What this means for you: AI can save time, optimize ad spend, and improve customer experiences, but it should be used strategically—not as a full replacement for human creativity. If you need help navigating AI tools for advertising and content, reaching out to an agency like J&R Marketing can ensure you’re using the right strategies to get results.
• 👉 AI marketing trends you need to know

2️⃣ TikTok Expands into Local Business Services 📱

TikTok is hiring staff to expand its local services in the U.S., aiming to connect small businesses with content creators to drive real-world sales. This move emphasizes TikTok’s value to businesses, especially as it faces legal scrutiny in the U.S.

• What this means for you: If you run a local business, TikTok marketing isn’t just for big brands anymore. Start testing short, engaging videos to build awareness and connect with customers. Running ad campaigns on any platform can be tricky, so working with an agency like J&R can always be helpful. (selfless plug)
• 👉 More on TikTok’s local business push

3️⃣ Tidewater Landing Stadium Nears Completion 🏗️

Pawtucket’s Tidewater Landing Stadium, a 10,500-seat soccer stadium, is set to open this spring. Rhode Island FC will call it home, and the project is expected to bring new economic opportunities to local businesses.

• What this means for you: If you own a restaurant, bar, or retail shop nearby, plan game-day promotions or partnerships to attract soccer fans. Consider working with a marketing agency to develop targeted promotions and digital ad strategies to capitalize on the influx of visitors.
• 👉 Details on the Tidewater Landing project

4️⃣ Revolution Wind Moves Forward 🌬️

The Revolution Wind project is on track to provide 704 MW of offshore wind energy, with 400 MW allocated to Rhode Island. As one of the largest renewable energy projects in New England, it’s expected to drive job creation and long-term sustainability benefits.

• What this means for you: Renewable energy could lower costs for businesses while creating new B2B opportunities in Rhode Island’s green economy. If your brand is sustainability-focused, consider marketing efforts that highlight your commitment to green initiatives.
• 👉 More on Revolution Wind

5️⃣ AI and Personalization in Marketing 🧠

AI-driven personalization is no longer optional—customers expect brands to tailor their experiences based on behavior, preferences, and past interactions. Brands that use AI-powered personalization see up to a 20% increase in conversions compared to those that don’t.

• What this means for you: If your marketing isn’t personalized, you’re falling behind. Look into AI tools for email marketing, chatbots, and predictive analytics to create a more tailored customer experience. J&R Marketing can help you set up these tools and ensure they work seamlessly within your strategy.
• 👉 How AI is shaping personalized marketing

6️⃣ PR Disruption: Lulu Cheng Meservey’s New Playbook 📰

Lulu Cheng Meservey, one of the most influential PR strategists in Silicon Valley, is changing the way companies handle public relations. Instead of relying on traditional PR agencies, she teaches founders to control their own narrative, using direct, bold messaging.

• What this means for you: If you’re paying for PR but not seeing results, it might be time to rethink your approach. Owning your brand’s voice can be more powerful than outsourcing it. A well-crafted content strategy—developed in-house or with an agency like J&R—can amplify your message in a way traditional PR can’t.
• 👉 More on Lulu Cheng Meservey’s PR strategies

7️⃣ Rhode Island Businesses Hit by EBT Scam 🛡️

A major $500,000 EBT card scam has affected more than 1,800 Rhode Island families, highlighting security vulnerabilities in digital payment systems.

• What this means for you: If your business accepts EBT or digital payments, upgrade security protocols and educate customers on avoiding card skimmers to protect their data. If you’re unsure how to improve your business’s payment security, consider working with a tech consultant or agency that specializes in fraud prevention.
• 👉 More on the EBT card scam

🔗 Curated Resources for Rhode Island Business Owners

Here are 5 resources worth checking out this week:

• TikTok’s Local Businesses Push: Wants creates to hand out virtual coupons → Read more
• The Latest Rhode Island Grant Opportunities: What funding is available for small businesses → View RI Commerce Grants
• Google’s Latest Algorithm Update, Kinda: Well a review of all 7 updates in 2024, including it’s biggest yet → 2024 Google Updates
• How to Execute Your Strategy: Lessons from Lulu Cheng Meservey → Read the full story
• The Best Business Credit Cards for 2025: Find the best financial tools for growth → Compare options

🎁 Bonus: Business Insight of the Week

How to Stop Wasting Money on Digital Ads

If you’re running digital ads and not seeing results, you’re probably making one of these common mistakes:

• No Clear Goal: If you’re running ads without defining a conversion goal (calls, form fills, purchases), you’re throwing money away.
• Targeting Everyone: Narrow your audience. Running broad campaigns leads to wasted spend.
• Ignoring Landing Pages: Your ad might be great, but if it leads to a bad website experience, you won’t convert.
• No Retargeting Strategy: 98% of visitors don’t convert the first time. If you’re not retargeting them, you’re leaving money on the table.

What to do: Work with an agency that understands digital marketing. A professional strategy—whether through Google Ads, social media ads, or display advertising—can maximize your ROI and ensure your ad spend isn’t going to waste.

March 7, 2025: This Week’s Insights

Quick Snapshot AI is taking over ad buying, Rhode Island businesses have grant money available, and I definitely don’t miss pushing carriages at Stop & Shop.

1️⃣ AI is Taking Over Ad Buying (Like It or Not) 🤖

Artificial intelligence is now deeply embedded in digital ad buying. Google, Meta, TikTok, Amazon, and Pinterest are pushing AI-driven ad systems that promise to optimize campaigns based on budget and sales goals.

• What this means for you: Businesses might see more efficient results, but marketers are losing control over the finer details. If you run paid ads, stay ahead by learning how AI is handling your campaigns.
• 👉 More on AI’s role in ad buying (WSJ)

2️⃣ SKIMS’ Giant Inflatable Stunt in Times Square 🌟

Kim Kardashian knows how to get attention. Her brand SKIMS just put up a 60-foot-long inflatable of herself in a blue bikini in the middle of Times Square—and yes, it includes a 15-foot-high replica of her backside.

• What this means for you: Love it or hate it, it’s a masterclass in viral marketing. If your brand had a chance to do something outrageous, would you?
• 👉 See the Times Square spectacle (NY Post)

3️⃣ RI Small Businesses: Don’t Miss Out on Grant Money 💲

If you’re a Rhode Island business owner, here’s a heads-up: State grants and funding programs are available to help with marketing, tech upgrades, and hiring. But most businesses don’t even apply.

I’ve seen firsthand how these programs can help. At J&R Marketing, we partnered with RI Rebounds during COVID to help small businesses bounce back. Through this, we provided over $150,000 in marketing and design services—services that these businesses didn’t have to pay for because they were covered by grant funding.

The reality? There’s more money out there. If you own a small business in Rhode Island, it’s worth seeing what you qualify for.

• What this means for you: Free money is free money. Check out what’s available and don’t leave it on the table.
• 👉 See RI Commerce Grant Programs

4️⃣ Google Analytics 4 (GA4) Isn’t Going Anywhere (Unfortunately)💡

Still struggling with Google Analytics 4 (GA4)? You’re not alone. The interface is awful—and I say that as someone who owns a marketing agency and has spent years in the analytics game. In fact, I dislike it so much that we built our own custom analytics dashboard so businesses can actually view their data easily, without wanting to throw their laptop out the window.

That said, GA4 is free (well, they use your data, but you get it for free), and it’s not going anywhere. Google has no plans to bring back Universal Analytics, so the sooner you learn to work with GA4 (or at least get someone who can set it up for you), the better.

• What this means for you: Like it or not, GA4 is here to stay. If you’re avoiding it, now’s the time to adapt.
• 👉 Helpful GA4 Tips (Search Engine Land)

5️⃣ Video Content is Non-Negotiable for 2025 🎥

Short-form video, YouTube, and even AI-generated clips are dominating digital marketing. If your business still isn’t investing in video content, you’re leaving money on the table.

The good news? It doesn’t have to be complicated. The best-performing content right now isn’t overly polished—it’s real, engaging, and to the point.

• What this means for you: You don’t need Hollywood production—you need consistent, engaging content.
• Need help with short-form or long-form content? We do that at J&R. Just saying.
• 👉 Video marketing trends to watch (Digital Marketing Institution)

6️⃣ Alibaba’s New AI Model Might Be a Game-Changer 🌍

China’s Alibaba just launched a massive new AI model, claiming it can outperform OpenAI’s GPT models in reasoning and multilingual tasks. If true, this could shake up the AI landscape and how businesses worldwide use AI-powered tools.

• What this means for you: If you use AI for content, support, or automation, keep an eye on this development.
• 👉 Read about Alibaba’s AI push (Reuters)

7️⃣ Stop & Shop vs. Teamsters — Potential RI Business Impact? 🛒

State treasurers from Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island are pushing Stop & Shop to negotiate with the Teamsters Local 25 union. If the union pickets across New England, it could impact local supply chains and businesses.

Also, fun fact: Stop & Shop was my first job. I made a whole $6.75 an hour pushing carriages in the parking lot. Can’t say I miss it.

• What this means for you: If your business relies on Stop & Shop for anything, this is worth watching.
• 👉 More details on the labor dispute (CT Insider)

🎁 Bonus: Business Insight of the Week

If you’re doing marketing but not tracking results, you’re just spending money, not making it.

Set up a simple dashboard (Google Analytics, social insights, ad reports, whatever works) and check it once a week. If you don’t know what’s working, you can’t double down on success.

In Google Analytics 4, a few key metrics every business should track are:
✅ Users & Sessions – How many people visit your site and how often?
✅ Traffic Sources – Where are your visitors coming from (Google, social media, direct, etc.)?
✅ Engagement Rate – Are people actually staying on your site or bouncing?
✅ Conversions – Are visitors completing important actions (calls, form fills, purchases)?

Even a basic understanding of these numbers will help you make better marketing decisions. Don’t guess—track.