Hey! It’s Doone, your hype girl in business. Tapping out this week’s newsletter, I was thinking: omg I just love the internet. Whether it's our new infatuation with hot rodent men (lol, wtf??) or the algorithm (finally) delivering memes that hit just the right spot - and the best DMs from other hype girls - I’ve been feeling connected to all of you through our good friend, the internet. How lucky are we?!

Now let’s just straight into the good stuff, today we’re covering:

• Your ultimate 2024 marketing playbook

• Omsom has been acquired(!!) & more biz news

• $50,000 for founders looking for their first cheque

• What’s coming up on FSC this week?

• Our female-founded job board 💖

Navigating a toxic marketing landscape 🧭

Is your marketing strategy starting to feel a little like a toxic relationship? Oh, we’re with you.

It’s always changing, hard to predict, and just when you think you’ve got it figured out, it throws you another curveball. One day, IG is your bestie, and the next: ghosted. But don’t worry, Belinda’s here to help us navigate this wild ride. Here’s how to keep your marketing game strong despite the chaos:

1. Retail Stores for ✨Brand Experience✨

Belinda shared that most customers discover her products in retail stores. This makes sense—seeing and experiencing a product in person can be a game-changer. So, what can you do?

• Goal: You want to get your products into retail spaces where your target audience shops: local boutiques, pop-ups, or even bigger retail chains if that’s within your means;

• Action: Building a list of your top 100 dream retailers and start reaching out to store owners or managers and pitch your product: start small and offer to provide samples or host in-store events to showcase your brand

2. The Power of ✨Samples✨

Belinda’s secret weapon is giving out samples. She allocates 5% of overseas orders to receive free products, so customers can experience the brand and new products firsthand.

• Action: Create mini versions of your products to give away as samples at everyyyyy opportunity to build a tangible brand experience

• Tip: Include samples in every order or offer them at events + also consider partnering with subscription boxes to reach a wider audience

3. ✨ Collabs✨ 

Collaborations are not just trendy—they're powerful. Belinda highlights the importance of partnering with brands that share your philosophy and audience.

• Tip: Always be on the lookout for brands that complement yours and keep a note both of campaigns you love and future dream partners

• Action: Pitch a collab to the brands on your list making sure it’s mutually beneficial and aligns with both brands' values (this could be co-branded products, joint giveaways, or shared events!)

4. ✨Focused✨ Influencer Marketing

When it comes to influencer marketing, focus on long-term relationships. It’s not just about a one-off post but building a genuine connection.

• Tip: Look for influencers who align with your brand and can commit to a long-term partnership, their authenticity will resonate more

• Action: Start by engaging with influencers' content and building a genuine relationship; once there's a rapport, propose a long-term collaboration that benefits both of you

5. Future-Proof Your Community Through ✨Email✨

With the rise of online marketing costs, owning your community is more important than ever. Belinda emphasises the power of building your email list.

• Tip: Focus on growing your email list and engaging with your subscribers regularly (think exclusive content, offers, and updates)

• Action: Create lead magnets (like downloadable guides or discount codes) to attract and incentivise new subscribers to opt-in

There you have it! These insights remind me that while the tools may change, the core principles of connecting with your audience, providing value, and staying true to your brand remain steadfast. Let’s embrace the changes, keep experimenting and remember that even in the rollercoaster of marketing, there are always ways to make it work for you.

And if you need some brainpower on your marketing stuff, I’d love to be your hype girl. Let’s work together to create your new plan! It’s my fave thing to do. Book your call with me here :)

Listen to Belinda’s ep on the pod →

• This female-founded brand needs your support: Shhhowercap 💕

• DayDayCook buys (much loved) Asian food brand Omsom

• Behave Candy has been busy fixing this celeb advisor

• Mara Hoffman shut down her namesake brand after 24 years

• What’s Rose Inc without Rosie Huntington-Whiteley?

• ZERO women made the world’s highest paid athletes list

• Station Labs (founded by Tina He) was acquired by Coinbase

• Outdoor Voices has now officially avoided bankruptcy

• Cowboy Ventures’ Amanda has left to start her own firm

• OpenAI has actually hired a female CFO (about time!)

• Women lawmakers are making public office mom-friendly

• TikTok’s in-app shopping tool has emerged as the ninth-largest beauty e-commerce retailer in the U.S. - stay on top of all the trends here:

@femalestartupclub_us

TikTok Shop Sellers 🚨 Start checking daily for new campaigns to register your products in 💸 Campaigns give your products more visibility a... See more

This week's grant...

Peanut’s StartHER fund dedicated to tackling the biases women face in venture capital is looking to grant early stage, pre-seed businesses that strive to make a positive impact $50,000 in funding | APPLY HERE.

This week's lineup...

This week's recommendations...

Ways I can help you this week…

REMOTE 🏝️

• IFundWomen is hiring a part-time 20-hour/week Coaching Program Manager to support their coaching efforts | APPLY HERE.

NYC 🗽

• Wellness-forward primary care membership The Lanby is hiring a Physician Assistant / Nurse Practitioner to join the team | APPLY HERE.

• Milk Bar, Christina Tosi's award-winning bakery, is looking for a VP of Retail to support its growth and expansion | APPLY HERE.

LONDON 💂🏼‍♀️

• The global Charlotte Tilbury is looking for a Global Brand Marketing Executive of Skincare to join the team | APPLY HERE.

✨ That’s a wrap! Here’s to a happy and healthy week, & remember:

❤️