It’s too bad this was released last March because it is so very January. “Get Out And Get It” is a Nigerian-inflected psychedelic rock song about how you’re the only one who can accomplish your goals. That’s a message that could come through as either inspiration or harsh feedback, and it steers the landing toward the former with a smiling delivery. If a little bit of funk is what you need to get going, we’ve found your jet fuel.
When I worked in tech, my engineer friend Brian would take out Google ads on his Uber referral link and rack up free ride credit from all the people who signed up using his code. It was a great trick, and it did not take engineer-level talent to execute. Now, lots of people with fewer technical skills than Brian are gaming the internet, only this time, with product affiliate links.
Let me explain. You know when The Wirecutter or The Strategist or whatever tells you to buy something on Amazon and then collects a percentage of revenue from each purchase? Well, it’s not hard to sign up for the platforms that host those kickback programs, and regular individuals are sharing their own tracking links so they can collect 10% of the cost of a vacuum or lip gloss or whatever it is they’re endorsing. Dubious? Sure. Dumb? Not remotely.
Per the above point on the internet, it is news to no one that print circulation is down— and along with it, print ad revenue has fallen. Meanwhile, online advertising is becoming a worse and worse bet as popups ruin the internet and privacy concerns hamper targeted ads’ efficacy. So where are brands turning to reach their valued customers? Billboards. What the industry calls “Out Of Home” (code for “literally outdoor”) spending is set to surpass print for the first time ever this year, which is either a promising barometer for the experience economy or a really sad moment for media. (I think you know which.) At any rate, now you’ll keep your ears open for the new prestige statement: “We’re taking out a full-page ad on the New York Interstate.”
My friend Maya just launched Safara, a members-only hotel booking platform that uses your hotel stays to earn you points toward free travel in the future. Here’s how: every other hotel booking site applies hidden fees (up to 30%) to your booking. Safara gives those fees back to you in the form of points toward your next stay— at any of the 7,000+ hotels in their network. Each of those hotels has been tested and reviewed by the team at Safara, so you know you’re staying somewhere good, and the more you travel, the more free nights you get, which means you could score free vacations off of work travel. Sound good? Your first booking is free, and then if you want to join, you can use the code loremipsum20 to get 20% off the $195 membership fee, and get $100 in travel credit for your next booking (plus what you’ve already earned in points!). Bon voyage.