Let's talk about Gary, an ambitious entrepreneur who launched his tech startup in 2020. Without much understanding of the importance of digital marketing, he was one step behind his competitors. His lack of insight resulted in slow progress until he decided on a new approach; he studied the digital marketing trends not for today but for tomorrow. Fast forward five years - Gary's business is a leader in its sector.

Setting SMART goals--Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound is important. I once designed a website for an emerging brand. Initially, they weren't setting SMART goals, like 'get lots of viewers'. We switched that vague goal into something SMART like 'achieve 10% more site viewers over the next month.' Lo and behold! Not only did this improve their traffic, but it also helped them target their marketing efforts effectively.

Picture this—it's the holiday season. Apple releases an advertisement of an older man creating a heart-warming video for his family on his iPad—a perfect blend of emotion & product placement! Like clockwork, businesses tap into the holiday spirit every year to market their brands creatively.

What comes to mind about the 'Christmas Spirit?' Is it festive lights or presents under the tree? As we traditionally associate it with giving and sharing joy, 'Christmas Spirit' means more than just gifts.

Remember Facebook’s earlier days? It challenged conventions by offering people an online platform to connect globally. Today, it might seem natural, but it was dauntingly innovative back then. Its ambition wasn’t about universal nodding of heads or widespread acceptance; its mission was - and still is - connecting people irrespective of borders.

Gratitude is not just emotional economics; it's good business, too! Empathy builds loyalty, and loyalty builds brand value - creating an upward spiral for any business entity. Don't underestimate the power of 'Thank You'. Express your gratitude freely and watch your business grow. Remember, people may forget what you said or did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.

Did you know Colonel Sanders had been fired from dozens of jobs before he set out selling chicken? Or that Thomas Edison conducted over 1K unsuccessful experiments before inventing the light bulb? They faced countless failures but remained undeterred; their belief in ‘not-yet-successful’ rather than outright failure yielded unbeatable resilience spurred by a growth mindset.

Visibility is as vital as functionality. SEO (Search Engine Optimization) practices increase your online visibility. Choosing the right keywords related to your business will get you higher rankings on search engines, leading more potential customers your way.

Today, more than ever, it's indispensable for businesses to integrate robust cybersecurity measures as they build their brand and carve their way into the digitized world. Stay informed. Be ahead of the curve. In today’s fast-paced digital world, an entrepreneur must be both a dreamer and a realist!

Volunteerism is undeniably one of the most incredible ways to build your difference—transforming you and society. It fosters stronger customer connections while positively impacting team dynamics—making it a brilliant brand-building strategy. As Felipe said, “Character builds good businesses.”