#86 - Why Every Business Should Have an Enemy

There are individuals who have found clever ways to take advantage of referral systems in ride-sharing services to obtain discounted credits. This is achieved by gaming the system through strategies such as using shorter rides in countries with lower ride costs and referring the ride to oneself. While this practice may not be illegal, it raises ethical concerns as it exploits loopholes and potentially harms the ride-sharing service. The decision to promote or condemn these actions lies with the listener, as it is important to consider the balance between recognizing someone's entrepreneurial spirit and the potential negative implications for businesses. Ultimately, it's vital to stay informed and make individual judgments about the ethics of such practices.

Scammers are always finding new ways to exploit platforms and systems for their own benefit. Whether it's using a fake Bitcoin giveaway livestream to make money off ad revenue, or taking advantage of government programs like the PPP to fraudulently claim millions of dollars, scammers are constantly evolving and finding loopholes in the law. This highlights the need for stricter regulations and enforcement to protect individuals and institutions from falling victim to these scams. Additionally, the story of using super PACs to raise money for both sides of an issue in order to shed light on their lack of transparency is a clever attempt to fight back against a system that many find questionable. Innovative approaches like these can challenge the status quo and promote change.

Unethical practices can lead to significant financial gain for some individuals. The conversation highlights various examples of shady business activities, such as running call centers pretending to be reputable companies and selling personal information without consent. These practices may not necessarily be illegal, but they can be considered unethical and obnoxious. One specific example mentioned is Navin Jain, who was involved in companies like Infospace and Intelius, which were both associated with questionable practices. However, it's important to note that not all successful individuals engage in such activities. Legitimate businesses, like the baseball card industry, can also face challenges, such as shipping and verifying the authenticity of products.

There is a need for a central repository for collecting valuable assets like baseball cards, sneakers, and art. This would allow for online buying and selling without the need for physical movement or shipping costs. The stored assets would be properly maintained and verified by professionals in a centrally located vault, eliminating potential issues and degradation. While there may not be a great solution currently available, the idea has potential and could be explored further. The niche community of collectors and auction houses could play a pivotal role in implementing such a system and inspiring others to follow suit. Additionally, it is interesting to note that storage companies are essentially real estate businesses, with the storage facilities serving as a means to generate profit for real estate investments.

In the game of real estate, the key is to see value where others don't. Instead of just looking at the surface value of a property, successful real estate investors find ways to add or change its use and maximize its worth. This strategy allows them to pay more for a property because they know they can extract more value from it than others can. However, it's important to note that real estate is a field where there is a higher ratio of wealthy individuals who may not necessarily be superstar geniuses, but rather normal and hardworking people who took risks and used their skills to create wealth. This makes real estate a viable path to wealth for many individuals. Additionally, having a unique selling proposition and positioning yourself as the antithesis to your competitors can help attract followers and differentiate yourself in the market.

Having a clear target or enemy can be a powerful marketing strategy. By positioning themselves against established competitors or industries, brands can create a compelling story that resonates with customers. This approach can ignite passions, spark conflict, and get people to take notice. However, it's important to be authentic and consistent in these fights. In some cases, companies may come across as hypocritical or their opinions may seem questionable. Nonetheless, if used effectively, this "beef marketing" can generate significant attention and help establish a brand's identity. Buffer's transparent approach and the success of hay.com are examples of how strategic conflict can be a valuable marketing tactic.

Picking smart and strategic fights can be beneficial for businesses. It can generate buzz, increase popularity, and help both sides grow. However, it is important to choose fights that make sense, are polarizing, and align with the values and story of the business. Picking fights with smaller competitors or against mainstream media can be effective, as long as there is authenticity and a clear message being conveyed. Additionally, focusing on expert opinions rather than journalist opinions can be a valuable concept in today's media landscape. Providing unedited opinions from knowledgeable individuals can offer a fresh and unbiased perspective to the audience.

The entertainment industry often presents us with a dilemma: can we separate the artist from their actions? This recent controversy surrounding comedian Chris D'Elia and the past allegations against other artists like Louis CK brings this question to the forefront. While it's important to condemn inappropriate behavior, it's also worth acknowledging that some people may still enjoy their work despite disapproving of their actions. This doesn't mean we condone their behavior, but rather that we recognize the complexity of separating art from the artist. Ultimately, it's up to individuals to decide whether they can continue to support the work of someone who has exhibited problematic behavior, but it's crucial to have these conversations and address the ethical dilemma at hand.

Everyone we admire or look up to is likely to have some flaws or questionable actions in the eyes of others. It's a reality we have to come to terms with. We may still enjoy the work or content they produce, but it doesn't mean we condone or support their negative behavior. This dilemma becomes more prevalent as more scandals and revelations come to light. In such situations, we are faced with the decision of whether to continue consuming their work or take a stance against it. It's important to remember that accusations can easily be made, and therefore, any system that allows for exposing such behavior should be backed by trustworthy third-party verification.

There is a need for a whistleblower network to address bad behavior such as racism and sexual harassment. The current system is flawed, with it often taking years for victims to come forward. Additionally, there is room to reevaluate platforms like Wikipedia and Reddit. Both should be considered national treasures and funded through donations or government support to ensure their sustainability. The Department of Education, which receives significant funding, could potentially support Wikipedia to cover its expenses. Lastly, there is an opportunity to simplify the process of obtaining renters insurance. By incorporating it directly into rental leases through brokers and agents, it would alleviate the burden on tenants and ensure compliance with insurance requirements.

There is a growing need to empower agents in various industries. The traditional model of having a brokerage or company's brand overshadow the individual agent is shifting. Companies like RISE are capitalizing on this shift by offering a streamlined back office service for agents, allowing them to establish their own brand and keep a larger percentage of their fees. This approach not only benefits the agents by giving them more control and potential for higher earnings, but it also benefits customers by providing a more personalized and focused service. This model can be applied to other industries like insurance, where agents can become the forefront of the business, effectively upselling additional services and reducing customer acquisition costs. Overall, empowering agents at the point of sale can be a lucrative and efficient business strategy.