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The Power of Your Brain Trust

Historically, I would spend hours preparing to moderate roundtable discussions with diverse groups of senior executives. I would present emerging trends, new research, best practices, and lots of provocative questions meant to elicit personal reflection and engagement within the forum community. I mistakenly believed my role was to be the primary educator and inspiration of the gathering, but quickly realized that the participants contributed a collective insight that was far more valuable than any personal contribution. 

This is the power of your brain trust. Some of the wisest leaders I know are experts at harnessing the whole room. They thoughtfully create a brain trust of advisors to test ideas prior to finalizing their thinking. The smartest person in the room – is always the room.

In the last twenty years, only two of Pixar’s twenty films have flopped. They have created some of the most successful, innovative, and commercially relevant films of the last two decades (Toy Story, Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Up, Brave, and WALL-E). How have they done it? Co-founder of Pixar Animation, Ed Catmull, says it’s simple: the brain trust.

In his bestseller, Creativity Inc., Catmull says, “For all the care you put into artistry, …

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In: Retailing Tips|Last Updated:

ECRM & RangeMe SVP of Retail Wayne Bennett held a virtual fireside chat with Jake White, Vice President of Merchandising, Consumer Health and Wellness | Supplemental Benefits at CVS Health to discuss its omnichannel approach, innovations in its assortments, shifts in consumer behavior post-pandemic and how the chain seeks to become “the front door to healthcare in America.”

White also shares why emerging brands should want to do business with CVS, as well as recommendations on what they need to have in place before approaching its buyers.

Read full Q&A below!

Full video interview with Jake White of CVS

ECRM: Tell us a little bit about CVS Health’s journey to becoming a much more digitally centric retailer, and how are you succeeding in your omnichannel strategy as it relates to delivering health and wellness products and services?

White: This is something that’s really on the top of our mind every day. Our leaders, Michelle [Peluso, EVP and Chief Customer and Experience Officer of CVS Health] and Musab [Balbale, Chief Merchant, CVS Health] have come from very digital backgrounds. So I think it’s really in the DNA of the people that are at the head of the business as well as …

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In: Dropshipping|Last Updated:
Trademark vs. Copyright: Which Is Right for Your Business?

Trademark and copyright symbols—™, ®, and ©—frequently appear next to brand names, logos, and titles. While people often mix them up, they have distinct roles. Small business owners should grasp their differences and overlaps to navigate intellectual property rights effectively.

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What is a trademark?

A trademark uses a unique symbol, word, or phrase to identify a business, product, or service. The ™ symbol indicates a trademark that’s been established through consistent business use. In contrast, the ® symbol signifies a federal trademark registration with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Using another business’s trademark without permission can lead to trademark infringement and potential litigation.

Trademark examples

Trademarks safeguard your business’s identity under intellectual property protections. They shield everything from names and logos to distinct symbols and memorable phrases. Examples of what a trademark protects include:

Brand names: Amazon, Snapchat, or Timberland.

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Brand slogans: Lines such as “Open Happiness” (Coca-Cola) or “Save Money. Live Better.” (Walmart).

Brand symbols: The Apple’s apple or Puma’s leaping cat.

How long does a trademark last?

Trademarks can last indefinitely when …

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In: Dropshipping|Last Updated:
Print On Demand Vs. Dropshipping: Which is More Profitable?

Struggling to decide between print on demand vs. dropshipping? Well, you’re not alone. Many entrepreneurs find themselves at this crossroads.

On one hand, print on demand lets you sell your own custom products. On the other, dropshipping gives you a whole catalog of items you can offer.

In both cases, the supplier ships products directly to your customers on your behalf.

So, what’s the right choice for your entrepreneurial journey? This article will cover the key aspects of both print on demand and dropshipping to help you make an informed decision.

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What is print on demand (POD)?

Print on demand (POD) is when you sell your own custom designs on various different types of products. Print on demand products include t-shirts, hoodies, books, and many other items. Like any business model, print on demand (POD) has its own set of pros and cons, which we’ll discuss below.

Best T-Shirt Mockup PSD Templates- Dribbble

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Print-on-demand dropshipping is a great business model for entrepreneurs young and old. Here are some advantages you stand to gain by choosing this business model.

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In: Retailing Tips|Last Updated:
Ethical Sourcing Storytelling: Why it’s Important for Retailers and Brands

Fair Trade month is observed in October to raise awareness about fair trade practices and products. It’s a time to celebrate ethical and sustainable shopping and support products that prioritize fair wages, safe working conditions, and environmental responsibility. When products are sold as Fair Trade Certified™, a fraction of the sale returns to the producer communities as Community Development Funds. These funds allow farmers and workers to invest in development projects that address their community’s greatest needs, such as water, education, housing, and healthcare.

Fair trade empowers producers and enables businesses to support sustainable livelihoods, safe working conditions, protection of the environment, and community development.

Fair Trade and workers’ protections

Farmers, fishers, and factory workers often face challenges. In 2022, the United Nations reported that nearly 3 million people around the globe die every year due to risk factors in the workplace, including accidents, work-related diseases, and extreme working hours. The benefits of strong workplace safety standards are immeasurable for workers and their families.

When a company’s safety standards are verified through a reputable third-party organization, brands, retailers, and traders can source their products with confidence, improving traceability and credibility for their business and align with consumers who care …

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In: Dropshipping|Last Updated:
10+ AI Tools To Run Your Business from A to Z

Are you wishing for higher profits in your business? Do you yearn for an assistant to handle the mundane tasks that no one wants to do? Are you feeling overwhelmed by the multitude of tasks required to run a business, but lack the budget to hire more staff? The year 2023 is a fantastic time to be alive because today's AI tools can help you achieve all of these goals. 

Let's delve into 10 powerful AI tools that can significantly improve the efficiency and profitability of your business.

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AI for Up-To-Date Competitor Monitoring

First on the list is an AI tool that keeps you updated by the minute with your competitors' activities. Browse AI is a tool that provides hour-by-hour updates on what your competitors are doing. It might feel a bit sneaky, but this tool notifies you when your competitor makes important updates, such as adding a new product or changing their pricing. Instead of checking back every day, you'll receive an email alert with the keywords and products that matter to you. This tool is incredibly useful and worth checking out.

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