#Wining Investment Strategies

[stockmarketfinancelearning]

Wining Investment Strategies

If you want to make a robust portfolio, here are some tips:

Do your research. Before you buy any stock, it's important to do your research and understand the company. This includes looking at their financial statements & having deep insight about the important aspects of the company required for growth & success. Read More

[controld3vil]

black cat

pairing(s): kenshi, johnny, havik, kuai liang/scorpion x gn!reader (seperate) synopsis: you’re a thief — a riff raff amongst the scum of seido. yet somehow you’re on the wrong side of justice, serving outworld. notes: - out of my volition, this was inspired by batman and cat woman’s cute dynamic <3 - LIKE REMBER THAT SCENE… where selina touches bruce’s face ?!?! (from batman 2022!!)

KENSHI TAKAHASHI -> There were many things Kenshi expected from his visit to the Outworld. Meeting you was not one of them. From your first encounter, you captured his attention — as subtle and graceful as a feline, he would say, your presence startled him and the rest of his friends. “General Shao, how unwise of you to berate our guests at first notice!” Your lively manner relieves the suspense between Outworld’s militaria and Earthrealm’s protector. He could discern the disturbance from the man in question as General Shao crudely sneered. Liu Kang clears his throat and gives you a content nod. You are fast — he thinks, always swift to leeway into conversations that have gone bitter. Kenshi does not recall mention of you - but it didn't matter.

-> “This is none of your concern, ambassador,” Shao’s words were only meant for disdain and spite. You modestly give a lazy smile — like a Cheshire, not taking his insult seriously. “Oh, but my duties are to accompany Liu Kang’s champions. The Empress demands it.” Your indulgence prevails when the general fails to make another quip. In the crowd, Kenshi is impressed by your way of words. You were an intriguing person – he will give you that. But you did not seem a person particularly invested in politics. You were apathetic to your job. -> At dinner, you conveniently visit his table with a wine glass. Liu Kang seemingly welcomes you, taking the seat across from the swordsman. Conversations were comfortable with you. As a diplomatic envoy, you’re surprisingly judgemental - and not afraid to communicate the demands of other cities. Glimpses from the princesses as you proceed with a story about the rulers of Sun Do. Infuriating it was to comply with their city’s needs like a glorified servant. Kitana is quick to pick on your drunken pursuit and drag you to your quarters. By the time you left, Kenshi felt enamored by you and your stories. “They're quite the character.”   -> There were rumors about you he could not ignore. Everywhere in the palace were snakes, more willing to let him know of your past. They say you were once a thief, a lowly criminal in the capital. How you came to become the royal ambassador was appalling to others at court. You were born into the lowest class. And here in Edenia, it was deemed as dishonorable. You did not grow up with the same education or environmental conditions. It makes Kenshi question your motives for coming here. How did you end up at this high establishment? It was not from pity - he knew from that. Maybe you were a strong fighter. Who was stubborn and willing to do anything to achieve your goals.  -> Unbeknownst, as his interest in you escalated, you took notice of him. The swordsman with an unfortunate past, you held compassion for Kenshi. And as your relationship bloomed, your respect for each other was apparent. You both worked harmoniously together well. In unison with your devious yet insightful strategies and his keen and precise swordsmanship. You taught Kenshi the ins and outs of the city. Tried to teach him how to steal and work up to the market sellers to bid lower prices. You always kept him on his toes. And Kenshi loved that about you. To you, the ex-yakuza held you in check – of your duties. Although he enjoys your time fooling around together, it would put the swordsman much at ease if you took your job seriously. With the realm's tense position, he urges you to take control and compromise with the other cities for the coming battle. And hopefully, when the war is over, the two of you will reconcile your relationship and make it official. [ kenshi ]: how can i convince you to stop stealing? [ you ]: have you ever thought about asking nicely?

JOHNNY CAGE -> He’s the one to catch you first. Johnny had clear suspicions of you during the first night of the tournament. When you spoke with officials and the royal family, it was too noticeable to miss. You were hiding something - Johnny wanted to get to the bottom of it. He finds your kindness to the princesses overbearing. Because why would a constable be affiliated with the royal family more than themselves? And the movie star had to open his mouth at dinner, eyeing you down with an arched brow. -> “Uh Liu Kang, I don’t mean to be rude but,” Both your eyes make contact – he quickly reverts his view to the god in question, “I think that person’s kinda shady, don’t you think?” His remark makes the rest of the Earth’s champions freeze, and the tightness of the air becomes far too evident. Liu Kang pauses, setting his teacup down, and looks to where you stand. From the far corner, you were chatting with Li Mei, arms crossed. You were enjoying your discussion until you sensed Liu Kang’s stare to tilt your head and give a playful wave. The First Constable thought nothing of your actions, how accustomed she is to how you acted around Earthrealmers, always telling them outlandish lies about Outworld. And constantly pretending to commit some heinous crime against the royal family. Something you would never do. -> “Fear not, Johnny Cage. They are no threat.” The Fire God’s words relieved the tension in the air. As everyone’s shoulders relax, Johnny probes on. He knows what trouble looks like – his mother was a cop! However, Kenshi waves his bickering off and waves them off as dull excuses. Nothing to worry about? You could be doing something behind the Empress and Constable's back. Maybe it was the way you carried yourself that got his attention. Or the comments his mentor sarcastically made about the dangers of Outworld. It was unlike Johnny to feel this paranoid. He had to figure out who you were. -> The movie star believed that once he caught you in an act, it would prove to his friends and Liu Kang that he was right about you. When he, Kung Lao, and Kenshi snuck into Shang Tsung's laboratory, surprisingly not, you were there alongside Rain, Tanya, and Princess Mileana on a medical chair. Just when Shang Tsung slowly approached the princess with a syringe with Tarkart's blood, they attacked. The movie star willingly stepped in your direction as if he caught you red-handed. “I knew it! You were behind all of this!” -> Everything turned bitter when Kenshi lost his eyesight to Mileana’s outbreak. It leaves a foul taste in Johnny's mouth once the situation is to be the treatment for the princess’s prolonged illness. When the royal guards come, you turn to face the Earthrealmers. “Did you truly think I would go against the royal family?” There was a flash of fury to scorn. “You Earthrealmers know nothing about Outworld business.” Johnny could only accept his wrongdoings, face facing down to the floor in shame and guilt. While what Liu Kang suspected of Shang Tsung was true – his assumptions of you weren’t. And for that, the movie star genuinely feels like he has misjudged you entirely. -> It takes time for him to reconcile with you. Escaping from Shang Tsung’s laboratory with his friends, he doesn’t meet you again. But when Earthrealm compromises with Outworld, you reappear alongside Li Mei and the royal family. In a different light, you’re easy on the eyes. Johnny desperately tries to make it up to you, always finding ways to warm up to your bitterness. Though much like a cat, you’re persistent and glares in his direction. Soon after, he learns of your past and is suddenly guilt-ridden even more.

-> Your relationship is a slow and rocky one. The two of you did not see eye to eye at the start. Johnny was wary of you, and you only made it worse by indulging in it. You two were at odds with each other. However, Johnny was somehow smitten with you. You were cunning and sly in all the ways a constable shouldn’t be. It was one of the ways he got your attention – suggesting all kinds of schemes against his friends. Your past never bothered him. Stead, it’s something he’s proud of you for. “I mean, thief turned cop? Now that’s a story I can get behind.” It brings a sort of middle ground and closure to both of you. [  johnny ]: look i know i misjudged you pretty harshly, how can i make it up to you? [ you ]: you can start by loaning me some money.

HAVIK -> He longs for you. Havik is too cruel and adamant to tell you, but he misses you. Many years before you left Seido, you were happily thriving as a criminal. He recalls his younger years, you and him pillaging villages. Stealing all you can to survive in the cruel world they decided to reject you from. Back then, you were free – out of touch with humanity and the rest of the Outworld. You didn’t care for his plans to run Seido to the ground and bring chaos. You didn’t understand it – you were merely teenagers, children. -> Before long, you slipped out of Havik's hand. The life you two endured was not living. Every day, you struggle to find food and shelter to stay by. It did not help for your kleptomaniac habits, mugging passing citizens of whatever they had on. Eventually, it had caught up to you, Havik deciphers. Because why else would you leave him? Unlike him, you left clues for the military to track you. You loved the thrill of leading them to nowhere. -> But now, the thought of you brings turmoil into his heart. He sees you in the distance when Quan Chi is interrupted by a former ally. There you were, he stands almost in shock and petrification. Havik was furious. All he could focus on was the plan to allow time to release Quan Chi’s creation, Ermac. He never considered where you would be until now that you were on the opposite side of justice. Why? -> “How could you,” Your name runs down his tongue like a pack of needles. It’s difficult to pronounce your name after many years of separation. Whatever he felt for you was long diminished in the fire he created when he left Seido. “After so many years, this was where you were.” He didn’t expect less from you when you curtly accepted his words. Yes, you said – it’s so bitter against him. What happened to you? When did you become so weak against the hierarchy? Where were you when he set ablaze to the city and joined forces with Darius? -> “What we had would have never worked,” You say this truthfully, getting into a defensive position. It hurts - how easily you dismiss it. Havik never thought of himself as a sentimental man – but the thought of you returning to him was a constant in his mind. From days to years to his study of sorcery and alliance with Quan Chi, Havik has destroyed more cities than he can count. Leaving you was a blessing in disguise. Because of his misfortunes, Havik retained powers that could destroy civilization. It drove him mad. -> Even with you against him, he was more than willing to suggest an act of mercy – if you were inclined to break a few bones. [ havik ]: look how weak you've become. have you not forgotten where you came from? [ you ]: i remember it clearly. you are the one who has gone too far!

KUAI LIANG/SCORPION -> Kuai Liang met you more than once during his time in Outworld. He merely appears when Lord Liu Kang intends to be present with business with the Empress. Years prior, it was the Emperor. But with the reign of Sindel, peace and prosperity had become a failing occurrence between both realms. Outworld claims to be growing more powerful – to overpower Earthrealm for the upcoming tournament. It makes Kuai Liang question his integrity and place at the palace when the Fire God asks for his presence instead of his brother. Bi-Han is the grandmaster of Lin Kuei, “Shouldn’t Bi-Han be the better option to accompany you?” -> “I do not want to provoke the Empress,” Liu Kang explains, looking at him from the portal. The pyromancer had confidence in his protector, nodding. His plain response was all it took to understand the weight of their appearance in Outworld. Though Bi-Han would be the rightful companion, it is Kuai Liang – the younger and more compliant brother who could ease into any circumstance. But his nerves are jaded. Kuai Liang is nervous, not knowing what the occasion was for. There could be many reasons for their requested presence. Yet he could not think of one that involved Lin Kuei.  -> Scorpion’s mindset eases when you surprise him. Guests are presumably guided by the First Constable, Li Mei, to the courtyard leading to the royal palace. Your head pops out from a bush, smiling in all your glory. “Lord Liu Kang, what a pleasant surprise!” The fire user's heart pounces every time you do this. It would be wrong not to expect you to greet Outworld guests in such an unconventional manner. Your name comes easily to the Fire God, with a sense of familiarity. “How nice of you to see us first,” Even Liu Kang takes joy in you. Unlike the many faces of the royal court, you are much more tolerable and pleasant to converse with. Even Kuai Liang thinks highly of you. -> Nodding your hair flows in such an elegant way. The Empress dotted you – but your loyalties lay with General Shao. Your go-lucky personality was in defiance of your rank as a lieutenant general. Yes, Kuai Liang recalled the previous tournaments and how distant Lin Kuei was from the Outworld’s military. They do not see eye to eye in handling foreign threats and commoners. It is your chief's distaste for Earthrealm, always speaking out of malice. But you were not like General Shao or Reiko. You never showed hatred towards Lin Kuei or Earthrealm. -> Kuai Liang feels restful chatting with you. He sat in the conference room with the Fire God as the rest of the court minded their seats. In such a large establishment, it holds divinity and high status, not even Kuai Liang is used to. Empress Sindel, alongside General Shao, you and Reiko arrive and take your respective seats. You are a few seats left of him and warmly nod in Scorpion's direction. He flushes at how a casual gesture from you can incite him. -> Ordinarily, matters began. The pyromancer had no desire to speak amongst the crowd, only per Liu Kang’s permission. Yet, a disagreement broke the two sides of the table in half. “Why should we allow Earthrealmers to roam unworldly like children while our cities burn?” General Shao and his recurring rants about Earthrealm. No one could convince him otherwise, not even the Empress. He then directly sneers at Liu Kang. Kuai Liang darts a stern look until he hears your voice in the corner, standing firm from all the voices that cower over you. There is a hint of softness out of the goodness of your heart addressing your superior. Compared to life in Earthrealm, life is precious, a tangent between innocence and purity, something Outworld is indifferent to.

-> In response, a repulsed look forms on Shao’s face. “You dare defend Liu Kang's wishes? You have no right!” In truth, you knew you could never quench his thirst to repress Earthrealm. But to try to diminish his outrageous outburst for another day is good enough. Curses and insults were spat from all sides, even directed towards you. You and your kind would not understand. You come from the slums of Seido. Do not forget your place, soldier. The court is a spoiled place even Kuai Liang wishes never to be a part of. Tonight was apparent why. You, who only spoke of the truth and fairness, were brought down by your general. It was unacceptable.   -> In the late hours at the palace, Scorpion resides in the guest room, where he fails to find peace. Liu Kang had bid him to rest to prepare for the following days to the other cities they must visit. But the second brother of Lin Kuei failed to do so. The palace was too foreign to the cold tundra of his home. Eventually, he chose to take a walk across the courtyard. The moon was bright and shadowed all the land. The murky ponds had unbloomed lotuses. They were not in season yet. He could still make out the premature colors from their early forms. The ripples of water were tranquil, featherlike. And of the reason why he did not notice your presence before. -> His body freezes when you tap his shoulder. His breath comes short before choking out your name. “Must you always frighten your guests?” You laugh, seeing how startled he has become. “My apologies, Scorpion. I could not resist,” Nights like these with you were ideal. Prevalent to his previous visits, the two of you would do all sorts of activities. You would invite him everywhere, across the palace and into the city. Wherever you went, he would follow willingly. A heartwarming meal by the port. Or even now, a peaceful walk through the gardens. With you, nothing is dull. -> However, when you are not running around, you are predictable. Such as now, as you both rest at a stone bench. Across, the pond was luminescent of the reflection of the night sky. If you were to look, it would be like looking in a mirror, the water clear as crystal. “I’m assuming you leave at first light?” Tragic how your relationship is. You and Kuai Liang reunite with each other like strangers, never touching. In another, you were like twin flames, never leaving. A small part of Kuai Liang feels regret for every time you depart on missions. He will never see you again for some time. “General Shao was furious! It was his way of punishing me for talking out of turn.” He has no right, is what Kuai Liang wanted to say. But with how things were, he said nothing. -> But you look beautiful like this, under the moonlight wake. Without the garments that shield your figure, you are relaxed. The days that turn to months are cruel - but willing to linger for you. Fortunately, a few moments of silence allowed you to rise, brushing the nonexistent dusk from your pants. You had nothing else to say to Kuai Liang. Was he expecting something? He follows your pursuit and looks at you promptly. Without the mask, he is handsome. “Maybe under different circumstances, we would have more time,” Your heart skips as you slyly glance at him. Placing a hand on his jaw, “Maybe next time…” You see his eyes trail from your fingers to your lips. It was not right - you both knew that. [ scorpion ]: the general's mistreatment of you is unacceptable. [ you ]: (laugh) fortunately that is how things work in outworld.

[alexa-fika]

Locked Database ( Mihawk x f!reader x Crocodile)

A/N yoooooo, I spent yesterday and today makind this, got stuck a lot but I was determined to make it happened. This one is darker than what you guys are used from me but I wanted feedback that part of me a little bit. Million thanks to @quinloki and @💧Anon for giving me inspiration and ideas for this 👀.

Reader here is replaced by Dokucha as a place holder which stands for Reader in japanese

Dividers by @/saradika

“You sure stand out, don’t you, Mr. President?” Crocodile growled, shoving the newly distributed paper on Buggy’s Throat

“It wasn’t me, I swear,” he cries

“Then how the hell do you explain it?” He said, sending a swift kick his way, ignoring the pain-filled groan that escaped him.

“I should kill you for that, clown,” he said, inching his hook closer to his neck, pausing as a knife was sent his way, passing right through his sandy body.

Mihawk continued sipping on his wine as a knife was sent his way, simply edging away slightly to avoid it, yellow irises narrowing at a woman standing before them

“Leave him alone,” she growls, a pistol drawn and pointed their way

“Dokucha” Cries Buggy

“Mr.1,” Crocodile calls, dismissedly

“Let him go,” she demanded, breath hitching as an arm wrapped around her neck, a sharp edge to it.

“Drop the weapon,” a voice grumbled behind her.

She grits her teeth, complying as the hold around her tightened, the blade digging into her skin.

“Who are you?” Crocodile asks, raising an eyebrow when his question goes unanswered.

Mihawk takes notice of this and places his wine down, and in one swift movement, takes hold of Yoru and places the sharp edge against Buggy’s neck

“Stop!” She said, trying to make a run towards him being held back by the person behind her

“Who are are you?” Mihawk Drawls

“…”

He quirks a brow at this, digging his sword closer to the Buggy, receiving a whine from the severed head

“Im his sister,” she growls

“Of this clown?” Mihawk inquires, glancing at her

“Dokucha, don’t! You moron, get out of here!” The clown pleads

“Not without you.”

“Wonder if selling you into slavery will be able to get me back all the money this one owes me.”

“Don’t touch h- Agh,” he groans as Crocodile tightens his hold on him

“Perhaps the money she gets us will be enough so we don’t have to sell you, then we can kill you here and now.”

“W-Wait” she exclaims

“You’re starting to annoy me.”

“You said you were starting a new business, right?”

He hums, gesturing to the person behind them

She sighs as the person releases her

“I'm a prodigy at statistics and economy.” She starts

“I have the ability of a devil fruit aiding me as well, makes me a human database, I can calculate in seconds, provide prognostics just as fast, I can reach valuable contacts, gather the information you can only imagine, run enough statistics to power enterprises ”she continued, getting on her knees in front of them

“I know he is an idiot, but he is still my brother; please spare him. I will work for your company; I can easily raise it and make it a formidable force, so please don’t kill my brother.” she spoke bowing her head

Mihawk takes a glance over at the begging woman

“Come here.”

She looked up at the swordsman, slowly getting up and approaching the men

“If you truly are related to this one, then you have to prove your worth,” Crocodile said, pulling out a paper and handing it to her

“These are the current funds we have. Thanks to your brother, we also have the investments we must make for the guild. Tell me how you would make it work.”

She gingerly took the paper and looked it over, her brain beginning to perform calculations, pulling information and strategies from the network, trying to find the best fit

“Well?”

“First, I would take into account the possible outcomes and expenses of these upcoming investments and create an estimated balance sheet of the income and expenses that will be generated as opposed to current investments. After that, I will assess the risk that will be involved with each expected investment and determine the expected rate of return. Additionally, I will create a comprehensive budget and forecast for expected revenues and expenses to ensure that the guild has enough resources to carry out its operations while remaining solvent. I would move funds between areas they are more needed in, I would eliminate funds given to man-power and employees to the guild; my brother has no shortage of workers, so that is something the funds should not be wasted in," she rambles

Crocodile stares at her for a few seconds until an ominous laugh escapes him

“Well, Well, seems one of the siblings is actually competent.” He stays with a grin, letting out a cloud of smoke

“Why would a smart thing like you sacrifice yourself for him?”

“Are you deaf? He is my brother, an idiot, but still my brother; I'm not leaving him to die to the likes of you.”

“That so?”

“Yes,” she growls

He hums, sending a kick to the body in front of him, the smile growing on his face at the painful whines that escaped Buggy as he did so

“Why would you do that?!” She cries, bending down to help her brother, only to stop as a sword is placed at her neck, silently urging her to rise again

She throws a glance at Mihawk as she slowly stands up again

“What are you doing?”

“I don’t appreciate the tone you are taking; if memory serves me correctly, You were the one who got on their knees begging for mercy, and we heard your plea, and in return, you insulted us?” He spoke, raising Yoru and letting a small smile as Dokucha tried to rise with it to avoid being nicked

“Don’t touch her, please! Spare her!”

Crocodile grunts, growing tired of the bluehead’s whines and sending his hook smashing to his temple, knocking him out

“Buggy!” Dokusha cried, hissing when the sword dug into her skin as she tried to step closer to her brother

“Now we can have a talk without that clown interrupting,” Crocodile spoke, letting out another train of smoke escape him

“Need I remind you that you are not the one at the advantage here, Darling?” he began leaning back

“You are outwitted, outnumbered, and outpowered; you stand no chance to leave of this unharmed, much less that brother of yours; we decided to hear your deal out but never said we would agree.”

“…”

“You certainly are an asset, and now that we know what you are capable of, we can’t allow you to leave.”

“We will spare his life; we will let him become the figurehead of crossguild, make him the scapegoat.” Mihawk continues

“A coward like him is sure to obey without complaint, especially with you in the picture. But that also brings us to you,” Crocodile spoke, looking at her mockingly. Turning to one of his subordinates and began to mutter some orders to them

“Eyes on me,” Mihawk called, pulling her attention away from the scarred man and back to him

“Seems you have more common sense and pride than him, but don’t forget where you stand.”

She grits her teeth, holding back her tongue from snapping back at him, knowing that no matter what she said, no matter what came out her mouth, he was not wrong. Her ability was the only thing keeping her alive and on their radar; she wasn’t and probably would never be a significant threat to the two Warlords.

He smiles at this

“Down,” he orders

“I ‘m not a damn mutt.”

“Yes, a dog wouldn't be this much trouble to train,” he muses

“You da-

“Down, girl,” he repeats, a firmer tone in his voice

She glares at him as she eventually does as he wants and kneels on the ground in front of them

“That will do,” she hears Crocodile mutter as the subordinate returns with something in his hands; she tries to turn to asses what the item

Was but was stopped by the sword again

“Eyes on me,” the swordsman repeats

“You have no idea what you are dealing with,” she sneers

“We do. Thanks to your pleas and little demonstration we do, and that’s why we will take precautions,” the familiar voice of Crocodile rumbles behind her; before she jad time to register his words, the sound of something snapping, and the slight weight on her shoulders answer her question

“You have quite the ability; we can’t have you trying to communicate with someone who would create a problem for us or divulging important information, so from now on, we get to decide when and how you use that devil fruit of yours.”

A feeling of dread envelops her as she tries to enter her mindscape only to be unable to find anything

“Sea stone,” Crocodile confirms

“As I said, we get to decide when and how you use it from now on, little Plover.”

“So let’s talk about what is going to happen now”

This just makes me feel some sorta waaay, what are we thinking @quinloki i, @💧anon? I am having the time of my life with this one 😂. So proud of that last part with Mihawk, really like how it turned out. Also ya’ll if that small statistic/economy talk din’t make any sense it’s because I have no idea what the hell im talking about 😂 I just used fancy words I heard my dad use, since he is a banker I figured they would fit the context.

Taglist:

@imaginarydreams

@amethystviolin

@h0n3y-l3m0n05

[elfoxisinfotech]

OMG, Your Marketing is SOOO Basic! Here’s How to Glow Up Your Brand, Bestie! 🚀💅

Hey bestie! 👋 Is your marketing as dry as last season’s memes? Are you still using those “classic” strategies like it’s 2010? 💀 Stop. Right. There. You deserve a marketing glow-up that’s hotter than your fave influencer’s latest collab drop. Let’s get you out of that marketing rut faster than you can say “algorithm change.” 😉

Step 1: Stop Ghosting Your Audience, Seriously! 👻

Babe, your audience is NOT your ex. Stop ghosting them with once-a-month posts and expecting them to care. That’s not how you build a squad! Consistency is key—post like it’s your job (because, umm, it kinda is?). Whether it’s TikTok dances, Insta Stories, or those random Twitter rants, just BE THERE. Show up and glow up, bestie!

Step 2: SEO Isn’t a Scary Monster Under Your Bed 🛌👾

SEO is not just for nerds who wear glasses and say things like “backlinks.” It’s literally your best friend that helps you get found online! Want that sweet, sweet organic traffic? You gotta flirt with Google, baby! Think keywords, think headlines that scream “CLICK ME,” think getting in bed with analytics. (Not literally. Unless you’re into that? No judgment.)

Step 3: Influencers Are Your New BFFs 👯‍♀️✨

So you think you don’t need influencers? That’s cute. But let’s be real: they’re basically the cool kids of the internet, and you NEED them at your lunch table. Slide into those DMs and collab your way to the top! Micro, macro, nano—you don’t need Kylie Jenner money to make it happen. Even that local fashionista with 10K followers could be your ticket to brand heaven.

Step 4: SMM Like You Mean It, Boo 📱❤️

Social Media Marketing isn’t just about posting random pics of your office dog (although, like, please do). It’s about turning your feed into the ultimate party everyone wants an invite to. You’re not just selling products, honey—you’re selling a vibe, a lifestyle, a whole dang mood. Engage, interact, and sprinkle emojis like they’re confetti at a TikTok party. 🎉

Step 5: PPC—Pretty Please Click 💸🤑

PPC is the thirsty attention-seeker you actually want around. Pay-Per-Click ads are like that friend who always gets into VIP—instant access and instant results. Whether it’s Google Ads, Facebook Ads, or some random platform the Gen Z kids are using, make sure you’re throwing your dollars where they can flex the hardest. Invest in PPC, because organic reach is as flaky as your last situationship.

Step 6: Be Real, Be Relatable, Be Ridiculous 🥳🤣

People love brands that have personality—so stop being boring! Share your fails, your weird behind-the-scenes moments, and that awkward time your CEO tried to do the latest TikTok challenge (spoiler: it was cringe, but everyone loved it). The internet loves authenticity. So, ditch the corporate speak and talk like you’re texting your BFF at 2 AM after three glasses of wine.

TL;DR: Stop Being Lame and Start Marketing Like a Boss 💅🔥

Marketing is not rocket science, but it IS a vibe. It’s a whole aesthetic. So, if your marketing strategy still smells like teen spirit (aka old and dusty), it’s time for a major glow-up. Get weird, get wild, and get those clicks, queen! The world is your content canvas, so paint it with memes, sass, and a little bit of marketing magic.

Now go out there and make the internet your playground. You got this, bestie! ✨🚀

[alea-mittetur]

Character Introduction - Corwin Fell

Name: Corwin Fell Aliases: Cor, Lord Corwin Gender/Pronouns: Cismale, he/him Sexual/Romantic Orientation: Straight/heteroflexible Age: 34

Height: 6'1 1/2 Build: Lean and rangy but strong with the kind of muscle that comes from doing fight training and riding horses most of his life. Skin Tone: brown skin, even tone and well-kept but sunkissed Hair: Brown-black Eyes: Brown-black

Personality: Corwin is magnetic, people are drawn to him or driven away by him depending on his moods and their status. As he came to being his uncle's heir later in life, he wasn't raised with the assumption of power, so he lacks some of the arrogance of other lords, but he's hardly one of the smallfolk. He's fond of revelry and the kind of parties that involve wine and showing off his talents, but will just as easily kill a man in battle, which he loves. He's ambitious, with a desire to not just be lord of Felwood but to expand the borders of his lands or marry into wealth and more power. He plans out social engagements like he does battles with the goal of getting what he wants and losing as little as possible. His enemies would describe him as impatient, as he will start a fight rather than wait for his enemy to come to him, but it hasn't led him wrong yet. He's been accused of being sadistic, but he doesn't revel in the suffering of others, he simply likes any proof that he's won. Motivations: Corwin is playing some version of cyvasse, though he has no skill in the actual game. He doesn't have the naked ambition to ever imagine he could sit on the Iron Throne, even if the Targaryens weren't ruling with the power of their dragons, but he wants to rule land and be able to run it as he sees fit. Best Quality: His unwillingness to sacrifice his soldiers or servants in order to achieve small or minor benefits. He views his people as long-term investments. Worst Quality: His desire for further power and wealth at the cost of happiness and stability Fears: Drowning, avalanches, landslides, powerlessness, plague Talents: Sword fighting, knife fighting, jousting, archery, dirty fighting/wrestling, the war drum, riding, games of chance, dancing, competitive drinking, writing poetry, Skills: Battle tactics and strategy, courtly manners, land management, siege battle (offensive and defensive), torture

Family: Halidor Fell (father, deceased at 60 years old) Marjan Fell, nee Penrose (mother, npc, 55) Unnamed sister Fell (22-26) Unnamed brother Fell (24-28) Unnamed sister Fell (30-33) Lord Vikas Fell (uncle, npc, 68) Lady Iseult Fell nee Grandison (uncle's third wife, npc, 22) Lady Esme Fell nee Errol (uncle's second wife, deceased at 39 years old) Lady Quinn Fell nee Selmy (uncle's first wife, deceased at 25 years old) Lord Arjun Fell (cousin through Quinn, deceased at 3 years old) Lord Nish Fell (cousin through Esme, deceased at 19 years old) Lord Romesh Fell (cousin through Esme, deceased at 16 years old) Lady Jaya Fell (cousin through Esme, deceased at 4 years old) Lady Prana Ashford nee Fell (cousin through Esme, deceased at 22 years old)

Relationship Status: Widowed Significant Other: Beatrice Fell nee Morrigen (deceased)

Secret: He's actually quite romantic and only pretends to sleep with the girls at the brothels he attends with his men-at-arms and friends Influential Memory: His mother defending their castle from bandits while his father and their private army were away. She poured boiling oil on them and shot the bandits with her bow while the castle servants fought with pikes and pitchforks.

Backstory:

The eldest son of the younger brother of the lord of Felwood, Corwin grew up privileged but neither wealthy nor powerful. He was little more than a knight, fighting against bandits and raiders in the Stormlands to protect the lands of House Fell and their allies, as well as fighting for the Crown when called.

He married Beatrice Morrigen to cement a deal between his uncle and her cousin. Their marriage was not a loving one and he was rarely home long enough to see her. She lost multiple pregnancies before dying in childbirth along with their child. He felt guilty for not loving her or being any kind of support for her, even though no one else did. He returned to seeking glory as a knight. But the death of his youngest cousin led to his uncle calling him back to Felwood to serve as his heir. Corwin learned how to manage the estates and serve as House Fell's lord, becoming comfortable with the idea and even dreaming of perhaps making a good enough match that he could expand Fell's borders.

Alas, his uncle married for the third time to a 21 year old wife, still determined to have an heir, and now his position is much less secure. This has led him to choose to present himself as a suitor for Barbrey Bolton, the promise of even a house on the decline appealing as long as it offers him a more secure position to pursue his right to Fell.

[kayeslamp]

Concha y Toro: A Case of Investing in Your Brand to Expand Your Brand

In the case of Concha y Toro, the key issue at play is how the Chilean winemaker should respond to profit reductions due to the reevaluation of the Chilean peso in addition to pressure on sales prices in an oversupplied market. It is clear that this is a case where Concha y Toro should invest in their brand in order to expand their brand; namely, they should exploit the prestige of their high-end wines in order to expand into the basic segment. This is for many reasons. First, from a competition perspective, New World producers are not Chile's primary competitors; in fact, Old World producers like Spain, France, and Italy are. These Old World producers possess positive country images that lead to a halo effect on brands produced in these countries; consumers expect their wines to be high quality with an air of refinement and sophistication. Thus, to compete with these producers, it is clear that Concha y Toro will need to compete on quality. Secondly, it had been proven time and time again that competing on price is not a sustainable business strategy; yet, it is what New World producers have been having to do. In order to diversify itself truly from the competition and exploit higher profit margins, this is another clear case for Concha y Toro to compete in the high-quality segment of the market.

Third, from a control perspective, it is noted by Patricio Middleton that, "...the only way to make money in this business seems to be buying and selling wineries." During this profit reduction crisis, it is clear that many Chilean producers are struggling to survive and, thus, this provides immense acquisition opportunities for Concha y Toro. The more of the production and distribution line that they own, the more power they wield from an ownership and economies of scale perspective. This will help solve some of the pressures put on by distributors to reduce prices and, thus, help respond to the profit reduction issues. Fourth, Concha y Toro need to consider consumer palates and how they are changing. Specifically, when it comes to wine, there appears to be a "flight to quality" or tendency to drink more high quality wine. Thus, an investment in quality makes sense in the wake of these changing consumer preferences.

Finally, it is perhaps most important that we consider branding implications of this move. Chilean wine has traditionally been associated with a good value for your money but Concha y Toro has specifically built up some brand equity over time as a quality Chilean producer. Their sub-brand portfolio wines have proven their ability to maintain value for money associations while offering quality wine at every price point to appeal to a wide variety of consumers. However, they have had notable success in the high quality segment, having been awarded high point values by many wine raters, so they have proven that their brand can compete within that segment. Further, brand loyalty, though low across the industry, is strongest amongst the highest quality segments, so investing in the prestige of their brand will continue to build their brand equity and make them a more solid competitor vs. the Old World producers. Finally, when it comes to a consumer experience perspective, by focusing on quality, Concha y Toro is investing in the "last impression" experience. Consumers are cognitively biased to overweigh the end of an experience: in this case, the taste of the wine. Thus, by investing in quality, this allows the brand to finish strong and nudge consumers to come back for more from their brand, building out that brand loyalty!

[mygainyear2024]

Day 18 Delayed

After not one, but two pastel de natas before my dance class at the gym, and a homemade sardine tosta I walked 5+ kms to my third language lesson via Clarice, in Alvor, for a proper latte ☕️

I tried to video the garbage collection system near my apartment but failed in my timing. The collectors were also looking at me strangely as I held my phone up to film!

I did get a better shot of the cute dog that looks out over the neighbourhood with interest. I had a brief chat with the owner to confirm he's only two. Noticeably, there are lots of dogs, as well as learner drivers and pastelarias.

After the fun language lesson, practising conversation starters and replies, I had an interesting conversation with a retired fireman, Gary from Ireland 😉 I noticed Gary at the first lesson. He seemed broodish, but I think he may be an introvert, if that's possible for an Irish man? Although my depth of experience with Irish men is limited to one!!! (Yes kids, I know he had a problem with alcohol and you thought he was gay, BUT he did make great duck fat baked potatoes!) Today Gary came with his lesson notes neatly stored in plastic sleeves in a folder, but he said "que interessante" with as much enthusiasm as a wet fish. Rebecca asked him to be a bit more animated. I think his interest must have peaked in me when he heard me saying, in terrible portuguese "sou impragada do estado" which translates to "I am imprisoned by the State". I'll need to check this with Rebecca at the next lesson, I'm sure there's a better way to say "public servant". I'm also "dona de casa" which means investment property owner, but it also means housewife!

Gary wanted to give me lots of advice about superannuation. I’m sure he was well intentioned but I feel quite informed 😂 Sadly the teacher is taking a break next week so I’ll miss Gary, but I’ll ask around, apparently he is a member of a walking group and I need to do some more walking 😜

I’m now getting ready to have dinner with Rosie at Restaurante F in Praia da Rocha. She’s messaged me this afternoon to invite me to a book launch tomorrow night at Irish Rovers, que interessante!! She also said “We will also go tonight to listen to the band after dinner” Stay tuned….

So dinner at Restaurante F was pleasant. I had high expectations (from the number of Facebook comments after I posted the request, “recommendations for best restaurant with ocean views and I don't care for steak!) and also when I saw the selection of breads being wheeled around on a trolley and a separate aperitif menu. The bread (cornbread, pumpkin bread and plain) and two butters were delicious, the shared prawns ok and my first cataplana of octopus, clams and sweet potato (Algarve stew cooked in copper or stainless steel pot) tasty, rounded out with the shared crème brûlée and bottle of rosé, not cheap comparatively at €50 each. But, the company was definitely worth it. Rosie regaled me with fabulous stories about her relationships and the number of suitors she has at the moment. And as a supplier of gummies to some of her cruise tour members (it’s legal in Canada)😂 She certainly lives an exciting semi retired solo life.

We then went to Irish Rovers, and yes that same bartender made a beeline for Rosie and started his lines on me. I reminded him that he'd already made me a cosmo last week and I'd heard his BS! Later I did give him a hard time about how long he'd been using those lines on women at this pub (six years!) and had it ever worked (no) and I suggested it might be time to come up with a new strategy. The band were pretty dreadful, actually it was mostly the lead singer that did have Rosie and I in stitches. His voice was not loud enough to be heard over the instruments (probably for the best), and I couldn't work out if he was Irish, Portuguese or another nationality. Rosie said he looked 100! Are white singlets on tattooed older lead covers' singers still a thing? And he was drinking red wine. It was too many contradictions for me to manage, given I don't go out to these kind of venues at all. I did say to Rosie twice that a strong female lead would fix this situation. Rosie knows the owners, Martin and Jenny. They weren't pub owners in Ireland, but have owned Irish Rovers for 10 years and according to Rosie it's the most successful pub in the Algarve. Martin was in the band on keyboard (and I thought he could actually sing) and Jenny was behind the bar. At one point she quickly came over with three shot glasses of some creamy beverage and said a hurried hello, downed the shot, and went back to the bar. Apparently the book launch is for a Portuguese poet that Jenny doesn't know, but she wanted to be supportive, stay tuned...

Rosie did tell me about a fantastic Thai massage she had, so I've tracked down the salon and the therapist and booked myself in for this afternoon.

[branding-2024]

Who understands auto insurance?

When you think of getting a new insurance policy, what is the first thing that comes to mind? HEADACHE! Avoid at all costs.. renew my current policy even if the cost keeps going up.

Insurance is an incredibly complex product and one that most consumers do not understand well. Auto insurance is no exception. As we learned in the Concha y Toro case, cognitive associations are particularly important when the product's quality attributes are opaque to consumers. Just like the average consumer cannot differentiate the quality of different wines, the average consumer does not know how to effectively evaluate the quality of auto insurance policies because the product is opaque and complex.

Dall E 3

Given that the quality of different policies is difficult to evaluate and consumer are sticky after having picked a policy, auto insurers invest significantly in brand as a tool for customer acquisition. Auto insurers use their brand in order to create strong cognitive associations of trust that will make it more likely for consumers to pick them when they are evaluating options. The importance of brand and trust in customer purchasing decisions for auto insurance makes insurers more likely to pursue a branded house strategy, in which they use a singular brand for all products and services, as opposed to a house of brands strategy. The branded house strategy enables insurers to scale their significant investments in creating cognitive associations of trust across all of their products and thus is more operationally efficient. Most auto insurance carriers also offer adjacent products, such as home insurance, liability insurance, and commercial insurance, so the branded house strategy further makes it easier to cross-sell customers because there is already the positive cognitive associations of trust.

While most auto insurance providers pursue a branded house strategy, there are some auto insurance providers than pursue a house of brands strategy in order to target different segments of consumers effectively. Just as Toyota created Lexus to target higher end consumers, American Family Insurance maintains a separate brand under The General to target non-standard and standard drivers (aka those that have not-great driving records) and Allstate operates a separate brand, Esurance, to target younger, more tech-enabled consumers. This strategy enables auto insurers to create separate brand strategies that speak to specific customer segments without harming their overall brand image which is so important to customer-purchasing decisions.

Just like in wine choice, cognitive associations play a huge role in insurance policy choice and so must be managed effectively in order to be successful.

[viewonbranding]

Concha y Toro

Concha y Toro, a leading wine producer from Chile, has been recognized for its ability to leverage its brand and expand its market presence globally.

The case emphasizes how Concha y Toro managed to position itself as a premium wine brand in the international market despite originating from a country that was not traditionally considered a top wine-producing nation.

This involves strategic marketing, investment in quality, and the development of a global distribution network that ensures the brand's presence in key markets around the world.

Key lessons : 1- Brand Management: The importance of building and maintaining a strong brand that resonates with consumers globally. This involves understanding consumer preferences in different markets and tailoring marketing strategies to meet those needs.

2- Quality and Innovation: Maintaining a focus on product quality and innovation as a means to differentiate from competitors and appeal to a broad consumer base.

3- Global Expansion: The strategic approach to entering and expanding in international markets, including decisions on direct exports, partnerships, and acquisitions to establish a global footprint.

4- Adaptability: The ability to adapt to changing market conditions and consumer trends, which is crucial for sustaining growth and competitiveness in the dynamic global wine industry.

Hence, let us learn from this success story how Concha navigated the challenges of global brand management and market expansion to become a leading player in the wine industry.

[violant-apologia]

Top 5 in game locations?

i should really be going to sleep but instead i will answer this

5: University Laboratory I do actually enjoy the lab a lot after the update, especially the metagame aspect of optimising it. I still love going and looking at my lab optimisation spreadsheet, even though I don't really need it any more. (and also it isn't that good (but it has so many colours!))

4: Burrow-Infra-Mump I love Burrow for the exact opposite reason that I love the lab; it's alllll in the flavour and emotional investment. I love my Church in the Wild and my parish council, and it's pretty imporant for the Apologist. I never actually go there though, because there are exactly 0 things to do in burrow unless you need Verses of Counter-Creed for some reason.

3: Irem There's a lot I like about Irem and the Loom, from the novel idea of card-smuggling to all the rad flavour in the different futures. I especially like that they even added cards to flesh out the old destiny locations. I love the chilly future a lot and it's nice to see more of it. (plus neon future is the best thing added to the game ever)

2: Hearts' Parlour Another location I appreciate on a mechanical level. I love Hearts' Game; it's the most engaging repeated activity to me by far: there's strategy, there's variance, it makes actual use of equipment other than BiS's, it's wonderful! I just wish I was spending less time grinding so I could do more of it. Speaking of which...

1: The City of the Tracklayers I am SO glad that the place I'm grinding all my wines right now is the City of the Tracklayers. It's such a great location: it's so responsive to your choices with regards to it and the rest of your PC, it has great characters, it has great writing, it remembers that Nemesis exists, it does it all! I have said it before and I will say it again: the City of the Tracklayers is the magnum opus of manifest text. It feels so unique and personal; nobody else's CotT experience is exactly the same as yours.

(also it leaves a good amount of space open for personal interepretation of your city. i'm so invested in pilgrim's dawn and the ideas i've had for it. i wish there was space in my next fic for it honestly)

[lassieposting]

This may be late and also extremely odd but vilepine for the requiem ball ask? (Feel free to ignore if it isn’t your taste)

god so vilepine to me is like. 75% nef in a one-sided competition for a) praise and attention from mevolent and b) the Top Dog spot, where he completely fails to realise that vile isn't playing, and 25% nef realising vile doesn't actually care what nef thinks of him and getting increasingly invested in getting a response by poking the bear so they're like

- nef gets wine drunk and loudly asks vile why he's wearing full armour at a banquet. what, do you wear that in the bedchamber too?

- nef loves attention and talking about himself. vile hates attention and talking about himself. occasionally nef will take pity on him and seamlessly rescue him from a painful conversation. other times, he'll send eligible young ladies to flutter their eyelashes at vile and try to make him dance. depends how petty he's feeling.

- "Allow Me To Tell You All The Story Of My Greatest Triumph" "not this again" "it's a good story! It has everything you like. Gratuitous violence..." "Everyone you kill in it is poisoned, a civilian or under ten. That's not a victory."

- angry UST-charged confrontations out on the balcony, where nef finally gets the reaction he's been poking for all night and also maybe gets shadow-choked just a little. As a warning to behave. Not as foreplay. Obviously.

- vile's main hobbies seem to be strategy and killing things, so nef has made valiant attempts to discuss both. it's like pulling teeth. but he gets like a solid half-hour conversation out of vile at one point by bringing up illegal necromancy techniques, and considers that a win

- "Had enough of this. I'm going to bed." "Is that an invitation?" "Go fuck yourself, Nefarian." "DO IT YOURSELF YOU COWARD"

- enemy-mine teaming up to snigger at vengeous' wife embarrassing him together

- nef suggests vile teach him some new swordsmanship technique, in a barely-disguised innuendo. Vile, taking it literally, brushes him off with a casual "I'd destroy you." Nef dreamily responds "Yeah..."

- nef has "accidentally" stumbled into the wrong room with his hookup of the night in a state of partial undress at least once, trying to prompt the kind of jealous, possessive reaction he'd get from mevolent. But vile is traumatised and never unarmed, so this has gone badly

[whitegoldtower]

Me as a videogame boss:

Let’s consider a few things; I’m Welsh with both norse and greek heritage, so lets mix some combat styles and weapons. Boss would be likely to use a combination of magic (based on my aesthetic I’ll go for blood magic) and a whip or trident/bident (I’m thinking about the greek furies?). Getting the norse bit in there, this boss would likely be able to throw his weapons too, and the magic would likely come from a Rune. So if it was a trident/bident or spear, it would end up being launched at the player.

I’m also an ex-gymnast (I almost represented my country before my injury) - what kind of gymnastics? Trampolining. That shit’s dangerous (didn’t realise it at the time lmao), so this boss is agile, can handle heights and can probably fly.

And now, for flavour, considering my entire aesthetic; undead elf. Probably like an otherworld guardian, or night-prowling assassin.

Ngl, I feel like I’d make some of you chew up your controllers. The player character would have to invest in some magic resistance, be extremely agile - treat me like a souls boss: dive roll behind me and attack that way and avoid the spells at all cost or you’re ✨ f u c k e d✨

If you stay within melee range, you’ll only have to deal with dodging my one heavy attack (which is a power bite that restores 10 points of my overall HP) and parrying my light attacks. However if I manage to knock you back, you’ll have to dodge blood curse spells, which appear in circles and explode upon impact, draining your HP to regain mine… during which time I pull a Megaera (Hades) and gain imperviousness.

I’d be channelling the furies (Hades) / Dettlaff (Witcher).

If you don’t get caught in the magic traps, there’s a short window between each explosion where I would be vulnerable to attack.

I think the most difficult aspect would be the dexterity in a boss fight against me.

Finally, if you manage to beat me, you will have the chance to spare me. If you behead me and drink my blood, you will gain all of my powers but you will have to master them yourself. And you won’t be welcome in the Otherworld. However, if you spare me, I join your side and you get a broody, snarky and sometimes rather cuddly companion, who can also serve as a guide through the Otherworld. I’d be a great companion to a thief/assassin/mage/bloodhunter, and I’d be a pretty reasonable companion to bard/ranger characters. I would NOT get on well with Barbarians/Clerics/Paladins.

Pros of sparing me:

- my glorious chaotic bisexual presence

- a sassy medieval vampire friend

- possible dark romance route if you play your cards correctly

- stealth and magic buffs

- can brew potions

- can enchant items

- good with strategy

- can guide you through the Otherworld

Cons of sparing me:

- I’m not fond of humans (if skyrim: not fond of nords in particular. Favours other Bosmer mainly, followed by Altmer and Dunmer)

- I require blood

- I can be a bit mean

- I will drink your wine

Main Boss Battle song! :

[daquanshell]

“Once a Marine”

I’ve been meaning to publish more content about my day job but for the most part I keep getting distracted by my own military aspirations. There are so many things I miss about the Marines that it’s sometimes hard to focus, although it’s important that I take some time to talk about what I actually do for work since it’s not only relevant to my career as a whole, it’s pretty much a requirement if I ever want to improve my income without completely sacrificing my quality of life.

I work in the Higher Education Department of a Company called “CMD Outsourcing and Investments”. It’s a small company with an office in Hunt Valley, although I virtually never go into the office nowadays. I’ve been working there for about 9 months, the pay is alright (better than the Marines), and for the most part the work is fairly straightforward, although largely mind numbing at times.

My New Home

I’ve been looking for a new school ever since my old school closed down, and wanting to continue my education was one the driving reasons I joined the Military. If I was smart, I would have skipped the Marines and went straight into the Navy, avoiding the annoyance of “Marine Corps Recruiting”, the endless waivers, the general stupidity, and the constant interviews for security clearance. At the same time, if given the opportunity, I would join the Marines again, especially now that I now the secret:

“Feel free to ask questions, but don’t say anything other than what the other person wants to hear”

This means that the next time I go to a recruiter, pretty much all I’m gonna do is “act like nothing is wrong”, and say “I’d like to get into service as soon as possible”. I’m sure the same strategy would work for the Navy, although I’ll probably be a little more careful when choosing a job.

The Most Important Thing

I’ve learned that the most important thing when choosing both a branch and MOS is the uniforms.

Despite all the individuals in the above photograph clearly wearing MARPAT, none of them are actually Marines. Apparently, there are jobs in the Navy that allow you to wear the Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform, namely the following:

Navy Corpsman

Navy Medical Personnel

Navy Religious Personnel

and Navy Officers

In addition to the above jobs, I’m also very much interested in the Mass Communication Specialist (MC) Rate that the Navy Offers. I’ve also heard the Navy is having a bit of a harder time recruiting, which typically means it’s easier to get in the front door. The easier PT would also be a lifesaver in the long run. There are more women in the Navy (not that I’m joining to date) and the higher age limit means not only would I personally have an easier time getting in, it would be easier to recruit my friends. While my opportunity in the Marines ages like milk, my opportunity in the Navy ages like wine.

Also, while I think the Marine Corps definitely has the better Enlisted Uniforms (I’ll write about them more later) The Navy has a Spectacular Set of Uniforms for its Officers and SNCOs.

Realistically, I could start school in the Spring, go to boot camp in the Summer, and go back to school once I’ve made it too the fleet.

Alternatively, I could keep working where I’m working now, get my drivers and insurance licenses, and transition to school part time, insurance part time, and the military part time. If I reenlist in the Marines, this is likely the best option.

Of course, that means waiting even longer to re-enlist, the idea of which I am not a fan of. At the same time, I feel it would be worth it to take the extra time to really work on my case a little better, changing the narrative to this:

10 Reasons why I Joined the Marines

The Call -> The Few, The Proud

The Challenge -> it’s not too late

Water Survival

Self Defense

Service Rifle

Continuing Education

Intelligence

Home Defense

Religious Obligation

Service -> I have so much more to give (Leadership)

I was hoping to get this blog post done before midnight, but I did work a full day today, and after work I needed a little bit more time to myself before finding the inspiration. That being said, I think the right thing to do at the moment is wait, since after writing all the above bullet points, I think they would make a great essay, and one that I absolutely need to write as soon as possible. Maybe not tomorrow, but hopefully over the weekend.

Lastly, I’ll close this by using a word I spent a literally a hour looking for, a word that perfectly resonates with my literary style and an idiom that I think perfectly captures the way I feel about the Marine Corps.

The word is Anapodota, plural for an anapodoton.

It is a figure of speech that is an incomplete sentence, a standalone clause that implies (a main clause), but this is not actually provided.

As an intentional rhetorical device, it is generally used for set phrases, where the full form is understood, and would thus be tedious to spell out.

Some famous examples are:

When in Rome (Do as the Romans)

A Frog in a Well (Cannot Conceive of the Ocean)

Birds of a Feather (Flock Together)

Back when I worked in Consulting, we would use these during team building exercises, where the leader would say the stated part, and the congregation would say the implied part.

The leader would say “Why be Average?”

The congregation says “When I am a Savage?”

In this case, rather than a leader and congregation, it is a recruiter speaking to a prior service member.

The recruiter says:

“Once a Marine”

and the prior service member says:

“Always a Marine”

[affordablewebdesigninmelbourne]

Affordable Web Design for Melbourne Wineries and Breweries: Reaching a Local Audience

In Melbourne, the wine and craft beer industries are thriving. Wineries and breweries are not only gaining popularity for their quality products, but also for the unique experiences they offer visitors. However, in an increasingly digital world, even the most established wineries and breweries need to maintain a strong online presence to attract and engage with a local audience. Having a website that resonates with local customers is crucial for promoting events, offering exclusive deals, and showcasing new products.

Creating an online presence doesn’t have to break the bank. This article will explore affordable web design strategies specifically tailored to Melbourne wineries and breweries. It will discuss how small businesses in the beverage industry can use effective web design to connect with their local audience without overspending.

Why Web Design Matters for Wineries and Breweries

Before diving into affordable web design, it's essential to understand why having a website is vital for your winery or brewery in Melbourne. The primary goal of your website is to provide potential customers with all the information they need to decide to visit, purchase, or engage with your brand. An effective website should include:

Event listings: If your winery or brewery hosts tasting events, food pairings, or other activities, an easy-to-navigate event calendar is essential.

Product showcase: Display your wines or beers with detailed descriptions, tasting notes, and images that encourage customers to buy.

Store locator: For breweries and wineries selling in bottle shops or restaurants, a store locator feature helps customers find where your products are sold.

Online sales: Whether you sell products directly or through a distributor, offering an online shopping option enhances customer convenience.

Contact details: Make it easy for potential visitors to find your address, opening hours, and ways to contact you.

By implementing affordable web design solutions, you can achieve these goals without significant financial investment.

Key Elements of Affordable Web Design for Wineries and Breweries

User-Friendly Navigation

Your website should be easy to navigate. Clear categories such as “Our Wines,” “Upcoming Events,” and “Shop Online” help users find what they’re looking for quickly. Affordable web design solutions, like using pre-built templates, can ensure your website is organised and simple to navigate without needing extensive custom development.

For Melbourne-based wineries and breweries, local customers might be looking for nearby events or tours. A prominent and easy-to-use event calendar or booking system on the homepage can simplify this search, ensuring your local audience finds what they need effortlessly.

Mobile Responsiveness

In today’s world, many customers will visit your website from their phones. This is especially true for locals who may be looking up directions, event details, or tasting menus on the go. A mobile-friendly website is no longer a luxury but a necessity.

Affordable web design in Melbourne often involves using responsive templates that automatically adjust to different screen sizes, ensuring your site looks great on mobile, tablets, and desktops alike. This is an affordable solution that provides a seamless user experience, regardless of the device being used.

Visual Appeal

A winery or brewery’s website should reflect the ambiance and atmosphere of the physical location. Invest in professional photography to showcase your vineyard, tasting room, or brewery in the best light. High-quality images will elevate your website’s overall design and draw potential visitors in.

While hiring a professional photographer may seem expensive, many affordable web design platforms offer templates that highlight visuals. Even if you have a limited budget, you can still create a visually stunning site by leveraging high-quality imagery and thoughtful design.

SEO for Local Visibility

Search engine optimisation (SEO) is key to ensuring your website is visible to potential customers in Melbourne. Local SEO tactics are especially important for wineries and breweries since you want to attract a nearby audience.

Affordable web design can include basic SEO features such as optimised page titles, meta descriptions, and mobile responsiveness, all of which help improve search rankings. Additionally, including location-specific keywords like “Affordable Web Design in Melbourne” or “Melbourne winery events” can enhance your visibility in local search results.

Integrated Social Media

Melbourne’s wineries and breweries often have vibrant social media communities. Integrating your social media accounts into your website allows visitors to engage with your brand in more ways. Adding social media feeds to your website is an affordable way to keep your content fresh and encourage customer interaction.

This strategy also helps wineries and breweries stay connected with local customers, as social media posts about upcoming events, promotions, or new products can drive website traffic and foot traffic.

Simple Online Booking System

For wineries or breweries that offer tours or tastings, an online booking system is crucial. Affordable web design platforms often include integrations with booking software, allowing you to offer an easy way for customers to book directly from your website.

By providing a seamless online booking experience, your winery or brewery can cater to Melbourne locals who may decide to visit after work or on the weekends. Offering convenient booking options online will enhance your appeal to a time-sensitive, local audience.

Affordable Web Design Platforms for Wineries and Breweries

Now that we’ve covered essential elements of web design, let’s look at some affordable platforms that can help you achieve these goals:

Wix: Wix offers affordable plans with stunning templates specifically designed for food and beverage businesses. The drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to create a professional-looking website without needing technical skills.

Squarespace: Known for its elegant templates, Squarespace is a great option for wineries and breweries looking to highlight their brand’s aesthetics. Its affordable pricing and built-in SEO tools make it a popular choice for small businesses.

WordPress: For those with a bit more technical know-how, WordPress offers unparalleled customisation options. It’s an affordable option if you use free or low-cost themes and plugins, allowing you to create a unique site tailored to your winery or brewery’s needs.

Shopify: If your winery or brewery wants to focus on eCommerce, Shopify is an affordable platform that simplifies online sales. With beautiful themes and integrated payment systems, Shopify can help you sell products online without the need for extensive custom coding.

Conclusion

For Melbourne wineries and breweries, creating a strong online presence doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. By focusing on affordable web design strategies, local businesses can reach their audience effectively, drive sales, and promote their events. Whether using a user-friendly platform like Wix or enhancing your SEO to attract local customers, there are plenty of ways to build a professional website on a budget.

By implementing the right elements—such as mobile responsiveness, high-quality visuals, local SEO, and an online booking system—wineries and breweries in Melbourne can build a strong connection with their local audience, driving both online and in-person engagement.

FAQs

1. How much does affordable web design in Melbourne cost for a winery or brewery?

The cost of affordable web design can vary depending on the platform and features you choose. However, using platforms like Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress with basic hosting can cost anywhere from $10 to $30 per month, plus any additional expenses for premium templates or plugins.

2. Why is mobile responsiveness important for a winery or brewery website?

Mobile responsiveness ensures that your website looks great and functions well on mobile devices, which is essential for customers searching for information while on the go. This is particularly important for local customers who may be looking up event details or directions from their phones.

3. What are the best affordable web design platforms for Melbourne wineries and breweries?

Wix, Squarespace, WordPress, and Shopify are all excellent options for affordable web design. Each offers different features that can be tailored to meet the needs of wineries and breweries, depending on whether the focus is on eCommerce, event listings, or showcasing the venue.

4. Can I optimise my website for local SEO without hiring a professional?

Yes! Many affordable web design platforms have built-in SEO features that allow you to optimise page titles, meta descriptions, and URLs for local search results. Additionally, using location-based keywords like “Affordable Web Design in Melbourne” throughout your content can help improve your search engine rankings.

5. How can I make my website visually appealing on a budget?

Even with a limited budget, you can create a visually appealing website by using high-quality images of your venue and products, taking advantage of pre-designed templates, and focusing on simple, clean design. Many affordable web design platforms offer templates that are easy to customise with your own branding and imagery.

[aaronmorrisaaron]

With over 15 years of experience in compensation and people analytics, I am passionate about designing, implementing, and managing compensation programs that align with the business strategy, goals, and culture of the organization. I have a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Business Economics and Administration, and a WSET Level 1 and 2 certification in wine and spirit education. I am currently a Compensation Consultant at Parallel Equity Partners, a private equity firm that invests in growth-oriented companies across various sectors.

[adityarana1687-blog]

Rice Wine Market Size To Reach $6.51 Billion By 2030

The global rice wine market size is estimated to reach USD 6.51 billion in 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2024 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Rice wine, which has a rich history and cultural significance in many Asian countries, is gaining popularity worldwide as a sophisticated and versatile drink. Moreover, rice wine is perceived as a healthier alternative to other alcoholic beverages due to its lower alcohol content and the presence of beneficial antioxidants. The demand for rice wine, particularly sake, is witnessing a surge in both established and emerging markets, driven by its versatility in culinary applications and its perceived health benefits.

Furthermore, the market is witnessing a shift towards premium and artisanal products. Consumers are increasingly seeking out high-quality, handcrafted rice wines that offer unique flavor profiles and sensory experiences. This trend is particularly evident in niche markets where consumers are willing to pay a premium for artisanal sake varieties aged in wooden barrels or produced using traditional brewing techniques. This shift towards premiumization drives innovation within the rice wine industry, with producers focusing on using higher-quality ingredients, experimenting with new flavor profiles, and developing unique packaging and branding strategies to cater to the discerning palate of premium consumers.

The growing middle class in emerging markets, particularly in Asia, is driving the demand for premium and luxury alcoholic beverages. Moreover, the increasing urbanization and Westernization of consumption patterns in these markets are also fostering a taste for sophisticated rice wines. Furthermore, the increasing popularity of e-commerce platforms is making rice alcohol more accessible to consumers around the world. Besides, the growing awareness of the potential health benefits of rice wine, such as its high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, is also boosting the market demand.

The sake wine segment held a major share of the market in 2023. Sake, a traditional Japanese rice wine, has gained immense popularity globally due to its exquisite taste and unique brewing process. Moreover, the growing popularity of sake cocktails and its versatility in pairing with diverse culinary experiences has further broadened its appeal. Investments in sake education and awareness initiatives are also contributing to the expansion of the market, ensuring that future generations can enjoy this centuries-old cultural treasure. Besides, the growing popularity of Japanese culture, including its artistic traditions and culinary offerings has fueled demand for premium and artisanal sake varieties, further contributing to market growth.

The offline segment held a major share of the market in 2023. Traditional grocery stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores continue to be primary outlets for rice wine, benefiting from their widespread accessibility and established customer bases. These channels leverage existing relationships with consumers and offer a familiar and convenient shopping experience, particularly appealing to older generations and those seeking readily available options. Furthermore, the ability to physically inspect products and engage with knowledgeable staff plays a crucial role in driving sales, especially for consumers seeking guidance on rice wine varieties and pairings. The increasing popularity of Asian cuisine and the growing awareness of rice wine's versatility as a cooking ingredient and beverage further bolster demand in offline channels.

Asia Pacific accounted for the largest share of the market in 2023. Traditional rice wines like sake in Japan, makgeolli in Korea, and Huangjiu in China enjoy immense cultural significance, ensuring a consistent demand base. Moreover, rising disposable incomes, particularly in emerging economies like India and Vietnam, are fuelling a shift towards premiumized and diversified alcoholic beverages, including diverse rice wine varieties. This trend is further spurred by the younger generation's growing interest in exploring new flavors and experiences, leading to a surge in demand for artisanal and craft rice wines. Besides, the rising popularity of Asian cuisine globally has also led to an increase in rice wine consumption beyond the region, as restaurants and bars around the world embrace the unique flavor profiles of these beverages.

Request a free sample copy or view report summary: Rice Wine Market Report

Rice Wine Market Report Highlights

North America is expected to grow with a considerable CAGR over the forecast period from 2024 to 2030 driven by the increasing popularity of Asian cuisine, the growing health consciousness of consumers, and the increasing availability of rice wine in a variety of flavors and styles.

The huangjiu wine segment is estimated to grow with a substantial CAGR over the forecast period. Huangjiu wine is primarily driven by its cultural significance, particularly in China. It is a staple drink during celebrations and festivals, and its consumption is often associated with prosperity and longevity. The increasing appreciation of traditional Chinese culture, both domestically and globally, has contributed to the growing popularity of huangjiu wine. Moreover, consumers are drawn to its perceived health benefits, including improved blood circulation and reduced risk of heart disease.

The online segment is estimated to grow with a substantial CAGR over the forecast period. Online platforms enable producers to connect directly with consumers, offering personalized customer service and addressing inquiries promptly. This personalized approach fosters loyalty and contributes to the sustainable growth of the market.

Rice Wine Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the rice wine market on the basis of product, distribution channel, and region:

Rice Wine Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2018 - 2030)

Sake Wine

Huangjiu Wine

Makgeolli Wine

Others

Rice Wine Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2018 - 2030)

Offline

Online

Rice Wine Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

North America

U.S.

Canada

Mexico

Europe

UK

Germany

France

Italy

Spain

Asia Pacific

China

Japan

India

South Korea

Australia & New Zealand

Central & South America

Brazil

Middle East & Africa

South Africa 

List of Key Players in the Rice Wine Market

Asahi Shuzo Co., Ltd.

Dewazakura Sake Brewery Co., Ltd

China Shaoxing Yellow Rice Wine Group Co., Ltd.

Hiro Sake LLC.

Kokuryu

Kooksoondang Brewery Co. Ltd

Kuaijishan Shaoxing Wine Co., Ltd.

Ozeki Sake (U.S.A.), Inc.

Takara Holdings Inc

Yaegaki Corporation of USA