December Newsletter

December has arrived, bringing with it a festive spirit and the perfect time to reflect, recharge, and prepare for the new year ahead. At Door No. 3, we're wrapping up the year with a sleigh full of insights and strategies designed to help you finish strong and hit the ground running in 2025. So, pour yourself a cup of cocoa, settle by the fire, and join us as we unwrap the latest in creative marketing trends and end-of-year inspiration. Let's make this December one to remember!

BRAIN BITES

CEO-S: The Essential Playbook for Success in the CEO Role by Joel Trammel

CEO-S: Building a Growth-Focused Company Culture provides a comprehensive guide to the essential responsibilities of an effective CEO. Focusing on three key roles - building strategy, leading culture, and making decisions - Trammel offers practical advice to help leaders create alignment, foster accountability, and drive sustainability growth. Drawing from his own experience, he emphasizes the importance of setting clear goals, cultivating a thriving organizational culture, and ensuring employees understand their contributions to the company's mission. With actionable insights and real-world examples, the book serves as a valuable resource for CEOs at any stage of their leadership journey.

LET'S UP YOUR ZOOM GAME

Hey, your coworkers spend all day staring at you on camera - do them (and yourself) a favor. Skip the witness protection vibe and ditch the horror-movie lighting. In this article, you'll learn how to position your desk for maximum natural light, light your face like a pro, and avoid common mistakes that make you look more "ghost story" than "CEO story." Whether it's adjusting your setup or mastering soft lighting tricks, these tips will have you looking polished, professional, and ready to own every meeting.

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FACE WITH A NAME

Name/Title: Amanda Karotkin/Growth Intern

Location: Austin, Texas

Superpowers: My superpower would be packing an entire week's worth of clothes into a carry-on AND successfully fitting it all back end at the end of my trip.

Favorite Pastime: My favorite pastime is going on walks with friends and reading rom-com novels on my kindle.

First Job out of College: I am currently in my senior year of college at UT Austin, but my first job ever was at a dog boarding establishment where I would take dogs out to socialize and get their energy out while their families were out of town.

CHALLENGER CURRENT EVENTS

As consumer preferences shift towards brands that embody purpose and authenticity, challenger brands are winning hearts-and market share-by focusing on experiences that resonate on a deeper level. These upstarts disrupt the status quo with innovation and a knack for understanding what truly matters to their audiences.

Take Bumble, the app leading the charge in 2024 with bold moves to ensure user safety and inclusivity. New AI tools not only detect harmful messages in real-time but also expand features for LGBTQ+ users, proving that empowerment and community-building aren't just buzzwords - they're central to Bumble's DNA. These efforts solidify its position as a dating app that puts people, not algorithms, at the center of its mission.

On the other side of the spectrum, Native Pet is shaking up the pet wellness world. By launching customizable supplements in 2024, they're tapping into the growing desire for personalized, high-quality ingredients, Native Pet has successfully positioned itself as a trusted partner for pet parents who demand transparency.

These brands aren't just meeting consumer expectations - they're redefining them. By staying nimble and laser-focused on their customers' values, Bumble and Native Pet reminds us why challenger brands continue to steal the spotlight.

What inspiration can you take from these brands to disrupt your market in 2025?

How Can We Help You Tackle Your Goals?

At Door No. 3, we're all about helping you hit your growth targets. Whether you need strategic direction, creative solutions, or data-driven marketing, we're ready to dive in.