Halloween Edition: Selling candy, Gen Z cancels chocolate, advertising throwbacks, and more

Happy Halloween! This holiday isn’t the only time we went door-to-door with candy...

Remember selling World's Finest Chocolate for school fundraisers? I thought it was just a millennial memory, but generations can relate — World’s Finest has been around since 1949!

I was a shy kid, so I panicked at the idea of knocking on strangers' doors. I stuck to my “safe zone” — friends, family, neighbors, and anyone I already knew.

Funny enough, that’s also one of the best ways to grow a brand.

Start close to home with people who already believe in you.

Pitch your services to a neighbor, offer to redo your uncle’s website, or email your podcast link to your coworkers.

You don’t need to reach everyone right away — just a solid base of support.

These early supporters become your hype squad, spreading the word and building your confidence.

Start small, and let your existing network be the first to spread the word before you knock on anyone else’s door.

BONUS TIP: If you're job hunting, reach out to people individually asking them to keep you in mind for any openings. This personal touch has a lasting impact!

headline of the week ??        

First, it was skinny jeans and side parts. Now, Gen Z is giving chocolate the side-eye! ??

Rising cocoa prices have younger consumers gravitating toward gummy and sour candy, shaking things up this Halloween. Brands are scrambling to stay relevant by innovating with new, non-chocolate options.

Is anything safe from Gen Z’s hot takes? ??

READ: Chocolate is Out

throwback thursday ?        

“How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop?”

This iconic question, asked of Mr. Owl in the beloved 1970 Tootsie Pop commercial, has cemented its place in pop culture — and remains one of the longest-running ads in history.

While most other brands are busy chasing trends, Tootsie Pop leaned into its greatest hit, running the same ad for decades.

Sometimes, longevity beats reinvention... maybe your brand’s next big move is simply revisiting what already works!

So how many licks does it take? Universities have tried to crack the mystery. Purdue’s study resulted in 364 licks, while the University of Michigan counted 411.

But as Mr. Owl reminds us, "The world may never know."

faves & finds ??        

Great content doesn’t have to be sexy... maybe it just needs to be spooky! ??

has 2.6 million followers who watch her clean tombstones. It works because she incorporates two surefire elements: transformation and storytelling.

She takes each grave from grimy to pristine while sharing emotional stories of those who’ve passed.

You don’t need flashy content, or even a big budget, to make an impact. Sometimes, simplicity and a compelling story are all it takes.

laugh out loud ??        

My favorite Halloween costume yet: a social media rockstar! ??

Courtesy of Codi J.

Codi is one of my favorite follows for all things social media, and she's available for community management roles!

brand boost ??        

There’s a presence lurking in the depths of social media… ??

Could it be you? ??

Many people scroll through content without ever posting their own.

Maybe they’re scared to put themselves out there... but you know what’s truly terrifying?

Keeping your big brain locked away when you could share it with others. ??????

Your thoughts matter, and the world could use your perspective.

LEARN: Build Your Own Brand

Did you read this issue while sitting at your desk in full costume? I'm wishing you a fun and happy Halloween! ??

-Brianne

*This version of my newsletter has been adapted for LinkedIn. For the best experience, subscribe below!

SUBSCRIBE ?? P.S. Forbes named it one of their top marketing newsletters !

let's work together ??        

?? Speaking – Got an event or podcast? I’d love to bring energy, insights, and some fun stories to the stage (or screen)!

?? Sponsorships – Looking to connect with an audience of passionate creators and marketers? Secure a spot in my newsletter, podcast, and more!

?? Consulting – Whether you need help with brand development, content strategy, or a simple audit of your online presence, I'm your girl!

?? Personal Branding – Check out my course Build Your Brand and start making a name for yourself online.

I'm just a DM away! Or you can email me at [email protected]