oh my DOT | Connecting the Dots #98

Nike?

Nike – once the gold standard in brand marketing – is now a textbook example of what not to do. Their 30% stock drop this year shows the chaos caused by reoganization and the shift from brand building to performance marketing. In June 2024, Nike lost $25 billion in market value due to poor Q2 results. By abandoning their legendary ads for tempting DTC numbers and digital metrics, they started doing things less efficiently, well at least they can measure them. Despite these challenges, Nike remains the leading brand.

Marketing and media

#1 McDonald´s is losing its sauce. For the first time since 2020, McDonald’s has negative results. Inflation, changing eating habits, and a bit of the popularity of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic are to blame. McDonald’s wants to focus on better value for its customers.

#2 OpenAI is going after the search medal. SearchGPT starts with a large text box where the user is asked a question: What are you looking for? However, instead of a simple list of links, it tries to organize and make sense of those links. In one example from OpenAI, the search engine summarizes its findings about music festivals and then presents short descriptions of the events followed by links to sources. Ready or not Google.

#3 TikTok is now also Shazam. TikTok has introduced “Sound Search,” a new feature that allows users to find songs by singing, humming or playing them.

#4 Do Re Mi Fa Spo Ti Fy can save the music? Despite the fact that services like Spotify saw growth and $14 billion in revenue last year, the industry continues to face financial challenges and fair compensation for artists. Most are still struggling to make a living and rely on live performances and tours as key sources of income.

#5 Noplace is the trending social media for Gen Z. Noplace, a new app combining Twitter and Myspace, reached #1 in the App Store after its public launch. Designed for Gen Z, it offers colorful, customizable profiles and focuses on real-time updates, connecting users through shared interests and a global feed. With significant investor backing, Noplace brings “social” back to social networks.

#6 Real-life Succession. Rupert Murdoch wants to change his will to put his eldest son Lachlam in charge of his media empire. James, Elisabeth and Prudence disagree and fight for equal rights after their father’s death. The court hearing, which begins in September, will decide the future of one of the most influential media companies in the world. Does this remind you of anything?

Life

#1 Grindr crashed during the Republican convention. It wasn’t the first time, and the Republican conventions are being referred to as a Superbowl for Grindr.

#2 The Rubik Cube turns 50. The Rubik’s Cube, invented by Erno Rubik in 1974, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. For decades it has fascinated mathematicians and enthusiasts with its 43 quintillion permutations.

#3 A short history of bouillon cubes.

#4 Bratislava will have the feeling of the climate of Italy in 50 years. See how your postal code will fell in a few years.

#5 A beautiful compilation Eggs in movies.

#6 Drone photo competition. The most beautiful pictures from the air.

With love