🥠“Return on fortune” — OpenFortune’s cookie ads. 32% MBA app surge. Zyn’s cigarette savior.
Oct 24, 2024
auto_awesome
Fortune cookies might soon come with ads, thanks to a startup producing 135 million of them! Meanwhile, MBA applications have jumped 32%, driven by tech layoffs and the rise of AI. On a different note, Philip Morris sees stock success as Zyn sales surpass traditional cigarettes, igniting debates around youth addiction. Plus, Austin's hottest eatery is an AI-driven restaurant—talk about a modern twist on dining! Exciting times in marketing, education, and dining!
21:12
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
Philip Morris has successfully shifted from traditional cigarettes to nicotine pouches, witnessing a remarkable surge in sales and stock price.
Open Fortune's innovative approach to fortune cookie advertising captures consumer attention by seamlessly blending ads with fortunes, creating memorable dining experiences.
Deep dives
Philip Morris Transforms with Zin Pouches
Philip Morris has seen a surprising renaissance despite the decline of traditional cigarette use, largely due to its new focus on Zin nicotine pouches. In a significant shift, the company sold more Zin pouches than cigarettes last quarter for the first time, indicating a transformation from being primarily a cigarette manufacturer to a nicotine-focused enterprise. This change has resulted in a 44% increase in Zin sales compared to the previous year, leading to record profitability and a dramatic rise in the company’s stock price. Interestingly, this scenario serves as a wake-up call to struggling industries, emphasizing that businesses must adapt and embrace new opportunities to survive extinction in their original form.
Advertising Innovation Through Fortune Cookies
A startup called Open Fortune, which dominates the fortune cookie market, is innovating by placing advertisements inside fortune cookies, creating a unique advertising channel. With control over 90% of the U.S. fortune cookie supply, they reach 135 million customers every month, effectively leveraging a space that was previously unused for commercial purposes. The ads are crafted to blend seamlessly with the fortunes, providing both entertainment and promotional content at a moment when diners are engaged and in good spirits. This approach highlights a trend in advertising where success lies in capturing specific moments rather than just occupying spaces, making the experience more memorable and shareable.
Surge in Business School Applications Driven by AI Concerns
Applications to business schools have surged to their highest levels in a decade, attributed mainly to fears surrounding the implications of artificial intelligence on job security. The ripples from Mark Zuckerberg's announcement about workforce efficiency led to massive layoffs in the tech sector, prompting many professionals to seek an MBA as a way to realign their careers. Business schools are now responding to this demand by incorporating AI-focused curricula aimed at preparing graduates for leadership in a rapidly evolving job market. This trend reflects a significant shift in educational priorities, as more individuals recognize the necessity of adapting their skills to thrive in the age of AI.