A BusinessXO desk
Marketing & Reputation
A reputation is an asset with measurable mechanics — stars, referrals, and one division problem that tells you whether any of the spending works. This desk covers the math of being known and trusted.
Start with the field guide: Reputation Math →The economics of asking in person
Why a one-sentence ask in the happy moment outperforms the automated email — and what 0.4 stars is actually worth in local search. 2 min read · August 14, 2026 ÷ · the numberOne division problem
Last quarter's marketing spend divided by the customers it produced. Everything else in the report is commentary. 2 min read · August 14, 2026 16% · the numberWhere word of mouth actually comes from
Referred customers are measurably more valuable and stay longer — and referral volume responds to design, not luck. Three mechanisms behind the businesses everyone recommends. 2 min read · August 21, 2026Other desks
One piece a week. That's the pitch.
About 400 words, always a real number, never a lecture — from whichever desk has something worth saying that week.
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