We’ve all been there — opening up Twitter, LinkedIn, Insta, or even Threads, scrolling through our feeds, and suddenly, it feels like everyone else is miles ahead.

More connections, more engagement, more success stories about how they’re “crushing it.”

😭 The algorithm must be working against you, right?

It seems like everyone’s got more followers, more money, more everything. And have you noticed the never-ending stream of posts about “how to 10x your business in 30 days”?

Let me share something with you — many of those profiles? They’re ENGAGEMENT MINING ⛏️

They’re crafting content designed to maximize likes, comments, and shares. Some people are even taking it a step further — recycling content, inflating their success stories, or using automation to create an illusion of constant interaction.

And here’s the thing — it works. But it’s not the whole story.

Want some dopamine? Here… Have some!

Have you ever noticed how certain posts seem engineered to hit every emotional button? It’s like they’re designed in a lab to make you react. That’s because they kind of are.

Engagement mining taps into those quick dopamine hits, but does it really add value to your journey? Probably not.

And then there are the courses and programs that seem to be everywhere.

Now, I have massive respect for the genuine content creators out there — this isn’t about you.

But let’s be real — some of these courses are high on promises and low on delivery. Yet they keep selling because the engagement tactics work.

We live in an age where AI tools can generate content faster than you can brew your morning coffee. It’s tempting to let these tools do the heavy lifting, but people can tell when something isn’t authentic. Trust isn’t built by gaming the system; it’s built by being genuine.

You’ll never be popular enough!

And let me be honest with you: Even with over 530k followers on X, I sometimes see those numbers rolling in on a post and feel the temptation to chase that high. But why? To what end? Just to look more popular?

In my mind, it doesn’t actually matter if those claims (or engagement) aren’t authentic.

So is it inauthentic to use AI/GPT?

And let’s address the elephant in the room:

Yes, I’m engaging in a bit of #EngagementMining even in this piece. Sure, I used AI to help organize my thoughts, and yes, the irony isn’t lost on me.

But that’s the point — tools are just tools. It’s how you use them that really matters.

There’s nothing wrong with leveraging AI to structure your content, refine your ideas, and catch things you might miss. But the foundation should always be your own thoughts and experiences.

People want to hear your stories, your ideas, and your insights. That’s where real impact happens.

The best ones who actually last

I’ve been in business since I was 17 — over 20 years now — and I’ve seen it all. People with massive followings, and others just starting out.

But the ones who truly resonate? They’re the ones who keep it real.

They show up as themselves, not as a polished version of what they think people want.

So, what’s the takeaway? Engage with your audience, but don’t lose yourself in the process. Be authentic. Be consistent. Find your tribe. Make an impact that goes beyond the metrics.

And don’t fall for every shiny object promising you the moon when all you really need is a little honesty and a lot of heart.

Thanks for reading along, if you feel it’s been helpful, please share and also reach me on Twitter @marshawright

Why Sustainable Success Matters More Than Speed

You’ve heard it before — “Move fast and break things.” It’s the Silicon Valley battle cry, the mantra that’s driven some of the biggest tech companies to meteoric success. But let’s get real for a minute: Is this fast-paced, breakneck approach really the best way to build a business that lasts? Or is it time to rethink what success truly looks like?

I’m Marsha Wright, and today, I want to chat with you about why the “move fast” mentality might not be the golden ticket it’s cracked up to be. Instead, let’s talk about how focusing on the fundamentals — revenue, customer experience, and sustainable growth — can lead to real, lasting success.

This article came about due to a comment I shared under a post on my 𝕩 Account last night, about the lead-up to WeWork’s dumpster fire bankruptcy filing. It sparked a train of thought that led me to write this article for my entrepreneur community. So I hope it will inspire and spur you on to tune out the noise and focus on sustainability over flashy speed; no matter what your business does!

The Allure of Speed — And Its Dangers

I get it. The allure of moving fast is hard to resist. We live in a world where speed seems to equal success. The faster you get to market, the faster you can outpace competitors, capture attention, and, hopefully, win big. But here’s the catch: Moving fast can sometimes mean missing the bigger picture.

Take a moment to think about some of the most hyped unicorns over the past decade. Companies like WeWork, Theranos, and Quibi skyrocketed to fame by aggressively expanding and raising massive funds. But what happened next? Well, let’s just say their stories are now cautionary tales of what happens when you prioritize speed over sustainability.

Theranos, once valued at $9 billion, collapsed after its revolutionary blood-testing technology was exposed as fraudulent. The company’s rapid rise and even quicker fall highlighted the dangers of prioritizing hype over substance.

Quibi, another high-profile failure, launched with $1.75 billion in funding but shut down just six months later. The company’s rushed approach to content and a lack of clear audience demand led to its swift demise.

Let’s not forget WeWork. At its peak, this coworking giant was valued at a whopping $47 billion. But that valuation was built on shaky ground — an aggressive expansion strategy and a business model that couldn’t support the hype. When it all came crashing down, WeWork’s valuation plummeted to less than $8 billion, and its once-bright future suddenly looked a lot dimmer.

The “Move Fast and Break Things” Mentality

The “Move Fast and Break Things” mentality reflects a mindset of embracing speed, risk, and bold innovation, often at the expense of careful planning. While this approach has driven significant breakthroughs, it can lead to impulsive decisions, overlooked details, and potential instability.

A study published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences found that individuals who score high on traits like extraversion and openness to experience are more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors, both in their personal and professional lives.

These individuals thrive on novelty and are often more willing to embrace uncertainty and risk to reach their goals, but may struggle with maintaining balance, both in business and in life.

A bit of this mindset is crucial for entrepreneurs, as innovation often requires pushing boundaries and taking risks. Visionaries like Elon Musk exemplify this, driving massive disruption with bold, risk-taking strategies.

However, even the most innovative leaders need a strong, balanced team to ground their visions in reality. A team with operational expertise can help manage risks, ensure sustainable growth, and maintain a healthy company culture, providing the stability needed for long-term success.

You shouldn’t abdicate your decision-making to your team. But it’s equally as important that you’re around professionals who challenge you, are not afraid to speak up, and are fanatical about getting your business to reach its goals; in one piece!

In essence, while the “Move Fast and Break Things” mentality can spark innovation, it’s essential to balance it with strategic thinking and a team that ensures risks are calculated and growth is sustainable. This approach enables businesses to not only innovate, but also thrive in the long run.

A balanced team brings diverse perspectives and skill sets, helping to mitigate the potential downsides of a purely “Move Fast and Break Things” approach. For example:

• Risk Management: A team with strong analytical and operational skills can help assess the risks associated with rapid growth and develop strategies to mitigate them. This might include setting up robust quality control processes, ensuring that customer feedback is integrated into product development, or creating contingency plans for potential setbacks.
• Sustainability: While the visionary leader focuses on the next big thing, a strong team ensures that the current business model is sustainable. They look at the numbers, manage cash flow, and make sure the company’s infrastructure can support the pace of growth.
• Culture and Morale: A balanced team also helps maintain a healthy company culture. They can temper the high-pressure environment that often accompanies the “Move Fast” mentality, reducing the risk of burnout and ensuring that the team remains motivated and aligned with the company’s long-term goals.

Why Revenue Is the Real MVP

So, what’s the alternative?

It’s simple: Focus on the fundamentals.

And by fundamentals, I mean revenue. Let me say it louder for the people in the back — revenue is what keeps the lights on. Market share is great, and popularity is cool, but if you’re not generating solid, consistent revenue, you’re building a house of cards.

I call it a slow train wreck, make no mistake, the train is out of track, it’s just sliding in slow motion.

Look at a company like Basecamp. They’ve been around for over two decades, and while they may not be a unicorn, they’ve built a rock-solid business by focusing on Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR). Instead of chasing growth at all costs, they’ve prioritized profitability and delivering real value to their customers. And guess what? It’s worked.

Think of companies like Chick-fil-A and Primark, both of which have become industry leaders by sticking to their principles and refusing to chase rapid, unchecked expansion.

Chick-fil-A, for example, is known for its deliberate approach to growth. Despite overwhelming demand, the company has chosen to open fewer locations each year compared to its fast-food competitors, focusing on ensuring each new store meets its high standards of quality and customer service. This strategy has paid off, as Chick-fil-A consistently ranks at the top of customer satisfaction surveys, and boasts one of the highest per-unit sales figures in the industry. All while remaining closed on Sundays as a fundamental ideal and part of their beliefs and ethos.

Similarly, Primark, the budget fashion retailer, has adopted a cautious approach to international expansion. Rather than saturating the market with rapid store openings, Primark has been methodical, entering new markets slowly and carefully to ensure long-term success. By prioritizing operational efficiency and customer experience over speed, Primark has maintained its position as a dominant player in the fast-fashion industry without succumbing to the pressures of over-expansion.

These companies demonstrate that sustainable growth, grounded in solid fundamentals, can lead to lasting success without the need for relentless, high-speed expansion.

According to a study by McKinsey & Company, companies that focus on customer experience generate 60% higher profits than those that don’t. That’s not just a stat — that’s a wake-up call. When you take care of your customers, they take care of you. It’s that simple.

Lessons from the Trenches: What You Can Do Today

Now, I know what you’re thinking — “This all sounds great, Marsha, but how do I apply it to my business?” I’m glad you asked. Here are a few key takeaways to keep in mind as you navigate the wild world of entrepreneurship:

1. Prioritize Revenue Over Valuation:

Listen, it’s easy to get caught up in chasing that billion-dollar valuation. But remember, a high valuation doesn’t pay the bills — revenue does. Focus on building a business model that brings in consistent, reliable income.

2. Invest in Your Customers:

Your customers are your lifeblood. Take the time to build relationships, listen to their needs, and deliver an experience that keeps them coming back. When your customers are happy, they’ll stick around, and they’ll tell others about you too.

3. Grow Smart, Not Just Fast:

I’m not saying don’t grow. Growth is essential. But it’s how you grow that matters. Take a more conservative approach — focus on profitability, operational efficiency, and making sure you’re not just scaling up but scaling smart. Focus on your team, ensuring your customer experience doest suffer, and remaining THEM-focused.

4. Measure What Matters:

Sure, market share is nice, but it’s not the only metric that counts. Look at things like Customer Lifetime Value (CLTV), Customer Satisfaction Scores (CSAT), and, of course, MRR. These are the numbers that tell you if your business is built to last.

5. Learn from the Mistakes of Others:

The business world is full of examples of companies that went too big, too fast, and paid the price. Learn from their mistakes so you don’t have to repeat them. Take the time to study what works and what doesn’t, and apply those lessons to your business.

The Balanced Approach

Don’t get me wrong — innovation is crucial.

In today’s fast-paced world, you’ve got to stay on your toes. But here’s the thing: Innovation doesn’t have to come at the expense of sustainability. You can move smart, innovate, and still keep your business grounded in solid fundamentals.

Take Amazon, for example. They’ve mastered the art of sustainable innovation. Their “flywheel” approach focuses on continuous improvement and customer obsession, but they’re also incredibly disciplined when it comes to profitability. Amazon reinvests profits to drive further growth and improve the customer experience, creating a cycle that’s both innovative and sustainable.

Ok, I’m Wrapping Up With A New Mantra for Your Business

So, what’s the takeaway here?

It’s time to rethink the old “move fast and break things” mantra. Instead, I want you to embrace a new one:

“Move smart, build sustainably, and grow with purpose.”

When you focus on revenue, customer experience, and smart growth, you’re setting your business up for success that lasts. You’re not just chasing the latest trend or the next funding round — you’re building something real, something that will stand the test of time.

In today’s entrepreneurial minefield, it’s easy to get caught up in the hype. But remember, the best businesses aren’t the ones that move the fastest — they’re the ones that build the strongest foundations.

So take a deep breath, focus on the fundamentals, build your team, stick to the fundamentals, and watch your business thrive.

If you want to join my community check me out on 𝕏 @MarshaWright or via www.MarshaWright.com