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Finding Joy in the Hustle
Another week packed with amazing events and some thought provoking questions
Aubrie Smith & Jorge Ortiz
July 25, 2024
Welcome to this week’s edition of In the Loop Houston! We are excited to have you as part of our growing community. Whether you’re a long-time subscriber or new to our newsletter, we’re thrilled to share the latest happenings, insightful stories, and innovative ideas with you. This week, we dive into a thought-provoking question that might just change how you view your daily activities and explore the unique marketing approach of Liquid Death, a brand that makes waves in the bottled water industry. Don't forget to check out our curated list of upcoming events and hot reads. Let’s make this week joyful and productive together!
Small Beer
We are thrilled to introduce our partner in crime, Small Beer! For the big thinkers of Houston, Small Beer reinvigorates the lost tradition of lower-alcohol beer. Why low alcohol? Because sometimes you need to have a cold one or two and still need to get things done. Trust us they are fantastic! Next time you want a cold one without the punch pick one up. Embrace innovation, savor quality, and toast to big ideas with Small Beer—Small Beer for big plans.
Houston-Sized Happenings
Food for Thought
If You Were the Only Person Left on Earth...
I was asked a profound question this week that I haven't been able to stop thinking about: If you were the only person left on this earth, would you continue doing any of the things you spend time on?
At first glance, it seems like a silly question. Obviously, if I were the last person on earth, I wouldn't continue most of my current activities. But the more I pondered it, the deeper the question's meaning became. It ultimately led me to a simpler, yet powerful, question: Is what you're spending your time on bringing you joy? Are you doing it just for the joy of the act itself—ultimately just for you? For example, the great artist spends hours painting or playing the guitar just because they love it. Arnold lifted weights for hours a day weekly because the actual act brought him joy.
For most of us, the answer is NO. Many of the things we spend our lives on bring us little to no joy and are far from being done for the sheer pleasure of the act. Obligations, financial pressures, and external expectations create a pressure cooker that compels us to spend our time on activities we wouldn't choose if we were the last person on earth. This includes showing up to jobs we hate and spending time with people who don't enrich our lives.
I know I've spent most of my days doing things that primarily monetize my time, without any real enjoyment beyond the financial reward.
So, what if we took this question to heart and let it guide our actions? Imagine a life where every moment is spent on activities that bring us joy and fulfillment, not because we have to, but because we want to. Let's challenge ourselves to prioritize our happiness and find joy in the simple, authentic moments. After all, if we wouldn't do it as the last person on earth, why do it now? Embrace the freedom to choose joy, and let that choice shape a more fulfilling life.
Upcoming Events - for business
July 25th - The Sixth Level Book Tour, Houston
July 26th - Travel Agency Startup Business Webinar
July 26th - Cup of Joey
July 30th - Passion to Profit Online Masterclass
August 1st - Cup of Joey - Cannon West Houston
August 1st - 11th Annual Bayou Startup Showcase
August 1st - Houston Career Fair
August 1st - YWCA Women’s Business Incubator Kickoff
August 8th - Noontime Networking: Business, Sales & Entrepreneur Networking
Upcoming Events - for pleasure
July 26th - And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
July 27th - 8TH WONDER AND BLOOD BROS BBQ PRESENTS SUMMER FOREVER!!
July 27th - Summer Blowout Sip & Shop
July 27th - Houston Family Fun Fest
July 28th - Pop Up Market at Star Sailor
July 29th - Houston Astros vs. Pittsburg Pirates
July 30th - The Harambee Mini Concert
August 1st - Houston Shakespeare Festival
August 1st - Coffee and Cars
August 2nd - Art Lover Champagne Mingle
August 3rd - White Linen Night in The Heights
Share Your Event With Us!
Looking to get more exposure for you event?
Send your event to [email protected] and we will work with you to promote your event!
Top Picks of The Week
Tweet of the Week: Traffic. No problem; Burger King thought of an innovative solution to bring their products to gridlock traffic by launching the "Traffic Jam Whopper". Operational innovation at its finest!
In 2019, Burger King faced a major problem in Mexico:
"Difficulty in reaching customers during peak traffic hours."
To counter it, they launched the “Traffic Jam Whopper” campaign.
Orders increased by 63%.
Here's how a traffic nightmare became a marketing masterstroke:
— Jeremy Kuo (@jeremykuoo)
1:01 PM • Jul 25, 2024
Product of the Week: CorPower Ocean’s C4 Wave Energy Converter generates electricity as it harnesses the power of the waves!
Foodie Spot of the Week: This past weekend we went to 85 C Bakery and enjoyed some delicious boba (pictured below) and pastries! 10/10 recommend!
Taro Swirl Smoothie & Peach Green Tea
Stories that Inspire
Selling Your Soul For Water - Why Liquid Death Focuses on Entertaining People Rather Than Just Marketing To Them
Explore why Liquid Death focuses on entertaining rather than conventional marketing. Discover how the founder turned a simple idea into a $700 million brand, making water cool again with bold branding and quirky promotions. From their paradoxical name to viral gags like 'selling your soul' for a case of water, Liquid Death captures attention and curiosity, revolutionizing how we view bottled water.
Hot Reads of the Week
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Do what brings you joy this week!