Small Business Programs in December
 
Your Publishing Roadmap to Success
Saturday, December 13, 9:15 a.m.  @ Thornhill Branch
Presented by SCORE  
The current publishing landscape in the US can be confusing, wild, and very much a “buyer be-AWARE” market. Join us to learn the pros and cons of DIY vs. author-assisted vs. independent vs. traditional publishing, author brand platforms and why you need one, what kinds of books sell best, which publishing path is best for you, and how to avoid self-publishing pitfalls.
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ENTREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHT
 
Marie Tussaud (born December, 1761), the 18th-century entrepreneur who turned wax and spectacle into a global empire, offers a timeless blueprint for modern success. Her methods prove that regardless of the century, the formula for building a long-lasting brand relies on sharp commercial instincts, acute audience psychology, and relentless relevance. 
 
Here’s how her approach translates directly to 21st-century entrepreneurship:

Don't Just Spot Trends, Shape Them

Madame Tussaud had a gift for trendspotting. She seized quickly upon every trend and fashion to tap into “the snobbish glamour of royalty and the thrill of the latest gruesome murder.” Modern entrepreneurs operate in a similar landscape - one where viral content, influencer culture, and public curiosity drive markets. Like Tussaud, today’s business leaders must not only track what captivates audiences but also anticipate and curate that fascination. Actionable Takeaway: Regularly scan cultural, industry, and social trends; identify emerging obsessions and proactively create products or campaigns that align with them.
 

Understand What Truly Engages People

Tussaud understood human psychology and understood that the initial ticket sale was just the start of a customer's lifetime value. She recognized that royals drew crowds, but murderers made money. Instead of pretending otherwise, she leaned into it - balancing glamour with grit. By catering to both fascination with fame and appetite for fear, she turned voyeurism into business. Modern entrepreneurs can learn from this instinct: success lies in understanding what people emotionally respond to - status, exclusivity, suspense, or participation - and designing products and experiences that satisfy those desires. Actionable Takeaway: Conduct audience research to uncover emotional triggers and design offerings that directly satisfy those desires.
 

Adapt Business Models to Shifting Markets

As she aged, Tussaud pivoted from touring exhibitions to the market of middle-class families seeking entertainment. She adjusted her offerings and pricing to meet the needs of her audience, a principle that defines modern scalability. Entrepreneurs today - whether in tech, retail, or entertainment - face similar demands to evolve: shifting from niche products to mainstream markets, diversifying income streams, and refining customer experiences. Actionable Takeaway: Monitor market shifts and customer behavior; pivot business models or offerings before declining engagement affects growth.


Master the Art of Marketing and Monetization

Tussaud was a marketing innovator. She varied ticket prices by location, sold show catalogues (an early form of merchandising and content marketing), and refreshed her exhibits regularly to ensure return visits. She also leveraged the fame of her subjects to promote her brand - essentially inventing influencer marketing before the term existed. Actionable Takeaway: Develop multiple revenue streams, optimize pricing strategies, and refresh content or product offerings regularly to encourage repeat engagement.
 

Leverage Location and Accessibility

Choosing Baker Street for her permanent exhibition wasn’t luck - it was strategic. Proximity to a railway station maximized foot traffic and accessibility, much like modern businesses prioritize digital visibility or store placement. 
Actionable Takeaway: Position your business or digital presence where your target audience already is to maximize convenience and discoverability.
 

Build a Brand That Outlives You

When Tussaud died in 1850, she left behind more than wax statues, she left  a global brand - one that still thrives today. Her name is still synonymous with immersive celebrity culture and 175 years later, people still line up to see her work. To build something so culturally wired-in that it becomes immortal is a dream every entrepreneur chases. Actionable Takeaway: Focus on creating a consistent brand identity and experience that can evolve with time and remain culturally relevant.
 

Turn Hustle into Vision

Tussaud embodied the entrepreneurial hustle: working tirelessly, reinventing her product, and transforming entertainment into an empire. But her real genius lay in understanding that celebrity itself could be a product - a notion that underpins today’s influencer economy, personal branding, and experiential marketing. Actionable Takeaway: Invest in transforming your product or service into an experience or lifestyle that extends beyond the immediate transaction, creating long-term value and influence.
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AI Isn’t the Future - It’s Here. Here’s How to Catch Up…
 
AI dominated the headlines in 2025…and for good reason. Tools that once sounded futuristic are now quietly shaping how small businesses market, sell, serve, and plan. But for many entrepreneurs, AI can still feel more intimidating than inspiring. This month, let’s demystify it. You don’t need to become a tech expert to benefit from AI, you just need to understand where it can make your work easier, faster, or more creative.
 
1. Start with What You Already Do: You don’t have to overhaul your operations, just enhance what’s working. Ask yourself:
  • Where am I repeating the same tasks every week?
  • What takes time that doesn’t add much value?
  • Where could I use more creative input or organization?
Try AI for:
  • Writing emails, captions, or newsletters faster
  • Summarizing meetings or customer feedback
  • Scheduling posts or automating replies
 
2. Focus on Efficiency, Not Complexity: AI isn’t about chasing every new app, it’s about cutting friction. Test one AI tool in one part of your business this month. Build from there.
  • Use analytics tools to spot your best-selling products or busiest days
  • Automate appointment scheduling or invoice reminders
  • Use chat assistants for FAQs or lead intake
 
3. Keep the Human Touch: AI is powerful, but your voice, personality, and empathy are irreplaceable. The goal isn’t to sound robotic, it’s to sound like your best self, more often.
  • Let AI help brainstorm, but write the final draft in your own tone
  • Use AI insights, but trust your intuition
  • Focus AI on freeing your time, not replacing your creativity
 
4. Be Smart About Privacy & Ethics: AI tools are convenient, but they’re not all created equal. 
  • Check where tools store your data
  • Avoid uploading sensitive customer or financial information
  • Be transparent if you use AI-generated content
 
5. Look Ahead to 2026: Think of 2025 as your AI learning curve, and 2026 as your implementation year. It’s not about keeping up, it’s about moving forward intentionally. Next year, consider:
  • Automating one time-consuming task
  • Using AI analytics to guide one big decision
  • Learning one new AI skill as a team
AI isn’t about replacing people, it’s about giving people better tools so they can focus on their core strengths. The most successful small businesses of 2026 won’t be the ones with the most technology, but the ones using it with creativity, empathy, and purpose.
 
Not sure where to start or next steps? SLCL offers free access to online learning platforms to help you and your team develop the skills needed to confidently implement and manage new AI systems. Book a Librarian today to set up a one-on-one appointment and explore the possibilities!
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