Things feel uncertain for a lot of businesses right now.
Across different industries, we’re seeing the same pattern. Slower decisions. Hesitation. Pressure on margins. And a lot of business owners trying to work out what to do next.
This episode of Raising The Bar is a bit different. It’s a grounded, practical conversation about how to approach marketing and decision-making when the market feels unpredictable.
Mel Strutt and Monique Jecks break down how customer behaviour shifts during uncertain periods, why cutting marketing completely can create bigger problems, and where to focus if you want to protect revenue over the next 30 to 90 days.
They also unpack how to communicate in a way that feels considered and relevant, without falling into generic messaging or reactive discounting.
If you’re trying to stay steady while things feel unsettled, this episode will help you think more clearly about your next move.
Takeaways:
- Not all customers react the same way during uncertainty. Some continue as normal, some wait, and some pull back completely.
- Mass marketing becomes less effective. More direct, tailored communication is needed.
- Going quiet can cost you. Staying visible helps build trust and shows leadership.
- Discounting is a short-term lever that can damage long-term brand value.
- Your current pipeline matters most. Focus on nurturing existing opportunities over the next 30 to 90 days.
- Scenario planning creates clarity. Mapping out best and worst-case outcomes helps you make better decisions.
- Strong client relationships matter more. Use this time to have real conversations and understand risk.
- Stick to your core offer. Do not drift away from what you are known for under pressure.
- Different industries will feel this differently. Context matters when making decisions.
- Marketing still plays a role. It just needs to be more considered, targeted and commercially focused.
Raising The Bar is a fortnightly podcast hosted by Mel Strutt that offers blunt, experience-backed marketing advice for Australian business owners. Joined by Monique Jecks, they tackle what matters, call out what doesn’t, and raise the standard of what marketing should deliver.
