Businesses can generate buzz and attract customers not by waiting for organic demand, but by proactively creating the illusion of it. Simple props like a velvet rope or a bouncer can trigger a self-fulfilling prophecy where passersby assume popularity, form a line, and generate social media content that extends it further.
The success of Topgolf wasn't a one-off. Its founders are replicating the model with Putt Shack (mini-golf) and now Pool House (billiards). This demonstrates a clear, repeatable formula for modernizing traditional activities by adding a technology layer for accessibility and a premium food and beverage experience to broaden appeal.
Trump Media's $100k/month fee for early tweet access seems high, but it's a bargain in high-frequency trading. Hedge funds have spent upwards of $300 million drilling a tunnel through mountains just to shave four milliseconds off a trade between New York and Chicago. This illustrates the extreme lengths firms will go to for the slightest time advantage.
The rise of "tech neck," wrinkles from looking down at phones, has spawned a lucrative new market. Procter & Gamble is selling neck-specific moisturizers, wellness brands are pushing quartz rollers, and plastic surgeons report a 25% jump in neck lifts for 30-year-olds. This shows how cultural shifts and new anxieties can be quickly monetized by observant industries.
While counterintuitive, making customers wait in a physical line can be profitable. The effort and time invested creates a psychological need for a bigger reward. A study found that people who waited in line placed a larger order once they reached the counter, as they want to make the wait "worth it," maximizing their dopamine hit.