The Grim Reaper already sent Myspace, LiveJournal, Vine, and Google+ to the internet afterlife — and now he might’ve come for Twitter.

Ever since Elon Musk’s takeover in 2022, Twitter has made changes that could appear erratic (to put it mildly), cutting entire divisions and limiting basic functions to users who paid a monthly subscription fee. The chaos was good for headlines but not so good for business: Twitter reportedly lost half its advertisers and 11% of web traffic.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg sensed an opportunity to strike — outside of a cage match, we mean — and has delivered an impressive blow with the new Threads app, gaining more than 100 million users in less than a week. Musk has responded with lawsuit threats and, uh, less traditional proposals.

By building Threads quietly while Musk tweeted loudly, Zuck demonstrated an understanding of the Napoleon-attributed quote: “Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake.” Your move, Google+.

Today’s Edition...

Think Different: We (and AI) updated Apple’s iconic ad campaign.

Time is money: Create a time budget, not just a financial one.

Think Different: We (and AI) Updated Apple’s Iconic Ad Campaign for 2023

(Source: Apple)

It’s been over 25 years since “Think Different” debuted, Apple’s stunning black-and-white ad campaign that the company ran from 1997 to 2002. Launched as part of Steve Jobs’ return to the company, the spot juxtaposed videos and photos of cultural and scientific trailblazers with the inspirational two-word phrase. Among these groundbreakers were Amelia Earhart, Jim Henson, Pablo Picasso, Mahatma Gandhi, Jimi Hendrix, Lucille Ball, Jane Goodall, Muhammad Ali, and John Lennon.

“Think Different” worked on several levels. It celebrated the integrity of major figures who broke the mold; implied that Apple and its users had a unique approach; and thought differently for a marketing campaign. It eschewed bold colors — and actual product details — to instead communicate the company’s motivation, which was groundbreaking for the time.

But what would this campaign look like if relaunched today? We picked a list of modern icons and asked AI to illustrate them.

Lady Gaga

(Source: business.com/Midjourney)

A true avant-garde artist, Lady Gaga delivered powerhouse vocals while impacting fashion and social attitudes, especially around LGBTQ+ acceptance. Instead of resting on her laurels as the queen of contemporary dance/pop music, she became an acclaimed actress and even released a couple albums of jazz standards with beloved crooner Tony Bennett.

(We love the wall of apples that AI dreamed up for Gaga’s “Think Different” ad, which somehow feels completely real — and completely her.)

Lin-Manuel Miranda

The man who made musicals cool again, Lin-Manuel Miranda expertly melded genres to create a historic stir on Broadway with Hamilton, which shattered box-office records. With Hollywood hits like In the Heights and Encanto, he’s proven that his talents are limitless — and his work has only just begun.

Stan Lee

(Source: business.com/Midjourney)

As co-creator of Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor, Black Panther, and the X-Men, the late Stan Lee left a superhero-sized mark on American pop culture. Although his peak creative era predated “Think Different,” the Marvel Cinematic Universe has generated almost $30 billion at the global box office since 2007, securing Stan Lee a spot for inspiring kids (and adults) for generations.

LeBron James and Michael Jordan

(Source: business.com/Midjourney)

Gen X and elder millennials will always pick MJ as the GOAT. Younger millennials and Gen Z only knew King James at his prime. Whoever is your personal NBA (and Space Jam) hero, both athletes changed the sport forever — and AI helped us imagine the 1-on-1 game that everybody wants to see.

Tina Fey

(Source: business.com/Midjourney)

Tina Fey has killer comedic timing and an impeccable sense of the cultural zeitgeist. From anchoring Saturday Night Live’s “Weekend Update” desk to overseeing 30 Rock and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, she’s a national treasure who opened the door for a new generation of funny women. Plus, millennials will always love her for writing Mean Girls.

Neil deGrasse Tyson

(Source: business.com/Midjourney)

Over his long career, deGrasse Tyson has made astrophysics relatable and even … sexy?

Beyond explaining cosmic concepts in language we can actually understand, the Hayden Planetarium director — who has earned the National Academy of Sciences Public Welfare Medal, Columbia University’s Medal of Excellence, and a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album — continues to advocate for NASA funding and science education.

Steve Jobs

(Source: business.com/Midjourney)

We had to include the man behind Apple himself. A titan who set the bar for modern CEOs, we’re still living in the world that Steve Jobs built. Whether or not you’re an Apple fan, you have to admit: He really did think different.

🤿 DIVE DEEPER

Business Capital Without The Hassle

No two businesses are alike and there’s no one-size-fits-all lending option, but finding the right business loan doesn’t have to be like searching for a needle in a haystack. When you have a partner dedicated to transparency, flexibility, and exceptional customer service, comparing the best business loans to find the funding you need can be quick and easy.

That’s why BusinessLoans.com has brought together a marketplace of lenders ready to meet the unique needs of any business. When you need a little extra capital to achieve your goals and spur your small business on to success, you won’t have to go it alone anymore. Thanks to BusinessLoans.com, you can easily compare multiple loan options at once, choose the best one for your business with confidence, and get funded as soon as the same day.

BusinessLoans.com is free to use and applying won’t impact your credit score, so check out your options today!

Time Is Money: How to Make a Time Budget

(Source: Shutterstock)

The C-Note series is presented with our partners at Silver Lining, offering tips on what it takes to launch, run, and grow a successful business.

Anyone can make more money, but no one can make more time. We all have the same amount: 168 hours a week. A time budget, like a financial budget, places us back in control of our calendar.

Here's how to create a time budget you can stick to:

Your health comes first

Getting sleep and exercise is essential to physical and mental health. Making them a priority each week will make you a stronger business owner.

Sleep: 52 hours

Exercise: 4 hours

It's time for business

We all understand that building a profitable and sustainable business takes time, but the amount of time should always reflect your growth goals. Below, we outline a suggested time budget for a full-time small business owner, but use your own profit goals to discover the perfect allotment for you!

Business Management: 40 hours

Business Growth: 10 hours

Strategic Thinking: 7 hours

All work and no play is a no-no

Family, fun, and community make life worth living. Whether it’s spending time with loved ones, taking a vacation to enjoy the fruits of your hard work, or volunteering for an organization that drives positive change, do something to feel like a human being, not just a business owner.

Family/Friends: 25 hours

Hobbies: 10 hours

Community: 12 hours

Personal Development: 5 hours

Creating a time budget is one of the most empowering things you can do for yourself. Take back control of your time today and watch how you and your business flourish!