Have you ever bent the truth to make more sales?

How about flat-out lied about a product?

Although I hope you haven’t done it, it happens! Today we’re unpacking how 1 lie wreaked havoc on Volkswagen, costing them a 20% drop in profits. Yikes.

In today's newsletter:

• Coachella’s halfway through (and we’ve got all the viral moments so you can join the convo)

• What’s coming out on Netflix this week (get ready for these to be all over social media)

• How 1 lie cost Volkswagen 20% in profits (their mistake is one you DON’T want to repeat!)

• Does anyone care about my podcast? (you might be surprised…)

- Charlotte, Editor ♡

How 1 Lie Cost Volkswagen 20% in Profits

How did VW trick consumers into thinking their vehicles were eco-friendly?

They installed devices that could detect when their vehicle emissions were being tested. These devices could change the emission test results, compromising their accuracy. Proper testing showed their emissions were 40x higher than the legal limit set by the EPA.

So why did this go so terribly wrong?

• They lied. They falsely advertised their “clean diesel” cars as eco-friendly.

• Lack of transparency. When they were caught, they denied all wrongdoing. Former CEO Matthias Muller said the situation was a misunderstanding. He also explained that he could not see how what he did was ethically wrong.

Who did VW hurt by lying about their products?

• Their own brand image. Not surprisingly, consumers saw VW in a negative light following the scandal. Their reputation as a trustworthy, environmentally friendly company was tarnished. This resulted in VW recording their first annual loss in April 2015 after 20+ years, with their profits dropping by 20%.

• Their customers. Loyal consumers lost their confidence in the brand as a result of the scandal. Potential customers also became wary of purchasing VW cars due to their unethical actions.

• The environment. Their most popular vehicles, the Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3, had these cheat devices in them. This caused serious environmental impacts. The higher level of nitrous oxide contributed to air pollution and other harmful health effects.

What can you learn from this disaster?

Be Honest. Being a truthful brand ensures your consumers remain loyal to you. And if you mess up, be transparent rather than trying to cover up wrongdoing.

Being a conscious brand is important. But it's not okay to pretend you are.

-Visha, Intern

I am a survivor of Coachella weekend one.

(I didn’t attend but I was forced to watch via social media.)

There’s an age-old debate surrounding whether weekend one or two (of what is basically the Influencer Met Gala) is better.

This year, we have some strong points for weekend one.

Surprise appearances:

• Will Smith performing Men in Black during J.Balvins set (in MIB attire, too!)

• Olivia Rodrigo with No Doubt

• Paris Hilton & Vampire Weekend (what in the crossover episode?)

Other iconic moments:

• Victoria Monet calls for a ceasefire during her performance

• Ice Spice previewed a new song

• Doja Cat with what’s said to be the most incredible set.

So how can you jump on the wave, even from Couch-ella? (see what I did there?)

• Join the conversation on one of these epic moments. Use clips from a performance or turn it into a sound bite.

• Collate the best outfits you’ve seen. Break them down, talk about where you can buy the garments, or who they were seen on. Ask your followers to vote for the best with a poll!

• Create your own Coachella looks. What are your big 3? Or how would you dress for your fave artist’s set?

• Show us your Couch-ella weekend. Something comedic perhaps, playing on the fact that the vast majority of us are living our normal lives.

Nonetheless, we have hit the halfway mark and soon the FOMO will be over.

Speaking of Couchella, here’s what’s coming out on Netflix this week…

Jimmy Carr: Natural Born Killer

The Fairly OddParents: Seasons 4-5 (v excited about this one)

Lady Bird

This is 40 (arguably one of the best comedies from the early 2000’s)

Whether it’s fresh media or one of the classics, there’s always content to be made.

• Show your excitement. Create some “movie night” content.

• Dig up your favourite scenes. Use a soundbite to create a viral moment.

• Be the first to react. Jimmy Carr’s stand-up is meant to be explosive. Definitely reaction-worthy.

Love to all my pop culture fiends, mwah x

-Sophie, Pop Culture Queen & Elfrida, Intern

What’s Going Viral?

Got FOMO?

Listen to our YAP Podcast Tuesday - Saturday, where Stan & Jony break down the videos that are blowing up on social media. Not only will you learn why they work, but we’ll tell you how to capitalise on these trends before they disappear.

Watch the full podcast here and subscribe to the YouTube Channel so you don’t miss an episode.

Today’s Creator Spotlight 👉 Jenny Hoyos 

Check out which of their videos are going viral RIGHT NOW 👇

Mr. Beast On A Budget

I Built a Secret Room with Zero Dollars

$1 PSL vs Starbucks

Tweets from The Intern

Ask the Editor

Q - I want to start a podcast but don't know if anyone would care about the topic. It would be about software in the healthcare space. - Benjamin

Hey Benjamin,

Although that is a pretty niche topic, there's an audience for just about everything out there. It's just a matter of finding them.

If you're serious about creating a podcast, my suggestion is to just focus on getting your reps in first. And before you can do that, you need to figure out the purpose of your podcast. Then you need to create a system that will allow you to record your episodes on a regular basis.

Once you start putting out episodes consistently, you'll begin to see what works and what doesn't. You'll naturally improve just through practice. Then, as your audience finds you, take their feedback and continue to iterate based on what resonates with them.

- Charlotte, Editor ♡