Why Big Brands Do Dumb Things
02/11/25 • 9 min
Click Here to Get All Podcast Show Notes!
Why do top companies like Sonos, Snapchat, and Apple keep making the same costly mistakes? It’s not a lack of talent or resources—it’s something much deeper.
In this episode, Sharran unpacks how some of the biggest brands have fallen victim to avoidable mistakes—and what you can do to ensure your business doesn’t follow the same path. From Sonos' disastrous app update to Snapchat's unpopular redesign and Apple Maps' failed launch, Sharran reveals a recurring pattern that costs companies billions in lost trust, revenue, and reputation. Learn the five critical lessons from these failures and how to apply them to your business for smarter decision-making and long-term success.
If you want to avoid billion-dollar mistakes in your business, tune in to learn from the failures of the biggest brands and apply these lessons to your business.
“If your product isn’t ready, please don’t ship it—your reputation depends on it.”
- Sharran Srivatsaa
Timestamps:
01:15 - Why even smart companies keep making the same mistakes
02:36 - Sonos’ app failure: The update that broke customer trust
03:20 - Snapchat’s disastrous redesign and mass user backlash
04:01 - Apple Maps: The launch that forced a public apology
04:50 - Netflix’s Qwikster debacle and the cost of poor communication
05:51 - Five major lessons to avoid these business pitfalls
07:22 - Here's a big takeaway from the episode
Resources:
Join the Future Proof Community - https://futureproofsecrets.com/
The Real Brokerage - https://www.joinreal.com/
Top Agent Power Pack - https://sharran.activehosted.com/f/121
The 5am Club - https://sharran.com/5amclub/
Join the 10K Wisdom Private Partner Podcast, now available to you for free - https://www.highlandprime.com/optin-10k-wisdom
The Job of a CEO - https://www.highlandprime.com/download-job-of-ceo
Join Sharran's VIP Community - https://sharran.com/vip/
ARC Multifamily Real Estate Investing - https://arcmf.com/
Sharran's Partnership Program - https://www.highlandprime.com/
Grab Sharran’s 4-Week MBA for Free - https://sharran.com/4weekmba/
Connect with Sharran:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/likesharran
Click Here to Get All Podcast Show Notes!
Why do top companies like Sonos, Snapchat, and Apple keep making the same costly mistakes? It’s not a lack of talent or resources—it’s something much deeper.
In this episode, Sharran unpacks how some of the biggest brands have fallen victim to avoidable mistakes—and what you can do to ensure your business doesn’t follow the same path. From Sonos' disastrous app update to Snapchat's unpopular redesign and Apple Maps' failed launch, Sharran reveals a recurring pattern that costs companies billions in lost trust, revenue, and reputation. Learn the five critical lessons from these failures and how to apply them to your business for smarter decision-making and long-term success.
If you want to avoid billion-dollar mistakes in your business, tune in to learn from the failures of the biggest brands and apply these lessons to your business.
“If your product isn’t ready, please don’t ship it—your reputation depends on it.”
- Sharran Srivatsaa
Timestamps:
01:15 - Why even smart companies keep making the same mistakes
02:36 - Sonos’ app failure: The update that broke customer trust
03:20 - Snapchat’s disastrous redesign and mass user backlash
04:01 - Apple Maps: The launch that forced a public apology
04:50 - Netflix’s Qwikster debacle and the cost of poor communication
05:51 - Five major lessons to avoid these business pitfalls
07:22 - Here's a big takeaway from the episode
Resources:
Join the Future Proof Community - https://futureproofsecrets.com/
The Real Brokerage - https://www.joinreal.com/
Top Agent Power Pack - https://sharran.activehosted.com/f/121
The 5am Club - https://sharran.com/5amclub/
Join the 10K Wisdom Private Partner Podcast, now available to you for free - https://www.highlandprime.com/optin-10k-wisdom
The Job of a CEO - https://www.highlandprime.com/download-job-of-ceo
Join Sharran's VIP Community - https://sharran.com/vip/
ARC Multifamily Real Estate Investing - https://arcmf.com/
Sharran's Partnership Program - https://www.highlandprime.com/
Grab Sharran’s 4-Week MBA for Free - https://sharran.com/4weekmba/
Connect with Sharran:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/likesharran
Previous Episode
Million Dollar Community
Click Here to Get All Podcast Show Notes!
What if your entire audience disappeared overnight? In this episode, Sharran shares why relying on social media is a risky game and why community is the ultimate asset. He reveals how legendary brands like Harley-Davidson, Nike, and Marvel have built powerful communities and how you can do the same.
Learn how to create true fans, make people feel valued, and structure smaller, engaged groups that grow organically. Whether you're just starting or want to strengthen your network, this episode will give you a proven blueprint for building a community that lasts.
Stop chasing views and start building a loyal community! Tune in to learn six proven strategies for building a thriving, engaged, and profitable community that will stay with you no matter what happens.
“At the end of the day, it is not about going viral. The world has changed. Yes, going viral is great, but the world has changed. It's about building a table where you and your people can sit together–people who support you, cheer for you, and grow with you.”
- Sharran Srivatsaa
Timestamps:
01:27 - The danger of relying on social media for your audience
03:06 - How Harley-Davidson created an iconic community
04:16 - The power of 1,000 true fans
04:30 - How Nike turned customers into a movement
07:06 - Why making people feel special is the ultimate strategy
08:34 - Building smaller, more engaged groups for a lasting connection
10:07 - How to let your community help grow itself
Resources:
Join the Future Proof Community - https://futureproofsecrets.com/
The Real Brokerage - https://www.joinreal.com/
Top Agent Power Pack - https://sharran.activehosted.com/f/121
The 5am Club - https://sharran.com/5amclub/
Join the 10K Wisdom Private Partner Podcast, now available to you for free - https://www.highlandprime.com/optin-10k-wisdom
The Job of a CEO - https://www.highlandprime.com/download-job-of-ceo
Join Sharran's VIP Community - https://sharran.com/vip/
ARC Multifamily Real Estate Investing - https://arcmf.com/
Sharran's Partnership Program - https://www.highlandprime.com/
Grab Sharran’s 4-Week MBA for Free - https://sharran.com/4weekmba/
Connect with Sharran:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/likesharran
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sharransrivatsaa/
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Next Episode
Make Money With Trump’s Presidency
Click Here to Get All Podcast Show Notes!
Forget the politics; just follow the money. In 2025, major policy shifts will result in trillions of dollars flowing into AI, energy, defense, and other areas.
In this episode, Sharran breaks down the biggest economic shifts set to unfold during Trump’s presidency and how savvy investors can capitalize on them. He reveals seven investment themes that could shape your financial future.
From AI infrastructure and energy deregulation to defense spending and manufacturing, Sharran highlights key sectors poised for massive growth. Sharran shares insights on how these policies create ripple effects across industries and how you can position yourself for financial success.
Whether you’re investing, running a business, or simply want to stay ahead of economic trends, this episode is your roadmap to opportunity. If you want to stay ahead while others discuss politics, tune in to discover where the money is moving and how to capitalize on it!
“Trump's 2025 presidency is more than just a political shift. It is a roadmap for where the money is moving. That's what we wanna find–from AI to oil, military to manufacturing. Every policy creates these ripple effects, and those ripples are where the smartest investors like you can thrive.”
- Sharran Srivatsaa
Timestamps:
01:27 - How policy shifts create hidden opportunities
02:43 - AI’s $500B investment boom
03:44 - Energy deregulation and oil’s comeback
05:09 - Defense spending and tech-driven warfare
06:10 - Tariffs, reshoring, and the supply chain reboot
07:27 - Private prisons and the business of deportation
08:49 - Tax cuts, stock buybacks, and quick profits
10:21 - Wall Street deregulation and financial sector shifts
Resources:
Join the Future Proof Community - https://futureproofsecrets.com/
The Real Brokerage - https://www.joinreal.com/
Top Agent Power Pack - https://sharran.activehosted.com/f/121
The 5am Club - https://sharran.com/5amclub/
Join the 10K Wisdom Private Partner Podcast, now available to you for free - https://www.highlandprime.com/optin-10k-wisdom
The Job of a CEO - https://www.highlandprime.com/download-job-of-ceo
Join Sharran's VIP Community - https://sharran.com/vip/
ARC Multifamily Real Estate Investing - https://arcmf.com/
Sharran's Partnership Program - https://www.highlandprime.com/
Grab Sharran’s 4-Week MBA for Free - https://sharran.com/4weekmba/
Connect with Sharran:
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