A cartoon monkey winking and giving the thumbs up sign encouraging visitors to click on its image to visit the "Rules of Thumb" blog.

TL;DR? Click the monkey for bite-sized bits of marketing wisdom.

The Big Opposable Blog.

Unlock big marketing ideas for small businesses.

Welcome to Creative Jungle! Dive into a treasure trove of marketing wisdom tailored for small businesses. Discover tips, tricks, and strategies to help your business swing to success with monkey-like agility and creativity!

Matt Schroeder 1/2/26 Matt Schroeder 1/2/26

Why branding matters long term

Branding isn’t something you launch and move on from—it’s something you nurture. While marketing can create short-term spikes, branding compounds quietly through consistency, recognition, and trust. This article explores why long-term brand equity is built through sustained alignment—not constant reinvention—and why blowing up a brand out of frustration often erases progress instead of fixing it.

Matt Schroeder 1/2/26 Matt Schroeder 1/2/26

Marketing resolutions every small business should make this year

The start of a new year isn’t just about fresh goals—it’s about taking an honest look at what worked, what didn’t, and what changed. A thoughtful review helps uncover patterns that are easy to miss when you’re busy running day to day. Before building a strategy for the year ahead, it’s worth slowing down long enough to get clear on reality.

Matt Schroeder 12/29/25 Matt Schroeder 12/29/25

What marketing services are most important for small businesses and startups?

Discover the core marketing services small businesses actually need—and which ones can wait until later.

Matt Schroeder 12/29/25 Matt Schroeder 12/29/25

How do I develop a clear marketing strategy without wasting budget?

Many businesses waste marketing dollars not because they lack effort, but because they lack focus. Learn how to build a clear, intentional marketing strategy that prioritizes impact over activity.

Matt Schroeder 10/16/23 Matt Schroeder 10/16/23

What is marketing’s future in the age of AI?

What is the future of the marketing profession with artificial intelligence (AI) emerging in popularity? Does it spell doom to career marketers, or will it merely evolve to be another tool for savvy professionals to advance the creativity and effectiveness of advertising and promotional efforts?