The Biggest Difference Between Businesses That Are Winning and Those That Are Struggling Isn’t Money—It’s Marketing

I recently had the privilege of covering a networking event at Mariposa Cocina in Las Vegas. The room was filled with politicians, artists, restaurant and bar owners, media personalities, investors, and many of the Black business leaders helping shape our city.

After more than 15 years in business, I knew most of the people in the room. I’ve collaborated with them, done business with them, or pitched them my services over the years. It was great seeing familiar faces and hearing the passion everyone has for our community.

But there was one thing that stood out.

Despite the accomplishments represented in that room, many of the conversations centered around the same concern: business is harder than ever right now.

The event featured an incredible panel of Las Vegas heavy hitters:

• Alex Dixon – GMA Consulting and former CEO of Resorts World Las Vegas

• Crystal Robinson-Wesley – Vice President of Entertainment at Palms Casino Resort

• Steve Stevenson – MGM Resorts International

• Craig Knight – KCEP Power 88.1 FM

• Former Nevada State Assemblyman Cameron “C.H.” Miller

Every panelist spoke about collaboration, community support, and finding ways to help local businesses survive and thrive during challenging economic times.

C.H. Miller shared an app created by Urban Chambers that helps businesses connect with convention attendees and corporate clients. It’s a smart solution because corporate business is one of the fastest-growing opportunities in Las Vegas today.

Las Vegas has changed.

We’re no longer simply an entertainment capital—we’ve become a sports, convention, and corporate powerhouse. Organizations from around the country have moved here with capital, infrastructure, and sophisticated marketing strategies to capitalize on the opportunities this city provides.

Meanwhile, many of the businesses that have been here for decades are fighting to remain visible.

And that’s when I had my “aha” moment.

There was enough money, influence, talent, and expertise in that room to create an economic ecosystem capable of supporting itself and uplifting the entire community.

So what’s missing?

From my experience, most businesses are operating in survival mode. Owners are wearing every hat imaginable—CEO, manager, salesperson, bookkeeper, and marketer. Running a business is already a full-time job.

Ironically, many of these same businesses have declined proposals from I See You Studios for content creation and marketing services over the years.

That’s when I realized the biggest difference between businesses that are winning and those that are struggling isn’t necessarily capital.

It’s marketing.

Let’s look at the facts.

Everyone knows McDonald’s. Yet they spend billions of dollars annually on marketing.

MGM Resorts International reportedly spent nearly $400 million on advertising in 2025.

Why?

Because successful companies understand one simple principle:

Attention equals income.

You don’t need a Fortune 500 budget to think like a Fortune 500 company.

What surprises me is that many small and family-owned businesses don’t view marketing as a necessity. They view it as a luxury.

Meanwhile, the parking lot at this networking event was filled with Bentleys and Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

People spend money on what they value.

Many business owners will invest thousands of dollars a month into a car payment but hesitate to invest a fraction of that into an internet marketing plan or professional content creation.

Here’s the reality:

People live on their phones.

Las Vegas welcomes more than 50 million visitors every year.

How many of those people are discovering your business online?

How many tourists are searching for exactly what you offer and never finding you?

We’re living in the attention economy. The internet has the world’s attention—and where attention goes, money follows.

That’s why major brands continue investing heavily in content creation and digital marketing.

People often ask me, “Why would a company like Taco Bell need content creators?”

The answer is simple.

Because marketing isn’t an expense. It’s an income-generating asset.

Millions of views create millions of opportunities. Brand awareness creates revenue. Engagement creates customers.

Large corporations understand this.

Too many local businesses don’t.

If you’re wondering why some businesses are thriving while others are struggling in today’s economy, the answer may not be your product, your location, or even the economy itself.

It may simply be that your customers can’t find you.

The businesses that win tomorrow are investing in visibility today.

So ask yourself one question:

When people pull out their phones, does your business show up—or does your competition’s?

At I See You Studios, we help businesses turn attention into revenue through strategic content creation, branding, and marketing.

If you’re ready to stop leaving money on the table, let’s talk.

Your next customer is already online. The only question is whether they’ll find you.