The world’s a mess. Here's how to make money out of it.

The world feels like it’s hanging on by a thread right now. Politics, wars, economic uncertainty, gold prices going wild… it’s a mess.

But as I was reading the news the other day, a lightbulb went off — and it turned into an actual business opportunity for one of my clients.

They run a high-end jewelry brand. And while gold prices are at an all-time high, here’s what most people don’t know:
Their product prices are locked in based on the cost of gold at the time they bought the material, not today.

Translation?
If you’ve been eyeing that diamond necklace for a while, now’s the time. Because six months from now, that same piece will be way more expensive — since it’ll be made from higher-priced gold.

For them, communicating heavy this angle is a real-time, revenue-driving opportunity.
It’s also a chance to attract new audiences — not just fashion lovers, but people watching the financial news, thinking about investing, and wondering where to start.

So it got me thinking…

Big news = big business (if you’re fast)

Here’s the truth:
When millions of people are emotionally charged about something, they’re paying attention. And that’s your in.

You can either:

1. Make money from it

2. Communicate your values through it

3. Or do both (if you’re clever)

And the beauty of running a small business?
You don’t need approval from 5 departments and a legal team.
You can have an idea at 9AM and launch it by lunch. That’s your superpower.

So here are a few chaos-to-cash ideas that work in 2025:

Quick Revenue Plays You Can Launch Today

• Limited Edition “Tariff-Proof” Bundles
  Let customers lock in prices before another round of import taxes or inflation hits. Works great for everything that is not entirely locally sourced — anything consumable or seasonal. Communicate about your supply chain and savings.

• Political Statement Merch
  T-shirts, totes, pins with slogans that reflect current causes (climate, equality, anti-war, anti-censorship, free speech). Doesn’t have to be loud — subtle works too.

• Political Petwear
  Yes, this is real. People love dressing their dog in a “Pro Democracy Pup” or “Make peace not war” sweater. It sells.

• Geo-Targeted Election Merch
  Use Meta ads to sell location-specific political merch.

• Candle/Coffee/Any Other Product Line with Zero Chill
  Scents like “Thanks but no thanks, Elon,” “Republican Tears,” or anything else you can come up with. Cheap to make. Instagram bait. Massive viral potential.

• Custom Bumper Stickers, iPhone/Laptop Cases, Magnets
  Let people display their stance while they commute or scroll. Everyone’s already fighting in the comments — might as well turn that energy into a sale.

• "Anti-Stress Glow-Up" Kits
  Wellness bundles for the emotionally exhausted. Think bath soaks, journals, magnesium, and tea. Tie it to self-care and current stressors.

Brand Statements That Actually Resonate

• Ethical Sourcing Highlight
  If you’re committed to fair trade, transparency, or sustainable practices, now’s the time to say it louder. Customers are craving something to trust. I would even make a bet these things come so naturally to you but you forget to properly communicate it to your audiences.

• Cause-Driven Drops
  Coffee blends, snack boxes, perfume names — give them a political edge + donate a portion to a relevant org.
  (“Freedom Roast” donating to independent journalism? That’s the kind of brand story people share.)

• Memes + Current Events = Fast Campaigns
  Is there a political meme trending? Overlay it with your product, post it now, and ride the wave. Fast, cheap, effective.

The key to all of this?
Move fast. Don’t overthink it.
Your big advantage as a small biz owner is speed.
That thing you just read in the news? Turn it into a product, an email, or a post today — not next week.

Chat with your team or ask ChatGPT for help brainstorming, but just a heads up: it might still think it’s 2024 and Joe Biden hasn’t run for re-election yet (that’s what it said to me 🤣 ). I use Perplexity AI for real-time news scanning and idea gathering. Combine that with your own instincts and you’ll be way ahead of the curve.

Now it’s your turn.
Open a news site, scroll for 5 minutes, and ask yourself:
What could my business say, sell, or launch in response to this?

Then do it. Before someone else does. And then if you come with any great ideas, share them with me - I want to know and our little community will appreciate fresh ideas.