Marketing and business empires have conditioned us to believe that we need to own the latest tech gadgets or luxury handbags and experience exotic vacations or the newest Michelin-starred restaurant to truly matter. If we don’t, we’re told we’ve missed out—not just on trends, but on life itself. Fewer possessions? Lower quality of life. Less excitement? Lower status. This pervasive narrative saturates our social feeds and cultural psyche (woah).

But what if, instead of sprinting after these societal markers of worth, you paused, turned around, and walked towards a quieter path—one paved with intention, alignment, and a deeper sense of fulfillment?

Welcome to the Joy of Missing Out (JOMO) — not as a retreat but as a rebellion against norms that don't serve us. Let’s unpack 10 things you, as a conscious business leader or marketer, should unapologetically ditch. (Spoiler: You'll find more alignment, impact, and peace on the other side.)

#1 Manipulative Tactics: The “Fast Food” of Marketing​

Think of manipulative marketing as junk food—quick, cheap, and regrettable. While it might give you a short-term sugar high, it erodes trust, leaving your audience feeling duped. Studies have shown that consumers are increasingly wary of manipulative marketing tactics. Manipulating your customers is not marketing. Marketing is simply communication. It’s building genuine connections and providing value leads to long-term customer loyalty and trust.

#2 Short-Term Gains Over Long-Term Impact: Betting Against Yourself 

  It’s tempting to grab the dangling carrot of quick wins. Businesses that focuses solely on short-term gains often sacrifice long-term sustainability and growth. An example of this is price gouging where you increase prices during times of high demand to maximize immediate profits, but risk to brand reputation and customer loyalty. Invest in the marathon, not the sprint.

#3 Ignoring Social Responsibility: The Reputation Killer  

Imagine your business as a tree—rooted in purpose, its shade attracts everyone. Embracing social responsibility builds trust and loyalty among stakeholders. This article highlighted the many benefits of CSR in businesses such as attracting investors and cost reduction.

#4 Prioritizing Profit Over People: A Shortcut to Nowhere 

 People means your customers, employees, and communities around your business. Prioritizing the well-being of human stakeholders promises growth and success. You get to attract and retain a better workforce. Get genuine support for your business through actual purchases or word-of-mouth promotions through your customers and community.

#5 Lack of Transparency: The Silent Trust Eroder  

Vagueness simply misleads your customers. So it’s time to be transparent and communicate clearly so you get to help your customers better. The omission of vital information about your products and services can harm your customers’ health and well-being. I know their important to you so serve them well. Be honest.

#6 Excessive Consumerism: Selling Without Substance 

Businesses like Patagonia and REI promote durability, quality, and sustainability over mindless consumption. Even if you’re a sustainable brand, often your marketing communications lead to consumerism. Like uncontextualized BOGO (buy one get one) programs, or statements like Last chance to make this yours, fuel consumerism. Your brand’s impact includes the habits you help reshape.

#7  Ignoring Diversity and Inclusion

Many businesses still treat diversity as a checkbox to tick. Diversity fosters innovation and creativity within organizations. Research by McKinsey & Company has found that companies in the top quartile for racial and ethnic diversity are 35% more likely to have financial returns above their respective national industry medians. Embracing diversity isn't just a moral imperative; it's a business imperative.  

#8  Overlooking Employee Well-being: The Silent Profit Driver

  Are you familiar with Google’s nap pods and Salesforce’s wellness perks? (Someone’s drooling). Well, they aren’t indulgences—they’re investments in productivity. Employee well-being directly impacts productivity, creativity, and overall company performance. By investing in employee wellness programs and fostering a supportive work environment, companies like Google and Salesforce have seen improvements in employee satisfaction and retention.

#9 Unnecessary Waste: Marketing That Doesn’t Cost the Earth

Picture the mountains of waste generated from marketing events, flashy swag bags, and the endless bubble wrap used for “Instagram-worthy” unboxing moments? You are in control. You don’t have to conform to the extravagant marketing stunts. Creating customer experiences doesn’t have to rely on excess or extravagance. Some memorable brands aren’t the loudest—they’re just those hat speak closest to their market’s values.  

#10 Neglecting Personal Growth and Mindset: Leaders Shape Culture

As leaders and marketers, you are directly shaping customers’ and society’s minds and behavior. Your values translate into the messaging you are putting out. And it affects people’s perception of reality about themselves and the world. If you want to create a positive impact, it has to start with you. Read books. Upskill. Surround yourself with like-minded people.  

Recap 

Yup, that’s 10 already!

Missing out isn’t losing; it’s winning on your terms. When you skip what doesn’t serve your mission, you create room for what truly does.

As conscious business owners and marketers, we have some level of power and control. And remember that you’re not alone. There are others like us who want to find more meaning in the work we do and the life we live.

So, what will you consciously miss out on today?