Rural Entrepreneurs Rise from Bricks to Clicks®: How Digital Marketing is Helping Small-Town Businesses Adapt

Economic Insider Staff on June 17, 2025

Across America’s rural heartland, a quiet shift is underway. It’s not about land disputes or crop yields, but something increasingly critical for small-town entrepreneurs. Despite grit, innovation, and age-old work ethics, many small businesses in rural areas—not just in America, but globally—often struggle to stay afloat. Often, it’s not due to a lack of good products or determination, but because they’ve faced challenges keeping up with the digital revolution.

The digital marketplace has expanded rapidly, yet outdated systems, high infrastructure costs, and limited digital education have created significant barriers for rural businesses. Navigating sophisticated algorithms, digital gatekeepers, and global competition can feel overwhelming, and the outlook may appear bleak. But thanks to an innovative program born out of Mississippi State University, these challenges are becoming easier to address.

The Bricks to Clicks Approach

The Bricks-to-Clicks® is a statewide Extension program, founded in 2012 by digital marketing expert Dr. James Barnes, that is helping redefine opportunities for rural entrepreneurs. Designed to empower small businesses with practical digital marketing strategies, the program offers online courses, workshops, personalized coaching, and expert insights to help business owners adapt and grow in the digital economy.

It’s more than just a marketing initiative; it’s a valuable resource. Entrepreneurs are discovering how to optimize their online presence, leverage social media more effectively, and use tools like artificial intelligence to strengthen their marketing strategies.

“This isn’t just about e-commerce; it’s about building sustainable businesses,” says Dr. Barnes. “We’re giving entrepreneurs the tools they need to compete more effectively in today’s world.”

Notable Impact

Since its inception, the Bricks-to-Clicks® program has supported 15,473 entrepreneurs worldwide, including 4,038 military veterans through Mississippi State’s popular “Boots to Business” initiative. Veterans from Germany, Japan, Guam, and South Korea have participated in live Zoom workshops, where they’ve learned topics like “5 Marketing Strategies to Grow Your Business” and “Marketing Made Easy with AI Tools.”

Additionally, over 11,000 non-veteran entrepreneurs across the U.S. have gained insights from workshops, online courses, and masterclasses. From guidance on social media planning to comprehensive digital strategies, the program helps participants develop skills to support long-term growth.

Success Stories

Rural Entrepreneurs Rise from Bricks to Clicks®: How Digital Marketing is Helping Small-Town Businesses Adapt

Photo Courtesy: James Barnes

Take the example of an agribusiness in rural Mississippi. Facing declining customers, MG Farms, Inc., worked with Bricks-to-Clicks®. By implementing new Facebook advertisements and content, they refreshed their online presence and attracted new buyers.

Stories like this highlight the potential of digital innovation to make a difference.

The Expert Behind the Progress

The driving force behind the program is Dr. James Barnes. With over 20 years of experience in marketing and economics, his credentials are highly respected. An Extension Professor and Economist at Mississippi State University, Dr. Barnes has dedicated his career to empowering entrepreneurs.

Photo Courtesy: James Barnes

His approach is pragmatic and forward-thinking, simplifying complex marketing theories into real-world applications. With advanced education from institutions like the University of Missouri and Oklahoma State University, Dr. Barnes is an author, educator, and digital marketing strategist committed to helping small-town businesses succeed in the digital age.

A Positive Shift for Rural America

The achievements of Bricks-to-Clicks® suggest that with the right tools and training, rural businesses can hold their own in the digital space.

But the program’s significance goes beyond individual entrepreneurs. It underscores the need for policy reforms that invest in rural infrastructure, digital education, and high-speed internet access. With support from land-grant universities like Mississippi State University, programs like Bricks-to-Clicks® demonstrate that revitalizing rural economies is an achievable goal.

Taking Steps Toward a Digital Future

For rural entrepreneurs looking to explore the digital arena, the Bricks-to-Clicks® marketing program offers actionable strategies and support. From hands-on coursework to expert mentorship, more information is available on their website at https://brickstoclicks.extension.msstate.edu/.

Gauging Market Flow: How the Relative Strength Index Helps Understand Market Cycles

Economic Insider Staff 2 on June 17, 2025

The financial markets often moves in identifiable patterns, swinging between periods of buying enthusiasm and selling pressure. For those who study these movements, various tools exist to help interpret the flow. Among these, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) stands out as a popular momentum oscillator. It provides a visual representation of the speed and change of price movements, offering insights that can significantly help understand market cycles. By measuring the magnitude of recent price gains against recent price losses, the RSI can signal when a market might be overextended in one direction or another, giving observers a clearer perspective on potential shifts in market behavior.

The Fundamentals of the Relative Strength Index (RSI)

To truly appreciate how the Relative Strength Index help understand market cycles, it helps to know what it is. The RSI is a momentum oscillator that measures the velocity and magnitude of directional price movements. It typically presents on a scale from 0 to 100. Most commonly, it calculates based on the price performance over the last 14 periods, whether those are days, hours, or any other timeframe. The core idea behind the RSI is to determine if a security’s price has changed too quickly in one direction. A higher RSI reading suggests that more money is flowing into a security, pushing its price up rapidly, while a lower reading indicates substantial selling pressure. This fundamental measurement provides a basis for interpreting the strength or weakness of a market’s current momentum.

Identifying Overbought and Oversold Conditions

One of the most straightforward ways the Relative Strength Index help understand market cycles is through its ability to pinpoint overbought and oversold conditions. Traditionally, an RSI reading above 70 suggests that a security or market is becoming “overbought.” This indicates that prices may have risen too quickly and could be due for a correction or a pause in their upward movement. Conversely, an RSI reading below 30 signals an “oversold” condition, suggesting that prices may have fallen too far too fast and could be due for a bounce or a reversal upwards. These levels act as warning signs, indicating that the market might be reaching an extreme in its current cycle of ascent or descent. While not definitive signals on their own, they alert observers to potential turning points where the prevailing trend might soon lose steam or reverse direction.

Spotting Divergence: Signals of Shifting Momentum

Beyond simple overbought and oversold levels, the Relative Strength Index help understand market cycles powerfully through the concept of divergence. Divergence occurs when the price of an asset and its RSI move in opposite directions, suggesting a weakening of the current trend. For instance, if a stock’s price makes a new high, but its RSI fails to make a corresponding new high, instead showing a lower peak, this is known as bearish divergence. It indicates that while the price is still climbing, the underlying upward momentum is actually weakening, potentially foreshadowing a coming reversal or at least a significant pullback. On the other hand, bullish divergence happens when a stock’s price makes a new low, but the RSI makes a higher low. This suggests that despite the falling prices, the selling pressure is actually losing intensity, which could signal an impending upward reversal. These divergences are often considered stronger signals than just overbought or oversold readings, as they show a fundamental disagreement between price action and momentum.

RSI’s Role in Confirming Trends and Volatility

The Relative Strength Index help understand market cycles not just by signaling reversals, but also by confirming the strength of existing trends and indicating periods of volatility. During a strong uptrend, the RSI will generally remain in the upper half of its scale, even if it dips from overbought levels, indicating continued buying pressure. Similarly, in a strong downtrend, the RSI will tend to stay in the lower half of its scale. When the RSI fluctuates widely or moves rapidly between its upper and lower bounds, it can suggest increased market volatility, signaling a period of indecision or consolidation within the market cycle. This confirms whether the market is in a sustained directional move or if it is experiencing a more erratic, uncertain phase. By observing these patterns, analysts can gain a better perspective on the stability and likely continuation of current market trends.

The Relative Strength Index help understand market cycles by offering clear insights into momentum, potential reversal points, and underlying trend strength. Through its identification of overbought and oversold conditions, its ability to reveal divergences between price and momentum, and its role in confirming trend strength, the RSI serves as a valuable tool for anyone seeking to interpret the rhythms of financial markets. It provides a helpful perspective on when market movements might be reaching extremes or when underlying forces are beginning to shift, assisting in a more informed observation of market behavior.

Teaching Generosity Early — How Dr. Connor Robertson Mentors the Next Generation of Impact-Driven Entrepreneurs

Economic Insider Staff on June 17, 2025

There is a persistent myth in business that philanthropy begins only after wealth has been accumulated. Many entrepreneurs are taught to focus on success first and service later. But Dr. Connor Robertson is among those challenging that narrative—and building a movement around a different model: give early, give consistently, and integrate impact into business foundations from the start.

As a respected figure in private equity, real estate, and business acquisition, Dr. Connor Robertson has built and exited multiple companies. Yet among his contributions is not just a portfolio of assets, but a philosophy of integrated generosity—one that he’s actively sharing with a growing network of founders, operators, and professionals.

Through one-on-one mentorship, group training, public speaking, and his ongoing engagement on social media, Dr. Connor Robertson is working to equip emerging entrepreneurs with the tools and mindset needed to lead with purpose. He advocates for viewing charitable giving as an essential part of entrepreneurship—not an optional add-on to be pursued later.

This article explores how Dr. Connor Robertson mentors others to approach giving differently, and how this guidance may be influencing a new group of entrepreneurs seeking to blend financial goals with social impact.

Why Giving Can’t Wait

Dr. Connor Robertson often shares that delaying generosity until reaching significant wealth can hinder both the scale and structure of giving. He believes the habits formed in the early stages of business tend to stick—and if generosity isn’t present from the start, it may be overlooked later.

Because of this, he encourages new business owners to start small but steadily. A $50 monthly donation, a volunteer event, or an early-stage partnership with a nonprofit can be effective in shaping company culture and values.

He also emphasizes that giving isn’t limited to financial contributions. Entrepreneurs can donate their time, skill sets, space, and digital platforms. For example, Dr. Connor Robertson’s use of social media may be considered one of his most accessible tools for public engagement and advocacy.

Through consistent content on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, he shares ideas on how giving can complement—not compete with—profit-driven growth.

Creating a Blueprint for Integrated Giving

A significant component of Dr. Connor Robertson’s mentorship involves helping entrepreneurs develop “giving blueprints.” These are frameworks that encourage embedding philanthropy into business processes.

These blueprints typically include:

Mission alignment
Entrepreneurs are guided to identify causes that align with their business models or personal values. Dr. Connor Robertson often suggests choosing efforts that feel meaningful and sustainable to the founder.
Giving vehicle
Companies determine how they intend to support their chosen causes—whether through donations, revenue-sharing, volunteer events, or awareness campaigns.
Visibility plan
Using digital platforms, entrepreneurs are encouraged to share their charitable activities—not as self-promotion, but to build awareness and inspire others. This approach emphasizes transparency and collective momentum.
Measurement and review
Businesses track metrics such as funds donated, hours volunteered, and lives impacted. This enables refinement and accountability over time.

Dr. Connor Robertson offers examples and templates for each component through his website at www.drconnorrobertson.com, allowing other professionals to adopt or adapt these strategies.

The Role of Mentorship in Impact

Mentorship is central to Dr. Connor Robertson’s approach. While traditional mentorship often centers on revenue or scaling strategies, his version brings attention to long-term values and sustainable giving.

He meets with mentees regularly to support not only operational decisions but philanthropic planning. These conversations help new leaders define giving goals, identify nonprofit collaborators, and create recurring impact plans.

Several mentees have stated that this perspective helped them integrate generosity earlier and more intentionally. Reported benefits include enhanced team morale, stronger client relationships, and clearer brand identity.

Social Media as an Education Platform

Dr. Connor Robertson’s public platforms serve as a resource for aspiring social entrepreneurs. His content includes:

Behind-the-scenes coverage of Habitat for Humanity build days
Conversations with nonprofit leaders and volunteers
Guidance on automating recurring business donations
Examples of cause-related branding by small businesses

Each post ties back to a common message: generosity is accessible when planned with intention, regardless of company size or revenue.

According to follower feedback, many have taken their first steps toward structured giving after interacting with this content.

The Multiplier Effect of Mentorship

One of the long-term benefits of mentorship is what Dr. Connor Robertson describes as the “multiplier effect.” A single entrepreneur who builds giving into their model may influence a wider ecosystem—employees, vendors, and partners may adopt similar practices.

A founder’s decision to support a cause might lead to company-wide volunteering, client-aligned giving campaigns, or vendor partnerships with nonprofits. These actions often scale organically.

This ripple effect aligns with Dr. Connor Robertson’s broader philosophy: businesses operate within interdependent systems—and when one part leads with values, others are more likely to follow.

Real Examples from the Field

His mentorship is supported by practical case studies:

A marketing agency pledged 5% of project revenue to support local food security. Over 12 months, the donation translated into tens of thousands of meals—and helped strengthen client relationships.
A boutique fitness studio launched community workout fundraisers, contributing $12,000 to mental health programs while increasing local brand awareness.

These stories, and others, are available at www.drconnorrobertson.com.

Creating a New Culture of Business

At the heart of this mentorship is a desire to influence how business is taught and practiced. Dr. Connor Robertson hopes to normalize giving as an early-stage decision, not a post-profit responsibility.

This message often resonates with young or first-time founders, many of whom seek work with a clear social purpose. According to Dr. Connor Robertson, this desire for alignment may be just as important as financial goals.

His mentorship encourages these leaders to redefine what success means—focusing not just on earnings, but on the effect their businesses have on others.

Looking Ahead: Institutionalizing Generosity

Dr. Connor Robertson’s long-term goal is to make structured giving more accessible through education and digital tools. He is developing a platform that may include:

A video-based masterclass on purpose-driven entrepreneurship
Downloadable templates and giving calendars
A nonprofit matchmaking directory by sector
Peer communities for collaborative giving
Partnerships with VCs and accelerators to introduce these ideas early in the founder journey

This upcoming project, along with continued stories and frameworks, will be featured at www.drconnorrobertson.com.

Summary: The Value of Giving Early

Dr. Connor Robertson’s mentorship aims to show that giving—when aligned with business operations—offers measurable returns. These may include improved brand reputation, enhanced culture, and more sustainable long-term growth.

Through intentional generosity, entrepreneurs can help address real-world challenges while building meaningful careers. Dr. Connor Robertson’s message is clear: success is not just about accumulation—it’s also about contribution.

This isn’t charity as an afterthought. It’s strategy by design.

To learn more about his mentorship programs, frameworks, or upcoming educational tools, visit www.drconnorrobertson.com.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational and editorial purposes only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or business advice. The views and experiences shared reflect those of Dr. Connor Robertson and may not apply universally. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own due diligence and consult with qualified professionals before implementing any strategies or philanthropic practices described herein. References to organizations, outcomes, or results are illustrative and not guaranteed.