Business Update – March 13, 2024

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. US economic activity increased slightly in recent weeks, Fed survey shows There was an uptick in U.S. economic activity from early January through late February while inflation and the jobs market presented conflicting signals on how quickly they will cool further, a U.S. Federal Reserve survey showed on Wednesday,…  Read more

Unlocking the secrets to stellar customer service

Customer service is the heartbeat of any successful business. It’s the unsung hero that transforms a potential disaster into an opportunity, and a mere transaction into a lifelong relationship. In the narrative of customer loyalty and retention, service is the protagonist. Your approach to customer service has the power to attract and retain customers. Why stellar customer service is key The importance of customer service for loyalty and retention cannot…  Read more

Business Update – March 06, 2024

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Forecasters raise expectations for 2024 U.S. economy This year looks to be a much better one for the U.S. economy than business economists were forecasting just a few months ago, according to a survey recently released. The U.S. is set to pay more on interest on its debt than…  Read more

Marketing your business: where to start and how to make it easier

Marketing can feel like a daunting task for small business owners. If you’re new to the game, or maybe you’ve been in business for a while and just haven’t quite cracked the code, navigating the world of marketing can be overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. Your business deserves to be seen, heard, and thriving – and with the right guidance, you can make marketing work for you. Let’s…  Read more

Business Update – February 28 2024

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. New study unveils the major companies behind the great US employment boom A new study reveals that tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft are among the top companies where employees are seeking new jobs. Despite high salaries, workers are leaving due to job dissatisfaction, seeking better work-life balance,…  Read more

Your Phone Habits: Are they the key to your success?

Let’s talk about your phone habits. It may not be a pleasant topic to discuss, but it does matter. How you use your phone can have a huge impact on your life and on your business. Sounds dramatic? Not at all. These mini pocket-sized computers are with us all the time and the constant flow of notifications can interrupt our workflow incessantly. Your mobile habits significantly impact your concentration span.…  Read more

Business Update – February 21 2024

Getting caught up on a week that got away? Here’s your weekly digest of some stories relevant to business and the economy. IRS warns tax refunds will be much lower this year Inflation-hit Americans who filed their taxes early have received, on average, smaller tax refunds this year, according to data published by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). How a government shutdown would impact your money: Student loans, Social Security,…  Read more

The Power of Core Values in Business

As a business owner, you’re the architect of your business’s vision and culture. But in the hustle to develop products, chase sales, and keep the lights on, some of the foundation often gets lost in the mix. Core values—those guiding principles that shape your company’s identity—are more than just words on a wall or a statement in a handbook. These aren’t just buzzwords to sprinkle throughout your website – your…  Read more

Business Update – 14 February 2024

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. The US economy is crushing it compared to other rich countries The US economy is expected to outpace Canada and Germany in 2024 despite inflation and interest rate hikes. Growth is fueled by consumer spending and business investments, while the Fed’s aggressive rate increases aim to control inflation. The…  Read more

Is the 4-Day Work Week for You? Pros, Cons and Tips

When was the last time you felt that you had a week’s worth of energy to pour into just four days of work? As COVID-19 has reshaped our work-life balance and continues to redefine what is essential in our professional world, the concept of a shorter workweek is gaining traction. With proposed legislation in various states and countries, and the ongoing conversation among professionals, it’s evident that the discussion around…  Read more

Business Update – February 7, 2024

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Fed’s Powell sees lower rates on the horizon as inflation ebbs, economy bounces ahead Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, in a sweeping endorsement of the U.S. economy’s strength, said on Wednesday that interest rates had peaked and would move lower in coming months, with inflation continuing to fall and…  Read more

The key to growing your business: unlock new customers and markets

For a business to thrive and grow, it essentially needs two things: a strategic plan and an ability to continually find new customers and tap into promising markets. Here’s how you can do that. The untapped potential in existing markets Start by re-evaluating your existing customer base. Profiling them will help you to more accurately define who your target consumers are. Explore different distribution channels that could be more effective…  Read more

Stop putting off the little things

As a business owner, you often find yourself pulled in different directions by competing responsibilities. It can feel daunting to classify tasks and tackle the most time-consuming ones first. But why is it so hard for us to start – or even finish – seemingly insignificant tasks? Why do these tiny tasks become the bane of our existence, tempting us into procrastination limbo? Let’s explore why we get stuck on…  Read more

Business Update – January 31, 2024

Getting caught up on a week that got away? Here’s your weekly digest of some stories relevant to business and the economy. By the numbers: U.S. Economy grows faster than expected for year and final quarter of 2023 The U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) reported fourth quarter real gross domestic product (GDP) increased at an annual rate of 3.3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2023 exceeding expectations.…  Read more

Business Update – 24 January 2024

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Top 8 Global Business Trends for 2024 The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s International team carefully tracks the top geopolitical, economic, and policy trends affecting global business. Here are eight to watch in 2024. How copyright lawsuits could kill OpenAI Late last year, the New York Times sued OpenAI and Microsoft,…  Read more

How to scale your business with minimal effort

When you’re ready to take your business to the next level, you might start thinking about “scaling”. No, it’s not just a fancy term for growth, it’s about doing more with less. Scaling is about increasing your revenue without needing to proportionately increase your resources—pretty cool, right? It’s like sending an email: whether you send it to 100 people or 100,000, your effort is the same. The trick to scaling…  Read more

Business Update – January 17 2024

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Why the U.S. may extend its run as the world’s leading economy The U.S., China and India may take turns leading the global economy this century, according to an analysis from the Centre for Economics and Business Research. US economy starting to look ‘more like the 1970s,’ JPMorgan Chase’s…  Read more

How do I adapt my small business strategy in the midst of a cost of living crisis?

So, we’re officially in the thick of a cost of living crisis. This presents a challenge for entrepreneurs and is a nerve-wracking time for many small business owners. If you’ve had sleepless nights worrying about how you’re going to pay your suppliers or support your staff, you’re not alone. It’s likely you’ve already looked at where you can cut costs, but it seems like an impossible task when suppliers are…  Read more

Business Update – January 10, 2024

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Poll finds fewer Americans expecting economic slowdown now Most Americans continue to rate the economy negatively, but sentiment has been slightly improving of late, and Americans now think the longer-term outlook appears more stable. Initial US employment reports overstated by 439,000 jobs in 2023 The government erased 439,000 jobs…  Read more

Demystifying Inflation

Inflation – it’s a word that’s been on everyone’s lips recently. Rates are on the rise, and our small business community is feeling it the most. Increased supply costs, a lack of workforce, and dwindling profits are among the challenges faced.  Let’s demystify inflation and delve into its impact on small businesses. Grasping Inflation In essence, inflation is the uptick in the cost of goods and services. Whether it’s a…  Read more

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