small business trends Archives

WJR Business Beat with Jeff Sloan: Business Travel is Making a Comeback (Episode 245)

On today's Business Beat, Jeff discusses the reemergence of business travel post-pandemic. In fact, 96% of business travelers say they're both ready and willing to travel in the next year, according to a survey from...

byStartupNation

June 23, 2021

Presidential Branding

Looks like the Obama's should have registered their last name to enjoy ongoing royalties. Some interesting examples of halo branding. Where businesses capitolize on the brand elements of another entity. Examples: ATT + TOMs Shoes,...

byChristine Haskell

May 19, 2009

Micro is the New Macro

From Business Week: MBAs Go Micro "For years, small companies have had trouble competing with the larger firms that typically hire business school students, but that is starting to change. With the recession making a...

byChristine Haskell

April 13, 2009

The New-New Store Front

Interesting article in this Sunday’s NYTimes about vanishing store fronts. …[Store fronts signs] are artifacts of consumer culture before commercial branding and environmental signage (as signs are now called) became so self-conscious — when sign...

byChristine Haskell

April 8, 2009

Innovative Business Idea: Looking for one?

In this economy, people are selling everything. Ebay, Etsy and other such retail hubs are increasingly popular. But let’s step outside the overstuffed box of old sports cards, second hand coach bags, and retro 70s...

byChristine Haskell

April 7, 2009

Innovative Idea: Big Companies Get Creative, Are You?

William Sonoma and Pottery Barn are offering in store classes. Everyone gets the main need to do these: move product off the shelves. However, there is another reason why ideas like this are important. They...

byChristine Haskell

March 19, 2009

Espresso Shot Insight: More granny businesses

Grandmothers have many great qualities. This idea had a "Greatest Generation" ring to it: Capturing their ability to make the most of limited resources. With just that talent in mind, Oxfam recently recruited a team of...

byChristine Haskell

March 4, 2009

All in the Family – The perfect niche businesses

I know these aren't sustainable businesses, but they are the perfect niche businesses. Seems to be part of a new trend targeting every part of the family. Except poor, poor Dad. What niches do you...

byChristine Haskell

August 1, 2008

What’s OUT! What’s IN! The ‘Wayne Gretzky’ Small Business Trend Spotting Strategy

Out: heal-hurting leather-soled dress shoes Out: Clothes Out: Web 1.0 In: run-through-the-airport rubber-soled dress shoes In: Working from a home office via computer In: Web 2.0 Out: Tanning beds Out: Thinking out of the box...

byJoel Welsh

September 26, 2006