(This is an abbreviated article on a new AI report from Google.) Google’s report on AI Mode shows that search behavior is shifting in a major way. People are no longer relying only on short keyword searches. Instead, they are asking longer, more natural questions, using follow-up prompts, and turning to AI for help with […]
Here’s What You Need to Know About SBA’s Patriot Pitch Competition The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has launched the Patriot Pitch Competition, a national pitch contest designed to spotlight innovative small businesses across the country. The competition includes a $1 million cash prize pool funded by Clover Network, Inc., and eligible small businesses are […]
Most businesses don’t lose their edge in one dramatic, cinematic moment. They lose it quietly. A tweak here. Following a trend there. A consultant recommendation that sounds smart but doesn’t fit. A few AI-generated ideas pasted into the marketing plan with the confidence of someone assembling furniture without looking at the directions. Before long, something […]
Hopefully, your happiest customers are already doing some marketing for you. Maybe they’re mentioning your business to a neighbor or tagging you in a post. Perhaps they’ve told a friend, “You should call them.” The problem is that most small businesses leave those moments to chance and probably don’t even know about them. That’s why […]
Tax refund season creates a short spending window. The IRS writes that most refunds are issued within 21 days, and people can start checking status shortly after e-filing through the IRS refund tracker. In other words, your future customers are getting a little breathing room in their bank account right now, and that changes buying […]
Summer is a great time to consider the advantage of temporary labor. You know that project you’ve been putting off? How about the organization structure you wanted to build? What about that technology trial? Or maybe there’s something you’ve been doing that could easily be managed by someone else so you can free up your […]
It’s getting to be that time of year again—the summer scramble for capable employees. Colleges are about to go on break. High schools will finish up soon thereafter, and eager summer employees are looking for jobs now. In the past, you probably posted a job, hired fast as fast as you could, and hoped for […]
Hello. 1999 is calling. They want their business practices back. If you’re old enough, that line may remind you of the classic 90s sitcom Seinfeld. But sadly, many offices are still running the same way that Elaine and George experienced way back when. Why? Because it feels safe. Familiar processes, standard office hours, packed calendars, […]
If you ask a small business owner where most of their opportunities come from, you’ll usually hear some version of the same answer: referrals, word of mouth, “someone who knew someone.” Behind nearly every thriving local business is an invisible network of relationships quietly moving opportunities from one person to another. No big announcements. No […]
It’s the middle of the night. Even the high achievers aren’t awake yet. But you are. Not because of a noise, but because of a number. Specifically, the number of your bank balance, and how it compares to the number required to pay your team this Friday. You aren’t alone. For small business owners, payroll […]
