WJR Business Beat

What consumers want when it comes to advertising: 50% of consumers indicate that humor is what they like most about advertising, especially when it comes to consuming ads on television, entertainment apps, or social media platforms. How-to information came in at 40%, Music at 37%, Authenticity 34%, and the business's story is what 33% of consumers indicated they want to hear. Hosted by Simplecast,...

Resumetemplates.com surveyed business leaders to understand how AI has influenced and will influence layoffs. 3 in 10 companies have already replaced workers w/ AI and 38% of companies that use AI in 2025 will replace workers w/ the technology. Also, 7 in 10 business leaders believe employees w/ AI skills have more job security, and two-thirds of business leaders expect workers using AI to be more...

Data indicates that consumers are flirting with a return to flat or even negative spending, and that means tougher days ahead for e-commerce. This data is concerning, but before overreacting and taking actions based on the latest data that could create long-term negative consequences for your business, e-commerce isn't going away. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.c...

What are CMOs most concerned about and challenged by these days? The Densu Creatives 2024 CMO report provides key insights, 85% of CMOs consider increasing competition and market saturation to be challenges, while 83% site growth in an economic slowdown as being a major challenge. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of...

Consumers begin to feel messaging fatigue as the holiday season wears on. Email is the preferred channel for many shoppers who want to receive messaging from retailers and brands, 23% want fewer messages, 67% expect to suffer marketing fatigue by November. Consumers love promotions and deals, and this year, more than ever, they're going to be very receptive to receiving messaging that provides dea...

The power of offering consumers a better experience is a major focus that small businesses everywhere need to focus on. From the greeting, when your customers walk into your business to the customer service you offer on the back end of a sale, experience matters more than ever to consumers today, and it offers businesses a key way to outcompete the competition. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz com...

If you're in the market to sell to back-to-school shopping parents this year it's going to be more about offering the best price than it is about leaning on loyalty to engage your customers. A survey conducted by Deloitte found that 67% said they planned to buy from a different brand if their preferred brand was more expensive. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com...

If you want to reach folks shopping when they're out and about, it's radio, the dominant platform to reach the American consumer. The breakdown of a typical hour of audio use makes an even stronger case for adding AM/FM radio, which accounts for 41 minutes of listening overall and 52 minutes when in the car. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information abou...

Rocket Mortgage has been honored by JD Power as the top company in mortgage servicing, achieving the top spot in customer satisfaction feedback in every category in mortgage servicing. If you're a business owner like I am, we can all take a page out of Rocket's book to learn the importance of maintaining a constant focus on providing the highest level of customer service, leading to high recogniti...

4 in 10 Americans define wealth in terms of well-being, while only 3 in 10 describe in terms of money. If you feel you didn't quite make the grade to be considered wealthy in America today, start a side hustle. Starting a business of your own to bring in extra income is one of the best ways to level up when it comes to bringing in some extra dough and even to be considered wealthy in America today...

As brands seek to drive incremental sales, building loyal long-term customer relationships w/ younger buyers as a strategy that enables continued growth. Advertising on social or entertainment platforms is an effective way to connect w/ and engage Gen Z buyers and create lasting value for the brand. It's influencer marketing that does the best to achieve all of that. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWi...

Survey of 1000 small merchants by shipping company DHL US: small businesses are feeling bullish on their opportunity to generate sales by focusing on e-commerce. 65% of respondents anticipate that their E-commerce sales will increase in 2024, over 2023. You simply can't be in business these days without some sort of online presence, specifically an e-commerce one. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz...

Just under half of 2000 US workers stated the top perk to get them back into the office is free beverages. Of the beverages employees are seeking, hot coffee was named the most popular drink of the working day at 66%, followed by iced coffee, 47% and water 45%. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for ad...

While podcasting and audio formats like radio have always been great ways to reach audiences, the trend is for an improving opportunity, given that commuting and the time we spend in our cars is trending up. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The mission of the Urban Entrepreneurship Initiative is to empower urban entrepreneurs to provide sustainable, scalable, business-oriented solutions that address the needs of urban communities. Not only by supporting entrepreneurs engaged in startup ventures but also to entrepreneurial-minded professionals who work in established businesses, community service and government as well. Check out the...

Deloitte indicates that nearly 3 and 4 corporate travel managers expect their company's business trip spending to grow this year. As is trip frequency w/ 20% of business travelers expected to take 6 to 10 trips this year compared to 15% in 2023. Conferences and trade shows are the big draw w/ more than 6 and 10 business travelers planning to attend at least one this year. Hosted by Simplecast, an...

As the retail landscape evolves, businesses must turn their strategies toward omni-channel integration and technological innovation while adapting to shifting consumer demands to maintain a competitive edge in the crowded e-commerce field. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Amazon Prime Sales 2024 are projected to pull in a historic high of $15 billion in US sales day one is likely to generate 7.1 billion in online sales according to Adobe, and is expected to be the biggest day for mobile shopping in all of 2024. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

New study from Deloitte study makes clear back to school spending this year is expected to be flat or lower in the US. Parents who are doing the shopping and spending this year will be looking for discounts to trigger their spending, on items like sneakers, computers, clothing, and backpacks. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection...

Analyses have showed that slow page load times drive customers away. Online shopping is great both for the customer and the retailer, but only when the purchase journey for the consumer is crisp, clear, fast, and to the point. If you're going to compete favorably online. Better pay attention to what consumers are demanding today with their experience. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See...

This opportunity offers a way for small businesses to break out and get noticed by potential customers, potential strategic partners, investors, and the press. It's big breaks like these that can be transformative. There is a cost to apply to learn more and to get your application in, go to fastcompany.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about...

The U of M Economic Growth Institute in collaboration w/ the American Camp Association issued a new report: The US youth camp industry contributes $70B to the national economy and employs more than 986,428 workers, resulting in $23B in labor income and positively impacts the state of Michigan's economy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our...

Learning basic AI skills such as prompt engineering, machine learning, or data literacy is the best insurance to shortcut your competitiveness against people who might have more experience with AI. It's not just programmers and engineers experimenting with these tools. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal dat...

What were the hottest issues discussed by small business owners to lawmakers during the event? The Corporate Transparency Act. A big movement by small business owners to get that repealed and the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, would stop the massive tax hike on small businesses. To learn more NFIB.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our c...

Favorable performance of podcast advertising: marketers are increasing their investments in podcast advertising, of course, and perhaps you should be too. For every dollar spent, marketers saw 4.2 times the lift in sales. Podcast advertising is 34% more effective in driving brand awareness compared to other media types. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for info...