WJR Business Beat

National Retail Federation is predicting that 74% of holiday shoppers plan to shop in earnest starting this weekend, the highest estimate since the NRF began tracking this data in 2017. People still love Black Friday best, with 72% or an estimated 130 million people planning to shop that day, 39% saying they plan to shop that day in addition to or instead of Black Friday. Hosted by Simplecast, an...

Dell has been a great friend to small businesses here in the Great Lakes region. They have announced a $1K shopping spree to 3 lucky winners in the Black Friday Cyber Monday giveaway to spend on Dell's products aimed at helping entrepreneurs succeed. Go to startupnation.com/Dell Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of pe...

A Braze study indicates that offering relevant or personalized offers is important to consumers as are offering rewards and loyalty program perks. Convenience, very important. Customer service. Discounts, product quality and brand trust at number 2 and pricing according to value and pricing competitively comes in at number 1 on the list of most important factors when it comes to compelling consume...

What's hot in marketing these days? One strategy that seems to be working well is that of influencer marketing. In particular, for B2B businesses, according to a 2023 B2B Influencer Marketing Report, that study by Top Rank Marketing conducted by Ascend2. 94% say that influencer marketing is a highly effective strategy and its use is growing. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pc...

Small Business Adoption Survey 2023, 75% of small businesses are utilizing AI tools for an expansive range of business functions. Nearly half of all small businesses started using AI based tools in the past year. These tools are enabling their workforces to focus on high value projects and tasks, including revenue generating activity, and providing opportunities for growth and a more meaningful wo...

Establishing and maintaining an effective omni channel approach to meeting consumers wherever they may be these days, you can't ignore the mobile app channel as part of the mix. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

New data from Crunchbase shows that today, 1 in 5 of the new billion dollar startups to be recognized as having what's known as unicorn level valuations are in one way or the other based on AI technology. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The greatest show to hit TV focused on entrepreneurship is ABC's Shark Tank. In its 15th season, Shark Tank has made millionaires out of entrepreneurs and driven millions in return for the sharks who invest in the opportunities presented to them on the show. And now just released, the list of the 15 most successful companies ever funded on Shark Tank. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See...

Kantar ranking of the most valuable brands in the world is out: the value of the top 100 brands across the board dropped 20%. The most resilient brand categories are fast food, food and beverage, and luxury. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Data privacy measures and controls have three main goals: To protect a consumer's information, to make sure it's confidential and that there's integrity around its protection, to build trust with customers and to comply with data privacy laws. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Businesses need to commit to delivering the kind of experience that a modern consumer has come to expect: fast, personalized, and most importantly, companies need to be focused on addressing and solving customer issues to their satisfaction. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Breadless, a restaurant startup in Detroit that in the face of all of the economic pressures, labor shortages and higher operating costs, is finding success. Founders are husband and wife team Mark Howland and LC Howland. Breadless is riding a wave of a major healthy eating trend, featuring an extensive menu based on 100 percent gluten free. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pc...

Elderly Instruments provides a wide range of service for musicians: buying, selling, trading, and consigning instruments to repairs and accessories. The U.S. Small Business Chamber of Commerce said, "Elderly Instruments victory is a testament to its remarkable ability to remain true to its 50 year legacy and continuously embracing change and adapting to challenges and always innovating along the w...

The Metro Detroit Black Business Alliance and its small business investment program's goal is to seed 2,500 investment accounts on investing app StackWell for up to 200 small business owners and their staffs. The program is supported by a $1 million grant from the life insurance company, Prudential Financial. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information abo...

Detroit will be hosting the National Entrepreneurs Association Small Business Awards. Friday, October 20, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hollywood Greek Town Casino. The theme of this year's event is Stand Out and will focus on how business owners can use the latest resources and technology to market and grow their small businesses. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com fo...

2023 Consumer Spending Trends Outlook, a study by Clivio and Qualtrics, consumers are generally feeling pretty gloomy when it comes to the economy these days. 59% indicate that their view on the economy is negative and as a result will impact their spending generally and more specifically during the holidays. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information abo...

The U. S. Chamber of Commerce has announced the seven regional finalists of America's Top Small Business Awards program. 15, 000 plus applicants to this contest, for which the U. S. Chamber of Commerce has chosen seven finalists. Following criteria, businesses must uniquely demonstrate innovation, courage, and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives the American economy. But it's from this list of...

We're featuring an overview of fortune magazines recently released list of the 2023 most powerful women in business. The list is a global ranking of 100 female leaders, 67 of which are CEO's. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If your competitors are putting AI to work to create efficiencies, cut costs, and increase productivity, be aware, but more to the point, start considering deploying AI in ways that keep you competitive. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Wall Street Journal reported that small business bankruptcy filings are rising this year, a signal that increased interest rates, tighter lending standards, and higher operating costs are straining entrepreneurs. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Most U.S. companies plan to invest more in Generative AI over the next 12 months. However, as aggressive as that is with respect to adopting the technology, we currently are falling behind, relatively speaking, to the aggressive pace at which China and other countries are pursuing the technology. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collec...

During challenging economic times, marketers are turning more toward performance marketing versus brand marketing because of the opportunity to measure and optimize so effectively with performance marketing. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

MRA President and CEO Bill Hallan said, Michigan small businesses are feeling the squeeze of the UAW strike and the resulting loss of spending power by families impacted. Small businesses may feel the impacts of this strike for months to come. Even after the strike ends. We encourage shoppers to consider the importance of shopping with local businesses, keeping their dollars in their community. Ho...

When email is used as intended, it's one of the most powerful channels of all, according to a new study from Hunger Rush. 82% have made a purchase directly because of an email they've received. And email is popular amongst all age groups. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Americans are struggling and becoming more reticent to new spending, especially when it comes to spending on non essential purchases. 61% of Americans of all income brackets are living paycheck to paycheck these days, so the stress on American consumers is broad and deep. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal...