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How Building Customer Trust Can Skyrocket Your ROI
Trust isn’t a soft metric—it’s a powerful driver of ROI. With 81% of consumers saying they won’t buy from a brand they don’t trust, small business owners can’t afford to overlook this vital growth strategy. Building trust isn’t just about good customer service—it’s about transparency, consistency, and delivering on promises. The result? Lower acquisition costs, higher retention rates, and increased referrals. Want to turn trust into real revenue? Start today.

Rick Slark
Feb 21, 20253 min read
How Barnes & Noble Engineered a Remarkable Turnaround – And What Business Owners Can Learn From It
Barnes & Noble was once seen as a fading giant in the age of Amazon, but under bold new leadership, it has staged an extraordinary turnaround. By decentralizing decision-making, empowering local booksellers, and focusing on discovery rather than algorithms, B&N has transformed its stores into thriving community hubs. This case study reveals powerful lessons for business owners—how to compete with industry giants, rethink strategy for long-term success, and create customer exp

Rick Slark
Feb 14, 20254 min read
Is Your Business Ready for Change? 5 Key Areas to Reassess Now
Change is inevitable in business, and with 2025 on the horizon, shifts in economic policy, market trends, and regulations could significantly impact your company. The key to staying ahead isn’t just reacting—it’s proactively reassessing your strategy. In this article, we explore five critical business adjustments you should make now to prepare for potential challenges and opportunities. From navigating economic fluctuations to adapting to new regulations and evolving customer

Rick Slark
Feb 7, 20253 min read
Empty Apartments, Empty Pockets: Why Understanding Customer Demand Is the Key to Success
Learn why America’s luxury apartment glut teaches a critical lesson for business owners: build products your customers truly want. Discover MVP strategies, customer feedback insights, and more.

Rick Slark
Jan 31, 20253 min read
7 Proven Strategies to Boost Revenue Without Raising Prices
Struggling to grow revenue without risking customer loyalty? You’re not alone. Even giants like PepsiCo and P&G are rethinking their...

Rick Slark
Jan 24, 20253 min read
What Small Business Owners Can Learn from the JCPenney and Forever 21 Merger
Picture yourself in a mall in 2002: racks of trendy Aéropostale hoodies, Forever 21’s fast-fashion treasures, and JCPenney’s dependable...

Rick Slark
Jan 17, 20254 min read


Do You Need a Podcast or Blog for Your Small Business? A Practical Guide to Making the Right Choice
Nowadays, every small business is told it must have a podcast or blog to succeed. But is that true? The pressure to follow these trends...

Rick Slark
Jan 10, 20254 min read
"Lessons from Red Lobster’s Missteps: Avoiding Common Business Mistakes”
Red Lobster, a household name synonymous with seafood dining, found itself in choppy waters in 2023, ultimately filing for bankruptcy amidst years of operational and financial challenges. The company’s turbulent journey offers crucial lessons for small business owners seeking to understand what went wrong and how to avoid similar pitfalls in their own ventures. This case study explores Red Lobster’s missteps and provides actionable insights for small business owners looking t

Rick Slark
Jan 3, 20253 min read
The Psychology of Pricing: 3 Anchoring Tactics Every Business Owner Must Know
In 1982, two renowned psychologists, Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky, conducted an experiment that showcased a fascinating cognitive...

Rick Slark
Dec 20, 20244 min read
America’s Spirits Industry Hits a Dry Spell
ALCOHOL INDUSTRY The US alcohol industry is experiencing its biggest hangover in decades, with no cure in sight. After enjoying a boom during the pandemic’s stay-at-home cocktail craze, major spirits and beer companies are now feeling the pinch, with consumers opting for generic products and younger Americans embracing moderation.

Rick Slark
Dec 13, 20241 min read


Celebrating Excellence: Congratulations to Beth Gantz, Lorain County Community College SBDC Director
It’s not every day you get to witness someone in your professional circle being recognized for their outstanding contributions, but today...

Rick Slark
Dec 6, 20241 min read
The Media Revolution: 7 Lessons Small Businesses Need to Know to Stay Relevant
As we witnessed in the 2024 election cycle, American media consumption has undergone a seismic shift. Instead of relying on cable news,...

Rick Slark
Nov 22, 20245 min read


Turbo-Charge Your Profits: Exploring Revenue Streams for Business Growth
As a business owner focused on growth, you’re likely well-acquainted with the core revenue stream that fuels your operations. But are you...

Rick Slark
Nov 15, 20246 min read
7 Critical Lessons from Wendy’s Decision to Close 140 Restaurants
What if closing a part of your business could make you more profitable? That’s exactly what Wendy’s is betting on by closing 140 underperforming locations despite a simultaneous expansion into high-growth areas. This strategy follows a wave of similar closures earlier this year as Wendy’s moves toward “quality over quantity” to protect its brand and boost profits. For small business owners, Wendy’s strategic moves offer actionable lessons on resource optimization, customer ex

Rick Slark
Nov 8, 20244 min read
Mass Retailers Are Winning the Delivery Game—Why It Matters To You!
Online grocery sales soared to $27.4 billion in Q3, showing a 13.8% growth from last year—and it’s no surprise that delivery options are fueling this momentum. Delivery surged by 25% year-over-year to reach $10.9 billion as consumers increasingly prioritize convenience. Industry leaders like Walmart, Amazon, Instacart, and DoorDash are capitalizing on this trend with new offerings and strategic partnerships, giving them a significant edge. Mass retailers, notably Walmart, hav

Rick Slark
Nov 1, 20241 min read
Make It: Frank Conversations on the Future of Manufacturing with Vinod Purayath
I am excited to share this conversation between Dr. Ethan Karp and Dr. Vinod Purayath, a renowned innovator and scientist with over 150 patents. They discuss the importance of failure in fostering innovation and the future of sustainability in manufacturing. Don't miss it! https://youtu.be/BEILDj0dccM?si=-YCr83e0c5od9GUD

Rick Slark
Oct 25, 20241 min read
Women in Business: How Elisabeth Gelhar Built Two Thriving Brands
In this Women in Business Series episode, I sit down with Elisabeth Gelhar, the owner of Oak and Ivy, LLC, and Elisabeth Ashliegh...

Rick Slark
Oct 18, 20241 min read
The Power of Practice: How Consistent Action Leads to Long-Term Success
Three weeks ago, I decided to take charge of my health. I committed to new habits, determined to see quick results. I envisioned shedding...

Rick Slark
Oct 11, 20244 min read
From Struggle to Strength: The Transformative Power of Sitting with Pain
"Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars." — Kahlil Gibran In business, as...

Rick Slark
Oct 4, 20244 min read
Boost Your Retail Business by Blending Online and Offline Channels
Introduction: Retail’s New Landscape Imagine a customer who loves your brand but struggles to decide between the convenience of online...

Rick Slark
Sep 28, 20245 min read
“Greatness is not in where we stand, but in what direction we are moving".— Oliver Wendell Holmes
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