Charts and Trends – Slark Consulting Group

The Art of Announcing Price Increases: A Guide for Business Owners

Capital/Finances, Charts and Trends, Customer Service, Sales & Service / By Rick Slark

Announcing price increases to customers is never easy. It can be an uncomfortable experience for businesses, leaving customers uncertain about the future of the products or services they rely on. However, there are several steps companies can take to make the process smoother and help maintain their customers’ trust and loyalty. First and foremost, being …

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The RoadMap For Scaling Your Business

Business Development, Capital/Finances, Charts and Trends, Customer Service, Professional Development, Speaker Series, Speaking and Workshops, Strategy / By Rick Slark

Get ready to take your business from good to great! I’m thrilled to invite you to my latest workshop, that’s jam-packed with ten actionable insights and strategies. This workshop is your chance to level up your business and achieve your goals. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to learn and grow. Register today to …

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5 Benefits of Strategic Business Ownership for Increased Profitability

Business Development, Capital/Finances, Charts and Trends, Customer Service, Sales & Service, Strategy / By Rick Slark

As a business owner, having a good product or service is not enough. To succeed in today’s competitive market, you must be a strategic thinker, constantly looking for ways to improve your business, stay ahead of the competition, and meet the ever-changing needs of your customers. Let’s examine five benefits of being a strategic business …

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The Critical Role of Managers in Employee Mental Health

Business Development, Charts and Trends, Humanity, Mental Health, Professional Development, Quotes / By Rick Slark

A recent study by The Workforce Institute of UKG revealed that 69% of individuals attribute their managers as having the most significant impact on their mental health, comparable to their partner’s effect. This impact was reported to be greater than the influence of doctors (51%) or therapists (41%). These findings emphasize the significant role that …

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Ohio Restaurants Report Positive Sales in January Poll But Remain Cautious

Business Development, Capital/Finances, Charts and Trends, Customer Service, Holiday's, Sales & Service, Uncategorized / By Rick Slark

The Ohio Restaurant Association recently conducted a poll to gauge the effects of the current economy on Ohio’s restaurants. The results showed that most operators experienced an increase in sales during December 2022, attributed to holiday events, parties, and large groups. Despite this increase, the cost of labor and supplies continues to rise for most …

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Park It: The Critical Lack of Truck Parking in the U.S.

Business Development, Charts and Trends, Mental Health, Women in Business / By Rick Slark

The trucking industry is a vital component of the US economy, responsible for moving an impressive 10.93 billion tons of freight to businesses across the country in 2021. However, the daily task of navigating the highways for the 900,000+ truck drivers in the US comes with its own set of challenges, one of which is …

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2022 NEW BUSINESS FILINGS: SECOND HIGHEST IN OHIO HISTORY

Business Development, Capital/Finances, Charts and Trends, Start-Up, Uncategorized / By Rick Slark

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose announced 179,636 new business filings in 2022, down 18,374 from the all-time record-setting year in 2021 and the second highest in state history. However, December 2022 saw 13,012 new business filings, 496 more than December 2021. With small business optimism reaching its 12th consecutive month below the 49-year average, …

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Thoughts About Work, Now and Then

Charts and Trends, Humanity, Mental Health, Poetry, Uncategorized / By Rick Slark

In her article, The Great Resignation: Why People Aren’t Returning to Work, Jane Adams, Ph. D. writes, “One of the significant social changes wrought by the pandemic is the shift in attitudes about work; why we do it, the conditions we do it under, the meaning and place it has in our lives and the …

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Employee Burnout Continues

Charts and Trends / By Rick Slark

A recent study from Mckinsey shows that despite a focused effort on employee mental health, HR professionals have a long way to go. August 5, 2022Despite HR professionals making employee mental health a top priority, their efforts are falling short. On average, a quarter of employees report experiencing burnout symptoms, according to a McKinsey Health …

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Affordability is Top of Mind for Consumers

Charts and Trends / By Rick Slark

According to a recent study from Mckinsey, consumers are rushing to more affordable retailers. August 3, 2022, European consumers have increasingly been opting for more affordable retailers. According to our latest European Consumer Pulse Survey, of the consumers who decided to shop at a different retailer in the previous four to six weeks, most turned …

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