Charts and Trends

Braving Economic Storms: Thriving Amidst Global and Local Pressures

Introduction In the industrial heartland of Northeast Ohio, brothers Mike and Dave run a small but proud manufacturing business. Their company has been a cornerstone of the community for decades, producing high-quality steel components for various industries. However, in recent years, Mike and Dave have felt the squeeze from forces far beyond their control. Global […]

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The Art of Simplification: Streamline Your Offerings to Drive Conversions

All of us have experienced the frustration of indecision. Like scrolling through countless movie options on our favorite streaming app without settling on anything? This example is a classic case of Hick’s Law at work. What is Hick’s Law? Hick’s Law, named after psychologist William E. Hick, explains that the time it takes for a

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Is Your Manufacturing Business Prepared for the Future?

“The manufacturing sector is a cornerstone of the American economy, but it’s currently standing on shaky ground,” says Timothy Fiore, Chair of ISM’s Manufacturing Business Survey Committee.  Despite substantial investments, the US manufacturing sector is experiencing a downturn. The sector contracted for the fourth consecutive month in July, with factory orders falling by 3.3% in

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The Rise of the $1M Solopreneur: How to Thrive in Today’s Business Landscape

Being a solo entrepreneur can be incredibly rewarding, especially when your revenue hits seven figures. Earlier this year, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman predicted that we might soon witness a founder achieving a billion-dollar valuation without any employees. With over 58,000 solopreneurs reaching the $1M revenue milestone between 2020 and 2021, his prediction is well on

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From Promise to Practice: Is AI Worth the Investment for Your Business?

We’ve all heard the buzz – “Trust us, bro, AI is the future.” But let’s take a step back and critically assess where we stand today. Despite the grand promises and sky-high expectations, skeptical analysts are raising valid questions about whether AI technology will deliver returns that justify the massive investments being funneled into it.

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What Does the Rise of a New Economic Coalition Mean for the World?

In 2001, a bold forecast from economist Jim O’Neill at Goldman Sachs set the stage for a shift in global economic power. He predicted four emerging markets—Brazil, Russia, India, and China—would dominate the world economy by 2050. This prediction materialized in the formation of the BRIC group, which later expanded to BRICS with the inclusion

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Warning Signs: Proactive Business Strategies for a Tightening Economy

This season’s corporate earnings reports suggest a cooling period is on the horizon. Iconic brands like McDonald’s, Yum Brands, and Starbucks report that consumer wallets are snapping shut, echoing broader economic sentiments. Industrial stalwarts like 3M have noted a softening in discretionary expenditures, while Newell Brands highlights inflationary pressures as a culprit for their cautious

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The Number One Reason Understanding Your Customer Matters: Insights from GM

What is Changing: General Motors has recently announced the discontinuation of the Chevy Malibu, marking the company’s departure from sedan production to focus solely on electric vehicles (EVs) and larger vehicle formats such as SUVs and trucks. This is part of a broader trend in the automotive industry, as we see traditional sedans gradually disappearing

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Could Kellogg’s 1930s Workweek Revolutionize Today’s Workplace?

In the early 20th century, amidst the economic strains of the Great Depression, W.K. Kellogg made a bold move at his Battle Creek plant: He introduced a six-hour workday, effectively creating a shorter workweek. This decision was rooted in his philosophy of “more for all and less for none,” which aimed to increase employment by

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How Express is Rewriting Its Future in Retail

Express, alongside its associated brands Bonobos and UpWest, once thrived as a cornerstone of American corporate wardrobe retailing. However, the advent of remote work and a drastic shift in consumer fashion preferences led to a significant downturn in the company’s fortunes. In the wake of changing work cultures, Express confronted stark financial realities, accumulating nearly

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