#Entrepreneurship

How Barnes & Noble Engineered a Remarkable Turnaround – And What Business Owners Can Learn From It

Case Study, Leadership, Management, Marketing / Rick Slark

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 experiences that drive loyalty. Read on to uncover the strategies that revived America’s largest bookstore chain—and how you can apply them to your own business.

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Is Your Business Ready for Change? 5 Key Areas to Reassess Now

Business Development, Capital/Finances, Charts and Trends, Economic Development, Government Regulations, Leadership, Management / Rick Slark

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 behaviors, this guide will help ensure your business remains agile and competitive. Will you lead the change or struggle to keep up? Read on to find out how to position your business for success in 2025.

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What Small Business Owners Can Learn from the JCPenney and Forever 21 Merger

Business Development, Business Growth, Revenue Models, Small Business Strategy, Financial Strategy, Business Diversification, Profitability, Business Resilience, Leadership, Management, Partnerships, Retail / Rick Slark

Picture yourself in a mall in 2002: racks of trendy Aéropostale hoodies, Forever 21’s fast-fashion treasures, and JCPenney’s dependable mix of apparel, home goods, and Sephora counters. These brands defined an era of retail, but the world has since changed. Fast forward to 2025, and these mall staples are coming together under one roof. Catalyst

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Women in Business: How Elisabeth Gelhar Built Two Thriving Brands

Business Development, Customer Service, Video, Women in Business / Rick Slark

In this Women in Business Series episode, I sit down with Elisabeth Gelhar, the owner of Oak and Ivy, LLC, and Elisabeth Ashliegh Photography. Elisabeth shares her entrepreneurial journey, her challenges, and how she successfully built two thriving businesses. We dive into social media’s pivotal role for entrepreneurs and discuss strategies for leveraging it to

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Holiday Edition: Shopper’s Attitudes Toward Price Increases

Charts and Trends, Customer Service, Holiday's, Management, Marketing, Quotes, Uncategorized / Rick Slark

“Getting results isn’t just about staying informed—it’s about taking that information and turning it into decisive action. The following research from Stacked Marketer offers valuable insights, but the key is to determine how it applies to your business and then commit to acting on it. By doing so, you’re not just staying ahead but positioning yourself

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3 Myths About Learning That Are Holding You Back

Humanity, Leadership, Professional Development, Quotes, Time Management / Rick Slark

Standing still isn’t just risky—it’s a recipe for getting left behind. The most successful business owners understand that what got them here won’t get them there. They must continually evolve, adapt, and, most importantly, learn to stay ahead. Continuous learning isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the secret sauce that transforms challenges into opportunities and good

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