Archive for the ‘Recession’ Category
Thursday, November 3rd, 2011 |
This economic news summary, “Economic News: Shackled“, grows slightly political as Dave Weatherholt is still discouraged about the state of our economy:
“Why is an economic powerhouse “Shackled?” Maybe it’s just that I live in one of the most beautiful and resource-blessed states that makes me keenly aware of the impact of twisted environmental regulations. Our economic resources are caught between federal regulators and rouge environmental groups, hobbling our resource development. There is something completely dysfunctional about a system where a company can literarily spend millions of dollars studying an issue, placing facts on the table which can simply be blown away by environmental groups who make baseless, unsupportable claims and have no skin in the game. The mistaken belief that economic development comes at the expense of the environment severely “shackles” our economy and inhibits growth. Instead of limping along economically, the U.S. economy could ignite the world. Overall grade for October: D- (September was also D-)”
The remainder of the article shows key economic indicators showing why Dave is so sour on the economy.
Read the article – “Economic News: Shackled”
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Posted in Alaska, Economy, Recession | No Comments »
Thursday, October 6th, 2011 |
After witnessing Mickey Mantle & Roger Maris repeatedly hit back-to-back home runs for the Yankees’ seasons in the early 1960s, Yogi Berra exclaimed, “Its déjà vu all over again!” I’m beginning to feel the same way about our economy, as I express in my latest Economic News Summary.
Read the article: Economic News Summary
Article sponsored by Business Insurance Associates.
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Posted in Economy, Recession | No Comments »
Thursday, September 8th, 2011 |
Here’s how I start my latest roundup of economic news, sponsored by Business Insurance Associates, Inc.:
“Can we think our economy into a recession? While it is true that psychology does have an impact on economic conditions, its impact would not be this dramatic or sustained. The reality: We live in challenging times, which is reflected in these economic indicators. Speculation is that we are headed for a “double-dip recession,” and while we can debate what a double dip might look like, the European and U.S. economies are trending down. The “50 State Leading Economic Index” consistently predicts a recession every time it falls below zero. The chart below shows the index racing to zero. Note this chart only reflects June economic data and does not include July’s poor economic numbers or market volatility.”
The full article includes graphs and analysis of key economic indicators.
Read the full article– Economic News Summary: Psychology vs. Economic Reality
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Friday, July 29th, 2011 |
In July’s economic news summary, I explain:
“With economic confidence at an all time low and business pessimism growing, the U.S. economy is on the ropes. At the root of our prolonged (even epic) economic struggle? The U.S. Government. While we wrestle with our own budgets, making the tough choices to adjust expenses to match income, frustration grows with the political elite who believe the best solution to economic stagnation is to raise taxes. Do you, like me, wonder why reducing spending at the Federal level is so controversial? This natural first step is a no-brainer; reduce spending to match revenues, and break the economic log-jam to begin to restore a level of certainty in our economy.”
The rest of the article is full of economic indicator graphs, historical information to put them in context and my analysis. It’s not good news, but it’s important for every business owner to know.
Read the full article: It’s Not Rocket Science
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Posted in Economy, Government, Recession | No Comments »
Thursday, July 28th, 2011 |
As summer marches on, July’s Business/News & Views® brings some really hot articles for small business owners and entrepreneurs. First up, get some Facebook marketing tips from Amanda Cullen. While you’re learning about technology, check out our article on working wirelessly.
David’s articles are quite entertaining, even though they are on sober topics: surviving an audit and the state of the US economy. He encourages you to “Protect Your Pockets” while chiding the US government that helping the economy “Isn’t Rocket Science.”
Read the newsletter: Business/News & Views®
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Posted in Economy, Finance, Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter, Government, Marketing, Recession, Social Networking, Technology | No Comments »
Thursday, July 7th, 2011 |
In my latest economic news article, “The Economy Still Feels Bad,” I write:
“The US Economy remains stagnant, staggering on the thin line separating recovery from recession, while consumer confidence and small business optimism slide downward. The post-recession pain is as bad as– if not worse than– the pain suffered during the recession, and, while technically the economy is growing, it doesn’t feel quite right.”
After the summary, see the graphs and analysis of key economic indicators- and what this means for our future.
Read the full article: “The Economy Still Feels Bad”
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Posted in Economy, Government, Recession | No Comments »
Thursday, June 30th, 2011 |
June’s Business/News & Views® continues David’s journey through the audit process, with helpful advice for all who file a Schedule C. Dave also points out that the economy still feels bad, although we’re technically not in a double-dip recession. Learn great email marketing tips from Amanda Cullen, and pick up some advice on how to use PowerPoint.
Read the newsletter: Business/News & Views®
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Posted in Business Planning, Economy, Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter, Government, Marketing, Recession, Technology | No Comments »
Monday, June 27th, 2011 |
Economic News Summary May 2011
The US economy is still the largest single-nation economy in the world at $14.2 trillion, as measured by gross domestic product. It is still bigger then the next three largest economies combined. Consider what would happen if we put-the-pedal-to-the-metal economically. Instead of just limping along, we could set the world on fire, and in the words of John F Kennedy, “A rising tide lifts all boats.” Listen and find out what grade Dave gives the US economy. Read the full article: Still a Powerhouse.
Effective Co-Branding and the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association began branding itself officially in 1948 with a network radio contest called the “The Walking Man.” Today, the American Heat Association is recognized by 96% of consumers and has a 98% favorable reaction. Listen as Lisa Sauder talks about way to leverage your product with their brand. To contact Lisa, email her at lisa.sauder@heaqrt.org
Marketing Matters
Listen to “Marketing Matters” with marketing expert Amanda Cullen of Zoo in a Jungle Marketing. Amanda gives us three tips on how to make a good first impression with your marketing.
Listen or download below:
Effective Co-Branding
Posted in Economy, Getting Down to Business® Podcast, Marketing, Recession | No Comments »
Thursday, June 2nd, 2011 |
May’s economic news summary brings the rallying cry that the US is still the economic powerhouse of the world. But that only softens the blow for May’s economic grade, a D-. As I write in the opening paragraph:
“In spite of our economic issues, we are still the economic powerhouse of the world. Did you ever stop to think what would happen if we put-the-pedal-to-the-metal economically? Instead of just limping along, we could set the world on fire economically. In the words of John F Kennedy, “A rising tide lifts all boats.” While my grade on the overall economy remains low, clearly political uncertainty continues to hold us back.”
Read the full article for my analysis of key economic indicators: Still a Powerhouse
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Posted in Economy, Government, Recession | No Comments »
Tuesday, May 31st, 2011 |
May’s Business/News & Views® brings some encouragement amidst continuing dour economic news – that the US is still a powerhouse. David Weatherholt keeps it upbeat as he details his recent experience with auditors, while marketing expert Amanda Cullen advises businesses with tips for creating that great first impression. In our tech section, learn 9 ideas for managing files and folders on your computer.
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Posted in Business Planning, Economy, Finance, Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter, Government, Marketing, Recession, Small Business, Technology | No Comments »
Friday, May 6th, 2011 |
April’s economic news summary, Cost of a New Suit, documents the rising prices that will cause our shaky economic recovery to falter. I explain how key economic indicators, such as the Consumer Price Index and Industrial production tell the story of our economy now and in the future. Here’s an excerpt:
Daily, the price for basic commodities is on the rise– oil, corn, cotton; gold…all have reached or are headed to all time highs. November 2010, the price of cotton hit 155.4 cents per pound, moving past the previous high of 141.9 cents per pound set in 1864, a 146 year record, WOW! The price is now 229.6 cents per pound. We are witnessing similar record high prices for corn, oil and gold. This leads to a great question: are we witnessing a new normal or a simple aberration in pricing, creating unsustainable bubbles?
Read the full article: Cost of a New Suit
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Posted in Economy, Finance, Recession | No Comments »
Friday, April 29th, 2011 |
This month in Business/News & Views® – Learn the economic meaning behind the cost of a new suit (Hint: don’t expect any good economic news here). Following the economic news, learn how to weather the upcoming storm with cost-cutting and revenue-adding business tips from David Weatherholt in his article, “One Arm Tied Behind Our Back.”
Not all is bad news, as we highlight some of Wells Fargo’s up and coming in Alaska. And harness the power of “Word of Mouth Marketing” from marketing expert Amanda Cullen. Then chill out as you learn to “Listen to the Radio on Your Computer.”
Read the newsletter: Business/News & Views®
Posted in Alaska, Business Planning, Economy, Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter, Recession, Reducing Business Expenses, Technology | No Comments »
Monday, April 4th, 2011 |
How do you feel about the economic outlook? If you feel confused, uncertain, and just plain less confident, then you are not alone. In fact, “Gallup’s Economic Confidence Index” for the week ending March 27, 2011 was down sharply to a -33– a 22% drop from the same period in 2010. In a single month, the grade on the economy dropped a whole point, going from a C+ in February to a D+ in March. The number and size of the chaotic local and world events, i.e. state and federal budget problems, unrest in the Middle East, Japan’s earthquake, tsunami and nuclear reactor problems, lead to rising consumer prices and an overall economic downturn. While we are not technically in an economic downturn, we are teetering on the brink again.
Read the complete article, complete with key economic indicator graphs: Economic Confidence Down
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Thursday, March 31st, 2011 |
March’s Business/News & Views® has very informative business tips and advice to help you with finances, marketing and technology. First, get the scoop on Pay-Per-Click Advertising as Amanda Cullen explains Google, Bing and Facebook.
Get your business in shape with David Weatherholt’s “7 Steps to a Business Health Checkup.” Learn the state of the economy with David’s economic news summary and learn how to increase browsing speed with our technology article.
Read the newsletter: Business/News & Views®
Posted in Business Mentoring, Business Planning, Economy, Finance, Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter, Marketing, Recession, Technology | No Comments »
Thursday, March 24th, 2011 |
February’s Business/News & Views® is full of economic news and insights, like my article The Optimism Index. I start:
This optimism index measures 10 components ranging from increasing hiring, inventories and capital outlays to earnings trends. The data has been collected on a quarterly basis since 1973, becoming a monthly survey in 1986– making this an extremely reliable measure and record of the state of our small business community. In the 1980-82 recession periods, the Index was below 90 in only one quarter, registering the lowest reading ever at 80.1 during the second quarter of 1980. The latest reading from December 2010 was 92.6, a drop from November’s 93.2. “This marks the 36th month of recessionary levels. Only once in that period did the Index get above 93 [i.e. November] and has been below 90 for 26 months.” Our business community is mired in pessimism as never before.
But don’t be too dismayed! In the article, I provide inspiration from the life of George Washington and how we Americans have a little Washington in each of us.
Read the full article: The Optimism Index
Posted in Economy, Entrepreneurs, Government, Innovation, Recession | No Comments »
Thursday, March 10th, 2011 |
In February’s Business/News & Views®, my economic news summary explained “The New Normal” of our economy. I wrote:
The economic recovery continues, limping toward recovery. We are finally shaking-off the dazed state that resulted from the jarring, vertical economic drop. Economic indicators were mixed over the past year. They grudgingly moved to higher levels, indicating a solid economic recovery. Economic growth is good, even when that growth is anemic creating what may be called the “New Normal.” My overall grade for February: C+ (January was a C).
Read the full article, including graphs of key economic indicators: The New Normal
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Monday, February 7th, 2011 |
In January’s Business/News & Views®, I wrote about this uncertain, jobless recovery:
The recession is over, but it doesn’t feel like we are moving economically. Looking at the indicators, we can make the mental leap that economically life is improving. But it simply doesn’t feel right. Unusually uncertain (or more aptly, “politically uncertain”) accurately describes our economic prospects. Consumer spending increased over the holiday season; the manufacturing sector experienced a hiring gain– the first in over ten years, and companies are sitting on lots of cash. Overall, the glacial pace of economic growth is much better than a decline, and it is safe to say we are poised for economic growth. Yet overall unemployment remains stubbornly high, and government debt and the threat of higher taxes creates lots of uncertainty. My overall grade for January: C (December was a C).
For my full analysis and graphs of leading economic indicators, read the full article: The Uncertain, Jobless Recovery
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Thursday, December 30th, 2010 |
This month, I gave the US economy a grade of C (compared to November’s D-, it’s quite an improvement). Deflation is the real concern of the Federal Reserve, provoking their second round of Quantitative Easing (QE2). QE2 is intended to add momentum to the glacial pace of our economic recovery, i.e., putting the “pedal to the metal.”
The economy has been expanding slowly but steadily, reaching an estimated annual rate of 2.5%, GDP, well below the 3% to 4% rate needed to increase employment and further strengthen the economy.
For my full analysis, complete with economic indicator graphs, read my article: Economic News Summary: It’s Pedal to the Metal Time.
Posted in Economy, Finance, Recession | No Comments »
Monday, December 27th, 2010 |
The December Business/News & Views® will help you bring your small business into the new year!
David Weatherholt brings us economic news with the exciting title, “It’s Pedal to the Metal Time” and the continuation of his peerless competitor series, “Be The Best V.” Amanda Cullen asks, “Is your pricing too low?” and answers that is probably is. She gives advice for how to maximize your price potential with value pricing.
This month brings a bonus Views article, “The Sales Process Defined,” and learn some tips to simplify your technology with “Don’t Lose Your Bookmarks.” All this in the December Business/News & Views®!
Read Now: Business/News & Views® – December 2010
Posted in Alaska, Economy, Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter, Recession, Sales, Small Business, Technology | No Comments »
Thursday, December 9th, 2010 |
Want to know what the Fed’s quantitative easing policy will mean for our economy? Read my article from Business/News & Views, “Quantitative Easing.” In short, good economic news is not around the corner, and I graded November’s economic indicators at a D-. I analyze important- and sometimes obscure- metrics like personal income and industrial production.
Will we stop flunking or head back into a recession?
Read the article: Quantitative Easing
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Thursday, December 2nd, 2010 |
The November Business/News & Views® has some really useful and interesting articles for small businesses.
As 2010 draws to a close, it’s time to tighten up strategies for 2011. David Weatherholt challenges business to “Be the Best” and Amanda Cullen addresses budgeting with “Cut Marketing Costs, Not Effectiveness.”
David take the mystery out of “Quantitative Easing” with his economic news summary, explaining the economic results we can expect to see from the Fed’s actions.
Finally, learn “Four Social Media Errors” and how to avoid. them. All this in the November Business/News & Views®!
Read Now: Business/News & Views® – November 2010
Posted in Economy, Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter, Marketing, Recession, Social Networking | No Comments »
Tuesday, November 9th, 2010 |
In my latest economic news summary, I bring bad news about the economy and industrial production, specifically:
The U.S. economy remains flat, with no discernable growth or changes in most of these economic indicators except for a sharp decline in industrial production. A decline in a leading indicator such as industrial production following its very weak positive showing in August is troubling. Preliminary estimates of gross domestic product for Q3 2010 are a slight increase over the restated Q2 2010 numbers. However, the initial estimates of gross domestic product have proven to be high with subsequent revisions moving down. Declining industrial production is a strong indicator that gross domestic product will also move downward. In short we are headed to another recession.
To see my full analysis, read the article here – Economic Summary: Sharp Decline in Industrial Production
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Monday, October 18th, 2010 |
Amanda Cullen’s new article in Business/News & Views® helps small businesses marketing in a down economy. She writes:
“With news out that the recession is over, many small business owners are left scratching their heads. What was expected to be a joyous event sneaked up on us in June 2009, and many Americans don’t feel like they-or their businesses- are recovering. Need some tips for turning this economy to your advantage? I’m glad you asked…”
Read the full article: Marketing Upsides in a Down Economy
Posted in Marketing, Recession | No Comments »
Monday, October 4th, 2010 |
My economic news update in the latest Business/News & Views® asserts that this is the weakest recovery since the Great Depression of 1929-1934. Back then the US economy went through 12.5 quarters of “expansion” before slipping back into another depression.
Read the full article (if you dare): The Weakest Recovery Since the Great Depression
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Thursday, September 30th, 2010 |
David Weatherholt is back with other great authors for the September 2010 issue of Business/News & Views®. David’s economic summary warns that this is the “Weakest Recovery Since the Great Depression,” but Amanda Cullen tries to make the best of the news by giving small businesses advice on “Marketing Upsides in a Down Economy.”
Read about becoming number one in your field - and how this requires you to get back to basics in David’s article “Be the Best III.” He tells some great stories about business leaders and sports teams to really drive home his point.
Finally, learn some tips for making “A Better Home Office.”
Read Now: Business/News & Views® – September 2010
Posted in Economy, Entrepreneurs, Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter, Marketing, Recession | No Comments »
