Professionals newly joining the workforce in 2024 can expect an active hiring market, according to research from talent solutions and business consulting firm Robert Half. In a recent Robert Half survey, 65% of companies said they plan to hire entry-level professionals, generally defined as individuals with 0-2 years of experience, in early 2024. The Outlook for Entry-Level … [More]
Small Businesses Adopting AI Expect to Thrive Against Competitors
New study from GoDaddy finds 75% of entrepreneurs believe generative AI gives them an edge
New research from GoDaddy (NYSE: GDDY) shows that entrepreneurs are quickly embracing generative AI (GenAI) and increasingly using the rapidly evolving technology to run and grow their small businesses. GoDaddy’s January survey of over 500 U.S. small business owners found that they expect GenAI to give them a competitive edge over other small or similar-sized businesses … [More]
Arizona Comes in Fifth of States Where Businesses Struggle with Debt the Most
A new study has revealed that businesses in Georgia have been granted the highest average in loans compared to small businesses in any other state. Arizona businesses have the fifth highest average loans at $705,000. A study by business formation experts, CreditDonkey, analyzed government data from the U.S. Small Business Administration lender reports from 2020-2023 … [More]
A Pause Is Not a Failure: Seven Ways for Business Owners to Dial Back the Franticness
Most entrepreneurs live for new opportunities. Problem is, when you’re focused on growth, it’s easy to say yes to more than your business can handle. Sure, you can juggle it all for a while, but eventually the stress catches up to you. Your attention is spread over too many clients, and no one gets the service they deserve. Plus, employee coaching and development get the … [More]
Arizona Takes Tenth in States Most Interested in Starting a Business, Says Study
Arizona is tenth in the list of the states most interested in starting a business, according to new study. New research has revealed the states most interested in starting a business, with Wyoming taking the top spot. Business valuation experts at Eton Venture Services analyzed data from the United States Census Bureau on the number of business applications per … [More]
Harnessing the Leadership Power of Introverts
Business leaders may too quickly chock up shy, reticent people as introverted and not cut out for leadership positions. Since this is a group of people who are quieter by nature, it’s important for business leaders to reflect on whether they are supporting and recognizing these employees. They could be missing out on promoting a very capable group with a different leadership … [More]
Arizona Earns a Top Spot in U.S. Business Growth Study
New research has revealed the most entrepreneurial states, with Arizona ranking tenth on the list. The study, conducted by QRFY, analyzed data from the US Bureau of Labor statistics to find the number of new businesses in 2022 compared to 2023; each state was ranked according to the difference rate. Top 10 Most Entrepreneurial … [More]
The Phoenix Convention Center Prepares for the Final Four
Long before any basketballs are dribbled through the streets of Phoenix or fans walk through the doors of the facility for the NCAA Men’s Final Four Fan Fest®, the team at the Phoenix Convention Center & Venues has already been hard at work. Conversations with the NCAA and local … [More]
AI Advancing Workplace Gender Equity
It's essential to approach AI with a critical eye, recognizing its potential to both challenge and reinforce societal biases. “As we integrate AI into the workplace, continuous efforts must be made to make sure these technologies are designed and implemented in a way that promotes equity. This includes diverse teams in AI development, transparent AI models, and ongoing … [More]
Noteworthy Changes for the 2024 Tax Season Affecting Small Businesses and Individuals
It’s a new tax season, signaling a time of financial planning and assessment for individuals and businesses alike. Taxpayers must be keenly aware of the tax-law changes in 2024, since these changes will impact those across various income brackets. Creating a new financial plan during the tax bracket shift allows taxpayers to minimize tax liability and be aware of new … [More]
Survey Unveils 2024 State of Business Growth
Keap, the leader in small business automation software, announces today the findings of its 2024 State of Business Growth survey, providing a data-driven look at the status of small and mid-market businesses. This comprehensive report sheds light on the differences between businesses that met or exceeded their goals in 2023. The 2024 State of Business Growth survey analyzed … [More]
Forget QR Codes: Discover the 5 Reasons Why Brands Are Shifting to Dynamic QR Codes
Think QR codes belong in the tech graveyard? Think Again! The digital world is buzzing over the dynamic QR revolution started by QR Code KIT, and here's why you should, too. Dive into the heart of controversy where the old meets the new in a clash of digital titans. As the dust settles on the battleground of innovation, dynamic QR codes emerge as the undisputed champions of … [More]
AI Pitfalls in Branding
I’m sure by now you have heard all the rage about AI (Artificial Intelligence) and how people are using it to optimize their businesses. While we at Blaze love to embrace new trends, we also know that using AI presents both opportunities and challenges. That’s why we want to bring you some insights into the pitfalls and solutions of leveraging AI in your branding and marketing … [More]
Their Take: Credit Card Bill Could Gut Points and Miles Programs, Hurting Arizona’s Travel Industry
March in metro Phoenix signals the peak of our travel season: the Valley bustling with guests filling up our restaurants, hotels, hiking trails, and golf courses. With the conclusion of the WM Phoenix Open, the spotlight now shifts to the Cactus League. This annual rite of passage, consisting of 15 baseball teams, hosts over 200 games, attracting thousands of winter visitors … [More]
Female Entrepreneurs Do Better with Guidance from Female Mentors, Says Study
In business and in life, the power of mentorship has long been understood, but how important is it that your mentor look like you? This question was at the center of a new study which specifically found that mentor gender has a powerful impact on female entrepreneurs. More to the point, in a randomized controlled experiment, researchers found that when a female entrepreneur … [More]
68% of Women Lack Confidence in the Economy, Says Survey
While women have made strides toward financial equity, they still shoulder significant debt stress and are frequently concerned about the impact that the broader economy has on their financial stability. In addition, women are more likely than men to say they're unprepared for financial challenges that might come down the pike in the year ahead, according to the results of a … [More]
It’s Only Q1, and You’re Already Frazzled. Here Are Six Reasons Why.
If you’re like many business owners, Q1 has been way busier than expected. On the surface that’s a good thing. What entrepreneur doesn’t welcome new opportunities, increased business, and rising revenue? There’s just one problem, says business owner burnout strategist and small business fixer Julie Bee: It’s only mid-February, and you’re starting to feel burned out (or at least … [More]
Navigating the Future of Tech Infrastructure Amidst AI’s Growing Demands
In an era where technological advancements are evolving at an unprecedented pace, the recent spotlight by Sam Altman on the need for a staggering $7 trillion to fuel the next generations of AI development, including GPT models, brings to the forefront a critical conversation on infrastructure innovation—or the lack thereof. This monumental figure underscores not just the … [More]
