For My Best Job Decisions, I Used Only a Single Criteria To Judge a Company
The best job decisions of my career hinged on a single criterion: how a company handles its interview process. When choosing between Microsoft and an unknown startup, I discovered that thoughtful hiring practices signal a company's true quality. Learn how judging a company's interview process can lead to working with exceptional teams and products, regardless of brand recognition.
Walmart Tells Chinese Suppliers to Pound Sand - Reduce Prices or Else
Walmart shifts tariff burden to Chinese suppliers, demanding price cuts up to 10% regardless of tariff increases. This hard-line stance continues Walmart's long-standing "Everyday Low Prices" strategy of supplier pressure. Rather than boosting American manufacturing, expect production to simply shift to other low-cost countries as suppliers adapt to avoid the squeeze.
Target 2024 Earnings: Warning Signs But Is There Hope Ahead?
Target's 2024 earnings report shows slower growth and declining operating income compared to competitors like Walmart and Amazon. Despite challenges, plans to expand Target Plus and its ad business offer a glimpse of hope. Explore the retailer's path forward.
Walmart Great FY 2025 Earnings: Maytag Repairman Envious of Consistent Performance - Trump Guidance Included
Walmart's FY 2025 earnings show strong growth driven by high-income consumers, boosted by eCommerce, advertising, and membership services. Discover how the retail giant maintains consistent performance with efficient operations and resilient consumer demand.
TikTok Subscriptions Won't Challenge Amazon But Could Help Creators
TikTok is testing a subscription-based shopping feature, but will it truly challenge Amazon? Likely not—but it could be a game-changer for creators. By simplifying eCommerce and lowering customer acquisition hurdles, TikTok is positioning itself as a new kind of shopping platform driven by inspiration rather than just transactions.
Shopify Q4 2024 Earnings: The Age of Efficiency Comes to Shopify
Shopify’s Q4 2024 earnings reveal strong growth driven by efficiency. With revenue up 26% year-over-year and free cash flow surging 78%, the company is optimizing expenses while maintaining its market dominance. But how sustainable is this strategy, and what does it mean for Shopify’s future in Enterprise and beyond?
It’s Not Just You - Age of Efficiency Accelerating
Discover why 2025 is shaping up as the Age of Efficiency, with CFOs doubling down on profitability. Learn how businesses are navigating budget cuts, prioritizing growth, and making strategic decisions in a challenging landscape.
Amazon Q4 Earnings Wins the Grammy for Free Cash Flow: "They Not Like Us"
Amazon's Q4 2024 earnings report reveals a 10% increase in net sales to $187.8 billion and a doubling of net income to $20 billion. The North America segment's operating income rose by 43%, while the International segment shifted from a $400 million loss to a $1.3 billion profit. AWS operating income grew by 62%, with a $115 billion annual run rate. The article delves into these financial milestones and Amazon's strategic investments in AI and cloud computing.
AI Won't Solve All The Problems, But We Don't Realize It Yet
AI can do a lot—analyze, automate, and accelerate processes—but it can't replace human intuition, relationships, or experience. As businesses rush to adopt AI, are we forgetting what truly makes companies great? Discover the limits of AI and why human connection still matters.
UPS Q4 2024: Steering Towards Margin, Away From Amazon
Discover how UPS is shifting its strategy by reducing reliance on Amazon, optimizing costs, and focusing on higher-margin customers. This article explores key changes in Amazon’s contract, USPS service adjustments, and UPS’s plan to improve domestic operating margins. Learn how these moves impact the supply chain and what it means for businesses relying on UPS for shipping.
Why Aren't We Growing Faster?
Discover common reasons why businesses struggle to grow and how to overcome them. This article explores key factors like brand clarity, customer understanding, competitive positioning, team effectiveness, and strategic consistency. Learn why technology isn’t a silver bullet and why patience and adaptability are essential for sustainable growth. Find out if your business is making critical mistakes and how to get back on track.
Shopify 2025: The Entrepeneur, the Rulemaker and the Bridge-Builder
Explore how Shopify navigates 2025 as a dynamic force balancing rulemakers, entrepreneurs, and bridge-builders. Dive into risks like hubris, business model challenges, and maintaining innovation while catering to enterprises.
Mastercard Holiday Numbers Roses for eCommerce, In-Store Accelerated Too
Discover key insights from Mastercard’s 2024 holiday sales report, highlighting eCommerce growth, in-store acceleration, and consumer behavior trends. Learn how discounts, fast shipping, and supply chain strategies shaped this record-breaking season.
Is 2025 The Year of the Niche Down?
Discover the key trends shaping 2025, from the rise of niche-focused businesses to shifts in global trade and supply chain strategies. Learn how SaaS valuations are stabilizing, why "de-Chinafication" is reshaping economies, and what challenges consumers still face.
Why Use an Outside Consultant to Help you Solve a Problem?
Discover why hiring an outside consultant can be the game-changer your business needs. This article explores the value of an independent perspective, expertise in digital transformation, and access to extensive industry networks that help businesses solve complex challenges, uncover new opportunities, and make confident decisions.
Was Amazon Haul Launched Sooner As Political Strategy?
Explore the intriguing timing of Amazon Haul's launch amidst political shifts and competitive pressures. Was this strategic move a hedge against Temu or a calculated political play? Find out how Amazon is positioning its new 'Low Cost Store' and playing chess on a global stage.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday Musings
Explore Black Friday and Cyber Monday trends, highlighting how trust, desirability, and a strong value proposition are essential for retailers to thrive. Discover why deep discounts alone won't secure long-term success.
Walmart Earnings: Strong Growth in High-Income Consumers Should Worry Amazon
Explore how Walmart's rapid growth among high-income consumers, fueled by its eCommerce expansion, marketplace success, and optimized supply chain, is challenging Amazon's dominance in retail.
Amazon Q3 Earnings: AI a "Once in a Lifetime" Opportunity
Amazon’s Q3 earnings reveal impressive growth across essential categories, AI, and AWS, positioning the company for a promising future. Learn how Amazon is reshaping retail, cloud services, and advertising while navigating challenges in low-cost retail and fresh grocery.
What Are the Elements of a Great Platform RFP Process?
Discover the essential steps to crafting a successful eCommerce Platform RFP. From defining decision-making criteria and understanding customer needs to choosing the right system integrators, this guide dives into the critical elements that streamline selection and set your business up for growth.