Wal-Mart’s new money-back guarantee, like most retailer promises, look terrific on first glance. But the reality is that these guarantees are mainly empty marketing tactics, the commercial equivalent of a date pulling out his wallet with no intention of paying.
Why Hotels Aren’t Making a Killing on Fees Like the Airlines
Love it or hate it, the fee-based business model appears to be here to stay for airlines. But the hotel business is a different story.
Summer of 2013 Must-Taste Fast Food List: The Top Ten
We’ve rounded up ten very interesting, much-hyped new menu items offered by large quick-service restaurant chains — including the Wendy’s Bacon Pretzel Cheeseburger, the Dunkin Donuts Glazed Donut Breakfast Sandwich, and even a few items that don’t contain bacon. Warning: It is not advisable to try all of these on the same day.
Uh-Oh: We Already Started Spending Like It’s 2005
The two-faced recovery soldiers on. One day, indicators like the Case-Shiller housing index give us hope that the economic recovery is finally gaining steam, and the next day the ISM Manufacturing Index shows the sector actually …
Buying Your Way to Eternity
Why do you put up with the frustrations and indignities of work? I’m guessing that, first and foremost, it’s because you think you need the cash. But let’s say you’ve got enough to put a roof over your head and food in your belly — or could easily get it by putting in fewer hours than you do. Why are you still at your desk? Why …
Superman the Sellout? Man of Steel Has Over 100 Promotional Partners
Movie fans are surely excited by the soon-to-be-released Superman reboot, Man of Steel. But the film might be even more eagerly anticipated by its 100-plus corporate promotional partners, which are using the movie to help sell razors, cell phones, fast-food burgers, Twizzlers, a career in the armed forces and more.
Dodging Tear Gas Over Discussion of Turkey’s Financial Future
Lost in the Turkish riots over police force was news that the nation stands to become the 16th in the world to formally declare a plan to teach its people about money. That’s worth the fight too.
Apple Says It’s Not an E-Book Crook as Price Fixing Trial Begins
Apple did not engage in a conspiracy with major publishing houses to boost the price of electronic books, the company’s lawyer said Monday, as the U.S. government’s highly anticipated price-fixing lawsuit against the tech giant …
Buying Lottery Tickets Just Keeps Getting Easier
It’s not like buying lottery tickets is particularly difficult. But because states continually want to increase revenues via rising lottery sales, they’re constantly looking for “innovations” that make lottery tickets easier to buy and available at every turn—like at the gas pump, the ATM, or just the computer screen.
The Late Senator Frank Lautenberg’s Lesser-Known Legacy
Others will remember Frank Lautenberg, the Democratic senator from New Jersey who died today at age 89, for his career in government. To me the more fascinating story is his career in business.
Because the company where Lautenberg spent the 30 years from 1952 to 1982 — longer than the time he spent in the Senate — is a classic …
Make Your Slides Memorable
When you present data, people in your audience don’t have time to pour through the numbers. They need to quickly understand by glancing at the slide, reading the title, and looking at the basics of the visuals. Don’t make it hard for them by making your slides complex. Start by asking, “What would I like people to remember about …
Inspire and Reward Employee Feedback
The best ideas that drive business can come from the rank-and-file. Here’s how you can foster feedback for growth.