CIC’s Small Business Intelligence

CIC’s Small Business Intelligence, Episode 7

In this episode of CIC's Small Business Intelligence, Joe McCaffrey and Louis Silva discuss current economic issues affecting small businesses, including slowing tariffs, consumer confidence, price fluctuations, labor market trends, the impact of AI on employment, housing market changes, investment trends, interest rate policies, and the economic landscape. The podcast highlights the importance of leveraging tools like AI for productivity, financial literacy, the significance of maintaining cash reserves, and business adaptability in uncertain times. Special guest Chris Jascha, a summer intern from Clemson University, shares insights and perspectives on these matters. The episode underscores the need for businesses to stay informed and flexible, emphasizing the importance of client connection, trust, and transparency in navigating economic volatility.

CIC Small Business Intelligence, Episode 6

In this episode of Small Business Intelligence, hosts Joe McCaffrey and Louis Silva, joined by special guests Robert Marcarelli and Jared Schulefand of Pi Restaurant Consulting, discuss the current economic issues impacting small businesses, particularly within the food industry. The episode covers key factors affecting the food service industry in Connecticut, such as rising costs, consumer spending habits, and a growing divide in the market. The discussion also delves into essential business strategies for retention, cost economization, and the importance of adapting business models, offering insights on market trends, valuation methods, and effective exit strategies.

CIC’s Small Business Intelligence, Episode 5

In this episode of Small Business Intelligence, Joe and Louis dive into pressing economic issues affecting small businesses, with a primary focus on global trade. They discuss the pervasive impact of tariffs, interest rates, consumer spending, and employment on small business operations. Joe's frustrations with ongoing global trade debates highlight the challenges business owners face in today's volatile market trends, while touching on the significant role of small business lending, labor markets, and economic forecasts. Listen in to gain comprehensive insights into how current economic conditions and policy changes could affect your business strategies and financial outcomes.

CIC’s Small Business Intelligence, Episode 4

In this episode, Joe McCaffrey and Louis Silva host Stephen Robert, CEO of Bedrock Credit America. Stephen discuss various economic issues affecting small businesses and delves deeply into credit scoring, including discrepancies in credit scores from third-party sites versus what lenders see. He also discusses upcoming changes with FICO 10 T and Vantage 4.0 models that can affect consumers' credit scores, particularly due to trending data. The podcast also highlights the importance of managing one's credit proactively, avoiding debt management companies, and understanding financial literacy. Other topics include the current small business environment, shifts in consumer spending, and the importance of proper financial education.

CIC’s Small Business Intelligence, Episode 3

In this episode, hosts Joe McCaffrey and Louis Silva, alongside special guest Luke Scott, delve into the latest economic issues impacting small businesses. The discussion spans various topics including rising inflation, labor market challenges, fluctuating interest rates, and the repercussions of global trade tariffs. Luke shares valuable insights from his 26 years running a Connecticut marketing agency, emphasizing the need for optimism, strategic planning, and community collaboration for small business success. The episode also highlights the importance of adaptive real estate development for fostering community growth, as Joe, Louis, and Luke analyze recent headlines and their implications for entrepreneurs in today's uncertain economic landscape.

CIC’s Small Business Intelligence, Episode 2

 Does negative news make consumers behave negatively? Maybe not entirely, but the news that we consume definitely affects our attitudes and sentiments. That's why at CIC we keep track of it. The information gives us insights into why people behave the way they do. And armed with this knowledge, small businesses can strategically tailor their value proposition and selling message to meet the ever changing commerce landscape.

CIC’s Small Business Intelligence, Episode 1

In this episode we're going to focus our attention on the headlines from the last month. Over the last 30 days, we analyzed 140 different news articles. Those 140 articles were spread across 14 different topics. We're going to talk in more detail about each one, starting with the recent election.