competition
As second iPad looms, so does talk of tablet price war
On March 2, Apple is expected to unveil a second iPad, which is expected to be thinner and weigh less than the original. The big question is, however, whether Apple will raise prices, considering that at the end of 2010 there were already 30 different tablets for sale. Full article.
Holiday shopping battle starts to gear up
The battle for holiday shoppers' dollars has begun in earnest. The early competition to break through shoppers' caution about spending promises savings, and retailers are offering deals anytime, anywhere their customers want, through websites, smart phones and Facebook. Full article.
When to write a business plan
The value of putting together even a simple business plan is that the process forces startup entrepreneurs to confront some basic principles of business that they would likely miss—to potentially bad consequences—otherwise. A business plan can focus you on assessing your competition and puzzling out your unique selling proposition and will allow you to set revenue, expense, and profit projections. Full article.
Grocery chains increase ad spending amid price war
Supermarket chains—no longer the only place to buy the week's groceries—are pumping more money into advertising to fend off competition from mass discounters, drug stores and even dollar stores. The increased spending hasn't yielded an immediate payback, but some industry analysts say the strategy could help some chains. Full article.
How to Not Go Out of Business
Maintaining relevance is essential in every industry. As long as competition thrives and technology marches forward, companies that don't evolve are destined for extinction. The good news: A steady stream of minor enhancements to a product, service, or experience can help a company maintain relevance in an ever-changing business environment. Full article.
Netflix: Premium cable's worst nightmare
Hollywood is having a hard time deciding if Netflix is friend or foe. The fast-growing movie service has already helped drive DVD retailer Blockbuster to the brink of Chapter 11. Now, Netflix is poised to take on premium cable giants like HBO and Showtime. Full Article.
Google tablets may pass IPad with more accessibility
Analysts recently indicated that tablet computers running Google Inc.’s Android will start taking sales from Apple Inc.’s iPad this holiday season and may surpass it in a few years as device makers adopt the software for a slew of models. Smartphones running Android have already surpassed Apple’s iPhone in the U.S., and Google may repeat its success with tablets because its operating system is freely available to any company. Full Article.
Amazon looking to get movies and TV streaming
Amazon's looking at offering a new subscription service that would deliver TV shows and movies over the Internet. It's a move that would compete with such companies as Netflix and Google as they seek to broaden their influence in the digital delivery marketplace. Full Article.
Aid available for LA shrimpers
Qualified Louisiana shrimpers are eligible for up to $12,000 and technical training under a federal program designed to help shrimpers in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic adjust to increased competition. There is a deadline for filing. Find application here.
Seniors vie with teens in labor market
A May 2010 report by Labor Department economist Teresa Morisi indicates that older workers are a key group that took jobs from teens. U.S. employees old enough to retire are outnumbering their teenage counterparts, for the first time since at least 1948 when Harry Truman was president, a sign that generations now compete for jobs. Full Article.
