Plus: SBA’s record-breaking bonds | Find the CRM you'll actually use
Everyone loves a success story. So, how does your small business become one in your community? We get into six practical strategies to achieve success and stand out in your local neighborhood (which is where it matters most). Also this week, we look at why SMBs say they aren’t hiring as many college grads, and what the latest data from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) says about job market trends.
But first, see the man who was accused and charged with repeatedly shoplifting from Ulta Beauty stores in Washington state. The investigation included 24 separate incidents and over $18K of stolen merchandise. Maybe the brands affected can turn this into a positive marketing spin?
Power flex. Learn how fitness gurus use tech to build their small businesses.
Lunar landing. See how San Francisco's small businesses celebrate the Lunar New Year.
Making it work. What are the best industries for small businesses?
Passing the Buc. Gas station chain Buc-ees is planning its largest location yet.
Soft(ware) sell. How tech firms are marketing their products to retailers.
Six ways to turn your business into a local success story
It may seem obvious, but the best strategies for growing a small-town business (or a local store in a big city) are the ones that hit closest to home. Six tactics: network locally; keep your online presence simple and consistent; word-of-mouth trumps paid advertising; partner with others instead of competing; use local media before national and build systems before you scale.
Why this matters: Your business should serve your community, so keep your eyes, ears and focus on the ground. If you gain recognition locally, expansion should be natural. (Entrepreneur)
Why SMBs aren’t betting on recent college grads as new hires
Recent college grads used to be the obvious answer for entry-level hires, but data from a study in The Conversation found that small businesses are planning to hire fewer of them in 2026 than last year. In fact, SMBs were 30% more likely than large businesses to say no to hiring grads. 40% also said they are planning not to hire, or to cut back on hiring, grads without an MBA. According to National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) data, only 56% of small businesses are hiring or trying to hire at all. It’s a drastic change not only in hiring patterns, but also in what prospective job searchers should be doing to land employment.
Why this matters: Small businesses tend to hire who they know (interns or co-op students), so practical experience matters, as does understanding company culture vs. technical skills. Communicating clearly is key, as is working in-person and local networking. (The Conversation)
SBA breaks bond record and sets new rules to streamline lending
These retailers plan to add over 1,100 new stores in 2026
What are the new top states to start a small business in?
And which state came in dead last?
Cyberscams hit 80% of small businesses last year
The difference between luck and skill: a billionaire explains
Kenn Ricci, chairman of Flexjet, knows what it means to be flying high, literally. In the first episode of The Wall Street Journal’s Money Interview, Ricci reveals what he thinks is the difference between luck and skill. He applies his philosophy to several career milestones: getting laid off, starting a company, selling a company and going viral. You might be surprised to find which ones he thinks are due to luck (or lack thereof) and skill.
“If you have a high skillset within the company, even the likelihood (of getting laid off), even in a downturn, is going to be less. And also, then your likelihood of survival is going to be based on your skills. So be skillful." -Kenn Ricci, Chairman of Flexjet
Why this matters: Sure, there is such a thing as luck. But count more on yourself and your ability to recognize the signs of success and chart your own path. (The WSJ Money Interview)
How to really use comparison charts to find the best CRM
A content strategist shares her best tips for finding the best CRM (customer relationship management) tool, and step one is to learn how to really use one of those seemingly helpful comparison charts that pop up when searching for “best CRM.” They don’t explain how features feel in real life, and many can be biased because of affiliate links. The things that matter most: ease of use, contact management, reporting, pricing transparency and integration. Period.
Why this matters: There’s a lot of good software out there, but remember to compare options based on your business’s priorities, not marketing language. Test your top two or three choices with real data, involving the people who will actually use the tool. (Vocal.Media)
Thanks for reading this week's edition!
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The SKUpe is curated and written by Marcy Medina and edited by Bianca Prieto.
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