Google Trends updated
The latest version of Google Trends, which allows users to see how popular specific search terms are across the Internet, has been met with tempered enthusiasm by search marketers.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Wal-Mart backs Web tracking
Yahoo has reached a new deal with Wal-Mart, under which the Yahoo's sales force will sell display advertising inventory on Wal-Mart's Web site. Yahoo will also work with Wal-Mart to leverage insights gained from consumer shopping behavior to better target advertising to consumers.
Yahoo has reached a new deal with Wal-Mart, under which the Yahoo's sales force will sell display advertising inventory on Wal-Mart's Web site. Yahoo will also work with Wal-Mart to leverage insights gained from consumer shopping behavior to better target advertising to consumers.
Is analytics or creativity more important?
Out-of-the-box thinking and creative concepts get businesses noticed and recognized as innovators. When recruiting employees for marketing positions, we strongly look for individuals willing to take risks. Some of the most creative hires are from other positions or fields because they have a fresh perspective. Internally, we build cross-functional teams for brainstorming marketing campaigns, knowledge sharing and open debate. We've found that a deeper understanding of all company product lines, promotions and campaigns usually translates to being more open about new ideas and problem solving.
Out-of-the-box thinking and creative concepts get businesses noticed and recognized as innovators. When recruiting employees for marketing positions, we strongly look for individuals willing to take risks. Some of the most creative hires are from other positions or fields because they have a fresh perspective. Internally, we build cross-functional teams for brainstorming marketing campaigns, knowledge sharing and open debate. We've found that a deeper understanding of all company product lines, promotions and campaigns usually translates to being more open about new ideas and problem solving.
Spotlight conversation: A lifeline online
CEO of Marketing Technology Solutions discusses the Web's role in healthcare marketing.
CEO of Marketing Technology Solutions discusses the Web's role in healthcare marketing.
Quality Health web site
Q: How are medical and healthcare Web sites evolving?
A: When [Marketing Technology Solutions' property] Qualityhealth.com was launched in mid-2001, its primary goals were to connect health-conscious consumers with valuable offers, relevant information and other people in the community. In its first few years, the majority of our consumer members were age 30-40. In the past few years, we and the whole interactive health scene have seen a growing number of people in the 50-55 age group spending more time online in the world of health.
Q: Why has this been a growing trend?
A: First, the information that's online today is more relevant, easier to source and more personalized for consumers. Second, many of the consumers are becoming caregivers. So instead of being the manager of their own household, now they are faced with being a caregiver for their parents or grandparents or other households. Also, the economics of healthcare are impacting every consumer, whether you work or don't work, or have healthcare through your employer or don't.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Delta's planned job cuts doubles to 4,000
from MSNBC.com: Business
Delta Air Lines Inc. plans to cut twice as many jobs as the original goal it stated in March, when it offered voluntary severance payouts to more than half its work force.
from MSNBC.com: Business
Delta Air Lines Inc. plans to cut twice as many jobs as the original goal it stated in March, when it offered voluntary severance payouts to more than half its work force.
Business Headlines
Oil slips below $136 though supply concern ongoing
VIENNA, Austria (AP) - Oil prices slipped Friday in volatile markets, with traders anticipating prices will rise on demand concerns.
The price for a barrel of oil has swung back and forth in a $10 range over the past week.
Dollar strengthens on report of Irish treaty vote
The dollar strengthened against the euro on Friday as referendum returns in Ireland showed the country has rejected a treaty to reform the way the European Union works. Irish electoral
Inflation jumps by biggest amount in 6 months
Inflation shot up in May at the fastest pace in six months, pushed higher by soaring costs for gasoline and other types of energy. The Labor Department reported Friday that consumer...
Dollar strengthens on inflation data
The dollar strengthened against major currencies on Friday after a Labor Department's report on core inflation met expectations, easing some concerns about the effect of rising prices on...
VIENNA, Austria (AP) - Oil prices slipped Friday in volatile markets, with traders anticipating prices will rise on demand concerns.
The price for a barrel of oil has swung back and forth in a $10 range over the past week.
Dollar strengthens on report of Irish treaty vote
The dollar strengthened against the euro on Friday as referendum returns in Ireland showed the country has rejected a treaty to reform the way the European Union works. Irish electoral
Inflation jumps by biggest amount in 6 months
Inflation shot up in May at the fastest pace in six months, pushed higher by soaring costs for gasoline and other types of energy. The Labor Department reported Friday that consumer...
Dollar strengthens on inflation data
The dollar strengthened against major currencies on Friday after a Labor Department's report on core inflation met expectations, easing some concerns about the effect of rising prices on...
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Business Headlines
Retail sales jump by largest amount in 6 months
WASHINGTON (AP) - Retail sales jumped by the largest amount in six months in May as 57 million economic stimulus payments helped offset the headwinds buffeting consumers. The Commerce Department reported Thursday that retail sales soared 1 percent last month, the biggest increase since November.
Jobless claims jump to highest level since late March
WASHINGTON (AP) - The number of people filing new claims for unemployment benefits jumped last week to the highest level since late March. The Labor Department reported Thursday that new applications for jobless benefits rose to 384,000, an increase of 25,000 from the previous week.
Oil prices pull back as dollar gains strength
VIENNA, Austria (AP) - Oil prices eased Thursday as the dollar gained strength, though traders awaited the next price surge amid persistent global supply concerns. Sweet crude for July delivery was down $1.75 by noon in Europe in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange to trade at...
Commodity Prices Show No Letup
Heavy rains and cool weather in the Midwest are driving up the price of corn, while other commodity prices like oil, soybeans and wheat also jumped on Wednesday.
Gas could peak at $4.15 and ease only in the long run
The Energy Department says motorists can expect gasoline prices to remain close to $4 a gallon through next year.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Retail sales jumped by the largest amount in six months in May as 57 million economic stimulus payments helped offset the headwinds buffeting consumers. The Commerce Department reported Thursday that retail sales soared 1 percent last month, the biggest increase since November.
Jobless claims jump to highest level since late March
WASHINGTON (AP) - The number of people filing new claims for unemployment benefits jumped last week to the highest level since late March. The Labor Department reported Thursday that new applications for jobless benefits rose to 384,000, an increase of 25,000 from the previous week.
Oil prices pull back as dollar gains strength
VIENNA, Austria (AP) - Oil prices eased Thursday as the dollar gained strength, though traders awaited the next price surge amid persistent global supply concerns. Sweet crude for July delivery was down $1.75 by noon in Europe in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange to trade at...
Commodity Prices Show No Letup
Heavy rains and cool weather in the Midwest are driving up the price of corn, while other commodity prices like oil, soybeans and wheat also jumped on Wednesday.
Gas could peak at $4.15 and ease only in the long run
The Energy Department says motorists can expect gasoline prices to remain close to $4 a gallon through next year.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
The Living, Breathing Business Plan
The “plan as you go business plan” emphasizes the importance of the planning process and the development of planning behaviors in your business, rather than creating some humonguous written tome. Tim has incorporated his philosophy into a book titled “The Plan as You Go Business Plan” that’s due to be released this summer.
The “plan as you go business plan” emphasizes the importance of the planning process and the development of planning behaviors in your business, rather than creating some humonguous written tome. Tim has incorporated his philosophy into a book titled “The Plan as You Go Business Plan” that’s due to be released this summer.
A clan, a man, a money plan
The Pierponts sought an advisor they could grow with. After a few tries they found someone they could trust like a member of the family.
But where to go for help? There are nearly a quarter-million professionals nationwide who provide some sort of financial advice, all with different certifications, specialties, and biases. Some are paid on commission, others are fee-based, and still others take a percentage of the client's assets under management.
Above all, Gary wanted a planner "we could grow with," he says. That's a tall order: Only 3% of financial planners are under the age of 30, according to Boston-based research firm Cerulli Associates. Says Gary: "I know I'm sacrificing experience, but when I'm 50, I want him to still be with us."
The Pierponts' experience shows how important it is to find the right fit. Like many couples, they relied on referrals and word of mouth to find a financial pro.
The Pierponts sought an advisor they could grow with. After a few tries they found someone they could trust like a member of the family.
But where to go for help? There are nearly a quarter-million professionals nationwide who provide some sort of financial advice, all with different certifications, specialties, and biases. Some are paid on commission, others are fee-based, and still others take a percentage of the client's assets under management.
Above all, Gary wanted a planner "we could grow with," he says. That's a tall order: Only 3% of financial planners are under the age of 30, according to Boston-based research firm Cerulli Associates. Says Gary: "I know I'm sacrificing experience, but when I'm 50, I want him to still be with us."
The Pierponts' experience shows how important it is to find the right fit. Like many couples, they relied on referrals and word of mouth to find a financial pro.
Washington Headlines
Bank of America wins approval to buy Countrywide WASHINGTON (AP) - The Federal Reserve has given approval for Bank of America Corp. to purchase distressed mortgage lender Countrywide Financial Corp. The Fed board approved the deal in a 32-page order issued Thursday. Countrywide had said previously that it will hold a special meeting of...
Senate Republicans block windfall taxes on Big Oil photoWASHINGTON (AP) - Saved by Senate Republicans, big oil companies dodged an attempt Tuesday to slap them with a windfall profits tax and take away billions of dollars in tax breaks in response to the record gasoline prices that have the nation fuming. GOP senators shoved aside the Democratic...
Roll Call: How they voted on oil tax bill The 51-43 roll call by which the Senate blocked a bill that would have imposed a 25 percent tax on any "unreasonable" profits of the five largest U.S. oil companies. On this vote, a "yes" vote was a vote in favor of the bill and a "no" vote was a vote to stop its progress. Supporters of the bill...
Package of tax breaks, energy incentives blocked in Senate WASHINGTON (AP) - Senate Republicans have blocked action on legislation containing more than $50 billion in tax breaks and renewable energy incentives. There was bipartisan support for many of the tax breaks for parents, teachers and businesses and the credits to promote new energy sources. The...
Senate Republicans block windfall taxes on Big Oil photoWASHINGTON (AP) - Saved by Senate Republicans, big oil companies dodged an attempt Tuesday to slap them with a windfall profits tax and take away billions of dollars in tax breaks in response to the record gasoline prices that have the nation fuming. GOP senators shoved aside the Democratic...
Roll Call: How they voted on oil tax bill The 51-43 roll call by which the Senate blocked a bill that would have imposed a 25 percent tax on any "unreasonable" profits of the five largest U.S. oil companies. On this vote, a "yes" vote was a vote in favor of the bill and a "no" vote was a vote to stop its progress. Supporters of the bill...
Package of tax breaks, energy incentives blocked in Senate WASHINGTON (AP) - Senate Republicans have blocked action on legislation containing more than $50 billion in tax breaks and renewable energy incentives. There was bipartisan support for many of the tax breaks for parents, teachers and businesses and the credits to promote new energy sources. The...
Business Headlines
Concerns on Economy Are Shifting to Inflation [external]There is a growing sense among investors that the Fed has shifted its focus to the fight against inflation, leaving behind — for now — concerns about the outlook for economic growth.
Fed inflation focus boosts rate hike odds [external]Ramping up his anti-inflation talk, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke is raising expectations on Wall Street and elsewhere that the central bank could boost interest rates.
Oil consumption forecasts dip as prices surge [external]Oil prices fell Tuesday, giving up an earlier advance as the dollar held its gains against the euro and the Energy Department slashed its oil consumption projections. Retail gasoline prices rose to a record over $4.04 a gallon.
IEA Lowers Oil Demand Outlook [external]Amid rising prices, the energy watchdog predicted global oil demand to grow 0.9% down from an earlier 1.2% forecast
Oil Tumbles on Strengthening Dollar, Saudi Output [external]Light, sweet crude for July delivery slid $2.55 to $131.80 on a surprise increase in Saudi output and a strengthening dollar.
Small Business Optimism Index Hits 28-year Low [external]Small Business Optimism Index Hits 28-year Low
Fed inflation focus boosts rate hike odds [external]Ramping up his anti-inflation talk, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke is raising expectations on Wall Street and elsewhere that the central bank could boost interest rates.
Oil consumption forecasts dip as prices surge [external]Oil prices fell Tuesday, giving up an earlier advance as the dollar held its gains against the euro and the Energy Department slashed its oil consumption projections. Retail gasoline prices rose to a record over $4.04 a gallon.
IEA Lowers Oil Demand Outlook [external]Amid rising prices, the energy watchdog predicted global oil demand to grow 0.9% down from an earlier 1.2% forecast
Oil Tumbles on Strengthening Dollar, Saudi Output [external]Light, sweet crude for July delivery slid $2.55 to $131.80 on a surprise increase in Saudi output and a strengthening dollar.
Small Business Optimism Index Hits 28-year Low [external]Small Business Optimism Index Hits 28-year Low
Friday, June 6, 2008
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Home foreclosures set record in first quarter
Home foreclosures and late payments set records over the first three months of the year and are expected to keep rising, stark signs of the housing crisis' mounting damage to homeowners and the economy.
The latest snapshot of the mortgage market showed that the proportion of mortgages that fell into foreclosure soared to 0.99 percent in the January-through-March period. That surpassed the previous high of 0.83 percent over the last three months in 2007. (more)
The latest snapshot of the mortgage market showed that the proportion of mortgages that fell into foreclosure soared to 0.99 percent in the January-through-March period. That surpassed the previous high of 0.83 percent over the last three months in 2007. (more)
Weekly Jobless Claims Drop
WASHINGTON -- The number of U.S. workers filing new claims for unemployment benefits posted a surprising drop last week to a six-week low, signaling some improvement in labor-market conditions ahead of Friday's employment report for May.
However, while continuing claims lasting more than one week also fell, they remained above three million for a sixth-straight week, suggesting it is taking longer for the unemployed to find new work.
However, while continuing claims lasting more than one week also fell, they remained above three million for a sixth-straight week, suggesting it is taking longer for the unemployed to find new work.
Housing Supply Declined in May
Total listings of homes in 29 metro areas at the end of May edged down 0.3% from a month earlier, according to figures compiled by ZipRealty Inc., a real-estate brokerage firm based in Emeryville, Calif. The data cover listings of single-family homes, condos and town houses on local multiple-listing services in those areas, where Zip operates. (more)
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Productivity improves while wage pressures moderate
The Labor Department reported Wednesday that productivity rose at an annual rate of 2.6 percent in the January-March period, faster than the government's initial estimate of 2.2 percent made a month ago.
Wage pressures, meanwhile, moderated from the final three months of last year with unit labor costs rising at an annual rate of 2.2 percent in the first quarter. That was a marked slowdown from a 4.7 percent surge in labor costs in the final three months of last year. (more)
Wage pressures, meanwhile, moderated from the final three months of last year with unit labor costs rising at an annual rate of 2.2 percent in the first quarter. That was a marked slowdown from a 4.7 percent surge in labor costs in the final three months of last year. (more)
MetLife Buys Mortgage Operations
MetLife Inc. agreed to buy the residential-mortgage origination and servicing business of First Horizon National Corp. as the insurance giant continues its push into the mortgage business.
The deal, terms of which were undisclosed, is set to close in the third quarter and includes all of First Horizon's origination business outside its home state of Tennessee and servicing some $20 billion in mortgages. More than 230 retail and wholesale offices nationally will be transferred. (more)
The deal, terms of which were undisclosed, is set to close in the third quarter and includes all of First Horizon's origination business outside its home state of Tennessee and servicing some $20 billion in mortgages. More than 230 retail and wholesale offices nationally will be transferred. (more)
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