Author: Cal Wilson

Cal Wilson / November 17, 2025

Depending on your industry – and area of focus – the holiday season can be slow for business. In fact, November to January might bring with it a looming sense of doom, not just related to shorter days and cooler weather, but instead, about your business’ bottom line.

In this article, we take a look at the holiday slowdown that impacts some businesses around this time of year, and some strategies for combatting any potential fiscal consequences it may have.

What is the ‘holiday slowdown’?

As many professionals know, this phenomenon happens when businesses or industries experience a decrease in activity or a slowdown in operations during the holiday season which can make an already tight time of year even more nerve-wracking.

Of course, not all industries are impacted, some sectors thrive during the holiday season. These include:

• Retail and consumer goods businesses.
• E-commerce.
• Hospitality, travel, and tourism.
• Subscription-based services that bill annually, starting in January.

Some of the industries most affected by the holiday slowdown season are:

• Service industries that are not directly related to seasonal activities.
• B2B businesses.
• Retail businesses that cannot offer online shopping alternatives.

What is the culprit behind this slowdown?

There are a lot of reasons your business might slowdown during the holiday season. Some that might be impacting your business include:

• Changing consumer priorities.
• Employee vacations.
• Business closures.
• Budget constraints for both your business’ spending and customer spending.

For these reasons, you might find your suppliers take longer to deliver, your clients and contacts don’t return calls or emails, and, altogether, things are just harder to get done. If you’re trying to accomplish work as normal during the holiday season, it might feel like the rest of the world is plotting against you.

There are strategies for combating the slowdown.

Businesses often need to adapt their strategies to navigate the holiday slowdown. Having a plan for this season can often make the difference between starting the new year off strong, or in a deficit. Depending on your industry, there are many tactics worth considering:

• The launch of holiday-specific promotions, discounts, and other deals to incentivize customer’s purchasing decision.
• Developing campaigns to encourage the sale of pre-paid gift cards and certificates as holiday presents.
• Investing in experimental marketing tactics to increase community engagement and local brand awareness.

Of course, depending on what your business specializes in , these might not be viable options.

Cutting costs is more effective than spending money.

There is a lot of advice out there that will tell you to put money and time into marketing campaigns, revamped customer service training, new product or service offerings, and other investments to survive the holiday slowdown season.

In general, spending money to make money makes sense. However sometimes it’s just another added worry during an already stressful season, and it’s not guaranteed to make the slowdown period any more lucrative. Having a plan to ensure your budget isn’t overextended during the holiday slowdown is the best  tool available to guarantee a successful holiday season, and an even better new year.

What does can this “plan” look like?

• Developing a comprehensive holiday business plan that includes sales forecasts and contingency efforts.
• Analyzing past holiday seasons to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Managing inventory levels effectively to prevent overstocking or stockouts.
• Ensuring you’re not overspending on any essential business expenses all year long.

We’ve found that it’s not uncommon for businesses to be overspending on expenses like telecom, payment processing fees, and waste disposal by around 25-30%. Maybe that’s not a huge problem during your peak season, but during a holiday slowdown, that could pose some real consequences. The best thing your business can do to survive slow periods , is make sure all your costs are optimized, all the time.

In conclusion…

Depending on your industry, holiday slowdowns may become unavoidable. While there’s lots of advice out there encouraging you to spend money on shiny new initiatives or campaigns, one of the best things you can do is look for ways to ensure you’re not overspending throughout the entire year.

Cal Wilson / September 22, 2025

Packing peanuts are a staple for businesses that need to send potentially fragile or breakable products to customers. They’re inexpensive, efficient, and lightweight. In today’s economic climate, those are some considerable pros. But what if the cost is customer satisfaction? In this article, we take a look.

People don’t like packing peanuts.

Whether it be the traditional kind or the newer, more eco-friendly versions, customers aren’t fans of packing peanuts. Below are a few reasons why:

They make a mess: They easily scatter and are difficult to clean up.

Hard to dispose of: Due to static cling, they stick to every surface, and their lack of recyclability makes disposal complicated.

Environmental impact: While some versions are biodegradable, the environmental cost is still significant. Non-biodegradable versions remain in the environment for a long time, generating a substantial amount of waste.

Health impact: Traditional foam peanuts production methods can release carcinogenic fumes that could be harmful to workers handling the material.

Increase in shipping costs: For businesses, the biodegradable option can also increase shipping costs since they have a higher weight than traditional packing peanuts.

The impact on customer experience

When a customer receives a package filled with packing peanuts, the unboxing experience, which for many is a highly satisfying moment, quickly turns into frustration. They may even need to spend more time than expected cleaning up the mess and getting rid of the peanuts. This doesn’t only affect the perception of the product but also the company’s image.
More than that, many businesses today are concerned about the environmental impact of their products and processes. If a customer encounters packaging that is harmful to the environment, it could affect their brand loyalty and even damage the company’s reputation.

Alternatives to packing peanuts.

The good news is, there are more modern, eco-friendly packaging alternatives available. Some options include:

• Recycled paper fill (Kraft Paper): Recycled paper fibers are a popular choice as they are easily recyclable and biodegradable. Plus, customers may feel more satisfied knowing the material doesn’t pose a threat to the planet and is easy to dispose of.
• Shredded paper: Another eco-friendly alternative, shredded paper is a good filler option that can be recycled and composted. It’s also easy to handle and dispose of.
• Cornstarch foam: A biodegradable alternative that dissolves easily in water. While more expensive than traditional packing peanuts, this option has grown in popularity due to its lower environmental impact.
• Air pillows: Some companies are opting for recyclable air bubbles or inflatable air bags. While lightweight and effective, they are also less likely to scatter or cause a mess.
• Cardboard inserts: Custom-cut cardboard inserts are another sustainable option, as they securely hold products in place without the need for filler material. They can be recycled easily and offer a more structured and neat solution for packaging.
• Custom fit solutions: Packaging made to measure for products ensures that the item doesn’t shift and doesn’t require extra filler material. Although they require a higher initial investment, custom solutions can be more efficient and provide a better unboxing experience.

The shift in consumer mindset.

As consumers become more aware of their purchasing choices, the demand for sustainable (and easy-to-handle) packaging is growing. They want to know their purchases aren’t contributing to a larger environmental problem. Companies that adopt eco-friendly practices not only gain in terms of brand image but can also stand out as leaders in innovation.
Furthermore, customer experience is becoming increasingly valued. Customers who have a positive unboxing experience are more likely to share their impressions on social media, influencing other potential buyers. A well-thought-out package can be an excellent competitive differentiator.

Conclusion:

Ultimately, while packing peanuts may be cheap and functional, the hidden costs to customer satisfaction and the environment are significant. Businesses that prioritize eco-friendly and user-friendly packaging not only reduce waste but also create a better experience, strengthen their brand, and show they care about the planet. Choosing smarter alternatives is an investment that pays off in happier customers and a stronger reputation.

Cal Wilson / June 24, 2025

While each and every person is unique, with our own views of the world shaped by our individual lived experiences, we also all function similarly, to a degree. Our brains experience similar patterns of thoughts and behaviors. Meaning, most of us are susceptible to the same quirks, from time to time. One of those is cognitive bias. A cognitive bias is a predictable pattern of error in our perception of reality. It can lead to altered or irrational decision-making and even subjective interpretation of objective fact.

What does any of this mean in business? In this issue of The Pulse, we take a look.

How do cognitive biases work?

Our brains have allowed us to create mental shortcuts – officially known as heuristics –during the decision-making process of our everyday lives. Of course, we don’t use them all the time. Some decisions require a lot of focus and consideration. But for most things, our brains take these shortcuts to avoid the mental overload of having to really process all of the choices we make every day. Which, by the way, can be an estimated 35,000. If you had to think about 35,000 different choices a day, you might not get anything done.

In order to form these shortcuts, our brains rely on our pre-existing experiences and beliefs to help form judgments and predictions. This happens subconsciously, without you intending to do it.

Our brains are more likely to default to taking these shortcuts under certain circumstances, including:

• When we are reaching limited information-processing capacity, such as when we are tired, burnt out, hungry, etc.
• When we are forced to make emotional decisions
• When the decision can help us confirm a conclusion we wish to see confirmed, even subconsciously
• When our decisions might be impacted by social influence or lead to social consequences

That list is non-exhaustive, but does give an idea of how easily our rational side can be overpowered by the need for these mental shortcuts.

Examples of biases.

Cognitive biases fit into such common patterns that behavioural scientists have actually classified them. Here is a list of some examples that may impact your business decisions, specifically:

• Action Bias – in which we prefer any action to no action at all
• Affect Heuristic – in which we rely on current emotions to make a quick decision
• Ambiguity Effect – in which we prefer options we already know
• Anchoring Bias – in which we compare all new information to the first piece of information we received
• Availability Heuristic – in which we think things that happened recently are more likely to happen again
• Choice Overload – in which we have a harder time choosing when we have more options
• Commitment Bias – in which we have trouble changing our mind from past ideas, even when presented with evidence that they’re wrong
• Hyperbolic Discounting – in which we value immediate rewards more than long-term rewards

Once again, this is by no means an exhaustive list – it just provides some examples of how these mental shortcuts could lead us into making an incorrect and ultimately costly choice.

What is the impact of cognitive bias in business?

While the risk of cognitive bias in most of our daily decisions – such as what to eat for breakfast, whether to skip a song on our playlist, or what to wear – isn’t huge, letting it determine your business decision-making isn’t always wise. These mental shortcuts can lead us to misunderstand events, facts, or other people. Meaning, we might make the wrong choices or struggle to think critically.

This could lead to missed opportunities, mistakes with clients or colleagues, and – given the brain’s likelihood to seek the familiar – stagnation in your career path.

How can you steer your brain away from these shortcuts?

We all are impacted by cognitive bias to some degree – it’s quite literally human nature. However, practicing being in the right mindset to make important decisions on the job is important. Some strategies to combat cognitive bias include:

• Being aware of potential biases that might impact a situation, and that you may be more susceptible to
• Consider all possible factors that might influence your decision
• Highlight things that make you uncomfortable and might lead to a snap decision
• Reflect on patterns in past decision-making
• Ask questions and seek out new information; don’t rely on just the initial information given
• Seek multiple perspectives when evaluating a choice
• Look for evidence that may disconfirm your preconceived biases

In conclusion…

Everyone experiences cognitive bias. It’s part of the human experience and protects our brains from becoming overwhelmed. However, it’s important to know when and how to challenge it to thrive in your career.

Cal Wilson / May 23, 2025

It’s hard to learn everything you need to know about a potential hire from a resume, cover letter, or even an interview. People tend to put their best foot forward in this situation, and that can make it tricky to get a full picture of who you’d be inviting into your business or organization. Since the advent of social media, employers have had, essentially, a free tool to help them screen employees and learn more about that full picture. But is this practice helping your hiring efforts or wasting your time? In this issue of the Pulse, we take a look.

 What kind of screening are employers doing?

According to a survey conducted by The Harris Poll, the majority – 60% – of U.S. hiring managers believe “employers should screen all applicants’ social media profiles.” The survey also found that:

• 41% feel social media sites are among the best places to source candidates
• 70% utilize social media to research potential job candidates
• 17% research every single candidate on social media
• 69% find looking at candidates’ social media profiles is effective
• 51% have never found content on a social media site that caused them not to hire a candidate
• 86% report being likely to consider a candidate who does not have an online presence

When employers are screening candidates, it’s typically because they’re looking for disqualifying content on their online profiles. There are many examples of what that could mean, including:

• Illegal activities
• Offensive comments/posts
• Violent or aggressive behavior
• Explicit material
• Posts regarding former employment

To find these, employers can look at any publicly available social media they can access through a search. If it’s out there on the internet, it’s fair game. According to Matt Erhard, managing partner of Summit Search Group, the most common sites used to screen applicants are LinkedIn, Facebook, and X (Twitter). Though, many employers won’t go beyond LinkedIn, citing its particular relevance to their interests.

Candidates are savvy to this practice.

Whether or not you believe screening potential employees is effective, candidates may not allow themselves to be caught with any publicly visible compromising posts. The Harris Poll also found that 66% of job seekers don’t feel that social media profiles should influence their likelihood of being hired. Many of these candidates are likely to be cautious about which profiles are going to be seen, using aliases or private profiles on pages where they can be a bit more relaxed about what they post.

If this is the case, using social media screenings may be less effective or authentic than you would hope. Many people treat LinkedIn, for example, as a resume, and you may not be able to glean any additional insight from their profiles.

Some warn against this practice.

It’s not just social media savvy candidates who may prevent you from seeing anything you’re not meant to see. Some experts warn against screening employee social media for more practical reasons. If employers aren’t careful about the information they choose to collect and consider about an applicant, they may inadvertently find themselves treading a gray area legally, especially if it leads to a rejection. This could be interpreted as biased or discriminatory, based on what is visible on a person’s profile. Likewise, many profiles can include outdated or incorrect information, which doesn’t help an employer make an informed decision.

In conclusion…

Using social media as a screening tool for employers come with both drawbacks and advantages. In any case, employers should be careful and think critically when using it to judge an applicant.

Cal Wilson / May 20, 2025

Whether or not you’re a fan of AI, the undeniable truth is that it’s making waves in a lot of different areas that may impact your business or organization. If you use any Software as a Solution (SaaS) services, and rely on them for operations, you may find AI making an impact on your future.

In this article, we take a look at AI and the future of SaaS.

Many SaaS providers are adding AI functions to their suite of products.

Many SaaS providers have already begun adding AI-powered tools to their services. Microsoft Copilot, for example, might come to mind. But it’s not just search AI assistants. CRM providers have started adding tools like AI-generated sales emails, chatbots, and predictive analytics. There are many possibilities for the ways in which SaaS companies can expand their offerings with AI.

As the Software Equity Group says, “AI’s ability to process and learn from vast data enhances SaaS applications, making them smarter and more adaptable. This integration means SaaS products can offer personalized experiences, automate mundane tasks, and unearth insights that were previously out of reach.”

Is AI as a Service replacing SaaS?

Artificial Intelligence as a Service – or AIaaS – is a new trend making waves in the SaaS landscape.

As best put by Forbes, “AIaaS does more than just store data or perform tasks—it actually thinks, learns, and improves over time. It is designed to make decisions, automate work, and adapt based on user behavior.”

Meaning, instead of just providing the user with the tools to complete a task – whether that be storage, word processing, etc. – AIaaS products can analyze data, generate insights, and automate some of said tasks.

With companies like Microsoft, Zoom, Salesforce, Google, and others holding such a big space in the SaaS market, it seems unlikely that SaaS is going anywhere soon. However, AIaaS offers a new and exciting opportunity for developers to make a footprint in an emerging market, and for companies to hop on a trend that will keep them current and competitive. Likewise, as expectations for AI integrations increase, SaaS platforms that can best utilize these tools will find themselves at a distinct advantage.

In conclusion…

Regardless of how you feel about the technology, it’s impossible to separate AI from the future of the software your organization relies on. In the coming years, you can expect to see it change the way these programs operate, making them smarter and more automated.

Cal Wilson / May 20, 2025

Whether or not you’re a fan of AI, the undeniable truth is that it’s making waves in a lot of different areas that may impact your business or organization. If you use any Software as a Solution (SaaS) services, and rely on them for operations, you may find AI making an impact on your future.

In this article, we take a look at AI and the future of SaaS.

Many SaaS providers are adding AI functions to their suite of products.

Many SaaS providers have already begun adding AI-powered tools to their services. Microsoft Copilot, for example, might come to mind. But it’s not just search AI assistants. CRM providers have started adding tools like AI-generated sales emails, chatbots, and predictive analytics. There are many possibilities for the ways in which SaaS companies can expand their offerings with AI.

As the Software Equity Group says, “AI’s ability to process and learn from vast data enhances SaaS applications, making them smarter and more adaptable. This integration means SaaS products can offer personalized experiences, automate mundane tasks, and unearth insights that were previously out of reach.”

Is AI as a Service replacing SaaS?

Artificial Intelligence as a Service – or AIaaS – is a new trend making waves in the SaaS landscape.

As best put by Forbes, “AIaaS does more than just store data or perform tasks—it actually thinks, learns, and improves over time. It is designed to make decisions, automate work, and adapt based on user behavior.”

Meaning, instead of just providing the user with the tools to complete a task – whether that be storage, word processing, etc. – AIaaS products can analyze data, generate insights, and automate some of said tasks.

With companies like Microsoft, Zoom, Salesforce, Google, and others holding such a big space in the SaaS market, it seems unlikely that SaaS is going anywhere soon. However, AIaaS offers a new and exciting opportunity for developers to make a footprint in an emerging market, and for companies to hop on a trend that will keep them current and competitive. Likewise, as expectations for AI integrations increase, SaaS platforms that can best utilize these tools will find themselves at a distinct advantage.

In conclusion…

Regardless of how you feel about the technology, it’s impossible to separate AI from the future of the software your organization relies on. In the coming years, you can expect to see it change the way these programs operate, making them smarter and more automated.