In this episode, we break down the surprising “Aggressive Growth” mindset taking over 2026. Despite 41% of owners worrying about inflation, a record-breaking 18% spike in new business formations in January shows that entrepreneurship is more resilient than ever.
We explore why 74% of owners are spending more time on marketing and how to use AI tools like Notebook LM to stay within your brand guardrails while increasing efficiency. Plus, we dive into a major shift in B2B expectations—where 75% of buyers now demand the same “one-click” ease as consumer retail. Finally, don't miss our “WTB Moments” featuring a restaurant tablet nightmare and Aldi’s surprisingly strict receipt policy.
I. The 2026 Marketing Outlook
Small business owners are entering the year with surprising optimism despite 41% citing inflation as a top concern. A report from Small Business Now reveals that owners are proactively fighting back by increasing their marketing investment.
II. The Entrepreneurial Surge
The momentum from 2025’s record 5.2 million new business formations has carried into a massive 18% spike in January 2026.
III. The B2B Experience Shift
B2B buyers are no longer content with clunky, outdated purchasing processes. 75% now say they would switch suppliers for an experience that mirrors the speed and ease of consumer retail.
WTB Moments of the Week
- The Fail (Brigitte): A “volleyball team dinner” disaster where a restaurant’s tablet system couldn't handle splitting the bill, leading to an hour-long checkout process.
- The “Odd” Observation (Dan): Aldi’s “old school” receipt policy—if you lose your physical receipt, you only get the current selling price for returns, a stark contrast to today’s digital-first loyalty tracking
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Hosts
Daniel Proczko – myPocketMarketing
Brigitte Vegter – Vegter Financial