Loneliness is on the rise. But there is one medium of communication that still embraces and delivers it; radio, and it’s been doing it for over a century. Learn how radio connects with its listeners like no other platform.

In a digital age dominated by streaming platforms and mobile devices, loud voices, like software and tech companies, holler to the rooftops that traditional AM/FM radio has lost its appeal, especially among the younger generation. However, recent findings from Edison Research's Share of Ear study shed light on a surprising trend: Gen Z spends a significant amount of their in-car listening time with good old-fashioned radio.

After surveying over 4,000 Americans, Edison Research recently released their Share of Ear findings for the last quarter of 2022. Revealed within these results are flawed perceptions, continued dominance, and informed projections; all pertaining to radio, podcasts, streaming services, and everything audio-based in between.

From customer service to marketing and logistics, AI is being used to automate tasks and make processes more efficient. Small businesses in particular stand to benefit from AI in a number of ways because AI is a great equalizer.

Munger states “It is remarkable how much long-term advantage people like us have gotten by trying to be consistently not stupid, instead of trying to be very intelligent.”

At first hearing, it almost sounds like a no-duh. But be honest with yourself - how many times have you asked “what would a foolish person do” in XYZ scenario you’ve encountered? It’s a small but powerful re-framing of optimal thought. And advertising has lessons reflecting this same principle, all over the place.

Audio is dominating the consumption, marketing & business landscapes; and it’s only going to grow. We have the data to prove it, so let’s parse it out across three popular realms.

Branding can span everything from videos and magazine ads of a simple logo, to company culture and C-Suite tweets. It plays a vital role in whether or a not a business - of any size - can accomplish the #1 feat - standing out.

These five examples will feature big brands with bigger budgets - but there is a wealth of knowledge to be drawn from their tactics for small business to stand taller than their competitors. Let’s dive in.

Sometimes, small business strategy can feel like a coinflip in terms of where to direct attention. But grasping a key difference between two often misunderstood arenas - marketing and advertising - will inform you, lighten your load, and generate sales in one fell swoop. Let’s break it down.

Advertising is crucial, yet futile if not delivered masterfully. A 5 is no more memorable than a 2. Maybe you have the time, creativity and experience to knock out your own marketing while actually running your SMB. But would you rather “knock it out”...or blow people away and watch sales skyrocket?

Stories entice us, they move us, and can leave us feeling compelled to act. In Mona Lisa’s case, “act” means traveling to Paris only to stand in line for three hours, only to be crammed in a sea of people, cameras and gasps.

That’s the power of stories, and it has introduced a new era within business and advertising. Because what business doesn’t dream of enticing customers and compelling them to act?

“Centuries went on and the presence of stories just kept expanding, into Renaissance artwork, the novel, still photography, Chaplin films, concept albums and of course the Desperate Housewives series. “

Here in the Boise boom, we know first hand that radio is defined by local people, stations, talent and businesses. And it’s why radio advertisements are at worst potent, and at best can transform a business.