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In this episode of What The Biz?!, hosts Brigitte Vegter and Daniel Proczko break down the "Low-Fire, Low-Hire" economy of 2026. With hiring rates at a historic low of 3.3% and firing at just 1.1%, workers are staying put, creating a talent pool that isn't moving. Brigitte explains why this "stable" surface actually squeezes small business margins as inflation and operating costs outpace cooling wage growth.
We also explore a structural shift in the industry: a 52-year low in accounting talent has led over 90% of finance leaders to outsource at least one major function. The duo discusses the rise of the "Financial Quarterback"—Fractional CFOs who act as strategists rather than just historians. Finally, Dan shares a "What The Biz" moment from a local craft store that reveals the power of providing a simple "blueprint" to build trust and eliminate customer intimidation.
Show Topics & Sources
The Low-Fire, Low-Hire Economy: Why historic lows in turnover mean you must focus on performance standards for the team you already have.
Source: https://www.stlouisfed.org/on-the-economy/2026/mar/effects-low-fire-low-hire-economy-workers
The Accounting Talent Crisis: Enrollment is vanishing, and specialized talent is now at a 52-year low.
Source: https://www.auxis.com/theres-a-shortage-of-accountants-what-can-you-do-about-it/
The Rise of Fractional Leadership: LinkedIn data shows fractional listings grew from 60k to 120k in just two years, with a 400% increase since 2022.
Source: https://fractionus.com/blog/10-statistics-fractional-work-future
The Strategic Partner Model: Why $1M–$50M businesses are moving toward Fractional CFOs to bridge the gap between "operator" and "owner."
Source: https://usfractionalcfo.com/hiring-a-fractional-cfo-in-2026/
WTB Moment: Lessons in customer experience from the "pattern books" of old-school craft stores.
Liked this show? SUBSCRIBE to this podcast on Spotify, Apple, Google and more. Catch past episodes and show notes at WhatTheBiz.com.
Join the WhattheBiz?! newsletter to be the first to learn about upcoming events and specials.
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a voicemail on WhatTheBiz.com!
*********
Hosts
Daniel Proczko - myPocketMarketing
Brigitte Vegter - Vegter Financial
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By What the Biz?!Send us Fan Mail
In this episode of What The Biz?!, hosts Brigitte Vegter and Daniel Proczko break down the "Low-Fire, Low-Hire" economy of 2026. With hiring rates at a historic low of 3.3% and firing at just 1.1%, workers are staying put, creating a talent pool that isn't moving. Brigitte explains why this "stable" surface actually squeezes small business margins as inflation and operating costs outpace cooling wage growth.
We also explore a structural shift in the industry: a 52-year low in accounting talent has led over 90% of finance leaders to outsource at least one major function. The duo discusses the rise of the "Financial Quarterback"—Fractional CFOs who act as strategists rather than just historians. Finally, Dan shares a "What The Biz" moment from a local craft store that reveals the power of providing a simple "blueprint" to build trust and eliminate customer intimidation.
Show Topics & Sources
The Low-Fire, Low-Hire Economy: Why historic lows in turnover mean you must focus on performance standards for the team you already have.
Source: https://www.stlouisfed.org/on-the-economy/2026/mar/effects-low-fire-low-hire-economy-workers
The Accounting Talent Crisis: Enrollment is vanishing, and specialized talent is now at a 52-year low.
Source: https://www.auxis.com/theres-a-shortage-of-accountants-what-can-you-do-about-it/
The Rise of Fractional Leadership: LinkedIn data shows fractional listings grew from 60k to 120k in just two years, with a 400% increase since 2022.
Source: https://fractionus.com/blog/10-statistics-fractional-work-future
The Strategic Partner Model: Why $1M–$50M businesses are moving toward Fractional CFOs to bridge the gap between "operator" and "owner."
Source: https://usfractionalcfo.com/hiring-a-fractional-cfo-in-2026/
WTB Moment: Lessons in customer experience from the "pattern books" of old-school craft stores.
Liked this show? SUBSCRIBE to this podcast on Spotify, Apple, Google and more. Catch past episodes and show notes at WhatTheBiz.com.
Join the WhattheBiz?! newsletter to be the first to learn about upcoming events and specials.
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a voicemail on WhatTheBiz.com!
*********
Hosts
Daniel Proczko - myPocketMarketing
Brigitte Vegter - Vegter Financial