On the day Barack Obama is being inaugurated as the 44th President of the Unites States, Tim Berry and Jim Blasingame reflect on the excitement and hope, but also the reality of the responsibility that we all must assume.

When the attitude is often one of concern for the economy, how does a small business maintain close relationships with employees, customers and vendors? Jack Mitchell talks with Jim Blasingame about how to "hug" these groups, even in a recession.

Can small business teams get stronger, even in a recession? Even when there have been lay-offs? Kristin Arnold joins Jim Blasingame to explain how to maintain high-functioning teams, even in a down economy and even if there has been employee reductions.

Can you survive in 2009 by connecting with customers instead of just marketing to them? Charlie Fewell joins Jim Blasingame to talk about making sure customers know we appreciate their business and that our employees are trained to do the same thing.

What are the prime characteristics of a leader? Barry Conchie joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how to be a great leader and how to get people to follow you.

How do we get our customers to be honest about who makes the buying decisions? Steven Gaffney joins Jim Blasingame with some valuable tips on how to do a better job of communicating with our customers and prospects.

Selling the product of the month won't work in a recession. Skip Miller joins Jim Blasingame to talk about what small businesses need to do in order to sell successfully in a recession.

How much impact will womam-owned small businesses have on the economic recovery? Nell Merlino talks with Jim Blasingame about this and a program that will help called, Make-Mine-a-Million RACE.

What are some of the key small business marketing strategies for 2009? Jeff Dobkin joins Jim Blasingame to talk about some of the things small businesses can do to stay in front of prospects and customers in a recession.

What do customers want during a slow economy? Martin Lindstrom joins Jim Blasingame to say that small businesses should not discounting their brands, but rather find other ways to give customers a good deal.