Marguerite joins Jim to talk about the issues surrounding the hiring of, and working as, independent contractors. As out-sourcing and downsizing increases, independent contractor relationships with companies are proliferating. Some of the key points include who pays the payroll taxes.

Jim and Marguerite continue their discussion of Marguerite's "Commandments". They begin with a discussion of how businesses get into trouble by not paying the proper taxes, especially payroll withholding. They move on to talk about how to expect the unexpected, and how to identify what Marguerite calls, "The Green Zone, The Yellow Zone, and the dread Red Zone.

Jim welcomes Steve back to the show as they discuss the importance of mid-year reviews for your business, the components, and how to conduct them. Mid-year reviews, or interim reviews, as they can also be called, help you check your position with regard to your annual goals and objectives. You do have goals and objectives, don't you?

Gene talks with Jim about how to manage your time through technology, especially telephone techniques and tools to use to your advantage, and how to make sure that you don't use the phone incorrectly. The also talk about how to use a fax and email to your advantage.

Marguerite talks with Jim about sound principles of successful operation of your small business, specifically, do what you love, and questions you should ask yourself before you start your small business.

Gene joins Jim to talk about the tools and perspectives of how to use your time more wisely to be more productive and more successful. Specifics include: mastering your moods, being a contrarian, being a member of the 5 o'clock club (that's 5:00am), how to avoid procrastination, and Parkinson's Law.

Jim and Steve discuss 10 steps for managing inventory costs.

Jim and Steve discuss the real cost of inventory and inventory management best practices.

Jack talks with Jim about the importance of developing mentoring relationships in the marketplace.

Jim and Steve discuss tips, tools, and fundamentals of problem prevention and problem solving.