Can a retail small business thrive in this recession? Bob Negen says yes, and he talks with Jim Blasingame about some important tips and best practices on how to effectively market and run a retail business in a slow economy.

How is the craze of social media impacting email and other newer technologies, such as texting and instant messaging? Christina Cavanagh talks with Jim Blasingame about the best ways to blend email with connecting on social media communities and other communicating tools.

How does a small business incorporate a Web 2.o strategy into it's marketing and growth plans? Ken Leebow joins Jim Blasingame to talk about What Web 2.0 is and how to take advantage of the various elements without abandoning what we already are doing.

The most important thing you need to sell successfully is what's in the head of your prospects and customers. Sam Richter joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how to make sure your sales calls are oriented around what's important to them, rather than what's important to you.

How can a small business grow while still maximizing a tight budget? Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to talk about all of the powerful tools that are designed to help small businesses that are absolutely free. Don't miss this one.

Does participating on Twitter qualify as marketing activity? How can a business tell when social media is helping or just stealing your time? Ilise Benun talks with Jim Blasingame about the good, the bad and the ugly of social media for small business.

What are the next big technological innovations small businesses have to look forward to? Bill Halal joins Jim Blasingame with a forecast of innovations that will be our reality very soon.

Are you maximizing the online potential of your business. Carolyn Rhinebarger joins Jim Blasingame to continue the online marketing series, including knowing who your prospects are, what they want, and this is very important, where do they hand out and how do they want you to reach them.

How and how much? Those are the two magic marketing questions small businesses are asking about marketing. Bob Bly joins Jim Blasingame with the answers in the form of perspectives, tips and best practices, especially with regard to paying for search words (pay-per-click) on a local basis. This is really good stuff for local small businesses.

Is it too late for a small business to develop a social media strategy? Jim Blasingame says it's not too late, but it's time to get started with your social media education and strategy development, and he offers his thoughts on how to do that.