Lessons on public speaking from politicians. Diane DiResta joins Jim Blasingame to talk about what we can learn from politicians about handling difficult audiences when we speak publicly.

When relevance drives your competitive advantage. Bob Prosen joins Jim Blasingame to explain how to use technology and new media to qualify prospects, and how to get more sales with fewer salespeople.

Do you have an effective pitch to get and close referrals? Joanne Black joins Jim Blasingame with tips and communication techniques to get more referrals and then close them.

How many personal pronouns do you use on sales calls? Joanne Black joins Jim Blasingame to encourage you to talk about the customer you're in front of, or refer to one you've helped, but lose the "I, me my, we, our" act. Self-reference is not a good sales strategy .

What is the subject and content of your sales pitch? Joanne Black joins Jim Blasingame to encourage you to use probing techniques in conversations with prospects and customers that discover what they have on their minds, not what you have to sell.

How to prepare for and follow up at business matchmaking events. Janet Christy joins Jim Blasingame to reveal tips and best practices on how to get ready for a business matchmaking networking event, and how to follow up with those contacts.

Why wouldn't anyone follow up with a prospect? Janet Christy joins Jim Blasingame to reveal complaints by big businesses that some small businesses don't follow up and follow through.

The future of connecting with customers is telling stories. Ruth Sherman joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the power of stories as a way to cut through the advertising clutter and why small businesses have to become storytellers.

Do you think about customer service in transaction terms? Ed Abel joins Jim Blasingame to talk about why the only way to deliver excellent customer service is to think about the solution in terms of a relationship with the customer, not a transaction.

What is the best way to express appreciation to customers? Ed Abel joins Jim Blasingame to talk about some of the specific ways to train employees - and owners - how to properly and effectively express and show gratitude to customers for their business.