Wednesday - October 01, 2008
How can any business not have a web site? Scott Fox talks with Jim Blasingame about why ALL businesses MUST have a presence on the Internet, plus some effective ways to leverage that presence that cost very little.
Thursday - October 02, 2008
How do you survive and thrive as a freelance professional? Michelle Goodman talks with Jim Blasingame about how to get started as a freelance professional, how to work with customers and how to set your price.
Are you coachable? Ed Abel talks with Jim Blasingame about some of the reasons why a small business owners should consider working with a business coach.
Monday - October 06, 2008
How do we thrive during tough times? Howard Ruff has been helping people get through tough economic times for over three decades and he talks with Jim Blasingame about some of the things small businesses need to do in the months ahead.
What's ahead for our economy? Jim Blasingame talks about what he things will happen in the months ahead, including refuting the idea that we could be headed for a depression, and the part small businesses will play in getting the economy on the right track. And Jim makes a commitment to focus all of his work for the next several months based on positive reality, rather than what you get from many other media outlets, negative hysteria.
What kind of leadership are you known for? Susan Steinbrecher talks with Jim Blasingame about how to lead your people from the inside out, with a heart-centered approach.
If you don't have the knack for business, can you learn it? Norm Brodsky says you can, and he talks with Jim Blasingame about how to learn how to be a successful business owner by focusing on the fundamentals and learning from the mistakes of others.
Tuesday - October 07, 2008
How’re the presidential campaigns going? Rich Galen talks with Jim Blasingame about the current state of the election and what John McCain has to do to recover the lost ground associated with the economic bad news.
How can you prepare for business entertaining and gifting for the holidays? Colleen Rickenbacher talks with Jim Blasingame about what to do and especially what not to do during the holidays. She also gives Jim a lesson on how to identify his bread plate and water glass.
Is this a good time to start a new retail small business? James Dion tells Jim Blasingame that this actually is a good time to start certain retail businesses. They also talk about how to survive and thrive in a tough economy.
At last, a flag to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. George Lutz joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the Honor and Remember flag his organization has developed as a tribute to service men and women who died on active duty, including George’s son, Tony, who was killed by a sniper in Iraq in 2005.
Wednesday - October 08, 2008
What are you doing to prepare for a tough economy? Gail Kaspar talks with Jim Blasingame about some things we can do to strengthen our businesses, including spending more time talking with our customers, listening to the concerns from our employees and acquiring as much 21st century training as we can.
How is the global financial crisis impacting small business? Barbara Weltman talks with Jim Blasingame about what the economy looks like on Main Street, plus the tax proposals of the two presidential candidates, and finally, some of the key tax deadlines coming up.
What does the state by state electoral college map show for the presidential campaigns? Joan Pryde joins Jim Blasingame to talk about why the national polls don't matter but the so-called battleground states do. They also talk about the impact of the economic story on the campaigns, plus future government intervention in the markets, and finally they talk about alternative energy sources and innovations.
Thursday - October 09, 2008
Is this a good time to start a home-based business? Beverley Williams talks with Jim Blasingame about how the smallest of small businesses are fairing these days and whether this is a good time to start a home-based business.
How does the economy look currently and for the near term? Sam Norwood talks with Jim Blasingame about what his partners across the country are saying about their perspectives on the economy.
What is the fundamental issue at the heart of our current financial and economic challenges? The answer is a loss of trust, and Stephen M.R. Covey talks with Jim Blasingame about where things have gone wrong and how we -- you and I -- can get back on track by demonstrating and demanding trustworthiness.
What are the keys issues that have caused the current financial crisis? Steve Forbes joins Jim Blasingame to explain what has caused our current financial crisis, how bad things are likely to get and what we have to do to get ourselves out of this mess.
Friday - October 10, 2008
How do we balance our lives during anxious times? Jim Ballard talks with Jim Blasingame about some things we can do to maintain an even keel during tough times, including learning how to be better consumers of all of the information we're being bombarded with.
How is your resiliency level these days? Pam Harper talks with Jim Blasingame about how to acquire the "art of resiliency," and use it to insure that you're business doesn't just survive, but thrives, even during the tough times.
How do we keep productivity levels high when the alligators are biting? Jan Yager talks with Jim Blasingame about some of the things we can do to maintain and increase productivity, including how to become better delegators.
Why is there such a disconnect between Wall Street and Main Street? Chuck Martin talks with Jim Blasingame about the results of surveys his company has conducted on this disconnect. A lot of people are angry at the damage Wall Street has done to Main Street.
Monday - October 13, 2008
Here is a 21st century way to share information about an illness. Sona Mehring talks with Jim Blasingame about how she created and has grow her non-profit website resource which allows family and friends to stay informed -- and leave messages -- when someone is going through an illness or other personally difficult time.
If there is one thing we all must keep doing these days it's sell. Paul Cherry and Jim Blasingame talk about how to survive financially challenging times by making sure you and your sales staff are staying in front of customers and that you know how to talk to them when you do.
Are your customers loyal to your business? Mark Goldstein talks with Jim Blasingame about how getting customers to do business with you is a different process than getting them to come back.
How are credit unions doing during the global financial crisis? Pat Garcia talks with Jim Blasingame about how a credit union works with its customers (members), how they have been impacted by the credit crisis and about their sponsorship of the Administaff Small Business Classic golf tournament.
Tuesday - October 14, 2008
Do you have access to all the working capital you need? Michael Burman talks with Jim Blasingame about how to gain access to an alternative source of capital through the credit card clearing process from daily customer purchases.
Has capitalism as we have known it over? Ray Keating joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the impact and implications of government intervention into the financial sector and capital markets, both for the near and the long term.
What can you do to keep your employees engaged in their work? Michael Stallard talks with Jim Blasingame about three things you can ask your teams that will identify the engagement answer.
What are some of the myths about patents and other intellectual property? David Dawsey talks with Jim Blasingame about dispelling eight of the most common misconceptions and myths about patents and copyright.
Wednesday - October 15, 2008
Can your business benefit from a staffing service? Gretchen McCracken joins Jim Blasingame as he broadcasts live from the Administaff Small Business Classic golf tournament to talk about what goes into starting a staffing service.
What does the government's intrusion in the marketplace mean for the economy? Bill Dunkelberg joins Jim Blasingame to answer this question and more as the two discuss this month's NFIB report.
Thursday - October 16, 2008
What do small businesses have in front of them in the months ahead? John Dini talks with Jim Blasingame about some of the issues facing small businesses, including some of the ugly reality, but also a reminder of some of the positive elements that we can use to build a recovery.
Joan Pryde joins Jim Blasingame to talk about a number of current events, including the recent presidential debate, the negative elements of the marketplace that are hurting the global economy, alternative financing options, healthcare policies of the campaigns, and finally, the impact of lower oil prices on the economy.
Can you grow your business by sharing the success? Guy Hinkler talks with Jim Blasingame about the keys to his company's success, including sharing ownership and the power of outsourcing. He also offers a few technology success tips.
Friday - October 17, 2008
Are you including your humans in your small business brand strategy? Jeff Zbar talks with Jim Blasingame about the importance of developing yourself and employees to be the best you can be when making contact with customers, in person, in writing and online.
What are the differences between the McCain and the Obama health care policy proposals? Grace-Marie Turner and Jim Blasingame talk about the two proposals and offers their opinions as they relate to small businesses.
Are sales and marketing automated in your small business? Clate Mask talks with Jim Blasingame about the advantages of an automated approach to prospecting, selling and customer care.
What can small business learn from a big company about survival? Jay Mincks talks with Jim Blasingame about his take on how small businesses can survive and thrive in a challenging economy, including how critical it is to stay close to customers and demonstrate enthusiasm.
Monday - October 20, 2008
How can you make your presentations more interactive? Kristin Arnold talks with Jim Blasingame about some of the steps you should take to engage your audience more in your presentation, whether you're giving a speech or delivering a proposal.
How can changing your thinking help you survive during challenging times? Charlie Fewell talks with Jim Blasingame about several steps that will help your small business focus on the future as you make plans to survive the current challenging economic times.
What can we learn from someone who makes brownies for a living? Eileen Spitalny talks with Jim Blasingame about what she has learned about starting, running and growing her small business of baking and selling brownies into a multi-million dollar operation, including capitalization and branding.
What's the missing element in our economic recovery process? Arky Ciancutti talks with Jim Blasingame about trust being the critical missing element in our economic problems and why any recovery must include a new commitment to transparency and trust.
Tuesday - October 21, 2008
What do the young small business owners of the 21st century look like? Ryan McCarthy talks with Jim Blasingame about the new crop of entrepreneurs, how they work and collaborate, and what they expect out of the marketplace.
As he leaves his post at the Office of Advocacy, after six years of outstanding service, Tom Sullivan talks with Jim Blasingame about his tenure, accomplishments and the work yet to be done.
After the recent financial collapse, how important is honesty in the rebuilding of capitalism? Steven Gaffney talks with Jim Blasingame about the role that honesty plays in holding our world together, and they discuss what we all have to do to re-install honesty in the highest levels of government and the marketplace.
October is breast cancer awareness month, and four of Jim Blasingame's Brain Trust members, who are also breast cancer survivors, join him to talk about their courageous experiences of discovery, recovery and advocacy to promote awareness, screening and early detection.
Wednesday - October 22, 2008
Why do women and men think and lead differently? Barbara Annis talks with Jim Blasingame about the science behind the differences between the two genders, how to reconcile and celebrate the differences.
What are the differences between the tax proposals of the two presidential candidates? John Fox joins Jim Blasingame to compare and contract the two plans so that you can make a more informed decision on election day.
Are you going to be organized this holiday season? Stephanie Winston talks with Jim Blasingame about some tips and tools you can use to make sure your holiday seasons is as successful and stress-free as possible.
How do you plan for an uncertain economy? Tim Berry talks with Jim Blasingame about several things to track as you plan your business operation and even growth during uncertain economic times.
Thursday - October 23, 2008
How has the credit crisis impacted start-ups? Beverley Williams and Jim Blasingame talk about how the credit crisis has had a negative impact on the ability of start-ups to get access to capital and what to do about that.
What is the future of journalism? Don Lambro talks with Blasingame about how journalism has changed and not necessarily for the good. They also talk about the presidential campaigns and how the media has been reporting on them.
Joan Pryde joins Blasingame to talk about the 2008 election campaigning, how the government influences have been slow to be realized, the challenges for consumers to help the economy, the rise of the U.S. dollar and other current event issues.
Friday - October 24, 2008
A time to celebrate women business owners. Jennifer Bisceglie joins Jim Blasingame to celebrate women's business ownership and discuss opportunities available by doing business with the government. They also discuss why small business owners will lead the economy out of the downturn.
Where will the leadership come from to lead our economy in the future? Andrew Sherman talks with Jim Blasingame about the principles in his new book which point to the players on Main Street -- small business owners -- as the people who will lead us out of the economic challenges with values and trust as the fundamental building blocks.
Do you know who the customers are who will help you be successful in your small business? Chad Koser talks with Jim Blasingame about these customer -- which he calls "Zebras" -- and why identifying them is critical to small business success.
Are the events of the current economic challenges paradigm shifts? Joel Barker says they are and he joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why and what the shifts will mean. They also talk about some new innovations in nano-technology, including a new kind of carbon product and hamburger from a test tube.
Monday - October 27, 2008
What are small business owners saying about the holiday season prospects? Gail Goodman talks with Jim Blasingame about the results of a recent survey of small businesses about the holiday season. They also talk about what to do to maximize your sales opportunity.
What should sales people be focusing on right now? Rob Jolles and Jim Blasingame talk about some of the fundamental practices and attitudes all sales people must employ to make sure they accomplish their sales goals, even in a challenging economy.
How is a challenging economy different for introverts? Pat Weber talks with Jim Blasingame about how to make sure that you not only make the sales calls, but that you follow-up.
Is the government helping or hurting the economic recovery process? Bill Brandt talks with Jim Blasingame about the steps the government is taking and the mistakes that have been made. They also talk about what an Obama administration will do in the first four years -- will it look more like Clinton or Carter.
Tuesday - October 28, 2008
How can innovation help you survive and thrive in a challenging year? Ami Kassar joins Jim Blasingame to talk about being innovative and collaborating with others as you innovate. They also talk about some operating fundamentals that will help you survive a challenging economy.
What will the next 12 months look like for our economy? Richard DeKaser talks with Jim Blasingame about how we got ourselves into this financial mess and how we'll get ourselves out of it. They also talk about the role and dangers of of governments involvement in the resolution of our economic challenges.
Life-long learning -- are you and your staff keeping up? Jane Pollak talks with Jim Blasingame about the importance of life-long learning for every member of our businesses, as well as a number of examples of distance learning opportunities that cost little or nothing to acquire.
How to value and leverage communities for your small business? Jim Canterucci talks with Jim Blasingame about the value and power of communities and how to leverage them on many levels in your business.
Wednesday - October 29, 2008
What is the impact of happiness on your resiliency and success? JoAnna Brandi talks with Jim Blasingame about how finding a way to be positive and happy in your work actually contributes to your success by making you and your organization more resilient.
Who is the best presidential candidate for small business? Jim Blasingame talks about who he thinks is the best candidate based on several small business issues, including taxes, health care and others.
Can the due diligence process of buying a franchise be over-emphasized? Nick Bibby says it can't and he talks with Jim Blasingame about some of the dangers of being less than comprehensive when researching a franchise opportunity, or frankly, buying or starting any business.
What are the challenges and opportunities in the near future for small businesses? Chad Moutray talks with Jim Blasingame about some of the obstacles in front of us in the near term, but also some of the reasons to be optimistic about the future of our small businesses.
Thursday - October 30, 2008
Joan Pryde joins Jim Blasingame to discuss whether there will be a global financial system in our future. They also talk about the risks of both inflation and deflation and how the Fed will handle either. Plus, how much influence OPEC still has on influencing oil prices, and how quickly the new president will have to act to instill confidence in the marketplace.
How do we get our salespeople (including us) to have a positive attitude when the economy isn't so great? Brad Huisken talks with Jim Blasingame about how to address some of the emotional, physical and practical challenges of staying motivated to ask prospects and customers to do business with you.
How does a home-based business owner stay motivated during a challenging economy? Jeff Zbar talks with Jim Blasingame about some of the things to do, physically and mentally, to make sure you don't turn into a caveman (or cave woman).
Friday - October 31, 2008
Julia Seymour talks with Jim Blasingame about how to become better at filtering campaign promises so that you vote for the candidate who REALLY fits your political philosophy. They also talk about what the economy might look like in four years.
How more international control of Internet governance and less by the U.S. impact small businesses are discussed by Steve DelBianco and Jim Blasingame. Steve explains why it could be detrimental to the intellectual property of small business if thousands of new top level domain names are introduced. They also talk about what would happen if the U.N. got control of governing the Internet.
Do you have a plan for backing up the data on your computer harddrive that is so important to the success of your small business? Richard D'Ambrise talks with Jim Blasingame about how to develop a back-up strategy, including the right kind of media for the job.
Only once every four years does Jim Blasingame take political sides, but even then, it's based on his opinion for which presidential candidate would be best for small business based on issues such as taxes, tort reform, health care, unionism, etc. Listen as Jim talks about who he will vote for and why.
