Tuesday - April 01, 2008
What does your presidential candidate propose for health care? Grace-Marie Turner talks with Jim Blasingame about how the Democrats' health care proposal differs from the Republican proposal during an interview on the small business radio program, The Small Business Advocate Show.
Do your employees believe it's safe to bring you bad news? Susan Anunzio and Jim Blasingame talk about how to make sure your people don't keep important information from you, especially the bad news.
How do you properly merge two corporate cultures when two businesses merge? Bob Kustka talks with Jim Blasingame about some of the steps that must be taken to make sure the acquiring company doesn't lose most of the human capital of the company being acquired.
Wednesday - April 02, 2008
Are you familiar with all of the ways a small business can go public? Joseph Meuse talks with Jim Blasingame about how to use the reverse merger approach to going public.
Did the Fed create a dangerous precedent when they bailed out Bear Sterns instead of letting it go bankrupt? Nicole Gelinas talks with Jim Blasingame about some of the good, bad and ugly elements of this government intervention, and how far reaching it will be.
What does employee happiness have to do with good customer care? JoAnna Brandi talks with Jim Blasingame about why having happy employees is one of the best ways to keep happy customers. They also talk about how to make this happen in your small business.
Can you be wildly successful and be lazy too? Marc Allen makes this case with Jim Blasingame as he talks about how to live you life, and operate your business, with ease.
Thursday - April 03, 2008
Is teleworking in your future? Is managing a teleworker in your future? Jeff Zbar and Jim Blasingame talk about why all businesses should consider teleworking as one of its management options on the small business radio program The Small Business Advocate Show
How can public policy be a small business management fundamental? Jim Blasingame talks about why small business owners should understand how politics impacts their businesses and how they can get involved in that debate.while still running their businesses.
Joan Pryde and Jim Blasingame talk about current events as reported in the most recent Kiplinger Letter, including if the credit crisis has had an effect small businesses ability to get business loans, new credit card practices, the future price of crude oil, new airline practices, how a Democrat president will change trade, which presidential candidate will have the longest coattails, and how much new regulation will result from the reaction to the sub-prime credit crisis.
Friday - April 04, 2008
You're good at spending money, but how are you at saving? Penelope Tzougros joins Jim Blasingame to talk about why we all have to take more responsibility for our retirement income, plus she talks about some of the instruments to consider.
How's your small business doing in the current economy. Anita Campbell and Jim Blasingame talk about the attitude small business owners must have to survive and thrive, regardless of the economic environment in front of them.
How would you like to win $100,000 for your small business? Well, that's what happened to John Sommatino when he entered the Administaff Small Business BIG $100,000 Sweepstakes, and he joins Jim Blasingame to talk about what he's going to do with the money and what he thinks the keys to success are.
Are you getting your share of sales in your market? Brad Huisken and Jim Blasingame talk about how to make sure that your sales training, attitude and management is properly structured for the current economic conditions.
Monday - April 07, 2008
Sometimes it takes an emigrant to remind Americans about the greatness of our country. Shaun Stephenson came to the U.S. from Guyana and has claimed the American dream for herself.
Wrapping up his series on practicing business fundamentals, Jim Blasingame talks about happiness as a fundamental, and how to achieve it by defining success by more than money and stuff.
How do you build a recession-proof brand? Kim Castle talks with Jim Blasingame about some of the things you can do to strengthen your brand strategy so that you actually thrive during a challenging economy.
John Fox talks with Jim Blasingame about his ideas for how to reform U.S. tax policy in the next administration.
Tuesday - April 08, 2008
Does anyone ever have fun in your organization? Scott Christopher talks with Jim Blasingame about why encouraging levity in your business is not just a pleasant thing to do, it's a best practice.
Has the economy begun to turn the curve toward recovery? Sam Norwood joins Jim Blasingame to talk about his most recent survey of partners who are running business, and he reports that most indicators are horizontal, at best, which for the time of this economic cycle, is probably good news.
How is your memory? Stuart Tomc talks with Jim Blasingame about some of the things that have a negative impact on memory and brainpower, as well as those that contribute to our brain health and performance. A lot of it is in what we eat, but not all.
This award-winning journalist joins Jim Blasingame to talk about his thoughts on politics, media reporting and the bias of that reporting, the conflict between liberals and conservatives, and who the next president will be.
Wednesday - April 09, 2008
National Small Business Week is coming and Jack Bienko, with the U.S. Small Business Administration, joins Jim Blasingame to talk about what's happening and how to participate. This will be Jim's 11th year to support the SBA during SBW.
How is the economy doing these days? Richard DeKaser talks with Jim Blasingame about some of the issues that created the current conditions and what he thinks small businesses will be seeing in the economy for the rest of the year.
Can extreme customer service overcome a slow economy? Michael Brown thinks so, and he talks with Jim Blasingame about some of the steps to take to make this happen in your small business.
What are the ultimate best practices to focus on when the economy slows? Robert Levin talks with Jim Blasingame about some of the essential survival lessons offered by three panelists at a recent small business event he hosted.
Thursday - April 10, 2008
How is your research coming on doing business globally? Tom Travis talks with Jim Blasingame about some of the trade agreements that are currently being debated, the value of trade between countries, and the ethical issues that are evident when different cultures do business.
Are you ready for tax filing? Barbara Weltman talks with Jim Blasingame about some of the key tax filing issues, dates and facts that small business owners should be thinking about during this tax filing season, including filing dates, filing extensions, retirement plans, the economic stimulus rebate and electronic filing.
Jim Blasingame takes one segment to share his thoughts on taking care of an aging parent, including his experience on making decisions for them at the end of their life.
Jim Blasingame talks about his thoughts on a number of topics, including the commodity bubble, the coming commodity bubble burst, the alternative minimum tax and what should be done, and a topic Jim is not wishy-washy on, unions.
Friday - April 11, 2008
How do the three presidential candidates stack up with regard to health care policies? Paul Howard joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the three approaches and which is better for the 21st century reality.
When the economy is off, is it a good time to buy or sell a business? Russell Brown and Jim Blasingame talk about this on the small business radio program, The Small Business Advocate Show.
What's the difference between the various online networking sites? Mari Smith talks with Jim Blasingame about how to distinguish between the various social networking sites, especially with regard to business people.
Are you succumbing to the hand-wringing some people are doing about the economy, or are you fighting back? Ruth King and Jim Blasingame talk about why the best business are fighting back during a slow economy, and winning.
Monday - April 14, 2008
Is your business plan serving your business? Charlie Fewell visits with Jim Blasingame, host of the radio talk show, The Small Business Advocate Show, as they talk about how to make sure you're making the proper plans for success in 2008.
Are you maximizing your brand this year? Trish Rubin talks with Jim Blasingame about the importance of recognizing that all businesses have a brand, how to leverage it, how to train your people about it, and why your brand could be your businesses silver bullet during an economic downturn.
Michael Chandler talks with Jim Blasingame about the process of writing and publishing a novel. They go on to talk about how to use Michael's "Dreamweaving" system to make sure you're approaching the marketplace effectively.
What are the fundamental things that you have to do to survive and thrive in challenging economic times? Dave Anderson talks with Jim Blasingame about the difference between management and leadership, plus why it's important to manage more near-term this year.
Tuesday - April 15, 2008
Are you living paycheck to paycheck? Jim Donovan talks with Jim Blasingame about some things you can do to increase your annual income while keeping your job.
Is there a conflict between Wall Street and Main Street? Jim thinks there is, and he talks about what is causing it, how to fix it, and how it can be an opportunity for small businesses.
Are your employees engaged in their work for you? Jackie Freiberg talks with Jim Blasingame about why employees become disengaged and what you can do to create an engagement environment.
Steven Preston, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, joins Jim Blasingame to talk about National Small Business Week and the associated events and how the SBA helps small business with loan guarantees and disaster assistance.
Wednesday - April 16, 2008
How can a barn be part of your marketing strategy? Beverley Williams talks with Jim Blasingame about their communities' barn quilt square campaigns and how they can help promote the local economy.
What do small business owners think about the current economic conditions? Dr. Bill Dunkleberg talks with Jim Blasingame about what respondents to his monthly survey told him about their concerns. The overall concern is high, but is this more perception and media hype than reality? Bill also talks about what he thinks the economy will look like for the rest of the year.
Jim Ostroff joins Jim Blasingame to talk about what Kipliinger is reporting this week, including investment opportunities, business costs, the estate tax, and cutting pork out of the federal budget.
Thursday - April 17, 2008
Jo Smith speaks with Jim Blasingame about what it takes to have a healthy home and what the real estate economy is really like. Diane Kuehn joins them to discuss what it’s like to be a member of the Chamber of Commerce.
Diane Kuehn joins Jim Blasingame with Jo Smith at the Raleigh Chamber Expo to discuss the benefits of being a member of the Chamber of Commerce. Then Diane and Jim discuss e-commerce, SEO, and how to reach your prospects by email.
Rod Frankel is exhibiting at the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce 2008 Expo and joins Jim Blasingame to discuss his theme for the Expo. They also talk about how a staffing company can help you find the right people for your small business.
Friday - April 18, 2008
Is your organization -- and your mind -- ready for growth? Michael Port talks with Jim Blasingame about how to get your "architecture" prepared for successful growth.
Do you have an intellectual property system in place? David Dawsey joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how to identify, value and protect your intellectual property with the same effectiveness as you do your physical assets.
Could you try being a heretic with your customers? Don Cooper talks with Jim Blasingame about doing some counter-intuitive -- or heretical -- things as you strive to differentiate yourself with customer.
If you sell things online, are you ready to have to calculate and remit sales tax to the 7500 tax jurisdictions across the U.S.? Steve DelBianco joins Jim Blasingame to talk about what some states are doing to make this possibility become a reality.
Monday - April 21, 2008
Are you broadcasting your marketing message, or are you using a laser? Christopher Vollmer talks with Jim Blasingame about some of the important 21st century marketing and advertising perspectives and tools that will help you reach your audience more effectively and efficiently.
Do you know what laws your government is passing that impact your small business? Karen Kerrigan talks with Jim Blasingame about some of the issues her organization is following, such as a new law that would make using a Health Savings Account more difficult, plus other issues, such as free trade.
How are you managing the information you and your salespeople are collecting about prospects and customers? Geary Broadnax talks with Jim Blasingame about how to use Customer Relationship Software (CRM) to help you minimize the time to manage this information and maximize the opportunity with our customers and prospects.
Are you using email marketing to love up your customers? John Arnold joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the power of email marketing, and how to integrate it into your overall market strategy, including who to send to, what to send and when to send.
Tuesday - April 22, 2008
Do you know the "SCORE?" The SCORE organization, that is. Ken Yancy is the CEO of this outstanding supporter of America's small businesses and he joins Jim Blasingame during National Small Business Week to talk about what SCORE does and how small businesses can take advantage of their services, which are free.
Want to hear what a true champion of small business sounds like? Ohio Congressman Steve Chabot (R) joins Jim Blasingame for another visit to talk about what he is doing to champion small business interests in Congress, plus what some are doing that could hurt us, and what we can do to stop them.
Are you a crisis manager? Are you fixing problems or working on your goals? Robert Fritz talks with Jim Blasingame about how to tell the difference and how to make sure you're spending more time on your goals and less time reacting to problems.
What would you say if you knew that there is a Tennessee small business that makes salsa and their best customer is a supermarket chain in Mexico? Doug Barry talks with Jim Blasingame about the export opportunities -- and support -- that are available to America's small businesses, like the Tennessee salsa maker.
Wednesday - April 23, 2008
Grace-Marie Turner talks with Jim Blasingame about some of the things that are being proposed in Congress that will actually make things worse during an interview on the small business radio program, The Small Business Advocate Show.
Celebrating Small Business Week, Jim Blasingame delivers his thoughts about why he celebrates small business this week and every week.
Are you using video on your website? Jeff Zbar talks with Jim Blasingame about why you should consider using video as part of your marketing and customer care strategy, and how to do it on the radio program The Small Business Advocate Show
Are your profits getting squeezed by rising costs and a lid on your pricing? Steve Martin talks with Jim Blasingame about some of the things you can do to free up some of those profits and help you have a successful year on the small business radio program, The Small Business Advocate Show.
Please meet the SBA's 2008 Small Business Person of the Year, Shawn Boyer. Jim Blasingame congratulates Shawn as they talk about this recognition, his company, Snagajob.com, and other cool things about this small business and its founder. Also, a surprise caller drops in -- don't miss this.
Friday - April 25, 2008
Could you deliver a speech, if you were asked? Beverly Inman-Ebel and Jim Blasingame provide a few perspectives and valuable tips about delivering a speech for non-professional speakers.
Could you use some business counseling? Don Wilson talks with Jim Blasingame about what the more than 4,000 SBDC counselors do for hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs every year -- all for free.
Jim Ostroff joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the housing economy, new tax provisions for loss carry-back, whether there will be an abatement of the Federal gas tax, the relationship between the U.S. and Chinese currencies, a possible food shortage, and the merger of Northwest Airlines and Delta.
Monday - April 28, 2008
Are you a lifestyle entrepreneur? Jane Pollack talks with Jim Blasingame about the difference between a small business owner who is just fine remaining small, and a small business that has as part of its focus, the desire to one day stop being small.
Does your technology serve your customers, or just you? Ramon Ray joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how to make sure you're using technology to leverage your business model, which must include being useful for, and appealing to your customers.
Words matter, especially when your talking to your prospects and customers. Steve Cone talks with Jim Blasingame about how to use words effectively to tell your brand story, especially in your tag line and brand promise.
Networking is powerful but networking electronically can be more powerful. Patrick Crane joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how to use online networking as a tool to take your networking efforts and activity to the next level.
Tuesday - April 29, 2008
Are you maximizing your marketing potential this year? Carolyn Rhinebarger joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the importance of marketing in a slow economy, and some ideas about how to maximize your marketing plan without spending a lot of money.
Would you consider your family business to be high-functioning? David Gage talks with Jim Blasingame about the work he does with family businesses, including one case story about a dysfunctional family and how he fixed it.
If you knew then what you know now, would you have started your small business? Jay Myers talks with Jim Blasingame about the good, the bad and the ugly of being a business owner, including how to prevent employees from stealing from you.
How's the economy doing these days? Dr. Robert McTeer joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the current economic conditions, including the competitiveness of the U.S. dollar, inflation, the Fed being pulled in two directions, and what he thinks the FOMC will do with rates.
Wednesday - April 30, 2008
Is a dentist a small business owner? Dr. Robert Sorin joins Jim Blasingame to answer that question and talk about his small business medical practice, including how he thinks about his brand.
It's now fact: The media often not only get reporting wrong, they sometimes actually fabricate news, and Amy Menefee talks with Jim Blasingame about the nine worst reported business stories. Jim also identifies his own short list.
When the economy is soft, we have to maximize sales opportunities with campaigns that don't break our budget. Ryan Allis talks with Jim Blasingame about how to use email marketing to pull of this maximizing/minimizing trick. Ryan also explains how his company's capitalization strategy, including how he acquired venture capital.
What's the key to keeping your customers engaged with you during a slow economy? Joanne Black talks with Jim Blasingame about some of the key elements of sales and customer care that will help you stay connected with your customers and, most importantly, help you grow your business without resorting to cold calls.
