Thursday - May 01, 2008
Is the economy making you think more about starting a small business? Beverley Williams joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the dangers of impatience and desperation.
Are you a natural self-promoter? Mike Stewart talks with Jim Blasingame about why self-promoters are usually also successful, and he identifies three characteristics that are common among all national self-promoters.
Joan Pryde and Jim Blasingame talk about a few current events and issues, including which industries are doing pretty well in the face of a slow economy, the shocking increase in the price of steel and how that impacts all of us, the sad conditions of air travel and why things don't look great for the near future, a few exciting technology transfer innovations, and finally, presidential politics.
Friday - May 02, 2008
Do you know how to grow as a leader? Robert Thomas talks with Jim Blasingame about the key characteristics of successful leaders, including the role that experience plays in leadership growth.
Women are playing an increasing role in global business, especially small business, and Terry Neese talks with Jim Blasingame about this, and what her organization is doing to promote global women's business ownership.
Can we actually end poverty in our lifetime? Scott Miller thinks we can and he talks with Jim Blasingame about how he thinks it can be done. Of course, Jim has his own ideas about this and he discusses them with Scott, too.
A FedexKinko's survey showed small business owners are being aggressive in their marketing plans for this year, but will they need a new strategy? Thomas Leverton talks with Jim Blasingame about what the survey revealed about small business owners and some critical marketing fundamentals that need to be practiced, especially this year.
Monday - May 05, 2008
Want to point a finger at someone to blame for all of the debt America's have? Listen to what Jim Blasingame says about America's relationship with debt, and about that finger-pointing thing.
Want to know how to thrive, not just survive during a slow economy? Listen to Gary Harpst as he joins Jim Blasingame with some thoughts on what he thinks is the main characteristic of successful organizations, execution.
Caroline Joiner talks with Jim Blasingame about protecting intellectual property, including on a global basis.
How do you protect your intellectual property when you execute your export strategy? Jim Blasingame talks about this challenge and offers some suggestions.
Just when you were comfortable with what you know about key historical figures, along comes Ken Davis who joins Jim Blasingame to talk about his new book, America's Hidden History, which uncovers many fascinating, mostly untold stories-behind-the-stories.
Tuesday - May 06, 2008
Do you ever think you just want to walk away and take a no-pressure minimum wage job? Prioleau Alexander did just that, and he talks with Jim Blasingame about how he went from executive to pizza delivery man. He then became an author and isn't sure if that was an up or down move.
Did know that Mother's Day is the second largest national holiday for retail? Gail Goodman joins Jim Blasingame to talk about her company's recent survey on what businesses are planning to prepare for Mother's Day shopping. They also talk about email marketing as a valuable 21st century best practice.
Have you ever re-invented yourself? Do you need to re-invent yourself? Joyce Weiss and Jim Blasingame talk about how to re-invent yourself, and/or your company, in a productive way, including the way you communicate the idea to yourself and your people.
Can small businesses and big businesses learn from each other? Denise Yunkun, Director of Small Business Marketing at FedEx, talks with Jim Blasingame about the 21st century relationship between small business and big business, and what each one can learn from the other.
Wednesday - May 07, 2008
Do you know what emotional endurance for entrepreneurs is? Suzanne Mulvehill coined the term and developed the understanding of what it takes emotionally to succeed in business long-term, and she joins Jim Blasingame to talk about her work on this topic, including her upcoming visit in England with Professor of entrepreneurship, Jay Mitra, who also joins Jim on this interview.
What are business managers saying about the current and near-term condition of the economy? Sam Norwood talks with Jim Blasingame about what his partners are seeing as they manage companies around the U.S., and while the situation isn't great at this moment, the trend is definitely improving.
Do you know about leasing as a capital acquisition strategy for your small business? Crystal Riley is a leasing agent and she talks with Jim Blasingame about the advantages of leasing for small businesses, including when not to.
There is an option to taking your small business public that isn't as expensive or time consuming as the initial public offering process. It's called reverse merger and Joseph Meuse talks with Jim Blasingame about his upcoming conference on this topic, plus more about reverse merger as an option, who it is best for, as well as some disadvantages.
Thursday - May 08, 2008
Do you know what it takes to be a sole proprietor? A business of one? Jeff Zbar and Jim Blasingame do, and they talk about the good the bad and the ugly as what Jeff calls a "micropreneur" on the radio program The Small Business Advocate Show.
What does it take to successfully hand over the small business you founded to one of your children? Tim Berry has done this and he talks with Jim about how to do it. They also talk about small business development in Mexico, as well as what Tim has learned as a business plan judge.
Joan Pryde joins Jim to discuss what the Kiplinger Editors have to say about current events, including the jobs situation, the Fed's future direction on interest rates, new developments with heath care management, the future of gas prices, plus tax issues, including deductions for heavy SUVs and vans, and a possible development on sales tax on Internet sales.
Friday - May 09, 2008
What is the future of health care in the U.S.? Dr. Regina Herzlinger talks about this with Jim Blasingame, as they identify what is at stake, what can be done, and what you can do to participate in the debate.
How do you know if you have what it takes to be an entrepreneur? Nick Bibby and Jim Blasingame talk about this, including Nick's profile that he's developed to help you determine if you're a good candidate to be an entrepreneur.
Clearly, bio-fuels are not our long-term source for energy, but where will our next energy source come from? Joel Barker talks with Jim Blasingame about some exciting new energy innovations, including a solar solution and one that involves algae.
Monday - May 12, 2008
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.
Are you missing public relations (PR) opportunities for your small business? Al Martin talks with Jim Blasingame about how to identify PR opportunities and how to get them distributed to the right media.
Want to know how your small business can thrive during and economic downturn? Fred Senn talks with Jim Blasingame about focusing on the fundamentals, including making sure your people are engaged, and how to make that happen.
Tuesday - May 13, 2008
Do you know what it takes to be a successful business owner? Paul Casey talks with Jim Blasingame about what he thinks are the top five things you need to do to succeed as a small business owner.
Wednesday - May 14, 2008
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.
Joan Pryde and Jim Blasingame talk about a number of topics from the recent Kiplinger Letter, including the variety of challenges increases in food prices and food shortages are creating around the world, how large banks are coming back to life (small banks never missed a beat), Hillary Clinton's tenacity, the new members of the national electorate, and several tax policy issues to be addresses in Congress this year, including relief from the Alternative Minimum Tax.
Thursday - May 15, 2008
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.
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.
Friday - May 16, 2008
Networking is a powerful tool. Ivan Misner joins Jim Blasingame live from The BNI National Conference in Orlando, FL to talk about the Achilles heel of networking in order to better understand the strengths.
Making connections is an important part of running a successful business. Connie Hinton and John Meyer join Jim Blasingame live From The BNI National Conference in Orlando, FL to talk about how to connect with people through networking. They also discuss the economy and how you can refuse to participate in a recession.
What's the difference between the way women and men network? Hazel Walker and Jim Blasingame go over these differences and the strengths and weaknesses associated with both.
How do you create referrals for life? Mike Macedonio joins Jim Blasingame for the first time to give some tips on how to do this.
The profile of a typical BNI member has changed a lot since the beginning of the organization. Jim Blasingame talks with Norm Dominguez about current BNI members and how the organization works for them.
Monday - May 19, 2008
How bad is the unfunded pension and health care liability that corporations and governments have made? Roger Lowenstein says the problem is significant and he and Jim Blasingame debate what is the best long-term solution.
The Customs and Border Protection agency is trying to change the way U.S. tariffs are assessed from first sale to last sale, which would raise prices on imports. Tom Travis joins Jim Blasingame to discuss this issue and explain how, if passed, this change would be bad for consumers, the economy and any business that imports.
What's the connection between business etiquette and your personal brand? Valerie Sokolosky says there is a direct connection and she talks with Jim Blasingame about how to establish and leverage your personal brand, even if your business has its own brand.
Do you have a book in you? The world's guru on self-publishing, Dan Poynter, talks with Jim Blasingame about 21st century publishing perspectives and practices that will help you get your book, whatever it may be about, published in some form, even if you're not a writer.
Tuesday - May 20, 2008
Are consumers cutting back on their spending for high-end items? Pam Danziger is an expert in these matters and she explains to Jim Blasingame that luxury items are not selling as they were less than a year ago.
What do small business owners think about the economy these days? Dr. Bill Dunkleberg joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the most recent survey he has conducted with hundreds of small business owners about the real economy they're experiencing, including hiring, credit, capital spending, etc. Jim also asks Bill if he thinks there is a commodities bubble.
You know what social networking is, but do you know what social commerce is? Judy Balint talks with Jim Blasingame about this relatively new angle for online networking, which is focused on entrepreneurs.
Do we have a crisis in our securities rating industry? David Einhorn talks with Jim Blasingame about the systemic weaknesses and failures of our securities and credit rating sectors of the financial markets.
Wednesday - May 21, 2008
Are you leaving your family business to your children? As Jim Blasingame broadcasts live from the Stay Strong Conference at Central Florida Community College in Ocala, Florida, Ken Ausley and Ron Ewers join him to talk about family business and the legacy we leave for our children.
How important is helping your community? Ron Ewers joins Jim Blasingame live from the Stay Strong Conference at Central Florida Community College in Ocala, Florida to talk about how to share your success with those around you.
A firm foundation is necessary to building a small business. Ken Blanchard joins Jim Blasingame to give entrepreneurs some tips and inspiration for starting a business.
Finding a niche could be the difference between success and failure. Paul Franck and Jim Blasingame talk about how to serve your community by finding out what they want.
What's the difference between your small business and the chains? Teddie Gause joins Jim Blasingame live to explain how her family business provides their customers with exceptional quality and service.
Is your website getting the attention it needs? Greg Petry joins Jim Blasingame to explain what Search Engine Optimization is and how you can use it to grow your business.
Thursday - May 22, 2008
How do you know when to take the small business leap? Beverley Williams joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how to know when is the right time to quit your day-job and start that small business.
What's the greatest impediment to growth for most companies? Steven Little tells Jim Blasingame that the greatest growth impediment is the inability of businesses to get out of their own way because of the rigid systems and rules they put in place.
Jim Ostroff joins Jim Blasingame to talk about a number of current issues, including record high oil prices, the impact of inflation on the economy, how retailers are branding themselves to grow sales, the possibility of steel coins, the politics of polar bears, and the political landscape going into the summer.
Friday - May 23, 2008
Could you use more working capital to grow your business? Brian Birnbaum joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the concept of improving your cash flow by factoring your accounts receivables, as an alternative to bank loans or investors.
Want to get a piece of the Internet action you've read about? Scott Fox and Jim Blasingame talk about the reality of what it takes to find the opportunity that's right for you in the online marketplace.
Ladies, do you have an innovative idea? Lori Pope and Julie Aigner-Clark talk with Jim Blasingame about a contest offered by Whirlpool Corporation to encourage women to develop their innovative ideas by offering prize money for the top five entries.
Who's going to win the Microsoft/Yahoo war? Jonathan Zuck joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the issues around Microsoft wanting a piece of the online search world, and how all of this is ultimately going to be good for small business owners and other online users.
Monday - May 26, 2008
Is your small business ready for a disaster, such as a fire, earthquake, tornado, flood or the crash of your hard drive? Jon Toigo joins Jim Blasingame to discuss some of the ways you can become prepared to protect your electronic data in the event of an unforeseen calamity.
Bob Dilenschneider joins Jim Blasingame to talk about their thoughts on Memorial Day. Jim also recited Kelly Strong's poem, Freedom Isn't Free.
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What can we do about the high oil and gas prices? Myron Ebell talks with Jim Blasingame about what's at the heart of high oil prices and what we can do about it.
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Rich Galen joins Jim Blasingame to talk about their thoughts on Memorial Day. Jim also recited Kelly Strong's poem, Freedom Isn't Free. Rich also discusses his observations about the presidential election.
Tuesday - May 27, 2008
One of the Young Entrepreneur's of the Year joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how he and his brother are taking a very old industry -- lobster fishing and its bounty -- to the market in a 21st century way.
What does your personality have to do with how you enjoy your vacation? Pierce and Jane Howard talk with Jim Blasingame about what you should know about yourself before you plan your vacation activities.
It's okay to fall in love with what you do, but not with how you do it. Bill Glynn talks with Jim Blasingame about how to make sure your thinking and your business model are both functioning in the 21st century.
What's the best way to efficiently market your business in a slow economy? Eric Groves talks with Jim Blasingame about some key tips on email marketing.
Wednesday - May 28, 2008
What has changed about selling a small business in the 21st century? Colby Sambrotto joins Jim Blasingame to talk about what has changed and what hasn't changed as businesses are made available for sale online, including the way his website does it.
Are the media biased against good economic news. Dan Gainor talks with Jim Blasingame about research he conducted that shows that the media -- driven by the ratings war and their own political bias -- over-state the negative conditions of the economy, and how that reporting has a negative economic impact.
Is effective communication an art or a science? Pamela Perkins joins Jim Blasingame to explain why she thinks it's both, and offers some valuable ideas on both the art and science of good communication in our small businesses.
What can small businesses learn from big businesses about marketing? Alan Maites helps some of the largest businesses in the world with their marketing and he talks with Jim Blasingame about how small business can take a lesson from the big guys, especially those things that cost little but deliver a high return.
Thursday - May 29, 2008
Are you putting your best foot forward when reaching out to customers? Pat Weber talks with Jim Blasingame about a few ideas on how to make sure you're reaching customers effectively these days.
Are you aware of all the free business stuff that's available on the Internet? Ken Leebow talks with Jim Blasingame about the vast array of valuable business tools and resources that you can take advantage of.
Joan Pryde and Jim Blasingame talk about what is covered in the most recent Kiplinger Letter, including the differences between a McCain administration and an Obama administration on a wide array of issues, like taxes, trade, healthcare, regulations, etc. They also talk about a push by some to make U.S. paper money easier to use by the blind.
Friday - May 30, 2008
What comes after marketing? Connection. Jerry Acuff talks with Jim Blasingame about the most powerful 21st century sales tool -- relationships. More than sales skills, more than marketing, connecting through relationships.
Is disorganization creating chaos for your small business? Stephanie Winston joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how to eliminate chaos by installing organization, and she offers four tips called the TRAS system.
What's the greatest threat to the travel industry? Technology, not oil prices, and Janet Christy joins Jim Blasingame to talk about ways to travel less and still get business.
Have you created a business process that you want to protect? Henry Heines talks with Jim Blasingame about what a business process is, and how to decide when you should take it from a trade secret to getting it patented.
