Monday - June 02, 2008
Are you maximizing the online potential of your business. Carolyn Rhinebarger joins Jim Blasingame to continue the series on the last four of eight online marketing tips. To pick up all eight, listen to this interview and the previous one Jim conducted with Carolyn.
As you get your business ready for sale, whenever that may be, will your intellectual property be ready, too? Russell Brown talks with Jim Blasingame about making sure you've identified the trademarks and service marks that should be registered in your name on the small business radio program, The Small Business Advocate Show.
How do you have a bank without tellers? Andy Kattos joins Jim Blasingame to talk about his bank that is devoted to small and mid-sized businesses. Bankers at Servisfirstbank actually make house, er, business calls, and help small business owners maximize the technology so that they can maximize their financial assets, especially cash flow.
With all of the clutter that bombards us, what are the three things all small business owners must do each day to insure that they stay in business? Robert Gordman talks with Jim Blasingame about these three things, including handy examples. Don't miss this interview.
Tuesday - June 03, 2008
Where is the immigration policy leadership going to come from and how can small businesses get involved? Tamar Jacoby talks with Jim Blasingame about the differences between the two apparent presidential nominees on immigration, plus how the states are handling this issue since the Federal government failed to do so.
How can small business owners differentiate themselves from big box competitors? Mark Mayberry talks with Jim Blasingame about good and bad service examples, from which small business owners can learn how to deliver outrageous service.
When should a small business have a policy that deals with harassment in the workplace? John Fuller joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the incidence of harassment reporting, how small business owners can prevent harassment and how to deal with a harassment claim.
What should your small business marketing plan look like? John Jantsch and Jim Blasingame share ideas on how to develop a marketing plan, what should be included and how to execute your plan. They also talk about the importance of making sure there is a connection between marketing and the sales effort.
Wednesday - June 04, 2008
How does a business owner combine growing business while doing personal financial planning? Brett Wilder joins Jim Blasingame to explain the four stages of business development and how each stage affects the owner.
How do we get our employees to be engaged in their work? Chester Elton talks with Jim Blasingame about some of the key elements business managers must use in order to establish a culture of recognition and engagement in your business.
How do you price your professional services? Ilise Benun and Jim Blasingame talk about how to think about your time and talent as a professional product, not just hourly work.
What is the most pressing small business public policy being debated in Congress? Giovanni Corotolo joins Jim Blasingame to talk about what is called the "Cap and Trade" bill, which if passed into law, will be come the largest tax increase in history, and the greatest government control of our lives since the creation of the income tax.
Thursday - June 05, 2008
How do you stay connected in your home-based business? Jeff Zbar talks about this with Jim Blasingame, small business expert and host of The Small Business Advocate Show.
What is in store for small businesses with either of the two presidential candidates? Ray Keating joins Jim Blasingame to compare and contrast an Obama Administration and a McCain administration, including global warming and the environment, taxes, trade and foreign policy.
Joan Pryde joins Jim Blasingame to talk about issues covered in the most recent Kiplinger Letter, including the current and future challenges of U.S. auto makers, the economic recovery, presidential campaign debates, and health savings accounts.
Friday - June 06, 2008
How would you like to live like you're retired before you actually do it? Stanley Bing offers Jim Blasingame some thoughts on how to improve your quality of life and profession merely by changing your thinking and behavior.
How is the economy doing? Sam Norwood joins Jim Blasingame to report that while we may not like where the economy is the trend is looking up, including increased backlogs and credit availability.
Do you need to get more organized in your business planning? Liz Franklin talks with Jim Blasingame about how to organize your business plan, including the importance of a cash flow projection.
What's the news out of China? Ted Fishman talks with Jim Blasingame about the current and future impact of China, including the '08 Olympics and how China and the world will react to each other over the next few decades.
Monday - June 09, 2008
What can you learn from an award-winning small business owner? Tony Conway, the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce Small Business Person of the Year, tells Jim Blasingame why he started his business, how long he planned it, what he's learned about managing people, and why he gives back to the community.
How much do words matter? Dr. Robert Cialdini talks with Jim Blasingame about how the intentional application of one word instead of another can make all the difference in marketing, selling, or any other effort to persuade people to take action.
Do you know the history of the American election day? Kate Kelly talks with Jim about the history of this very important day in America, and the impact it has had on the world.
What do you know about the debate in Congress on a proposed law called "cap and trade?" Jim Blasingame reports on this debate on this bill, called the Leiberman-Warner Bill, which would make carbon emissions a commodity regulated and taxed by the government. Jim warns that this policy could be devastating to the U.S. economy and must be stopped.
Tuesday - June 10, 2008
What are the chances that you're in your own way of achieving success in your small business? Terri Levine talks with Jim Blasingame about how having a coach, and learning how to coach yourself, can eliminate the baggage we've acquired over the years.
There are specific elements of small business performance that are essential for success, and Ruth King talks with Jim Blasingame about how to establish some of these, including a sales process and financial records.
Can you turn conflict into strength? Diana McLain Smith talks with Jim Blasingame about how to think of conflict as a potentially positive situation, if it can be channeled and developed properly. They also talk about how to look at various contributions to a meeting in a three dimensional way.
How can serendipity become a best practice? Glenn Llopis talks with Jim Blasingame about a 21st century way to look at -- and in fact, integrate -- the concept of serendipity into your operation and especially your management style.
Wednesday - June 11, 2008
Do you think you're creative? Karen Post joins Jim Blasingame to report on some interesting statistics about creativity and what makes people creative.
What caused Hillary to lose the Democratic nomination for president? Bill Brandt joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how Obama's organization whipped Clinton's organization with 21st century strategies. They also talk about Bill's take on current economic conditions.
Have you decided who you’re going to vote for this November? Jim Blasingame talks about his idea for small business owners to become single issue voters for those candidates who support and promote policies that help small business owners. And he includes several policy examples.
When considering software applications do you know the right questions to ask? Anita Rosen joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how to evaluate software that you install on your hard drive and software as a service (SAS), which resides on the seller’s servers.
Thursday - June 12, 2008
How are home based business owners saving money during this economic slow period? Beverley Williams joins Jim Blasingame to give some tips on how to tighten your budget.
What is the difference between today's students and students ten years ago? Bill Dunkelberg joins Jim Blasingame to share some observations about the young generation entering the work place. They also discuss this month's NFIB report, the credit crisis and how small businesses are doing in the current economy.
What happens to the economy when consumers change their habits? Joan Pryde joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the decreasing demand of petroleum and the gas prices. They also discuss the negative impact petroleum prices are having on the airline industry and the Presidential candidates.
Friday - June 13, 2008
What can we learn about communication from the presidential candidates? Ruth Sherman talks with Jim Blasingame about the differences between the two presidential candidates and what small business owners can learn from them.
Barbara Weltman talks with Jim Blasingame about the most current tax compliance issues, including filing dates and public policy.
What leadership lessons can small business owners learn from George Washington? Richard Brookhiser talks with Jim Blasingame about how General and later President Washington conducted himself and how we can benefit from his leadership style and practices.
Joel Barker joins Jim Blasingame to talk about several of the latest medical breakthroughs from some unlikely sources, like microbes, bees and pigs.
Monday - June 16, 2008
Can leadership actually be cultivated? Charlie Fewell talks with Jim Blasingame about what he calls "cultivational leadership" and how to actually make it happen in your small business.
Is there really a difference in the genders? Of course there is, and Judith Glaser talks with Jim Blasingame about how men and women are different, why knowing this matters, and how to manage this knowledge.
What can small business owners learn from Abraham Lincoln? Gene Griessman talks with Jim Blasingame about how to prosper in the marketplace by following President Lincoln's philosophy of honesty. And Jim incorporates the concept of ethics with this discussion of honesty.
What is the best forms of marketing to conduct in a challenging economic year? Lois Geller talks with Jim Blasingame about several different ways to connect with prospects and stay connected to customers, including something they call "laser marketing."
Tuesday - June 17, 2008
How are women business owners doing these days? Nell Merlino talks about this with Jim Blasingame, including how her organization is helping women grow their businesses with coaching and vital resources.
Are you considering a teleworking or virtual employee relationship? Gayle Buske talks with Jim Blasingame about the growth in this kind of employment relationship and how it works.
What would it take for your customers to say "wow" about your business? Robyn Spizman talks with Jim Blasingame about some of the ways you can make "wow" improvements to your business and your team's approach to how you execute your business model.
What are the key public policy issues? Gov. Pete du Pont talks with Jim Blasingame about the current debate over drilling for energy in the U.S., whether the government should be imposing "cap and trade" policies regarding carbon emissions, free trade, tax policy, and where the two presumptive presidential nominees stand on these issues.
Wednesday - June 18, 2008
What are some of the myths about energy? Max Schulz joins Jim Blasingame to discuss some of the misconceptions about our energy sources, consumption and consequences. They also talk about the public policy debate on energy issues.
How is the credit crisis impacting small businesses? Art Kleiner talks with Jim Blasingame about the current credit landscape that small businesses are operating in.
Are your assets protected against legal exposure? Robert Klueger talks with Jim Blasingame about how to insulate your assets from a lawsuit or other legal claims.
Rod Kurtz talks with Jim Blasingame about what some companies are doing to offset the increased cost of gas for their employees. They also talk about the pros and cons of the new Apple IPhone.
Thursday - June 19, 2008
Do you have a high-energy day? Jeff Zbar and Jim Blasingame talk about Thursday being the day of the week when they feel more energetic and motivated, and they talk about why it could be valuable to recognize that you might have a rhythm to your energy level, both in days of the week, but also times of the day.
How are small businesses doing in the slower 2008 economy? Chad Moutray talks with Jim Blasingame about some of the research he has conducted on the attitude of small business owners this year.
Joan Pryde joins Jim Blasingame to talk about a number of issues covered in the current edition of the Kiplinger Letter, including the outlook for the U.S. and global economy for the rest of 2008 and 2009, including some of the factors that play a role. They also talk about the differences in the way the two presidential candidates would handle the economy, and other issues.
Friday - June 20, 2008
Learn from one of the Internet pioneers as Alan Bechtold joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how to start your own online business.
What is the most important financial document for a small business owner to manage? Doug Stives joins Jim Blasingame as they discuss the critical financial instruments you need, especially the single most important one. Doug also reveals some of the new tax advantages for small businesses.
Are you a good negotiator? Listen as Peter Johnston and Jim Blasingame discuss the critical elements of world-class negotiating.
Want to know the latest on the economy and Presidential politics? Steve Forbes talks with Jim Blasingame about the financial crisis, the commodities bubble and the upcoming high-stakes Presidential election.
Monday - June 23, 2008
Is manufacturing really declining in the U.S.? Conrad Winkler joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how manufacturing is making a come-back in the U.S., what those 21st century manufacturers look like and how are they being successful.
How is franchising doing during a slow economy? Joel Libava talks with Jim Blasingame about some of the challenges that the franchise industry is facing, and what the successful franchisers are doing.
What are some of the critical errors small businesses should avoid? Alison Diboll talks with Jim Blasingame about three key mistakes that should not be made if you want to remain in business.
Is net neutrality a good thing or a bad thing? Braden Cox talks with Jim Blasingame about this controversial and complicated public policy issue that, if handled badly, could have a serious negative impact on small businesses.
Tuesday - June 24, 2008
What color is ethics? Clinton Korver talks with Jim Blasingame about the concept of business ethics not only as the right thing to do, but also ethics as a best practice.
What is our government up to these days regarding small business issues? Karen Kerrigan talks with Jim Blasingame about some of the issues being debated in Congress today, especially tax increases. They also talk about the upcoming presidential election.
Do you know where the next growth capital for your small business is going to come from? Jim Blasingame talks about the three sources of growth capital for small businesses and puts them in his order of importance.
What is the Fed going to do with interest rates this week? Bob McTeer talks with Jim Blasingame about what he thinks the Fed will do during this week's meeting, as well as his thoughts on what we should be doing in our energy policy, including drilling for oil and building nuclear plants. Finally, Bob talks about what he thinks the U.S. economy will do for the rest of '08 and '09.
Wednesday - June 25, 2008
Many small businesses have been started out of necessity. Taylor Sparks talks with Jim Blasingame about the skin care company she founded because no one was make the kinds of products she wanted. Now, it turns out, lots of people want what she's making.
The world's population is growing, but is the growth happening in the right places? Ken Gronbach talks with Jim Blasingame about some global demographic facts that will have a direct impact on your business in the future.
Sure you're talking to your customers, but what are they hearing? Beverly Inman-Ebel talks with Jim Blasingame about how to make sure your messages to customers and employees are landing with a memorable impact.
What does trust have to do with customers? Arky Ciancutti and Jim Blasingame talk about why small businesses must make the trust connection happen between employees and customers, and how to do that.
Thursday - June 26, 2008
How does an intellectual property licensing business model work? Alan Freedman talks with Jim Blasingame about how he has turned his knowledge of computers and technology into a product that other companies pay him for.
Are you a member of your industry's national trade group? Mike Menzies talks with Jim Blasingame about his involvement in his industry trade group, the Independent Community Bankers Association (ICBA), how important trade groups are, and how bankers feel about customers who participate in their national trade group. Mike also talks about his thoughts on the economy.
Joan Pryde joins Jim Blasingame to talk about topics in the most recent Kiplinger Letter, including the European economy and how it's being managed by the European Central Bank, which is the equivalent of the U.S. Federal Reserve. They also talk about the different perspectives of the two central banks with regard to economic growth and inflation. Next they discuss the impact of floods on commodities, consumer confidence and the differences between the presidential candidates with regard to taxes and energy.
Friday - June 27, 2008
How do you prepare your small business for your time off? Steve Strauss joins Jim Blasingame to talk about some of the things you should do to help you get some time off, including the power of delegating.
What's the future of advertising and marketing? Kirk Cheyfitz talks with Jim Blasingame about 21st century marketing and what it takes to connect with customers these days. He also talks with Jim about the good, the bad and the ugly of growing a business to enterprise level.
Are you a discerning consumer of information and news? Amy Menafee talks with Jim Blasingame about how to consume news and information instead of just taking all the media give us at face value.
What does the future of technology look like, especially with regard to energy? Bill Halal talks with Jim Blasingame about the future of energy technology, including bio, solar and hydrogen.
Monday - June 30, 2008
How creative do employers have to get to acquire and keep good talent? The mother and daughter team of Barbara and Elizabeth Pagano join Jim Blasingame to talk about the concept of allowing employees to go on sabbaticals for up to four weeks, as a way of motivating them to value their employment.
What does the current leadership environment look like? Stephen Baum talks with Jim Blasingame about the impact of the devotion to quarterly performance on leadership practices. They also talk about the importance of character for those in leadership roles and the value of mentoring.
How do you take the cold out of cold calling? Sam Richter talks with Jim Blasingame about how to conduct research on the Internet about your prospects, including the company and the individuals you're calling on.
How will technology play a role in minimizing the impact of higher energy costs? Ed Yourdon talks with Jim Blasingame about the increased use of telecommuting and video conferencing to work with colleagues and talks with customers as alternatives to physical travel. They also talk about the future of Web 2.0 and what Web 3.0 might look like.
