Monday - September 01, 2008
What does the origins of Labor Day have in common with more recent government decrees? Dr. Burton Folsom joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the origins of Labor Day and to compare its origins to other government initiatives, such as the national minimum wage and Sarbanes Oxley.
What impact have women had on the productivity of the US economy? Nell Merlino joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the contribution women have made in the marketplace, both as employees and more recently as the fastest growing sector of business ownership.
We have a national holiday called Labor Day, why not one called for Small Business Day? Jim Blasingame talks about the origins of Labor Day, laments the fact that there is no National Small Business Day, and offers his proposal for how to fix that gross inequity.
Tuesday - September 02, 2008
Are you ready for the next small business tax deadline? Barbara Weltman talks with Jim Blasingame about several of the upcoming tax filing and tax paying deadlines as well as some retirement plan deadlines. Barbara also gives us a look at some of the changes for next year.
What health care system should the US be pursuing that is the best for small businesses? Grace-Marie Turner talks with Jim Blasingame about several 21st century solutions that would make health care insurance more affordable by small businesses, and therefore, insure more Americans.
What does it take to be successful as a small business owner? Barry Moltz talks with Jim Blasingame about how small business owners can learn how to bounce from both successes and failures on the small business radio program, The Small Business Advocate Show.
What is your definition of a high achiever? Chuck Martin talks with Jim Blasingame about why it's important to be able to define what a high achiever is, and he makes a generous and free offer to Jim's audience for his organization to help determine some of the characteristics of their high achievers and how they can impact the business. Don't miss this opportunity.
Wednesday - September 03, 2008
How important is being consistent to a small business manager? Using the example of politicians flip-flopping on issues, Rick Maurer talks with Jim Blasingame about how this kind of behavior is never good, but is particularly bad for business managers.
What are the colors of honesty? Steven Gaffney talks with Jim Blasingame about the shades of honesty, including when is withholding information appropriate and when is it not.
How much does the world have to fear from China ripping off our intellectual property with counterfeit products? Kenneth Krosin talks with Jim Blasingame about this as he reports on his recent trip to China with a delegation to discuss international intellectual property standards and behavior.
Thursday - September 04, 2008
How did Governor Sarah Palin do in her speech at the RNC? Rich Galen joins Jim Blasingame from the Republican National Convention to discuss presidential politics.
How can you become more "green" in the office products you purchase? Mark Buckley talks with Jim Blasingame about how to look for products and office equipment that have been manufactured to conserve energy and other resources, and probably save you money, too.
Do you know what a Small Business Development Center is? Jody Keenan talks with Jim Blasingame about how SBDC counselors help small businesses of all sizes with advice, support and best practice recommendations. They also talk about how the national organization works, the Association of SBDC.
Is your small business taking advantage of the social networking opportunities available? Alex Craddock talks with Jim Blasingame about a new social networking tool his company has placed on Facebook to help small businesses connect with other businesses more efficiently and it's free to all.
What do you know about having a "green" small business? Beverley Williams joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how to be more energy efficient, and why it's not only the right thing to do, but a best practice.
Friday - September 05, 2008
Does having a woman on the national ticket of a political party affect how women vote? Janet Christy talks with Jim Blasingame about the way women think about voting for other women who run for office.
Now that you've got a website, what are you doing with it? Cliff Ennico and Jim Blasingame begin their visit talking about the importance of getting educated about business before you make the leap, and then they move on to discuss how to market your business online.
Broadcasting live from the ASBDC conference in Chicago. Are you thinking about starting a small business that produces food products? Stephen Hall talks with Jim Blasingame about the good, the bad and the ugly of being a food entrepreneur. People are doing it, but it's not easy.
Broadcasting live from the ASBDC conference in Chicago. What is the primary reason small businesses fail? Peter Justen joins Jim Blasingame to talk about why small businesses fail and what he's trying to do to solve this problem with his company. Later, Don Wilson, president of the Association of Small Business Development Centers, joins Jim and Peter to discuss a new partnership with Peter's company and the ASBDC.
Broadcasting live from the ASBDC conference in Chicago. Don Wilson talks with Jim Blasingame about what the value that small business development centers, and their counselors, have for small businesses of all sizes and stages of growth.
Monday - September 08, 2008
If going negative in politics works, is that also true for small business selling? Pat Weber talks with Jim Blasingame about how selling is different from politics in that going negative about your competition is never a good thing, and how to differentiate you and your offerings without resorting to mud slinging.
Jim Blasingame talks about several things that everyone should focus on to be successful in your small business, including nutrition, technology, mattresses and mentors.
Why is it a good idea to treat your small business employees like customers? Chester Elton and Jim Blasingame talk about ways to get and keep your employees engaged by using recognition and grateful behavior, including saying "thank you" for a job well done.
How does business ethics differ in various parts of the world? Dr. Cherie Carter-Scott talks with Jim Blasingame about ethics, morals and culture as it relates to doing business with people in other countries, and what you should know before you do business in those regions.
Tuesday - September 09, 2008
Are you prepared to be a life-long learner? President Abraham Lincoln joins Jim Blasingame for another visit, as he talks about the importance of listening and learning. Later, President Lincoln's alter ego, Gene Griessman, talks with Jim about other lessons from Lincoln.
What does the credit landscape look like for buying and financing the purchase of a small business. Russell Brown talks with Jim Blasingame about some of the elements of purchasing a business in a tight credit market on the small business radio program, The Small Business Advocate Show
Are you embracing diversity in your small business as a best practice? Debbe Kennedy joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how diversity is a key small business element in 21st century leadership and execution.
What are some of the latest small business trends? Rieva Lasonsky talks with Jim Blasingame first about why everyone loves small business, and then they discuss some of the latest opportunities for small businesses to focus on, including the green revolution.
Wednesday - September 10, 2008
How do you fund your small business during a difficult credit period? Tyler Hicks talks with Jim Blasingame about some of the creative and fundamental things you can do to maximize your chances of getting a loan from multiple sources, not just banks.
How will the Federal government's takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac affect your small business? Mike Menzies and Jim Blasingame talk about these government sponsored entities (GSE) are, why they got into trouble, how the takeover will impact our businesses and the economy.
How are women voters reacting to the presidential tickets of the two parties? Terry Neese talks with Jim Blasingame about how a woman on the Republican ticket has changed the presidential campaign landscape. They also talk about some of the important issues that are important to small business that are being debated by the candidates.
How are you welcoming the different types of visitors to your website? Philippa Gamse talks with Jim Blasingame about the idea of offering a different "personae" for various types of visitors, such as one for women, men, seniors, teens, etc.
Thursday - September 11, 2008
On the seventh anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the U.S. on Sept. 11, 2001, Jim Blasingame offers his thoughts on the war on terror and how small businesses can contribute to the fight.
How's the economy doing? After reflecting on the seventh anniversary of the events of September 11, 2001, Sam Norwood talks with Jim Blasingame about the most recent Tatum Survey of Business Conditions and the news is mixed.
After reflecting on the seventh anniversary of the events of September 11, 2001, Joan Pryde joins Jim Blasingame to talk about current events, including strong earnings for the agriculture industry, the employment picture, energy outlook and alternatives, a possible government bailout of GM and Ford, and other issues.
Friday - September 12, 2008
How can you make sure you're not hurt financially during tough economic times? Jordan Goodman talks with Jim Blasingame about some specific things we all can do to lower our expenses, including a new way to pay off your mortgage in a fraction of the time.
Are you doing tax planning for your small business? Eva Rosenberg talks with Jim Blasingame about the key tax filing dates, what has to be filed, what to do if you miss a date, and what to do if you don't have the money that is owed.
What can salespeople learn from show business? Tom Becka joins Jim Blasingame to talk about some things he learned in show business that he has transfered to business and sales. Tom also tells Jim what it's like to open for the late Sam Kenison.
Is your small business missing opportunities at the verge? Joel Barker talks with Jim Blasingame about how to take advantage of developments you may be seeing but not taking advantage of because it doesn't fit the way you've been conditioned to think about things, like making a refrigerator out of a loud speaker.
Monday - September 15, 2008
What has caused all of the financial companies to fail? Steve Malanga joins Jim Blasingame to compare the current financial industry carnage to what has happened in the past and what we can learn from these lessons. Steve also dispels the myths about corporations and taxes.
What part does courage play in small business success? Bill Treasurer talks with Jim Blasingame about the different ways courage manifests in business management and why it's important to understand and leverage courage.
How important is transparency in the success of your small business? Jim O'Tool talks with Jim Blasingame about the concept of transparency as a management philosophy, how to implement it and profit from it.
How can having a social media strategy be beneficial for your small business? Ramon Ray talks with Jim Blasingame about the concept of social media, some of the resources available, and how to successfully leverage this new technology frontier.
Tuesday - September 16, 2008
How could becoming a guru help your small business? Bob Bly joins Jim Blasingame about how to create an expert image of yourself and your business to your marketplace.
News of the death of our economy are greatly exaggerated. Ray Keating talks with Jim Blasingame about the current economic challenges, both on Main Street and Wall Street, plus they discuss the issues the Federal Reserve Board has in front of it as they consider what to do with interest rates and other monetary tools.
How do you re-brand and re-name your small business? Lois Geller talks with Jim Blasingame about the process of changing the name and brand image of your business. They also talk about how to differentiate your marketing effort with regard to reaching prospects and customers.
How could mediation be better conflict resolution than a lawsuit? Judge Huss talks with Jim Blasingame about the different types of alternative conflict resolutions, including how they can be a better alternative, plus examples of some of the recent cases he has mediated. Judge Huss also talks about how to get the mediation process started.
Wednesday - September 17, 2008
How does a 21st century economic development organization work. Broadcasting live from the Hampton Roads, Virginia, Jim Blasingame talks with Warren Harris about the local vision for economic development.
Broadcasting live from the Hampton Roads, Virginia, Jim Blasingame talks with Steve Coplan about his small business, his efforts to give back to the community, personal setbacks and his recent award. Later in the interview, Jack Hornbeck, President of the Hmapton Roads Chamber of Commerce congratulates Steve on his award.
How does it work when a chamber of commerce and an SBDC are together? Broadcasting live from the Hampton Roads, Virginia, Jim Blasingame talks with Jack Hornbeck, president of Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce about the organization, why chambers matter and how his works so closely with the local Small Business Development Center.
Broadcasting live from the Hampton Roads, Virginia, Jim Blasingame talks with Ron Ritter about the history of the local Small Business Development Center and the impact it has had on local businesses and therefore, the local economy.
What does it mean for a business to be recognized locally for excellence? Broadcasting live from the Hampton Roads, Virginia, Jim Blasingame talks with Delores Schilling about how her company benefited from being recognized as the Small Business of the Year, plus her thoughts on why it's important for a small business to be a member of the local chamber of commerce.
How much of a can of worms has the government gotten itself into with regard to the moral hazard of bailing out private financial firms? Governor Pete du Pont talks with Jim Blasingame about the various implications of the recent intervention steps the U.S. government has taken to prevent some companies from failing, while allowing others to fail. They also talk about the current presidential campaigns.
Thursday - September 18, 2008
How many levels of your emergency/disaster contingency plans do you have for your small business? Jeff Zbar talks about this with Jim Blasingame, small business expert and host of The Small Business Advocate Show.
How are things for small businesses in the economy? Bill Dunkleberg talks with Jim Blasingame about the difference between the economic situation, especially differentiating between the real and the hysterical.
Joan Pryde joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the current challenges of the U.S. banking industry and the implications of government intervention, plus other current events, including new nuclear technology and what retailers should expect for the upcoming holiday season.
Friday - September 19, 2008
How many brains do you have? Judith Glaser joins Jim Blasingame to talk about what experts describe as our five brains and how to know when to listen to the right one at the right time.
Is your small business a good corporate citizen? Gina Tesla talks with Jim Blasingame about what corporate citizenship is, why it's a good thing, and how IBM is setting a good example for others.
What has caused our current financial crisis and how do we get out of it? Chuck Kadlek talks with Jim Blasingame about the reasons we've experienced such dangerous financial challenges of our financial system, what we've learned so we don't repeat those causes, and what it's going to take to get back on the right track.
What can small business owners learn from politicians about communication? Ruth Sherman talks with Jim Blasingame about how small business can take a lesson from the presidential candidates about communicating to our constituents, our customers.
Monday - September 22, 2008
How valuable are your relationships? David Nour talks with Jim Blasingame about how to be more successful as a networker, and why you should think of your business relationships as a form of currency, with real value.
General Motors is 100: what can small business learn from the journey this company has taken? Dr. Burton Folsom talks with Jim Blasingame about what made GM great, what has caused its demise and what we can learn from this compelling story.
We all like serendipity, but did you know you can create your own? Beverley Inman-Ebel talks with Jim Blasingame about creating and growing a business network by being genuine in the beginning and maintaining that behavior as you grow these relationships.
How can a small business survive and thrive during difficult financial times? Joanne Black talks with Jim Blasingame about the power of planning for success even when times are tough, and also the power and value of referrals from existing business relationships to create new ones.
Tuesday - September 23, 2008
Is your small business in compliance with environmental regs and laws? Annette Fulgenzi talks with Jim Blasingame about the government program that is designed to help small businesses comply with EPA and state environmental laws and regulations.
How are things going in Iraq these days? June Reed joins Jim Blasingame once again with a report of significant progress in Iraq, militarily, economically and politically. Why aren't the mainstream media reporting this good news?
What's the best solution for providing affordable health care insurance for small businesses? John Arensmeyer and Jim Blasingame debate the various issues involved in reforming health care insurance on a national level for small businesses. They also talk about new ideas on providing capital for small businesses.
Jim Blasingame says Austin Kiplinger is a witness to a century and a national treasure and he joins Jim once again to celebrate his 90th birthday and his company's 85th anniversary. Mr. Kiplinger reflects on history and shares his thoughts on current events with the perspective of a long and productive life.
Wednesday - September 24, 2008
Are you blending traditional marketing with Internet marketing for your small business? Jeffrey Dobkin talks with Jim Blasingame about what you need to do to incorporate both approaches to marketing into your strategy to reach customers.
What does immigration reform have to do with your small business? Tamar Jacoby talks with Jim Blasingame about what it's going to take to get immigration back on the front burner of public debate, and why it's probably not going to be part of the presidential debates. Tamar also explains why small businesses should be involved in immigration decisions.
Do you know the difference between a suspect and a prospect? Don Cooper talks with Jim Blasingame about how to identify the profile of customer that is most likely to do business with you and how to prospect for just that group and not spend resources on those who aren't likely to do business with you.
What does the current financial crisis mean for small businesses? Bob McTeer talks with Jim Blasingame about how we got into this mess, how it could have been averted, what it will take to get out of it, how long it will take, and what small businesses should do.
Thursday - September 25, 2008
Is now a good time to start a home-based business? Beverley Williams says any time can be a good time to start a small business, but she and Jim Blasingame talk about the steps that must be taken to do it successfully.
What will be the repercussions of the government involvement in the financial crisis? Nicole Gelinas talks with Jim Blasingame about the dangers and possibilities that can occur when the marketplace turns to government for help.
Is there a simple and relatively short explanation for how we got into this financial crisis of 2008? Jim Blasingame explains in terms as simple as possible what gave rise to the crisis, where the momentum came from, who really created the excesses that are now having to be dealt with and his thoughts on government involvement.
Celebrating the 85th anniversary of the Kiplinger Letter, Joan Pryde joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the debate over whether the federal government should get more involved in the financial crisis. They also talk about some of the things that we can do to lower our travel expenses, especially regarding airline travel, plus they talk about the increasing use of robots.
Friday - September 26, 2008
Could you use some help understanding the government rescue plan? Jim Blasingame does his best to explain the current scenario involving the Federal government rescuing the U.S. banking industry, plus what could happen if the plan doesn't happen. He also discusses the potential unintended consequences if the plan does happen.
What are the political issues of the government rescue plan? Don Lambro joins Jim Blasingame to talk about his take on the ugly side of politics which have been infused into the government rescue plan debate. They also talk about how all of this is impacting the presidential campaigns.
Are you communicating effectively across cultural relationships? Pamela Perkins talks with Jim Blasingame about why it's important for small business owners to become better communicators in our more culturally diverse global marketplace.
Are you an effective networker? Ivan Misner joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how to become part of the 29% of people who actually get networking right and therefore find more success.
Monday - September 29, 2008
Are you a candidate to do business with the US government? Jennifer Bisceglie and Sarika Sangwan joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the billions of dollars of government contracts that small businesses are missing every year and how to get your share.
Should you sign a contract that includes binding arbitration? After a brief discussion of whether there will be indictments on Wall Street as a result of the financial crisis, Matthew Cartwright talks with Jim about whether a dispute with a large company you do business with is best handled by a jury trial or by arbitration.
Paul Newman was more than an actor. Donna Fenn joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the entrepreneurial good works of the late Paul Newman. They go on to talk about the impact of the younger generation on the marketplace.
Should your small business own software or rent it? Anita Rosen talks with Jim Blasingame about the benefits and power of Software as a Service (SaaS), both as a business model and as a product option, and the future of this kind of processing power.
Tuesday - September 30, 2008
Is what you know holding you back? Jack Uldrich talks first with Jim Blasingame about his thoughts on the current economic crisis. Then they move on to discuss how what we've learned in the past could actually be an impediment to success and how to be a 21st century thinker.
When the economy softens, should you reduce or increase your marketing effort? Ilise Benun talks with Jim Blasingame about why marketing should always be a key element of your business operation, and becomes even more important during slow times.
How are newspapers fairing in the 21st century marketplace? Roy Herburger has been a newspaper man for over 50 years and he talks with Jim Blasingame about the newspaper business, creating partners from competitors and supporting the local chamber of commerce.
Are you a candidate for a micro-loan? Ruth King first talks with Jim Blasingame about the current economic situation, and then they move on to discuss the availability of micro-loans for small businesses including some from non-bank groups.
