Monday - November 02, 2009
Is the human race in danger of sliding backwards? Bill Halal joins Jim Blasingame to report on his survey that asks is our global society in a "megacrisis" period and if so, how well will humans affect a successful outcome and prevent a backward slide.
Is your organization prepared to handle a crisis? Matthew Cartwright joins Jim Blasingame to discuss mistakes and help business owners be prepared when something bad happens that could result in legal action, like a wreck involving a company vehicle, a customer injury, etc.
Now is the time for women entrepreneurs to take action. That's the message Kim Lavine tells Jim Blasingame about women business owners. She says now is a great time to start a business, and she believes that women can have it all.
Having motivated employees begins at the point of hiring, according to David Cottrell, as he explains with Jim Blasingame, by offering steps to energize your team, customers, and therefore, profits.
Tuesday - November 03, 2009
Reporting on the truth about small business and capital acquisition, community banker, Mike Menzies, talks with Jim Blasingame about what's really happening with small businesses and capital acquisition. The problem is not lack of capital, but lack of business and therefore, worthiness to support a loan proposal.
What are our prospects in the current economic recovery? Richard Rawson talks with Jim Blasingame about what he sees in the marketplace and what he thinks the recovery will look like, how long it will last and what small business must do to take advantage of the future.
Reporting on the Microsoft Windows 7 operating system, Jennifer Heard talks to Jim Blasingame about how this new platform will be different from previous versions and how it will benefit users, especially small businesses.
Richard Rawson joins Jim Blasingame to report on the last Administaff Small Business Classic Champions Tour tournament. PGA golf tournaments are played by golfers who make a lot of money and sponsored by big companies, but the real winners are the local charities that get millions from money raised by the tournament.
The answers to your future success may be right in front of you, but you won't get out of your own way, says Ziad Khoury, as he tells Jim Blasingame. You may not need to spend more money to get more sales, you might just have to discover the opportunity your missing with existing customers.
Wednesday - November 04, 2009
Leaders present many characteristics and some of them are not positive. Tim Irwin talks with Jim Blasingame about some of the lessons we can learn from the examples of leaders who failed.
How can being introverted actually be a good thing in the marketplace? Patricia Weber and Jim Blasingame talk about the traits of an introvert, including some that are not productive, and how being introverted could actually be an advantage.
Dr. Robert McTeer joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the evolving influence of the Fed, its relationship with Congress, the future of capitalism and the state of the economy, including how long the recovery will take.
What's the next step after successful networking? Building strategic alliances. That's the idea discussed by Trish Rubin and Jim Blasingame about how to turn connections into relationships you can leverage in your career. They also talk about how men and women network differently.
Thursday - November 05, 2009
Debbie Meyer joins Jim Blasingame to talk about helping women launch their small business. Topics include those issues that are unique to women as they start and run a business, like the family dynamic, self-confidence, access to capital and, of course, guilt, self-imposed and otherwise.
Joan Pryde joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the good, the bad and the ugly about various elements in the current phase of the economic recovery. They also talk about the impact of state elections on national political agendas, 401K management suggestions, multi-national oil exploration, among other issues.
Reporting on Enterprise 2.0 and other tech issues, Ed Yourdon joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the differences between how small businesses will leverage social media tools and relationships compared to big businesses.
Friday - November 06, 2009
What is the truth about capitalizing a small business? Jim Blasingame talks about the various sources of small business capital, including investment and debt, and what it takes to acquire either. He also talks about the most important source of capital - customers.
What is the truth about capitalizing a start-up in the current economy? Richard Hooker joins Jim Blasingame to explain how the current economic conditions are impacting the ability of small businesses to get access to capital, especially for start-ups.
What is the impact of current political debates on small business? Rich Galen and Jim Blasingame talk about the current political landscape, including the recent elections and their affect on health care reform, cap and trade and other legislation.
What does the venture capital landscape look like for small businesses seeking investor funds? Dr. Mark Cannice joins Jim Blasingame to discuss his recent venture capital index, plus some of the things that are necessary to attract investors.
Rich Galen and Jim Blasingame share their thoughts as they discuss the tragic shooting of innocent people at Ft. Hood, Texas.
Monday - November 09, 2009
What does small business leadership look like? Wally Bock talks with Jim Blasingame about the important issue of leadership in the success of a small business, including the single fundamental element.
Understanding the brain for better small business performance. This is the message Patt Lind-Kyle brings to the interview with Jim Blasingame as they talk about how to rewire your brain for success, as well as your employees.
Reporting on the many small business exporting resources, Doug Barry talks to Jim Blasingame about the exciting examples of tools, people and financial resources that are available to make exporting a reality for small businesses.
What will the relationship between banks and small business look like in the new economy? Art Kleiner discusses this with Jim Blasingame, including the different levels of banks, such as the nationals and the independent community banks.
What is the impact of the recession on innovation? Art Kleiner talks with Jim Blasingame about the counter-intuitive impact that a global recession has had on innovation and productivity.
Tuesday - November 10, 2009
Why you should build an online customer community platform. Rick Maurer and Jim Blasingame discuss why you should create this kind of a customer network, in parallel to the ones you build on popular social media platforms.
How is the economic recovery progressing? Sam Norwood reports with Jim Blasingame that the recovery is progressing, but slowly. Upward trends are capital expenditures and even hiring.
What are the key markers that define success? Should we define success in different ways? Jim Randel and Jim Blasingame talk about how to have a healthy and productive attitude about being successful.
What are the trends that will influence our businesses? Gerald Celente joins Jim Blasingame to talk about trends in the economy, the marketplace, U.S. politics and geo-politics.
Wednesday - November 11, 2009
Leave it to Jim Blasingame to do push the envelope, as he makes the case for pitching a big ten on Veterans' Day. Jim talks about the history of Veteran's Day and says this day should include all those who have worn the uniform.
Do the rich and powerful just keep getting richer and more powerful? That's the question David Adler and Jim Blasingame discuss, including how those who caused the financial crisis we have seem to be profiting from the government bailouts.
Manage your people better by understanding their personalities. This is the message from Pierce and Jane Howard as they join Jim Blasingame to discuss and dispel some of the myths about extroverts and introverts.
Celebrating Veterans' Day with the American Legion, as Mark Walker joins Jim Blasingame to talk about those we honor on this holiday, as well as some of the ways the American Legion helps veterans and their families.
With new investment tips for the small investor, David Adler joins Jim Blasingame to discuss some ways for the little investor to take advantage of some of the more powerful investment tools and practices.
Thursday - November 12, 2009
What is Kiplinger saying about proposed financial reform proposals? Joan Pryde joins Jim Blasingame to review the current debate over regulating what will be essentially the entire fincancial industry, including banking.
How does the health care debate and immigration reform impact small business? Tamar Jacoby joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the connection to these issues and why small business owners should care.
How does technology impact our brands? Karen Post joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why the power of technology has an effect on how we leverage our brands, especially regarding social media.
What are the new changes to the tax code regarding loss carry-back? Joan Pryde talks with Jim Blasingame about this, as well as the home-owner tax credit.
How is the national economy impacting the financial health of the states? Joan Pryde talks about with Jim Blasingame, including the total record state budget deficits being projected.
Shareholder reform, space exploration and President Obama's trip to Asia are the topics discussed by Joan Pryde and Jim Blasingame. When will the U.S. go back to the moon, and will Obama have a successful trip to China?
Friday - November 13, 2009
Even during tough economic times, there are still plenty of things to be thankful for, according to Beverly Inman-Ebel, who joins Jim Blasingame to report on what small business owners told her about what they're thankful for.
How does a mature business maintain an entrepreneurial focus? Dr. Robert Wolcott talks with Jim Blasingame about how to manage your growing business without losing the entrepreneurial energy.
How does a small business simplify installing a quality process? Leslie Kossoff and Jim Blasingame talk about how to accomplish this very important operational element without spending a lot of money.
How important is having a website for your small business? Randy Almond says it's as important as having a phone., as he talks about establishing a web strategy with Jim Blasingame, including tips and best practices, and a special offer.
Monday - November 16, 2009
Celebrating 12 years of the Small Business Advocate Show, Jim Blasingame reflects on what has happened in the past dozen years for his and your small business, including the good, the bad and the ugly.
Reporting on the October 09 NFIB survey of small business conditions, Bill Dunkelberg joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how small businesses are fairing these days, and to discuss how government is not helping the recovery process.
Where else can you find a discussion about connecting killer whales, parenting and small business? Jim Ballard joins Jim Blasingame to offer some ideas on what we can learn as business owners and parents from Orcas.
Regulations harm small business economic recovery, according to Wayne Crews, as he talks with Jim Blasingame about some of the various reform proposals being considered by the government, including health care, cap-and-trade, anti-trust, etc.
Tuesday - November 17, 2009
Long-term small business success tends to happen to those who stay healthy. Ken Leebow talks with Jim Blasingame about some tips and practices that will help you get and stay healthier.
What is the news on tax laws and proposals? Barbara Weltman joins Jim Blasingame to talk about new developments in tax laws, including loss carry back, and other tax planning news, tips and dates.
What can we learn about dealing with difficulty from a president whose been deaf for 150 years? Gene Griessman talks with Jim Blasingame about how Abraham Lincoln got himself into the right mindset for challenges, even dealing with depression.
What could you do to make sure you are an abject failure at networking? Ivan Misner talks to Jim Blasingame about 10 things NOT to do, unless you want to fail at networking.
Wednesday - November 18, 2009
Finding things to celebrate, even in a slow economy. Jim Blasingame talks about why we should celebrate milestones, like business anniversaries, but also the relationships we have with customers.
What will be the fate of the current health care legislation in 2009? Karen Kerrigan and Jim Blasingame discuss this issue, including the legislative steps remaining and the prospects for passage this year.
Growing sales even in a slow economy can happen, according to Brad Huisken, as he talks with Jim Blasingame about getting out of our own way and reinstalling the right attitude in our organizations.
What does trust have to do with creativity and risk-taking? Arky Ciancutti joins Jim Blasingame to discuss talk about the negative impact of fear on trust and productivity.
We should spend more time celebrating our relationships with customers, according to Jim Blasingame. He talks about showing customers how big a deal it is when they continue to do business with us.
Celebrating small business milestones is the topic of discussion between Karen Kerrigan and Jim Blasingame, including the fact that you're still in business at the end of 2009.
Thursday - November 19, 2009
Can you actually find success in a simple "Thank you"? Jeff Zbar and Jim Blasingame agree that showing customers appreciation is one of the most important success strategies. So, why isn't it done more often?
Learning how to value your business will pay dividends on many levels, according to Russel Brown, as he talks with Jim Blasingame about this essential element in buying or selling a business.
Reporting on the most recent Kiplinger Letter, Joan Pryde joins Jim Blasingame to talk about new anti-trust momentum, how small businesses are categorized, and the future price of oil.
Don't miss this exciting interview with Steve Forbes as he joins Jim Blasingame to report on the future of capitalism, the condition of the economy and his guidance for small business owners.
The new "smart" mobile phones are getting more and more exciting, and Jeff Zbar talks with Jim Blasingame about how these devices, and associated software, will be changing the way we do business.
What will the proposed health care legislation impact small businesses? Steve Forbes joins Jim Blasingame to reveal his thoughts on current health care reform debate and what passage of the current proposal would mean for small businesses.
Friday - November 20, 2009
Is there a looming conflict between the generations? John Fox joins Jim Blasingame to reveal the problems and propose solutions for how long-term retirement and health care commitments are made to senior citizens.
Finding that elusive bottom-line profit for your small business is the topic Steve Martin talks about with Jim Blasingame, including several tips and best practices on increasing your chances of profitability.
Jim Blasingame reveals his thought on why the coming economic recovery will be a marathon and not a sprint, including the the paradoxical issues of unemployment level and increasing productivity.
Is entrepreneurship a skill that can be learned? Tim Berry joins Jim Blasingame to reveal what is and is not being taught in entrepreneurship curricula, and they discuss whether an entrepreneurship education is worthwhile.
The new customer paradigm: total control. Jim Blasingame reveals the three customer relationship elements that are part of The Age of the Customer™, and what small businesses must do about it.
Monday - November 23, 2009
Can good business decisions be compatible with doing the right thing? Can doing the right thing for society also be good for business? Bruce Piasecki joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how companies should behave when today's world demands socially responsive products and services.
Creating memorable "micro-script" brand messages. Bill Schley tells Jim Blasingame your brand message is not about what you say, but what people will repeat after you say it to them.
What are small business managers are saying about the economy? Bill Soward joins Jim Blasingame to report on the most recent survey of financial professionals and the news continues to be caution and concern.
How do you align your sales goals with your social media strategy? Joanne Black talks with Jim Blasingame about using the tools and efficiency of social media, without losing the intrinsically valuable sales elements of personal, vocal and in-person contact.
Why is India more exciting than China, in terms of the global marketplace? Bill Schley joins Jim Blasingame to report on his recent trip to India and why he thinks small businesses should be doing business there.
Tuesday - November 24, 2009
The key to sustaining customer relationships is connection. Neal Creighton and Jim Blasingame talk about how to use electronic tools to foster dialogue with customers resulting in a connection that can be more important than any marketing strategy.
The health care reform legislation weaving its way through Congress will be very dangerous for small businesses. Jim Copland reports with Jim Blasingame, as they reveal some of the provisions that are not widely known.
How do you create a productive discount strategy to drive traffic without giving the store away? Ryan Torresan talks with Jim Blasingame about discounting strategies and tools to consider as you attempt to balance sales growth with profitability.
Are your personal and financial priorities at odds? Gary Moore joins Jim Blasingame to talk about defining prosperity in more ways than just money and stuff.
Wednesday - November 25, 2009
What is the truth about Thanksgiving? Ken Davis is back to talk to Jim Blasingame about the people, traditions, facts and fiction about one of the great American holidays, Thanksgiving.
What does being "thankful" really mean? Debbie Meyer and Jim Blasingame talk about how to take stock and learn how to appreciate all of the aspects of your life.
How do you build a culture of gratitude for customers? JoAnna Brandi talks to Jim Blasingame about some of the elements that we can install in our small businesses that will help all members of the organization to show customers who much we appreciate them and their business.
Should we be worried about America becoming Europeanized? Bruce Bartlett talks with Jim Blasingame about some of the policies being proposed that look a lot like the socialistic elements of European countries.
Thursday - November 26, 2009
In his traditional Thanksgiving Day message, Jim Blasingame talks about the origins of this holiday, how it wouldn't have been possible without a demonstration of the best of humanity, amazing serendipity and the phenomenon of cause-and-effect.
Joining Jim Blasingame for another Thanksgiving Day visit, Bob Dilenschneider and Jim talk about the many things we have to be thankful for, even when times seem to be so difficult.
How old would you say you are if you didn't know when you were born? Jim Donovan joins Jim Blasingame to talk about not letting an old person move into your body, including a few ideas on how to stay productive as long as you live.
Friday - November 27, 2009
Could innovation be the key to your survival? Pam Harper joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why small businesses must continue to innovate on large and small levels.
Government intrusion into the management of big business is a cautionary tale for small business owners, according to Bill Diffenderffer, as he talks with Jim Blasingame about why he's concerned that this country could be losing its capitalist soul.
When will the consumer come back in this recovery? Pam Danziger joins Jim Blasingame on Black Friday to discuss what's on the mind of the American consumer as we enter the holiday season.
Survival requires a commitment to marketing. Cliff Ennico and Jim Blasingame talk about the difficult but essential management commitment to a marketing strategy when the economy is not good.
How is an online marketing strategy like an octopus? In this interview with Jim Blasingame, Cliff Ennico uses the octopus analogy to encourage small businesses to create an online marketing plan that integrates with the traditional marketing strategy.
Monday - November 30, 2009
What is the credit crisis doing to the franchise industry? Joel Libava joins Jim Blasingame to report that the credit crunch is definitely affecting franchise opportunities and what can be done to mitigate the lack of traditional financing.
Reporting on how his energy company has leveraged strategic alliances to grow from zero to $20 million in sales in two years, Josh Costell joins Jim Blasingame to discuss this important 21st century strategy, plus a little about the growing green industry.
Business is so much easier when we just ask customers what they want. Linda Ireland talks to Jim Blasingame about why our customers' experiences with us are the key to growing sales and profits in the future.
There is a virtual world in your business' future. Jorian Clarke joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how small businesses will compete in the global economy by creating virtual world experiences for customers.