Friday - May 01, 2009
What are you doing to prepare for a tough economy? Gail Kaspar talks with Jim Blasingame about looking at our businesses and our customer relationships as they are this year and will be in the future, not as we wish they still were.
There are landmark changes to patent laws coming that will impact inventors, businesses and investors. Ken Krosin joins Jim Blasingame to talk about this issue and how it will impact small businesses.
Do small businesses use social media more than big business? Who uses social media more, executives or managers? Chuck Martin shares his research on these and other social media questions with Jim Blasingame as they reveal surprising findings of Chuck's recent survey.
Jim Blasingame talks about why small businesses should think about building customer communities instead of social media in The Age of the Customer™.
Monday - May 04, 2009
Build small business customer relationships that last? Scott Swedenburg explains how to follow your customers home with valuable offerings, with Jim Blasingame.
Do you follow astrology? Ruth King joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the idea of how astrological circumstances may play a part in how customers behave and markets respond.
Legendary investor and capitalist, Jim Rogers, offers lessons in life, entrepreneurship, globalization and investing with Jim Blasingame
How to keep your nose to the survival grindstone and your eye on the opportunity horizon. Paul Casey and Jim Blasingame talk about managing for survival while planning for future success.
Tuesday - May 05, 2009
What are the key issues small businesses should consider when taking dramatic reorganization steps in order to survive a recession and prepare for recovery?Dario Priolo joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the results of a nationwide survey on this topic.
Are you blending your brand strategy with your social media plan? Karen Post joins Jim Blasingame to explain why your brand must be an integral part of building customer communities online.
Why do politicians do more talking about small business than working on policies that help this critical market sector? Jonathon Zuck joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the disparity between rhetoric and performance by the political class. They also discuss the dangers of global influences on Internet governance.
America has lost a great leader and free-markets have lost a champion. Rich Galen and Jim Blasingame celebrate the life of Jack Kemp by pointing out the big ideas he not only thought, but actually turned into reality.
Is the Republican Party in danger of losing its relevance? Rich Galen joins Jim Blasingame to discuss where Republican's go from here, but also, the chances of more bad news for the GOP, a viable independent party.
Wednesday - May 06, 2009
Is it crazy to think that a small business would actually fire a customer? What would cause this to be needed? Jeff Dobkin joins Jim Blasingame to explain what it looks like when you should fire a customer and they discuss some of the ways to do it.
Who contributes the largest share of resources to developing countries? Carol Adelman says it's America and its citizens and companies, as she explains with Jim Blasingame. They also discuss how technology is changing philanthropy.
Why will just having a website in the future not be enough? Anita Rosen joins Jim Blasingame to explain that your Internet presence will also have to include the ability to deliver your message on the various mobile platforms, and they discuss how that will happen.
Your plan is important, but how do you get it executed so that it becomes a successful reality? Rick Lepsinger says this is the biggest concern for managers and he talks with Jim Blasingame about some execution tips and best practices.
Thursday - May 07, 2009
What are some women doing to survive and thrive in this recession? Mary Cantando joins Jim Blasingame with stories about how some women have turned adversity into opportunity.
Why is a recession a good time for small business start-ups to consider a classic partnership, instead of going it alone. David Gage talks with Jim Blasingame about the efficiencies, leverage and also some of the cautionary issues of a partnership.
Joan Pryde joins Jim Blasingame to discuss current events as covered in this week's <i>Kiplinger Letter</i>
Friday - May 08, 2009
How's the economy doing? Sam Norwood joins Jim Blasingame to report on the results of the Tatum Survey about the attitudes on the economy from business owners and managers around the country. This month's report is very encouraging.
With so much fear and uncertainty in the marketplace, how do we rise above all of it. Joe Bailey joins Jim Blasingame to talk about not just dealing with fear, but actually managing it as one of the very real issues of running a business.
What's the most important part of your brand? Howard Behar says it's the people, and he joins Jim Blasingame to talk about why putting people first is so important for your business to survive and grow.
Cap and Trade
Chris Horner joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the impact Cap and Trade has on small business and the economy.
Monday - May 11, 2009
How much of teamwork success is mechanical and how much is creative? Stephen Shapiro joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how to install the creative element into your teamwork structure.
Want to make your business a great place to work? Where prospective employees are lined up to come in?
Leigh Branham talks with Jim Blasingame about the six characteristics of the companies that were judged to be the best places to work.
Did you know some fats kill other fats, and you're left with less fat? Nutrition expert, Dr. Udo Erasmus, joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the differences in two kinds of fats, how to consume fat and how you can use this knowledge to be healthier - and thinner.
How does a small business make the right marketing choices with so many options? Joy Gendusa joins Jim Blasingame to explain why cutting marketing budgets is not the way to survive in a recession, and she offers some tips and best practices on how to maximize your marketing budget.
Tuesday - May 12, 2009
What happens to a small business if the bank they do business with fails the stress test? Dave Kansas joins Jim Blasingame to answer some questions about about the scary stuff going on in the banking industry.
Do you own a small business that could qualify as one of America's best? Carl Lavin and Jim Blasingame talk about Forbes’ plans to identify “America’s Most Promising Companies," and how you could find out if your business measures up.
Do you want to build a profitable website without a million dollar budget? Lori Culwell joins Jim Blasingame to provide simple steps that will help you compete in a global marketplace, regardless of the size of your business.
Where does a small business turn for capital in this economic environment? Daniel Kehrer and Jim Blasingame discuss angel investors, venture capital, bank financing, credit cards and other sources of small business capital.
Wednesday - May 13, 2009
Will the way the government handles the Chrysler bankruptcy be the end of the sanctity of contracts? Steve Malanga joins Jim Blasingame as he examines the Obama administration's plans for Chrysler. Malanga argues the Chrysler bankruptcy is the prime example of Obamanomics and it's theory of central planning.
What are small businesses saying about how they are currently finding the economy with regard to sales, credit, capital expenditures, etc.? Bill Dunkelberg reports to Jim Blasingame on his survey results.
What if you could have a nuclear reactor in your back yard? What if your car's shock absorbers could create electricity to run your car?
These are just some of the emerging innovations Joel Barker reveals with Jim Blasingame.
If you watch your pennies, the dollars will take care of themselves. Farnoosh Torabi and Jim Blasingame discuss some ways your business can minimize expenses and maximize cash.
Thursday - May 14, 2009
How can you distinguish your brand outside of your four walls and in a scenario that isn't direct marketing? Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how he did it, with his Home Office Highway Road Trip. Very entrepreneurial.
Is the cap-and-trade debate moving forward? Will the card-check union bill get passed this year? How is the economy doing? Joan Pryde and Jim Blasingame talk about these and other current issues as covered in this week's <i>Kiplinger Letter</i>
How is the big bank industry doing amidst trying to survive while dealing with government intervention? Mike Menzies joins Jim Blasingame to talk about some of the issues around the challenges of the banking industry, plus how independent community banks are not part of the banking collapes, but in fact, are strong and never stopped lending to small businesses.
Are you spending too much time on social media? Jeff Zbar and Jim Blasingame talk about a healthy and productive way to think about participating on the popular social media sites and the dangers of spending too much time there.
Friday - May 15, 2009
What do you know about the business of protecting your business trade names? What about infringing on the marks of others? David Dawsey joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how navigate this legal issue successfully, including the four general rules for trademark registration.
Monday - May 18, 2009
Since 1998, Jim Blasingame has helped the SBA celebrate National Small Business Week. In this his 12th consecutive SBW, Jim talks about his small business heroes, the SBA and how to get these two groups working more closely together.
What do you have to do to get customers to not only do business with you, but to never leave? Chip Bell and John Patterson join Jim Blasingame to talk about how to literally take your customers' breath away with the experience you give them.
Want a step-by-step approach to building a better network? Scott Eblin joins with Jim Blasingame with five critical steps to become a better networker, and you won't be surprised to hear that Jim also has some thoughts of his own.
What's the future of your small business in a global economy? Michael Cox joins Jim Blasingame discuss starting and operating a small business successfully in a global economy.
Tuesday - May 19, 2009
How can we save Main Street small businesses and grow the local economy? Cinda Baxter discusses The 3/50 Project with Jim Blasingame and what its potential could be for communities across the U.S.
What is the health and potential of entrepreneurship in the U.S. and other countries? Zoltan Acs joins Jim Blasingame to report on the entrepreneurial soil on Planet Earth as it is being affected by the global recession and government policies.
Are you in trouble with your vendors and creditors? Are you considering bankruptcy? Jerry Silberman talks with Jim Blasingame about some of the mistakes to avoid when negotiating with creditors and vendors.
What are the top small business policy issues being debated today? Karen Kerrigan joins Jim Blasingame during National Small Business Week to discuss healthcare reform, energy policy and other issues that will harm small businesses if passed.
Thursday - May 21, 2009
Do any of your employees work remotely? Could your company benefit from what is now called "Web Communiting?" Kellyanne Conway joins Jim Blasingame with a recent workplace survey which found that Web Communing is on the rise and increasing in popularity.
Are some of the U.S. government influence in the marketplace putting the sanctity of contracts in jeopardy? Attorney Matthew Cartwright debates this issue with Jim Blasingame as they discuss the Chrysler and GM government-imposed ownership splits, plus the potential for restructuring individual mortgage contracts.
What's the future for America's largest banks? Jim Ostroff joins Jim Blasingame to talk about this issues, plus the influence of inventory levels on the recovery, the future cost of auto industry and the likely increase in anti-trust activity by the Obama administration.
Friday - May 22, 2009
How will your approach to finding and acquiring customers change this year and in the future? Kirk Cheyfitz talks with Jim Blasingame about how small businesses should think about reaching and connecting with customers with the new media technologies and social media platforms.
What will be expected of CEOs as the marketplace recovers and evolves into the new economic landscape? Stephen Baum talks with Jim Blasingame first about conditions for the recovery and then about what kind of traits successful leaders will demonstrate in the future.
Is the economy going to turn around for retailers? James Dion and Jim Blasingame talk about the pace of the recovery and what retailers should anticipate as they plan for the future.
How does a small business retailer establish a successful social media strategy? James Dion joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the relevance of social media to the local small business retailer and its prospects and customers.
Monday - May 25, 2009
For the 12th consecutive year, Jim Blasingame broadcasts his show in honor those who paid the ultimate price on behalf of a grateful nation. Jim talks about the contribution of America's small business owners all the way back to the Minutemen, and about the fact that freedom isn't free.
As has become their tradition, Bob Dilenschneider and Jim Blasingame share their thoughts on Memorial Day, honoring those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. They also discuss the leadership that is required of us in order to earn what has been given by those upon whose shoulders we stand.
After honoring Memorial Day, Gene Griessman and Jim Blasingame talks about the importance of being able to remember history, including past mistakes, as we lead our organizations into the future.
What does small business mean in Australia and New Zealand? Following his recent visit there, John Fox joins Jim Blasingame to report on small business down-under and to compare their tax structure with that of the U.S.
Tuesday - May 26, 2009
What are you doing to make sure that employees and customers are attracted to your business? Mark Deo joins Jim Blasingame to explain some rules to help small businesses get the right clients, talent and resources to come to you.
What are some of the signs of dangerous toxic behavior in a business? Valerie Sokolosky talks with Jim Blasingame about the harmful behavior of management and employees, that can take down a company. They also talk about the tendency to be rude when networking.
What are the traits that seem to keep showing up in the highly successful small businesses? Jon Gordon joins Jim Blasingame to reveal what takes to be the best of the best.
What are some of the critical management errors small businesses should avoid? Alison Diboll talks with Jim Blasingame about five key mistakes that should not be made if you want to survive the recession and thrive in the coming expansion.
Tourism in modern-day Iran? What does this controversial country look like to a tourist? Alison Diboll reports with Jim Blasingame on her recent 2-week trip to Iran and you might be surprised at what she saw.
Wednesday - May 27, 2009
What is preventing you from getting more sales? Mike Stewart says we might be talking ourselves out of sales, as he discusses this with Jim Blasingame, including the multi-faceted concept of call reluctance.
Employee recognition is critical to the success of any organization, including recognizing when employees are concerned. Chester Elton joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to develop a multi-faceted recognition strategy.
What is the impact of happiness on your resiliency and success? JoAnna Brandi talks with Jim Blasingame about how finding a way to be positive and happy in your work actually contributes to your success by making you and your organization more resilient.
What is the impact of government intervention in the U.S. marketplace? Gerald Celente talks with Jim Blasingame about what he calls "fascism-light" which is creating a "bailout bubble," which Celente says will create the next depression.
Thursday - May 28, 2009
What's it like to start a small business from scratch? Jeff Zbar and Jim Blasingame talk about their experiences as they both started their small businesses from nothing in 1989.
What are commodity prices going to do in the future? What changes will the government make in enforcing immigration laws? These are just some of the issues Joan Pryde and Jim Blasingame discuss, as covered in this week's <i>Kiplinger Letter</i>.
Could government involvement in the Chrysler and GM bankruptcies impact small business? Steve Moore says yes, in many ways, as he explains to Jim Blasingame, plus they discuss the Sotomayor Supreme Court nomination and the climate change debate.
Friday - May 29, 2009
One of the best ways to stay on top of things is to recognize that there are things that you don't know and ask for help. Robert Gordman talks with Jim Blasingame about examples of where leaders failed because they thought they had all the answers.
Can you have control over how others view your professional position and leadership image? Jim Canterucci says yes, as he talks with Jim Blasingame about how to present yourself to prospects and customers as you interact with CEOs and their managers.
Celebrating his 20th anniversary as a small business owner, Jim Blasingame reflects on why he became a small business owner, how he started up from scratch and how he got his first customers.
Celebrating his 20th anniversary as a small business owners, Jim Blasingame continues his reflections with his thoughts on what he didn't know when he started his business, and why this is an important part of the start-up process.
Celebrating his 20th anniversary as a small business owner, Jim Blasingame reflects on who to take advice from. You should definitely seek counsel from others, especially senior business owners, but in the end, you have to make the go or no-go decision. No one can make that decision for you.
Celebrating his 20th anniversary as a small business owner, Jim Blasingame reflects on what it takes to grow your business, including how to acquire and keep customers. Jim also talks about some of the things that will surprise you about being a small business owner.
