Monday - August 03, 2009
If you want to be more successful in your small business, spend more time on strategic thinking, according to Rich Horwath, who joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the critical nature of thinking "out front" of where your business is right now.
How can you turn fear from being an immobilizer to a motivator? Joe Bailey talks with Jim Blasingame about how small business owners should identify fear in its many forms and learn to deal with each one.
How will proposed banking regulations negatively impact small businesses? Mike Menzies talks with Jim Blasingame about his recent testimony before a Congressional committee on how new regulations could hurt independent banks and therefore, small businesses.
How can you use social media in a small business export strategy? Doug Barry explains with Jim Blasingame about how to use this tool to find foreign buyers and develop relationships with them, in conjunction with other due diligence tools.
Tuesday - August 04, 2009
How will small business marketing be different after 2009? Bob Bly joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the state of connecting with prospects and turning them into customers, including the new ways customers want to connect with you.
Is free-market capitalism under assault? Guy Sorman talks to Jim Blasingame about how free-market capitalism has benefited billions of people over the past 200 years, but now may be under assault by those with socialist tendencies and a desire for control.
What is on the mind of small business owners today? Pamela Springer talks with Jim Blasingame about the most pressing issues small business owners are facing, including how to do more with less, and the best ways to connect with prospects and stay connected with customers.
Small business owners: Don't wish your life away, even in a recession. Jim Blasingame talks about why you should keep all things in perspective during tough economic times.
Jim Blasingame talks about his thoughts on why the current health care reform debate should result in no legislation at all, because it current includes primarily government solutions with virtually no alternatives for market-based solutions, such as portability and the ability to buy heath insurance across state lines.
Wednesday - August 05, 2009
When the government passes laws and deploys program, there are often unintended consequences that occur that create more problems than solutions. Steve Malanga talks with Jim Blasingame about some recent examples, like the "Cash for Clunkers" program.
Do you need to become a small business law warrior? Marjorie Jobe says yes, and she talks with Jim Blasingame about some of the critical legal issues small business owners need to know about, including contracts and incorporating.
Even though it might seem painful, doing an internal evaluation on the effectiveness and performance of your team is critical to staying competitive. Jeff Koser and Chad Koser join Jim Blasingame to discuss the value of doing an organizational self-analysis, including tips and best practices.
What are the best ways to maximize the talents of small business employees? Bob Kustka joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how to maximize human capital by using current employees' best talents.
According to Bob Kustka and Jim Blasingame, a simple "Thank you" to customers could be the silver bullet that brings a customer back. And yet, these two words are too often not part of the conversation. Bob and Jim talk about this missing element and how and why it must be part of your small business customer care strategy.
Thursday - August 06, 2009
More and more, home-based business owners are realizing that they're really "me-based," because of all the mobile technology available. Jeff Zbar and Jim Blasingame talk about some of the tools and best practices to maximize your mobile, or "me-based" activity.
How does a Main Street small business stay connected with 21st century customers of all generations? Andrea Nierenberg joins Jim Blasingame to talk about serving and delivering information to the varied generations of customers that we now serve.
How is the health care reform debate progressing and what are the implications for small business? Joan Pryde and Jim Blasingame discuss this topic, plus GPS satellites, the future of risk in investing, and business technology.
Friday - August 07, 2009
The economy is turning around, according to the Tatum survey, as Sam Norwood reports with Jim Blasingame, including upticks in sales, credit availability and other critical economic indicators.
Don't let bad breath derail your sales strategy. Breath expert, Dr. Harold Katz, joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the causes of halitosis and a number of tips on how to keep your breath fresh.
How technology has changed marketing forever. Online expert, Anita Rosen, joins Jim Blasingame to reveal many of the ways technology and the Internet has changed the way customers control our relationship with them, including how - and where - they want to be reached.
Will customer care look different in the future? John Patterson and Chip Bell think it will, as they speak with Jim Blasingame about the how much loving up our customers will change as we move into the next era of the marketplace, including e-customer service.
Monday - August 10, 2009
What kind of economic recovery are we in for and how fast will it happen? Jim Blasingame talks about some of the issue around converting from a deep recession to a healthy recovery, including some of the challenges that have to be overcome and how long this could take.
Small business start-ups need to be around other people who are at the same stage in order to learn from each other. Cheni Yerushalmi talks with Jim Blasingame about the rental/services business model he and his partner have developed to help start-ups in their market have the maximum opportunity to succeed.
Why would you want to know what other companies are doing with regard to intellectual property? David Dawsey joins Jim Blasingame to explain why you should keep up with IP developments in your industry, plus offer practical tips for keeping an eye on competitor's intellectual property.
In The Age of the Customer™, small businesses should be building their own online communities. Jim Blasingame talks about how to create the values of your online communities, and why you should not depend upon the public sites, like Facebook and Twitter, as the only way you connect with prospects and customers.
Tuesday - August 11, 2009
Should you add video to your website? Joyce Weiss says absolutely, especially with customer testimonials, and she joins Jim Blasingame to reveal the technology, plus offer tips and best practices to help you energize your online strategy.
Has Generation Y become Gen Whine? Have we equipped the younger generations with the perspectives and tools they need to be successful? Brian Moran joins Jim Blasingame to pose this question and to talk about where he thinks there could be some improvement.
You should think of social media options as another small business marketing tool, according to Brian Moran, who talks with Jim Blasingame about how to incorporate social media practices into your overall marketing strategy.
What impact will China have on the global economy? What should we be investing in? How much will small business matter in the coming economic expansion? Jim Rogers joins Jim Blasingame to discuss these and other global topics.
What is the future role of the Fed? Has the Fed been given too much power? How is the economy doing? Bob McTeer joins Jim Blasingame to talk about these issues and answer these questions.
Wednesday - August 12, 2009
There are dozens of free resources available to help small businesses get started and grow their ventures. Tim Berry and Jim Blasingame reveal and discuss the most prominent ones.
Joel Suzuki, a small business owner, has died and he is memorialized by his friend, Joel Barker, who talks with Jim Blasingame about Suzuki's life and impact. The two men also talk about living life to the fullest every day, show and express your love and, as Warren Zevon once said, "enjoying every sandwich."
The Oregon Small Business Boost program was a great success, as Palo Alto Software Founder, Tim Berry, explains to Jim Blasingame. The makers of Business Plan Pro decided to give back to their state by GIVING AWAY $3 million worth of their product to anyone who could get to one of the local distribution points. Yet another selfless gesture by one of America's finest small businesses.
There are small business success stories, even in a recession. Jay Myers offers hope by telling Jim Blasingame about how his small business has weathered the storm successfully.
What are the next breakthrough innovations? Joel Barker talks with Jim Blasingame about innovations that have significant possibilities, such as fungus for insulation, feathers for energy storage and spider silk as movement.
World peace will have a greater chance if more women own businesses. Terry Neese talks with Jim Blasingame about how her organization is supporting women in other countries, like Afghanistan and Rwanda, start and grow their businesses in the face of extreme challenges and even danger.
Thursday - August 13, 2009
Want to know how to acquire high quality prospects and grow sales with virtually no expense? Referrals. They're golden, according to Rob Jolles, who joins Jim Blasingame to discuss valuable tips and best practices to help you get more referrals from your existing customers.
What's the outlook for the impact of housing issues on the national economic recovery? Kiplinger Senior Editor, Joan Pryde, joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the multi-faceted challenges and regional issues facing the housing industry.
What is the marketplace mood of small business owners? Bill Dunkelberg joins Jim Blasingame to report on his NFIB Survey of Small Business Economic Conditions, which this month are mostly pointing downward.
General economic conditions, Swine flu precautions and tax proposals are some of the issues discussed by Kiplinger Senior Editor, Joan Pryde, and Jim Blasingame.
Friday - August 14, 2009
What is the most important The Age of the Customer™ thought for small business success? Jim Blasingame talks about the REAL reason customers will do business with you in the future - and it's not your products or services.
What is a Libertarian and what does this political philosophy stand for? Wayne Allyn Root talks with Jim Blasingame about the Libertarian philosophy of business and government and why he thinks America would be better off with more Libertarian representation in government.
What can small business owners learn about know when and where to take a stand from Abraham Lincoln. Gene Griessman tells Jim Blasingame that Lincoln was willing to fight for what he believed in, but he learned how to pick his fights.
What is at stake for small businesses in the current health care reform proposals? Karen Kerrigan talks with Jim Blasingame about the dangers of the current proposals for small businesses and the ideas that should be on the table to accomplish reform.
Monday - August 17, 2009
Are you conscious of your spirit? You know, the force that drives your protoplasm around? Jim Blasingame talks about not only being aware of your spirit, but actually discovering it as a force and leveraging it to help you follow your entrepreneurial dream.
Someone is buying something from somebody right now; it might as well be you. Mike Stewart joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how to get your share of the sales that are happening, even if it's not as much as you would want. They also talk about what selling is going to look like in the future.
How has the travel industry and travel agency services evolved over the past dozen years. Gary Murphy talks with Jim Blasingame about these topics and says that even thought travel is currently off, travel agents are making a comeback.
Is there a conflict between Wall Street and Main Street? If so, did it contribute to the current financial crisis? Gary Moore thinks that there is a conflict and he talks with Jim Blasingame about it, including how he thinks investing will change as a result of this conflict.
Does the public outcry over the health care reform debate demonstrate that American voters are taking back the political debate process? Jim Blasingame thinks it is and he talks about why America is the better for it.
Tuesday - August 18, 2009
Are you getting the most performance out of your people? Tim Irwin talks with Jim Blasingame about how to maximize the effort of the employees of your small business and help them take ownership of their assignments.
How do you squeeze profits out of the 30% of your operation that isn't related to employees and capital expense? Steve Martin talks with Jim Blasingame about those costs of doing business that are less visible than others.
What are your management peers saying about the economy? Bill Soward joins Jim Blasingame to report on the most recent survey of business managers concerning the recession and possibility of economic recovery.
What will cause the next economic expansion? Michael Cox joins Jim Blasingame to discuss what caused the last economic expansion and predict what factors will produce the next one. They also talk about investment opportunities in the coming expansion, including what small businesses should plan for.
Wednesday - August 19, 2009
Customer care excellence can best be accomplished when companies look at themselves from the customer's perspective. JoAnna Brandi talks about this with Jim Blasingame, including training all employees about how to serve customers with their perspective in mind.
There are many initial requirements to having a successful start-up, and Richard Hooker joins Jim Blasingame to talk about some of them, including the plan, the capital, grants and venture capital.
How does a small business stay in front of prospects and customers when the economy is slow and the budget is tight? Paula Lovell talks with Jim Blasingame about some low-cost, no-cost marketing tools, tips and best practices that will help you stay competitive.
When state laws interfere with Internet performance it creates problems across cyberspace. Steve DelBianco talks with Jim Blasingame about some of the ill-advised state laws that should only be addressed at the federal level.
Thursday - August 20, 2009
Is your business prepared for a disaster? Jeff Zbar and Jim Blasingame talk about some of the potential disasters that could befall a small business and offer several tips, resources and best practices to help you be prepared.
What is the likelihood of climate change, carbon limiting legislation in the current Congress? Joan Pryde joins Jim Blasingame to report on what Kiplinger has to say about this topic, plus Jim's thoughts on how a carbon tax will hurt the economy.
Clearly, there are distinct differences between the older and younger generations. Mike Muetzel joins Jim Blasingame to discuss these differences and how the the groups - primarily Generation X and Baby Boomers - can work more effectively together.
Friday - August 21, 2009
What does leadership look like? Michael Stallard joins Jim Blasingame to talk about some of the characteristics of leadership and the invaluable contribution it makes to the success of any organization.
Clearly ethical lapses have created a dangerous condition in our world and Len Marrella talks with Jim Blasingame about the conditions and how we can regain and reinstall ethical behavior in the marketplace and in government. Jim reminds Len that small business owners are excellent ethical models to follow.
How do you maximize education expenses in a recession? Farnoosh Torabi is back with Jim Blasingame to offer tips and resources on how to get the most out of your education budget this year. Plus she talks about helping the younger generations deal with their finances.
There are many leadership lessons we can learn from historic and divine leaders, and Dave Anderson discusses with Jim Blasingame some of the traits of leaders such as King David and others. They also talk about some of the most important characteristics of a leader.
Monday - August 24, 2009
Do you know how to prioritize who to pay when cash is tight? Jerry Silberman joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to get the help you need when creditors are calling and you need help managing the cash flow that you have. Don't wait until it's too late to get help.
What is the state of the economy for small businesses? SBA Chief Economist, Chad Moutray, joins Jim Blasingame to examine the current state of the economy for the small business sector, including sales, availability of credit and other issues.
Take a lesson from McDonald's founder, Ray Kroc, who said his company didn't sell food, it sold fuel. Jim Blasingame talks about why small businesses should understand how the competitive differentiation process really works the way Mr. Kroc did.
Gain control over your technology and gain control over your small business' future, according to Caleb Barlow, who joins Jim Blasingame to talk about a new approach to IT thinking, the appliance. This is a device that aggregates a server, telephone system, data security and back-up and easy diagnostics into one box.
Why there should be NO health care reform legislation this year. Jim Blasingame explains why this debate about how to pay for and deliver health care has become so politically acrimonious that it is impossible for a legislative product to produce anything that will be good for Americans.
Tuesday - August 25, 2009
The current health care reform debate is the most important and potentially most dangerous legislation in generations, according to Grace-Marie and Jim Blasingame, who discuss the truth about this issue and offer alternative, market-based solutions for health care reform.
How does co-opetition work for small business? Entrepreneur, Neal Harris, talks about his business with Jim Blasingame, and how he uses the concept of co-opetition to leverage the assets of other companies. He also explains how the fragrance industry works.
What is brand equity and how do you create it for your small business? Peter Meyer and Jim Blasingame discuss the balance sheet effect of how your small business is perceived in the marketplace, how to increase brand equity and what to do when a brand liability pops up. They also talk about using brand equity as a platform for growth.
How do you blend your brand strategy with your social media strategy? Karen talks with Jim Blasingame about how to incorporate both strategies so that they complement each other and prepare your business to be ready for what customers will demand in the future.
Wednesday - August 26, 2009
With the social media craze, is email still relevant?Christina Cavanagh joins Jim Blasingame to help small businesses understand that, like all electronic communication applications, email should be used as required and as customers request them.
Beginning with a reflection on the late Ted Kennedy, Joan Pryde and Jim Blasingame talk about the impact of cyber-crime and how to not become a victim. They also talk about consumer behavior, an increase in anti-trust scrutiny, "cash for clunkers" and regional wireless broadband.
Reflecting on the political career of Senator Ted Kennedy, Rich Galen joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the late senator and his impact on American public policy. Jim also talks about the Kennedy's impact on small business issues.
How did the recent election go in Afghanistan and what are the future prospects for this country to successfully govern itself? Rich Galen talks with Jim Blasingame about his recent assignment as an election observer and his thoughts on the future of this country.
Monday - August 31, 2009
How can we help our minds last as long as our bodies? Mark Underwood talks with Jim Blasingame about the dangers of mental degeneration and offers several tips and supplements we can use to strengthen mental health.
Bill Brandt was a friend of Ted Kennedy's for over 30 years, as well as a long-time member of Jim Blasingame's Brain Trust. Bill joins Jim to reflect on Kennedy's life and critique his political legacy.
Surveying the credit landscape, how is it looking for small businesses? Tom Markel joins Jim Blasingame to reveal where the opportunities and challenges are for small businesses to get credit, including for start-ups. One source they discuss is an increase in private lending.
There are three things that can help you create and maintain a high-functioning team and Chester Elton joins Jim Blasingame to reveal what they are. Here's one hint: you have to not care who gets the credit.
