Friday - January 01, 2010
If you are able to open your business January 1, 2010, you should celebrate that as a success, according to Jim Blasingame, who talks about taking a moment to mark this success in the marathon recovery we're still facing.
What are the big policy issues facing small business for 2010? Brad Close and Jim Blasingame discuss health care reform, cap and trade and the pro-union Card Check bill. Plus a recent poll of small business owners on how they feel about the proposed cap and trade legislation.
With the speed of business and pressures to stay current, how do we find success without creating a casualty list? Joseph Bailey and Jim Blasingame talk about managing the whirlwind by focusing on how you deal with stress.
What is the greatest change small businesses will face in 2010? Debbe Kennedy talks to Jim Blasingame about a paradigm shift that is taking place in the marketplace: the customer is now in complete control. They talk about how to respond to this shift and what will happen to those businesses that don't.
If your business didn't make it through the economic meltdown, what's next? Jim Blasingame talks about failure, how to allow the marketplace to redeem you, and how to redeem yourself, after failure.
Monday - January 04, 2010
What will the new year look like for small business owners? Jim Blasingame reports on his predictions for 2010, including banking, politics, customers, the economy and even Iran.
Could 2010 be the year of the Introvert? Patricia Weber joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the reasons that 2010 could be the year of the Introvert. They also talk about the idea that small businesses are the introverts of the global economy.
Will you like the new Microsoft 7.0 operating system? How about the new Google Andoid mobile software? Alan Freedman and Jim Blasingame talk about converting from Microsoft XP to the new MS operating system, 7.0. The also talk about new mobile technology, like Google Android.
What will small business banking look like in 2010? Mike Menzies talks to Jim Blasingame about some of the key issues small businesses and their banks will face as they work together in 2010. They also discuss some of the new regulations that are being proposed by Congress.
Tuesday - January 05, 2010
In The Age of the Customer™, employee engagement is paramount. Chester Elton and Jim Blasingame reveal why employee engagement is needed now more than ever, including some real examples of how two businesses increased their bottom lines by increasing employee engagement.
What is ahead of us with the economy and how much will government policies impact the recovery? Bill Brandt and Jim Blasingame discuss the dynamics of the economic recovery between market solutions and government intervention.
How will customer care change in The Age of the Customer™? JoAnna Brandi and Jim Blasingame talk about what small businesses are going to have to do to take care of customers in an age when customers have total control over the relationship.
Technology and consumer behavior has changed the publishing industry forever, according to Dan Poynter, who joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the new ways we're defining what a book looks like and what authors should do to publish and sell their written words.
Wednesday - January 06, 2010
Transforming marketing strategies into connecting strategies is one of the keys to success in the future. Tom Asacker and Jim Blasingame talk about the thinking and the steps that have to take place in order to connect with customers with dialogue rather than talk at them.
Should the world fear or embrace China's emergence? Futurists John and Doris Naisbitt join Jim Blasingame to discuss their work on the impact China will have on the world in the next generation, including the roles of communism and capitalism.
Does health care legislation still have some hurdles that could derail passage? Could the Democrats lose their majority as a result of their policies? Rich Galen and Jim Blasingame talk about these issues, plus Rich makes a bold prediction.
Are you a networking amateur or a pro? Ivan Misner talks with Jim Blasingame about specific steps and best practices you can take to become a professional networker.
Thursday - January 07, 2010
How is the economic mood on Main Street, as we kick off another year? Sam Norwood and Jim Blasingame go over the January 2010 Tatum survey of small business conditions, including sales, investment, capital acquisition and other indicators, and the arrows are all green and pointing upward.
How strong will the recovery be in 2010? Will the government help or hurt? What about employment, banks, and energy costs? Jim Ostroff and Jim Blasingame review the most recent Kiplinger Letter on key economic and political issues that directly impact your small business.
It's okay to fall in love with what you do, but not with how you do it. That's the essence of the conversation with Wally Bock and Jim Blasingame as they talk about specific small business survival strategies that they have witnesses and implemented.
Friday - January 08, 2010
There are four kinds of leadership development, according to Gary Harpst, who joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the way each one allows your small business to grow in a more sophisticated and therefore, more successful way.
If what you're doing isn't working, stop doing it. Tony Paradiso joins Jim Blasingame to talk about making the tough decisions to change what you've always done to what the marketplace really needs.
"Grammar Girl," Mignon Fogarty, joins Jim Blasingame to offer some tips on how to use proper grammar when producing the content that is so important in connecting with customers, especially in online communities.
Reporting on what it will take to success in the future, Steve Kaplan joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how to identify new opportunities and take advantage of them, including the most promising industries and trends.
Is this a good time to sell your business? Steve Kaplan and JIm Blasingame talk about the timing and strategy of getting your business ready for sale, including whether now is a good time to sell.
Monday - January 11, 2010
One of the ways for women to gain more control over their lives is to become business owners. Mary Cantando joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the progress women have made in the marketplace and how much is left to be done. She also introduces the 2010 Woman's Advantage Calendar.
What does it take for the generations to find common ground to communicate and work more effectively together? Mike Muetzel joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to improve communication between Gen X and Gen Y with Baby Boomers.
What is a "Hobbypreneur"? Steve King joins Jim Blasingame to talk about what he learned when he conducted Intuit's New Future of Small Business Report about how some small businesses are started by people who saw their hobby turn into something that was in demand.
Do you have enough prospects for your sales pipeline for the next 90 days? Skip Miller talks with Jim Blasingame about what businesses that sell to other businesses have to do quantify how likely their current prospect list is to produce the sales volume required to be successful, including how to make the "trial close."
Tuesday - January 12, 2010
Improving financial literacy for women is the focus of the interview Hollis Colquhoun has with Jim Blasingame, including areas women should focus on in order to empower themselves individually while they work on their families financial health.
Have you set your intellectual property goals for the new year? Patent attorney, David Dawsey, joins Jim Blasingame to discuss IP elements in your operation, why you should protect them and how to do it.
Every new year should come with a renewed commitment to focus on management fundamentals. Business expert, Janet Christy, joins Jim Blasingame to offer a number of these fundamentals to consider as you make plans for the new year.
Zoltan Acs joins Jim Blasingame to debate the relative merits of the proposed and so-called "health care reform" legisltaion as it relates to your small business, including alternative proposals which are not currently part of the proposed bill.
What is the state of entrepreneurship around the globe. Global entrepreneurship expert, Zoltan Acs, joins Jim Blasingame to report on his work studying the impact of entrepreneurship on a country's economic growth.
Wednesday - January 13, 2010
Reporting on the evolution of governing with the U.S. Constitution, Seth Lipsky and Jim Blasingame discuss the document itself, how it has weathered interpretation over the ages and what are the greatest assaults on its fundamentals.
Reporting on the Dec 09 NFIB report of small business conditions, Bill Dunkelberg and Jim Blasingame discuss the challenges small business owners are having with sales, profits, creating jobs and generally keeping a positive attitude.
What does it take to be a successful franchised business owner? Nick Bibby talks to Jim Blasingame with some tough love on how to successfully buy a franchise, including what key questions to ask.
Re-engaging employees in a time of great workplace stress is becoming a unique skill in the wake of the Great Recession. Leigh Branham and Jim Blasingame talk about some of the motivational challenges that are unique to this recovery for most employers.
Thursday - January 14, 2010
All small business owners need to become better writers, according to Jeff Zbar and Jim Blasingame, as they discuss why with things like local search, posting strategic words online is one of the new keys to success.
What is being an entrepreneur REALLY like? Lifestyle Diva, Debbie Meyer, joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how much guts it takes to pull off the entrepreneurial gig successfully.
Kiplinger senior editor, Joan Pryde, joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how the Obama administration is losing patience with the legislative process and controlling policy by regulatory power, including mandates by the EPA, OSHA and Labor.
How do you get your business ready for the new year? Debbie Meyer says to focus, as she joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how to pay attention to the really important elements of your business, identify the ones that work and modify or get rid of the ones that don't.
Ladies, solve problems, don't just manage them. That's the message entrepreneur, Debbie Meyer and Jim Blasingame talk about as they point out that sometimes women see a problem as something to be managed rather than to solve and get rid of.
How is the recovery going around the globe? Kiplinger Senior Editor, Joan Pryde, joins Jim Blasingame to report on the projected GDP growth for 2010 in the prominent economies, including the U.S. China, Brazil, India and EU. The news is actually pretty positive.
Kiplinger Senior Editor, Joan Pryde, joins Jim Blasingame to report on employment growth prospects, changes in the COBRA laws and the tension between our nations balancing national security with privacy issues.
Friday - January 15, 2010
A picture is STILL worth a thousand words, according to Dan Roam, as he joins Jim Blasingame to talk about solving problems and selling ideas by conveying your message with graphical images.
What will it take to operate your small business successfully in this new era we're entering? Jim Blasingame says it's blending the new stuff with the fundamentals, and he talks about the latter with eight key points.
Is it time to reinvent yourself and your small business? Joyce Weiss joins Jim Blasingame to take us through the process of identifying when the old way isn't working, how to reinvent and re-brand, and what role the customer has in all of this.
What's the next big thing in battery innovation? Futurist, Joel Barker, reports with Jim Blasingame that the next killer app in batteries will be on paper. That's right, a battery that is printed on a sheet of copy paper. Be sure to listen as Joel explains how this will impact your life and business.
Reporting on four global demographic megatrends, Joel Barker joins Jim Blasingame to discuss what will happen with population shifts across the globe, include numbers, age, socio-economic and religious elements.
Could global warming actually cause an ice age and how long could one take to develop? That's the question futurist, Joel Barker, answers with Jim Blasingame, including how long, what could cause it and what would happen.
Monday - January 18, 2010
"Naked investing" could be a better way to invest in stocks, according to Robert Fischer, as he joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how an investment strategy that could give the small investor an edge.
Have you developed your small business exporting plan? Doug Barry joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to develop and execute an exporting plan that should includes the a significant government organizations that are standing by ready to offer assistance in prospect development and financial assistance.
We're entering a new age in the marketplace, which includes more control by customers. Rich Horwath and Jim Blasingame talk about looking at the reality in front of you, rather than what you wish were still true, and developing a strategic plan for how your business will function in this new era.
America is already bankrupt. That's the message from former New Mexico Governor, Gary Johnson, as he joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to reduce the deficit and create jobs and get our country's financial house in order. He also proposes legalizing marijuana.
Tuesday - January 19, 2010
What is the role of trust in the new marketplace era we're entering? Stephen M.R. Covey joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why operating with trust and fostering its growth will be more critical to success in The Age of the Customer™.
Exposing so-called "health care reform" for what it is, Grace-Marie Turner joins Jim Blasingame to identify all of the corruption and bribery that has become part of the process of bringing the current bill to a vote.
What happens to the so-called "health care reform" legislation if Brown wins in Mass? Grace-Marie Turner joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the various steps that could be taken by the Democrats if they lose their filibuster proof majority in the Senate.
Reporting on the evolution and revolution of eBooks, Mark Coker joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how eBooks work, how they're presented in multiple formats, including for smart phones, and how they have become part of the way information is acquired and consumed.
As the alpha member of your small business, are you taking care of your body as you do your corporate assets? Ken Leebow and Jim Blasingame talk about how to focus more on healthy nutrition and general physical well-being.
Grace-Marie Turner and Jim Blasingame talk about what happens when politicians forget who elected them, who they serve and what standards they are to operate by. In America, these obtuse individuals and parties become their own worst enemy and thankfully, increasingly, it looks like "the people" are going to hold them accountable.
What is the impact of eBooks on the future of publishing? Mark Coker joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how technology, the Internet and other innovations have created electronic publishing, including eBooks, and how all of this is impacting the traditional publishing industry.
Wednesday - January 20, 2010
The issue is not change, but rather, how you lead and sell change. That's the message Brett Clay and Jim Blasingame discuss, especially how to incorporate this leadership attitude about change to find solutions for your customers.
Identifying common problems that inhibit small business performance, Steven Gaffney joins Jim Blasingame to reveal the hard questions that have to be asked and answered with brutal honesty, in order for your business to be successful.
Donald Hunter and Clara Villarosa join Jim Blasingame to discuss the progress of African-Americans in the marketplace, including how much of a negative impact political correctness has on this group of Americans.
Is there a conflict between our financial and faith lives? Gary Moore joins Jim Blasingame to report on the future of the marketplace and whether it will be better served by morality or objectivism.
A Republican Senator in Massachusetts: What can be learned? Gary Moore joins Jim Blasingame to discuss what can Americans can learn about listening to our customers from the upset election of Republican Scott Brown to the former seat of Ted Kennedy.
Thursday - January 21, 2010
Think you've had it bad? Had to overcome a lot, did you? Got tough times? Listen to the inspiring story of Gigi Stetler, as she talks with Jim Blasingame about being a woman business owner in a male-dominated industry, but that wasn't the greatest challenge she had to deal with.
Kiplinger's Joan Pryde and Jim Blasingame talk about why Scott Brown's election in Massachusetts is a cautionary tale for both the Democrats AND the Republicans.
Reinvention is not an option for small business, it's a way of life. That's the message Doug Campbell brings to this interview with Jim Blasingame, as they discuss how to perpetuate the process of always staying a little bit ahead of where the marketplace is going.
Is federal deficits spending going to bankrupt America? Kiplinger's Joan Pryde and Jim Blasingame ask this question and answer it, with specific facts and figures that demonstrate the seemingly impossible task of reigning in spending and getting the deficit and national debt under control.
How will credit regulation changes impact small business? Kiplinger's Joan Pryde reports with Jim Blasingame about some of the credit regulatory changes that will impact consumer spending and small business lending.
How will tax law changes impact small businesses? Kiplinger's Joan Pryde joins Jim Blasingame to report on actual and potential changes to the income tax and estate tax laws that impact small businesses.
Friday - January 22, 2010
Jim Blasingame reports on small business in The Age of the Customer™, as he explains how control of the relationship between your business and your customers has now shifted completely to the customer's side, and he explains how you should respond.
Historian, Burt Folsom, joins Jim Blasingame to explain the similarities between Roosevelt's New Deal and the Obama newer deal, including the fact that most of Roosevelt's policies were destructive.
Are you maximizing the available technology? Ranjith Kumaran joins Jim Blasingame to talk about some of the innovations that will help small businesses become more competitive, even with big business competitors. Examples include new file transfer platforms, plus cloud computing.
Going "green" is good for your small business, according to Alison Diboll, as she discusses with Jim Blasingame why the green movement is not only the right thing to do, but it's also good business. Jim also explains why you can be against climate change legislation and still be in favor of the green movement.
Jim Blasingame explains why the community building aspect of social media resources will give small businesses a huge competitive advantage over their big business competitors.
Do you know what "green washing" means? Allison Diboll reports with Jim Blasingame that this term once meant you were a proponent of energy conservation. But now it has evolved to identify organizations that may talk about conservation, but their behavior doesn't match the marketing message.
Monday - January 25, 2010
Do your employees use the Internet for their work? Do you know what they're doing online? James Leasure and Jim Blasingame talk about how you can monitor monitor every computer in your business, to reduce wasted time and improve your company's performance. They also talk about how to create online policies.
When you're on a sales call, are you snatching defeat from the jaws of victory? Mike Stewart and Jim Blasingame talk about how to not be your own worst enemy on a sales call, including specific tips and practices that prevent you from murdering sales.
How can small businesses contribute even more to the competitiveness of their communities? City commissioner, Suzanne Mulvehill, joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how the Lake Worth, FL government and local small businesses are working together.
Will it take a political revolution for the U.S. to get on sound financial footing? Bill Glynn joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the financial challenges the U.S. is in, what are the contingent liabilities we're obligated for, and how ugly the future could get if we don't change our borrowing and spending habits.
Tuesday - January 26, 2010
Are you getting your business ready for the coming expansion? John Dini and Jim Blasingame talk about some of the elements of growth that you have to begin planning for right now, including a capitalization plan that includes a closer relationship with your banker.
How does the Fed make its monetary policy decisions? Dr. Bob McTeer talks with Jim Blasingame about the Fed's decisions on interest rates, plus other ways the Fed can influence the economy with monetary steps, such as purchasing securities on the open market.
Just exactly, what is a blog, anyway? Karen Cortell Reisman and Jim Blasingame discuss where the term "blog" came from, how they work and what the value is for a small business.
What are the top 3 operating issues for the new year? Steve Martin and Jim Blasingame review the details of achieving and maximizing resources, profitable revenue and regaining momentum, as you claim the new year.
What would a typical small business blog look like? Karen Cortell Reisman talks with Jim Blasingame about the strategy and execution of a blog for the typical Main Street small business.
How does the Fed's monetary tools impact the economy? Former Fed member, Dr. Bob McTeer, reveals with Jim Blasingame where the money comes when the Fed buys assets from the open market, and how all of that activity influences the economy.
Should Fed Chairman Bernanke be reappointed for a second term? Former Fed member, Dr. Bob McTeer, tells Jim Blasingame that he thinks Bernanke is doing a great job and should be reappointed.
Wednesday - January 27, 2010
How did the Mass. Senate election impacted small businesses nationally. Karen Kerrigan joins Jim Blasingame to report on how Scott Brown's Senate election changed the legislative direction to benefit small businesses.
Finding high efficiency with all online communication tools is the topic discussed by Christina Cavanagh and Jim Blasingame as they talk about how to be more effective with email, plus email's future amid the plethora of new communication technologies and platforms.
Cinda Baxter joins Jim Blasingame to report on what the 3/50 Project is, how it's saving Main Street one small business at a time, what you can do to help, and the next phase of this grass roots phenomenon.
What is keeping small businesses from hiring? Gene Marks talks with Jim Blasingame about several reasons why small businesses are delaying their plans to put workers back on payroll, including uncertainty about public policy issues, such as health care reform, and others.
How to create real jobs. Karen Kerrigan talks with Jim Blasingame about her audience with the Obama administration on how to create Main Street marketplace jobs, instead of artificial stimulus jobs.
What will the President's state of the union speech have in it for small business? Karen Kerrigan joins Jim Blasingame to discuss some of the specific small business issues the president is expected to include in his speech.
Thursday - January 28, 2010
In his response to President Obama's State of the Union Speech, Jim Blasingame identified a number of specific points that he liked about the speech, including nuclear power, more drilling for oil and gas, more trade agreements and a tough stance on Iran.
How do you solve a "problem" like Generation Y? Donna Fenn joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the good and the unique aspects of employing and working with Gen Y, the last generation to enter the marketplace.
Kiplinger's Joan Pryde joins Jim Blasingame to discuss some of the key issues of President Obama's State of the Union Speech, including the tax proposals, banking ideas, changes in his position on nuclear and drilling for oil and gas, etc.
In the small business response to President Obama's State of the Union Speech, Jim Blasingame identified several areas that sound good for small business, more money for bank loans, capital gains cuts, etc., but which will be of little use against the big challenges facing small business owners.
Jim Blasingame reports that what President Obama doesn't understand is that as he attempts to influence the creation of small business jobs, his own policies on health care reform, cap and trade, and unionization proposals are his own - and our - worst enemies.
Reporting on current human resources challenges and opportunities, Kiplinger's Joan Pryde joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how to make sure you don't take your key staff members for granted, just because there is high unemployment. They also talk about the sluggish economy and the growth of green technology.
Friday - January 29, 2010
Are the doors of your business opened to the world of online customers? Stephen Pierce and Jim Blasingame talk about having a website that helps local customer as well as those around the world find you online.
Are you ready for the "C Suite" prime time? Nic Read talks with Jim Blasingame about how the marketplace has changed with more purchasing decisions being made higher up the organization chart, and how to get your sales staff better prepared to sell to these executives.
Small business tax expert, Eva Rosenberg, joins Jim Blasingame to report on the IRS plan to certify preparers. They also discuss some of the big changes in tax filing and deductions.
Is your team excellent enough to win a championship? That's the question Jim Canterucci and Jim Blasingame ask, as they talk about some of the key elements that are required for you to have an organization that wins more contests than it loses.
