Thursday - April 01, 2010
Are you taking advantage of the free online applications that are available? Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to talk a list of powerful software and communications capability that is available to small businesses online for free.
Reporting on the impact of exports on economic recovery, Kiplinger's Joan Pryde joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the growth of exports in 2010 and how this will play a roll in economic recovery going forward.
The health care reform bill was passed in a way that is unprecedented, according to Grace-Marie Turner and Jim Blasingame, who talk about the fact that proponents were prepared to do virtually anything they could to pass this bill, even without any bi-partisan support and in the face of public opposition.
What's in the health care bill for small businesses? Grace-Marie Turner joins Jim Blasingame to report on the impact of the health care bill on businesses in general and small business in particular.
Can the Obama-care be stopped? Grace-Marie Turner joins Jim Blasingame to identify some of the steps that will have to be taken and events that will have to happen if the health care bill is to be prevented from taking effect.
What will the health care bill cost small businesses? Joan Pryde joins Jim Blasingame to identify some of the tax and fee elements of the health care bill as it unfolds over the next 5 years. They also discuss proposed bank regulations.
Kiplinger reports on national and global economic indicators. Joan Pryde joins Jim Blasingame to identify some of the key economic indicators that will influence economic recovery across the country and around the globe.
Friday - April 02, 2010
What do you need to know to do your small business tax planning for 2010? Barbara Weltman joins Jim Blasingame to report on some of the key tax filing deadlines to pay attention to, as well as tax law changes that are anticipated, especially with regard to the health care bill.
How are the economic conditions for selling a small business? Steve Hufford joins Jim Blasingame talk about how current economic conditions have impacted the opportunity to sell a small business, plus some of the key aspects of determining the value of a business.
There is a great marketplace evolution taking place: Marketing is morphing into connections. Jonathan Salem Baskin joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the evolutionary process the marketplace is experiencing as customer relationships rely less on marketing and more on connections.
How do we create an immigration plan for the 21st century that works? Tamar Jacoby joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the failure of our current immigration policies and what should be done to help small businesses get the laborers they need without breaking the law.
Monday - April 05, 2010
How can you compel customers to do business with you? Tom Asacker joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how your attitude about your business and behavior around customers is part of your brand impression and what compels customers to do business with you - or not.
How does your small business bridge the gap between planning and execution? Rick Lepsinger talks with Jim Blasingame about five steps that will help get your business plans and practices converted from ideas to successful execution.
Could an online small business be for you? David Wood joins Jim Blasingame to offer five steps to take to get your own online small business up and running with a very small budget.
Are you having trouble straddling the divide between the traditional marketplace and your online strategy? Jorian Clarke and Jim Blasingame talk about specific tips to help you close the gap between your Main Street business and the online world.
Tuesday - April 06, 2010
Revealing what he considers to be the 21st century small business "Silver Bullet," Jim Blasingame talks about why identifying, building, maintaining and servicing communities is a key competitive advantage every small businesses has.
Reporting on the continuing saga of the relationship between the U.S. and China, Ted Fishman joins Jim Blasingame to talk about a number of current issues that make this relationship at once dynamic, beneficial and problematic.
Small business exporting is a great opportunity, Doug Barry reports with Jim Blasingame, as they discuss some of the many resources that the government are making available to small businesses to help them export successfully.
How is the economic recovery going so far? Steve Forbes joins Jim Blasingame to report on current economic conditions and influences, including what is driving GDP growth in 2010 and whether that will be sustainable.
Why is a VAT is a bad idea for America? Jim Blasingame talks about why a European style value-added tax is a bad plan for America on many levels, especially in how it will repress entrepreneurship.
Reporting on the impact of the health care bill, Steve Forbes joins Jim Blasingame to explain how this legislation will affect small businesses, whether it will be modified or even repealed, the dangers of a VAT, and whether the national debt is getting out of hand.
Wednesday - April 07, 2010
Why is "cloud computing" such a big deal for small business? Chip Reaves joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the greatest 21st century tool for small business, cloud computing, including some of the key advantages and applications. Also in this interview, Jim claims the title, "Love Doctor."
Reporting on the April 2010 Tatum Survey of business conditions, Sam Norwood joins Jim Blasingame to report generally good news about how business managers are feeling about sales, employment, capital expenditures and credit availability.
What is the future of small business retail? Do the travails of big box retailers have to negatively impact Main Street small businesses? Darlene Quinn joins Jim Blasingame to reveal why the big boxes are on the ropes and they discuss how small companies can learn from those failing national brands.
What will be the future for capitalism? Will we think differently about how to generate profit? Bill Halal joins Jim Blasingame with a proposal that the classic profit model be converted to what he calls the "collaborative enterprise" model. Jim asks him how this new model pays the rent.
Thursday - April 08, 2010
Creating a culture of innovation is essential for long-term success. That's the message Robert Brands reports as he joins Jim Blasingame to talk about why it's imperative for small businesses to perpetually innovate in order to be perennially competitive.
What have we learned about causes of the financial crisis? Scott Patterson joins Jim Blasingame to discuss what caused the financial crisis, the people who created it, and the political committee that is supposed to recommend reforms.
Joan Pryde joins Jim Blasingame to report on the current status of proposed financial reform legislation. Jim reveals why these new regs will hurt small businesses because of the costs and unnecessary restrictions it will place on lending banks.
Joan Pryde joins Jim Blasingame to report on the trillions of dollars of cash being hoarded by major corporations, and what that will mean for recovery when these companies start spending again. The also discuss a controversial NLRB appointment and this agency's tilt toward labor.
After 11 years, Kiplinger's Joan Pryde says goodbye. Joan Pryde joined Jim's Brain Trust in January 1998 and has been a weekly resource ever since. Today she announced her departure from Kiplinger as she takes a high level speech-writing job with the IRS. Jim thanks her for her abiding support and wishes her God speed.
Friday - April 09, 2010
Congratulations, it's Tax Freedom Day. Pete Sepp joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how Tax Freedom Day is calculated and the reasons why it is coming early this year.
What are the essential elements in a 21st century small business plan? Martin Zwilling joins Jim Blasingame to reveal the key components that your business plan should include, regardless of how you use it, for investors, bankers or just to manage your business.
Many exciting innovations and discoveries are on the verge of being available in our lives. Joel Barker joins Jim Blasingame to reveal what is being learned about the brain, new bio fuel discoveries, and a medical lab in your hand becomes a reality.
How do we transition our teams from survival mode to finding opportunity? Gary Harpst joins Jim Blasingame to identify how to select certain people who will be responsible for identifying new opportunities and bringing them back to the team.
What are some of the tax surprises in our future? Pete Sepp joins Jim Blasingame to talk about some of the tax increases we will likely experience in the form of energy tax, higher capital gains tax and higher marginal rates.
Monday - April 12, 2010
How will recent health care reform issues impact small business? Mike Turpin joins Jim Blasingame to report that the new health care law will not be favorable for most small businesses and what will have to be done to make it more acceptable?
What are some of the new partnership trends in small business capital acquisition? Tracy Eden joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how banks and financial services organizations are partnering to make more sophisticated asset-based lending available to small businesses.
Small business owners can't be shy about asking for help, according to Larry Robertson as he joins Jim Blasingame to report on how to ask for and receive start-up and management counsel from a number of different sources. Larry says make your own mistakes, not those others can teach you how to avoid.
Are you ready for the triple witching tax day? Eva Rosenberg joins Jim Blasingame to reveal what an Enrolled Agent is and does, plus to report on several critical tax deadlines, including her recommendation for how to prioritize paying the list of tax payments that come due on the 15th.
Tuesday - April 13, 2010
There are three parallel universes that small business must operate in, according to Jim Blasingame, as he reveals these three universes and offers insight into what you must do to successfully operate in them.
What is the impact of Intellectual property on small business success? David Dawsey joins Jim Blasingame to report on research that showed a direct connection between having and intellectual property strategy and the ability to attract investors and customers.
What's in the health care bill for small business? Karen Kerrigan joins Jim Blasingame to report on what is in the health care bill for small business owners, including the good and the bad, like tax credits and tax increases. They also talk about the prospect of a VAT.
What are some of the most important emerging small business technology resources? Ramon Ray joins Jim Blasingame to identify several tech resources that will help your small business meet the new requirements of the new marketplace, including an exciting texting platform.
What's in an intellectual property portfolio? IP attorney, David Dawsey, joins Jim Blasingame to reveal the possible components of an intellectual property (IP) portfolio, and why your small business needs one.
Wednesday - April 14, 2010
Why is it now more important than ever to get closer to customers? Beverly Inman-Ebel joins Jim Blasingame to discuss tips and best practices for making sure your customers always know that they - and what's important to them - are always on your mind.
With a report on small business policy, Giovanni Coratolo joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the health care bill, new tax compliance burdens and other proposed obstacles to business growth. They also discuss the upcoming America's Small Business Summit in May.
Can you really grow your small business when the economy is weak? Bob Phibbs joins Jim Blasingame to show you how you can grow your business even when the media is telling everyone how bad things are.
Focusing on the customer's experience with you, Debbe Kennedy joins Jim Blasingame with several stories about how others are creating exceptional experiences for their customers and how you can, too.
Thursday - April 15, 2010
What are the key tax issues for small businesses with a home office? Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to talk about some of the primary tax deductions that are generally available for those small businesses that operate from a home office.
How do you protect your business' reputation in the 21st century? Neal Creighton and Jim Blasingame discuss some of the ways that your brand can be impacted, negatively and positively, by the use of the Internet, social media sites and user generated content (UGC).
Kiplinger reports on banking and economic recovery. Kiplinger editor, Jim Ostroff, joins Jim Blasingame to report on improvements in the banking sector and what that means for economic recovery. They also talk about some of the employee details in the new health care law.
Why is "micro-script" brand messaging so powerful? Bill Schley joins Jim Blasingame to reveal why micro-script messaging is the way to get attention for your brands in a cluttered marketplace.
What is the progress of the automobile industry in the U.S.? Kiplinger editor, Jim Ostroff, joins Jim Blasingame to report on recent improvements in the U.S. auto industry, and how that is impacting economic recovery.
Friday - April 16, 2010
How do you find a good business book? Wally Bock joins Jim Blasingame to reveal several ideas on how to sort through all of the information clutter and find the right resources for you, including a good business book.
What are small business owners saying about business conditions? Dr. Bill Dunkelberg joins Jim Blasingame with the NFIB Report on small business conditions for April 2010, including profits, capital acquisition, hiring, etc. Bill also offers his outlook for the long-term recovery.
How do you get a bank loan in tough economic times? Gene Siciliano joins Jim Blasingame to talk about some of the specific tips and best practices small businesses need to follow to get a bank loan when many banks aren't loaning to businesses.
What are the attributes of a cultivational leader? Charlie Fewell joins Jim Blasingame to reveal the behavior of a cultivational leader as a manager who sees employees as individuals seeking success rather than just a staff member.
What does a small business look for in a strategic investor? Gene Sicilliano joins Jim Blasingame to define what a strategic investor is and some of the key search elements when seeking this kind of equity partner.
Monday - April 19, 2010
As the Millennial generation continues to enter the marketplace, are they creating opportunities or problems? David Stillman joins Jim Blasingame to talk about some of the key issues that small businesses are facing as they hire and employ the youngest of our workforce.
Are you managing your business' profitability at the micro-level? Tony Paradiso joins Jim Blasingame to talk about tracking profitability on an incremental basis, by the hour, for example, if you're in retail, to determine where to employ resources for maximum profitability.
Reporting on the advent of the late-blooming entrepreneur, Jean Newell shares her accidental entrepreneurial story with Jim Blasingame and how she is taking her experiences and helping others of the Boomer generation make the transition from employment to entrepreneurship.
There are two voices of innovation in your small business to pay attention to, and Leslie Kossoff joins Jim Blasingame to identify these two and how to know which one to listen to along your innovation process.
Reporting on Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull volcano from Paris, Leslie Kossoff tells Jim Blasingame how this eruption has impacted her part of Europe.
Tuesday - April 20, 2010
The Age of the Customer™ is producing an interesting small business irony. Jim Blasingame reveals the irony that even though small businesses should be the most effective for The Age of the Customer™, too many will not take advantage of this position. Jim also explains how to solve the problem.
How do you sell value with courage and creativity? Josh Costell joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how to have the courage to be creative as you prospect and close customers, even though you're afraid you'll lose the business if you don't discount.
What are small business saying about the economy and their business conditions? Bob Kottler joins Jim Blasingame to report on the results of the Capital One Small Business Barometer, including the economy, hiring, capital spending, and credit availability.
What are the national issues on the Libertarian 2010 agenda? Wayne Allyn Root joins Jim Blasingame to talk about key Libertarian issues, like finance and health care reform, that will be part of the upcoming election cycle.
What's the difference between the Tea Party and Libertarians? Wayne Allyn Root joins Jim Blasingame to explain the relationship between the Tea Party folks and the Libertarian Party. They also talk about the Root family success with home schooling.
Wednesday - April 21, 2010
Celebrating National Administrative Professionals Day. Gayle Buske joins Jim Blasingame to celebrate and report on Administrative Professionals Day and discuss how this assignment has morphed over the past several decades, including going virtual in some cases.
How much peril are Earthlings in? Bill Halal joins Jim Blasingame to report on what experts believe is the likelihood of one or more of seven different threats to human life and society.
Here is an American small business success story. John Jansheski shares Dentek's small business success story with Jim Blasingame, including how he started, how he succeeded and how many times he failed.
Are we facing a crisis of character and leadership? Len Marrella talks with Jim Blasingame about what he considers a crisis of character and leadership, especially within the institutions, and what we can do to restore these two critical elements.
Thursday - April 22, 2010
Celebrating the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, Catherine Zandonella joins Jim Blasingame with tips on how to make environmentally sound decisions for your family by simply becoming aware of "green" choices that are available.
Are there comparisons with the New Deal with Obama policies? Burt Folsom joins Jim Blasingame to dispel the myths about Roosevelt's New Deal and compares that policy with Obama's agenda.
How is the housing industry impacting economic recovery? Kiplinger's Jim Ostroff joins Jim Blasingame to identify some of the challenges and opportunities unfolding in the housing industry and how this is affecting the national economic recovery.
How does a small business maximize its "special sauce"? Eric Karjaluoto joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why small businesses should recognize that their "special sauce" is in the fact that what they do is not for everyone, just those who want that "sauce," and to be sure to charge enough for it.
Should your business have a corporate water strategy? Kiplinger's Jim Ostroff joins Jim Blasingame to report on the politics and realities of water usage and stewardship, including the idea of having a corporate plan for water usage.
Friday - April 23, 2010
Will the proposed Financial Reform Bill be helpful or harmful? Nicole Gelinas joins Jim Blasingame to share some insight on the Financial Reform Bill being proposed in Congress and to reveal why this bill will likely do more harm than good.
Why will small business continue to become a growing demographic? Ken Gronbach joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the future of small business as a demographic and as an increasingly powerful force in the marketplace and potentially in politics.
Are you maximizing the "special sauce" of your small business? Sarah Petty joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how to maintain a boutique business mindset regardless of how big your business is.
What is the good, bad and ugly of a business planning contest? Tim Berry and Jim Blasingame talk about some of the reasons why a business planning contest can be beneficial, but also where these events fall short in helping you get ready for the real marketplace.
Monday - April 26, 2010
Should you grow your small business through acquisition? Steven Little joins Jim Blasingame to reveal the critical elements that are required to successfully grow your small business by acquiring another one.
Here is a great one-person small business success story. Nina Rappaport Rowan joins Jim Blasingame to tell her entrepreneurial story, including knowing the difference between being a contractor and small business owner. They also talk about her creation, the Kimochi characters.
What is the future of online technology for your small business? Anita Rosen joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how to be successful in the three universes of small business: traditional, online and mobile.
What's it like running a business with your identical twin sister? Kimberly Corp joins Jim Blasingame to discuss some of the issues that arise when your in business with a family member, especially an identical twin sister.
How do you survive the "ping pong syndrome" of small business ownership? Kimberly Corp joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how small business owners can avoid crisis management when you're being pulled in so many directions at once.
Tuesday - April 27, 2010
How are women business owners doing in the quest for investor capital? Kim Lavine joins Jim Blasingame to talk about why women are not getting their fair share of private equity investment and what she's doing about it.
The futile quest for financial reform through legislation is underway and Rich Galen joins Jim Blasingame to report on the ugly politics that will likely result in passing a law that will do more harm than good.
What are the keys to successful small business marketing in the digital age? Rick Mathieson joins Jim Blasingame with tips and best practices that will help your small business execute a successful digital marketing strategy.
Is Wall Street still operating at cross purposes with Main Street? Gary Moore joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the relationship between the surging stock market and the Main Street economy and whether another bubble is building.
Wednesday - April 28, 2010
Do the opportunities in our future look different than those in our past? Lori Williams joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how to recognize the opportunities that are coming at us and why the new ones look different.
Reporting on the April 2010 Fed meeting, Ray Keating joins Jim Blasingame to talk about whether the FOMC will make any changes to their current monetary policies.
What does the new job market require of you? Rick Smith joins Jim Blasingame to offer tips on how to find professional opportunities in the new employment landscape.
Making economics make sense for Main Street, Charles Wheelan joins Jim Blasingame to explain how economics works as it manifests in society and politics, as well as in the marketplace.
Are economic recovery signs real or imagined? Rick Smith joins Jim Blasingame to report on the real economic recovery signs he is seeing in the marketplace.
What is causing the economic uncertainty that many small businesses are facing? Ray Keating talks with Jim Blasingame about some of the key economic concerns that small businesses are seeing and that cause them to worry about what growth steps to take.
Thursday - April 29, 2010
What does it REALLY take for YOU to be a small business owner? Jeff Zbar and Jim Blasingame share their thoughts on how cool it is to be a small business owner and that if you don't have that feeling, you probably won't be successful as an entrepreneur.
How can you have business growth without discounting? Bob Negen joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how to grow your business without discounting your main product or service by giving your customers things that are low or no cost to you, but high value to customers.
Why is change so hard and how do we change that? Rick Maurer talks with Jim Blasingame about why we have to learn how to deal effectively with our natural resistance to change, and how to do that.
Reporting on modern investment strategies, Kiplinger's Jim Ostroff joins Jim Blasingame to talk about whether long-term investing in stocks is still a good plan if you're not prepared to be a trader. They also discuss the economy and the war between Wall Street and Washington.
Friday - April 30, 2010
Is employee engagement becoming a problem? Michael Stallard joins Jim Blasingame with research that shows employee engagement and alignment at an all-time low and why this bad news could be good for small business.
Reporting on current small business banking relationships, Joe Knight joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how his recent experience in getting a loan for a manufacturing company and what other small businesses can learn from that.
How will the Financial Regulatory law hurt small business?Jim Blasingame provides an historic perspective on Congress's track record for financial regulation and why that record doesn't bode well for small businesses with the new law being proposed.
Does your small business have an employee teleworking strategy? Microsoft's TJ Dicaprio joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the results of a study on remote working, or teleworking, and why technology is turning this management practice into opportunity.
Defining deviancy down is when no one is outraged when someone breaches generally acceptable behavior in their speech or conduct. Jim Blasingame encourages you to be courageous enough to show your outrage - politely at first - when someone's words or conduct is vulgar or inappropriate.
What is the #1 reason small businesses fail? Jim Blasingame reveals why the #1 reason small businesses fail is not marketing or management, but rather not understanding the dynamics of business cash flow and growth capitalization.
