Monday - January 03, 2011
Do you let obstacles stall your progress? Russell Bishop joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the concept of a "workaround" as a method of getting things done even when unexpected obstacles present themselves.
Take initiative when encountering obstacles in your small business. Russell Bishop joins Jim Blasingame to reveal the three steps to successful workarounds, including control, influence and response.
What do entrepreneurship students understand about the marketplace? Doug Tatum joins Jim Blasingame to discuss what he's learned about the general attitude college students have about the concept of making a profit.
What is the outlook for employment? Doug Tatum joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the complex unemployment challenge in America, including big business practices and small business opportunities.
Even with high unemployment, companies are struggling to find qualified employees. Doug Tatum joins Jim Blasingame to discuss making the education system focus more on the requirements of the marketplace instead of education for its own sake.
Never underestimate the power of women. Terry Neese joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the influence of women voters on the November elections, especially the increasing number of women business owners and their demand for fiscal responsibility.
Bastiat said, "When goods cross borders, armies don’t.” Terry Neese joins Jim Blasingame to discuss her initiative to teach business and leadership skills to women in Afghanistan and Rwanda so they can contribute to the future of their countries and promote peace through trade.
How much do state policies impact economic growth? Ray Keating joins Jim Blasingame with the SBE Council’s Small Business Survival Index that reveals the best and worst states to do business in and why.
What makes a state business friendly - or not? Ray Keating joins Jim Blasingame to report specifically on the worst and best small business friendly states identified in the 2010 Small Business Survival Index.
What do the top 10 worst states for business have in common? SBE Council Chief Economist, Ray Keating joins Jim Blasingame to report on what the top 10 worst states for small business have in common and how to improve this negative ranking.
Tuesday - January 04, 2011
Does your organization have what it takes to be successful? Andrew Oman joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how successful organizations employ a clear vision, internally and externally, strong leadership and a well-developed products.
What are the characteristics of a thriving small business? Andrew Oman joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the importance of sustainable operations, strong customer communities and effective marketing to a successful organization.
What will 2011 bring for small businesses? Jim Blasingame reveals some of his predictions for 2011 including why there will be an increase in small business optimism, sales and profits, but without significant job creation.
Continuing his new year predictions, Jim Blasingame forecasts continued structural unemployment, higher GDP, increasing global inflation and more evidence of the disconnect between Wall Street and Main Street.
The ancient Chinese curse, “May you live in interesting times.” Jim Blasingame reveals his 2011 political predictions for Pres. Obama and Congress, Joe Biden’s future as Vice Pres., Republican presidential candidates, the health care bill, and a football prediction.
Are you ready for the impact apps will have on your business? Jim Heising joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why mobile apps are increasingly the way customers want to connect with your small business and how you can get ready for this.
“Follow me home.” Jim Heising joins Jim Blasingame to consider the future of apps, not only on mobile devices, but also on your desktop, television, even refrigerator, all as part of what Jim B calls The Age of the Customer™.
Do you have a referral strategy? Joanne Black joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why it’s critical to have a referral plan now more than ever because customers have more control and less time.
Why are customers driving the need to get referrals? Joanne Black joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the reversal of referrals motivation from sellers to customers, who now prefer vendors who are referred because trust is presumed and it saves them time.
Are you using social media as a referral resource? Joanne Black joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to properly use social media resources to get more and higher quality referrals and close more sales.
Wednesday - January 05, 2011
How is the recovery affecting franchises? Joel Libava joins Jim Blasingame to say that in the past franchising has had a big impact on the economy, but these days, the economy is changing the way franchises are formed and acquired.
What are the top franchise trends for 2011? Joel Libava joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the top franchise trends for 2011 and what you can expect to pay and earn from different types of franchises, plus where to find this information.
How can you be competitive and frugal? Bruce Piasecki joins Jim Blasingame to discuss managing the tension between frugality and competitiveness as we attempt to create a sustainable business in a marketplace that's moving very fast.
In a fast marketplace, success comes to the efficient. Bruce Piasecki joins Jim Blasingame to reveal the power of efficiency that comes when you begin with frugality of time, capital, people and tangible assets.
Do you ever need help taking the first step toward taking action? Janet Christy joins Jim Blasingame to talk about why just taking that first step is essential to problem solving, plus why you MUST know who your profile customer is.
Don't be afraid to put agreements in writing. Janet Christy joins Jim Blasingame to talk about why any agreement you have with someone else should be documented, even if just to help your memory. Plus why we must follow-up and follow through.
What is compulsive punctuality? Greg Reid joins Jim Blasingame to report that all the great leaders were, and are compulsive punctuals, which is to say, not just showing up on-time, but early.
Do you know Napoleon Hill's keys to success? Greg Reid joins Jim Blasingame to talk about success characteristics, such as thinking accurately, learning from adversity and failure and being enthusiastic.
How can you become a more successful leader? Greg Reid joins Jim Blasingame to offer more keys to success from Napoleon Hill, including positive mental attitude, self-discipline, go the extra mile and create a master-mind community.
Thursday - January 06, 2011
The difference between an Olympic gold medal and no medal is often less than 1%.Tom Connellan joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how small businesses can significantly increase their competitiveness by simply improving many of the things they do by only 1%.
How can the power of “yet” can open doors? Tom Connellan joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how to use the 1% solution for self-motivation, why the word "yet” is powerful, and how leveraged behaviors fosters customer loyalty.
"A man’s gotta know his limitations,”said Inspector Callahan. Pierce and Jane Howard join Jim Blasingame to say that since you can't change your personality, think of new year resolutions that focus on things that influence your personality.
Resolve to change the things you can. Pierce and Jane Howard join Jim Blasingame to reveal examples of how to build mechanical devices into your resolutions to overcome personality traits that prevent performance.
Maybe you just need to get out of your own way. Pierce and Jane Howard join Jim Blasingame to discuss specific ways you can work around your unproductive personality traits to improve the performance of your small business.
How do you sell your expertise to others online? Bob Bly joins Jim Blasingame to remind you that your expertise is valuable to others who will pay for what you know, but you have to produce the content and make it available.
How many ways can you monetize your information? Bob Bly joins Jim Blasingame to discuss ways to monetize your information, including giving it away as a method of growing the credibility of your brand.
Why should you care about Patagonia? Kirk Cheyfitz joins Jim Blasingame to report on his recent trip to Patagonia (Argentina and Chile): the people, the economy, the Spanish language and why we should care.
How is marketing different in the 2nd decade of the 21st century? Kirk Cheyfitz joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how media - "the beginning of all commerce" is fragmenting and why this is good for small business.
Does your small business have an app strategy? Kirk Cheyfitz joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the power of apps - mobile and desktop - as a way to get and stay connected as the browser slowly becomes obsolete.
Friday - January 07, 2011
When negotiating, are you a compromiser or a competitor? Tom Anastasi joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to become an effective negotiator by following basic best practices, including understanding your negotiating style.
How do you negotiate with customers while preserving the relationship? Tom Anastasi joins Jim Blasingame with tips on how to negotiate with customers and vendors so that you get the best deal possible while simultaneous preserving a good relationship.
Are businesses more optimistic? Tatum's Sam Norwood joins Jim Blasingame to report on this month's survey on business conditions, and current conditions are soft but the attitude is more optimistic for the next 60 days.
What does the future look like for sales and capital spending? Sam Norwood joins Jim Blasingame to discuss this month’s Tatum survey, which shows an increase in order backlogs and capital expenditures, but concern for capital availability.
What will it take for employment to improve? Tatum's Sam Norwood joins Jim Blasingame to discuss both the cyclical and structural unemployment challenges and what is likely to happen in the near-term.
Are you you reaching your marketing potential? Ilise Benun joins Jim Blasingame with marketing tips, including defining your profile customers and marketing to them strategically with the help of organizing tools for marketing tasks.
Would organizing tools help you become a better marketer? Ilise Benun joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how getting organized with technology tools that sync with each other can help you become a more successful marketer.
Have you noticed how the media landscape has become more fragmented? Rick Mathieson joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how the proliferation of new media options is actually strengthening some traditional media, like TV.
With all of the new online media, how could TV grow? Rick Mathieson joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how new media platforms are actually providing support for traditional media, especially TV, by using the both/and philosophy.
What's the future of media for small business? Rick Mathieson joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how small businesses can leverage video marketing by using the new technologies to help connect using traditional media channels.
Monday - January 10, 2011
Does the minimum wage actually help the people intended? Michael Saltsman joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the real impact of government regulation of labor prices, plus the actual demographics of minimum wage earners.
How is technology exposing the failure of minimum wage? Michael Saltsman joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how minimum wage encourages technology adoption, plus the impact of minimum wage mandates on the teenage job market.
Don't make business planning a big deal. Ed Abel joins Jim Blasingame to reveal that many small businesses don’t take the time to plan because they don't break down big plans into smaller ones that require smaller decisions and result in smaller failures.
Mind the pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves. Ed Abel joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how granular planning will help eliminate crisis management, disastrous mistakes and improve your business's financial performance.
Can granular planning help you get a business loan? Ed Abel joins small business expert, Jim Blasingame to reveal how to simplify the planning process beginning with short-term goals and then extending your horizon to include annual cash flow projections your banker will like.
Customers need more than virtual contact. Irv Shapiro joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the importance of blending all communication tools when connecting with customers - the face, the voice, and the virtual.
Here is the cold, hard truth about venture capital and small business. Irv Shapiro joins Jim Blasingame to talk about venture capitalism as a way to capitalize your business, plus why Zappos thinks the human voice is critical to its success.
Do you have a good compensation plan for your salespeople? Gene Siciliano joins Jim Blasingame to discuss some of the basic elements of an effective leveraged (commissions, bonuses) compensation plan for sales people.
Is your commission structure good for all parties? Gene Siciliano joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how to structure a commission pay plan for sales people that motivates them to sell the products that are best for the company.
How can you make everyone happy when a sale is made? Gene Siciliano joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to structure a sales compensation plan that doesn't result in the business owner resenting the money the sales staff are making.
Tuesday - January 11, 2011
Are you building an executive team in your small business? Ed Kopf joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why small business founders should think of themselves as executives and build a team of executives to manage and lead the company.
Do you value your key employees? Ed Kopf joins Jim Blasingame to discuss what you have to do to make sure key managers feel appreciated and compensated for their loyalty, like appropriate titles, deferred compensation, stock options,etc.
Do your sales people ask customers for the business? Rob Jolles joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why training your people about how to ask for the business won't put you in a position of presuming it's being done.
Do you invest in training for your sales force? Rob Jolles joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the importance of a company sales training strategy so you know how to measure the performance of your sales team.
Sales training implementation is not instinctive. Rob Jolles joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to create and implement a plan to follow through on training for your sales force so you can meet your sales revenue goals.
In marketing, there’s real gold and fool’s gold. Bill Schley joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why you have to differentiate yourself first with performance and then tell your story with social media, not the other way around.
Customers want to hear stories from you, not marketing messages. Bill Schley joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to tell stories in micro-scripts and then let customer cheerleaders tell others about your story.
CES 2011 was all about the year of mobile technology. Jonathan Zuck joins Jim Blasingame to recap the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and the growth of mobile tablets, what they will and won't do.
Smart phone possibilities are still being revealed. Jonathan Zuck joins Jim Blasingame to report on how smart phone technology could become the only computer you will need in the future.
How will mobile apps and HTML5 change the way you do business? Jonathan Zuck joins Jim Blasingame to report how HTML5 and mobile apps will be part of your future as you continue to connect with customers the way they want to connect with you.
Wednesday - January 12, 2011
Have you compared your 2010 plan to what actually happened? Jim Blasingame talks about evaluating what you planned and how you actually did in 2010 so you can determine how to make 2011 a more successful year.
Does your business have a mobile strategy? Jim Blasingame reveals why customers are increasingly going to demand that you connect with them on a mobile platform, and how your business can make that happen.
What are the e-commerce trends that will change your business? Bill Halal joins Jim Blasingame to discuss e-commerce trends, including a global explosion of online business over the next five years across multiple platforms.
Are you ready for the next generation of computing? Bill Halal joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how your business will use computers in the near future, including artificial intelligence, biometrics, interactive computers, and more.
Are you ready to find customers in the cloud? Bill Halal joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the future of cloud computing - Web-based tools - and how business will be done in this expanding virtual environment.
What can you do to fix America's health care system? Dr. Andrew Weil joins Jim Blasingame to reveal why America's health care system ranks 37th in the world and how each of us can do our part to address our multi-faceted challenges.
Are you ready to take charge of your own health care? Dr. Andrew Weil joins Jim Blasingame with tips on living a healthier life by making adjustments in sleep, diet, physical activity and vitamins - even breathing.
What does a Bowl Game have to do with small business? Tim Berry joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the national championship game, sportsmanship, and the really important things in life and business.
What's the difference between business planning and a business plan? Tim Berry joins Jim Blasingame to reveal why you should be doing business planning continually, comparing the plan vs actual, instead of just publishing a business plan.
How different is 21st century business planning? Tim Berry joins Jim Blasingame to emphasize planning more than a plan, to help you be more flexible and agile as the velocity of change increases every year.
Thursday - January 13, 2011
Do you know where your customers will be tomorrow?Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why every small business owner needs to think like a futurist just enough to identify the trends in customer behavior so your business doesn't become irrelevant.
How will the mobile Web change your business? Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how to track trends in customer expectations regarding how they want to be connected with over the mobile Internet.
What is at the core of your leadership philosophy? Len Marrella joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the elements of leadership, including character, integrity, ethics and authenticity, and the societal assault on these leadership traits.
Confucius said, “Be in reality what you appear to be.” Len Marrella joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how leaders can inspire synergy and respect by exhibiting strong moral character and recognizing the achievements of followers.
Servant leaders inspires leadership in others. Len Marrella joins Jim Blasingame to reveal the characteristics of a servant leader, which is someone who derives their success from helping others be successful first.
Do you know how to conduct due diligence to buy a franchise? Nick Bibby joins Jim Blasingame to reveal what you need to read, learn and ask for before you make the leap to purchase a franchise.
What does the future of franchising look like? Nick Bibby joins Jim Blasingame to report on what franchising will look like after the Great Recession, and what you need to know before buying a franchise.
Should you be worried about America's sovereign debt? Steve Forbes joins Jim Blasingame to discuss America's national debt crisis. Steve says our biggest problem is what caused the increase, not just the amount.
Why are America's economic freedoms diminishing? Steve Forbes joins Jim Blasingame to talk about what is causing the downward trend in America's economic freedoms, including a weaken dollar and an overreaching government.
What is ahead for the American economy? Steve Forbes joins Jim Blasingame to discuss whether there's conflict between Wall Street and Main Street, plus what does the 2011 economy look for small businesses.
Friday - January 14, 2011
The banking world has changed for small businesses. Nell Merlino joins Jim Blasingame to discuss capital and banking challenges in 2011, and why you should develop a relationship with an independent community bank, plus find out about SBA guaranteed loans.
How do you market in 2011? Nell Merlino joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how connecting with customers is changing, plus a Make Mine a Million announcement for women business owners.
What's the latest on small business optimism? Jim Blasingame talks about this month's NFIB report on why more small business weren't optimist in December, including uncertainty about taxes and the economy.
Do you feel like the economy is in the Doldrums? Jim Blasingame talks about two recent polls that indicate about half of small businesses feel the economy is in the Doldrums and how to get out of this condition.
Are you conditioned for this marathon recovery? Jim Blasingame reviews this month's NFIB Business Optimism Index and reminds that we're in a marathon recovery that may last for years, and how to stay in condition for the long haul.
Is your small business growing? Jay Myers joins Jim Blasingame to offer success secrets on growing your business, even in a recession, and why you must ask customers what they want and how you can help them get it.
Are you recovering in this recovery? Jay Myers joins Jim Blasingame to offer survival tips, such as ignore the media, know your own market, hire good people and let them do their job, plus why a little bit of paranoia is good.
Arnold Palmer may be a better businessman than golfer? In a face-to-face interview, Jim Blasingame asks Arnie about his business philosophy, plus what is THE single most important key to success in business and life.
What is the condition of the game of golf today? Arnold Palmer joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the state of golf in America and internationally, advice for the rookie tour pros, and the impact of golf ethics on the marketplace.
Arnold Palmer talks about giving back. Arnie joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the Arnold Palmer Medical Center and why it is important to him, plus Arnie's ideal foursome and, finally, his wish for the world.
Monday - January 17, 2011
How many times have you said, “I knew that was going to happen”? Dan Burrus joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how to use your knowledge, experience and vision to see invisible opportunities and take advantage of what he calls "flash foresight.
Do you know what your customers will want tomorrow? Dan Burrus joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to use your flash foresight to anticipate what customers will want in the future and how they will want to acquire it.
Should U.S. businesses be concerned about China? Benjamin Wey joins Jim Blasingame to discuss concerns that U.S. companies have about doing business with China, including protecting their intellectual property.
Will China be a trade partner or a dominator in the future? Benjamin Wey joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the differences between the Chinese economy and its and political structure, and what outside businesses must know about the two.
How will China solve its internal challenges? Benjamin Wey joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how China is dealing with their internal challenges, including unemployment, rising inflation and demographic issues associated with their one-child policy.
Are you aware that the personality of your customer base has changed? Kristin Arnold joins Jim Blasingame to discuss what to do about the fact that 21st century customers are higher maintenance than even five years ago.
Are you delivering customization to customers? Kristin Arnold joins Jim Blasingame to reveal why customers are demanding more customization and how your small business can step up to that challenge.
What are the challenges to economic recovery in England? Brian Carney joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the negative impact of labor in the U.K., including onerous employment laws and high union ranks.
Is a conflict brewing between public sector unions and the private sector? Brian Carney joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the increasing strength, numbers and compensation of public sector unions and if there is a conflict brewing over this.
How different is starting a business in the U.S. compared to Europe? Brian Carney joins Jim Blasingame to compare the challenges to starting a new business in Great Britain and Europe, compared to how easy it is to do in the U.S.
Tuesday - January 18, 2011
Establishing expense management objectives. Bob Prosen joins Jim Blasingame to discuss setting financial objectives, including improving profit margins and reducing costs by emphasizing the quality process more than quality service.
How do you convert employee benefits to profits? Luke Vandermillen joins Jim Blasingame to discuss employee benefits best practices by companies that have demonstrated how to convert benefits plans into sustainable profits.
Do you have an employee benefits strategy? Luke Vandermillen joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the value of a an employee benefits strategy not only as the right thing to do, but as a fundamental for business success.
Could you use more sales? Do you care where a sales increase comes from? Doug Barry joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how many companies are growing their revenue and profits by exporting products, with the help of the U.S. Commercial Service.
Would you like to have free help developing a successful export strategy? Doug Barry joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how the U.S. Commercial Service helps small businesses navigate the waters of developing a successful export plan.
Colleges are teaching exporting curriculum? Doug Barry joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how the U.S. Commercial Service is training college teachers about exporting fundamentals as part of the business curriculum.
Leadership, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. Jim Blasingame talks about the two faces of leadership: the one leaders see in themselves and the one followers see and are attracted to - or not.
Could rising inflation hurt your business this year? Jim Blasingame warns about how rising costs, especially for petroleum, are coming at a time when small businesses cannot raise prices.
What is the proper way to set goals for your small business? Bob Prosen joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to set the right objectives for your small business using his "SMART" method, which emphasizes being specific and measurement.
Here is help for setting financial goals for the new year. Bob Prosen joins Jim Blasingame to talk about identifying financial areas to establish measurable goals around, especially cash flow and compensation.
Wednesday - January 19, 2011
Want to connect to your communities on a more personal level? Kathy Perry joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how adding multi-media elements to your social media posts delivers a personal touch, plus how to participate in social media groups.
What do you need to know about joining social media groups? Kathy Perry joins Jim Blasingame to offer tips and best practices on how and why to join a group on a social media platform, including when to avoid them.
Don't confuse new tools with new rules. Rick Maurer joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the mania of some technology fads, like social media, and the dangers of assuming they are changing the rules, when they are really just cool, new tools.
The Roman philosopher, Cato, said, "Stick to the point and the words will take care of themselves." Rick Maurer joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the proper way to conduct meetings that are successful by making sure the group stays focused.
When conducting a meeting, keep the main thing the main thing. Rick Maurer joins Jim Blasingame to offer tips on engaging employees, especially in meetings, including how to get the group to agree on the desired outcome of the meeting before it starts.
Is your organization hiding opportunity you could be cashing in on? Linda Ireland joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the intangible elements of your business model that you may not be maximizing, but are attractive to customers.
How can excellent customer service become capital? Linda Ireland joins Jim Blasingame to offer tips on how improving customer service, making things easier for your customer, plus building trust is part of your business' capitalization plan.
The end is near - the recession, that is. Ivan Misner joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the results of the BNI Business Index and to declare that the end of the recession is near, based on what business owners are reporting around the world.
How can innovation lead your company to your own recovery? Ivan Misner joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the marathon recovery and the contribution internal innovation can play putting your business on the road to sustained growth.
Here are three keys to creating your own economic recovery. Ivan Misner joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how seeking opportunities, adjusting your attitude and leveraging your creativity can all make a significant contribution to building your own economic recovery.
Thursday - January 20, 2011
What can a tragedy teach us about the power of a pause? Larry Robertson joins Jim Blasingame to reflect on the recent tragedy in Tucson, its local and national contexts, and how this story can teach us about the power of taking a pause.
Could the power of the pause help you to be more successful? Larry Robertson joins Jim Blasingame to reveal why facing challenges and opportunities with a deliberate pause first will help you clear your mind and be more open to what follows.
What are the chances that Obamacare could be repealed? Gov. Pete du Pont joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the House voting to repeal Obamacare and how far this effort will get in the next two years, plus other health care alternatives.
The 2010 mid-term elections produced a perfect political storm. Gov. Pete du Pont joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the extended impact of the 2010 mid-term election beyond Congress out to the state and local levels, and what that means for the future.
How has government decisions hurt the economy long-term? Gov. Pete du Pont joins Jim Blasingame with a perspective of the economy over several generations, including a downward trend, plus what the government did to create this condition.
What do small business owners know about cloud computing? Microsoft's Kim Tubbs-Herron joins Jim Blasingame to discuss small business attitudes and opinions on cloud computing, what cloud computing is, and the desire for simplicity and cross-platform integration.
How much are small business owners using cloud computing? Kim Tubbs-Herron joins Jim Blasingame to discuss Microsoft's survey about small business owners and cloud computing and how to use it to stay connected with customers.
How could a pause result in identifying what works? Peter Meyer joins Jim Blasingame to introduce the idea of how to focus more on what is working instead of on what isn't, including how to incorporate a clarifying pause into the process.
Are you taking what works to the next level? Peter Meyer joins Jim Blasingame to talk about managing the change your business is experiencing based on what has worked, instead of just managing your business.
What are the right questions to ask in order to discover what works? Peter Meyer joins Jim Blasingame to talk about using the interrogatives, what, how, and why, to discover the answer to what works with your business and with customers.
Friday - January 21, 2011
Are you a life-long learner? Jane Pollak joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the power of a continual entrepreneurial education, and why it requires budgeting time and resources and a personal commitment to make it happen.
Jim Blasingame says "It’s ok to fall in love with what you do, but not with how you do it." Jane Pollak joins Jim to discuss why managing change - instead of letting it rule you - can be accomplished better when there is a commitment to life-long education.
Is China really ready to work and play well with others? Bill Brandt joins Jim Blasingame to report on progress he has seen as evidence that China is gradually becoming a more of a partner and less of a problem.
What does Brandt think of Blasingame's 2011 political predictions? Bill Brandt joins Jim Blasingame to debate Jim's 2011 political predictions about Pres. Obama and V.P. Biden, Congress, Newt Gingrich and Sarah Palin.
What does Brandt think will happen in the next two years in politics? Bill Brandt joins Jim Blasingame to predict why Hillary Clinton will not run in 2010 and Obama will be easily re-elected, plus a conservative forecast of jobs and the economic recovery.
Is now the time to get serious about real estate? Kelle Olwyler joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how fortunes are being made in real estate right now, and to explain how to work in a real estate investment association.
Stocks or real estate? Kelle Olwyler joins Jim Blasingame to offer real estate investment tips, including using the possibility of using retirement funds to invest in real estate, plus info on the SAFE Act on mortgage lending.
What happens if Greenland melts? Joel Barker joins Jim Blasingame to talk about climate change and what could happen if Greenland's ice melts away over the next 50 years.
What is causing climate change? Joel Barker joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the epochal history of climate change, how much have humans accelerated this natural occurrence and what we can do about it.
How do you reduce your carbon footprint without hurting the economy? Joel Barker joins Jim Blasingame to discuss climate change, the carbon footprint of the US and China and innovations that will help.
Monday - January 24, 2011
Comcast's Kevin O'Toole joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how his company has partnered with Bloomberg TV and the Philadelphia chambers of commerce to bring the Bloomberg Speaker series to small businesses in the Philly area.
Is the future of small business in the cloud? Kevin O'Toole joins Jim Blasingame to discuss power and efficiency of cloud computing – from no cost to low cost – and how it has contributed to the survival of small business and their future success.
Do you have employees who should work together but don’t? David Gage joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the advantages of using an impartial third party to mediate and resolve conflicts inside the four walls of your business.
Rather than fire employees who don’t get along, hire a professional mediator. David Gage joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how mediation can be used to resolve conflicts between key employees.
Don’t do this at home – hire a professional. David Gage joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why mediation within your business will probably require an outside, impartial professional.
Did someone plan and cause the Great Recession? John Truman Wolfe joins Jim Blasingame to discuss what Wolfe believe is a global conspiracy to diminish the strength of the U.S. dollar and economy in favor of global alternatives.
What were the objectives of those behind the financial crisis? John Truman Wolfe (aka Bruce Wiseman) joins Jim Blasingame to provide his thoughts on why a global cabal, Financial Stability Board, are conspiring to control governments and economies in an evil quest for power.
Could entrepreneurship save the planet. Zoltan Acs joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the upcoming Heritage Foundation-George Mason University Entrepreneurship & Development Symposium and the launch of a new global entrepreneurship index.
What is the connection between liberty and entrepreneurship? Zoltan Acs joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why the growth of global entrepreneurship produces more liberty and free markets and the role the Internet is playing in this.
The world needs America to be the wellspring of entrepreneurship. Zoltan Acs joins Jim Blasingame to report on the Global Entrepreneurship and Development Index (GEDI) and why the U.S. is the wellspring of entrepreneurship for other countries.
Tuesday - January 25, 2011
Are you a professional delegator? Ruth King joins Jim Blasingame to discuss delegation best practices for small business owners as they give more responsibility to their managers.
Are your employees committing customer service atrocities? Ruth King joins Jim Blasingame to share recent customer service experiences, and what you can do to assure your employees are not running customers away.
What will Obama focus on in the 2011 State of the Union? Rich Galen joins Jim Blasingame to discuss Obama's 2011 State of the Union speech and his focus on government investment instead of private sector.
What is Federal "investment," in jobs? Rich Galen joins Jim Blasingame to report on the strings attached to federal "investing," including the requirements of the Davis-Bacon Act, plus predictions of the State of the Union address.
Evil is easier to leverage than good. Rich Galen joins Jim Blasingame to honor American volunteers serving on foreign soil from the military to HIV testing in Africa, and the debt of gratitude we owe them.
What operating fundamentals are you focused on? Jim Blasingame offers advice on fundamentals for small business owners, inventory management, operational steps, service contracts, interest rates and bankers.
Focusing on operating fundamentals is critical to success? Jim Blasingame offers more tips on operating fundamentals, including budgets, rent, customers credit terms, plus lose the pack rat act.
Do you own a smart phone? Jim Blasingame talks about Apple's 1 billionth download of a mobile app and why that puts every small business on notice that customers are going to demand apps in the near future.
What is "Net Neutrality"? Jonathan Zuck joins Jim Blasingame to define Net Neutrality including why it matters to small business and why the new regulation is a good thing.
Who are the Net Neutrality winners and losers? Jonathan Zuck joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the good, bad and ugly of Net Neutrality and why the new FCC reg is progress.
Wednesday - January 26, 2011
Could we really be headed for a global economic boom? Jack Plunkett joins Jim Blasingame to discuss a number of global financial, societal and entrepreneurial realities that will fuel an economic boom for the next generation.
Are the rules for start-ups changing? Jack Plunkett joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the concept of needs-based innovation for small businesses, especially start-ups, plus whether the Internet is a disruptor or a lever.
Are the shareholders of publicly traded companies gaining new clout? Jim Copland joins Jim Blasingame to report on Manhattan Institute’s new website, ProxyMonitor.org, which highlights increased shareholder involvement in publicly-traded companies.
What is the good and bad about being a minority shareholder? Jim Copland joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the issues that all parties must understand before becoming - or allowing - minority shareholders.
Why is Wall Street flourishing while Main Street suffers? Jim Copland joins Jim Blasingame to discuss what Jim B calls a disconnect between what's good for Wall Street and what's good for Main Street small businesses.
Do you have a strategy for acquiring and serving customers? Walter Kiechel joins Jim Blasingame to talk about why every business must develop a strategy that produces and maintains customer relationships.
How much strategic thinking do you do every week? Walter Kiechel joins Jim Blasingame to reveal why every small business owner has to manage, but also has to devote some time to strategic thinking about where the company is going.
Will the Fed give us more QE2? Bob McTeer joins Jim Blasingame to discuss what the Federal Open Market Committee will do about monetary policy, including managing interest rates, inflation and liquidity.
How do the Fed's actions compare to global actions? Bob McTeer joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why quantitative easing works in the U.S., but might not be right for other countries.
Are Main Street businesses being squeezed by a stealth inflation? Jim Blasingame talks with Bob McTeer about his concerns that small businesses are being squeezed by rising prices without having pricing power for their own products.
Thursday - January 27, 2011
How can you make the online world a lever instead of a disruptor? Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to discuss tips and best practices you can use to leverage the Internet to stay ahead of the competition and better serve your customers.
You don’t have to conquer the online world, but you do need to be a participant. Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to discuss different tools to leverage free Internet applications that will help you keep up in the online world.
Why should you use Google Alerts? Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to discuss some of the ways Google tools will help your small business leverage the power of the Internet, including the free Google Alerts.
Do you know what people saying about your business? Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to offer tips on using social media sites, especially Twitter, to leverage the power of the Internet for research on what others are saying about your business performance.
How could YouTube become your next - free - marketing tool? Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to discuss using YouTube as a “how-to” for yourself, plus creating a YouTube channel with your “how-to’s” for customers.
When you think of the Beatles, do you think about business? George Cassidy joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how The Beatles got their start and how their music was made possible by their business principles.
What can small businesses learn from The Beatles? George Cassidy joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the business wisdom of The Beatles and what we can learn from them, including having the passion and vision to persevere.
Let's talk Turkey: A brief travelogue. Dave Anderson joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the leadership course he taught recently in Turkey, and what he thought about the people and the country (the food, too).
Your customer's experience is only as good as your front line employee. Dave Anderson joins Jim Blasingame to talk about creating great customer experiences by training employees how to wow them with a list of "always and nevers."
If you want highly satisfied customers you have to create highly engaged employees. Dave Anderson joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the connection between highly engaged employees with the ability to create customers you can't run off.
Friday - January 28, 2011
How could being a servant leader impact your success? Trudy Jean Evans and Jim Blasingame talk about ways to promote the success of your stakeholders, customers, employees, and vendors, and aggregate this success to create your own.
Invest in training to create employee success. Trudy Jean Evans joins Jim Blasingame with examples of small business owners who successfully invest in the success of their employees through training and smart hiring.
How does location impact your business strategy? David Audretsch joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the impact that place - the location of your business - has on the business strategy, and how technology has impacted thinking about location.
The future of the planet is dependent upon entrepreneurs. David Audretsch joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why communities should invest in helping homegrown entrepreneurs be successful.
Does your community have the infrastructure to create entrepreneurs? David Audretsch joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the importance of creating an entrepreneurial community for long-term growth, from the entrepreneurial curriculum in schools to the infrastructure.
How does conflict impact the creation and development of entrepreneurs? Samee Desai joins Jim Blasingame to discuss her work on how entrepreneurs behave across a range of instability and what is necessary for them to sustain their entrepreneurial activity.
What is the connection between entrepreneurship and liberty? Samee Desai joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how entrepreneurship promotes liberty and how the two become symbiotic partners.
What are the most essential entrepreneurial elements? Samee Desai joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the top elements every entrepreneur must have to start and grow, plus policy issues that hinder financing as well.
Is the U.S. experiencing a regulatory crisis? Diane Katz joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the increasingly prohibitive compliance cost of regulation on small businesses, which is as much as 3X as much as big business.
How can we end the regulatory crisis? Diane Katz joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how regulation affects small businesses and some of the ways to solve this problem, including sunsetting and re-approving every regulation.
Monday - January 31, 2011
Social media is not about new rules, just new tools. Jonathan Salem Baskin joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the history of social media, including the fact that business social media is just about building customer communities.
People want to be part of a community instead of just a demographic. Jonathan Salem Baskin joins Jim Blasingame to talk about creating online communities by envisioning what kind of communities you want to build rather than where they will reside.
Is the President really becoming pro-business or is it an act? Karen Kerrigan joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why President Obama's recent State of the Union address has very little in it for small business.
It's dangerous when the government picks winners and losers. Karen Kerrigan joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the arrogance of politicians who think they know more than the marketplace about who should win and who should lose.
Can we defeat the regulatory nightmare for small business? Karen Kerrigan joins Jim Blasingame to discuss some of the regulations the SBE Council is trying to rescind, including the 1099 provisions in the new health care law.
Jim Blasingame offers tips on how to strategically think about transactions with your B2B customers - and create customer loyalty - by helping your customers build better relationships with their customers.
Do you know what your B2C customers really want? Jim Blasingame discusses the 21st century approach to customer loyalty, which is to get beyond the transaction, find out how and why customers do business with you, and give them what they want instead of what they think they need.
How has the small business credit market changed? Tom Markel joins Jim Blasingame to discuss some of the changes in the credit market in the last few years, including the differences in how lenders now evaluate credit risks of loan applicants.
Is more capital available for small businesses? Tom Markel joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how the small business credit market is loosening because of an influx of private lenders, plus how iBank aggregates these lenders and assists with the loan process.
Small business credit is more available, but access will require more sophistication. Tom Markel joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the new lending requirements because of the tightening of banking regulations and iBank’s holistic approach to assisting loan applicants.
