Thursday - December 01, 2011
Can Newt Gingrich maintain his new-found momentum? Rich Galen joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the 2012 GOP contenders, especially the recent surge by Newt Gingrich.
Will Newt Gingrich's lack of a national organization be his downfall? Rich Galen joins Jim Blasingame to reveal why having a well-run national organization is essential for any successful presidential campaign.
Why do we lie to ourselves about important decisions we haven't made? Bob Kustka joins Jim Blasingame to reveal that making false assumptions is one of the reasons most small business owners don't have a succession plan.
Are you afraid to think about a succession plan? Bob Kustka joins Jim Blasingame to reveal that fear of letting go and our own mortality is a great impediment to having a succession plan in place.
You're not going to live forever. Bob Kustka joins Jim Blasingame to talk about why one of the most important management steps a small business owner can take is to have a well-planned succession strategy.
Workplace bullying results in low employee morale and lost productivity. Leah Hollis joins Jim Blasingame to discuss workplace bullying and how to create policies that will curtail this disruptive behavior.
Where is the line between high expectations and bullying? Leah Hollis joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to clearly define expectations and communication so it’s about the work and not the employee.
Women are a vital part of any nation’s advancement. Terry Neese joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how Peace Through Business is successfully empowering women and making a difference around the world.
What are the challenges for women in Rwanda and Afghanistan? Terry Neese joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how women are helping to lead the rebuilding of Rwanda, plus the challenges for women in Afghanistan.
Frederic Bastiat said, “If good don’t cross borders, armies will.” Terry Neese joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the peace dividends of educating and mentoring woman-owned businesses around the globe.
Friday - December 02, 2011
Have you ever thought about time being a capital source? John Bradberry joins Jim Blasingame to encourage you to think of time as capital and use it as efficiently as you do other forms of capital.
Have you ever thought of your energy as a form of capital? John Bradberry joins Jim Blasingame to encourage you to think of your personal energy as a valuable form of capital and how to use and protect it accordingly.
Should the U.S. Dept. of Education provide more than 8% funding for K-12 education? John Fox joins Jim Blasingame to propose that the U.S. Dept. of Education should be more involved in funding education, but not more involved in curriculum.
Should the federal government more fully fund public education? John Fox joins Jim Blasingame to propose changes in the U.S. education system that would improve the performance of our schools, including in the tenure structure.
Why is America performing so poorly in education our children? John Fox joins Jim Blasingame to discuss a number of improvements that should be made in the U.S. education system, including better teacher recruiting.
What is the purpose of a class action lawsuits? Matt Cartwright joins Jim Blasingame to explain the reasons for class action lawsuits, how they're created and the potential impact on small businesses.
Before a lawsuit becomes a class action, it must be certified. Matt Cartwright joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the qualifiers of class action lawsuits, plus the laws that support or discourage class action.
There is a new level of WiFi capability in your future. Joel Barker joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how White Space Wifi will give customers new bandwidth capacity and disrupt some existing industry players.
How many levels of implications do you look for when making business decisions? Joel Barker joins Jim Blasingame to reveal his Implications Wheel resource which helps businesses avoid costly mistakes when making changes.
Micro-lattice is a metal material that's lighter and stronger than Styrofoam. Joel Barker joins Jim Blasingame to introduce micro-lattice, an ultra-light and compressible material, and its many application possibilities.
Monday - December 05, 2011
In this second of two segments, Jim Blasingame concludes the results of his 2011 predictions, including his forecast that Gingrich would be leading in GOP polls at the end of 2011, plus his 2011 accuracy rating and 11-year average.
Do you know where your business is going? Rich Horwath joins Jim Blasingame to talk about why strategic planning is required for your business to make the transition from one year to the next.
Can strategic thinking be simplified? Rich Horwath joins Jim Blasingame to reveal the four key areas of focus for effective strategic thinking: market, company, customers and competitors.
Have you developed an activity system map? Rich Horwath joins Jim Blasingame to explain that business owners should identify 3-5 area that will drive success and focus most of their resources to those areas.
Have you talked with employees about your corporate values? David Friedman joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the impact that corporate values have on the short and long-term performance of your business.
Why do employees need to practice the company values? David Friedman joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to have a values discussion with your employees and create values rituals that help them practice those values.
You probably already know what is necessary to write your book. Joel Libava joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the process of writing and publishing his first book on franchising.
Are you cut out to be a franchisee? Joel Libava joins Jim Blasingame to explain why every person thinking about buying a franchise must determine if they are capable of operating in a franchise environment.
What will it take to make capital available for new franchise owners? Joel Libava joins Jim Blasingame to discuss some of the issues around funding the purchase and start-up of a new franchise, including for veterans.
In this first of two segments, Jim Blasingame reviews his 2011 predictions, compares them with what actually happened and his score. Topics include small business trends, the economy, politics and even a little sports.
Tuesday - December 06, 2011
Excuses for poor marketing practices won't pay the bills. Lois Geller joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the excuses given by small businesses for why they don’t budget for marketing and social media.
How do you focus on social media without neglecting traditional marketing? Lois Geller joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the marketing evolution toward social media, plus how to drive users to your website.
Will governments policies create runaway inflation? Gary Moore joins Jim Blasingame to explain some of the potentially inflationary policies of the U.S. and European Union governments.
How can you protect your small business against rising inflation? Gary Moore joins Jim Blasingame to reveal some of potential causes of high inflationary in the future and how to protect your small business.
Will the steps the E.U. government takes impact the U.S. economy? Gary Moore joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the precarious economies of Europe and how much their problems will affect the overall performance of the U.S. economy.
How do you get out of a downward spiral with business creditors? Jerry Silberman joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to come to terms with the fact that you're in trouble with negative cash flow and business creditors.
How can you tell if your small business is headed toward a crisis with business creditors? Jerry Silberman joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the early warning signs of impending credit crises and steps to avoid a catastrophic situation.
All networking options are not equal. Ivan Misner joins Jim Blasingame joins Jim Blasingame to reveal networking options and the results they are likely to produce.
How does online business networking compare to face-to-face options? Ivan Misner joins Jim Blasingame joins Jim Blasingame to report on a global survey revealing that the most successful business networking comes from face-to-face activity, not online.
Civic clubs are for service first and networking second. Ivan Misner joins Jim Blasingame joins Jim Blasingame to report that a global survey reveals that civic clubs are for service, not high percentage networking opportunities.
Wednesday - December 07, 2011
Small businesses are increasingly turning to social media marketing. Mark Schmulen joins Jim Blasingame to report on the growth of social media marketing among small businesses who are taking advantage of customer community-building platforms.
Customer expectations determine your social media strategy. Mark Schmulen joins Jim Blasingame to report that more small businesses are using social media because customers increasingly expect to be reached there.
Your small business is producing what it was designed to do? Tom Asacker joins Jim Blasingame to explain that if you want more performance from your small business, you have to change the design.
Blasingame’s 3rd Law of Small Business states, “It’s easy to start a small business, but it’s not easy to run and grow one.” Tom Asacker joins Jim Blasingame to say that achieving results in today’s complex marketplace requires you to be a professional manager.
Is your small business designed to deliver what customers want? Tom Asacker joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the fundamental elements of successful mall business design, especially delivering what customers want.
Want to find some low-hanging fruit? Ross Shafer joins Jim Blasingame to explain how to grow your business by taking customers away from competitors who still think they're operating in the 20th century.
Every customer will eventually expect some digital connection. Ross Shafer joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the fact that the marketplace is becoming digital and all customers will eventually expect some digital contact.
Will the E.U. banking problems be another Lehman Brothers? Bill Brandt joins Jim Blasingame to report on the challenges the European Union leaders face and whether another global financial meltdown is possible.
Will the E.U. problems create recession or inflation? Bill Brandt joins Jim Blasingame to report that whether the European Union problems become recessionary or inflationary, it will impact your small business.
Gingrich or Romney? Bill Brandt joins Jim Blasingame to predict that Newt Gingrich has "no chance" of getting the Republican nomination, and why a Romney/Rubio GOP ticket is Obama's worst nightmare.
Thursday - December 08, 2011
Someone is buying what you sell from somebody today – are you getting your share? Jim Donovan joins Jim Blasingame to explain that although the economy is slow, are you maximizing every opportunity to find customers?
Are you meeting customer expectations? Jim Donovan joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why customers expect you to have an online plan, including social media, video, and local search.
Tatum reports all green arrows point upward. Sam Norwood joins Jim Blasingame to report this month’s Tatum Survey indicates cautious optimism in higher orders and spending, irrespective of the holiday season.
This month’s Tatum Survey of Business Conditions indicates the economy may be improving. Sam Norwood joins Jim Blasingame to report an increase in order backlogs and capital spending, which may indicate improved capital availability.
Sam Norwood joins Jim Blasingame to report on hiring and the shortage of skilled prospects, plus the absence of a national structural unemployment debate.
Mary Cantando joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the futility of unfocused networking, plus demonstrating your values through volunteerism.
The marketplace is moving forward at warp speed – are you keeping up? Mary Cantando joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the perils of not updating your website and not utilizing social media.
Is extending the payroll tax holiday a good thing? Richard DeKaser joins Jim Blasingame to report that if the payroll tax holiday is not extended it could cut GDP growth by as much as 1% in 2012.
Will impending fiscal decisions by the European Union impact U.S. businesses? Richard DeKaser joins Jim Blasingame to report that major shifts in European Union policy will have a direct impact on economic growth in the U.S. and therefore, on small businesses.
What will the 2012 U.S. economy look like? Richard DeKaser joins Jim Blasingame to say that the U.S. economy is getting stronger and will continue to grow, but will be impacted by E.U. policy decisions.
Friday - December 09, 2011
After years of languishing, the U.S. has signed three new trade agreements. Doug Barry joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why it's good news that the U.S. has new Free Trade Agreements with Panama, Columbia, and South Korea.
Let the U.S. Commercial Service be your partner in growing your business abroad. Doug Barry joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how the U.S. Commercial Service can help your small business create and execute a successful exporting strategy.
How a small business exported bacteria and got rich. Doug Barry joins Jim Blasingame to report on how one small business used the U.S. Commercial Service as a partner to grow his bio-business globally.
Half of all sales are influenced by some aspect of the Internet. Aaron Shapiro joins Jim Blasingame to explain why your next generation of customers are coming from a community of online users.
Connect with online users and turn them into customers. Aaron Shapiro joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to join communities that are relevant to online users of what you sell, and then create communities that are relevant to your customers.
When trial lawyers find a new cash cow in state-sponsored litigation small business loses. Jim Copland joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the questionable practice of state attorneys general hiring litigation firms to do the state's work on a contingency basis.
Employers avoid states known for cozy relationships between the attorney general and law firms. Jim Copland joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how a state’s out-of-control litigation climate affects small businesses from insurance costs to loss of business opportunity.
Has your state adopted the Private Attorney Retention Sunshine Act (PARSA)? Jim Copland joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how PARSA reforms state contracts with independent law firms, creating a more business-friendly environment.
Monday - December 12, 2011
What do you have to do in your next job interview? Beth Ross joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to be prepared for a job interview, including do your homework and practice the statement on yourself.
What do you know about interviewing job applicants? Beth Ross joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the important questions to ask job candidates so you make successful hiring decisions.
Do you know what the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau does? Jim Copland joins Jim Blasingame to reveal the origin and purpose of the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau.
When will the CFPB have a leader? Jim Copland joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why President Obama is struggling to get Richard Cordray confirmed as head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau will affect you business, whether directly or indirectly. Jim Copland joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how potential CFPB regulations and lack of oversight will affect small businesses.
A Manta survey shows most small business retailers are optimistic about the holidays. Kristy Campbell joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why small businesses are optimistic about the holidays and the connection to their online strategy.
Customers are demanding new things of who they do business with. Kristy Campbell joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how being relevant to customer expectations is becoming more important than being competitive on price.
The news is not your friend when thinking about the future. Dan Burrus joins Jim Blasingame to say that bad news sells, good news doesn't, so stop listening to all the bad news and focus on what's good about the future for your small business.
Using smallness and virtualization to win. Dan Burrus joins Jim Blasingame to say that trying to match the big competitors won't work, you should focus on the advantages of small by using cloud technology.
The days of the big eating the small are over. Dan Burrus joins Jim Blasingame to explain why the new competitive paradigm is that the fast are beating the slow, and with new technological capability, small business are the fastest.
Tuesday - December 13, 2011
How about creating a culture of generosity in your business? JoAnna Brandi joins Jim Blasingame to reveal the power of being generous with time and ideas by employees and managers can become a powerful best practice.
When ideas are generously shared, inter-company barriers will fall. JoAnna Brandi joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how instilling a culture of generosity will break down the barriers of a company’s silos and fiefdoms.
Do you value what you've received from past efforts of others? Cherié Carter-Scott joins Jim Blasingame from Bangkok, Thailand to discuss how the cultural respect this country has for its ancestors extends to the marketplace.
Are new choices for Asians potentially dangerous? Cherié Carter-Scott joins Jim Blasingame from Thailand to discuss the paradox of when the gravity of traditional values meet compelling 21st century opportunity choices.
Why is listening so difficult for humans? Cherié Carter-Scott joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how to practice one of the most powerful professional and managerial principles: listen more, talk less.
Do you encourage a culture of healthy collaboration? Susan Steinbrecher joins Jim Blasingame to discuss both the personal and practical needs of leading others in solving problems.
Kensho is a Budhist term meaning to see one’s true nature. Susan Steinbrecher joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how the illuminating principle of kensho can help you lead change, rather than just manage it.
Wall Street has benefited from Fed policies, has Main Street? Chuck Kadlec joins Jim Blasingame to talk about recent policies of the Federal Reserve Board and whether Main Street has benefited from them.
Are EU leaders getting desperate? Chuck Kadlec joins Jim Blasingame to discuss recent changes in policy and practices by European Union leaders in an attempt to pay the bill that is coming due on 60 years of socialism.
The EU has given the U.S. a gift. Chuck Kadlec joins Jim Blasingame to explain why the current financial collapse of EU sovereign debt is a gift because it shows Americans what the U.S. could look like in 10 years.
Wednesday - December 14, 2011
Here is one lesson to take from Big Business. Olalah Njenga joins Jim Blasingame to discuss reviewing your business’ key processes and practices to see if they still work both your customers and your business.
Dealing with unprofitable customers and unproductive employees. Olalah Njenga joins Jim Blasingame to discuss making adjustments with - and possibly firing - customers that won't let you be profitable and employees who aren't productive.
Obamacare provisions may kill HSA’s – a successful healthcare option for small businesses. Grace-Marie Turner joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why healthcare providers are pulling out of many markets because they can’t meet Obamacare requirements and taking HSAs with them.
Under Obamacare, 11 million HSA owners may lose their insurance. Grace-Marie Turner joins Jim Blasingame to discuss conflicts between state healthcare laws, HSA’s and Obamacare compliance.
A Supreme Court decision against Obamacare isn't likely to stop the entire law. Grace-Marie Turner joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the Obamacare elements that will likely not be affected by a Supreme Court decision.
How long will Boomers have to work? Tom Hegna joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the current state of Baby Boomers' retirement picture and identify some options for improving their retirement picture, including lifetime-income annuities.
Without planning, long-term care can wipe out your savings. Tom Hegna joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the provisions of long-term care insurance and the benefits of long-term care insurance.
Why do government employees need union representation? Diana Furchtgott-Roth joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the history of government unions and whether they are necessary for management and negotiations.
The federal government pays union reps $137 million annually who only do union work. Diana Furchtgott-Roth joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the money wasted to pay government union reps who only do union work.
Will the payroll tax holiday bill pass Congress? Diana Furchtgott-Roth joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the payroll tax holiday bill, its Keystone pipeline provision, and Obama’s dilemma.
Thursday - December 15, 2011
How important is it for you not to be wrong? Steven Gaffney joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the dangers of presuming you’re not wrong, or being right, but having the wrong perspective.
Time doesn’t solve problems, actions solve problems. Steven Gaffney joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the pitfalls of blaming others – or the economy – for your problems, and take action to correct them.
The Iraq War is now officially declared over. Gov. Pete du Pont joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the end of the Iraq War and what will determine if our investment and losses were justified.
Are Romney and Gingrich the proverbial turtle and hare? Gov. Pete du Pont joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the GOP frontrunners, Romney and Gingrich, and how they may fare in the primaries.
Why has Congress has not passed a budget for three years? Gov. Pete du Pont joins Jim Blasingame to discuss incompetence and ethical lapses of our elected representatives - from both parties.
Connect with your customers over the holidays with a personal touch. Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to discuss thanking your customers over the holidays with as much personal touch as possible, including face-to-face.
What's the news on smartphones? Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to review the pros and cons of the new generations of smartphones, including the iPhone 4S and Motorola Razr with Google Android operating system.
Beware the new 1099-K income report. Barbara Weltman joins Jim Blasingame to report that the 1099-K income form you get may not reflect net taxable income.
Do you know how much your tax bill will be for this year? Barbara Weltman joins Jim Blasingame to recommend tax planning practices, like prepayments and income deferral, that will help you adjust the size of your tax bill this year.
It's not too late to take these retirement planning steps. Barbara Weltman joins Jim Blasingame to reveal several retirement plans that you can start that will prepare for the future and impact your tax bill today.
Friday - December 16, 2011
Want to make fear a motivator and not an immobilizer? Jim Blasingame identifies the fear-fighting tools that will help you recognize and defeat the many forms of entrepreneurial fear.
Are you waiting until the next election to grow your business? Jim Blasingame reveals the results of a Small Business Advocate poll where half of the respondents said they're business plans were on hold until after the 2012 election.
How closely connected is the U.S. economy to the EU. Bill Dunkelberg joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the different ways the financial crisis in Europe will affect American small businesses.
We may not like the numbers, but we like the trend. Bill Dunkelberg joins Jim Blasingame to report November’s NFIB Optimism Index indicates a slight uptick in small business optimism, but we still have a long way to go.
Small businesses are improving, if only slightly. NFIB’s Bill Dunkelberg joins Jim Blasingame to report an increase in capital spending and sales growth, but not borrowing.
Can government and the private sector help citizens improve their employment picture? Jim Kirsch joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the formula that is required for a successful partnership between government and the private sector.
If you want to establish a diverse workforce, where do you find prospects? Jim Kirsch joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the best practice of establishing a multicultural workforce and the challenges in finding the right people.
Do customers have new brand expectations? Karen Post joins Jim Blasingame to reveal that the new normal for branding centers around new expectations customers have for how you connect with them.
How much "brand equity" does your small business have? Karen Post joins Jim Blasingame to reveal what brand equity is and how powerful it can be when your business has an unfortunate real or perceived setback.
What do customers know about your corporate values? Karen Post joins Jim Blasingame to say that customers are now looking for evidence of the values of your business and why this should be good for small businesses.
Monday - December 19, 2011
Are middle class challenges temporary or structural? Phil Cioppa joins Jim Blasingame to discuss what has caused economic and demographic shifts in America over the last several years.
There is a perfect storm of pressure on the middle class. Phil Cioppa joins Jim Blasingame to debate what is causing America's middle class to decline, from Wall Street to government, including the validity of Occupy Wall Street movement.
SBE Council survey shows small businesses are not optimistic about the economy. Karen Kerrigan joins Jim Blasingame to reveal an SBE Council survey that most small businesses are still pessimistic about the near-term prospects of the economy.
Why are small businesses pessimistic about future growth? Karen Kerrigan joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the impact of uncertainty of government policies, federal debt and tax rates on small business optimism.
A recent SBE Council survey shows exporting is part of small business growth plans. Karen Kerrigan joins Jim Blasingame to report more small businesses are including exporting in their growth plans.
Has Google stopped serving users in favor of a popularity contest? Kathy Perry joins Jim Blasingame to discuss new value in long-tail key words, plus the troubling new changes in Google search ranking practices emphasizing social media relevance.
Should Google give extra search value to social media popularity? Kathy Perry joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why Google is considering social media relevance in their search rankings, plus why local businesses must be in local search.
Do businesses experience momentum shifts like sports teams? Tim Berry joins Jim Blasingame to explore the idea of momentum shifts in small business and what it looks like.
Are there different business momentum forces? Tim Berry joins Jim Blasingame to discuss both internal and external forces that cause momentum to shift, plus how to create your own momentum..
What is the role of leadership on business momentum? Tim Berry joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why leadership and planning are critical to creating positive momentum and minimizing the negative kind.
Tuesday - December 20, 2011
Women own 48% of businesses in the U.S., but get only get 4% of venture capital. Kim Lavine joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the availability of capital for women business owners, and why even qualified women are reluctant to pursue it.
What is the future of venture capital for women business owners? Kim Lavine joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why, in the new normal, a venture capital exit strategy should be less about an IPO and more about ROI.
Are you helping your employees be committed to the business' mission? Chester Elton joins Jim Blasingame to discuss ways to create a highly engaged, creative culture through increased employee engagement.
How do you encourage employees to take ownership? Chester Elton joins Jim Blasingame to explain how owners and managers can help employees take the engagement steps to ownership of their assignments.
Showing employees they are valued is a business best practice. Chester Elton joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to encourage employee engagement by having a culture that's designed to recognize and celebrate performance.
Thousands of women and children are the beneficiaries of Winnie Palmer's vision. Amy Saunders joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the life and service of her mother, Winnie Palmer, and the important work of the Winnie and Arnold Palmer hospitals.
Are you looking for a worthy organization to contribute to? Amy Saunders joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the excellence and ground-breaking medical service to women and children by the hospitals named for her parents, Winnie and Arnold Palmer.
Tell Warren Buffett to just write a check to the government. John Harrison joins Jim Blasingame to tell billionaires like Warren Buffett to stop saying his taxes are too low and just write a check to the government.
Here are a few helpful tips on your personal finances. John Harrison joins Jim Blasingame to recommend tips like checking your credit rating, reviewing beneficiaries, and other financial matters at year-end.
Don't miss these year-end tax and retirement tips. John Harrison joins Jim Blasingame to offer a year-end personal finance checkup, including maximizing retirement plans, adjust income by claiming losses and advanced vendor payments.
Wednesday - December 21, 2011
Who's better on free-market healthcare policy? Avik Roy joins Jim Blasingame to reveal some health care policy positions by Newt Gingrich many people may not know, plus how he compares to Romney on this issue.
Which GOP presidential candidate has the best free market-based plan for healthcare? Avik Roy joins Jim Blasingame to compare the healthcare plans of the GOP candidates and whether the U.S. can move to a free market-based system.
What is the first step in influencing others? Rick Maurer joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the first step in influencing people: step back and observe to see the bigger picture.
What is the next step in being influential? Rick Maurer joins Jim Blasingame to explain the next step in being influential: After you have observed without an agenda, find context and develop a strategy.
"Cause and effect has many parents." Rick Maurer joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the role that cause-and-effect plays in the application of leadership.
Small businesses are the best at service for last-minute shoppers. Tom Anastasi joins Jim Blasingame with ideas for retailers to help last-minute shoppers, including using technology to tell customers about special items.
Increase your margins with supplier co-ops and promotions. Tom Anastasi joins Jim Blasingame with tips to increase margins during the holidays by working with suppliers on co-ops and promotions, plus convert old inventory to cash.
What can small business learn from big business about hiring employees? Leigh Branham joins Jim Blasingame to reveal that big businesses hiring practices would be good for small businesses, like being patient and using interns.
What traits should small businesses focus on in prospective employees? Leigh Branham joins Jim Blasingame to reveal that experience is way down the list of desirable qualities of a prospective employee, after integrity, knowledge and motivation.
Should you have employee applicants take a personality profile test? Leigh Branham joins Jim Blasingame to encourage small business owners to have any prospective employee take a personality profile test..
Thursday - December 22, 2011
Even if you don’t have a mobile site, customers expect to find you in local search. Rob Eroh joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the eBay tool, Milo.com, which expands local search for small businesses.
A Milo.com survey shows 41% of holiday shoppers want to spend their money locally. Rob Eroh joins Jim Blasingame to report on the results of a Milo.com survey, which shows customers want to buy locally, but they also want to connect at some level online.
Is the end of U.S. involvement in Iraq good or bad? Rich Galen joins Jim Blasingame to say that continued instability could turn political expediency into bad policy and jeopardize the investment of U.S. life and treasure in Iraq.
What will happen if Ron Paul wins the Iowa caucuses? Rich Galen joins Jim Blasingame to handicap the GOP presidential candidates chances in the Iowa caucuses and predict the ultimate nominee.
Why are Democrats better than Republicans at the game of politics? Rich Galen joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the payroll tax holiday standoff and its probable resolution, plus the continuing dysfunction of Congress.
Are you ready for the 13th month – the last week of the year? Sarah Petty joins Jim Blasingame with tips to take advantage of the week after Christmas to reduce old inventory and create extra cash for the next quarter.
How can you create customer loyalty like the big companies? Sarah Petty joins Jim Blasingame with marketing and customer loyalty ideas small business can copy from the big guys.
How could a small business owner be like Santa? Peter Meyer joins Jim Blasingame to reveal that, like Santa, small business owners spend the year filling their bags with goodies, but now they must get rid of them before year-end.
How can youthfulness and maturity be compatible? Peter Meyer joins Jim Blasingame to reveal that you should think of your processes as the mature part of your business and the elements of these processes as the new and youthful parts.
Enthusiasm is the key to blending maturity with youthfulness in business. Peter Meyer joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the role that enthusiasm plays as you take your mature processes and youthful elements to market.
Friday - December 23, 2011
How could a Scrooge defend himself? Jim Blasingame acknowledges being a Scrooge and offers evidence in his defense, plus two challenges to us to make the world a better place, on The Small Business Advocate Show.
Christmastime is especially difficult for our military and their families. Jim Blasingame recognizes and thanks members of America's military - and their families - on this Christmas program, and recommends two veterans charities.
A Christian and a Jew celebrate two holidays. Two great friends, Andrew Sherman, a Jew, and Jim Blasingame, a Christian, celebrate Christmas and Hanakkah together.
What would be required to take tolerance to the next level? Andrew Sherman joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the concept of tolerance and propose ways humans could go beyond tolerance to make the world better..
'Exploring the forces of your existence. Jim Blasingame celebrates Christmas by reading a passage from "Anam Cara," a book by his late friend, John O'Donohue, titled, "To be born is to be chosen."
Jim has found a better way to thank customers during the holidays. Jim Blasingame talks about how he discovered that customers prefer that you donate to charities in their honor instead of receiving gifts.
Homes For Our Troops and other veteran charities. Barbara Weltman joins Jim Blasingame to talk about why they chose Homes For Our Troops and other veteran charities to donate to during the holidays.
How will a two-month extention on the payroll tax holiday impact small businesses? Barbara Weltman joins Jim Blasingame to say that a two-month extension in the payroll tax holiday creates an administrative burden on small businesses.
How do we promote tolerance in the face of evil? Barbara Weltman joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how the overwhelming evidence of tolerance is still not enough to fight the evil of intolerance.
Monday - December 26, 2011
Could being happy be as simple as setting and accomplishing incremental goals? Kita Szpak joins Jim Blasingame with tips on finding happiness by breaking down large goals into smaller incremental ones and then celebrating those accomplishments.
Avoid people who cannot be happy. Kita Szpak joins Jim Blasingame to reveal that your ability to be happy may be influenced by unhappy people, things or circumstances , plus the power of self-analysis.
Use technology to create authentic customer connection resources? Ramon Ray joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how technology can help small businesses reveal more about themselves while offering what they sell.
What are the best platforms for revealing the human element in your small business? Ramon Ray joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how video, blogs, social media and other online content can demonstrate small business authenticity customers are looking for.
Demonstrate your expertise and values with customers online. Ramon Ray joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to use online content platforms to grow your business by letting prospects and customers see more than just products and pricing.
How do you turn a difficult customer question or specification into a positive? Rob Jolles joins Jim Blasingame to show how honesty turns into trust when a customer makes a request that you think is ill-advised.
Product training is not sales training. Rob Jolles joins Jim Blasingame to reveal that product training is not sales training and why the first job is selling concepts and connection.
There are many government entities that want to impose themselves on the Internet. Jonathan Zuck joins Jim Blasingame to reveal the U.S. and international governing bodies that are imposing restrictions on the online universe.
How does online piracy impact you? Jonathan Zuck joins Jim Blasingame to report on the issues of online piracy, including the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA), who wants it and, you might be surprised, who is against it.
How can a small business owner decide which side of technology laws to support? Jonathan Zuck joins Jim Blasingame to explain that the best way to decide which side of a technology issue you should support is to follow the money.
Tuesday - December 27, 2011
Even with technology, what your mother taught you about manners still applies. Marie Dubuque joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to blend the old rules about manners and etiquette with new technology and 24/7 access.
Could you leave your cell phone behind while in a meeting? Marie Dubuque joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to be in the moment, without technology, to make more meaningful face-to-face connections.
Historically politicians have ignored marketplace solutions for political manipulation. Burt Folsom joins Jim Blasingame with a historic perspective of the failed political efforts to improve the economy in the last three years.
Are businesses waiting on the 2012 elections to implement growth? Burt Folsom and Jim Blasingame make predictions about the economy in 2012 and whether it will significantly improve after the elections.
Will Obamacare pass the scrutiny of the Supreme Court? Burt Folsom joins Jim Blasingame with a prediction of the Supreme Court decision on Obamacare, plus a historic perspective of individual mandates and class warfare.
What can small business owners learn about balance from Buddhism. Lama Surya Das joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how aspects of Buddhism complement Christianity and helps one to live a peaceful life, even small business owners.
Can you leave the baggage behind? Lama Surya Das joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to let go of the baggage of 2011 and move forward into 2012, plus how Buddhism deals with evil.
Do you know where BRIC is? Doug Barry joins Jim Blasingame to introduce export opportunities in the BRIC countries - Brazil, Russia, India and China..
They have PayPal in the BRIC countries? Doug Barry joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the opportunities and issues of doing business online in the BRIC countries of Brazil, Russia, India and China.
Having distribution partners in-country improves export opportunities. Doug Barry joins Jim Blasingame to explain why in-country distribution partners improves export success by minimizing challenges with the customs process.
Wednesday - December 28, 2011
Mono-faceted leaders are dinosaurs. Trudy Jean Evans joins Jim Blasingame to reveal the six kinds of leadership styles that, when practiced when needed, results in what she calls "Kaleidoscope Leadership."
Find your success by aggregating the success of others. Trudy Evans joins Jim Blasingame to explain why kaleidoscope leaders understand their success is predicated on helping others to become successful leaders.
Uncover your assumptions of what your small businesses can do. Pam Harper joins Jim Blasingame to explain why even small businesses can grow through acquisition or alliances.
Alliance partners must agree on goals before proceeding. Pam Harper joins Jim Blasingame to reveal that any alliance between two or more businesses must begin with clear agreement on goals, especially as they impact the customer.
Before you create an alliance, make sure all parties can execute on the goals. Pam Harper joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why being clear about execution capability of all parties is critical to the success of a business alliance.
Are you managing your business as if it were still the 20th century? John Bernard joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the elements of Now Management, which incorporates employee empowerment, promotes engagement and results in success.
Empowering employees encourages fewer mistakes, happier customers and more profit. John Bernard joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how Now Management promotes engaged employees, loyal customers, more sales and greater profit.
How much has immigration come up in the Republican presidential process? Tamar Jacoby joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how the pragmatism of Gingrich and Perry impacted their campaigns.
Why is tone as important as message when seeking the Hispanic voter? Tamar Jacoby joins Jim Blasingame to reveal that Latino voters want to be recognized as any other voter who is interested in the economy, education, etc., not just immigration.
Why are states taking immigration policy into their own hands? Tamar Jacoby joins Jim Blasingame to report that states have become the immigration policy incubator that may well determine America's national policy.
Thursday - December 29, 2011
Two marketplace veterans recommend only on business New Year Resolution. Jeff Zbar and Jim Blasingame recommend that the only small business New Year's resolution is to spend more time in front of prospects and customers, face-to-face.
What makes the iPhone 4s a big deal? Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to report on his new Apple iPhone 4s and why the SIRI voice command capability makes this phone worth considering.
What's the big deal about crowdsourcing and the wisdom of crowds? Jim Blasingame talks about why some people say there is wisdom in diverse "crowd" collaboration, as well as in the power of crowdsourcing for projects.
There are problems with crowdfunding. Jim Blasingame reports on some of the news about crowd funding and why he thinks it is not going to be a long-term solution small business capitalization strategy.
If you have to rely on crowdfunding, you don't have a viable business model. Jim Blasingame reveals why viable businesses must earn the right to acquire traditional capital options, like investor and bank loans, not crowdfunding.
What is a platform and could one benefit your small businesses? Phil Simon joins Jim Blasingame to define what a business platform is and discuss how it has created great opportunity for companies like Apple, Amazon and Google.
Platforms blur the line between work and life and connect with customers wherever they are. Phil Simon joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the use of platforms as a 21st century business best practice, including for small businesses.
What's the big deal about mobile? Chuck Martin joins Jim Blasingame to report on the growth of mobile in the marketplace, in the U.S. and across the globe.
What is the growth outlook for mobile in 2012? Chuck Martin joins Jim Blasingame to compare the mobile usage in 2011 with what is projected for 2012, and why that news is important to your small business.
Should you have a mobile app or a mobile website?Chuck Martin joins Jim Blasingame to explain what a mobile strategy is and is not, including how your mobile presence should be presented.
Friday - December 30, 2011
Would you rather work short-staffed, or work with someone's bad attitude? Mark Murphy joins Jim Blasingame to reveal why hiring for attitude instead of experience, including how to conduct and interview that reveals attitude.
Just because Gens X has skills doesn't mean you'll like the attitude. Mark Murphy joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to hire Generation X with good attitudes through targeted recruiting messages and relationship interview questions.
If Romney's the nominee, how will Democrats exploit his investment banking background? Doug Tatum joins Jim Blasingame to discuss Romney's background as a private equity investor, and reveals the three levels of equity investors.
Where is growth capital coming from these days? Doug Tatum joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the impact of growth capital private equity on America's economic expansion by mid-sized companies.
Will business optimism improve after the 2012 elections? Doug Tatum joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how politics is keeping business optimism low and reasons why it should improve after the 2012 election.
Give the person on the other side of the desk to say "No." Jim Camp joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how giving others permission to say "No" actually will remove barriers, open dialogue and lead to better transactions and relationships.
How could being told "No" actually be a negotiating advantage? Jim Camp joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to get others to say "No" and use it as a valuable negotiation tool.
The America Invents Act is the biggest change to patent law in 50 years. David Dawsey joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the new America Invents Act, which will prioritize by "first to file" rather than "first to invent," harmonizing it with systems in other countries.
How will the America Invents Act benefit small business? David Dawsey joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the new America Invents Act helps small businesses save money on patent filing fees and speeds the process for them.
The America Invents Act expedites the patenting process for small inventors. David Dawsey joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the prioritized examination provision of the America Invents Act, which expedites the patenting process.
