Monday - May 02, 2011
The long term success of your startup could be heavily dependent on how well you bootstrap. John Bradberry joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the challenges startups have in finding capital, and the potential dangers if they find the capital they need.
Bootstrapping is a good boot camp for how to be judicious with your capital. John Bradberry joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the advantages of funding your small business on early revenues, plus tips on how to manage with a bootstrapper’s mentality.
According to Thomas Edison, failure is successfully identifying what doesn’t work. Rick Maurer joins Jim Blasingame to talk about lessons learned from failures and the valuable contribution these lessons have in the success of your small business.
How do you plan for setbacks or failures? Rick Maurer joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the best practice of scenario planning, your implementable plan for setbacks or potential surprises in your small business.
Rick Maurer joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how good leaders will lead change instead of having knee-jerk reactions to surprises, and the confidence it inspires in your employees.
Brian Davis joins Jim Blasingame to talk about what’s happening at the McLean County Chamber of Commerce in Bloomington, IL, the home of State Farm Insurance and beer nuts.
Are you near McLean County, IL and need something to do tomorrow? Brian Davis joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the events of the 2011 Twin Cities Showcase, the annual McLean County Chamber B2B expo where Jim will be speaking tomorrow morning.
Why wasn’t this cleared up years ago? Bill Brandt joins Jim Blasingame to explain why the White House waited until now to release President Obama’s birth certificate to the public.
Osama bin Laden is dead. Bill Brandt joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the Osama bin Laden and the elements that led to his death, plus how coordination between the Bush and Obama administrations was essential to this mission.
It’s a proud day for America. Bill Brandt joins Jim Blasingame to explain that the continuity of the Bush and Obama administrations is emblematic of the united front from the US, plus how after bin Laden’s death, the real work is just beginning.
Tuesday - May 03, 2011
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.
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 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.
Wednesday - May 04, 2011
Big business consistently creates fewer jobs than small business. Doug Tatum joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why more U.S. net jobs are disproportionately created by growing small businesses, not start-ups.
How is economic recovery tied to capitalizing small business? Doug Tatum joins Jim Blasingame to reveal his concerns that the new attitudes about capitalizing the marketplace will have a negative impact on the economy.
Eighty percent of entrepreneurship students believe profit is what companies take from customers. Doug Tatum joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how young people perceive the profit motive and why this is dangerous for our future.
Use small talk to strengthen relationships with employees. Debra Fine joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how to strengthen engagement by talking with employees about small accomplishments on a regular basis.
Do you know how to engage in "big talk?" Debra Fine joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how to use "big talk" with employees, including giving and receiving feedback, and discussing corporate vision.
How long will America remain the economic superpower? David Adler joins Jim Blasingame to reveal developments that are causing global organizations to predict the diminishing of America's global economic strength.
How should the U.S. defend its economy against China? David Adler joins Jim Blasingame to report on how the U.S. has allowed China to grow it's economy by undervaluing it's currency at America's expense.
Is China’s economy a Potemkin village? David Adler joins Jim Blasingame to discuss whether China's economic growth could be so fragile that it cannot withstand any monetary devaluation.
What can we expect now that bin Laden is dead? Rich Galen joins Jim Blasingame to congratulate President Obama on the success of the mission to get Osama bin Laden and discuss its long-term effects on the war on terror.
After bin Laden’s death, how long will the goodwill last? Rich Galen joins Jim Blasingame to discuss whether the bi-partisan feelings in Washington over bin Laden’s death will extend to ongoing debates on domestic issues.
Thursday - May 05, 2011
We’ve come a long way, baby! Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the evolution of the perception of home-based businesses from something embarrassing to what is now considered just one of the ways to do business.
Jim predicts in three years, social media will just be one of the ways we go to market. Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the comparison of the evolution of social media with that of home-based business, websites, etc..
How has the evolution of marketing progressed? Bob Bly joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how marketing strategies have evolved to include new tools - websites, email, social media, etc. - but not eliminate the traditional ones.
How do you become modern, comprehensive marketing strategy? Bob Bly joins Jim Blasingame with tips on how to create a marketing strategy around the multitude of media available, including how to balance the off and online options.
Your marketing strategy is different for prospects and customers. Bob Bly joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the difference in how marketing strategies for prospects and existing customers.
What are emotional hijacks? Nance Guilmartin joins Jim Blasingame to define emotional hijacks, explain how it happens and what you can do to prevent them from ruining your day or your life.
What do you have when stress and pressure gang up on you? Nance Guilmartin joins Jim Blasingame to reveal a new term, "stressure," and how you can train your brain to not react badly when stress and pressure collide.
How often do you feel the need to reinvent yourself or business? Peter Meyer joins Jim Blasingame to explain why the pressure to reinvent yourself or your business has increased recently and how to handle this new dynamic.
Reinvention should be a way of life - and management, not just a means to an end. Peter Meyer joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how to incorporate reinvention thinking into your daily management thinking.
Getting comfortable with change will lead to successful reinvention. Peter Meyer joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how the urge to reinvent happens from within ourselves, and how to unleash and harness this natural ability.
Friday - May 06, 2011
The customer is now in control – get over it! Jim Blasingame talks about two of the factors that are creating paradigm shifts which have caused the Age of the Seller to succumb to The Age of the Customer™.
You can you be competitive and still be irrelevant. Jim Blasingame reveals why The Age of the Customer™ is making being relevant - connecting with the customer on their terms - more important than merely being competitive.
The elimination of Osama bin Laden demonstrated the resolve of the United States. Bob Dilenschneider joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the killing of Osama bin Laden, and what it says to the world about the commitment and capability of Americans.
What has happened to civility in America? Bob Dilenschneider joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the Civility in America lecture series and why we need to return to civility to move the U.S. forward.
Politicians continue to give lip service to small businesses. Bob Dilenschneider joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the challenges small businesses are facing in trying to survive the recovery, including fuel costs and lack of support from government leaders.
Why is natural gas good for America? Robert Bryce joins Jim Blasingame to report that natural gas is cheap, abundant, and reliable and should be a larger part of our national energy solutions.
Why is natural gas good for our future? Robert Bryce joins Jim Blasingame to discuss different uses for natural gas, why there is a resistance to drilling for it, and why small business owners should care.
How is small business innovation addressing scarcity and frugality? Bruce Piasecki joins Jim Blasingame with examples of how small companies are creating innovations that are recycling discarded resources.
Is your small business doing more with less? Bruce Piasecki joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the innovative ways that American small businesses are producing more with less and what that means for the future.
What kind of relationship will Earthlings have with water in the future? Bruce Piasecki joins Jim Blasingame to discuss our relationship with water and how this will impact our lives and the marketplace.
Monday - May 09, 2011
How will leadership manifest in the future? Jeremie Kubicek joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why leadership is influence with which you can either use to empower or overpower, plus what Washington and Wall Street could learn from Main Street.
The greatest way to live your life is to be in reality what you appear to be. Jeremie Kubicek joins Jim Blasingame to discuss benevolence as a leadership strategy – give yourself for the benefit of others and the opportunities will present themselves.
Is this year’s economy a repeat of 2010? Sam Norwood joins Jim Blasingame with the Tatum Report for May to compare the current 2011 economy to what happened similarly in 2010.
How is the economy trending? Sam Norwood joins Jim Blasingame to report that the May 2011 Tatum Survey indicates strong order backlogs and capital commitments are up, but employment and the overall economic outlook is down.
When 20th century expectations meet 21st century realities. Sam Norwood joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why today’s jobs and productivity realities are painfully different from 20th century America.
Where will 80 million Gen Y’s work? Donna Fenn joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the realities of the job market for Generation Y, plus what they bring to the table, including technology skills and the ability to work in teams.
Are the young folks in Generation Y entrepreneurial? Donna Fenn joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why so many members of Gen Y are starting their own businesses and why they are ready for 21st century entrepreneurship.
Circumnavigating the globe on the airlines in 2 days. Dan Poynter joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why he is planning to fly on airlines around the world in 2 days to promote the value of air travel.
How much does is cost to fly around the world? Dan Poynter joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the stops, layovers and cost of his upcoming airline trip around the world in two days.
How is book publishing changing? Dan Poynter joins Jim Blasingame to discuss ebooks and the inevitable demise of classic brick and mortar book stores and traditional book publishing companies.
Tuesday - May 10, 2011
Do you know what your close ratio is? Fabienne Fredrickson joins Jim Blasingame with a specific formula to determine how many prospects you need to achieve your sales growth goals.
Marketing is as important as selling. Fabienne Fredrickson joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the process of developing prospects and putting them into your sales pipeline to produce sales revenue as they mature into customers.
Is the banking industry ready to help small businesses? Tracy Eden joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the political and regulatory dynamic between the Federal Reserve and banks and what that relationship means to small business.
Businesses on Main Street may be financially stronger than their banks. Tracy Eden joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the continued challenges of the banking industry and whether that is one reason most small businesses are not borrowing.
How closely are you focusing on gross margins? Tracy Eden joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why it's critical for a small business to know what hurts and what drives gross margins and why that matters to your bank.
The "M" recovery continues. Jim Blasingame talks about his 2009 prediction that we were headed for an "M", for marathon, recovery, why recent polls make that prediction a prophecy and what that means for your small business.
What is your main job as the CEO of your small business? Jim Blasingame talks about your most important job as a CEO, which is managing the relationship between challenges and opportunities.
Perfecting the middle piece of the referral puzzle, the introduction. Joanne Black joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why the referral introduction step is so important and how you can improve this critical element of referral selling.
How are you managing pre-qualified referrals? Joanne Black joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how to manage pre-qualified referrals and whether to offer an incentive for clients to refer you.
How can you better make connections through referrals? Joanne Black joins Jim Blasingame to reveal that making referrals can actually improve relationships on both ends of the referral.
Wednesday - May 11, 2011
Use the 65/35 rule of communicating – listen 65% and talk 35%. Karen Reisman joins Jim Blasingame to reveal two components for empathic communication, listen before you speak and, tell what you know and what you don’t know.
Do you explain your emotions or just get angry? Karen Reisman joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to communicate more empathically in challenging situations by naming your emotions and staying calm.
If you survived the Great Recession, you've learned some things. Stephen Baum joins Jim Blasingame to discuss some of the decisions the best CEOs are making about growth, now that they've learned how to survive.
What are the most important issues for CEOs to focus on? Stephen Baum joins Jim Blasingame to discuss seeking growth opportunities consistent with post-recession operating strategy, plus looking for top talent.
Is it time to start accruing gratification it? Stephen Baum joins Jim Blasingame to report that many small business owners who survived the recession by finding efficiencies and are now more adequately compensating themselves.
Whether you know it or not, you're using cloud computing. Alex Terry joins Jim Blasingame to discuss results of a recent poll on the adoption of cloud computing and IT outsourcing and the evolution of the role of IT personnel.
It's not enough to be competitive, you also have to stay relevant. Alex Terry joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how cloud computing allows small businesses to be competitive and avoid becoming irrelevant in The Age of the Customer™.
Are online coupons good for small business? John Audette joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the rise of online couponing, like Groupon and Living Social, and whether they are good for long-term success.
Do you know how to evaluate online coupon? John Audette joins Jim Blasingame with advice and warnings about how to evaluate online couponing so that you build customer relationships, not just grow sales volume.
Can you negotiate with online coupon companies? John Audette joins Jim Blasingame with advice on negotiating with online coupon companies, including the number of coupons sold and expiration date.
Thursday - May 12, 2011
Are business books too boring and hard to read? Corey Michael Blake joins Jim Blasingame to talk about his idea of turning classic business books into comic book formats, as a way to get more people interested.
Are we babying Gen Y? Corey Michael Blake joins Jim Blasingame to explain his use of graphic novels as an entertaining medium to promote the idea of classic business books.
Is the economy in danger of more bubbles bursting? Gary Moore joins Jim Blasingame to talk about stock market and commodity bubbles, and to report that his investment guru, Jeremy Grantham, says the stock market is overbought.
Are the actions of the Obama administration hurting the economy? Gary Moore joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the dangers of recent attacks on businesses, like Boeing, executive pay and the oil companies.
Do breakdowns in the financial industry say something about each of us? Gary Moore joins Jim Blasingame to discuss what Main Street has to do to get Wall Street and Washington to return to America's Judea-Christian values.
Do you know who your profile customer is? Janet Christy joins Jim Blasingame to discuss her new DIY workshop program and reveal why every small business start-up must identify who its specific prospective customer is.
How can you better market your growing small business? Janet Christy joins Jim Blasingame to remind growing businesses that what's important to your customers is less on what you sell and more on how they use it, want it delivered and how they feel about it afterward.
What are small business owners saying about the economy? Giovanni Coratolo joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the Small Business Outlook Survey and why their respondents are less than optimistic.
Why are small business owners uncertain about the future? Giovanni Coratolo joins Jim Blasingame to discuss small businesses' concern that the rhetoric from Washington about small business isn't matching their actions.
The U.S. Chamber is celebrating Small Business Week. Giovanni Coratolo joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the upcoming Small Business Summit, and how the U.S. Chamber is celebrating Small Business Week.
Friday - May 13, 2011
Could online surveys help you have more customers? Kathy Perry joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how to use online survey tools as a handy and easy way to connect with customers and strengthen those relationships.
Convert your expertise into podcasts. Kathy Perry joins Jim Blasingame to talk about using technology tools, like podcasts and online article directories, to demonstrate your thought-leadership.
Teamwork comes naturally to Generation Y, but what about partnerships. Ed Kopf joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how Generation Y teamwork success may be tested when they form entrepreneurial partnerships.
Negotiating to form a partnership is different. Ed Kopf joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the complex negotiations of forming a partnership and why that process is different from a transactional negotiation.
A partnership is about being better together than alone. Ed Kopf joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why forming a partnership is not about winners and losers, but is whether the parties are compatible.
Are you funding a diversified retirement plan? John Harrison joins Jim Blasingame to discuss small business retirement challenges, plus some tips on how to accomplish a diversified portfolio.
There are many options for investment out there. John Harrison joins Jim Blasingame to recommend a deliberate, conservative and disciplines retirement plan, avoiding what he calls investing in headlines.
Employees are not motivated by money alone. Joel Barker joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the bonus myth and how using a combination of recognition first and then compensation produce the best employee engagement results.
There are new breakthroughs in stem cell research. Joel Barker joins Jim Blasingame to discuss intestinal and lung stem cell research discoveries, as well as the ethical issues that are part of these medical advancements.
What's new in the world of weeds and silk worms? Joel Barker joins Jim Blasingame to talk about poison-resistant super weeds, plus silk worms that produce colored silk to skip the dying process, and why you should care.
Monday - May 16, 2011
The image you project to prospects and customers is important. Jane Pollak joins Jim Blasingame to discuss regularly updating your marketing materials, including your digital profiles, to represent yourself accurately and professionally.
What is your company's social media policy for employees? Jane Pollak joins Jim Blasingame to discuss social media distractions in the workplace, plus how prepared is Gen Y for the job search and interview process.
Do you have a hiring process with established steps and standards? Ed Abel joins Jim Blasingame to discuss what small businesses can learn from big business about establishing a disciplined hiring process.
In the 21st century, small businesses have a marketing advantage. Ed Abel joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the marketing advantage of small businesses because of increasing demand by customers for values and relationships.
How much time do you spend on planning and strategy for the future? Ed Abel joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why small business CEOs need to spend time to properly plan and execute strategies to prevent “shooting from the hip.”
Do you need more lending source options? Mike Rozman joins Jim Blasingame to reveal the process of helping small businesses get access to working capital by connecting them with lenders across the country.
What does the borrowing and lending marketplace look like? Mike Rozman joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the progress of getting lenders and borrowers to do business again, including franchise opportunities.
How the Center for International and Private Enterprise works. Karen Kerrigan joins Jim Blasingame to discuss her new position as chairman with CIPE and what they're doing to strengthen and promote democracy and entrepreneurship around the globe.
How will higher taxes on energy companies affect your small business? Karen Kerrigan joins Jim Blasingame to talk about proposed tax increases on energy company profits and how that will hurt your small business.
Why do so many Washington policies hurt small businesses? Karen Kerrigan joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the good, the bad and the ugly Washington policies that will impact small businesses, from taxes to energy.
Tuesday - May 17, 2011
Could your pricing structure be dangerous to your business? Ellen Rohr joins Jim Blasingame to reveal tips and best practices on how to develop a pricing strategy that contributes to long-term success, including a formula to use.
The phone book is not your prospect list. Ellen Rohr joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how to raise your prices by focusing on the customers who will pay what you have to charge, instead of trying to conquer the world.
Is your sales strategy keeping up with the new marketplace? John Dini joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how the way you sell is being impacted by The Age of the Customer™.
The The Age of the Customer™ is affecting how you train and deploy a sales team? John Dini joins Jim Blasingame to discuss specific ways sales training and the sales effort has changed in The Age of the Customer™.
How are generations and technology impacting your sales strategy? John Dini joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how the combination of multiple generations in the marketplace with new technologies is complicating the sales process.
Are you meeting your sales goals? Jim Blasingame talks about making sure your small business is moving away from Age of the Seller practices and in the direction of The Age of the Customer™ expectations.
Your greatest fear should be irrelevance. Jim Blasingame talks about The Age of the Customer™ and the changes in the way you connect to customers as they seek new solutions, plus how to stay relevant.
What is your mobile strategy? Chuck Martin joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why the power of mobile computing and the global growth of smart phones is changing the marketplace and how you do business.
Small businesses can claim an advantage with mobile computing. Chuck Martin joins Jim Blasingame to report that mobile computing, new customer expectations and social media are creating advantages for small businesses.
Mobile will open up the world to small businesses. Chuck Martin joins Jim Blasingame to talk about why the global adoption of mobile computing will create unprecedented opportunities for small businesses.
Wednesday - May 18, 2011
Who will be the most likely Republican contenders? Rich Galen joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the early campaign woes of presidential hopefuls, Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney, plus other Republicans who may enter the race.
How will the U.S. get its financial house in order? Rich Galen joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the challenges members of the Senate are having to try to balance the budget and reduce the debt.
Are small business owners more or less optimistic about the economy? Bill Dunkelberg joins Jim Blasingame to report the April 2011 NFIB Small Business Optimism Index indicates small business owners' optimism has declined since the last month.
Are we headed toward stagflation? NFIB’s Bill Dunkelberg joins Jim Blasingame to report small business hiring is steady, but increased inflation and a weak economy is creating the threat of stagflation.
Is the Obama administration anti-business? NFIB economist, Bill Dunkelberg joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the different ways that the Obama administration is hurting the economy by anti-business behavior, including attacking a new Boeing plant in South Carolina.
It’s okay to fall in love with what you do, but not how you do it. Ryan Kugler joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how his video and audio reselling company adapted to significant changes in his industry.
Believe what you see, not what you wish were true. Ryan Kugler joins Jim Blasingame to talk about understanding changes in your industry, believe what you see and make adjustments before it's too late.
What are the challenges of small business? Grace-Marie Turner joins Jim Blasingame to discuss celebrating small business at the U.S. Chamber's 2011 Summit, plus some of the policy challenges they face.
Could your small business get a waiver from ObamaCare? Grace-Marie Turner joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the ugly things in ObamaCare that are causing so many companies to ask for waivers.
Will ObamaCare impact the 2012 elections? Grace-Marie Turner joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the political implications of ObamaCare on the presidential debates for both parties.
Thursday - May 19, 2011
Do you feel like you’re out of business when you’re away from your business? Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how technology – mobile connectivity and smart devices – has made it much easier to take your small business on the road.
Do you know what customers expect of you today? Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame with tips on how to use new technology, like smart phones, to not only make the most of your time, but also keep up with customer expectations.
Content is how customers find and become attracted to you. Kirk Cheyfitz joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why the future of even the smallest business will depend upon how it focuses on the quality and origin of its content.
Do you know how to help Google send you customers? Kirk Cheyfitz joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how Google has refined the way it helps customers find you and how you can take advantage of this change by creating original content.
What is a canonical tag and why should you care? Kirk Cheyfitz joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to use canonical tags with your original content to maximize how search engines help you find customers.
What is your attitude toward going "green?" Edward Humes joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how Wal-Mart's green initiative can help capitalists embrace the environmental cause.
Could "green" make your small business more efficient? Edward Humes joins Jim Blasingame to discuss thinking about maximizing the value of all resources as a way of sustaining your business and our world.
Persistence is an excellent M.O. Debbie Meyer joins Jim Blasingame to talk about why persistence matters, how to think about it and how to use it.
How does information support persistence? Debbie Meyer joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how persistence works in coordination with information in general, as well as what you know about yourself.
Persistence is a valuable tool - use it wisely. Debbie Meyer joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the power of persistence and why that power should not be taken for granted or used unwisely.
Friday - May 20, 2011
What are the common attributes in great teams? Chester Elton joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to build better teams with people and values, plus he offers the Rule of Three: wow, no surprises, and cheer.
Communication is key for team building best practices. Chester Elton joins Jim Blasingame to offer an example of a hospital using team building best practices with the sacred 60: communicating with each other face to face.
How can you learn from failure and appreciate successes? Walter Kiechel joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the importance of failure to appreciate success and how to learn from it by failing in the right areas.
There's a way to become comfortable with failure. Walter Kiechel joins Jim Blasingame to talk about getting comfortable with failure through your excitement of what you can learn, plus being prepared for employee failures.
This is the century of the entrepreneur. Walter Kiechel joins Jim Blasingame to discuss Wall Street versus Main Street and why small companies are better at serving customers and seeking excellence AND learning from failures.
Do you have a retirement plan in place? Charles Massimo joins Jim Blasingame to offer tips on planning your retirement from your small business through an investment strategy and not just using your business.
Charles Massimo joins Jim Blasingame to explain why many people are losing faith in Wall Street and how that impacts your investments, plus he explains the lack of fiduciary responsibility of Wall Street.
How can you ensure your web presence is relevant? Philippa Gamse joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the danger of becoming irrelevant and how to prevent irrelevance in your web presence by understanding what you need then doing it.
How can you improve your web strategy? Philippa Gamse joins Jim Blasingame to talk about improving your web strategy by understanding analytics, knowing where your problems are, and having the right keywords for your goals.
How can you maximize your time on your web strategy? Philippa Gamse joins Jim Blasingame to discuss your web presence and how to maximize your time to improve your web strategy through special offers and/or social media.
Monday - May 23, 2011
We're celebrating at the 2011 Small Business Summit. Harold Jackson joins Jim Blasingame to discuss his company, Buffalo Supply, and what they do, how they've survived the past year and a half, their fears, and more.
We're celebrating small businesses at the Small Business Summit. Mike Bucci joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how he started K&M of Virginia by inventing the Painter's Pyramid and how they've survived and thrived.
What are small businesses frightened and excited about? Mike Bucci joins Jim Blasingame to discuss K&M of VA, what they do to help ideas come to market and what their fears and excitements are in this economy.
Celebrating mental health at the 2011 Small Business Summit. Patricia Vanderpool joins Jim Blasingame to discuss EAP Lifestyle Management and how they provide mental health care to businesses and what frightens them as a small business.
How is your mental health in this economy? Patricia Vanderpool joins Jim Blasingame to talk about EAP Lifestyle Management and their most requested services for the workplace, what they're excited about, and why they're thriving.
How can organizational psychologists help your business? Dr. Billie Blair joins Jim Blasingame to discuss Change Strategists and how they work with teams to help them strategize, plus the concerns and excitements for them.
How many companies are named after poisonous frogs? Joe Reynolds joins Jim Blasingame to discuss Red Frog Events and event producing involved around running, plus choosing your own title and how he came up with Red Frog Events.
What is there to fear when you're a growing small business? Joe Reynolds joins Jim Blasingame to discuss Red Frog Events and the excitement of possibilities, plus the challenges that come with being a rapidly growing company.
What is the future of the publishing industry? Adam Witty joins Jim Blasingame to discuss Advantage Media Group and helping people publish and market their book and business, plus the challenges in the publishing industry.
In this economy, it's best to be optimistic. Adam Witty joins Jim Blasingame to discuss Advantage Media Group and their decision to focus more on opportunities than challenges, plus what there challenges are.
Tuesday - May 24, 2011
More and more, customers are posting their experiences, good and bad, online. Chip Bell and John Patterson join Jim Blasingame to discuss why customers are using user generated content to make their buying decisions and the impact of these customer reviews on your business.
Customers can choose not to do business with you before you even know they exist. Chip Bell and John Patterson join Jim Blasingame with tips on how to ensure customers can find you online and how to create a positive, interactive online experience.
Barbara Weltman joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the Small Business Health Relief Act recently introduced in the Senate, which will give parity to the self-employed to buy insurance like big business.
Small businesses required to pay additional taxes – again. Barbara Weltman joins Jim Blasingame with important upcoming tax dates, plus the new income taxes soon to be levied on “wealthy” $250,000 incomes earners.
Barbara Weltman joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the new Cash Balance Plan, a variation of a defined-benefits retirement plan that may be a good solution for some small businesses.
How can you make a bigger difference for small business? Julie Yack joins Jim Blasingame to talk about being a member of an organization that fights for small business and talking to your Congress members about policies.
What is the future of IT for your small business? Julie Yack joins Jim Blasingame to discuss Colorado Technology Consultants and share what they do in the IT world for small business and why they're confident in the future.
Do you know how to make online marketing work for you? Anita Rosen joins Jim Blasingame to discuss online marketing options and how to decide what will work based on your customers, plus Groupon: how it works and the pitfalls.
How do you develop an online marketing strategy? Anita Rosen joins Jim Blasingame to discuss developing an online marketing strategy based on your need, demographic, and more; and she covers selling options and local search.
Do you market the way your customers want you to? Anita Rosen joins Jim Blasingame to discuss marketing through email and/or text and asking your customers' preference and permission to deliver your service their way.
Wednesday - May 25, 2011
When meeting with prospects, close for what’s in front of you. Beverly Inman-Ebel joins Jim Blasingame to talk about investing time with your prospects in order to create long-term relationships and be top of mind when they’re ready to buy.
How do you deal with those who are left after downsizing? Beverly Inman-Ebel joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why the way you communicate and interact with other people will determine how successful you are in the new normal.
Your organization is not a 2D pyramid, it's a 3D matrix. Rick Lepsinger joins Jim Blasingame to reveal why your company will work more efficiently if you think about it like a dynamic matrix.
Your matrix should serve customers. Rick Lepsinger joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to structure your organizational matrix around one thing - the customer.
Do your salespeople promise things other departments can’t fulfill? Rick Lepsinger joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to minimize conflicts and avoid internal politics when establishing a matrix, plus the importance of open communication.
Your customers' expectations have changed and are changing. Jim Blasingame talks about why what customers expect are changing all the time and what you have to do to keep up with them.
Jim Blasingame talks about the challenges of the unemployed in today’s economy and the difficulty businesses have in finding qualified employees.
What is the difference in a manager and a leader? Dave Anderson joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the differences between being a manager, which is about stuff, and being a leader, which is all about people.
Your company’s culture dictates behavior and behaviors determine results. Dave Anderson joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to evaluate your leadership style and develop a culture that will elicit commitment and not just compliance.
The Bible is a great source of leadership lessons. Dave Anderson joins Jim Blasingame to talk about leadership lessons that can be learned from the Bible, including visioning, leading through crisis, and most importantly, redemption.
Thursday - May 26, 2011
Can you business maintain an entrepreneurial culture? Bill Schley joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the challenges of maintaining an entrepreneurial culture throughout the growth and life of your small business.
There are many different kind of entrepreneurs. Bill Schley joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the different kinds of entrepreneurs, from employees who take initiative to owners who want to stay small, to the gazelles.
Intellectual property increasingly more of the value in a small business. David Dawsey joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how much intellectual property contributes to the value of your business and how to manage your IP.
Is your new product or innovation really new? David Dawsey joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why you should make sure you’re not infringing on someone else’s IP or patent before you start a business or launch a new product.
Will your new product make it through the patent mine field? David Dawsey joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the time limits in the U.S. and internationally to file for patents and trademarks, plus how to know if your new product is unique and patentable.
Think about who you're trying to reach before choosing an electronic communication tool. Christina Cavanagh joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the many ways to connect these days and why choosing the right one matters.
How do you connect with prospects and customers? Christina Cavanagh joins Jim Blasingame to talk about why, with all of the methods of connecting with prospects and customers, your choice deserves careful consideration.
What is the roll of an enrolled agent? Eva Rosenberg joins Jim Blasingame to define "enrolled agent" and reveal how they serve clients with tax and financial services.
How can you make a career of being an enrolled agent? Eva Rosenberg joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to become a professional enrolled agent (EA), what an EA does for his or her clients, plus the earnings potential of an EA.
What are some tax deductions and credits you can still get? Eva Rosenberg joins Jim Blasingame to report on the health care tax credit and the SEP IRA that you can still fund and deduct through the extension period.
Friday - May 27, 2011
It takes more than money and stuff to make you happy. Kita Szpak joins Jim Blasingame to reveal some of the influences in your life that determine your potential to be a happy person, regardless of where life takes you.
Is there a connection between physical exertion and happiness? Kita Szpak joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how physical activity releases positive endorphins and expels harmful toxins from your body which promotes well-being and happiness.
What is the attitude of small businesses right now? Gail Goodman joins Jim Blasingame to report on a recent Constant Contact survey which indicates general optimism about the future, but challenges in sales volume and finding new customers.
How are you connecting with customers online? Gail Goodman joins Jim Blasingame to reveal what small business owners reported about their social media marketing activity in a Constant Contact survey.
What will social media look like in three years? Gail Goodman joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the different ways that social media will evolve and become less of a sensation and more of a tool for business.
What are women business owners learning about growing their businesses? Nell Merlino joins Jim Blasingame with success stories about how the Make Mine a Million program has helped women grow their businesses to the next level.
Need help growing your woman-owned small business?. Nell Merlino joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how the Make Mine a Million program works and some of the changes they've made to include more women candidates.
What's different about entrepreneurship today? Jim Houtz joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how the fundamentals of entrepreneurship hasn't changed, but there are new tools and new rules.
What is the most important thing for a business owner to focus on? Jim Houtz joins Jim Blasingame to propose that the first thing a business owners should focus on is building an organization that demonstrates integrity.
Could you find gigantic business success in a tiny niche? Jim Houtz joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how a free-market economy allows entrepreneurs to find great success by filling niches inside of niches.
Monday - May 30, 2011
Can customers find you when they are ready to buy? Patricia Sigmon joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the importance of not only having an online presence, but why your information has to be available to customers 24/7.
Are you open to change or a dinosaur waiting for extinction? Patricia Sigmon joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why, in this fast-moving technological marketplace, employees have to be open to new processes and ideas.
During the Civil War, 2% of the U.S. population was killed. Ken Davis joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the Civil War origin of Memorial Day, originally seen as a Union holiday, when women decorated the graves of fallen soldiers.
Memorial Day was originally named Decoration Day. Ken Davis joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the evolution of the celebration of Memorial Day through history, plus a look back at the end of the Civil War.
Are Americans still invested in the sacrifice of our military? Ken Davis joins Jim Blasingame to discuss America’s attitude of the sacrifice of our military and a reminder of the National Moment of Remembrance.
Today we remember our fallen soldiers. Jim Blasingame reflects on Memorial Day, how it began and what it means, and the volunteers known as the Minute Men by some but small business owners and employees by others.
Memorial Day is a poetic and meaningful holiday. Jim Blasingame reads from the Gettysburg Address by President Lincoln and a poem called "Freedom Isn't Free" from a Marine cadet to celebrate this meaningful Memorial Day.
How can you be flexible as you pass 50? Jennifer Read Hawthorne joins Jim Blasingame to discuss staying flexible, and not just adaptable, to changing pace as you age as a human being: mind, body, and spirit - not just business.
Flexibility begins in the body and the mind. Jennifer Read Hawthorne joins Jim Blasingame to talk about flexibility in life, starting with the body and mind - stretching the body and staying open in the mind - plus... Lady Gaga!
Are you trying to align your mind, body, and spirit? Jennifer Read Hawthorne joins Jim Blasingame to discuss staying flexible as you age by aligning the mind, body, and spirit, and they touch on the passion and calling within.
Tuesday - May 31, 2011
75% of good health is what you eat; 25% is exercise. Jackie Wicks joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to become healthier by making better food choices and increasing your energy level.
Start blending an emphasis on health into your workplace. Jackie Wicks joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how you can help your team form healthy habits and accept personal responsibility for their long-term health.
How many places can you and your company be found online? Russell Rothstein joins Jim Blasingame to reveal why your information, products, ideas, etc., must be available to online searches, or you will become irrelevant.
If you’re not online, you’ll fail the moment of relevance. Russell Rothstein joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how customers are increasingly deciding who to do business with based on their online presence. Jim calls this the "Moment of relevance."
The power of the Internet for small business is in local search. Russell Rothstein joins Jim Blasingame to discuss some of the critical steps to make sure your small business is taking advantage of the increasingly powerful local search online.
Do you trust your instincts? Nancy Anderson joins Jim Blasingame to reveal the part that your instincts play in decision-making, and when to know how much to trust them.
Which gender is more effective with their instincts? Nancy Anderson joins Jim Blasingame to discuss which gender uses their instincts more effectively and successfully and why.
Jim says franchising is entrepreneurial coloring inside the lines. Cliff Ennico joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why franchising is a great compromise for those who want to be entrepreneurs without the risk of a start up - but can you follow instructions?
What are some creative ways to finance a franchise acquisition? Cliff Ennico joins Jim Blasingame to talk about financing a franchise through a rollover 401(k), plus the risks variables and creativity requirements of owning a franchise.
Buying a franchise must follow appropriate due diligence. Cliff Ennico joins Jim Blasingame to reveal the critical steps of the due diligence process, especially looking at the franchisor’s management team and talking to other franchisees.
