Thursday - March 01, 2012
Don't be naive about protecting your privacy. Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to discuss generational differences in online privacy perception and the balance between privacy and online marketing.
Are you careful about the personal information you reveal online? Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the fine line between privacy and the availability and convenience of online information.
What do all start-ups need to know regardless of age?John Bradberry joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the fundamentals of business ownership, which haven’t changed, even with all the new technology.
The prime business fundamental is meeting customer expectations. John Bradberry joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why maturity may be an advantage in balancing innovation with delivering on customer expectations.
The best business capital comes from customers. John Bradberry joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why customers are the best source of capital because it comes from executing your business model.
Toxic talk within your team impacts performance. Barbara Burke joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how the attitudes of a business' employees can be sensed by customers and therefore, impact performance up or down.
Don't let employees talk badly about customers. Barbara Burke joins Jim Blasingame to explain that negative comments about customers can find its way into customer interaction, which is unacceptable.
Have you claimed the power of planning your financial life? Karen McCall joins Jim Blasingame to describe the power and control that can be acquired by anyone who creates a personal income/expense plan.
Do you know the steps to create your own income/expense plan? Karen McCall joins Jim Blasingame to identify the steps you need to create your own personal income and expense management plan.
How difficult is it to save your way out of debt? Karen McCall joins Jim Blasingame to identify the steps to take to save your way out of debt without depriving yourself.
Friday - March 02, 2012
When should you stop selling and start telling your story? Jim Ballard joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how your story, including the story of your business, could be more interesting to customers than your value proposition.
You can become a storyteller. Jim Ballard joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how everyone can become a storyteller and why you should.
Putting your story and your marketing strategy together. Alan Maites joins Jim Blasingame to talk about why your marketing strategy has to include your story.
Customers want to do business with companies that connect with them. Alan Maites joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why small businesses have a competitive advantage when it comes to connecting with customers.
How big a deal in marketing is being helpful? Alan Maites joins Jim Blasingame to reveal the being helpful to customers is the best way to go viral in the marketplace.
Should you be looking for higher quality sales people? Brad Huisken joins Jim Blasingame to report that now may be a good time to upgrade the quality of your sales people by seeing what talent is available.
How much damage could be caused by hiring the wrong person for a sales position? Brad Huisken joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how not doing a comprehensive effort in finding a qualified sales person can hurt your business.
Don't make these mistakes when hiring sales people. Brad Huisken joins Jim Blasingame to reveal several mistakes business owners make when interviewing and acquiring for new salespeople.
Monday - March 05, 2012
Are you practicing 21st century customer service? Ramon Ray joins Jim Blasingame to discuss one of the elements of 21st century customer service as it will be discussed at Ramon's Small Business Tech Summit.
Should you be tracking customer conversations on social media? Ramon Ray joins Jim Blasingame to discuss Social CRM, the new platforms that help you track customer comments on social media.
What is the most important thing to do when buying a franchise? Joel Libava joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why the best information of franchising due diligence comes from other franchisees.
Women business ownership is leading the sector, except in franchising. Joel Libava joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why women do a better job of acquiring a franchise than men, but are less likely to acquire a franchise than men.
How do we get more women to consider franchise ownership? Joel Libava joins Jim Blasingame to reveal an upcoming promotion and contest for women who are interested in franchise ownership.
Your mobile strategy will be defined by customer expectations. Mike Pugh joins Jim Blasingame to report the growing use of smartphones and business apps as a mobile alternative to laptops.
New mobile business apps improve productivity. Mike Pugh joins Jim Blasingame to introduce several handy mobile business apps that can increase productivity, connectivity, and cash flow.
Are you prefecting conversations with customers? Peter Meyer joins Jim Blasingame to explain that you can perfect conversations with customers by emphasizing the strengths of your intangibles, not tangibles, like products.
Your success is inside the heads of your customers. Peter Meyer joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the process of perfecting customer conversations by practicing the timeless fundamental of listening to them.
Customers want to know about a business's values. Peter Meyer joins Jim Blasingame to introduce the concept of mental aroma as a way to perfect conversations with customers.
Tuesday - March 06, 2012
Women business owners have come a long way, baby. Nell Merlino joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how far women in business have come thanks to the women who paved the way for them, especially in areas like access to capital.
Access to capital for women has come a long way, but still have a long way to go. Nell Merlino joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the greatest impediments to capital for women, including themselves.
Will Israel attack Iran in 2012? Rich Galen joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the volatile situation created by Iran's goal of becoming a nuclear power and what the dangerous steps Israel and the U.S. may have to take to prevent it.
Who will win the less-than-super Super Tuesday? Rich Galen joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the outcome probabilities of today’s Super Tuesday Republican primaries, including who will take the swing-state of Ohio.
Issues or events - which will be more important in 2012 presidential election? Rich Galen joins Jim Blasingame to discuss potential events that could have more impact than issues in the 2012 presidential election.
Sales is a numbers game: You must produce enough sales revenue to stay in business. Jim Blasingame talks about the concept of a sales pipeline and how to use it to help you get the sales you need when you need them.
Business growth planning must rely on a sales forecast strategy. Jim Blasingame talks about how to use a sales forecasting model that puts qualified prospects into a sales pipeline to deliver sales when you need them.
How long can you last in the new normal? Pat Sigmon joins Jim Blasingame to report that the new normal for the marketplace seems to be lasting longer than anyone expected, and what to do about it.
What can you do to take charge of the new normal? Pat Sigmon joins Jim Blasingame to discuss some of the steps to take to gain control over the new normal, including giving customers something extra instead of discounting.
Are you preparing for the next new normal? Pat Sigmon joins Jim Blasingame to discuss what you have to do to be prepared for the next new normal of the marketplace..
Wednesday - March 07, 2012
Facebook and Twitter are for fun and marketing, but LinkedIn is for professional networking. Beth Ross joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the growing use of LinkedIn as a networking platform for business professionals.
The marketplace is changing fast – you must adapt or be left behind. Beth Ross joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the velocity of change in the marketplace and how to use innovations to keep up.
When government don't allow businesses to fail, the free market is harmed. Nicole Gelinas joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how bailouts in both the U.S. and Europe are actually hurting the viability of the free market system.
The marketplace can deal with failures, but not political dysfunction. Nicole Gelinas joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the complicity of politicians and the U.S. government in the failure of the housing market.
The free market system doesn't work unless businesses are allowed to fail. Nicole Gelinas joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why the government should stop propping up businesses, from the auto industry to Frannie and Freddie.
In the 60s and 70s, NASA was committed to ideals and common values. Tom Taormina joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how the marketplace could benefit from the classic NASA values and commitment to ideals.
Eliminate risk and increase profitability with a quality process? Tom Taormina joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to eliminate foreseeable risks promote profitability by committing to a quality process.
The future of America will be decided in 2012. Giovanni Coratolo joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why the 2012 election is one of the most important in the modern history of America.
Government should support all job creating sectors. Giovanni Coratolo joins Jim Blasingame to report why some economic news coming out of Washington is false and reported to serve an agenda instead of accuracy.
Small business must be diligent in protecting free markets against government interference. Giovanni Coratolo joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the U.S. Chamber’s upcoming Small Business Summit which will feature small business policy issues.
Thursday - March 08, 2012
How has book publishing changed in the past 10 years? Wally Bock joins Jim Blasingame to report on the many ways that getting a book published and in the hands of readers has changed, in most cases, to the advantage of authors.
How do authors use the services of ghost writers? Wally Bock joins Jim Blasingame to explain the concept of a ghost writer to get your book written, how they work and how to use them.
Business optimism is slightly up, but unsure how Washington will influence the future. Sam Norwood joins Jim Blasingame to report this month’s Tatum Survey indicates some optimism in the economy, but wary of political influences.
Sales are up, but still a long way to go. Sam Norwood joins Jim Blasingame to report even though sales and capital spending are up slightly, full recovery is still a long way off.
The jobless recovery will be painfully longer. Tatum’s Sam Norwood joins Jim Blasingame to report new hiring is still weak because of a weak economy and the evolution of 21st century jobs.
Leaders use positive communication to build successful teams. Kristin Arnold joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how the words you use can either encourage or undermine your team building efforts.
Use team building words to increase your leadership credibility. Kristin Arnold joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how to talk with your team members to address mistakes and encourage successful behavior.
Who in the world would build a 100 room hotel in northern North Dakota? Norm Brodsky joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the entrepreneurial opportunity he found in Tioga, North Dakota and why he build a 100 room hotel there.
What ventures are the younger entrepreneurs working on these days? Norm Brodsky joins Jim Blasingame to talk about what he's excited about as he observes younger entrepreneurs and what concerns him.
Does the future of entrepreneurship look bright? Norm Brodsky joins Jim Blasingame to forecast why he is excited about the future of entrepreneurship in America.
Friday - March 09, 2012
How do you get a prospect to show their commitment? Josh Costell joins Jim Blasingame to offer tips on how to get customers to show their commitment to your relationship by asking them to collect internal information for you.
Some prospects are really just suspects. Josh Costell joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to avoid wasting time on what you think is a prospect you can turn into a customer, when they're really just a suspect.
Every business has intellectual property. Rob Jolles joins Jim Blasingame to discuss trademarking your intellectual property to not only protect your brand, but also ensure you’re not infringing on someone else's brand.
In the 21st century, the most successful salespeople will become trusted advisors. Rob Jolles joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to differentiate yourself as a salesperson by becoming a trusted advisor, not just a vendor.
When you talk to customers, do you use their words? Rob Jolles joins Jim Blasingame to talk about why you should use precise language in selling, and incorporate the words customers use as you talk with them.
If you’re not happy without money and stuff, you won’t be happy with it. Steve Beaman joins Jim Blasingame to reveal a four-step plan to help you achieve happiness and financial success, which are not necessarily the same thing.
America's two great threats come from within: Washington and Wall Street. Steve Beaman joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why reforms in America must come from Main Street, as we take back our country from Wall Street or Washington.
Will your corporate or personal tax return be ready by the filing date? Barbara Weltman joins Jim Blasingame to reveal the truth about how filing an income tax extension for corporate and personal returns, including how to do it online in 60 seconds.
What does filing an income tax extension do to your tax paying requirement? Barbara Weltman joins Jim Blasingame to report that while filing an income tax extension can be very handy, the tax is still due on March 15th or April 15. Plus information about retirement plans.
Is converting to a flat tax a good idea? Barbara Weltman joins Jim Blasingame to talk about new proposals for a flat tax to replace the current tax code, and whether that would be an improvement.
Monday - March 12, 2012
What does the current capitalization landscape for small business look like? Tom Markel joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the current financing conditions for small business in America.
How is an angel lender different from an angel investor? Tom Markel joins Jim Blasingame to discuss some of the new capital source options for small businesses, including the angel lender.
Should you be looking at online capital sources? Tom Markel joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how iBank.com works as an online clearinghouse for multiple capital sources.
Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Google were successful in creating and maximizing their own platforms. Phil Simon joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how small businesses can successfully create their own platforms or maximize those of others.
Learn how to identify and use platforms for growth. Phil Simon joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how to grow by using outside platforms as well as your own, while staying true to your business model.
Most of what you learned in the 20th century is now obsolete. Jack Uldrich joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why, in the 21st century, what you have yet to learn is more important than what you do know.
Are you willing to risk what you know for what you might learn? Jack Uldrich joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why you may not know your customers as well as you think and how a little research can lead you to new opportunities for your small business.
Think of young people as reverse mentors. Jack Uldrich joins Jim Blasingame to talk about why, in this era of accelerated change, a younger employee or intern can become a reverse mentor, if your ego will allow it.
Tuesday - March 13, 2012
Professional salespeople no longer ask a prospect about their business - they already know. Dr. Eli Jones joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the phases of the 21st century sales process, including the increased emphasis on being a vendor instead of a partner.
Customers are looking for a trusted business advisor, not just another salesperson. Dr. Eli Jones joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why customers are more inclined to do business with companies and people they think they can trust.
21st century competition is about faith, hope and charity. Bruce Piasecki joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the qualities of competition in the 21st century and why the winning combination is closely aligned with faith, hope and charity.
Customer want partners whose values are aligned with their own. Bruce Piasecki joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the current evolution of business expectations from a value proposition toward values alignment.
Values aren’t inherent, they’re learned. Bruce Piasecki joins Jim Blasingame to reveal the many sources that will help you establish your own values, including from mentors and reading about ethical behavior.
What does it look like when shareholder activism goes too far? Jim Copland joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the trend of shareholder activism on behalf of the agenda's of ownership blocks like environmental groups and labor unions.
Should the SEC control union proxy voting? Jim Copland joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how unions use the proxy process to leverage union contract negotiations and how the SEC could intercede.
Is America's Central Bank holding too much assets? Bob McTeer joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how the Fed's balance sheet has grown in three years and whether this could create an inflationary train wrech as the economy improves.
Watching the failed E.U. policies collapse, why is the U.S. mimicking them? Bob McTeer joins Jim Blasingame to ask why U.S. policy is looking more like the failed big government policies that created Europe's fiscal nightmare.
Will the U.S. economy grow in 2012? Bob McTeer joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the prospects for the U.S. economy in 2012 and to predict a steady growth of between 2.5% and 3% GDP growth this year.
Wednesday - March 14, 2012
The only thing more precious to a small business than capital is time. Jim Blasingame explains allocation of capital as it differs from cash management, including three categories and three best practices.
President Obama, being successful is not the same as being fortunate. Jim Blasingame takes issue with President Obama's references to successful people being more fortunate. All Americans are fortunate - success requires effort, risk and performance.
Can government agencies be consolidated without harming small businesses? Ken Yancey joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the feasibility of consolidating the Dept. of Commerce, the SBA, ExIm Bank and the U.S. Trade Representative.
SCORE has people and resources to help small businesses, including women entrepreneurs. Ken Yancey joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the advantages for women in business, plus SCORE programs designed for every small business.
Has access to capital improved for startups? Ken Yancey joins Jim Blasingame to report although access to traditional startup capital is still tight, those who are really committed to their ventures are bootstrapping slowly but surely.
What gave rise to the Tea Party and are those reasons still valid? Stephen Johnston joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the ideological origin of the Tea Party and what part it will play in the 2012 election cycle.
Will the election be about events, such as jobs and fuel costs, or ideology? Stephen Johnston joins Jim Blasingame to explain how much influence the Tea Party will have on the Republican presidential nominee, and to predict that Obama will not be re-elected.
What do small business owners think about President Obama's State of the Union? Connie Certusi joins Jim Blasingame to report on the Sage Small Business Sentiment Survey about President Obama's State of the Union proposals.
What are the most important policy issues for small business? Connie Certusi joins Jim Blasingame to report on their small business survey that shows tax cuts and regulation relief are big concerns for small business owners.
Why do politicians keep acting like they know what small businesses need? Connie Certusi joins Jim Blasingame to report that, regardless of what politicians are saying, access to capital is not a problem for small businesses.
Thursday - March 15, 2012
Dizzy Dean said, “It ain’t bragging if you can do it.” Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to explain why business owners are thought-leaders and experts in their field and how to market that expertise.
Are your customers loyal because of your prices or your expertise? Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to differentiate your business and foster customer loyalty through your unique industry expertise.
Rwanda is the number one country in the world for women in government. Terry Neese joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the global perspectives of how far women have come in the marketplace.
How will the current U.S./Afghanistan relationship affect Afghan women? Terry Neese joins Jim Blasingame to report the proactive activities of businesswomen in Afghanistan and the Afghan government's support of women’s issues.
Are you interested in supporting women in business around the world? Terry Neese joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the upcoming International Women’s Economic Summit and graduates of the Peace Through Business Program.
The playing field for women in business is more even now than ever before. Jim Blasingame talks about the accomplishments of women in business and those on whose shoulders they stand.
If you can’t find help for your small business, you’re not looking in the right places. Jim Blasingame talks about why women in business need more self-confidence and the resources available in the U.S. for small businesses.
America has a safety net of resources for small businesses from incubators to chambers of commerce. Eva Rosenberg joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the free assistance and networking resources available for both startups and existing small businesses.
Today’s the day! Make sure your file your corporate extension or return. Eva Rosenberg joins Jim Blasingame to discuss today’s deadline for filing a corporate extension, plus the new form for an extension to pay.
It’s a best practice to pay your payroll taxes as soon as you know what they are. Eva Rosenberg joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the payment of both payroll and income taxes online, plus the best practice of paying taxes early.
Friday - March 16, 2012
Who's holding you - the small business CEO - accountable for performance? Tim Irwin joins Jim Blasingame to explain why having a board of advisors would be good for your small business and how to create one.
Members of a board of advisors need to speak truth to power. Tim Irwin joins Jim Blasingame to offer ideas on how to assemble a board of advisors who can be honest and confidential about your small business.
We still don’t like the numbers, but the optimism trend is up. Bill Dunkelberg joins Jim Blasingame to report why this month’s NFIB Optimism Index indicates another small uptick in optimism, albeit only slightly.
Political and economic uncertainty are still inhibiting business growth. NFIB’s Bill Dunkelberg joins Jim Blasingame to report although capital spending is slightly up and banks are ready to lend, businesses are still not borrowing money because they don't see opportunity.
What is the real unemployment number in America? NFIB’s Bill Dunkelberg joins Jim Blasingame to report how unemployment numbers are measured, including the index, U-6, that shows over 22 million Americans are unemployed or underemployed.
It's never been easier for a small business to manage their financial information. Jamie Sutherland joins Jim Blasingame to discuss some of the key financial information that you can now manage easily with cloud resources.
Tax planning is not just for tax filing season. Jamie Sutherland joins Jim Blasingame to discuss avoiding tax tunnel-vision with regular attention to financials, ongoing tax planning and regular discussions with your accountant.
There have been three major marketplace disruptors since 1995. Jim Blasingame discusses three disruptors that have changed the marketplace since 1995: commercial use of the Internet, broadband Internet and mobile technology and networks.
Mobile app or mobile site? Philippa Gamse joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the difference between a mobile app and a mobile site, and which one is best for your small business.
Don't be uniformed about the privacy and ownership rules of social media platforms. Philippa Gamse joins Jim Blasingame to reveal that some social media sites, like Pinterest, may have small print rules you may regret not reading.
Monday - March 19, 2012
Could you manage more courageous team members? Bill Treasurer joins Jim Blasingame to discuss encouraging team members to be more courageous while at the same time preparing yourself to be able to lead such a team.
Growth only happens when you're outside your comfort zone. Bill Treasurer joins Jim Blasingame with tips on how to grow your leadership ability by getting outside your comfort zone and create a culture of courage.
In the 1970s, a Harley executive said, “The writing was on the wall, but we thought it was a forgery.” Rick Maurer joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how Harley Davidson came to terms with the need to change and turned their business around.
Don’t be distracted by marketplace changes – constantly adapt and grow. Rick Maurer joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why it’s okay to fall in love with what you do, but not how you do it if you’re going to thrive in today’s marketplace.
Can you read the "writing on the wall?" Rick Maurer joins Jim Blasingame to discuss three sources for interpreting the writing on the wall that is telling you how your small business must change.
With unemployment so high, should the Obama Administration focus only on green jobs? Jim Blasingame reports on results of a Small Business Advocate online poll which indicated Washington should be focusing on all jobs, not just green ones.
Who or what influences the price of gas? Jim Blasingame reports on a Small Business Advocate poll that indicated small business owners think Pres. Obama and market forces share the responsibility for high gas prices.
Is all growth good? Rob Levin joins Jim Blasingame to explain that strategy isn't always about what you decide to do, but also what you decide NOT to do.
What can you learn about growth from the late Steve Jobs? Rob Levin joins Jim Blasingame to report some of the things the late Steve Jobs learned about Apple's strategic growth.
How can customer satisfaction be turned into marketing? Rob Levin joins Jim Blasingame to talk about different ways of thinking about small business marketing, including customer testimonials.
Tuesday - March 20, 2012
Clean out the winter doldrums and put a spring back in your step. Kita Szpak joins Jim Blasingame with 3 tips to finding happiness by being grateful, valuing people over things and supporting a cause bigger than yourself.
Slow down and enjoy the wonderfully simple things in life. Kita Szpak joins Jim Blasingame with two more keys to happiness by finding the extraordinary in the ordinary and don’t forget to smile.
The value of manufacturing is actually up. Don Boudreaux joins Jim Blasingame to discuss some of the conventional thinking about manufacturing and why that picture does not take all things into consideration.
Service jobs growth globally makes manufacturing look like their declining. Don Boudreaux joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why manufacturing employment is lower because of technology and a growing global service sector.
Past manufacturing jobs have turned into more small business service jobs. Don Boudreaux joins Jim Blasingame to explain how the outsourcing of former manufacturing jobs has become the best thing to happen to small business.
Your employees are your face and voice to customers. Jane Jordan-Meier joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why you should empower employees, and also use social media, to help defuse a crisis or any negative PR.
In a crisis, a minimum delay will mitigate maximum exposure. Jane Jordan-Meier joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to entrust your front-line employees to be prepared to diffuse crises.
Are things really so bad in America? Gary Moore joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why his new book, "Look Up America" is about the U.S. having more thinks to be grateful for today than ever before.
Wall Street business model is not capitalism. Gary Moore joins Jim Blasingame to discuss Greg Smith's column in the NY Times about his resignation from Goldman Sachs which is an indictment of modern Wall Street practices.
Can we save capitalism? Gary Moore joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how he explains in his new book, "Look Up America" how we can save capitalism from Wall Street and other enemies of capitalism.
Wednesday - March 21, 2012
Why are automated cloud backup systems more reliable than physical devices? Pete Lamson joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the fallabilities of hands-on data backup, including the human factor, and the advantages of cloud systems.
Cloud data backup is reliable and affordable. Pete Lamson joins Jim Blasingame with advice on determining what kind of backup system you need and how to find a provider.
Competitive advantage is your relevant differentiation from competitors. Michael Stallard joins Jim Blasingame to define competitive advantage as task and relationship excellence for sustainable superior performance.
In the 21st century, relevance trumps competitiveness. Michael Stallard joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to differentiate by creating a culture of relevance through vision, value and voice.
Employees will be on board with your vision if they are included in the process. Michael Stallard joins Jim Blasingame to discuss creating a culture of relevance by valuing your employees and considering their opinions.
Craig Smith joins Jim Blasingame to explain that inflation is an advantage of the government, because it can inflate itself out of problems.
Can Congress get the deficit under control? Craig Smith joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the hard decisions government must make to deter inflation and get the deficit under control.
Are you maximizing your online referral opportunity? Pamela Springer joins Jim Blasingame to report on how small business owners feel about referrals and how to get more of them, especially online.
You're not the only one who has questions and challenges. Pamela Springer joins Jim Blasingame to reveal ways to use online resources to get advice and answers about how to grow and run your small business.
What does your business look like on the small screen? Pamela Springer joins Jim Blasingame to talk about why every small business must make its online information fit and work inside the small screen of a smartphone.
Thursday - March 22, 2012
Investors like opportunities in consumer products with distribution channels. Kim Lavine joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how inventors are being successful with consumer products, both with investors and consumers.
How do you talk to buyers and investors about your invention? Kim Lavine joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the business knowledge you need to have to talk to investors and buyers about funding your invention and business.
Do you allow disorganization to steal your productivity? Debbie Meyer joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how clutter and time thieves keep you from being inspired and productive.
What can you do to eliminate distractions in your work space and be more productive? Debbie Meyer joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to eliminate paper pile ups and other distractions at work, plus using a schedule to stay on track.
Are the people you speak to Ups or Downs? Debbie Meyer joins Jim Blasingame to discuss ways to disengage from people who are not productive and bring you down, in business and in life.
Do you need more business acumen? Kevin Cope joins Jim Blasingame to reveal the diamond shape of the five drivers of business, with cash at the top and everything else revolving around the people.
Business growth comes in many forms. Kevin Cope joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the value of business acumen, the five drivers of business, with emphasis on how to define business growth.
Do you know why good people leave their employer? Leigh Branham joins Jim Blasingame to talk about a survey of exit interviews which indicates that compensation is not the top reason people leave.
If you want to keep good employees, show them they are valued. Leigh Branham joins Jim Blasingame to report on employee exit interviews that show people are more likely to quit because they don't feel appreciated or their ideas valued.
Keep good employees by giving them more authority to solve customer problems. Leigh Branham joins Jim Blasingame to discuss his work on why good employees quit, including not being given enough authority to do their jobs well.
Friday - March 23, 2012
Technology makes it easier to partner and grow through joint ventures. Jane Pollak joins Jim Blasingame to discuss one of the keys to success in the 21st century is creating lots of different kinds of joint ventures.
When you make yourself available, opportunities can happen. Jane Pollak joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why values matter when putting together joint ventures, plus making yourself available to opportunities.
Some signs for improvement are there, but are businesses experiencing expansion? Tracy Eden joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the status of the economic recovery for small businesses, and whether it will pick up soon.
As businesses acquire more intellectual property, how will banks collateralize loans? Tracy Eden joins Jim Blasingame to discuss some of the challenges banks have making loans with 21st century digital assets as collateral.
Capitalizing a business isn't supposed to be easy. Tracy Eden joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the cautions and unpredictability of the crowdfunding element the new JOBS Act
Did you know that 20% of customers usually create 80% of profits? Betsy Kruger joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to apply the Pareto Principle, or 80:20 Rule, for sales, profits, and success.
Love up your best customers and let your worst customers go to the competition. Betsy Kruger joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to increase profitability by identifying loyal and most profitable customers and delighting them at every step.
What are the major components of the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (JOBS)? Karen Kerrigan joins Jim Blasingame to report on the details of the recently passed JOBS Act, including how it will help companies go public.
Is crowdfunding a good source of capital? Karen Kerrigan joins Jim Blasingame to discuss elements of the JOBS Act, with emphasis on some of the details of how crowdfunding works, plus some of Jim's concerns.
Shouldn't the Obama administration be celebrating their greatest achievement? Karen Kerrigan joins Jim Blasingame to talk about why ObamaCare is unraveling and ask if that's why the Obama administration isn't celebrating the 2nd anniversary.
Monday - March 26, 2012
Our beliefs drive our actions. Tom Asacker joins Jim Blasingame to discuss that what customers believe about a business or product is what drives their purchases and loyalty behavior.
In the 21st century, your success is directly related to connecting with customer beliefs. Tom Asacker joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how to be successful by creating experiences that connect with customer beliefs.
What will happen when Boomer business owners are ready to retire? John Dini joins Jim Blasingame to discuss options Baby Boomer business owners will have selling their businesses when they’re ready to retire.
The best prospect to buy your business may already be working for you. John Dini joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why Baby Boomers may want to try to create the buyer of your business from your management team.
Boomers weave work and life together; Generation X separates the two. John Dini joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why generational differences about work and life will be a factor in who will buy your business.
The total of outstanding student loans may exceed $1 trillion. Legendary journalist, John Leo joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the student loan crisis, how the system has been abused and the potential implications.
How do you get your life started if you own tens of thousands in student loans? John Leo joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the far-reaching economic effects of the student loan crisis and to predict that this bubble will likely burst sooner than later.
What is the condition of locally owned community banking? Mike Menzies joins Jim Blasingame to report on how independent community banks are doing three years after the U.S. financial crisis.
How will the CFPB impact the relationship with your bank? Mike Menzies joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau will impact how you borrow money from your bank.
What does the economy look like for small businesses and independent banks? Mike Menzies joins Jim Blasingame to report on how he thinks the economy is going for independent community banks and their small business customers.
Tuesday - March 27, 2012
More and more of your customers are using mobile apps. Kevin O'Brien joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the increasing use of mobile apps by your prospects and customers and how to create one for your small business.
What’s the difference in an app and a mobile site and which is best for your business? Kevin O'Brien joins Jim Blasingame to explain the difference in an mobile app and a mobile site and how to decide which one you should have.
Will the Supreme Court consider the ObamaCare mandate penalty a tax or a penalty? Grace-Marie Turner joins Jim Blasingame to discuss whether the Supreme Court will rule the ObamaCare mandate as a penalty or a tax.
Can ObamaCare require every Americans to buy a . product? Grace-Marie Turner joins Jim Blasingame to report on the Supreme Court hearing arguments about whether Obamacare violates the Constitution’s commerce clause.
If ObamaCare expands Medicaid mandates, who will pay for it? Grace-Marie Turner joins Jim Blasingame to report on how ObamaCare will impact state budgets and who will pay for the extended care mandates.
Does government moves too slow to regulate online business activities. Carl Szabo joins Jim Blasingame to report on the IAWFUL laws that create impediments to e-business and your online strategy.
New e-commerce activity faces legacy laws and regulations. Carl Szabo joins Jim Blasingame to report on the continuing attempts to collect Internet sales tax, plus legacy regulations created before the Internet that are impacting e-business.
Facebook will make new changes to your pages. Kathy Perry joins Jim Blasingame to report on changes Facebook has announced it will make to how you will use their platform, especially for businesses.
Your Facebook Fan Page is about to change. Kathy Perry joins Jim Blasingame to report on how and why Facebook is going to take more control over your Fan Page and influence how you connect with prospects and customers.
In three years you may not care about Facebook or Twitter. Kathy Perry joins Jim Blasingame to encourage small businesses to more about building their own customer communities as the best social media strategy.
Wednesday - March 28, 2012
Is the profit your business making worth the risk you're taking? Ruth King joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how important it is for small business owners to understand the relationship between profit and cash.
Do you have procedures in place to deter employee theft? Ruth King joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why you need checks and balances in place to deter employee theft.
Could the stock market actually contribute to capitalism by helping private equity? Andrew Sherman joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why a rising Wall Street may encourage private capital investment on Main Street.
When is crowdfunding the right option for small business capital acquisition? Andrew Sherman joins Jim Blasingame to report on the capital markets for small businesses, including the future of borrowed capital vs equity capital.
Shareholder money may come easy, but responsibility to shareholders isn't. Andrew Sherman joins Jim Blasingame to discuss what the dynamics of shareholder capital and the responsibility that comes with it.
Can prospects and customers find you with their smartphones? Jim Blasingame discusses why every day your business doesn't have a mobile strategy is a day closer to becoming irrelevant to a majority of your prospects.
The economy is still the most important issue for small business voters. Jim Blasingame reports on a recent Small Business Advocate poll which indicates how important the economy will be in their voting decisions.
Do not let the word "not" get in your way of success. Beverly Inman-Ebel joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how some tiny words, like "not" and "but" can derail your ability to communicate effectively.
When words we use every day can be used improperly. Beverly Inman-Ebel joins Jim Blasingame to identify how regular, everyday words, like "must" and "always" can derail your ability to communicate effectively.
What steps are you taking to improve your vocabulary? Beverly Inman-Ebel joins Jim Blasingame to talk about why everyone, especially those in business, should continue to improve and expand their vocabulary.
Thursday - March 29, 2012
Social media for business is for marketing, not an excuse to hang out. Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why social media should be about work that delivers results, not just to stay busy.
Don't let Facebook control your social media strategy. Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to discuss new changes to Facebook’s platform and why small businesses have to diversify their social media strategy.
Do you have basic policies in place for your employees? Bob Kustka joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why you need an human resources (HR) plan to maintain policies that create a good work environment.
A growing payroll can take down your business. Bob Kustka joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why you need a human resources (HR) strategy that matches your growth plans so you can make payroll on time.
If you need to downsize or change the business, do you have an HR plan? Bob Kustka joins Jim Blasingame to explain why you should think about employee level and positioning if you need to downsize voluntarily or not.
The evolution of the credit market has affected both personal and business credit. Dr. Michael Grayson joins Jim Blasingame to reveal tips on why and how to keep business and personal credit activity separate.
Have you checked your personal credit rating lately? Michael Grayson joins Jim Blasingame to reveal several tips on how to check, protect and restore your personal credit rating.
Are you using LinkIn to get referrals? Joanne Black joins Jim Blasingame to reveal at least three things to NEVER do when you're seeking referrals on LinkedIn.
High tech and high touch - people still do business with people. Joanne Black joins Jim Blasingame to talk about why it's important to personalize your LinkedIn profile and the way you connect with people, especially for referrals.
Don't leave out the power of the person in social media networking. Joanne Black joins Jim Blasingame to manage social media networking activity as you would a face-to-face relationship.
Friday - March 30, 2012
How far can the government reach into the lives of its citizens? Diana Furchtgott-Roth joins Jim Blasingame to report on a House committee panel on the constitutionality of Obamacare.
To avoid the mandate penalty (aka tax) small businesses are limiting growth. Diana Furchtgott-Roth joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the negative impact of Obamacare on jobs growth as small businesses choose other options to hiring more full-time employees.
The biggest challenge of small businesses increasingly is finding qualified employees. Bob Prosen joins Jim Blasingame with tips on finding qualified employees including writing specific job ads to using LinkedIn.
A motivated employee will do their homework on your company. Bob Prosen joins Jim Blasingame to talk about what to look for in a motivated employee candidate, including their preparation and past performance.
Salespeople have to have a performance record and a customer relationship attitude. Bob Prosen joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to hire salespeople for attitude and performance.
In The Age of the Customer, relevance trumps competitiveness. Jim Blasingame reveals his "moment of relevance" concept and what every small business has to to do to avoid becoming irrelevant.
Are your employees prepared for the "moment of relevance?" Jim Blasingame talks about his recent Age of the Customer experiences and how three companies in one day succeeded in passing the "moment of relevance by exceeded his expectations.
Time and activity tracking software records your day. Adrian Ott joins Jim Blasingame to report on new mobile technology that tracks your daily travel and activity.
Are you ready to begin "lifelogging?" Adrian Ott joins Jim Blasingame to reveal the concept of "lifelogging" and to explain how technology can help you improve time, organization and expense activity.
Online convenience often comes at a cost to privacy? Adrian Ott joins Jim Blasingame to discuss increasingly handy online technologies, but also come with a certain level of encroachment on your privacy.
