Wednesday - May 01, 2013
Do you know the social media rules of selling?Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how the rules of selling in social media are different from the traditional marketplace, and how to sell in online communities without acting like it.
Do you know the difference between Facebook and LinkedIn? Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how businesses should determine when to use Facebook and when to use LinkedIn.
What can construction tell us about economic expansion? Joe Cleary joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the growth in the construction industry and why that is good news for the overall national economy.
One of the great business practices for small business is the strategic alliance. Joe Cleary joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the strategic alliance his company put together with another firm to accomplish a large project neither could have done alone.
Is the Houston economy an indicator of a U.S. recovery? Joe Cleary joins Jim Blasingame to propose that the indications of new business activity in Houston has wide ranging implications for the national economy.
There are indications of economy expansion from small businesses. Insperity's Jay Mincks joins Jim Blasingame to report their most recent quarterly survey of small businesses that indicates an increase in hiring and less concern about the economy.
Increasing sales commissions are good news for the economy. Insperity's Jay Mincks joins Jim Blasingame with their recent quarterly survey of small businesses that indicates a rise in sales commissions which is a good indicator of economic growth.
Where does entrepreneurship spring from? Bill Schley joins Jim Blasingame to reveal his research on the origins of entrepreneurship, which is heavily weighted on your ability to believe - believing in yourself, your idea, the mission, etc.
Are military special forces examples of entrepreneurship? Bill Schley joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how Navy SEALS and other special forces units can teach the rest of us about the essence of entrepreneurship.
Want to be an entrepreneur? What's stopping you? Bill Schley joins Jim Blasingame to help you follow your entrepreneurial dreams, including how to have a productive relationship with fear, failure and the fear of failure.
Thursday - May 02, 2013
Obamacare is changing many business models. Steve Millard joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how Obamacare will impact the chamber of commerce he leads as they attempt to provide affordable health care to their members.
How much cash are you wasting on a bad energy strategy? Steve Millard joins Jim Blasingame to explain how his chamber is working with their small business members to find ways to reduce energy costs and increase productivity.
Some of the greatest ideas are the least bankable businesses John Dearborn joins Jim Blasingame to discuss JumpStart, which helps fund start-ups that might not otherwise qualify for funding, plus why this program unique to Ohio in needed in every state.
Find the people who willing to pay for what you do. Raymond Arth joins Jim Blasingame to discuss his business, Phoenix Products, Inc., an American manufacturing company, plus how they deal with tough international competition.
Helping small businesses grow jobs. Joe Gross joins Jim Blasingame to explain how the 10,000 Small Businesses Initiative is providing small businesses with business education, business advising, and access to capital, plus how this program is spreading across the country.
Helping people build their success. Erin Fach joins Jim Blasingame to discuss ECDI, which invests in people to create enduring social and economic change, plus a profile of the typical business owner they help.
Candace Klein joins Jim Blasingame to explain that women business owners should be bold, brave and think outside the box, plus how her company provides education, training and financial support to female-owned businesses.
Is your state legislature working for or against small business? Steve Forbes joins Jim Blasingame to report on how some state legislatures are working against the free market goals of the governors and what that means for small businesses in those states.
How bad will Obamacare really be? Steve Forbes joins Jim Blasingame to report on the status of the Obamacare roll-out as we get closer to the launch date, and whether the law will ultimately implode under the weight of it's own dysfunction and bad structure.
Will the Fed's QE policy hurt Main Street? Steve Forbes joins Jim Blasingame to report on the ill-advised monetary policies of the Fed and the potential dangers that could result for Main Street in the future.
Friday - May 03, 2013
Small businesses can become world-class. Tim Howell joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the way it became world-class by finding a niche and exploiting it with unique products and services.
Who says a small business can't be a global company? Tim Howell joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how his small business competes with its specialty products and services around the world.
Learn about the power of trust in this parable. Ken Blanchard joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how his new book reveals the value and power of trust using animals as characters in a parable.
What are the building blocks of trust? Ken Blanchard joins Jim Blasingame to reveal two of the four critical elements of trust, including being able and believable, and how they look in practice.
Here are the last two of four building blocks of trust. Ken Blanchard joins Jim Blasingame to reveal the third and fourth critical elements that make trust possible, including being able to connect with people and being dependable.
Contracting with the government is a discipline within itself. Gretchen McCracken joins Jim Blasingame with an update on how her human resources business has evolved to include helping government agencies and contractors find key people.
How do you manage fast growth? Gretchen McCracken joins Jim Blasingame to tell the story about how her family business grew from 20 employees to 150 in three years, and what she learned in the process.
This is a story about a 40 year photography business. Paul Lester joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how he got started photographing gold 40 years ago and now he travels the country shooting the greats of the game.
This entrepreneur talks about the power of seeking excellence. Paul Lester joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the critical lessons he has learned in 40 years as a small business owner, including seeking excellence, not perfection.
Listen to this entrepreneur talk about his success with a simple website. Paul Lester joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how his small business has benefited from having a simple website.
Monday - May 06, 2013
Are you ready for what the marketplace dishes out? Jay Myers joins Jim Blasingame to reveal what can happen when your business is going along fine and the marketplace throws a curve ball at you - can you handle it?
Do you have a sustainable business? Jay Myers joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how to create a business and organization that's sustainable when the world throws you a curve ball.
Why isn't unemployment coming down faster? Rick Newman joins Jim Blasingame to talk about some of the issues that are causing employers to hold off on hiring, including the specter of Obamacare.
The government is driving 100% of the housing recovery. Rick Newman joins Jim Blasingame to reveal that the Fed's monetary policies and Fanny Mae and Freddy Mac are 100% of any housing rebound we're having and why that might be dangerous.
Will the online sales tax become a reality? Rick Newman joins Jim Blasingame to report that both sides of the online sales tax debate have a reasonable argument that their position is about fairness.
Learn how to navigate your emotional roadblocks. Jude Bijou joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how our emotions can hold us back and how to take the steps to navigate around these professional and personal roadblocks.
Are your affirmations working? Jude Bijou joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the power of telling yourself the truth about where you are, instead of using affirmations that sound good but aren't true.
How long will Social Security last as currently structured? John Harrison joins Jim Blasingame to reveal that as currently structured, Social Security will pay current benefits for about 20 more years.
You can estimate Social Security benefits. John Harrison joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how to use any number of calculators to estimate your social security benefits upon retirement, including the one at SSA.gov.
How would you like to adjust your future Social Security benefits. John Harrison joins Jim Blasingame to reveal that prior to retirement, you can do certain things to increase your Social Security benefits, including allocation of personal income.
Wednesday - May 08, 2013
Reporting on this effort to grow entrepreneurship beginning with our children. Julie Eberly joins Jim Blasingame to report on this year's Lemonade Day, which shows children how the free market economy works by teaching entrepreneurship.
This program teaches 15 entrepreneurial fundamentals. Julie Eberly joins Jim Blasingame to discuss some of the entrepreneurial fundamentals this year's National Lemonade Day teaches hundreds of thousands of children around the country.
How much do you wish you had more time? John Bradberry joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the challenges small business owners have with time management and recommend practices on how to direct your time more successfully.
What do you know about your own personality regarding time management? John Bradberry joins Jim Blasingame to discuss time management practices, including recognizing the impact of personality on the application of effective time management.
Become a better delegator to become a better time manager. John Bradberry joins Jim Blasingame to reveal delegation practices that can result in more successful time management for small business CEOs.
Why isn't achievement used to describe accomplishment more than success? Jim Blasingame offers talk about the similarity and differences between success and achievement, and to recommend thinking more about the latter.
President Obama, your policies aren't working for small business. Jim Blasingame offers President Obama specific evidence on why his policies are actually hurting small businesses and therefore, restricting economic growth.
Strategy without capability is like a roof without a foundation. Walter Kiechel joins Jim Blasingame to reveal the critical role that organizational capability has in executing a business' strategy goals.
As CEO of your business, you have to balance strategic focus and capability development. Walter Kiechel joins Jim Blasingame to encourage building organizational capabilities of the teams simultaneous with developing strategic direction.
Big business is recognizing it will have to become more responsive to customers, like small businesses. Walter Kiechel joins Jim Blasingame to forecast a marketplace trend where large business will partner increasingly with small businesses to become more responsive to customers.
Thursday - May 09, 2013
Are you conscious of negative self-talk? TIsh Squillaro joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the negative "headtrash" we all have that we can self-identify and, offer steps to eliminate or at least minimize them.
How do you eliminate the unconscious negative stuff between you and success. TIsh Squillaro joins Jim Blasingame to reveal that we all have unconscious "headtrash" that comes between us and success, and offers tips on how to eliminate it.
Are we looking at a summer swoon trend? Sam Norwood joins Jim Blasingame with this month's Tatum Survey that indicates the economy may be looking at a summer swoon for the third consecutive year.
Are government policies dampening business enthusiasm? Sam Norwood joins Jim Blasingame with this month's Tatum Survey and questions about what is causing a down forecast for the summer - could it be Obamacare?
Why are business managers so depressed about the summer? Sam Norwood joins Jim Blasingame with this month's Tatum Survey of business managers and why they are indicating a slow economic forecast for this summer.
How much do you know about the role personality plays in negotiating? Tom Anastasi joins Jim Blasingame to discuss a collaborative negotiating style that includes understanding the role personality plays.
Consider these tactics in your next negotiation. Tom Anastasi joins Jim Blasingame to reveal a few of the collaborative negotiating tactics that he expands upon in his book, like the "tentative deal" and the "let's go to the zoo" tactics.
This conference might help you. Brad Huisken joins Jim Blasingame to report on a business conference series that is designed to deliver growth and operating tips and best practices.
How much does psychology play in professional selling? Brad Huisken joins Jim Blasingame to reveal some of the psychological elements of meeting, doing business with and serving customers.
How are your selling communication skills? Brad Huisken joins Jim Blasingame to reveal some of the key communication skills necessary to sustain a successful sales career, including the most important one - listening.
Friday - May 10, 2013
When a multi-generation has to make brand changes. Pam Danziger joins Jim Blasingame to report on a family business that discovered it's traditional brand image wasn't working and what they did to fix it.
Does your business's execution match your image? Pam Danziger joins Jim Blasingame to report on how one family owned business executed in a modern way, but their image didn't reflect that, and how they fixed it.
Where will small business capital come from in the future? Doug Tatum joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how the capital marketplace is changing and where small businesses will get working capital in the next 20 years.
Is a private equity transaction in your future? Doug Tatum joins Jim Blasingame to report on the private equity industry as it relates to small business and to address what this sector will look like in the future.
Where will small business capital come from in the future? Doug Tatum joins Jim Blasingame to predict the various sources of capital that will likely be available to small business in the future, including how current sources will change.
What does the generational conversation sound like in your business? Marie Dubuque joins Jim Blasingame to offer suggestions on dealing with generational differences between co-worker.
What's the key to better communication between the generations in the workplace? Marie Dubuque joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how Baby Boomers and Gen Y employees can share their differences and turn them into mutual benefits.
Joel told us 3-D laser printing would be part of our future. Joel Barker joins Jim Blasingame to report on some of the ways 3-D laser printing of objects will create opportunity and cause disruptions, like laser printed pistol recently demonstrated.
The new normal is getting exciting. Joel Barker joins Jim Blasingame to report on greenhouses on top of supermarkets, and new brain imaging technology that shows a very orderly organ.
Move over Goldfinger. Joel Barker joins Jim Blasingame to report on a laser weapon the U.S. Navy has produced that can take a plane down, not unlike the fictional one Goldfinger used against James Bond almost 40 years ago.
Monday - May 13, 2013
That's right, there are scams on Facebook. Kathy Perry joins Jim Blasingame to reveal what some of the scams on Facebook look like, how they work and how to avoid them.
Are you becoming an unwitting victim of algorithm changes at Google and Facebook? Kathy Perry joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how the big platforms, such as Facebook and Google change the way you're ranked and how that can hurt your business.
Yes, even a small business needs an organizational chart. Ellen Rohr joins Jim Blasingame to reveal several reasons why even a small business should build and operate with an organizational chart.
Yes, you should build and organizational chart, but avoid these mistakes. Ellen Rohr joins Jim Blasingame to reveal more reasons why small businesses need to operate with an organizational chart, plus several missteps to avoid.
If you have sticky notes, you can create an org chart. Ellen Rohr joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how to simplify the process of creating an organizational chart, and whether salary levels should be included.
Do you demonstrate the old fashioned customer attraction traits? Lois Geller joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the traditional business traits that customers still want, even as we increase our technology minimize face-to-face business.
Are you managing the multi-faceted expectations of modern customers? Lois Geller joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the challenges of meeting the high touch expectations of customers who also want the high tech capability that they feel is relevant to them.
There is a major shift in brain power in the U.S. coming soon. Ken Gronbach joins Jim Blasingame to reveal the Baby Boomer Brain Drain phenomenon which is beginning to occur and will significantly impact the workplace.
Boomer brain drain or behavior drain? Ken Gronbach joins Jim Blasingame to report on the retirement of Baby Boomers and how this brain drain could also create a behavior drain, and what that could mean for the workplace.
How will Generation Y's desire for transparency manifest in the workplace? Ken Gronbach joins Jim Blasingame to reveal the transparency default attitude of Generation Y and how that will manifest as they take over the workplace.
Tuesday - May 14, 2013
What was so different about that 30 day period in 1864? Ralph Peters joins Jim Blasingame to reveal why the Civil War's Overland Campaign was so important to the outcome of the war, and how he reported this period as a historically accurate novel.
What similarities are in evidence between Civil War politics and current politics? Ralph Peters joins Jim Blasingame to discuss his new novel, Hell or Richmond, and offer evidence of how politics have changed little in 150 years.
Cash may be king in the short-term, but profit is required for sustainability. Ruth King joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how small businesses can convert their operating focus from only on cash to a healthy and sustainable balance with profit.
Are you tracking the profitability of your marketing plan? Ruth King joins Jim Blasingame to reveal tips and best practices on how to evaluate your marketing for profitability, including differentiating from traditional and digital.
You can't track sales based only on cash flow. Ruth King joins Jim Blasingame to reveal why all sales activity, including customers, must be measured by profitability, not just for cash flow.
Is your business ready for an emergency interruption? Jim Blasingame reveals three key areas of focus in order for small businesses to prepare for an emergency operating interruption.
Are your sales strategies working? Jim Blasingame reveals how the Age of the Customer has changed the rules of selling by requiring more effort in the introduction phase of selling.
This entrepreneur is relaunching his great-great grandfather's 150 year old brewery.Tom Markel joins Jim Blasingame to talk about his efforts to get a family brewery started up again, having been founded in the 19th century.
How do you test your start-up idea? Tom Markel joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how he has successfully started a dozen businesses by including a "sanity committee" in the process as a way to test his ideas against reality.
Are your values and beliefs out front as you go to market? Tom Markel joins Jim Blasingame to reveal plans to incorporate his religious faith commitment into the marketing of his new start-up.
Thursday - May 16, 2013
How are the generations getting along in your operation? Wally Bock joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how things have changed over the years with regard to bringing the younger generations in to work alongside the veterans.
Has mentoring changed since Baby Boomers were pups? Wally Bock joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the concept of professional mentoring, how it has changed and how to make it better.
How do we reconcile the Benghazi scandal with the Constitution. Burt Folsom joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how the U.S. Constitution should be allowed to work as the Benghazi scandal is investigated.
How do we protect ourselves from presidents and the IRS? Burt Folsom joins Jim Blasingame to report on the historical record of presidents using the IRS as a political weapon, and if the Obama administration has also done this.
Obama's Justice Department has pushed the 1st Amendment envelope. Burt Folsom joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the dangers that are inherent in the Obama Administration's snooping on the media's phone records at the AP.
What's your definition of entrepreneurial wisdom? Jim Blasingame reveals his definition of wisdom and his ideas on how to merge wisdom with entrepreneurship.
Tough times are not fun, but they can be productive. Jim Blasingame to share his experiences with desperate times as an entrepreneur, and to remind you that these times can also provide moments of clarity and lead to inspiration.
Anita Rosen joins Jim Blasingame to explain that new technologies available to business owners to grow their businesses, such as Facebook and Twitter, do not negate the old ways of doing business.
Is your business ready for the mobile customer? Anita Rosen joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the explosion of mobile computing and help small businesses prepare to take advantage of this exciting trend.
Friday - May 17, 2013
Could you use more business? Maybe a trade show is the answer. Lana Calloway joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how to grow your business by attending and exhibiting at trade shows associated with your industry.
Need help preparing to exhibit at a trade show? Lana Calloway joins Jim Blasingame to reveal the key elements that should be addressed when you've decided to be an exhibitor at an industry trade show associated with your business.
Wall Street is up but Main Street is down. Bill Dunkelberg joins JIm Blasingame with this month's NFIB Report that shows a continued negative attitude about the economy by small businesses, and suggest reasons for this condition.
Small business sales are still down. Bill Dunkelberg joins JIm Blasingame with this month's NFIB Report showing small businesses still have languishing sales, plus are still not making capital investments.
Small businesses are still not hiring. Bill Dunkelberg joins Jim Blasingame with this month's NFIB Index showing over half of small businesses are not hiring, and three fourths of those who are hiring can't find qualified prospects.
It's not what you do that's important, it's what you're going to change. Tom Asacker joins Jim Blasingame to propose that what you're changing, and how your leading change is the critical answer to where you allocate time and resources.
Is your organization operating with "functional stupidity"? Tom Asaker joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the definition of "functional stupidity" and how it can creep into your business unless you're constantly questioning and deconstructing.
What is your role as a small business CEO? Tom Asacker joins Jim Blasingame to explain delegating your work as a manager to focus on your work as a CEO.
Monday - May 20, 2013
How much mentoring goes on in your company? Chip Bell joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how promoting mentoring in your organization can create many benefits, including increased engagement, more innovation and higher productivity.
How many different generations work in your company? Chip Bell joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the challenges and benefits of promoting mentoring in today's workplace with so many different generations that are so different from each other.
Prepare to collect and remit sales tax for online sales. Barbara Weltman joins Jim Blasingame to report on the progress of the Marketplace Fairness Act, which when passed, will require most online sales to be subject to local sales tax collection.
The new top rate tax increase could cost you a lot more than you think. Barbara Weltman joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how the way the new top tax bracket is calculated could create a lot higher tax bill for some small businesses.
Why would we give the IRS more access to our private affairs? Barbara Weltman joins Jim Blasingame to talk about why we should be concerned about giving the IRS more control over our lives as the enforcer of Obamacare compliance.
Do you have a project graveyard? Michelle LaBrosse joins Jim Blasingame to explain why projects get started but don't get finished, including how to eliminate the distracting elements that create these failures.
Are you good a picking projects you can finish? Michelle LaBrosse joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how to break big goals into small projects that can be completed.
Are you ready for more IRS in your life? Avik Roy joins Jim Blasingame to report on the way Obamacare creates a much more intrusive role for the IRS as the chief taxer and compliance enforcer for every American citizen and business.
Are you prepared for the employer mandate of Obamacare? Avik Roy joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how the employer mandate will affect small businesses, and a possible way to legally work around it.
Are you ready for a single payer health care system? Avik Roy joins Jim Blasingame to talk about what our attitude will be about Obamacare after it is fully instituted in 2014.
Wednesday - May 22, 2013
Who has the most power in your business? Chuck Wall joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how control of your relationship with customers has shifted from you to your customer, and why.
Take a lesson from successful customer-focused companies. Chuck Wall joins Jim Blasingame to report on how highly successful companies got that way by how they talk with and respond to customers.
The U.S. tax code does not serve us well. John Fox joins Jim Blasingame to reveal why the U.S. tax code is broken and how certain changes could simplify it and lead to greater economic growth.
What's the difference between a 501(c)(4) corporation and a 501(c)(3). John Fox joins Jim Blasingame to explain the difference between a 501(c)(3) corporation and a 501(c)(4), and discuss the IRS controversy.
Do you want to pay for Cadillac health care coverage for billioinaires? John Fox joins Jim Blasingame to report that millionaires are receiving significant tax deductions that are not available to regular tax payers
Are you making the expectations journey with customers? Jim Blasingame reveals the journey of customer desires, from need to want to expect, and why you have to make this journey with them.
Why do entrepreneurs take risks? Jim Blasingame offers insight into the reasons why entrepreneurs take risks in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
Will the IRS scandal get bigger? Steve Moore joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the recent revelation that the IRS has been targeting private citizens and groups, potentially for political purposes.
Is the U.S. Constitution under attack? Steve Moore joins Jim Blasingame to discuss a number of scandals that have arisen from what seem to be assaults on our Constitutional rights, such as freedom of speech and of the press.
What's holding back the U.S. economy? Steve Moore joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the primary reason the U.S. economy is languishing, which is Obamacare and how much business owners are afraid of it.
Thursday - May 23, 2013
What does your budget look like? Cary Siegel joins Jim Blasingame to recommend the three most important components of financial education, including budgeting, living below your means and saving tips.
Do Millennials need extra help with their financial education? Cary Siegel joins Jim Blasingame to talk about some of the issues that Generation Y faces that may be unique to them.
Do you want the IRS to have even more control over your life an business? Grace-Marie Turner joins Jim Blasingame to report on the 47 new powers that Obamacare gives to the IRS as a way to make sure you comply with this law.
Do you want the IRS to share your private financial and health information with HHS? Grace-Marie Turner joins Jim Blasingame to reveal one of the 47 new power of the IRS, which is to be able to share your private information with other federal departments.
What's the best that could be expected from repealing Obamacare? Grace-Marie Turner joins Jim Blasingame to talk about what health care insurance would look like if Obamacare were repealed, including at least one good result.
What do the Millennials need to know about goal setting? Jay Papasan joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how he approaches Generation Y employees to help them set professional performance goals.
Is there a difference in managing Millennial salespeople? Jay Papasan joins Jim Blasingame to reveal his method of making sure his Millennial employees stay on track with their performance goals.
Reporting on the Moore, OK tornado. Terry Neese joins Jim Blasingame to talk about her experience with the tornadoes that hit Oklahoma this week, including the city of Moore, which is near her home.
The IEEW continues to train women entrepreneurs from around the world. Terry Neese joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the 2013 schedule for the Institute for Economic Empowerment of Women as it graduates another class of women entrepreneurs.
U.S. women entrepreneurs mentor women from Afghanistan and Rwanda. Terry Neese joins Jim Blasingame to explain the mentoring part of the IEEW's work with women entrepreneurs from Afghanistan and Rwanda.
Friday - May 24, 2013
Could you be doing more computing in the Cloud? Matt Peterson joins Jim Blasingame to encourage small businesses to be more intentional about seeking out Cloud computing services and solutions.
How many placed do you store documents? Matt Peterson joins Jim Blasingame to explain how cloud-based tools can help small businesses consolidate multiple document storage options into one.
Was Benghazi just a CIA screw-up? Bill Brandt joins Jim Blasingame to try make the case that the whole Benghazi issue was all due to the CIA, not the State department or the White House.
Does the IRS scandals stop at the management level? Bill Brandt joins Jim Blasingame to try to place the blame for the IRS mistreatment of conservative groups at the manager level, and not with the Obama administration.
Is the media scandal all the fault of Holder? Bill Brandt joins Jim Blasingame to place the entire blame for the media scandals against the AP and Fox News on Attorney General Holder and no higher.
Are you taking advantage of paradoxes to solve problems? Kelle Olwyler joins Jim Blasingame to explain how to turn a dilemma into a trilemma, or even a quadlemma by using paradoxical thinking.
Don't avoid paradoxes, use them to your advantage. Kelle Olwyler joins Jim Blasingame to explain how paradoxical thinking can help you solve problems and improve working relationships.
Are you mindful as a negotiator? Ed Kopf joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the concept of mindfulness as a negotiation and management practice, and how it can help you get better management and negotiating results.
How intentional are you at controlling your emotions in business? Ed Kopf joins Jim Blasingame to encourage you to be intentional and mindful when faced with a negotiation, so you don't let emotions cost you an opportunity.
Do you "have a word with yourself" before important events? Ed Kopf joins Jim Blasingame to explain how to use self-talk and mindfulness to get into an appropriate frame of mind before a negotiation or other important interaction.
Monday - May 27, 2013
How did Memorial day get its start? Ken Davis joins Jim Blasingame to celebrate Memorial Day by explaining some of the myths and truths about how this very American holiday got started.
Is it right to "celebrate" Memorial Day? Ken Davis joins Jim Blasingame to say that it's okay to celebrate Memorial Day as we recognize those who paid the ultimate price for us to share this holiday with family and friends.
Connecting patriotism to Memorial Day. Gene Griessman joins Jim Blasingame to celebrate Memorial Day by discussing the nature of patriotism, both in sacrifice and in maintaining what the sacrifice was for.
Debating Big Government on Memorial Day. Gene Griessman joins Jim Blasingame to celebrate Memorial Day with a debate about the virtues and disadvantages of Big Government.
What's agape love got to do with Memorial Day? Gene Griessman joins Jim Blasingame to celebrate Memorial Day and talk about one of the prime elements that caused our heroes to pay the ultimate price for us, agape love.
America's militia paid the ultimate price first. Jim Blasingame joins Jim Blasingame to celebrate Memorial Day and help us to remember that America's part-time military members are among those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.
What price freedom? Jim Blasingame celebrate Memorial Day by reciting and talking about the meaning of the poem, "Freedom ins't Free."
What does the war on terror have to do with Memorial Day? Jim Blasingame reveals his list of "The Top 10 Things I Believe about the War on Terror," and his concerns about President Obama unilaterally declaring the end of this war.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars recognize our fallen heroes. on Memorial Day. Joe Davis joins Jim Blasingame to explain how the VFW celebrate Memorial Day in our nations capital, including at Arlington Cemetery.
Will the price of Iraq and Afghanistan prove to be too high? Joe Davis joins Jim Blasingame on Memorial Day to discuss the good news about the end of American deaths in Iraq and are Afghanistan, and whether the price paid by our fallen heroes will be justified.
Tuesday - May 28, 2013
Do you allow your biases to get in the way of success? Beverly Inman-Ebel joins Jim Blasingame to discuss two human biases, semantic equivalence and halo, and how we allow them to prevent effective communication.
How do our biases impact our decisions and relationships? Beverly Inman-Ebel joins Jim Blasingame to discuss two kinds of biases we all have, contagious bias and association bias, and how they impact our personal and business relationships.
Does Gen Y think about trust differently than Baby Boomers? Mike Muetzel joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how trust between the generations can be different, especially in small businesses and large corporations.
Don’t Millennials have the responsibility to accept coaching? Mike Muetzel joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to bring the two universes - the Millennials and everybody else - together for organizational success.
Every generation should respect the generations upon whose shoulders they stand. Mike Muetzel joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to get Gen Y and Baby Boomers to meet in the middle.
Being a leader in tough times is a little tougher. Tim Irwin joins Jim Blasingame to recommend being decisive in direction and allowing team engagement are two important practices when leading during tough times.
Trust gains in importance for leaders during tough times. Tim Irwin joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the elements of trust and why they especially must be in evidence by leaders when things are not going well.
Use rational persuasion to influence others. Rick Lepsinger joins Jim Blasingame to propose rational persuasion - the use of facts and logic - as a influencing communication tactic.
Can you use inspiration to influence others? Rick Lepsinger joins Jim Blasingame to discuss ways to gain the necessary influence with others by using inspiration and values-based ideas.
How good are you at banking goodwill with others? Rick Lepsinger joins Jim Blasingame to encourage gaining influence with others by banking goodwill in advance of when you need their help.
Wednesday - May 29, 2013
What are the soft parts of leadership? Chester Elton joins Jim Blasingame to explain what the soft elements of leadership are and why they're often more difficult to manage than the hard parts.
What do your employees say about the human side of your management style? Chester Elton joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how the most successful leaders have are good at managing the hard and softer sides of leadership.
We still don't know why we lost four Americans at Benghazi. Rich Galen joins Jim Blasingame to talk about why the attacks on Americans at Benghazi have turned into a scandal for the Obama administration.
The IRS scandal shocks and offends both sides of the political aisle. Rich Galen joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the IRS intimidation scandal and how the same Obama administration that couldn't prevent it can expect to get itself out of it.
Why did the Obama administration turn on the main stream media? Rich Galen joins Jim Blasingame to talk about whether the 1st amendment scandal between the Obama administration's and the media is arrogance, stupidity or both.
Did you know that fresh fish has no smell? Anders Millers joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the new Pike Place Fish Market cookbook with a real fishmonger, and how to cook fish, especially for people who say they don't like fish.
What makes the Pike Place Fish Market so special? Anders Millers joins Jim Blasingame to discuss what makes the Pike Place Fish Market such a special place to work and to do business with, plus their expansion plans.
Why is the U.S. unemployment rate so stubbornly high? John Dini joins Jim Blasingame to talk about some of the reasons the U.S. has so many unemployed people with so many unfilled job openings.
The U.S. education system is not serving the marketplace. John Dini joins Jim Blasingame to reveal reasons why we've become a highly educated population that is less and less qualified for 21st century job openings.
The U.S. has to help its student population prepare to be productive. John Dini joins Jim Blasingame to talk about getting our students prepared to take their place in the 21st century workplace.
Thursday - May 30, 2013
Don't be afraid to ask questions of your peers. Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how he uses social media for his business to use his communities as a collaboration resource.
What organizing tools do you use? Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how he uses multiple dry writing white boards to keep his projects and progress organized.
What's the difference between influence and manipulation? Rob Jolles joins Jim Blasingame to reveal that influence without ethical bearing is nothing more than manipulation.
Customer expectations will inform your influence steps. Rob Jolles joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how much customers will help you influence them ethically by responding to their expectations.
Do customers think of you in terms of a transaction or a relationship? Rob Jolles joins Jim Blasingame to reveal the difference between relationships that are born from influence and transactions that come from manipulation.
Do you deliver quality service? Jim Blasingame to reveal how to have a quality process, and that that quality service without it is robbing you of profits and probably long-term customer relationships.
Are you having trouble getting in to see new prospects? Jim Blasingame reveals how the selling step of getting in to see a new prospect has changed from just knocking on a door to nurturing and developing prospects before you ask for an appointment.
Can you articulate your reasons for change? Rick Maurer joins Jim Blasingame to explain that part of leading change is being able to focus on and articulate the reasons you are implementing change in your small business.
What can you learn from failed projects? Rick Maurer joins Jim Blasingame to explain that you can learn from patterns that develop from your failures to focus on better implementing change in the future.
Do you brainstorm what could go wrong? Rick Maurer joins Jim Blasingame to explain that if you think about the things that could go wrong before they do, you will be prepared to handle the problems right away or even prevent them altogether.
Friday - May 31, 2013
Starting a franchise can be a good thing on many levels. Joel Libava joins Jim Blasingame to reveal the many levels of benefits a community gains when someone starts a franchise business.
Starting a franchise is a plus for the entire economy. Joel Libava joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the economic ripple effect that grows a local economy when someone starts a new franchise or other small business.
What creates the most stress in a small business? Michael Stallard joins Jim Blasingame to reveal research that shows why employees may experience more stress than the small business owners they work for.
How do you identify and channel good stress? Michael Stallard joins Jim Blasingame to reveal that there is such a thing as good stress, which when channeled properly, can help you seek excellence.
Do you know what the three Vs of stress management are? Michael Stallard joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how to use vision, value and voice practices with employees to help them gain engagement and reduce stress.
Does your pricing strategy need a profitability boost? Ilise Benun joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how to replace your hourly rate pricing strategy for professional services with a value-based strategy that focuses on the results of your work.
Check out the 6th annual Creative Freelancer Conference. Ilise Benun joins Jim Blasingame to talk about her upcoming 6th annual Creative Freelancer Conference and examples of the business practices attendees will learn.
What's holding back the economy? Bill Conerly joins Jim Blasingame to discuss reasons the U.S. economy is still languishing four years after the end of the Great Recession.
Why are small business profits finally up/ Bill Conerly joins Jim Blasingame to report on the upward trend of small business profits, and explain why this is happening now.
What should small businesses growth position be? Bill Conerly joins Jim Blasingame to recommend a flexible stance on growth opportunity, to be ready to go either way quickly, as the economy changes.
