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As you might imagine, John and Jim talk about tax issues. This visit focuses on the wrestling match between Congress and the Clinton Administration concerning tax proposals. They move on to talk about the argument of whether to pay down the federal debt with the surplus, or cut taxes.

Roger joins Jim again to continue their discussion on negotiating. The guys point out that when you negotiate, it is often with people you will be doing business with many times. Therefore, it's important to deal in good faith, and how to identify what that looks like. They discuss ways to be a tough negotiator without being unethical. They also discuss what downsized former corporate employees need to know about negotiating protocols and standards as they enter the small business marketplace

Jan joins Jim for the first time to talk about time management. But not just regular, everyday time management. This visit is about "creative" time management. As Jan calls it, "Having a balanced life. An ordered life." The value of creative time management is to help small business owners effectively separate their business from the other parts of their lives. This is good stuff!

Steve and Jim talk about how small businesses can find opportunity instead of problems when the Big Boxes come to town. Big Boxes have a lot of stuff, but they don't have everything. They don't even have the really good stuff that is easy for small business, like customization, technical help, convenience, (your idea here). The guys wrap up by talking about the untapped resource, referrals.

Gary always has an uplifting message to help us "reintegrate" spiritual and ethical thinking into our market activities. Gary says one of our challenges is how to sort through all of the information that is available today and find the wisdom. One of the things Gary shares with Jim is how to put our national debt ($5 trillion) in perspective with our national assets ($50 Trillion).

Nattalia is one of our Internet experts, and in this visit, she and Jim discuss the survey she conducted for her new book about the lives, loves, and interests of computer users. This information is not only informative, but it's also entertaining. Jim finds some of this information a little too close to home for comfort. If you are a geek, a computer widow or widower, or a ludite (someone who doesn't use a computer) check it out to see if you find yourself in the interesting facts Nattalia found.

Joan and Jim review the most recent Kiplinger Letter, beginning with Merger Mania and how that affects small business, including how to benefit from all of the consolidation, instead of being harmed. They move on to talk about other topics including on-line opportunities to purchase cars that are in the works. They also talk about import/export issues related to the exchange relationship between the dollar and the Japanese Yen. Another topic they discuss is new developments in drugs that will help Alzheimer's patients. Finally, they discuss spam, and a little bit about politics.

One of our most dedicated and valuable Brain Trust Members, Beverley joins Jim in this visit to talk about how to put your home-based business plan in writing. Beverley and Jim talk you through seven easy steps to complete what Beverley calls "A Plan Of Business", and it includes a contingency plan for what you are going to do if your business activity is interrupted for whatever reason. This is not about writing an epistle. It's about how to get a helpful plan on paper that will help you have the maximum opportunity to be successful in your home-based business.

Sarah talks with Jim about a topic she calls, "Employees - A help or a hindrance". They discuss some of the things you should look for when interviewing a prospective employee, including how to identify whether a prospect is a good candidate to work in a small business. They move on to talk about the proper documentation you need, and other legal and practical issues involved in finding, interviewing, hiring, employing, and terminating employees. Sarah is good - don't miss this one.

Sarah talks with Jim about a topic she calls, "Employees - A help or a hindrance". They discuss some of the things you should look for when interviewing a prospective employee, including how to identify whether a prospect is a good candidate to work in a small business. They move on to talk about the proper documentation you need, and other legal and practical issues involved in finding, interviewing, hiring, employing, and terminating employees. Sarah is good - don't miss this one.