Tuesday - November 01, 2011
Do you focus your thinking when strategizing or developing a new plan? Bob Fischer joins Jim Blasingame to explain how to use the Six Thinking Hat approach to organizing your thinking, each hat representing a strategic area.
Are you thinking clearly? Bob Fischer joins Jim Blasingame to explain the importance of visualizing the Six Thinking Hats strategy by incorporating the colors associated with each step into your thinking process.
The choices you make have an impact on your success. Darren Hardy joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to employ the Compound Effect of choices to create habits that will contribute to your long-term success.
You are what you repeatedly do. Darren Hardy joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why you must break bad habits and install good habits into a routine to gain momentum toward your goal.
You can take some control over how you pay income tax. Doug Stives joins Jim Blasingame to discuss what has changed and what has stayed the same in the tax code, and offer tips on effective tax planning.
Do you have control over how much income tax you will pay this year? Doug Stives joins Jim Blasingame to reveal more tax planning advice, including how to manage tax payments from one year to the next.
Does GOP presidential candidate Herman Cain's tax proposal have merit? Doug Stives joins Jim Blasingame to explain how Herman Cain's "9-9-9" tax reform would work and whether it would solve problems or create more.
Wednesday - November 02, 2011
Workplace bullying results in low employee morale and lost productivity. Leah Hollis joins Jim Blasingame to discuss workplace bullying and how to create policies that will curtail this disruptive behavior.
Where is the line between high expectations and bullying? Leah Hollis joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to clearly define expectations and communication so it’s about the work and not the employee.
Women are a vital part of any nation’s advancement. Terry Neese joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how Peace Through Business is successfully empowering women and making a difference around the world.
What are the challenges for women in Rwanda and Afghanistan? Terry Neese joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how women are helping to lead the rebuilding of Rwanda, plus the challenges for women in Afghanistan.
Frederic Bastiat said, “If good don’t cross borders, armies will.” Terry Neese joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the peace dividends of educating and mentoring woman-owned businesses around the globe.
Have you thought of a nametag as part of your brand? Scott Ginsberg joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the nametag philosophy, which is giving others permission to approach and talk to you.
Do you know what your customers don't want? Scott Ginsberg joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to decide which problem to solve when helping customers, plus how to listen to your customers.
Is the Fed subscribing to the Chubby Checker economic theory? Bob McTeer joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how the Federal Reserve Board is adjusting its policies with what is being called the "Twist." Chubby Checker, call your office.
Which campaign tax proposal will work? Bob McTeer joins Jim Blasingame to compare the GOP presidential hopefuls' tax reform platforms with what is needed and what can actually be implemented.
Is the economy improving? Bob McTeer joins Jim Blasingame to report that while the economy is growing, it still has a number of challenges that makes it seem like a slow economy.
Thursday - November 03, 2011
If your business is not doing well, is it time to stop blaming the economy? Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to report that the economy may not be growing fast, but there is still a lot of buying and selling going on - make sure you're getting your share.
When you’re a business of one, prospecting and delivering are your prime tasks. Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to discuss tips for managing time for prospecting, keeping sales in the pipeline and delivering on customer expectations.
In 2011, Ex-Im Bank approved $6 billion in financing to small business. Fred Hochberg joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the upward trend of U.S. small business exporters and the growing assistance provided by Ex-Im Bank.
Small business exporters should never worry about getting paid. Fred Hochberg joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the various resources that Ex-Im Bank provides for small business exporters, including seller and buyer financing and receivables insurance.
There has never been more help available to small business exporters. Jim Blasingame reveals the multiple layers of export/import support available though government organizations as well as business resources, all of which take the intimidation out of doing business abroad.
Human beings are the other side of the technology coin. John Bradberry joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how the efficiencies available through technology is no excuse to minimize the basic desires of human beings.
What are the key elements of business growth success? John Bradberry joins Jim Blasingame to discuss four fundamentals of successful business growth: you, the marketplace, the math and the execution.
Is a SCORE volunteer in your business' future? Ken Yancey joins Jim Blasingame to report on the success of the SCORE organization of volunteers who are helping America's small businesses, including yours.
SCORE volunteers are community leaders. Ken Yancey joins Jim Blasingame to talk the fact that besides the management expertise a SCORE volunteer offers, he or she may also be a resources for market contacts you can take advantage of.
How do you get assigned a SCORE volunteer? Ken Yancey joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how a SCORE volunteer is assigned to your business when you request their assistance, and how to make sure he or she fits your requirements.
Friday - November 04, 2011
Are you conducting events or gatherings for customers? Chris Litster joins Jim Blasingame to discuss technology that can help with event planning from promotion and registration to reporting after the event.
The original social media is face-to-face. Chris Litster joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the benefits of hosting face-to-face events for your customers and prospects.
Where is the ROI handle for social media? JJ Ramberg joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how to measure social media return, including the intangible, community-building ROI.
Hire key employees who share your values. JJ Ramberg joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the process of finding and working with a CEO to grow the company you founded, including the importance of shared values.
You’re shopping online anyway, why not help charities and schools simultaneously? JJ Ramberg joins Jim Blasingame to discuss GoodSearch.com and GoodDining.com, where your regular buying activity helps fund charities and schools.
How has technology changed the political landscape? Jim Blasingame talks about how technology and new media has contributed to changing the political campaign landscape.
What can small business learn from the way campaigns use new media? Jim Blasingame talks about why your small business must use new media tools along with traditional media to reach and connect with customers.
Is 7 billion Earthlings good or bad? Futurist Joel Barker joins Jim Blasingame to report on the global population reaching 7 billion and what this means for the planet and its occupants.
Is having 7 billion Earthlings good or bad? Joel Barker joins Jim Blasingame to discuss some of the issues that 7 billion people on planet Earth present, as well as something called "birth dearth."
What will be the population trajectory for planet Earth? Joel Barker joins Jim Blasingame to report on the projected growth of Earth's population over the next 30 years, followed by a decline to a stabilized level.
Monday - November 07, 2011
The Baby Boomer generation is a uniquely American phenomenon. John Dini joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the impact of Baby Boomers on entrepreneurship, housing, politics, and societal trends.
Who will buy their businesses and houses when Boomers retire and downsize? John Dini joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how the aging of the Boomer generation is affecting the marketplace and the housing industry.
Do we need higher taxes, less spending, or both? John Fox joins Jim Blasingame to explain why reducing the deficit depends on Congress making hard decisions to both increase revenue and reduce spending.
America’s 21st century problems will not be solved until we change the 20th century practices of the political class. John Fox joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to fix the dysfunctional political culture and lobbying influences that have created unsustainable financial conditions.
Do any GOP presidential candidates have a viable tax proposal? John Fox joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the tax proposals of the GOP candidates such as Cain’s 9-9-9 proposal, including a national sales tax.
You can’t solve 21st century problems with 20th century methods. Pam Bilbrey joins Jim Blasingame to reveal specific tips and best practices that will help your business thrive in the "new normal" of the 21st century, including thinking more strategically.
During tough times, don't forget MBWA. Pam Bilbrey joins Jim Blasingame with tips on engaging your employees in tough times by creating a sense of teamwork and ownership, plus using MBWA - management by walking around - and listening.
Statistics indicate that 40% of small business that experience a disaster don't reopen. Microsoft's Cindy Bates joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how to prepare your company for any of the business interruption possibilities, whether natural or otherwise.
It's never been easier or less expensive to prepare for an unplanned business interruption. Microsoft's Cindy Bates joins Jim Blasingame to reveal disaster preparedness tools and best practices available by using resources in the Cloud.
Want to gain more competitiveness without spending a lot of money? Microsoft's Cindy Bates joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the many ways that cloud computing has leveled the playing field for small business, including disaster preparedness.
Tuesday - November 08, 2011
If you're in business, can you imagine doing without email? Christina Cavanagh joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how business communication has evolved since the advent of email and why it is still so important.
What is the difference between spam filters and anti-virus software? Christina Cavanagh joins Jim Blasingame to explain how to use filters to reduce spam and the many reasons you must have virus software to protect from emailed malware.
YouTube gets 3 billion views every day. Ruth Sherman joins Jim Blasingame to explain why every business should have an online video strategy to take advantage of free tools, like YouTube, and the exploding interest in amateur video.
Video is not about perfection, it’s about connection. Ruth Sherman joins Jim Blasingame to offer tips and best practices on how to produce your own online videos about your business, even if you're not a movie star.
You can embed your YouTube videos on your website. Ruth Sherman joins Jim Blasingame to explain how to create different kinds of instructional videos, host them on YouTube, and embed them on your website.
The path to small business success is often a long journey. Sam Carpenter joins Jim Blasingame to discuss his journey from failure to success and what he learned about that process.
Would you be interested in a system that allows you to work less and make more? Sam Carpenter joins Jim Blasingame to discuss his system of understanding the processes of success that can help you find more success without creating a casualty list.
Who is the likely Republican nominee for 2012? Wayne Allyn Root joins Jim Blasingame to discuss which of the GOP presidential candidates are tracking toward success and which ones are not.
How would a Libertarian advise Obama? Wayne Allyn Root joins Jim Blasingame to offer advice and counsel to President Obama on what he should do to help small businesses and improve the economy.
Will Ron Paul run as an independent or Libertarian? Wayne Allyn Root joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the possibility of GOP presidential candidate breaking away and running as an independent or on the Libertarian ticket.
Wednesday - November 09, 2011
Is your boss Remarkable, Perilous, or Toxic? Karol Wasylyshyn joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how to forge a reciprocal relationship with your boss by understanding their executive type, plus the traits of a Remarkable boss.
Can you be supportive of your boss in a way that benefits the team? Karol Wasylyshyn joins Jim Blasingame to explain what you need to know to manage your boss in a way that is productive and supportive, even if they are Perilous or Toxic bosses.
How can even-mindedness help a father cope with a deep loss? Jim Ballard joins Jim Blasingame to celebrate the life of his son Andrew, who recently died unexpectedly, and the healing power he gained because of his practice of meditation and even-mindedness.
Even-mindedness can help you find calm in the center of the storm. Jim Ballard joins Jim Blasingame to introduce the concept of even-mindedness, which helps you prepare your problem-solving capability for solving business problems.
Find "even-mindedness" through meditation. Jim Ballard joins Jim Blasingame to explain how to achieve a state of even-mindedness through meditation, prayer, or whatever allows you to find balance in challenging times.
For a small business, your values are your brand. Janet Christy joins Jim Blasingame to explain that a small business brand is more than a logo, it’s how customers feel about the business’s reputation, values, and trustworthiness.
Create and tell your own brand story and defend it in the marketplace. Janet Christy joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how social media has changed the way brand stories are told and how to make sure you're leading that conversation.
How do you handle yourself when a customer leaves you? Paul Casey joins Jim Blasingame to talk about their real-world experiences of losing customers and what they did after that to get them back.
Get off your backside, get out of your office and go meet people. Paul Casey joins Jim Blasingame to offer personal, recent experiences that show why networking - in person - is a guaranteed method of growing your business.
Are you - and your business - stuck in a rut? Paul Casey joins Jim Blasingame to encourage you to broaden your business horizons by considering offering product and service variations, based on customer feedback.
Thursday - November 10, 2011
Is the notion of privacy outdated in modern society? Mark Davis joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the impact of modern technology on personal privacy and business brand control, and how to protect yourself and your business.
Digital assassins silently steal your content without attribution. Mark Davis joins Jim Blasingame to discuss types of digital assassins like “silent slashers” who steal or subvert the online content of others.
Tatum reports the economy is in a holding pattern at a low level. Sam Norwood joins Jim Blasingame to report that the economy is not improving because of the impact of politics, entitlements and uncertainty.
What are business managers saying about sales? Sam Norwood joins Jim Blasingame to report this month’s Tatum Survey indicates an interesting combination of increased order backlogs, but reduced capital spending.
Will manufacturing ever come back to the U.S.? Tatum’s Sam Norwood joins Jim Blasingame to report the service sector is up, but manufacturing is weak, plus the state of the economy in different parts of the country.
Never ask a customer to touch your technology unless there’s something in it for them. Eric Karjaluoto joins Jim Blasingame to reveal why your technology should create an excellent customer experience that includes the imperative of authenticity.
Nevermind your products or price, are you relevant with customer expectations? Eric Karjaluoto joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how to take your digital authenticity to the ultimate level of being relevant with customer expectations.
Do you have a relationship with an independent community bank? Mike Menzies joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why every small business must have a relationship with an independent community bank, which will become your business's best friend.
Will Dodd/Frank financial regulations hurt independent community banks? Mike Menzies joins Jim Blasingame to explain how independent community banks will become collateral damage for the financial regulations in the Dodd/Frank law.
When will the economy improve? Mike Menzies joins Jim Blasingame to predict that the U.S. economy in 2012 will improve over 2011, and that 2013 will be ever better, regardless of who gets elected president.
Friday - November 11, 2011
Adrian Guglielmo joins Jim Blasingame to discuss her work to help veterans who are either returning to the workforce or wanting to start their own business.
National Guard and Reservists should be considered veterans too. Jim Blasingame proposes that in an era when National Guard and Reservists must be prepared to deploy into harm's way, they should also be called veterans.
What will happen to Tibet? Ted Fishman joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how the Chinese government is abusing Tibetans, including diluting their population with Chinese immigrants.
How long can the Chinese Communist Party maintain control? Ted Fishman joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the future of China’s government and economy, plus will China resort to protectionism and their old xenophobic ways?
Has Wall Street become the enemy of capitalism? Ted Fishman joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the predatory and potentially libelous practices of 21st century Wall Street, including the excesses of short-sellers.
Profiles International is helping veterans enter the marketplace with the highest opportunities for success. Caren Shaffer joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how their Veterans Transition Coach helps veterans navigate the marketplace and companies hire vets.
Veterans offer experience and leadership to the marketplace. Caren Shaffer joins Jim Blasingame to reveal sectors that are interested in hiring veterans, like the health care, trucking, and railroad industries.
Can users of your website easily find what they are looking for? Anita Rosen joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how to make your online media relevant to customers by having an appropriate and useable presence.
Customers have more expectation options today than ever before. Anita Rosen joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the many options to communicate with your customer community and why you should use whichever is relevant to them.
Today’s customers are connecting through Smartphones. Anita Rosen joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why you must consider mobile technology, whether web-based or an app, because that’s where today’s customers are.
Monday - November 14, 2011
Celebrating small business milestones. Jim Blasingame shares his story about why and how he started The Small Business Advocate Show and his e-zine, the NEWSLETTER, 14 years ago.
Surviving as a small business owner requires perseverance and passion. Jim Blasingame talks about how he has been inspired by the experiences of others who succeeded after failing more than once.
Perseverance is the key to business success. Rich Galen joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how he started his small business, Mullings.com, plus the good, the bad and the ugly.
Why is Gingrich's candidacy rising? Rich Galen joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the slate of Republican presidential candidates, especially Romney, Gingrich and Cain.
Who would Obama prefer to run against in 2012? Rich Galen joins Jim Blasingame to discuss whether Obama would rather run against Romney or Gingrich, plus a prediction of who will win in 2012.
Developing technologies are at once advantages and disruptors. Wally Bock joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how the marketplace has changed in the last 14 years, including the impact of online technologies.
Customer expectations are changing the way you do business. Wally Bock joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why being competitive is no longer enough, you must also be relevant to 21st century customer expectations.
What inspires you to persevere? Jay Mincks joins Jim Blasingame to share some of the ways he and other leaders in his company have persevered in the face of extreme challenges.
How has professional selling changed in the past generation? Jay Mincks joins Jim Blasingame to report on what it takes to consistently get in front of business customers and succeed as a professional salesperson.
Do business owners think the economy is doing better?
Jay Mincks joins Jim Blasingame to report on the recent Insperity poll of business owners that shows the majority of business owners are still uncertain about economic growth.
Tuesday - November 15, 2011
America's best days are ahead because of something uniquely American. Ken Gronbach joins Jim Blasingame to discuss America's bright future because its Generation Y is a unique group of humans among demographics in the industrialized world.
Can America capitalize on its greatest asset? Ken Gronbach joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how America’s young generations, plus immigration and globalization, are contributing to its long-term success.
Viable market-based health care solutions are available right now. Grace-Marie Turner joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the almost two decades-long fight for market-based health care and how the extreme left have attempted to suppress them.
The Supreme Court will decide on the future of ObamaCare? Grace-Marie Turner joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how the Supreme Court could rule that ObamaCare is unconstitutional, or usher in a new era in government control over your life..
Americans have to become health care consumers. Grace-Marie Turner joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the advantages of existing market-based health care options, and why ObamaCare is unraveling.
The IRS work with business owners to catch-up unpaid payroll taxes. Eva Rosenberg joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how to get the IRS to provide helpful options when a small business falls behind on paying payroll taxes.
Small business owners should not fear the new IRS. Eva Rosenberg joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how today’s IRS is more interested in helping small businesses solve their tax obligations than prosecuting them.
The start-up phenomenon has changed. Tim Berry joins Jim Blasingame to reveal that during the current economic recovery cycle, market forces have caused a suppressed effect on small business start-ups in a way that has not been seen before.
Why are there more start-ups in NYC than in Chicago? Tim Berry joins Jim Blasingame to report that there seems to be regional hubs that produce more business start-up activity than other large cities of the same size.
Where will your next business pressure come from? Tim Berry joins Jim Blasingame to talk about whether your next business competition will be competitive, or a disruptive force you couldn't have foreseen.
Wednesday - November 16, 2011
Each increase in minimum wage advances the use of technology instead of people. Burt Folsom joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the origin of minimum wage during the Great Depression, and the contribution of the wage mandate on unemployment.
Will there ever be another widespread innovative and creative era as during WWII? Burt Folsom joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the innovations and creativity initiated during WWII in both the public and private sectors.
The SBE Council is small business’s best friend in Washington, DC. Karen Kerrigan joins Jim Blasingame to report on the issues currently in Congress, including the probable repeal of the 3% contractor withholding mandate.
What better way to celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week than to encourage investing? Karen Kerrigan joins Jim Blasingame to report on legislation that supports entrepreneurship, like the one passing this week that encourages crowdfunding.
Entrepreneurship is encouraged and esteemed all over the world. Karen Kerrigan joins Jim Blasingame to report on her participation in the Global Entrepreneurship Forum held this month in Singapore.
More and more people are opting for business ownership rather than employment. Ilise Benun joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the business opportunities for entrepreneurs, in spite of the lack of capital for startups.
What are the best entrepreneurial resources? Ilise Benun joins Jim Blasingame to offer ideas on how to maximize your resources and start a business, like having confidence and a strong commitment.
Why is Europe having so much sovereign debt problems? Chuck Kadlec joins Jim Blasingame to report that the problem with the EU is that their sovereign debt level that was created by a devotion to socialism and turning away from market forces.
Customers are the best source of capital and success. Chuck Kadlec joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the difference between the cleansing nature of free-market capitalism and the opposite effect derived from social justice systems.
I know what he was feeling, but what was he thinking? Chuck Kadlec joins Jim Blasingame to reveal why he became a supporter and economic advisor to GOP presidential candidate Herman Cain.
Thursday - November 17, 2011
Turning the tables on Jim, today Jeff asks Jim the questions. Guest Jeff Zbar interviews host Jim Blasingame on why he started The Small Business Advocate Show and his transition from consultant to founder of a media company.
What lessons are learned from the start-up process? Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the role confidence plays as you start and grow a small business, plus other entrepreneurial lessons.
The economy would improve if government would get out of the way. Barbara Weltman joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the repeal of the onorous 3% contractor withholding rule and the impact of government on business confidence.
Veterans offer unique leadership skills and typically make excellent employees. Barbara Weltman joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the new tax credits for hiring unemployed veterans, plus some year-end tax planning advice.
Some tax credits should become permanent to stimulate innovation. Barbara Weltman joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the uncertainty of the extension of some tax credits, like the long-time credit for research.
Being a small business owner is a noble life-calling. Jim Blasingame reflects on the beginnings of The Small Business Advocate Show and living the dream of owning a small business.
Socialism doesn’t have a job, it has to beg, borrow or steal from someone else. Jim Blasingame compares the perpetual free market capitalist system to the socialist system so pervasive in Europe which is can now be seen as unsustainable.
Good managers are intentional about when to control and when to let go. Peter Meyer joins Jim Blasingame to introduce the concept of the practice by managers of "control or govern."
Why is it important to choose what to control, not how to control? Peter Meyer joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how knowing when to control and when to govern impacts employees, customers and growth plans.
If your business isn’t growing, maybe you’re in control mode and not governing mode. Peter Meyer joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how you can choose to govern your business’s success, rather than be controlled by the economy.
Friday - November 18, 2011
Ecclesiastes: “Cast your bread upon the waters and in time it will come back to you.” Steve Martin joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the concepts of agape, the law of reciprocity and volunteerism, and how they ultimately contribute to business success.
Business owners who seek professional advice are more successful. Steve Martin joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the value and benefits of the SCORE counseling program for small businesses.
If your business is not performing as you want, it might not be the economy? Jim Blasingame talks about why every business owner must look inward, rather than outside, for reasons why the business isn't doing well.
Small business optimism is up, but still at an all-time low. Jim Blasingame reports on the NFIB business optimism index, which is still low because, Jim believes, of the ongoing uncertainty created by government policies.
The NFIB optimism index indicates confidence in economic policies is at a 50-year low. Jim Blasingame talks about how anti-business government policies affect the economy and contribute to the current low level of business optimism.
Traditional financing for business acquisitions has evaporated. Russ Brown joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the current challenges in acquiring financing for buying a small business.
Here's good news if you want to sell your small business. Russ Brown joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the emerging business acquisition secondary financing industry.
Could more European countries follow Greece into default? Steve Forbes joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why the EU banking system is still foundering and the potential domino effect on the U.S.
What does the US have to do to avoid an EU scenario? Steve Forbes joins Jim Blasingame to compare the economies of the US and EU, plus whether Obama and the Super Committee can produce a viable fiscal solution.
When the economic expansion happens, are you ready to take advantage? Steve Forbes joins Jim Blasingame to advise small businesses to stay close to your cash position and prepare for the coming expansion.
Monday - November 21, 2011
How would you define entrepreneurship? Dr. Heidi Neck joins Jim Blasingame to discuss Babson College's Entrepreneurial Experience Lab, where they are studying the the birth and life of entrepreneurial behavior.
Why should we study different kinds of entrepreneurship? Dr. Heidi Neck joins Jim Blasingame to reveal social entrepreneurship and different kinds of social enterprises, including for-profit and non-profit.
Skillpreneurs are small business owners, too. Ed Abel joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how many small business owners began their entrepreneurial journey as a "skillpreneur."
What is the best single piece of advice for a new small business owner? Ed Abel joins Jim Blasingame to advise new small business owners to not wait until everything is perfect to take action, plus the power of cash flow.
Are entrepreneurship students learning practical, every day business lessons? Ed Abel joins Jim Blasingame to discuss teaching the practical aspects of entrepreneurship, like real-life cash flow dilemmas and solutions.
Who knew a Facebook page could be hacked? Kathy Perry joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the recent Facebook hacking and how you may be vulnerable, plus what social media scams look like.
Social media platforms, like Facebook and Twitter are being compromised. Kathy Perry joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the dangers of having your entire community building strategy dependent on public platforms, like Facebook.
The Congressional Super Committee is a failure. Douglas Holtz-Eakin joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the budget task the Congressional Super Committee was assigned and why the effort was doomed from the start.
Why does the future of American health care innovation look so bleak? Douglas Holtz-Eakin joins Jim Blasingame to reveal the numerous political and policy impediments to health care innovation in the U.S., including tax policy, the FDA and ObamaCare.
What strategy should the Republican candidates use to defeat President Obama? Douglas Holtz-Eakin joins Jim Blasingame to reveal that attacking Obama the person won't work as a political strategy, the focus must be on his policies.
Tuesday - November 22, 2011
What would happen to you if your professional world was turned upside-down? Rob Jolles joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why you should continue to hone the skills you have and learn new skills as a back-up plan for your current job.
Do you have a Plan B after you stop being a business owner? Rob Jolles joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why even a happy and fulfilled small business owner should have an avocation.
Show your support of small businesses on Small Business Saturday. Leslie Grossman joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the advantages and value of doing business with a small business.
Do you have a small businesses shopping plan? Leslie Grossman joins Jim Blasingame to extol the benefits of doing business with local small businesses and why everyone should have a small business shopping plan.
Even when the U.S. economy is slow, it's still very big. Leslie Grossman joins Jim Blasingame with advice for small businesses to collaborate and form alliances to promote business growth.
What can we learn from a 20th century entrepreneur?. Jack Nadel, 87, joins Jim Blasingame to talk about why he became an entrepreneur in the 1940s, plus why it’s easier to do business today than it was then.
Use what you have to get what you want. Jack Nadel joins Jim Blasingame to explain how to use what you already know to find your niche and position yourself to seize opportunities.
When a senior business owner tells their story - listen. Stephen Baum joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the lessons that can be learned from Jack Nadal's story, and why storytelling is powerful.
Is the story you're telling yourself holding you back? Stephen Baum joins Jim Blasingame to explain how to determine if the story you're telling is a productive one or if it's contributing to problems in your life.
Do you have someone to help you edit your story? Stephen Baum joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the process of getting your story right by telling it to others before you take it to the marketplace.
Wednesday - November 23, 2011
How a small business transcended competitiveness with chatter marketing. Neil Rosen joins Jim Blasingame to reveal why chatter marketing is to the 21st century relevance what the product-of-the-month was to the 20th century competitiveness.
It's 10 o'clock - do you know where your customers are? Neil Rosen joins Jim Blasingame to offer ideas on how to use keywords and cookies to trigger targeted, relevant marketing messages.
How do you get people to want what you want? Rick Maurer joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the Influence, Action, Change approach to leading change in any organization.
Leading with change requires communicating in context. Rick Maurer joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how to communicate your ideas about change in context with your stakeholders.
Sometimes change requires you to just get out of the way. Rick Maurer joins Jim Blasingame with ideas on leading change by suggestion and experimentation, rather than demanding compliance.
The 21st century is The Century of the Entrepreneur. Gene Marks joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the global growth in entrepreneurship and why that will ultimately produce a peace dividend.
"Must this be done in-house?" Gene Marks joins Jim Blasingame to talk about why outsourcing anything that is not a core competency is one of the most important small business best practices.
Associate Justice Kagan was Obama's Solicitor General. Bob Beauprez joins Jim Blasingame to reveal why former Solicitor General, now Associate Justice, Elena Kagan must recuse herself from the Supreme Court case on ObamaCare.
Main Street Americans have to take back our country. Former Congressman, Bob Beauprez, joins Jim Blasingame to talk about Main Street values and why they must become more a part of the debate about the future of America.
Who is the Obama campaign the most frightened of? Former Congressman Bob Beauprez joins Jim Blasingame to reveal which Republican candidate is the most likely to beat Obama.
Thursday - November 24, 2011
What's Thanksgiving Day look like in Paris? Leslie Kossoff joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how she will celebrate Thanksgiving in her adopted home of Paris, France.
What is going to happen to the E.U.? Leslie Kossoff joins Jim Blasingame from Paris to talk about the challenges before the European Union and the likelihood that it will not stay intact as it is currently structured.
Does the E.U. just need a shot of quality? Leslie Kossoff joins Jim Blasingame to explain how applying the fundamentals of the quality process to European Union challenges might save this experiment.
What can happen when one person decides to make a difference? Jim Blasingame celebrates Thanksgiving Day with the serendipitous story behind the very first American Thanksgiving celebration.
Giving thanks for small business owners. Jim Blasingame celebrates Thanksgiving with a list of things we should all be thankful for, including what he is very thankful for - small business owners.
America is a very special place and Americans are exceptional people. Bob Dilenschneider joins Jim Blasingame to celebrate Thanksgiving Day and the exceptionalism of America and Americans.
The E.U. is playing a cautionary tale movie that America should be watching. Bob Dilenschneider joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the European Union's reality that Americans should be watching as the movie of our future if we don't change.
Where will the leaders come from who will save the world? Bob Dilenschneider joins Jim Blasingame to talk about what kind of leadership America and the world needs to solve our 21st century challenges.
Friday - November 25, 2011
Black Friday will end when customers have full control of the marketplace. Jim Blasingame says that Black Friday is an attempt by Wall Street and Big Boxes to manipulate customers and he predicts how, why, and when it will fail.
How does a small business defend against the dreaded Black Friday? Jim Blasingame talks about how small businesses create a multi-faceted marketing plan to fight the Black Friday mentality that focused more on being relevant to customers than being competitive.
ObamaCare is bad for America on many levels. Ray Keating joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the desperate way ObamaCare was constructed and why what we know combined with what we fear about it is holding back the economy.
ObamaCare has been unraveling since it was signed into law. Ray Keating joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the structural collapse of ObamaCare and exceptions to failed taxes to Constitutional challenges.
Will the economy improve before the 2012 elections? Ray Keating joins Jim Blasingame to explain why the economy will remain essentially as it is until after the 2012 elections.
Why can small businesses win against Black Friday? Tom Anastasi joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the manipulative aspect of Black Friday and how small businesses can compete against Big Boxes with value, authenticity and being relevant to customers.
What merchandising lessons can small business learn from Big Boxes? Tom Anastasi joins Jim Blasingame with merchandising ideas borrowed from big boxes that small businesses can use to compete on everything but price.
Almost all polls show a majority of small businesses are not happy with the new normal. Pat Sigmon joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why small businesses may need to rethink how they operate and go to market in their new normal.
Here's a best practice to finish the old year strong and kick off the new year. Pat Sigmon joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how to wrap up this last quarter and give the new year the maximum opportunity to be successful.
Find efficiencies by outsourcing non-core competencies. Pat Sigmon joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the multiple benefits that can accrue from outsourcing any tasks that are not what your small business does to directly serve customers.
Monday - November 28, 2011
Most of us have great advantages, so why aren't we happier? Kita Szpak joins Jim Blasingame to reveal what we have to do to overcome the tendency to focus on what we don't have instead of our great blessings.
What do citizens of Hong Kong know about life balance? Kita Szpak joins Jim Blasingame to describe what she learned about happiness and balance during her recent trip to Hong Kong.
Let's establish a base-line of facts for the e-commerce sales tax debate. Steve DelBianco and Michael Mazerov joins Jim Blasingame to reveal the factual foundation for the e-commerce sales tax debate, from these two opponents on this issue.
Should small businesses be required to collect sales tax on all e-commerce transactions? Steve DelBianco and Michael Mazerov joins Jim Blasingame to offer opposing views on how to address whether businesses should collect sales tax on all transactions.
Jim offers a genius compromise on the e-commerce sales tax debate. Steve DelBianco and Michael Mazerov joins Jim Blasingame to try to find some middle ground where who should collect and remit sales tax on e-commerce transactions.
How do you talk with yourself about professional fulfillment? Joan King joins Jim Blasingame to reveal why we should be checking our position professionally to make sure we're being honest about the direction of our professional endeavors.
Can you tell your brain to shut up? Joan King joins Jim Blasingame to explain the concept of "cellular wisdom," which is know how to interpret impulses from the brain, heart, and gut.
How bad has political self-dealing gotten in Washington? Paul Howard joins Jim Blasingame to identify how blatant insider advantages and self-dealing is today and why it is hurting the foundation of the American dream.
A "no-bid" transaction by the government should always be scrutinized. Paul Howard joins Jim Blasingame to reveal a no-bid transaction that was manipulated to allow two of President Obama's supporters to profit, when a competitive proposal was available.
Tracking crony capitalism scenarios. Paul Howard joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how this administration is trying to reshape entire industries through regulations, plus how favors to politically connected companies is hurting the foundation of America.
Tuesday - November 29, 2011
One thing hasn't change about negotiating. Jim Camp joins Jim Blasingame to reveal one thing that is not different about 21st century negotiating - every step is still driven by emotion.
Has hard-nosed negotiating gone touchy feely? Jim Camp joins Jim Blasingame to report that he's learning about the heavy influence of neuroscience on the discipline of negotiating.
What will happen when the U.S. unleashes its stored intangible asset energy? Andrew Sherman joins Jim Blasingame to reveal the numbers on the stored-up intangible assets that are sitting on the economic sidelines waiting to be unleashed.
Are you missing growth opportunity right under your nose? Andrew Sherman joins Jim Blasingame to reveal that most small businesses do not realize that they are sitting on intangible assets they already own that could take their business to the next level.
Do you know how to discover your untapped intangible assets? Andrew Sherman joins Jim Blasingame to explain why and how to conduct an intangible asset audit in your small business.
Does your marketing communicate your values? Tom Asacker joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to make sure you go to market with a strategy that will successfully communicate your values.
Do you know what your customers really want? Tom Asacker joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the strategy of finding what your customers want and then filling that desire.
Do you know how your web strategy is performing? Philippa Gamse joins Jim Blasingame to explain how to use Google Analytics to track the effectiveness of your website.
Don’t presume trends in your storefront are the same as on your website. Philippa Gamse joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to use Google Analytics to compare online customer activity with your traditional in-store customer behavior.
Should you outsource the evaluation of your website traffic data? Philippa Gamse joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why you should hire a pro to evaluate your web traffic, but do not outsource how your business strategy is applied.
Wednesday - November 30, 2011
Is your small business ready to travel? Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to offer tips on how to get outside of the four walls of your business without losing contact with it or your customers.
Could you be a tech gearhead? Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to reveal just how much tech tools he uses when he travels, including wifi, bluetooth, 4G and other cool stuff that helps him serve customers while moving around.
Why aren't American students being taught more STEM curriculum? Debbie Meyer joins Jim Blasingame to report that the U.S. is falling behind the world in science, technology, engineering and math education.
Are girls still being encouraged away from the STEM curriculum? Debbie Meyer joins Jim Blasingame to discuss what is causing the disparity of males and females in the science, technology, engineering and math fields.
The STEM education deficit in the U.S. can be fixed. Debbie Meyer joins Jim Blasingame to identify what the U.S. should do to turn around the failure of our education system to create enough students in science, technology, engineering and science.
Why are so many small business owners so negative about the economy? Giovanni Coratolo joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the U.S. Chamber’s Small Business Survey showing small business owners think the economy is on the wrong track.
Small businesses are afraid of what ObamaCare will cost them. Giovanni Coratolo joins Jim Blasingame to discuss U.S. Chamber Survey results showing why small business owners are worried about the cost of ObamaCare.
Why are small business owners turning thumbs down on Obama's jobs bill? Giovanni Coratolo joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the why small business owners don't like Obama's focus on certain kinds of jobs at the expense of all others.
