Friday - July 01, 2011
Is you personality type helping or hurting your entrepreneurial plans? Tom Anastasi joins Jim Blasingame to reveal why you should know your personality type in order to increase your effectiveness as a small business owner.
What does it take for you to pull the trigger on decisions? Tom Anastasi joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how your personality type can cause you to jump too soon or wait too long.
Your best friend may not make a great business partner. David Gage joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why good personal relationships don’t always translate into successful business partnerships.
The only thing harder than being a business owner is being a partner. David Gage joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the importance of establishing the DNA of your partnership in the beginning to ensure partner values are in alignment.
Do you and your partner have the same values and work ethic? David Gage joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why partners should discover the values - work ethic, materialism, etc. - of each other before going into business together.
How much do people need to know about you? Ruth Sherman joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how the rules have changed about what the marketplace knows about you and how to manage this new world.
Authenticity is becoming the coin of the marketplace. Ruth Sherman joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how customers want to see humanity and authenticity from the people and companies they do business with.
Could saying "yes" more improve employee engagement? Jim Canterucci joins Jim Blasingame to explain why the first words out of your mouth are critical when an employee poses and idea.
Is your first response "no" to employee ideas? Jim Canterucci joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how to initially be positive about an employee's idea or suggestion without agreeing to it.
Creating conversation that produces a "yes"? Jim Canterucci joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to use "yes" to your advantage when you're selling or buying.
Monday - July 04, 2011
Is there anywhere else in the world you can achieve the “American dream”? Rich Galen joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how part of the uniqueness of America is that there is no caste system, and anyone can follow their dreams.
Birthing AND maintaining democracy is a messy enterprise. Rich Galen joins Jim Blasingame to compare the ugliness in Washington politics today with the contention between the Founding Fathers.
Ken Davis joins Jim Blasingame to discuss Independence Day as the quintessential American holiday and the timeless truths and radical notions included in the Declaration of Independence.
The Founding Fathers created documents that endure 230+ years later. Ken Davis joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the timeline of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the political genius of the Founding Fathers.
Why did the Founding Fathers omit slavery from America’s founding documents? Ken Davis joins Jim Blasingame to reveal the ironic relationship the Founding Fathers had with slavery, and why it was omitted from America’s founding documents.
America began with freedom and created the most benevolent country on the planet. Jim Blasingame reveals without the courage, vision and sacrifice of our Founding Fathers, entrepreneurs would not have flourished in America.
As Lincoln said, “We made the experiment; and the fruit is before us.” Jim Blasingame talks about the origins of America's entrepreneurial pursuit of life, liberty and happiness.
Many become newly-minted Americans at the home of America’s first president. Dennis Pogue joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the annual July 4th Naturalization Ceremony held at George Washington's home, Mount Vernon.
Did George Washington really found the American whiskey industry? Dennis Pogue joins Jim Blasingame to discuss George Washington’s successful whiskey distillery and other entrepreneurial endeavors.
George Washington had a vision that America would become “the granary to the world." Dennis Pogue joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the grand vision George Washington had for the future of America and its place in the world marketplace.
Tuesday - July 05, 2011
What if you had no policies about customers? Bob Negen joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why policies you create for dealing with customer could actually create barriers to long-term customer relationships.
Are you prepared to do whatever it takes to make customers happy? Bob Negen joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to convert doing what it takes to make customers happy to making them loyal.
Have employee expectations for their jobs changed? Michael Stallard joins Jim Blasingame to discuss changes in the way employees see their jobs as a greater source of personal fulfillment, and how that impacts productivity.
Isn't an employee's personal life off limits to their employers? Michael Stallard joins Jim Blasingame to report that employee expectations and anticipations have changed about the connection between personal and professional fulfillment.
What can you do to show employees you care about their personal life? Michael Stallard joins Jim Blasingame to talk about why connecting with employees on a more personal level is the right thing to do and also a management best practice.
The family must be considered in the decision to start a small business. Chris Gattis joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the fantasy and reality of starting and running a small business, especially the family connection to success.
It’s redundant to say, “Under-capitalized small business.” Chris Gattis joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the finances of starting a business, including the connection between start-up capital and the family finances.
Small business, like America's Founding Fathers, should challenge dominating assumptions. Peter Meyer joins Jim Blasingame to talk about why you should challenge assumptions that may be ruling your behavior and holding you back.
The assumptions that got you where you are may not take you forward. Peter Meyer joins Jim Blasingame to reveal three questions to ask yourself that will help you get out of your own way in your quest for growth.
You have chosen the rules that govern you, so you can choose to change them. Peter Meyer joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to identify the rules that influence you and how to make sure they're not holding you back.
Wednesday - July 06, 2011
Are you frustrated because other people don’t see your vision or like your ideas? Debbie Meyer joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how to connect with customers and employees by helping them change their habits to their advantage.
How good are you at persuading others? Debbie Meyer joins Jim Blasingame with tips on leading employees and customers by building relationships based on trust, empathy and patience.
The Strategic Petroleum Reserve is a national security asset. Nicole Gelinas joins Jim Blasingame to discuss whether Obama's recent opening of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve was economically necessary or a political move.
Will America survive the incest between Wall Street and Washington? Nicole Gelinas joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the collusion perpetrated between Wall Street and Washington and why that should be part of the 2012 campaigns.
America's financial solutions will be solved when Americans have the will to solve them. Nicole Gelinas joins Jim Blasingame to compare the economic states of Greece and the U.S., plus the hard decisions and sacrifices that will have to be made to fix the mistakes.
There is no chicken/egg quandary: The customer comes first. John Stanton joins Jim Blasingame to remind us that customer loyalty happens after they feel we've been loyal to them.
Are you practicing precision target marketing? John Stanton joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to identify your target customer and then use precision target marketing to reach them.
How bad is unemployment in America right now? Gene Marks joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the amount of people unemployed since the recession began and the cyclical and structural unemployment issues.
There are jobs available for the qualified. Gene Marks joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the fact that jobs are available for those who have acquired the skills needed for the 21st century.
Many small business jobs come from big business customers. Gene Marks joins Jim Blasingame to report how big businesses leveraging their business model with small business contracts.
Thursday - July 07, 2011
There is a big difference between revenue and profit. John Bradberry joins Jim Blasingame to talk about why you need to know your break even number to determine gross profit and amount of sales needed to cover expenses.
Do you understand the three dimensions of cash flow? John Bradberry joins Jim Blasingame to talk about financial fundamentals, including understanding the three dimensions of cash flow management.
Why do state governments want to tax virtual sales, like catalogs and e-commerce? Steve DelBianco joins Jim Blasingame with an update on the debate on virtual sales tax reporting by businesses, which would put an “unreasonable burden on interstate commerce.”
How far are states willing to go to collect online sales tax? Steve DelBianco joins Jim Blasingame to report on the Internet sales tax case of California v Amazon and what defines a business’s presence in the state for sales tax collection.
Do you think the Internet needs more top-level domains, like .com? Steve DelBianco joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the pros and cons of ICANNs proposal to grow the Internet through bids on new top-level domains.
Niches are powerful new market builders. Stephen Wunker joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how start-ups should identify new markets by tightly defining the niches to develop and customers to target.
This is an exciting time for innovative start-ups who can create demand. Stephen Wunker joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the current creative environment for start-ups because of technology and availability of creative resources.
The biggest challenge for small business is finding qualified employees. Norm Brodsky joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the irony that unemployment is high, but many businesses can't find qualified workers for many jobs.
If you've survived, you've become a better manager. Norm Brodsky joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why businesses who have survived the recession are poised to take advantage of opportunities and increased profits as the recovery progresses.
You're the most creative when you're the most threatened. Norm Brodsky joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the fact that entrepreneurs are the most creative and innovative when things are the toughest.
Friday - July 08, 2011
Emotion is just one of the facets of being a small business owner. Trudy Jean Evans joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how emotional intelligence overlays all aspects of small business ownership, with specific steps to make it work for you.
If you are shy, use social media for networking. Trudy Jean Evans joins Jim Blasingame to discuss using emotional intelligence to take advantage of social media as a networking tool.
The economic recovery is spotty and ragged. Sam Norwood joins Jim Blasingame to discuss this month’s Tatum results, which indicate the broader economy is struggling to stay in positive territory.
Which way is economic recovery trending? Sam Norwood joins Jim Blasingame to discuss cautious optimism in the economy as the decline in order backlogs, capital expenditures and profitability has slowed.
Washington is manufacturing uncertainty. Sam Norwood joins Jim Blasingame to report this month’s Tatum survey on hiring activity, plus Sam's take on whether we could be headed for a double-dip recession.
You never know how the connections you make will turn out. Ilise Benun joins Jim Blasingame with motivation and tips to make sure you follow up with new contacts, especially when you meet a lot of people at a conference.
Do you ask contacts how they prefer to be contacted? Ilise Benun joins Jim Blasingame to offer tips and best practices on following up with people, and discuss how much follow up is too much.
The quality process by any other name is still important. Leslie Kossoff joins Jim Blasingame to review the evolution of the name the quality process but that the importance hasn't changed.
Small business owners must decide to transition from quality service to quality process. Leslie Kossoff joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the beginning steps of quality process, which begins by deciding to do it.
What role does infrastructure play in quality process? Leslie Kossoff joins Jim Blasingame to explain the role of your organizational infrastructure in executing a quality process in your small business.
Monday - July 11, 2011
How does your company continue to create and sustain innovation? Robert Brands joins Jim Blasingame to discuss creating and sustaining innovation through inspiration, failure, and through an open environment for employees.
What can younger generations learn from Baby Boomers? Robert Brands joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the lessons Baby Boomers can teach younger generations and how to create value for customers and your business through innovation.
Why do people think China will swallow the U.S. economically? Ken Gronbach joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how people view China's economy and what it actually looks like, plus the maturity of China versus the U.S.
What's going to happen with the world and the U.S. economy? Ken Gronbach joins Jim Blasingame to discuss economics and why when the economy comes booming back, and it's coming, small business will reap the benefits.
How is technology affecting demographics and the future? Ken Gronbach joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how demographics are changing and how technology is changing everything, plus how handheld communication gives you power.
How can you get in the social media game? Kathy Perry joins Jim Blasingame to offer social media tips and explain how to get started on a social media strategy, especially with local search and mobile being global.
Why should you have a Facebook page? Kathy Perry joins Jim Blasingame to discuss social media and why you should have a Facebook page (AND a website and other social media options) to give you more exposure to your audience.
Why should you be a professional negotiator? Don Cooper joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the importance of negotiating in this economy and to compare sales and negotiating skills, especially when there's more pressure on price.
What is THE most important rule for negotiating? Don Cooper joins Jim Blasingame to offer the most important rules for negotiating and ideas and priorities to have before beginning a negotiation conversation.
What are the most common misconceptions and mistakes with negotiating? Don Cooper joins Jim Blasingame to discuss common misconceptions and big mistakes people make when negotiating with another party.
Tuesday - July 12, 2011
How strong would your team be in a crisis? Jane Jordan-Meier joins Jim Blasingame to define internal and external crises for small businesses and explains how to actually prepare for them.
Would you be able to fix a crisis or make it worse? Jane Jordan-Meier joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the stages of effective crisis management and why values and authenticity contribute to crises resolution.
What does online privacy mean to you? Jonathan Zuck joins Jim Blasingame to discuss privacy online and why you should be more in-charge of online privacy rather than government.
Online privacy regulations often have unintended consequences. Jonathan Zuck joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how small businesses often are harmed when big companies violate privacy standards that result in sweeping regulations.
What is the key to good privacy regulations? Jonathan Zuck joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to talk with your elected representative about the correct way to deal with online privacy so we don't stifle innovation.
Are you tempted to say an employee is a contractor? Tom Anastasi joins Jim Blasingame to discuss what the IRS says defines an person you hire as an employee or a contractor.
How can you find out if you have an employee or a contractor? Tom Anastasi joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the some key factors on what makes a contractor an employee, such as hours, tools, quality, schedule, etc.
How motivated are affluent consumers to spend? Pam Danziger joins Jim Blasingame to discuss some of the new attitudes among the affluent about how they spend their money.
What is the new normal for luxury buyers? Pam Danziger joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how luxury buyers have changed and why demographic shifts are creating a new normal that will last for a generation.
There is a connection between values and luxury buyers. Pam Danziger joins Jim Blasingame to talk about why values are important to luxury buyers and how small businesses have an advantage when it comes to this segment.
Wednesday - July 13, 2011
What is the best sales tip in the world? Rob Jolles joins Jim Blasingame to say that it's listen more and better, and he provides tips on how to break bad listening habits, including interrupting by taking notes and waiting 3 seconds before you speak.
Can blogging help you with prospects and customers?. Rob Jolles joins Jim Blasingame with ideas on how to use a blog as a tool to stay connected with customers without being abusive, including his own success story.
Small businesses that have survived the recession have learned how to do more with less. Brian Moran joins Jim Blasingame to discuss reasons why efficiencies and fear are getting in the way of small business hiring.
Why is start-up activity so low in this recovery? Brian Moran joins Jim Blasingame to talk about reasons why there are not as many start-ups as in the past, plus identifying helpful resources.
Did you do something really creative and innovative in order to survive the recession? Brian Moran joins Jim Blasingame to introduce the launch of Wall Street Journal’s “Small Business, Big Innovation,” competition to find the most innovative small business in the U.S.
When do you change the DNA of your business from sole proprietor to a legal entity? Jim Blasingame discusses the reasons to form a corporation or LLC, and the triggers that should help you decide when to take action.
Are you asking customers how they prefer to be contacted? Jim Blasingame reveals the results of a Small Business Advocate poll which how we prefer a business connect with us electronically and discusses how these preferences will evolve.
Has ethical behavior reached a new low in politics? Len Marrella joins Jim Blasingame to discuss some of the issues that are contributing to the unethical behavior in those who serve in government.
People don’t care how much you know, they want to know how much you care. Len Marrella joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the traits of service leadership: caring, character and competence, and how that converts to values in the marketplace.
Authenticity is to be in reality what you appear to be. Len Marrella joins Jim Blasingame with perspectives on personal accountability and how we find and support ethical leaders.
Thursday - July 14, 2011
What are the small business factors in the slow economy? Bill Dunkelberg joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how the historically low capital spending and weak sales by small businesses, and how Washington only gives lip service to helping them.
A brand is a living, breathing perception of your business. Suzanne Tulien joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why you should always consider how your business is perceived by customers, who increasingly are co-owners of your brand.
Does your business's performance match your brand message? Suzanne Tulien joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the branding advantage of small business over big business in The Age of the Customer™.
Could Europe be saved by entrepreneurship? Zoltan Acs joins Jim Blasingame to discuss whether American style entrepreneurship could help Greece and Europe solve its financial problems.
Should the rich give their money to their children? Zoltan Acs joins Jim Blasingame to talk about whether billionaires should leave their riches to their children or should they feel obligated to help solve world challenges.
How do Eco-cities solve climate change problems? Zoltan Acs joins Jim Blasingame to report on the Eco-city movement as a way to use entrepreneurship to solve the climate change problems without reducing standard of living.
Are you feeling left behind by technological advances? Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how Baby Boomers should catch up and stay competitive with new technological requirements for employment and to do business.
Are you struggling to take a vacation from your business? Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how technology makes it possible to take a vacation without being completely unplugged from your business.
Will Congressional leaders be able to make the hard fiscal decisions in time? Bill Dunkelberg joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the ramifications of Moody’s announcement that they may have to lower the credit rating of the U.S.
Is there a perfect storm against unemployment? Bill Dunkelberg joins Jim Blasingame to report on this month’s NFIB optimism index, which indicates hiring may tick down in the coming months, plus other economic elements that are not optimistic at all.
Friday - July 15, 2011
Are you prepared for an interview? Beth Ross joins Jim Blasingame to explain how interview techniques are evolving because of the competitive marketplace, plus the importance of a value proposition statement and how to demonstrate your authenticity.
In this economy, employers have a definite agenda, and budget, when filling positions. Beth Ross joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to be prepared for today's focused hiring, including why you must do your research on the interviewing company.
Why would anyone wanted to own a restaurant? Russell Brown joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the great challenges - and potentially greater opportunities - of owning a restaurant.
What are the most important things to consider when buying a restaurant? Russ Brown joins Jim Blasingame with 5 areas to consider when buying a restaurant, location, rent, conversion cost, equipment condition and price.
What are the pricing rules of thumb for buying a restaurant? Russ Brown joins Jim Blasingame to discuss some of the pricing and financing fundamentals when you're trying to buy a restaurant.
How do you convert customer behavior triggers into business? Adrian Ott joins Jim Blasingame to discuss triggers that cause customers to think about your business, plus how to exploit competitors’ “prairie dog” events.
Customers are using online reviews and UGC information more and more. Adrian Ott joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why customers are using the power of communities to filter buying information and the challenges and opportunities this is creating.
So, it turns out that cockroaches are beneficial? Joel Barker joins Jim Blasingame to discuss recent research on how the brain of a cockroach could hold groundbreaking information about how to fight harmful bacteria in humans.
What if dirt could solve the global warming problem? Joel Barker joins Jim Blasingame to discuss research that shows how specific changes in the way we manage soil could contribute to the absorption of carbon dioxide.
What if the glass on your building turned into a computer screen? Joel Barker joins Jim Blasingame to talk new coatings that can be put on glass to serve a number of energy and productivity purposes.
Monday - July 18, 2011
Will the government's financial dysfunction hurt your finances? John Harrison joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the current budget/debt crisis in Washington and how it will impact you.
How will the debt ceiling debate impact your business? John Harrison joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the impact of the debt ceiling negotiations on small business and the likelihood of tax increases, especially on retirement plans.
Do oil companies get special tax breaks? Barbara Weltman joins Jim Blasingame to reveal the truth about those legal tax breaks President Obama wants to take away from Big Oil, and how that could hurt other businesses.
Vilifying American industries hurts the economy. Barbara Weltman joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the collateral damage to the economy when President Obama demonizes American business sectors, plus an attack on health savings accounts.
It's not too late to reduce your 2010 tax bill. Barbara Weltman joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the IRS’s new standard mileage rate, tax deductible contributions to retirement accounts, plus the expiring tax breaks.
Can you prevent bad PR? Jane Jordan-Meier joins Jim Blasingame to talk about why you must include social media in your crisis management plan, plus how to handle negative online comments, aka, user generated content (UGC).
How can social media help in a crisis? Jane Jordan-Meier joins Jim Blasingame with tips on how to use social media activity to bank trust and goodwill in advance of a PR crisis.
Is passion enough for entrepreneurs? Tim Berry joins Jim Blasingame to reveal and discuss the dangerous myth that having passion and perseverance is enough to succeed as an entrepreneur.
Do you want to be your own boss and beat the Big Boxes on price? Tim Berry joins Jim Blasingame to reveal and discuss the entrepreneurial myths that when you're a business owner you'll be your own boss and will compete with the Big Boxes on price.
How dangerous is trying to please everyone? Tim Berry joins Jim Blasingame to reveal and discuss the entrepreneurial myth that pleasing everyone is a key to success, and that a business plan is only for start-ups.
Tuesday - July 19, 2011
How are the generations getting along? Katherine Crowley joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the benefits and challenges in the workplace at this time when there is the greatest diversity of generations.
Do your employees spend too much time texting or on social media? Katherine Crowley joins Jim Blasingame to discuss what many believe is a productivity problem and how to create clear policies that will curb technology distractions among employees.
Is your business maximizing the Internet? Ken Yancey joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the power of broadband Internet and associated technologies and the opportunities it provides for small businesses.
Cloud computing provides the power of large businesses for a fraction of the cost. Ken Yancey joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the leverage cloud computing gives small businesses and how SCORE can help navigate this landscape.
Are concerns about security holding your online strategy back? Ken Yancey joins Jim Blasingame to talk about affordable data security and the importance of setting up a security protocol for both online data and hardware.
Your future success depends upon building online customer communities. Jim Blasingame talks about online community-building practices and tools, including social media and website, plus the future of creating your own community platform.
How confident are small businesses about the economy? Jim Blasingame reveals the results of last week’s Small Business Advocate poll on the small business economy, including three levels of recovery response.
How does international economic survey compare with a U.S. poll? Ivan Misner joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the 2nd quarter BNI Business Index, which indicates that while the economy is up overall, it is growing very slowly.
Making the hard decisions is the new normal. Ivan Misner joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the 2nd quarter BNI Business Index where respondents explained how they were getting leaner and meaner, plus how networking was critical to their success.
A new focus is always valuable for success. Ivan Misner joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the 2nd quarter BNI Business Index, where respondents said they were looking at their business in a new way, plus they're fed up with government regs and taxes.
Wednesday - July 20, 2011
Is the 21st century marketplace perfectly suited for women business owners? Barbara Annis joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the opportunities and challenges for women in the 21st century marketplace and how their approach to business differs from men.
Men and women reach conclusions differently. Barbara Annis joins Jim Blasingame to discuss decision-making differences between men and women and why that can be put to good use.
Should 15 unelected bureaucrats have control over all health care payments? Grace-Marie Turner joins Jim Blasingame to discuss ObamaCare’s Independent Payment Advisory Board, which will have jurisdiction over all health care payments.
Will the Supreme Court find ObamaCare unconstitutional? Grace-Marie Turner joins Jim Blasingame to discuss a recent Supreme Court case that may indicate ObamaCare won't pass the constitutional test.
What will be the actual cost of ObamaCare for small business? Grace-Marie Turner joins Jim Blasingame to talk about why the uncertainty of the cost of ObamaCare for small businesses is causing them to restrain growth and hiring plans.
You don’t have to be aggressive to sell, but you do have to be persistent. Barbara Burke joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to focus less on forcing the sale and more on demonstrating confidence and building relationships.
Do your employees have the right customer service attitude? Barbara Burke joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the ROI in creating and maintaining a culture that always makes the customer believe they come first.
Why isn't anyone in jail over the 2008 financial meltdown? Richard DeKaser joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why the people who caused the financial meltdown in Washington and on Wall Street have not suffered legal consequences.
What good can come from the dysfunctional debt ceiling debate? Richard DeKaser joins Jim Blasingame to report on the debt ceiling debate and the possibility that something good could result soon.
Will the economy turn upward in the next year? Richard DeKaser joins Jim Blasingame to discuss current economic conditions and why he thinks we're not headed for a double-dip recessionary scenario.
Thursday - July 21, 2011
Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Google were successful in creating and maximizing their own platforms. Phil Simon joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how small businesses can successfully create their own platforms or maximize those of others.
Learn how to identify and use platforms for growth. Phil Simon joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how to grow by using outside platforms as well as your own, while staying true to your business model.
Most of what you learned in the 20th century is now obsolete. Jack Uldrich joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why, in the 21st century, what you have yet to learn is more important than what you do know.
Are you willing to risk what you know for what you might learn? Jack Uldrich joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why you may not know your customers as well as you think and how a little research can lead you to new opportunities for your small business.
Think of young people as reverse mentors. Jack Uldrich joins Jim Blasingame to talk about why, in this era of accelerated change, a younger employee or intern can become a reverse mentor, if your ego will allow it.
Regular rebranding is critical to success in the 21st century. Joyce Weiss joins Jim Blasingame to discuss some of the ways a small business can approach the critical practice of continual rebranding.
Bullying in the workplace can actually destroy a company. Joyce Weiss joins Jim Blasingame to discuss different ways bullying is found in the workplace, and why it's not only wrong, but can put your business in peril.
What does the current capitalization landscape for small business look like? Tom Markel joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the current financing conditions for small business in America.
How is an angel lender different from an angel investor? Tom Markel joins Jim Blasingame to discuss some of the new capital source options for small businesses, including the angel lender.
Should you be looking at online capital sources? Tom Markel joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how iBank.com works as an online clearinghouse for multiple capital sources.
Friday - July 22, 2011
Why are some wealthy people the most frugal? Ornella Grosz joins Jim Blasingame with suggestions on how to be more disciplined as you spend money, including expecting results from your purchases.
Are the spending habits of Gen Y different than other generations? Ornella Grosz joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the income and spending expectations of Gen Y and why they must be motivated and encouraged, not instructed, to make better buying decisions.
Do entrepreneurs love risk and need to be in charge? Bill Schley joins Jim Blasingame to dispel the myths of entrepreneurs and discuss the differences between entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial employees.
Is there a difference between an entrepreneur and a small business owner? Bill Schley joins Jim Blasingame to define an entrepreneur, and to dispel some of the myths about what really motivates an entrepreneur.
Are entrepreneurs at all levels of the marketplace? Bill Schley joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the different ways entrepreneurship is defined, and not all are correct.
How has customer relationships evolved? Simon Mainwaring joins Jim Blasingame to explain that customer expectations dictate that your marketing messages connect with your performance.
The values of your business are being evaluated by customers. Simon Mainwaring joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how social media is helping customers hold business accountable, and why that will make the world a better place.
Are you cut out for entrepreneurship? Paul Casey joins Jim Blasingame to talk about some of the things to consider before you make the final decision to become an entrepreneur.
What do you know about your entrepreneurial traits? Paul Casey joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the Self-Employment test you can take, which asks how comfortable you are without knowing you'll get a paycheck.
Are you ready to find out if self-employment is for you? Paul Casey joins Jim Blasingame to talk about some of the questions you will be asked in his 5-minute test on self-employment.
Monday - July 25, 2011
We’re trying to fund 20th century expectations in 21st century reality. Bob Jennings joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the truth about how Social Security works, plus the currently unsustainable and dysfunctional Medicare program.
What steps have to be taken to save Social Security and Medicare? Bob Jennings joins Jim Blasingame to discuss reforming retirement entitlements, raising the eligibility age, means testing, and increased payments from participants.
How do you stop working IN your business to work ON your business? Ed Abel joins Jim Blasingame with ideas on how to take a break from execution – the present – to think about strategy – the future of your business.
Do you need an objective perspective of your business strategy? Ed Abel joins Jim Blasingame to reveal when to talk with your internal team about strategy and when to bring in an outside perspective.
What do customers and smart phones have to do with your strategic planning? Ed Abel joins Jim Blasingame to explain why customer adoption and behavior with smart phones provides strategic planning information.
Stickability without flexibility equals suicide. Greg Reid joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to find success with persistence - stickable - while avoiding being so focused you can't be flexible.
Big goals require teamwork to accomplish. Greg Reid joins Jim Blasingame to discuss his recent trip to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro and the lessons learned about teamwork and surrounding yourself with successful people.
Are you managing project finance the right way? Joe Knight joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to track the financial elements of a project so it has the best chance to be profitable.
Should you have internal accounting metrics in addition to GAAP reporting? Joe Knight joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how to comply with GAAP while customizing your own internal accounting practices.
What do you know about giving a bank your personal guarantee? Joe Knight joins Jim Blasingame to reveal the truth about how, when and why you give a bank your personal guarantee, and how to be creative with it.
Tuesday - July 26, 2011
Could you follow someone else's business model? Joel Libava joins Jim Blasingame to discuss whether someone who had run their own business could transition to the strict business model of a franchise.
What are the 2 most important things to do before you contact a franchisor? Joel Libava joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how to find out the right franchise questions to ask and who are the right people to ask, in order.
Just how much has Washington put America in peril? Bill Brandt joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the jeopardy the United States is in as a result of poor fiscal management and the ugliness of politics.
What America really owes is scarier than the current debt issues. Bill Brandt joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the budget events of the last 20 years that has led to our current debt crisis, plus a prediction for the debt limit deadline.
Will America lose it's AAA credit rating? Bill Brandt joins Jim Blasingame to predict the U.S. credit rating will be downgraded regardless of what happens in Washington, plus who will be the political winners and losers.
What do your customers expect from your online offerings? Eric Karjaluoto joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why you should think like a customer when designing any online resource - website, etc., that your customers will use.
Will customers think your online presence is authentic at the Moment of Relevance? Eric Karjaluoto joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to align your online offerings with the values customers like at the Moment of Relevance.
Billions of earthlings who never had a computer will have a smart phone this year. Chuck Martin joins Jim Blasingame to reveal the universe of mobile users who are going to want to do business with you.
Are you asking customers about their mobile activity? Chuck Martin joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the conversation you should be having with customers about how they want you to connect with them on their mobile devices.
How much time are you spending away from your cell phone? Chuck Martin joins Jim Blasingame to report on research that shows business owners are spending less time without their mobile phones.
Wednesday - July 27, 2011
Do you know how to get the most out of airline frequent flier programs? Simon Talling-Smith joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how British Airways works with small businesses to reward travel and encourage face-to-face meetings, including a double-dip strategy.
Use frequent-flier points to plan your annual travel budget. Simon Talling-Smith joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how small businesses can actually including frequent-flier miles as you budget for travel, including how to "triple-dip" those miles.
Thriving in a slow economy requires finding opportunity others miss. Steve Martin joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how businesses grow in a tough economy by looking for internal and external opportunities to serve customers better.
Customers will tell you where your new opportunities lie. Steve Martin joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how successful small businesses look to evolving customer expectations to find their new growth opportunities.
Test what you believe early and often on a small scale. Steve Martin joins Jim Blasingame to reveal why you let little decisions produce small tests that produce the final successful outcome.
Obama needs to focus more on what makes America great. Jim Blasingame petitions President Obama to appeal to the better angels of our nature, and focus more on America's economic dynamism where everyone has the ability to keep what they create.
The “full faith and credit” of the U.S. is in peril. Jim Blasingame discusses the possible downgrading of the U.S. credit rating and the game of chicken currently being played out in Washington with our future.
How do you prevent a prospect from making you talk about price first? Rob Jolles joins Jim Blasingame to reveal tips on how to focus on the benefits of doing business with you and hold off the price questions as long as you can.
What is your answer when a prospect or customer demands to know your price first? Rob Jolles joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how to say "I don't know yet," as one of the tools to help you hold off on giving your proposal price before you're ready.
What do you do with a "price only" prospect or customer? Rob Jolles joins Jim Blasingame to recommend that a small business consider walking away from any prospect or customer who only wants price.
Thursday - July 28, 2011
Is your computer equipment safe from a power surge or outage? Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to talk about specific uses of battery backup and power surge equipment for small businesses.
Do you need more power backup peace of mind than just a battery? Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the way generators are used as a backup power source for long-term power outages.
Cloud computing makes increased processing power cost-effective for small business. Pat Sigmon joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the productivity advantages and cost-effectiveness of cloud computing for small business.
Cloud computing can make a small business more competitive with big businesses. Pat Sigmon joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the processing power available in the clouds, like CRM, time tracking, billing, order tracking, and project management.
If you have a gmail account or pay bills online, you’re already using cloud computing. Pat Sigmon joins Jim Blasingame to talk about all the ways that you're already using cloud computing and why you should use it more.
Could your unproductive employee just be in the wrong job? Herb Greenberg joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how an employee gets put in the wrong assignment, plus the benefits of fixing these cases.
If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. Herb Greenberg joins Jim Blasingame to discuss ways to help employees be productive and loyal, plus the advantages of hiring Baby Boomers.
Could you be an accidental criminal? Marjorie Jobe joins Jim Blasingame to reveal examples of how a business owner could commit a criminal act without knowing.
Some of the Patriot Act elements may be unpatriotic. Marjorie Jobe joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how some Patriot Act elements, designed to prevent terrorism, actually infringe upon the privacy of small business.
How do small business owners avoid going to jail? Marjorie Jobe joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how budgeting for compliance consultants could help you avoid potential criminal charges by the government.
Friday - July 29, 2011
Are you in charge of your own happiness? Kita Szpak joins Jim Blasingame to reveal that while we're all conditioned to be happy or unhappy, we also have the ability to turn that around and choose to be happy.
No one else can make you happy if you can't be happy on your own. Kita Szpak joins Jim Blasingame to reveal that finding happiness requires you to "shut out the noise" and focus on what you desire for happiness.
Do you allow yourself to celebrate the completion of projects? Rick Maurer joins Jim Blasingame to talk about why you should recognize the completion of a project and use that energy to propel yourself into the next project.
Do you debrief your team after the completion of a project? Rick Maurer joins Jim Blasingame to talk about why you should quantify accomplishments and failures so that the next project will be more successful.
Use a completed project to celebrate a success milestone. Rick Maurer joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to use completed projects to recognize and congratulate your team and define what was accomplished.
Innovators connect unrelated things in unlikely ways. Hal Gregersen joins Jim Blasingame to talk about why innovators may not intend to be disruptive, but the product of their curiosity at once creates and possibly destroys.
What are the keys to successful innovation? Hal Gregersen joins Jim Blasingame to reveal some of the classic behaviors and practices of the successful innovator.
What does small business and the greatest bike race in the world have in common? Peter Meyer joins Jim Blasingame to reveal some of the similarities you have with the winner of the Tour de France.
What helped Cadel Evans win the Tour de France? Peter Meyer joins Jim Blasingame to reveal three things that helped Cadel Evans win the Tour de France and will help you succeed with your small business.
Knowing who you are is critical to success in any endeavor. Peter Meyer joins Jim Blasingame to reveal that not being defined by others is one of the elements of ultimate success in business, sport and life.
