Does the U.S. have an innovation challenge? Ken Krosin joins Jim Blasingame to reveal that there is a decrease in patent applications in the U.S. as a result of the economy causing companies to cut back on R&D. They also discuss the competitive dangers this poses for the U.S.

How has the travel industry and travel agency services evolved over the past dozen years. Gary Murphy talks with Jim Blasingame about these topics and says that even thought travel is currently off, travel agents are making a comeback.

What are the two sides of a franchise transaction? Nick Bibby talks to Jim Blasingame about some of the issues involved in becoming a franchisee, the buyer, and a franchiser, the creator and seller of a franchise. They also talk about the impact of a recession on franchising activity.

Are you a prospect to become a franchise owner? Joel Libava talks about the process of finding, buying and financing a franchise with Jim Blasingame. They also talk about the franchise environment in this recession.

Why are non-profit organizations negatively impacted by an economic downturn? John Bozard joins Jim Blasingame to answer this question and to talk about the important work that Arnold Palmer Hospitals.

What hath the recession wrought for franchise prospects? Joel Libava joins Jim Blasingame to talk about franchise due diligence, including how to find the business opportunity that fits you more than it fits your circumstances.

How can protectionism hurt your small business? Tom Travis joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the growing trend among countries to impose protectionist policies and why that would be a big mistake.

Every small business has trade secrets. The question is how are you leveraging and protecting them? David Dawsey joins Jim Blasingame to talk about this important small business intellectual property issue.

It's International Networking Week and Ivan Misner joins Jim Blasingame to help small businesses celebrate with a positive discussion on how networking can help your business thrive, even during a recession.

What are some of the key small business marketing strategies for 2009? Jeff Dobkin joins Jim Blasingame to talk about some of the things small businesses can do to stay in front of prospects and customers in a recession.