Wednesday - September 01, 2010

Jim Blasingame
How much will mobile apps be part of your small business's future? Jim Blasingame talks about mobile applications and why he thinks small businesses should prepare for them to be how they will connect with customers in the future.
Bill Brandt
What is the impact of politics on economic recovery? Bill Brandt joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how the long-term economic recovery will be impacted by public policy decisions and the upcoming Congressional elections.
JoAnna Brandi
How can you create an entrepreneurial culture in your small business? JoAnna Brandi joins Jim Blasingame to talk about why entrepreneurial organizations need entrepreneurial employees and how to accomplish this.
Bruce Piasecki
How can your small business be competitive in a swift and severe global marketplace? Bruce Piasecki joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how the speed of change, the severity of disruptors and social responsibility is affecting your competitive strategy.
Jim Blasingame
America needs a National Small Business Day. Jim Blasingame asks the question: Why has there been a National Labor Day for over a century, but not one for the people who make the paid day off possible? Of course, he has an answer.

Thursday - September 02, 2010

Patricia Greene
What are the key traits of successful small business owners? Patricia Green joins Jim Blasingame to identify the six key characteristics that success-oriented small business owners consistently demonstrate.
Tom Anastasi
What are the key sales fundamentals that small businesses should pay attention to? Tom Anastasi joins Jim Blasingame to identify several sales and sales management fundamentals required to generate profitable revenue.
Nick Bibby
What does franchise tough love look like? Nick Bibby joins Jim Blasingame to deliver more tough love advise on how to identify, research and buy a franchise if - only if - you know you're cut out to be a franchisee.
Paul Casey
Are you cut out for small business ownership? Paul Casey joins Jim Blasingame to deliver his 20-question survey that, when answered honestly, will tell you if you have what it takes to be a small business owner.

Friday - September 03, 2010

Janet Christy
Here are three successful marketing actions for your small business to take today. Janet Christy joins Jim Blasingame to deliver several ideas on how your small business can do a better job of getting in front of customers and then sell them when you get there.
Doug Tatum
What are some of the factors that are impeding economic growth? Doug Tatum joins Jim Blasingame to identify key factors that are physically or emotionally preventing the economy from recovering and how to handle them.
Stan Slap
How can you create emotional commitment from your small business employees? Stan Slap joins Jim Blasingame to explain what emotional commitment is, why it matters and how to create and maintain it in your small business.
Joel Barker
Tom Sawner
Celebrating the life of an entrepreneurial leader. Joel Barker joins Jim Blasingame to celebrate the life of their friend, Tom Sawner, an American entrepreneur and business leader, who died suddenly this year having accomplished so much, but with so much yet to do. Don't take any day, or the people you love, for granted.
Joel Barker
Looking at the future through Joel Barker's crystal ball. Futurist, Joel Barker joins Jim Blasigname to reveal new ways to think about growing food, helping the disadvantaged, space propulsion and the endangered oceans' primary food source.

Monday - September 06, 2010

Kathryn Ullrich
Does a small business founder need career planning? Kathryn Ullrich joins Jim Blasingame to explain why even business owners need to focus on professional development, plus they discuss how to hire talent, not just employees.

Tuesday - September 07, 2010

James Strock
Can Main Street restore leadership principles in America? James Strock joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the concept of leadership and how small business owners can help restore what has been lost by their examples.
Ted Fishman
Will China eventually dominate the world? Ted Fishman joins Jim Blasingame to report on how China's increased economic status will embolden its global domination plans, plus how those same dynamics may be good for American small businesses.
Bill Schley
How can a small business discover the power of the "micro-script"? Bill Schley joins Jim Blasingame to introduce the idea of developing "micro-script" language for every communication, especially with marketing and customers connections.
David Dawsey
What do you know about patents? David Dawsey joins Jim Blasingame to reveal several of the popular myths about acquiring, owning, protecting and infringing on patents.

Wednesday - September 08, 2010

Tim Berry
When is information a tool and when is it a stumbling block? Tim Berry and Jim Blasingame talk about some innovative ways to get information to make good business decisions and once acquired, how to use it effectively in the decision-making process.
Amy Handlin
Why do small businesses need to learn how to lobby? Amy Handlin joins Jim Blasingame to reveal tips and best practices that will help any small business owner learn how to lobby politicians at all levels about what public issues are important to them.
John Stanton
Are small businesses missing new opportunities with minority customers? John Stanton joins Jim Blasingame to reveal the significant opportunity small businesses can gain from marketing to and serving minority customers, especially the growing Hispanic population.

Friday - September 10, 2010

Gary Harpst
How do you avoid letting the urgent overcome the important? Gary Harpst joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how to at least reduce, if not eliminate, crisis management by having a strategy that helps you avoid letting the urgent become the enemy of the important.
Joanne Black
How does a small business qualify prospects in the age of social media? Joanne Black joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how to gain qualified referral prospects by incorporating the right mix of face-to-face with social media.
Neal Creighton
How does a small business execute a customer review feature on its website? Neal Creighton joins Jim Blasingame to explain three ways to put customer review technology on your small business website.

Monday - September 13, 2010

Jane Pollak
What are the keys to small business self-promotion/ Jane Pollak joins Jim Blasingame to talk about something that many small business owners are not comfortable doing, self-promotion, and to offer suggestions on how to do it successfully.
Charles Wheelan
What do we do when it becomes obvious that the government can't save the economy? Charles Wheelan joins Jim Blasingame talk about why the marketplace has to save itself and stop expecting the government to save the economy.
Joseph Frisard
Should gold be part of your investment portfolio? Joe Frisard joins Jim Blasingame to report on how to develop an investment strategy that includes gold, including bullion and coins. Joe also gave advice on how to take possession of gold.
Leslie Kossoff
How does a small business use the quality process to build a values-based reputation? Leslie Kossoff joins Jim Blasingame with suggestions on how the quality process can help you maintain a great reputation with customers through the values you project as you do business.
Leslie Kossoff
How are economic conditions in France? Leslie Kossoff joins Jim Blasingame from Paris with a quick report on how the economy is going in France and the reaction to recent attempts to adjust social benefits programs.

Tuesday - September 14, 2010

Sam Norwood
Reporting on the September 2010 Tatum Survey of business conditions, Sam Norwood joins Jim Blasingame with this month's report, which indicates that business managers are still not feeling positive about the current and near-term economic conditions.
Nina Rappaport Rowan
Should your small business have a Kimochi? Nina Rappaport Rowan joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how Kimochis are used to help children improve their communication and why you should have one in your small business.
Ivan Misner
Are you afflicted with the "I'm different" syndrome? Ivan Misner joins Jim Blasingame to talk about why you may think networking is not for you because you're different, but that's just an excuse. Listen as Ivan delivers the cure for this professional malady.
Gigi Stetler
Why is it important for small businesses owners to be unstoppable? Gigi Stetler joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how she has overcome extreme professional and financial adversity by assuming the attitude of being unstoppable.

Wednesday - September 15, 2010

Robert Bly
How has the Internet changed traditional advertising practices? Robert Bly joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how new technologies and changes in human behavior have impacted the traditional way small businesses attract prospects through advertising.
Jack Mitchell
What are the keys to successfully growing your business by acquisition? Jack Mitchell joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how his family-owned business combined their "hugging" philosophy to grow their business through acquisition.
Jim Ballard
How can you prevent frustration and anger from poisoning your business? Jim Ballard joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how to prevent frustration from turning into anger and creating a toxic working environment that results in high employee turnover.
John Suh
How are small businesses dealing with management of legal issues these days? John Suh joins Jim Blasingame to discuss what his company, LegalZoom, has learned about how small business owners are managing their legal and accounting requirements.
Jim Blasingame
One of the most important elements in successful customer retention is the experience. Jim Blasingame talks about why more than product or price, the reason more customers come back to do business with you is because of the experience they have with your small business.
John Suh
What one company does about getting customers to come back. John Suh joins Jim Blasingame to explain what his company, LegalZoom, is doing to make sure their customers return to do business with them over and over again.

Thursday - September 16, 2010

Jeff Zbar
Why is it so hard for small business owners to take a vacation? Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the process that small business owners go through in order to take a day or two off, let alone a full vacation.
Nance Guilmartin
How can using a simple pause be a way to defuse a potential conflict with customers and others? Nance Guilmartin joins Jim Blasingame to reveal the power of a simple pause when dealing with difficult situations with customers, as well as with employees.
Luke Vandermillen
How can you get the most out of the investment you make in employee benefits? Luke Vandermillen joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the results of the Principal 2010 10 Best Companies for Employee Financial Security and what these companies did that you can do.
Jim Ostroff
Kiplinger reports on politics, regulations, IT and local alliances. Kiplinger's Jim Ostroff joins Jim Blasingame to report on recent primary results, the Tea Party's emergence, Microsoft Windows 7 and local business alliances.

Friday - September 17, 2010

Rich Galen
Will the Tea Party upset the political class status quo? Rich Galen joins Jim Blasingame to report on recent Tea Party primary gains and how this movement is impacting both Republicans and Democrats.
Bill Dunkelberg
The Oct 2010 NFIB report on small business optimism, as Bill Dunkelberg reports with Jim Blasingame indicates that small businesses are still in a recession, based on their attitudes about employment, profits, sales, capital expenditures, etc.
Sam Reese
Do you approach a sales call with the CEO differently than when calling on a manager? Sam Reese joins Jim Blasingame to discuss common sales mistakes salespeople make when calling on top-level managers.
Arky Ciancutti
Why is trust so important when conducting a merger or acquisition? Arky Ciancutti joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how merged corporate cultures can be blended successfully when establishing trust is a priority.
Rich Galen
Is the Small Business Bill necessary? Rich Galen joins Jim Blasingame to discuss whether the so called "Small Business Bill" is good policy. The also talk about the dangers of having a high percentage of Americans receiving government checks.

Monday - September 20, 2010

Marsha Egan
Do you use technology as a tool or are you controlled by it? Marsha Egan joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to avoid letting technologies, like email and others, become more than just a tool you use.
Chad Koser
Why are existing customers motivated to do business with you? Chad Koser joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the why you should stay in close contact with the real decision makers of your existing customers.
Robert Brands
Do you know what your customers experience when they do business with you? Robert Brands and Jim Blasingame discuss how to use innovation to provide customers with the experience they want when they connect in person or virtually.
Michael Johnson
Why do men and women sometimes have difficulty communicating? Michael Johnson and Jim Blasingame discuss why men and women often have difficulty connecting effectively in business settings.
Marsha Egan
Are you the Alpha member in your relationship with technology? Marsha Egan joins Jim Blasingame to discuss tips on putting you in control so you can use email and social media more productively.
Chad Koser
Jeff Koser
Do you know why existing customers leave you for a competitor? Jeff and Chad Koser join Jim Blasingame with tips on how to know what customers want from you, because it likely has changed from when they first did business with you.
Chad Koser
Jeff Koser
Do you know why customers buy from you? Jeff and Chad Koser join Jim Blasingame to report on their case study, which found that customers may not do business with you for the reasons you think.
Robert Brands
How can open innovation enhance your customers'experience? Robert Brands joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how the open innovation process can help you improve the customer experience and grow sales revenue.
Michael Johnson
Why do women and men have different communication motivations? Michael Johnson joins Jim Blasingame to discuss differences in the way men and women approach business and why both genders need to respect what motivates the other.
Michael Johnson
Why can men disengage and why does it drive women crazy? Michael Johnson joins Jim Blasingame to explain why men really can disengage their brains and why this often creates a problem for women.

Tuesday - September 21, 2010

Kim Lavine
Are you a candidate for angel investors? Kim Lavine joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how she financed the growth of her small business by using angel investors instead of bank financing – and bought out the investors within two years!
Kim Lavine
Are you bootstrapping the growth of your small business? Kim Levine joins Jim Blasingame to talk about alternative financing for small businesses survival and growth, including angel investors, factoring and offering cash discounts for quick payment.
Jim Houtz
Does America need to be saved? Jim Houtz joins Jim Blasingame to discuss taking America back from the political class and putting it back on track with the free-market values and principles that make America great.
Jim Houtz
Jim Houtz joins Jim Blasingame to reveal his 5-point plan to boost the economy, create jobs and expand growth, including an investment tax credit and lowering taxes for small businesses.
Jim Houtz
Jim Houtz joins Jim Blasingame to continue their discussion of Jim H.'s 5-point economic plan with new employee tax credits, lowering corporate taxes on manufacturing and empower the SBA to be more active.
Larry Ritter
Why is customer relationship software (CRM) important? Larry Ritter joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the importance of having electronic management software for your work with customers AND your contacts.
Larry Ritter
Is CRM software better on the desktop or in the cloud - or both? Larry Ritter joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the difference between customer relationship management software (CRM)on the desktop and in the cloud and how to decide which is best for you.
Bob McTeer
What will the Fed do, what can it do, to influence economic recovery? Bob McTeer joins Jim Blasingame to talk about what the Federal Reserve will do, and can do, with monetary tools to contribute to economic recovery.
Bob McTeer
What will it take to get jobs growth again? Bob McTeer joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the issue of increased productivity, technology and other influences that are creating a jobless recovery.
Bob McTeer
Will the new small business bill really help small businesses and the economy? Bob McTeer joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the key elements of the small business bill and whether it will actually benefit small businesses or the economy in general.

Wednesday - September 22, 2010

Jim Donovan
Is it ever too late in life to start a small business? Jim Donovan joins Jim Blasingame to remind us that aging is biological – getting old is a state of mind, as they discuss why there is no reason why anyone shouldn't consider starting a business, regardless of age.
Jim Donovan
What is your dream business? Jim Donovan joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how changes in the marketplace has made it easier to start a business at any age, especially in a niche business.
Richard DeKaser
Is the recession really over? Richard DeKaser joins Jim Blasingame to report that the economy is in a cyclical recovery, but growing very slowly primarily because of the weak housing market and high, structural unemployment.
Richard DeKaser
What is the impact of unemployment on economic recovery? Richard DeKaser joins Jim Blasingame with his perspectives on how long it will take for the unemployment levels to go down, plus the impact of increased productivity on creating new jobs.
Richard DeKaser
How long before real economic recovery? Richard DeKaser joins Jim Blasingame with his ideas on the long-term trend for economic recovery, including his prediction that we are not going to have a double-dip recession.
Kathy Perry
Where is the small business advantage in social media? Kathy Perry joins Jim Blasingame to continue their social media series including why it's relevant for small business, plus tips on your niche market and how to be laser focused.
Kathy Perry
How do you find your niche in social media? Kathy Perry joins Jim Blasingame to reveal tips on social media practices, including finding your niche, doing keyword research and serving your target market.
Dave Anderson
Dave Anderson joins Jim Blasingame to talk about being driven out of Iran for underground training for Muslim converts to Christianity. They touch on why Christians in Iran must stay underground, especially business owners.
Dave Anderson
Why is clarity such an important leadership behavior? Dave Anderson joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how you have to first hold yourself accountable and be clear about your standards and accountability if you want others to follow you.
Dave Anderson
Are you a leader or a manager? Dave Anderson joins Jim Blasingame to explain why having the courage to hold yourself accountable is the key factor in how leaders earn commitment and influence.

Thursday - September 23, 2010

Jim Blasingame
In today’s economic environment, are you more likely to hire employees or buy new technology? Jim Blasingame reveals his polling results on the topics of what it takes for small businesses to hire and whether they would buy technology or hire an employee to accomplish growth.
Jim Blasingame
What is your recent experience in getting a bank loan? Jim Blasingame reveals polling results that indicate small business owners are not asking banks for loans, and since small banks have money to lend, neither need the government to help them.
Rick Maurer
Why do 70% of changes fail? Rick Maurer joins Jim Blasingame to reveal research that shows 70% of changes fail and offer tips on how to not be part of this negative statistic, including getting employees to own the changes.
Rick Maurer
Successful change may require you to get out of your own way. That's the message Rick Maurer has as he joins Jim Blasingame to reveal why most changes fail: the leader of the change tries to maintain too much control and probably gain too much of the credit.
Diane DiResta
Are you a good listener? Diane DiResta joins Jim Blasingame to reveal that even though listening, which is the other side of speaking, is powerful, most people are poor listeners primarily because of two things: lack of listening skills and/or ego.
Diane DiResta
Want to be more successful? Learn how to listen better. Diane DiResta joins Jim Blasingame to reveal that intentional listening shows emotional intelligence, and offer tips on how to listen effectively and adapt your listening style to the person you're listening to.
Jim Ostroff
What will the reemergence of venture capitalists mean to your small business? Kiplinger's Jim Ostroff joins Jim Blasingame to report on the increase in venture capital investing and why this trend is important to economic recovery and job growth.
Jim Ostroff
What industries are venture capitalist investing in? Kiplinger's Jim Ostroff joins Jim Blasingame to report on the industries receiving venture capital, including retail, green technologies, and life sciences, plus how Sarbanes-Oxley has damaged investment opportunities in the U.S.
Jim Ostroff
Reporting on inflation, deflation and the Small Business Bill. Kiplinger's Jim Ostroff joins Jim Blasingame to report on why a little inflation would actually be good right now, plus whether the Small Business Bill will actually help or is it just a fallacious political strategy.

Friday - September 24, 2010

Christian Renaud
Are your customer and employee data secure? Christian Renaud joins Jim Blasingame to explain why your digital assets and customers' information should be protected from digital thieves, accidental transmission or other disasters. Plus, they discuss how federal laws require certain security requirements.
Christian Renaud
Christian Renaud joins Jim Blasingame to explain why it's good business to protect customer and employee data, and offers steps to take to ensure data is secure, including firewalls and external resources that can help.
Wayne Crews
The federal government should ensure the business environment is open to all who want to participate. Wayne Crews joins Jim Blasingame to discuss what the Republican Pledge could mean for small business regulation reform.
Wayne Crews
Why do regulations accumulate as a small business grows? Wayne Crews joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how regulations on small businesses accumulate as the business hires more employees and that the resolution is politicians who pledge to pursue regulatory reduction.
Wayne Crews
How many regulations are too many? Wayne Crews joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the pro-regulatory environment of the Obama Administration, plus the Republican Pledge for a regulatory reduction commission and mandatory sunsets for new regulations.
Adam Boyden
How can you use social media to influence customer behavior? Adam Boyden joins Jim Blasingame to offer social media tips to engage and leverage customers everyday or during promotional periods, like the holidays, including how to use special offers and coupons.
Adam Boyden
What does the landscape of social media look like today? Adam Boyden joins Jim Blasingame to discuss social media best practices on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and even FourSquare, including why you can't abuse your communities.
Steve Forbes
Why are the two political parties having an identity crisis?Steve Forbes joins Jim Blasingame to discuss challenges of the two main political parties, including how the Tea Party has impacted both parties. He also makes a bold prediction about the November 2nd election.
Steve Forbes
What can America do to get the economic recovery move faster? Steve Forbes joins Jim Blasingame to explain that the greatest impediment to economic recovery is government taxes, regulations and other interference. Solve these problems and you solve our economic problems.
Steve Forbes
Is the new small business bill bad for small business? Steve Forbes joins Jim Blasingame to reveal government motives with the bill and why it actually will not help small businesses. He also offers some hope for the future.

Monday - September 27, 2010

Paul Marciano
Is there a culture of respect in your small business? Paul Marciano joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the generational diversity of the marketplace and what Paul calls the Respect Model of management.
Paul Marciano
Are we experiencing a respect crisis? Paul Marciano joins Jim Blasingame to talk about using the Respect Model, including setting clear expectations for employees, making sure they agree with the company culture, and ensuring management is worthy of respect.
Karen Kerrigan
Is the Republican Pledge good for small business? Karen Kerrigan joins Jim Blasingame to talk about elements of the Republican Pledge, including extending the Bush tax cuts and repealing the health care bill.
Karen Kerrigan
Will the Small Business Bill actually help small businesses? Karen Kerrigan joins small business expert Jim Blasingame to discuss why the Small Business Bill won't be successful, small bank lending, accelerated depreciation, direct expensing, capital gains.
Karen Kerrigan
What will small businesses pay in taxes in 2011? Karen Kerrigan joins Jim Blasingame to discuss extending the Bush tax cuts and repeal of the 1099 reporting provision of the health care bill, plus the uncertainty of small business tax rates for 2011.
Robert Levin
Robert Levin joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the 5th annual New York Enterprise Report Small Business Awards, including the new categories of this year’s awards, plus the Small Business Advocate of the Year Award winner, Brain Trust member, Barbara Weltman.
Robert Levin
Robert Levin joins Jim Blasingame to talk about some of the nominees of the 2010 New York Enterprise Report Small Business Awards and their best practices for Internet sales and niche marketing.
Austin Kiplinger
A witness to a century, Austin Kiplinger, journalist, publisher, entrepreneur, farmer, and who Jim Blasingame says is a national treasure, talks about his 2010 crops, plus differences in the Great Depression and the Great Recession and the role of government in the economy.
Austin Kiplinger
On his 92nd birthday, Austin Kiplinger joins Jim Blasingame to celebrate the 87th anniversary of The Kiplinger Letter, plus they discuss Mr. Kiplinger’s world view on international relations, plus current American politics compared to 20th century politics. Jim thinks Austin Kiplinger is a national treasure.
Austin Kiplinger
A witness to a century, Austin Kiplinger joins Jim Blasingame to discuss Mr. Kiplinger’s views on the jobless economic recovery, retirement, the environment and global population growth challenges.

Tuesday - September 28, 2010

Jim Blasingame
Selling and serving customers online is no longer an option, it’s an imperative. Reporting on the results of an audience poll on online sales activity, Jim Blasingame reveals why it's imperative for small businesses to increasingly both sell and serve their customers online.
Jim Blasingame
Are you ready for a change in Washington? Jim Blasingame reveals the results of a recent audience poll showing that 85% of respondents would vote Republican in the upcoming election. Jim's explains that small business owners feel they're under assault from Democrat policies and he identified several of them.
Joel Bourne
What happened behind the scenes of the Gulf oil spill? Joel Bourne joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the background of National Geographic’s television special on the Gulf oil spill, including the true scope of the disaster, some background of the decision behind deep water drilling, and how local politicians dealt with the disaster.
Joel Bourne
Joel Bourne joins Jim Blasingame to discuss National Geographic’s TV special on the BP gulf oil spill, including why all of the oil didn’t come to the surface, the Gulf’s ecosystem balance, how long it will take for fishing conditions to improve and the accident rate of deep water drilling.
Joel Bourne
What has been learned from the BP Gulf oil spill disaster? Joel Bourne joins Jim Blasingame to talk about National Geographic’s TV special on the BP Gulf oil spill and what has been learned, including what BP did to contribute to the accident, what other countries have done to ameliorate rig safety plus the future of oil drilling.
Mark Schmulen
Do you have a social media marketing strategy? Mark Schmulen joins Jim Blasingame to talk about why social media is really just a tool to facilitate word-of-mouth marketing and develop deeper relationships with customers.
Mark Schmulen
Social media is a effective customer relationship tool and should be in your marketing mix. Mark Schmulen joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why social media should be in your marketing toolbox and shares a tool that can not only organize your social media activity, but also help you communicate quickly and efficiently.
Jamie Sutherland
Do you think the economy is improving? Jamie Sutherland joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the Sage Economy Survey and reveal that respondents indicated the economy is currently improving and will do so even more in the near future, plus since the beginning of the recession, they are more closely managing their business’ finances.
Jamie Sutherland
Are you managing your cash flow? Jamie Sutherland joins Jim Blasingame to explain that most small businesses fail because the owners don’t understand cash flow management and the primary challenge is to get paid faster. He also introduces a mobile application for quick credit card transactions.
Jamie Sutherland
Jamie Sutherland joins Jim Blasingame to continue their discussion of new technologies that will help you improve your cash flow, including a new mobile payment app that uses your existing merchant account.

Wednesday - September 29, 2010

Joel Libava
What is the impact of a franchise start-up on the local economy? Joel Libava joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why a franchise start-up is more likely to have an accelerated impact on the local economy than a non-franchise start-up, including hiring, cash flow and banking.
Joel Libava
Can a franchise start-up get financing today? Joel Libava joins Jim Blasingame to discuss financing franchise start-ups, including why an independent community bank is more likely to make a start-up loan than a large bank.
John Dini
What makes Texas a business friendly state? John Dini joins Jim Blasingame to explain why the business friendly environment in Texas is mainly due to tort reform and favorable tax conditions, plus, San Antonio is very small business friendly.
John Dini
How far in advance do you plan to sell your business? John Dini joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the steps to selling your business, including the timing, planning and due diligence, which sometimes takes several years, and financial management, plus maximizing your cash flow.
John Dini
Who can help you sell your small business? John Dini joins Jim Blasingame to discuss who to turn to for help when planning to sell your small business, consultant, business broker, CPA or exit planner.
Barbara Burke
What is the appropriate way to motivate and recognize employees? Barbara Burke joins Jim Blasingame to offer tips on praising your employees by recognizing the things they do right and being specific.
Barbara Burke
Have you considered redemption as a management practice? Barbara Burke joins Jim Blasingame to talk about helping employees learn from their mistakes by redeeming them with this question when they make a mistake, "What did we learn?"
Ray Keating
What is the seed that grows into a novel? Ray Keating joins small business expert Jim Blasingame to discuss his new novel and book series, Warrior Monk, including his inspiration for the story involving a former CIA assassin who becomes a pastor.
Ray Keating
Why is the journey of writing and publishing a book like starting a small business? Ray Keating joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the journey he took with his novel, Warrior Monk, including writing, looking for book agents, a publisher and finally, choosing to self publish.
Ray Keating
How do you marketing your book when you self-publish? Ray Keating joins Jim Blasingame to talk about marketing your self-published book, including new channels, like Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and even car signs if you're old school and if your kids will let you.

Thursday - September 30, 2010

Jeff Zbar
What does it take to make your business ready for an interruption? Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the various ways your office, home office or a teleworker’s office should be prepared for an interruption or breach of security, including hardware and software tips.
Jeff Zbar
How can you use email signatures to your advantage? Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to talk about using email signatures, or a "sig," as a marketing tool,, plus how to make the message engaging, including periodically changing or making it relevant to the recipient.
Steven S. Little
Are there myths about Mexico that need to be dispelled? Steven Little joins Jim Blasingame to talk about living in Mexico and the vital economic link between the US and Mexico, plus dispelling the myth that all of Mexico is dangerous.
Steven S. Little
Are there business opportunities in Mexico for U.S. small businesses? Steven Little joins Jim Blasingame to continue their discussion on Mexico, including how to find business opportunity for small businesses.
Steven S. Little
Why should Americans take more interest in Mexico? Steven Little joins Jim Blasingame to talk about Mexico as an emerging nation, the correlation between US immigration issues and the strength of the Mexican economy, and doing business in Mexico.
Jim Ostroff
Why is there a trade/currency kerfuffle between Congress and China? Kiplinger’s Jim Ostroff joins Jim Blasingame to report on the U.S.response to the valuation of Chinese currency and protectionism, plus the disturbing news on housing foreclosures.
Jim Ostroff
Kiplinger’s Jim Ostroff joins Jim Blasingame to report on the treatment of housing foreclosures, plus will McDonalds be the first corporate defection of the health care bill.
Cliff Ennico
Cliff Ennico joins Jim Blasingame to discuss new online income tax reporting and the onerous requirements of the 1099 provision of the health care bill.
Cliff Ennico
There are several new legal entity options small businesses can chose from in some states. Cliff Ennico joins Jim Blasingame to talk about alternative incorporation options, the use of serial LLCs, and new non-profit options, such as a Low-Profit LLC and a Public Benefit Corporation. Check for availability in your state.
Cliff Ennico
Some states are enforcing income tax on out of state online sales. Cliff Ennico joins Jim Blasingame to report that some states are expanding the nexus rule on online sales, in a move to require income tax reporting of online sales that meet certain requirements.