Wednesday - February 01, 2012
Should the Keystone Pipeline be built? Jim Blasingame reveals what various groups think about about building the Keystone Pipeline, President Obama's decision to not build it, and a poll that showed small business owners disagree with him.
Include your customers in funding growth plans. Jay Myers joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the challenges of funding small business growth and how to effectively include customers in the process.
Why didn't President Obama have anything for small business in his state-of-the-union speech? Karen Kerrigan joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the rhetoric in Obama’s State of the Union Address and the absence of small business issues.
How are President Obama's small business policies working? Karen Kerrigan joins Jim Blasingame to discuss Obama’s proposal to consolidate the various agencies that serve small businesses, plus the problems with his proposed tax proposals.
What small business owners are telling members of Congress. Karen Kerrigan joins Jim Blasingame to report on an SBE Council member’s upcoming testimony in Congress about the unfavorable small business policy environment.
How do you know if your social media efforts are paying off? Kathy Perry joins Jim Blasingame to report on the new social media analytical tools available to help determine the return on investment.
Should you advertise on social media sites? Kathy Perry joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how small businesses can effectively advertise on social media sites, like Facebook, Twitter, etc.
Is your management structure working? Tom Markel joins Jim Blasingame to explain how and why his company converted from the pyramid - top down - management style to the team-based structure.
What are the elements of a team-based management structure? Tom Markel joins Jim Blasingame to explain the steps his company took to create a team-based management structure that uses coaching and mentoring instead of bossing.
Can changing management titles make a difference? Tom Markel joins Jim Blasingame to report the benefits of changing management titles to fit the new team organization.
Thursday - February 02, 2012
As the owner of a small business, do you take time off when you need to? Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why small business owners need to periodically take time off and recharge, and they have suggestions.
If your computer crashed, how quickly can you get back up and running? Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why dust is your computer's enemy, and how Cloud tools saved his work and business.
Will you allow a merchant to scan you for marketing profile purposes? Jack Uldrich joins Jim Blasingame to predict the future of marketing using face recognition technology and how that will be received by the public.
Could free online college be an answer to structural unemployment? Jack Uldrich joins Jim Blasingame to predict colleges will offer free online continuing education courses, plus an online revolutions in public education.
Could city folk become the farmers of the future? Jack Uldrich joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the future of urban farming to take advantage of unused land as a business model, as well as aid the economically disadvantaged.
Do you compromise on a business deal because of fear? Jim Camp joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why fear is a prime motivator for compromise and why having a system of negotiating will help you get more and better business.
“Winging it” in negotiations is a loser. Jim Camp joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why you need a definitive negotiation system that includes a “no stone unturned” approach.
What is the WSJ doing to help small business? Brian Moran joins Jim Blasingame to report on the Wall Street Journal's "How I Built it" series that helps small businesses with management and growth ideas.
Is Crowd Funding a good strategy? Brian Moran joins Jim Blasingame to talk about their perspective on why a small business might think again before pursuing capital from Crowd Funding, or any investor source.
What should small businesses think about social media? Brian Moran joins Jim Blasingame to reveal the six main reasons a small business pursues a social media strategy and how it can leverage traditional marketing practices.
Friday - February 03, 2012
It's important to identify and deal with limiting factors. John Bradberry joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to look at your business from all viewpoints to identify the limiting factors that are holding your small business back.
Are you able to meet your industry’s changing customer expectations? John Bradberry joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why you must keep up with the trends in customer demands in your industry to stay relevant.
It’s not what you make that's important, but what you keep. John Bradberry joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to overcome the limiting factor of price and focus on the success factor of gross profit margin.
Are you missing an opportunity to be a luxury traveller? Pam Danziger joins Jim Blasingame to reveal several secrets that many luxury travellers know about how to travel first class for less.
Do you have a value strategy for luxury shoppers? Pam Danziger joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how to find the right pricing for luxury customer, and how to connect with these buyers.
Are GOP presidential candidates winning battles but losing the war? Gary Moore joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how the tactics Gingrich and Romney are using to win battles among themselves is actually helping Obama.
Has capitalism in America seen it's best days? Gary Moore joins Jim Blasingame to predict that capitalism in America - especially as it emanates from Wall Street - is likely to produce a European style growth pattern.
Facebook is going public, but should you buy it? Gary Moore joins Jim Blasingame to discuss some of the issues that all business have going public, plus the unique issues Facebook faces, and why you should leave this IPO alone.
Monday - February 06, 2012
Are the cold, dark days influencing your happiness? Kita Szpak joins Jim Blasingame to offer tips on how to raise your level of happiness in the winter with exercise, sunshine and changing your routines.
Should you be aware of winter blues among employees? Kita Szpak joins Jim Blasingame to offer ideas on how to help employees fight off the winter blues by noticing and talking with them as individuals - not just as members of your team.
What can we learn from past presidents about how to choose future presidents? Burt Folsom joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the character and ethos of past presidents, and how the presidency has changed over time.
When is the price of government benefits just too high? Burt Folsom joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how presidents and the political class use targeted federal programs and tax policy to influence and control various constituencies.
What history lessons have we learned that will help in the upcoming election? Burt Folsom joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how history is showing us that the 2012 presidential election is pivotal for the future of America.
Do your employees understand their benefits plan? Luke Vandermillen joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the how individual presentations of benefit programs contribute to employee engagement and retention.
There are advantages to offering employees customized benefits rather than cookie-cutter programs. Luke Vandermillen joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the advantages of offering employees a customized benefits and wellness programs.
What happens during International Networking Week? Ivan Misner joins Jim Blasingame to celebrate International Networking Week, what it is, what people are doing around the world and why you should care.
Do others think your networking style work? Ivan Misner joins Jim Blasingame to reveal that most of us think we're are better negotiators than we are and how to solve that problem.
Why is networking coaching important/ Ivan Misner joins Jim Blasingame to identify why most of us could use networking coaching and how to find it.
Tuesday - February 07, 2012
If you're not getting enough sales, consider these two sales commandments. Karen C. Reisman joins Jim Blasingame to introduce two sales commandments that will help you get more business, including listen more and ask more questions.
If you want more sales, do these two thing. Karen C. Reisman joins Jim Blasingame to reveal that assuming less and talking less are two sure fire ways to get more sales.
How well does your business deal with change? Rick Maurer joins Jim Blasingame to talk about some of the thing to think about in order to lead inevitable change, rather than just manage it.
Are you a leader or a driver? Rick Maurer joins Jim Blasingame to help you lead change in your organization by revealing how to be an influencer instead of a boss.
Take a look at what knee-jerk management looks like. Rick Maurer joins Jim Blasingame to explain why a knee-jerk reaction to employee suggestions is the opposite of influential change leadership.
Want to avoid an IRS audit? Charley Moore joins Jim Blasingame to suggests that there are several things a business can do to minimize an IRS audit, including filing on time and not having questionable 1099 employees.
Put more things in writing. Charley Moore joins Jim Blasingame to encourage you to put more employee and business deals in writing and read the contracts you are asked to sign.
If your business isn't performing, it's time to reboot. Richard Hooker joins Jim Blasingame to reveal what it looks like when a business needs to re-boot and re-launch.
Three re-booting keys to success. Richard Hooker joins Jim Blasingame to reveal that planning, organization and control are three key elements to successful business performance.
Work and actions should not be mistaken for results. Richard Hooker joins Jim Blasingame to explain that performance only comes when you have performance targets, not activity goals.
Wednesday - February 08, 2012
Did you ever get a quality or Y2K letter from customers in the 1990s? Jim Blasingame predicts that, like quality and Y2K compliance letters, small businesses will soon be asked about their sustainability plan by their business customers.
Businesses are learning that sustainability is good business. Jim Blasingame encourages you to learn about the sustainability activity of your business customers and be prepared to be their sustainability partner.
The Tatum survey tracks the economic foundation. Sam Norwood joins Jim Blasingame to report the latest Tatum Survey that reveals Main Street businesses are not buying the recent economic hype.
Why are service and retail strengthening? Sam Norwood joins Jim Blasingame to report the retail/service sectors are currently strong, and they explain why manufacturing numbers might be misleading.
Tatum reports business conditions are not great. Sam Norwood joins Jim Blasingame to report the Tatum Survey reveals, contrary to news out of Washington, businesses are not inclined to hire.
Did the wine industry consolidate during the Great Recession? Kerry Murphy joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how the economy has affected the wine industry, and to talk about what makes a great wine.
Deliver quality and get your margins from your profile customer. Kerry Murphy joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how his small business wine company delivers quality to his profile customers which allows him to focus on margin not price.
You're either green and growing or ripe and rotten. Ken Blanchard joins Jim Blasingame to talk about reasons why successful leaders have to grow, and he identifies some growth practices.
What gets in the way of leaders and their personal growth? Ken Blanchard joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how to overcome some of the obstacles that hinder leaders from accomplishing the growth required for success.
Self-analysis is a key to leadership growth. Ken Blanchard joins Jim Blasingame to explain why self-examination (or self-analysis) is one of the keys to leadership growth because it helps you get out of your own way.
Thursday - February 09, 2012
How did Valentine's Day get to be so stressful (for men)? Marie Dubuque joins Jim Blasingame with tips (mostly for guys) on how to make your sweetie happy on Valentine’s Day. Marie says women like flowers and jewelry and Jim says men like golf clubs.
Are you guilty of letting technology cause you to be rude? Marie Dubuque joins Jim Blasingame to discuss what she things is an epidemic of technology rudeness and how to stop it, one person at a time.
What value does a buyer place on a business' intangible assets? Russ Brown joins Jim Blasingame to discuss tangible and intangible assets of a business and how they impact a business' valuation.
How much is your website worth? Russ Brown joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the evolution of intangible assets from patents to websites, and the challenges buyers and sellers face in their valuation.
Will your bank give you collateral credit for your intangible assets? Russ Brown joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why banks must begin recognizing intangible assets as business assets and bankable collateral.
What is the truth about U.S. unemployment? Ray Keating joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how Washington manipulates job numbers, and reveals how unemployment should be identified and reported.
If only the government would just get out of the way. Ray Keating joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why the U.S. is still in an underperforming recovery largely due to feckless politicians and failed government policies.
Do you need more sales? Pat Sigmon joins Jim Blasingame to show you how to maximize your sales growth potential by developing an online marketing strategy that helps you prospect for, qualify and acquire new customers.
Let's get your in-bound marketing strategy going. Pat Sigmon joins Jim Blasingame to identify what an in-bound marketing strategy is, how to build and execute it with content and prospect connecting practices.
Connecting and nurturing prospects into customers. Patricia Sigmon joins Jim Blasingame to explain how to connect with suspects, nurture them into prospects and acquire them as customers with an effective in-bound marketing strategy.
Friday - February 10, 2012
Blocking the Keystone Pipeline is purely political? Jim Blasingame identifies the various groups who are fighting over building the Keystone Pipeline and why Obama has rejected it as a political opportunity rather than seeing it as an economic one.
Indonesia, with over 17,000 islands, is the 4th largest country in the world. Ted Fishman joins Jim Blasingame to report on the global uniqueness of Indonesia economically, politically and culturally.
Democracy came so quickly to Indonesia that it's still in its political infancy. Ted Fishman joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the issues facing the future of Indonesia, including institutional corruption, plus its importance to the global economy.
Mitt Romney’s candidacy has put management consultants on the political radar. Walter Kiechel joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the interest in management consultants and private equity firms because of Mitt Romney’s career history.
Are management consultants getting a bad rap? Walter Kiechel joins Jim Blasingame to discuss what consultants do and how the Democrats plan to use Romney’s background against him may not work.
Could America exceptionalism use a consultant? Walter Kiechel joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the concept of American exceptionalism and why the government could use the jaundiced eye of a good management consultant.
The Keystone Pipeline should not be a political football. Robert Bryce joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why oil that is already being moved on wheels would be transported more efficiently and safer with the Keystone Pipeline.
The Keystone Pipeline should be part of America's energy policy. Robert Bryce joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the benefits of Canadian oil as a U.S. energy source and whether Congress can overrule Obama’s decision.
President Obama won't admit who really caused the Great Recession? Jim Blasingame says President Obama is placing blame for the mortgage meltdown that caused the Great Recession on everyone except the original culprit - government policies.
There is a major tectonic shift in customer expectations going on. Jim Blasingame talks about how new customer expectations in The Age of the Customer™ is causing marketplace tectonic shifts.
Monday - February 13, 2012
Here's another visit by President Lincoln. President Abraham Lincoln joins Jim Blasingame discuss the parallels between the politics of the 1860s and today and to remind us of one of his most famous and beautiful quotes (thanks to Gene Griessman).
One of the most highly regarded Americans, Lincoln, had many failures. Gene Griessman joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the phases of dealing with adversity: understanding, attitude, analysis, and resolve through the lessons of Abraham Lincoln.
Grace-Marie Turner joins Jim Blasingame to report on last week’s CPAC conference, where she spoke and Mitt Romney won the straw poll.
Is Obamacare assaulting religious freedom? Grace-Marie Turner joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the ObamaCare brouhaha with religious organizations and providing contraception services for its employees.
Is Obama testing the limits of the constitution? Grace-Marie Turner joins Jim Blasingame to discuss newly promulgated elements of Obamacare as it seems to push the limits of the Constitution.
Employee entitlement: thinking you should get paid for showing up. Brad Hams joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the negative impact of workplace entitlement and how to engage employees through three ownership training steps.
Get employees to go from an entitlement mentality to ownership thinking. Brad Hams joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to teach ownership thinking through business education, measurable accountability and incentive plans.
How is your patience quotient? Stephen Baum joins Jim Blasingame to introduce the practice of waiting on others before you speak and the concept of allowing others to lead.
Leadership excellence is patient leadership. Stephen Baum joins Jim Blasingame to explain how the most effective leaders have the ability to teach and allow their people how to lead first.
Look under every rock for growth opportunities. Stephen Baum joins Jim Blasingame to encourage you to look at you're business to see if you may be missing opportunities with existing products, practices and even customers.
Tuesday - February 14, 2012
Use Valentine’s Day to connect with your customers. Sarah Petty joins Jim Blasingame on how even guys can use Valentine’s Day as a marketing tool to touch base with your customers.
How can you use social media to connect with customers? Sarah Petty joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to use social media to connect with clients on a personal level and demonstrate your values.
The Federal Reserve Board had stated it plans to devalue the dollar. Chuck Kadlec joins Jim Blasingame to report why the Fed's plans to increase the price level - inflation - by 2% annually and systematically devalue the dollar is a bad idea.
Who benefits from the current U.S. monetary system? Chuck Kadlec joins Jim Blasingame to reveal who benefits from the current non-gold standard monetary system and who would benefit from a gold standard.
Are you aware of the erosion of liberty in America? Chuck Kadlec joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the educational goals of the Community of Liberty, which is to teach Americans about how to value and protect our liberties.
Why does all the Valentine’s Day marketing only target gifts for women? Janet Christy joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the pressure on men to produce on Valentine’s Day, plus marketing for holiday trends.
Are you spending too much money or time on ineffective marketing? Janet Christy joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how to have a healthier marketing plan by eliminating ineffective marketing, whether in networking or online.
If something is not broken, break it and look for new opportunities. Bob Fischer joins Jim Blasingame to explain lateral thinking as a way to shift your thinking to be able to see new opportunities.
Lateral thinking tools help you complete, “What if…”. Bob Fischer joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to use lateral thinking tools to interrupt your thought patterns and stimulate new ideas.
Bob Fischer joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how challenging the traditional can reveal innovative and creative new ways of doing things.
Wednesday - February 15, 2012
Many people are turning their skills in to a product they can sell instead of seeking employment. Gene Zaino joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the issues around choosing independent contracting over traditional employment, including pricing your work.
Pricing and tax issues for independent contractors. Gene Zaino joins Jim Blasingame to discuss pricing and tax advantages and obligations of independent contractors, including home office deductions,
America is the only industrialized nation that has a Generation Y. Ken Gronbach joins Jim Blasingame to discuss population realities and changing demographics of other countries compared to the U.S.
What will the impact of Gen Y be as they come of age? Ken Gronbach joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the lifestyle trends of Gen Y and business opportunities that will present to serve their next life stage.
Gen Y will be fully entrenched in the economy in 3 years. Ken Gronbach joins Jim Blasingame to predict the U.S. economy will boom in the next 3 years, when Gen Y takes their place in the economy as both producers and consumers.
Will there be enough entitlement funding for Boomers in their retirement? Robert Margetic joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the future of Social Security and Medicare funding and what it means for Boomer retirees.
How much money will you need for retirement? Robert Margetic joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to calculate your retirement requirements and the opportunities to stay productive.
What have black Americans overcome and accomplished in the past 200 years? Donald Hunter and Clara Villarosa joins Jim Blasingame to celebrate Black History Month by identifying what has been accomplished and overcome.
How will the future of black America be different from the past? Donald Hunter and Clara Villarosa joins Jim Blasingame to celebrate Black History Month and discuss how black Americans can create a better future for themselves.
Why are black Americans less likely to own businesses? Donald Hunter and Clara Villarosa joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the challenges of black American business ownership and why young blacks do not consider entrepreneurship.
Thursday - February 16, 2012
Does your computer update and reboot at inopportune times? Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to control software updates so your most productive times are not interrupted.
How do you refocus your energy to be creative? Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the challenge of creating an environment where you can be creative and develop big ideas.
Does your business generate online revenue? Barbara Weltman joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the 1099K report that is associated with online business revenue and how to make sure it accurately represents income to report.
The IRS has many online resources. Barbara Weltman joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the online resources available from the IRS, plus the dangers of classifying an employee as a contractor.
There is an app even for tax reporting. Barbara Weltman joins Jim Blasingame to reveal some of the mobile app resources that will help you keep track of your travel expenses.
Could how you use your smartphone cost you business? Marsha Egan joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to be respectful - and smart - when using your smartphone, by simply not being rude.
Do you check your position when you talk on your cell phone? Marsha Egan joins Jim Blasingame to discuss proper mobile phone and bluetooth etiquette, plus when you should and should not take phone calls.
Do you regularly consult with your business attorney? Matt Cartwright joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why every small business owner needs a go-to attorney for contracts, insurance, etc.
Will technology eventually make anti-trust cases moot? Matt Cartwright joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the difficulty of prosecuting anti-trust cases, and how technology moves faster than anti-trust prosecution.
Is the government guilty of anti-trust - monopolistic - behavior? Matt Cartwright joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why the government is immune to lawsuits, even when its monopolistic behavior hurts private industry.
Friday - February 17, 2012
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.
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.
Monday - February 20, 2012
It’s not your words, it’s what they represent. Jim Signorelli joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how stories bring your brand to life and makes customers want to join you, not just buy from you.
Telling your story begins with honesty. Jim Signorelli joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how to tell your story with honesty and authenticity, beginning with yourself and then with customers.
Why aren't small businesses more optimistic? NFIB's Bill Dunkelberg joins Jim Blasingame to report that 3-1/2 years after the economic collapse, small businesses are still not optimistic about the future.
Access to capital is not a problem for small businesses. Bill Dunkelberg joins Jim Blasingame to report the NFIB Index reveals low capital spending despite the availability of credit, plus higher sales, but still at recession levels.
Surviving small businesses have learned how to operate without growth. NFIB’s Bill Dunkelberg joins Jim Blasingame to report on the employment challenges that face a struggling economy.
Why do Millennials think they don’t need anyone else? Tim Elmore joins Jim Blasingame to discuss employing the 20-somethings of Generation Y, who are overexposed to information but underexposed to life experiences.
Build bridges of relationships that can bear the strength of hard truth. Tim Elmore joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to understand the perspectives of each of the generation in your employ, while giving context to their knowledge and experiences.
Are passion and persistence enough for small business ownership? Tim Berry joins Jim Blasingame to bust the myth that the intangibles of passion and persistence are more important than delivering tangible customer value.
How important are satisfaction and self-fulfilment for small business owners? Tim Berry joins Jim Blasingame to explain how satisfaction and self-fulfilment should really be considered as a success indicator.
Does size matter for small business success? Tim Berry joins Jim Blasingame to bust the myth that small business success is measured by how big you get.
Tuesday - February 21, 2012
George Washington continues to impress Americans. Dennis Pogue joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the dedication and contribution of George Washington to the success of America and why we still honor him after more than 200 years.
Mt. Vernon is a continually evolving national treasure. Dennis Pogue joins Jim Blasingame to report on the ongoing archaeological efforts at Mt. Vernon and what you can expect to see when you visit.
Why are unemployment numbers down, but the number of employed is virtually unchanged? Phil Cioppa joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how the unemployment numbers are skewed by those who start a business, run out of benefits or are underemployed.
Phil Cioppa joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why small businesses are still experiencing a recession and what could be done to improve their optimism.
Main Street is the backbone of the economy, not Wall Street. Phil Cioppa joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why Wall Street is not an indicator of the economy, plus the economic influence of small buisness.
Boomers are retiring and have the means to pay for luxuries. Mary Cantando joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to take advantage of the growing number of people who have the means to pay for luxuries.
Mary Cantando joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to focus on the positives, make the most of volunteering, and connect with your neighbors.
What does Black History mean to living black Americans? John Harrison and Olalah Njenga join Jim Blasingame to celebrate Black History Month and talk about what it means to them as black Americans.
What does the black American present look like? John Harrison and Olalah Njenga join Jim Blasingame to celebrate Black History Month and talk about how the present looks for black Americans.
What does the future look like for black Americans? John Harrison and Olalah Njenga join Jim Blasingame to celebrate Black History Month by talking about what they see in the future for black Americans.
Wednesday - February 22, 2012
In Harlem, there are very few black-owned businesses. Merisa Davis joins Jim Blasingame to discuss some of the reasons why black youth don’t consider entrepreneurship as a career option.
The black community must take responsibility for their future. Merisa Davis, cousin of Bill Cosby, joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why the black community rejected Cosby’s unpopular,but realistic ideas on their future.
Why is the impact of presidential candidate debates unlike any in recent history? Rich Galen joins Jim Blasingame to discuss some of the reasons the GOP debates have influenced individual candidates and the overall process.
The GOP presidential nominee must have a strong national organization to defeat Obama in November. Rich Galen joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the upcoming primaries, plus the challenges of campaigning in the age of social media.
Can Republicans elect a clear nominee in the primaries? Rich Galen joins Jim Blasingame to discuss whether the GOP will have a clear nominee before the convention, plus who will be the next to drop out of the race.
The banking industry's receptiveness to small business is vitally important to the U.S. economy. Jim Blasingame talks about a Small Business Advocate Poll which revealed more small businesses are asking for and getting bank loans, plus the perfect form of capital.
There's a difference in projecting the value of a customer and that of a user. Jim Blasingame reveals what his audience thinks about social media IPOs like Facebook, and the difference in monetizing customers and users.
Challenges in traditional media, especially newspapers, are good for small business. Paula Lovell joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how traditional media, like newspapers, are being forced to change and why that's an opportunity for small business.
Your local newspaper could hold a new PR opportunity for small businesses. Paula Lovell joins Jim Blasingame to reveal challenges and changes at your local newspaper that could create PR opportunities for your small business.
Are you taking advantage of college interns? Paula Lovell joins Jim Blasingame to explain why and how to use college interns today, including how to find them and how to compensate them.
Thursday - February 23, 2012
Do community colleges attract the students who can master the skills of the future? Charlotte Allen joins Jim Blasingame to discuss Obama’s program to fund community colleges to train employees for future jobs and why it won’t work.
How should we train the workforce in the skills necessary for today’s jobs. Charlotte Allen joins Jim Blasingame to discuss more effective ways to invest in training employees for 21st century jobs, like industry-specific training, not just green jobs.
Professional momentum starts with you. Karen Post joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to create your own momentum by having faith in yourself and methodically turning obstacles in to opportunities.
When you lose momentum, have a word with yourself. Karen Post joins Jim Blasingame to discuss tools to use, like a mantra or a positive thought, when you need to regain professional and personal momentum.
Momentum in an organization starts at the top. Karen Post joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to revitalize momentum in your organization and then celebrate the accomplishments.
Is it ever appropriate to use authoritarian leadership styles? Tom Anastasi joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the authoritarian leadership style and how and when it may be used effectively.
The most effective leaders will adapt their style to individuals and situations. Tom Anastasi joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why you should have more than one leadership style and know when to apply them for the best outcome.
You can’t starve a profit out of your business. Steve Martin joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the perils of cutting costs too deeply and how it can ultimately, and maybe inadvertently, affect profits.
Is it time to change your business model to meet customer expectations? Steve Martin joins Jim Blasingame to discuss when you should consider new marketing, sales training, or technology to meet customer expectations.
Make sure your real and virtual business looks good to customers. Steve Martin joins Jim Blasingame to recommend taking your physical and online presence is attractive to customers and prospects.
Friday - February 24, 2012
Technology is a great way to connect, but it doesn’t always replace face-to-face and voice. Ruth Sherman joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the nuances – and possible opportunities – missed when a phone call should have replaced an email response.
Speaking publicly doesn't have to be difficult - just be authentic. Ruth Sherman joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the competitive advantage that can be acquired by presenting yourself as an expert speaker in your industry.
The economy will make slow and steady progress by November. Bill Brandt joins Jim Blasingame to predict the economy will improve enough by November that it won’t be a major issue in the election.
How much will organization trump message in the 2012 election? Bill Brandt joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why a national organization will matter in 2012 and why Romney has the only one that can compete with Obama's team.
The Supreme Court declared donations to PACs as a First Amendment right to free speech. Bill Brandt joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the growing influence of super PACs on elections and campaign spending.
Are you afraid to be away from your cell phone? Darryl Rosen joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the epidemic of poor cell phone etiquette and how to avoid the temptation.
Why do employees act like customers are interrupting their day? Darryl Rosen joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how a competitive advantage could be acquired by merely training employees to serve customers within an inch of their lives - and say "thank you."
Joel Barker joins Jim Blasingame to report on a drug-resistant form of tuberculosis, plus using printers to create titanium replacement bone.
Imagine harnessing naturally occurring, and sustainable, electricity and fuel. Joel Barker joins Jim Blasingame to report on plants that naturally produce electricity, and using liquid air as fuel for vehicles.
A U.S. energy policy can set goals, but must allow the marketplace to find the solutions. Joel Barker joins Jim Blasingame to discuss America’s need for a national energy policy that balances and embraces alternative energy innovation and conservation.
Monday - February 27, 2012
How much of what you expect from your business is based in reality and how much is wishful thinking? Pam Harper joins Jim Blasingame to explain how to manage the reality of your business policies and procedures through the expectations of stakeholders.
To be effective, managers need to be flexible in their communication styles. Pam Harper joins Jim Blasingame to explain how to tailor your messages to individual employees to accommodate their expectations.
Social media is custom-made for niche marketing. Ed Abel joins Jim Blasingame to discuss leveraging niche marketing by building communities using social media.
In the future, social media platforms will be tailored for individual communities. Ed Abel joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the social media-like platform he built for entrepreneurs and why that is the wave of the future.
You know how to sell your skill, but is your business structured for profit? Ed Abel joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why skillpreneurs are also small business owners and need to create a sustainable structure.
Age of the Customer forces are causing competitiveness to be trumped by relevance. Jim Blasingame talks about the global trend toward mobile computing and the recent Small Business Advocate Poll about small business and mobile.
Has the stubborn economic recovery caused voters to already make up their minds? Jim Blasingame discusses another Small Business Advocate Poll which revealed voters may have already decided that instead of "It's the economy," it's “anyone else.”
What will the economy look like for 2012? Richard DeKaser joins Jim Blasingame to report on the forecasts of business economists regarding how the economy will look for the rest of 2012.
Will unemployment be a factor in the 2012 election? Richard DeKaser joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the multi-faceted unemployment challenges facing the U.S. and how much it will impact the 2012 election.
The current unemployment percentage is misleading. Richard DeKaser joins Jim Blasingame to expose the inaccuracies of the current unemployment rate and propose reporting the national employment rate instead.
Tuesday - February 28, 2012
Why are women less likely to ask for what they’re worth? Vickie Milazzo joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the challenges of women in the marketplace to be assertive, confident and financially valued.
Women business ownership is growing very fast. Vickie Milazzo joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how far women business owners have come, but also what they must do to establish parity with men in the marketplace.
Customer expectations drive your need to innovate. Robert Brands joins Jim Blasingame to discuss innovation as a holistic and broad approach to constantly evolving customer expectations.
Being committed to innovating also means being acquainted with failure. Robert Brands joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to sustain innovation through inspiration, initiation, commitment, and not fearing failure.
Are your employees engaged in innovative and creative processes? Robert Brands joins Jim Blasingame to talk about including all employees in ideation and creation of innovations, plus rewarding innovation leadership.
Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Ilise Benun joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to grow from a solopreneur to the next level by delegating and investing in your business.
Have you considered LinkedIn as a prospecting tool? Ilise Benun joins Jim Blasingame to discuss using LinkedIn as a prospecting tool for customers through connections and group memberships.
What is the difference between the Tea Party and Occupy Wall Street? Guy Sorman joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the philosophical differences between the Tea Party and Occupy Wall Street and why both matter.
Can America accomplish compassionate conservatism? Guy Sorman joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why the Tea party and Occupy Wall Street groups should be focusing on reforms that create compassionate conservatism.
The greatest challenges for capitalism come from Washington, DC. Guy Sorman joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why Washington policies create more problems and challenges for compassionate conservatism.
Wednesday - February 29, 2012
You don't have to be a big company to benefit from branding sponsorships. Jim Wassell joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to maximize sponsorship opportunities by finding the right audience and the right sponsor partner.
Franchises are a good start-up alternative, especially in a slow economy. Jim Wassell joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the operational and financial benefits of a franchise start-up, even in a slow economy.
Cover all the bases on purpose. Gary Harpst joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why you need an intentional holistic approach to business management, rather than a random style of running and growing your business.
What percentage of what you do does not contribute to operational performance? Gary Harpst joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to proactively focus on the six elements of a holistic approach to management.
Is your organization structured for growth ? Gary Harpst joins Jim Blasingame to reveal the six elements of a holistic management approach, and how it can help you grow profitably as the economy expands.
When life closes a door are you ready for the window it opens? Jim Donovan joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why you must make yourself available to opportunities to realize your dreams.
What are you filling your brain with? Jim Donovan joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the importance of being a lifelong learner by reading from sources that will contribute to your personal growth.
Free hosted blog platforms have rules you may not like. Kathy Perry joins Jim Blasingame to reveal why you may not want to use one of the free hosting platforms for your blog, but rather host it yourself to avoid their restrictive rules.
Need more content ideas? Ask and listen to customers. Kathy Perry joins Jim Blasingame to reveal rich content sources, including what customers are telling you, plus industry news.
Can you turn a mistake into something that customers like? Kathy Perry joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how your business practices, including successes and failures, can be authentic, online content customers will like.
