Monday - April 02, 2012
What do Americans need to know when speaking to a non-English audience? Diane DiResta joins Jim Blasingame with tips on how to speak to non-English speaking audiences, including with interpreters.
Learn something about the culture and language when traveling abroad. Diane DiResta joins Jim Blasingame with tips on how to avoid the "Ugly American" moniker, by learning some words of the language and being sensitive to the culture.
Have you made plans for divesting of your small business? Russ Brown joins Jim Blasingame to recommend that every small business owner develop an internal succession plan.
What steps have to be taken to pass your business to the next owner? Russ Brown joins Jim Blasingame with tips and best practices on the process of grooming a member of your team to take over your small business when you’re ready to retire.
How does a business owner get paid when selling to internal purchasers? Russ Brown joins Jim Blasingame to ideas on how to structure a payout plan as part of an internal business succession transaction with managers or family.
How do you get the attention of a prospect and get some of their time? Tony Rutigliano joins Jim Blasingame to discuss what is new and not new with prospecting in The Age of the Customer™.
Before you can deliver your product you have to build trust. Tony Rutigliano joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why trust is more important today than ever before when creating customer relationships.
What does Santorum have to do to stay in the GOP race? Steve Forbes joins Jim Blasingame to say that Rick Santorum has to win a big state, like Wisconsin or Maryland, in order to stay in the race.
Will ObamaCare be judged unconstitutional by the Supreme Court? Steve Forbes joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how the Supreme Court will find regarding the constitutionality of Obamacare.
How will the economy impact the 2012 presidential election? Steve Forbes joins Jim Blasingame to predict that economic uncertainty and the intentions of the government will cause Romney to beat Obama.
Tuesday - April 03, 2012
Competitiveness requires innovation, which can't happen without creativity. Terry Murray joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the challenges and importance of fostering creativity in today’s multicultural, multi-generational workplace.
Will your management style allow the creativity your business requires? Terry Murray joins Jim Blasingame to discuss what managers have to be prepared to do in order to foster and lead the creative process necessary to compete.
How long will Santorum stay in the Republican primary race? Rich Galen joins Jim Blasingame to report why he believed Santorum will stay in the Republican primary race until the end of April.
Will the individual mandate be declared unconstitutional? Rich Galen joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the Supreme Court hearings on Obamacare, inferred justice biases, and the possible outcomes.
The 2012 presidential election will be impacted by the Supreme Court decision on Obamacare. Rich Galen joins Jim Blasingame to report on how the two parties will spin the Supreme Court’s Obamacare ruling, whatever it is.
Are you taking advantage of cloud-based resources? Jim Blasingame reveals examples of the power of cloud-based resources and how it can help you operate more efficiently, competitively and profitably.
True healthcare reform can only come from marketplace-based solutions. Jim Blasingame reports on a number of market-based healthcare reform options that work without increasing government control over our lives.
Here's a different kind of bucket list. John Harrison joins Jim Blasingame to talk about what you need to do to help yourself and loved ones deal with your business when you can't, including some organizational tips and tools.
How will your family and managers deal with your digital estate when you can't? John Harrison joins Jim Blasingame to talk about helping family access your digital life, including assets, accounts and documents when you can't.
Do your family members know what you want to happen when you can't take care of your own business? John Harrison joins Jim Blasingame to talk about why part of estate planning is to have "the talk" with family about your wishes, before it's too late.
Wednesday - April 04, 2012
Are you becoming more complacent and therefore less relevant? Pam Bilbrey joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to not become complacent in your business by listening to customers and watching industry trends.
What are the characteristics of leadership when practices by women? Pam Bilbrey joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how the leadership styles of women contribute to success in the marketplace, but can also have the opposite effect.
Why haven't property tax appraisals decreased with market values? Pete Sepp joins Jim Blasingame to report property taxes have not adjusted to housing market values, and how to get yours adjusted.
Only 50% of the House of Representatives regularly vote to limit government. Pete Sepp joins Jim Blasingame to report on the failure of the "political class" to be dedicated to budget reduction.
Should the government stick its nose into search engine practices? Pete Sepp joins Jim Blasingame to report on the fact that federal regulators are considering intruding into the practices of private, competitive search engines.
Are you ready for another social media platform? Lois Geller joins Jim Blasingame to report on the new social media site, Pinterest, how it works and why it seems to favor women users.
How a small business can benefit from a Pinterest strategy? Lois Geller joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to use Pinterest as part of your business’s online marketing and branding strategy.
What is the most desirable trait for a salesperson? Don Cooper joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the value of a positive attitude when hiring salespeople, even more than experience.
Is your salesforce adapting to 21st century prospect and customer expectations? Don Cooper joins Jim Blasingame to talk about some of the ways for your salesforce to stay positive and adaptable in order stay relevant to customers.
If your sales force isn't motivated, the problem is probably internal. Don Cooper joins Jim Blasingame to talk about some of the reasons why one salesperson, or an entire sales force, might be under-performing and how to fix it.
Thursday - April 05, 2012
Ask your customers – they have the answers. Jaynie Smith joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why research shows only 10% of businesses know what their customers really want and how to avoid this mistake.
Why relevance is trumping competitiveness. Jaynie Smith joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the competitive advantage of delivering on values that are relevant to your customers.
Stress triggers the production of cortisol, which is also corrosive. Jennifer Hawthorne joins Jim Blasingame to report on the corrosive impact of stress on your health, both physically and psychologically and therefore, your performance at work.
Reduce stress by taking care of yourself first. Jennifer Hawthorne joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how meditation and nutrigenomics can help you bring your best to the business.
Can supplements influence how your body deals with stress? Jennifer Hawthorne joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how certain herbs can help reduce cortisol and increase serotonin and your stress-coping ability.
Do your people buy into your ideas and believe what they do matters? Chester Elton joins Jim Blasingame to report on what research shows about the impact of positive culture change and how companies were able to improve their culture.
Foster a culture of belief through authentic leadership. Chester Elton joins Jim Blasingame to explain how making your people feel important and valued will help you extend a culture of belief to the last mile of your organization.
Facebook has an all make board of directors. Tim Berry joins Jim Blasingame to ask, with the majority of Facebook's customers are women, why aren't there any women on the board of directors?
There is a disconnect between women start-ups and venture capital. Tim Berry joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the fact that women are underrepresented when it comes to funding from venture capitalists.
There are concerns about legalizing crowdfunding. Tim Berry joins Jim Blasingame to share thoughts on some of the dangers and drawbacks to legalizing crowdfunding.
Friday - April 06, 2012
Justify price increases by demonstrating unique value. Bob Phibbs joins Jim Blasingame to say that a small business can acquire pricing power if they focus on those customers who will pay relevant value.
What does your pricing strategy look like? Bob Phibbs joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why every small business needs a pricing strategy that includes the cost, the market and your ability to deliver unique value.
Business optimism continues to slowly rise, aided by business operating efficiencies. Sam Norwood joins Jim Blasingame to report this month’s Tatum Survey indicates the economy is finally on an upward trend, because of production efficiencies.
Businesses are focusing more on customers and less on non-core competencies. Tatum's Sam Norwood joins Jim Blasingame to report strengthening order backlogs that are possible due to practicing outsourcing non-core competencies.
Even though unemployment has improved, it remains stubbornly high. Sam Norwood joins Jim Blasingame to report even though capital spending is up, employment continues to lag and perpetuates a slow recovery.
Your social media strategy should focus on opportunities? Joyce Weiss joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why you need a social media strategy that focuses on the right opportunities.
Setting boundaries in your personal and professional life. Joyce Weiss joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how learning how to establish boundaries in all parts of our lives contributes to less conflict.
Why is the UK economy still struggling? Kirk Cheyftiz joins Jim Blasingame to report on his work in the United Kingdom, the challenges of that economy, why it continues to struggle and associated lessons for the U.S.
Is collaboration a part of your growth strategy? Kirk Cheyftiz joins Jim Blasingame to reveal the power of collaboration, and several ways for a small business to create and leveraged it.
Stories are the future of marketing. Kirk Cheyftiz joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how classic storytelling meets new technology to create the perfect 21st century marketing strategy of connection, not manipulation.
Monday - April 09, 2012
Less than 2% of high-growth companies are woman owned. Olalah Njenga joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why, although women business owners are on par with men in terms of numbers, but not in terms of business size.
Do women focus too much on details instead of the bigger picture? Olalah Njenga joins Jim Blasingame with advice for women to break down business challenges into smaller pieces and ask for specific help.
Use influence communication tactics to advance your ideas. Rick Lepsinger joins Jim Blasingame to identify the four most prominent influencing tactics, including rational persuasion, that will help you gain commitment from others.
Use inspiration and consultation to influence others. Rick Lepsinger joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to gain commitment through the influencing tactics of inspiration appeal and consultation.
Are women better at using influencing tactics than men? Rick Lepsinger joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to gain commitment through collaboration, plus how the genders use commitment tactics differently.
Cloud computing is not only a business best practice, it creates jobs. Microsoft's Russ Madlener joins Jim Blasingame to report on research indicating how cloud computing will help small businesses create jobs in the future.
Small businesses can find efficiencies and opportunity in the cloud-based resources. Microsoft's Russ Madlener joins Jim Blasingame to discuss cloud resources available for small businesses from multi-faceted collaboration to data backup.
How much of your income should you save for retirement? Tom Hegna joins Jim Blasingame to recommend you save more than 10% - maybe as much as 20% after the kids are grown - for retirement.
How do you manage risk and guaranteed income for retirement? Tom Hegna joins Jim Blasingame to reveal some of the ways to maximize retirement income and minimize risk by adding insurance products.
How do you maximize your retirement income while leaving something for your family? Tom Hegna joins Jim Blasingame with advice on how to use life insurance products to allow you to maximize your retirement while leaving something to the kids.
Tuesday - April 10, 2012
How to make your banker your small business best friend. Jim Blasingame reveals what small businesses need to know about bankers, and vice versa, in order to speak each other’s language and have a successful relationship.
One of the greatest challenges for small business owners is they can’t find qualified applicants. Jim Blasingame reports a recent Small Business Advocate online poll indicates 70% of small businesses either can’t find qualified employees or aren’t hiring.
This year, because of a Washington D.C. holiday, the personal tax filing date is April 17. Barbara Weltman joins Jim Blasingame to remind us to file either a return or extension, plus the new tax payment extension option.
How can Americans estimate 2012 taxes when the tax code doesn't help them calculate what is owed? Barbara Weltman joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why Congress has not resolved 2012 tax provisions, causing estimated tax filing confusion.
There is still time to fund certain retirement plans and your HSA for 2011. Barbara Weltman joins Jim Blasingame to discuss retirement plans you can still put into place - and fund - for 2011, as well as your health savings account (HSA).
A small business brand is more about the experience you give customer than your logo. Maria Ross joins Jim Blasingame to reveal the critical elements of a small business brand and how to develop them.
When customers are your brand evangelists you have a power brand. Maria Ross joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the signs that point to whether your small business has a power brand.
Do you know the difference between a libertarian and a conservative? Ray Keating joins Jim Blasingame to differentiate between two kinds of political conservatives and libertarians but acknowledging that both distrust government and value self-determination.
Three years after the end of the recession, why isn't employment improving? Ray Keating joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the multi-faceted challenges of employment in the U.S. and how government is contributing to the problem.
Why can't the Washington political class get out of the way of economic recovery? Ray Keating joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how the policies and behavior of the political class in Washington are impeding economic recovery.
Wednesday - April 11, 2012
What do you do about a bad online review? Marie Dubuque joins Jim Blasingame to explain how to handle and recover from negative online customer reviews of your business on social media platforms.
What makes a recommendations on LinkedIn valuable? Marie Dubuque joins Jim Blasingame with tips on what makes a recommendation on LinkedIn valuable or not, and how to acquire them.
People do business with people they like a trust. Mike Stewart joins Jim Blasingame to discuss selling paradigm shifts as The Age of the Customer impacts customer relationships.
How do salespeople get through the gate keepers to the decision makers? Mike Stewart joins Jim Blasingame to reveal communication skills and the power of persuasion to get access to decision makers.
Being trustworthy is not just the right thing to do, it’s a business best practice. Mike Stewart joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the value of trust in selling, especially when seeking a referral.
Don't let your problems define you. Darrell Knoch joins Jim Blasingame with his inspirational story of how he transformed his negative self-image into confidence and prosperity.
Can you rise about your challenges? Darrell Knoch joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to recognize self-esteem issues you may not realize and rise above them to achieve success.
What do business owners in the EU think about their economy? Connie Certusi joins Jim Blasingame to report on the Sage Business Index polling of international business owners and the reaction is more negative in the EU since the last poll.
What is the attitude about the economy for U.S. small business owners? Connie Certusi joins Jim Blasingame to report on the Sage Business Index that shows American small businesses are more optimistic about their own businesses than they are about the economy.
What are small business owners most concerned about?Connie Certusi joins Jim Blasingame to reveal Sage Business Index findings of small business concerns, especially pricing pressure from vendors without the ability to raise prices, plus uncertainty about the economy.
Thursday - April 12, 2012
Every small business has to publish online. Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how to find topics to demonstrate a small business' thought-leadership in connecting with customers and prospects.
Only social media platforms are new. Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to remind us that social media has been around for thousands of years, and the new platforms are merely new tools.
Presidents use regulatory agencies to subvert the legislative process. Giovanni Coratolo joins Jim Blasingame with specific examples of how the Obama administration has used the EPA and other agencies to go around Congress.
Will Congress decide to extend or abolish the Bush tax cuts? Giovanni Coratolo joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how Congress will deal with the expiring Bush tax cuts, and other tax and budget issues.
Reagan was devoted to supply-side economics. Giovanni Coratolo joins Jim Blasingame to explain why President Reagan would not have been in favor of the Buffet Rule -- raising taxes on the wealthy - in 2012.
This year, 90% of consumers are researching purchases online. Microsoft's Carl Timm joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why your online presence is more important every day and must includes local search and mobile access.
Do you know how effective your online presence is? Carl Timm joins Jim Blasingame to reveal a new, free resource, brandify.com, that evaluates the effectiveness of your small business’s online presence to help you reach more customers.
Smartphones are growing internationally more than in the U.S. Chuck Martin joins Jim Blasingame to talk about his trips to Latin America and China, and what he learned about the adoption of smartphones there.
Smartphone adoption is growing in the U.S. Chuck Martin joins Jim Blasingame to report on the growing adoption of smartphones in the U.S. and what that means for small businesses.
If you're a small business owner, you must own a smartphone. Chuck Martin joins Jim Blasingame to explain why every small business owner must own a smartphone in order to understand the expectations of customers and prospects.
Friday - April 13, 2012
One of the most important relationships is with the time you have. Bob Negen joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the time we have and the work we have to do, and how to create a more productive relationship between these two.
Having a cool store front isn't enough to get customers to come back. Bob Negen joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why revitalizing downtown isn't enough, you have to create a memorable customer experience to create loyal customers.
The national debt, tax policies and other issues are taking a toll on small business optimism? NFIB’s Bill Dunkelberg joins Jim Blasingame to report small business optimism has turned negative, possibly from continuing economic and political uncertainty.
Why aren't small businesses hiring more? Bill Dunkelberg joins Jim Blasingame with the NFIB Small Business Index that indicates a continuing problem the growth elements of hiring and capital expenditures and why this is happening.
What is American exceptionalism and how does it work? NFIB's Bill Dunkelberg joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the uniqueness of American exceptionalism and why it is our best hope for solving our economic and debt crisis.
You can access global resources to manufacture their products. Linda Kozlowski joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how small businesses now have access to global sourcing contacts to help them make and market their products.
Now small businesses have access to global resources like big companies. Linda Kozlowski joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how Alibaba.com helps small businesses find and do business with global sourcing firms - and it's free.
Making a bad sales hire is very expensive. Brad Huisken joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how to successfully find, hire and train new sales people.
If your sales revenue is down, there are only three reasons. Brad Huisken joins Jim Blasingame to reveal the only three reasons our sales revenue is down and how to identify which is the real problem.
What do you do with difficult customers? Brad Huisken joins Jim Blasingame to reveal successful tips and best practices on how to manage difficult and unhappy customers to make them happy and keeps their business.
Monday - April 16, 2012
Do certain interest groups, including unions, use the proxy process to further their own agendas? Jim Copland joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how unions may abuse the shareholder proxy process by having a disproportionate affect on a company’s governance.
Would investors want to know if publicly traded companies abused small business vendors? Jim Copland joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how small businesses may be able to use the proxy process to expose abuses by big businesses toward small business vendors.
The JOBS Act was designed to ease the way for small businesses to raise investor capital. Cliff Ennico joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the elements of the JOBS Act, to loosen investment requirements and relax Sarbanes-Oxley for small businesses.
Parts of the JOBS Act will be good for some larger small businesses, but not all. Cliff Ennico joins Jim Blasingame to report on the parts of the JOBS Act that will help larger small businesses raise capital.
There is a reason capitalizing a small business is difficult - it's supposed to be. Cliff Ennico joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the crowdfunding elements of the JOBS Act and why it will be an advantage for some, but not for most small businesses.
How do you overcome the fear of public speaking? Jason Teteak joins Jim Blasingame to reveal that the way to overcome the fear of public speaking is to make sure what you say is something that will benefit your audience.
Using humor with an audience is not the same a telling jokes. Jason Teteak joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the four types of speakers and how the proper use of humor will make your audience feel safe.
What does it take to have a 20/20 focus on customers? JoAnna Brandi joins Jim Blasingame to reveal that asking customers what they want and giving it to them is half of the 20/20 customer focus strategy, and the other half is being innovative.
How much emotion is involved in successful customer care? JoAnna Brandi joins Jim Blasingame to reveal that paying attention to customer emotions is a big part of a successful 20/20 customer focus strategy, and she identifies what to look for.
Never ask customers to touch your policies or technology unless there is something in it for them. JoAnna Brandi joins Jim Blasingame to explain how policies and technology that serve the business often don't serve our 20/20 customer focus strategy.
Tuesday - April 17, 2012
Connect with customers by telling your business’s story. Karen Reisman joins Jim Blasingame to discuss making deeper connections with customers by telling the “why” story of your business, instead of just what you sell.
Connecting your business's story to what is relevant to customers. Karen Reisman joins Jim Blasingame with tips on telling customers the story of your business as if you were telling stories about your children.
Partnerships are better when they're formed organically, not forced. David Gage joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why the most successful way to form a partnerships is to do it with patience and intention, not by forcing people together.
Most people don't know how to create a successful partnership. David Gage joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the successful collaborations of partnerships when values, roles and finances are clearly defined and discussed in advance.
Successful business partners compare their values early and often. David Gage joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how to discuss scenario planning with your potential business partner to compare values and expectations.
How far have you gotten in your dreams? Jim Blasingame compares the dreams of pro golfers, small business owners, and the rough reality that they both face in order to find success, against all odds.
When you raise tax rates on job creators, they invest less. Jim Blasingame talks about the proposed Buffet Rule that would increase taxes on the wealthy, and why small business owners don't agree with paying extra taxes on success.
Do people have a different opinion of their own networking ability and that of others? Ivan Misner joins Jim Blasingame to reveal why most of us think we're good at networking, but we don't think other people are.
Like sales performance, networking activity should be tracked and measured. Ivan Misner joins Jim Blasingame to reveal that when it comes to tracking and analyzing networking activity, women are better than men, and why.
Why do women think of business in relationship terms?Ivan Misner joins Jim Blasingame to reveal why women think of business in relationship terms while men are more transactional, and which approach is better.
Wednesday - April 18, 2012
Do you and your managers have the talent to take your business into the future? John Bradberry joins Jim Blasingame to identify executive skills and talents that are required of executives for any size business.
Have your managers been evaluated for executive capability? John Bradberry joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how he assesses executives to determine what they need to improve, and/or who needs to be replaced.
Does President Obama have inside information on how the Supreme Court will decide ObamaCare? Grace-Marie Turner joins Jim Blasingame to discuss whether President Obama’s comments on the Supreme Court's hearings on ObamaCare indicate he knows their decision.
Even if the individual mandate is struck down, there are plenty of other hazards in ObamaCare. Grace-Marie Turner joins Jim Blasingame to discuss what could happen to health care reform if any or all of ObamaCare is declared unconstitutional.
Can the government force companies to provide health coverage? Grace-Marie Turner joins Jim Blasingame to report that even if ObamaCare's individual mandate is declared unconstitutional, the employer mandate would still be in effect.
It’s easy to start a small business, it’s not easy to run and grow one successfully. Carol Roth joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the realities and challenges of running and growing a small business in the current economy.
Crowdfunding sounds like a good idea, but what are the realities? Carol Roth joins Jim Blasingame to report on limitations of the crowdfunding provision of the JOBS Act and whether it will help small businesses.
Have you ever been sued for not paying an employee what was promised? Tom Markel joins Jim Blasingame to explain the process he went through to answer an official compensation complaint by a former employee.
Do you practice virtuous leadership? Tom Markel joins Jim Blasingame to explain the power and pitfalls of practicing virtuous leadership with employees, contractors and customers.
Is there a limit to practicing virtuous leadership? Tom Markel joins Jim Blasingame to talk about some of the challenges of being a virtuous leader and how to turn them into blessings, if not opportunities.
Thursday - April 19, 2012
Supplier diversity policies and laws can be good news for small business. Janet Christy joins Jim Blasingame to explain what supplier diversity policies and laws are and how small businesses can take advantage of them.
Are large contractor diversity programs serving small business? Janet Christy joins Jim Blasingame to report on the challenges of working with diversity program liaisons of large contractors and why they aren't serving small businesses as they well as they could.
Who knew social media would become a big marketing tool for businesses? Pam Harper joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how small businesses can identify and take advantage of emerging opportunities.
Get outside of your four walls to identify emerging opportunities. Pam Harper joins Jim Blasingame to discuss where to go, who to see and what to read in order to identify and take advantage of emerging opportunities.
How to stay on the leading edge of emerging opportunities, without tipping over into the bleeding edge. Pam Harper joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to avoid the capital bleeding edge when taking advantage of leading edge emerging opportunities.
Working calmly active and actively calm. Jim Ballard joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to work in the flow and stay in the moment by controlling your attention energy.
The journey is a greater part of your life than destination arrival. Jim Ballard joins Jim Blasingame to reveal why valuing all the points of the journey of life and business, more than the ultimate destination or goal.
What is the relationship between search engine optimization and content creation? Jon Wuebben joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how to grow your business by maximizing the relationship between content and SEO (search engine optimization).
What kind of content do search engines like? Jon Wuebben joins Jim Blasingame to talk about how to create content that create the best ranking by search engines, plus how often to post content.
Is your Main Street business optimized for local search? Jon Wuebben joins Jim Blasingame to reveal what you have to do to make sure customers find your small business when they do a local search for what you sell.
Friday - April 20, 2012
Charisma is about how you connect with other people. Ruth Sherman joins Jim Blasingame to explain why charisma can be learned, and how to use it to your advantage.
One of the best parts of charisma is keeping your mouth shut. Ruth Sherman joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how to become more charismatic by being a good listener and developing good interpersonal skills and techniques.
Relationship banking is still possible with independent community banks. Camden Fine joins Jim Blasingame to explain why the difference between big banks and independent community banks is a big deal to small businesses.
Community banks make 60% of small business loans and 75% of farm loans. Camden Fine joins Jim Blasingame to report how new regulations hurt the ability of community banks to help small businesses grow their business and the economy.
Small businesses need to support S.1600 and HR.1697 Communities First Act. Camden Fine joins Jim Blasingame to report how the JOBS Act will help community banks, plus why the Communities First Act is important for small banks and small businesses.
A brand is more than a name or a logo. Laurence Vincent joins Jim Blasingame to report even though there are more brands today, people still want to do business with those they can count on.
Brand value is in the customer experience. Laurence Vincent joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how the value of the customer experience defines your brand, plus how to think about naming your brand.
Are wooden pallets a thing of the past? Joel Barker joins Jim Blasingame to report on a new way to make shipping pallets out of paper instead of wood, and why a small business owner should care.
Why should you care about Nike's new knit shoe? Joel Barker joins Jim Blasingame to report on the multi-faceted impact of a new knitted shoe that Nike is offering and why small businesses should care.
Giving with a glad heart may result in a healthy heart. Joel Barker joins Jim Blasingame to report on research that shows when we give to others, it actually contributes to better health.
Monday - April 23, 2012
Virtual world technology is here and growing. Jori Clarke joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how virtual world technology is changing the way customers find you and how our children will live and do business in the future.
Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. Jori Clarke joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to help younger generations put all of the content they're consuming into the level of context that serves the greater good, not just themselves.
The customer acquisition cycle is the blending of marketing and sales. Ed Abel joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the patience and perseverance required in managing sales and marketing cycles and how they overlap.
How do you stay in front of customers, even when they’re not buying? Ed Abel joins Jim Blasingame to reveal the process of converting marketing messaging and contacts into a selling cycle that closes sales.
Nothing can replace the power of face-to-face with sales prospects. Ed Abel joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the power of face-to-face and how to incorporate technology in support of it with prospects and customers.
What does “Made in America” really mean today? Alan Uke joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why product labeling should be changed to reflect the true origins of all product components and assembly.
Consumer protectionism is good – government protectionism is not. Alan Uke joins Jim Blasingame to promote a law requiring the labeling of all products with the origin of any components, to help consumers make better decisions.
Can small business compete in a price-conscious environment? John Audette joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how small businesses can compete against the big boxes without joining the price war.
The only way to compete against price is with value. John Audette joins Jim Blasingame to reveal several value elements that will help your small business compete against low prices online.
Use technology to stay out of the price war. John Audette joins Jim Blasingame to reveal that one way to fight low price competitors is to meet customer expectations when they want to find your business online.
Tuesday - April 24, 2012
Helping veterans join the marketplace as better networkers. Andrea Nierenberg joins Jim Blasingame to discuss what she and others are doing to help veterans transition from the military to the marketplace by becoming good at networking.
Network with big companies by thinking how they think. Andrea Nierenberg joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to effectively network with big companies through due diligence and a customized approach.
What should small business owners do when they don't like selling. Mary Cantando joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how small business owners who don't like selling should think about sales as something else you like to do, like sports or a hobby.
Six powerful words, “What can I do for you?” Mary Cantando joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to strengthen connections with customers by finding out how to help them outside of the business.
Why you should have a many contacts inside a customer organization. Mary Cantando joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to strengthen customer relationships by building a network inside the company, plus categorizing revenue by industry.
Small business’s competitive advantage is delivering customer experience, not price. Sarah Petty and Erin Verbeck join Jim Blasingame to reveal how to create a great customer experience that will help you sell for profit, not for price.
Marketing is about sales, promotion is about relationships. Sarah Petty and Erin Verbeck join Jim Blasingame to discuss the differences in marketing and promotion and offer ideas to market and promote a boutique business.
The 2012 Insperity Championship is 9 years old. Paul Sarvadi joins Jim Blasingame to talk about the 9th Insperity Championship tournament, part of the PGA Champions Tour, including how much money has been raised for charity.
Insperity has a 25 year successful growth track record. Paul Sarvadi joins Jim Blasingame to discuss what a successful business growth strategy looks like, including how to deal with ideas that don't work.
After three years, uncertainty is still holding back economic recovery. Paul Sarvadi joins Jim Blasingame to explain why he thinks the spectre of uncertainty about taxes and health care reform has contributed to poor economic recovery.
Wednesday - April 25, 2012
There are more generations in the workplace today than ever before. Jim Blasingame reveals results of a Small Business Advocate Poll on communication issues arising from multiple generations in the workplace.
How is Fed policy helping home buyers and businesses? Bob McTeer joins Jim Blasingame to explain how Federal Reserves policies are lowering long-term interest, which should help corporations and real estate buyers.
Will Fed monetary policies ultimately be good for the recovery? Bob McTeer joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why he thinks the accommodate easing the Fed has been doing will ultimately pay off as the economy grows.
More regulations are not the answer to bad financial behavior. Bob McTeer joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the over-reaching and ineffective regulations that don't solve problems, but create impediments to economic growth.
A day to honor those critical members of every organization.. Gayle Buske joins Jim Blasingame to celebrate and praise administrative professionals, both in house and virtual assistants.
Have you ever considered working with a virtual assistant? Gayle Buske joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to find, hire and work with virtual assistants, both for special projects or full-time.
The U.S. just hit $2 trillion in export sales. Doug Barry joins Jim Blasingame to report a $500 billion increase in U.S. exporting due to the trust and reliability of American companies and products.
The U.S. Commercial Service has many partners to provide free exporting education. Doug Barry joins Jim Blasingame to report on the hundreds of places to find free exporting educational services and mentoring.
There is help available to find export customers abroad. Doug Barry joins Jim Blasingame to report on how the U.S. Commercial Service helps small businesses find, contact, sell and export to customers abroad.
Is Obamacare at cross purposes with job and income growth? Jim Blasingame explains why promises made about how Obamacare would pay for itself and help small businesses are now being proven to be false.
Thursday - April 26, 2012
What are the advantages of cloud data backup? Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the options and drawbacks of free online data storage and backup, including the new cloud back-up by Google, Microsoft and others.
LinkedIn is a great networking tool for professionals. Jeff Zbar joins Jim Blasingame to explain how to use LinkedIn as a professional networking tool and how to use its community of groups.
How do you know which social media platform is best for your business? Kathy Perry joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to decide which social media platform is best for your business, including how to use Pinterest.
Don’t allow social media to take over your life. Kathy Perry joins Jim Blasingame to discuss managing the time you spend on social media, plus why Facebook bought Instagram.
How much lost employee productivity is from social media distractions? Kathy Perry joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why you need a social policy for employees to eliminate distractions and promote productivity.
How can small businesses stop operating in the "whirlwind?" Chris McChesney joins Jim Blasingame to reveal tips and best practices to help you learn the disciplines of execution that will help you avoid the crisis management trap.
Are you and your team focused enough to do what’s best for your company long term? Chris McChesney joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how make a commitment to the execution of your long-term strategy, even if you have to subordinate what seem like emergencies.
You have the right to define the culture of your business. Dave Anderson joins Jim Blasingame to explain why every business owner must be specific and emphatic about creating the culture in their business they think is best.
One bad hire can hurt your business culture. Dave Anderson joins Jim Blasingame to explain how to interview prospective employees to determine if they will fit in with the culture of your business.
Establish a business culture that encourages accomplishment. Dave Anderson joins Jim Blasingame to explain why celebrating employees who accomplish goals and seek excellence is not at the expense of those who don't.
Friday - April 27, 2012
Teach children about entrepreneurship with a lemonade stand. Julie Eberly joins Jim Blasingame to discuss National Lemonade Day that encourages teaching entrepreneurial skills and thinking to children through lemonade stands.
Celebrate Lemonade Day by teaching entrepreneurial lessons to children. Julie Eberly joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the collaborative, entrepreneurial lessons and projects of LemonadeDay.org.
Small businesses aren’t hiring because of the uncertainty of Obamacare. Kristy Campbell joins Jim Blasingame to report why small businesses don’t like Obamacare and think it will negatively impact their business.
What are the issues that are affecting small business optimism? Kristy Campbell joins Jim Blasingame to report why small businesses are most concerned about high fuel costs, access to credit and uncertain taxes.
Small businesses are using free online resources to grow their traditional businesses. Kristy Campbell joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the resourcefulness of small businesses in using technology and free networking resources in support of their traditional business.
Are you a leader or a driver? Tom Anastasi joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how and when to use the coaching leadership style, plus ow the generations and genders respond differently to this style.
Encourage performance with a pace-setting leadership style. Tom Anastasi joins Jim Blasingame to reveal how to effectively use the pace-setting leadership style to set realistic goals and rewards for employees, especially sales teams.
Profitable project management is not about accounting. Joe Knight joins Jim Blasingame to reveal why you must conduct project management in an execution universe that is parallel to the accounting principles.
Project management must include progress, cash and banking relationships. Joe Knight joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to conduct project management that tracks cash closely and, therefore, makes your banker happy.
Check on project progress weekly, not monthly. Joe Knight joins Jim Blasingame to explain why successful projects are reviewed weekly, not monthly, especially the progress of sub-contractors.
Monday - April 30, 2012
Make sure your compensation and incentive plans benefit everyone long term. Pat Sigmon joins Jim Blasingame to discuss creating compensation and incentive plans that don't become unsustainable over time.
Be aware that sometimes when you help an employee, it may backfire. Pat Sigmon joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the pitfalls of getting too close to employees, including loaning money.
China has more college graduates than the U.S. and India combined. Ted Fishman joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how China focuses on education, through spending inside the country and abroad.
Does the U.S. have a college affordability problem? Ted Fishman joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why and how some communities are helping their young citizens pursue a college education.
Communities not only need well-educated youth, but also new job creators. Ted Fishman joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how to create a balance between higher education and job creation within a community.
Research shows great leaders learn character traits from their parents or influential mentors. David Lapin joins Jim Blasingame to discuss how great leaders have a sense of higher purpose or destiny and see their work as a vehicle to achieve that purpose.
Albert Camus said, “Integrity has no need of rules.” David Lapin joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the loss of integrity and over-lawyering of our society and what it will take to get back to valuing leadership based on character.
governments need tax revenue to serve and protect its citizens. Chuck Kadlec joins Jim Blasingame to discuss when a government's need for tax revenue to serve and protect its citizens crosses the line and starts diminishing liberty.
What do some states know about the balance between taxation and economic growth? Chuck Kadlec joins Jim Blasingame to reveal why the states with the lowest tax rates have the highest economic growth performance.
Governments should take better care of its golden good, the private sector. Chuck Kadlec joins Jim Blasingame to compare the private sector to the golden goose and how governments could take better care of it.
