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Thu, 10 Sep 2015 18:57:03 GMT
Steve Jones, assistant vice president and spokesman for The Hartford's Small Business Insurance, explains why the vast majority of proprietors prefer to be called small business owners rather than entrepreneurs. Jones also explains how business owners and entrepreneurs view their work differently but why there's one common ingredient for many who start their own business.
Wed, 2 Sep 2015 18:22:00 GMT
Networking for Nerds author Alaina Levine explains why networking is critical, even for business owners who hate it. She tells us how to make the right contacts and build symbiotic relationships with people and how to avoid being the person who always wants something.
Wed, 26 Aug 2015 20:43:08 GMT
Goldstar CEO Jim McCarthy shares the story of how the popular site to purchase tickets for live events at low prices began. McCarthy tells us how the company finds customers and reveals the hard work needed to guarantee low prices. And he details how Goldstar has evolved with new technologies over the past 13 years.
Thu, 20 Aug 2015 19:40:10 GMT
Amazing.com Co-Founder Jason Katzenback shares his entrepreneurial journey, including the moment he knew he couldn't work for someone else. He also explains how effective sales and marketing can lead to explosive revenues and why there's never a substitute for hard work.
Wed, 27 May 2015 17:50:28 GMT
Customer Analytics for Dummies author Jeff Sauro tells us the best ways to determine if our customers love the service they get from our business, tolerate it or just plain hate it. He also explains how to respond effectively to unsatisfied customers and why it's vital to know what your customers think.
Wed, 20 May 2015 19:23:15 GMT
As we celebrate National Small Business Month, a new survey by TD Bank shows nearly half of all small business owners have no retirement plan and over a quarter are not confident they will have enough money to retire. Jay DesMarteau, head of small business banking at TD Bank, explains how to plan for a smooth transition into a successful retirement and why the survey also shows entrepreneurism is alive and well.
Wed, 13 May 2015 17:48:27 GMT
Mom Made Foods Founder Heather Stouffer tells us how she transformed from a busy mom searching for quick, healthy meals for her kids to starting and running the company that solved her problem. Stouffer explains how Mom Made Foods is different from the other companies in that market, the many questions she answered before launching her own business and how you can tell if your business idea is worth pursuing.
Wed, 6 May 2015 20:03:56 GMT
Leading Women co-author Dr. Nancy O'Reilly explains Connecting 2.0 and how it can change your business. O'Reilly says just getting to know people and discovering common interests and experiences will naturally open more business opportunities than any sort of carefully choreographed strategy. She also tells us why this is an especially vital mindset for small business owvers.
Thu, 30 Apr 2015 17:42:10 GMT
Selfish, Scared and Stupid author Dan Gregory tells us why a lazy employee may be a big help in making your business run more efficiently. Gregory explains why more freedom for employees is a good thing but must be properly managed. And he reveals how the concept work differently for smaller businesses.
Wed, 22 Apr 2015 19:26:05 GMT
Entrepreneur's Organization Global Chairman Blair Assaly joins us to discuss the results of the group's 2015 Global Entrepreneur Indicator. Assaly tells us why the survey concludes entrepreneurs are increasingly bullish in terms of growth and hirings, what indicators you should study to determine if now is the time to pursue your dream and why entrepreneur sentiment is the best indicator of where the global economy is headed.
Wed, 15 Apr 2015 17:47:55 GMT
Longtime CEO and Thirteeners author Daniel F. Prosser tells us why only 13 percent of businesses successfully implement their strategies each year. Prosser explains how business is really a collection of conversations that need to engage and encourage the entire team to buy in and put forth its best effort. He also tells us how to maintain order while encouraging new ideas and why a little chaos is good for a business.
Wed, 8 Apr 2015 18:30:52 GMT
SiteLock President Neill Feather joins us to discuss the massive health company data breaches and how your business can be protected from hackers and other threats. Feather explains why so many company websites are vulnerable and why most firms are out of business within six months of a data breach.
Wed, 18 Mar 2015 18:11:54 GMT
Dorian Cunion, manager of franchise marketing and recruitment for 7-Eleven, Inc., joins us to discuss the opportunity for Americans to become 7-Eleven franchisees while saving tens of thousands of dollars in fees. Cunion explains how the Zero Franchising Fee Initiative got started, who would make a good franchisee and how this could be the start of your entrepreneurial dream.
Wed, 4 Mar 2015 21:02:36 GMT
Pocket Man author Scott Jordan tells us how he transformed the idea of updating the travel vest from an entrepreneurial dream into the SCOTTeVEST juggernaut worth more than $50 million. Jordan explains how he cornered the market on internet clothing, how he motivated himself to leave a successful legal career to pursue his dream and how not having a set business plan actually worked to his benefit. He also takes us inside his legendary visit to the "Shark Tank."
Wed, 25 Feb 2015 20:28:49 GMT
>em>Got Social Mediology? author Jay Iszo joins us to discuss how to get a real return on your investment from social media. Also known as The Internet Doctor, Iszo explains how to determine which social media platforms are best for you, why the Facebook business page is dead and why all social media activity ought to start on the personal side and then move to professional. Finally, Iszo says social media is not going anywhere and offers a preview of what's likely coming next.
Wed, 18 Feb 2015 19:29:07 GMT
Peter Winick of Thought Leadership Leverage explains what a true vision for a small business looks like, how to tell if you really have one and how to cast a vision properly. Winick also tells us about his own entrepreneurial journey and tells us why some business owners may not need to focus on a vision.
Fri, 13 Feb 2015 16:10:17 GMT
Xero.com Small Business Advocate Gregg Stebben urges aspiring entrepreneurs to understand how much money it takes to successfully launch a business and not leap until you're ready. Stebben explains how he learned this lesson the hard way and he offers insights on how to test the viability of a new business before giving up your current job.
Wed, 4 Feb 2015 19:41:31 GMT
Fairness is Overrated author Tim Stevens shares some of his 52 leadership principles, from defining what you and your business are going to be to hiring the right people to building a winning culture. Stevens tells us why you cannot teach character, why it's wrong to assume talented subordinates will make good leaders and how business owners can wisely hand over some responsibilities to those who have proven to be competent and trustworthy.
Wed, 28 Jan 2015 20:03:11 GMT
GRIT author Dr. Paul Stoltz tells how to measure the qualities it takes to succeed in small business. Using GRIT as an acronym, Stoltz explains how we can evaluate growth in our company as well as our resiliency, instinct and tenacity. He also offers advice on how to improve in all these areas.
Wed, 21 Jan 2015 19:13:02 GMT
MCG Loans CEO Stan Brill shares his powerful story of leaving the Soviet Union as a child and following his father's example to entrepreneurial success in America. Brill tells us how he got his big break, the most important lesson he's learned in business and when it's a good idea for small business owners to pursue a loan.
Wed, 14 Jan 2015 19:38:11 GMT
Imprint Plus CEO Marla Kott explains why the branding of your business is more important than ever and tells us why making customers feel special doesn't take a lot of time or cost a lot of money. Kott also reveals how transform employees into brand ambassadors and how this approach has impacted her own business.
Wed, 7 Jan 2015 19:31:22 GMT
Whatever It Takes Network Founder Grant Cardone tells us what is needed to launch a successful business in 2015. Cardone explains how to set goals, how much business planning you ought to do before taking the leap and why you must be ready to put everything into your business. He also urges entrepreneurs not to be lazy by relying too much on digital technology and why he believes it is vital to use the phone for all critical communications.
Tue, 23 Dec 2014 17:31:43 GMT
Building A Magnetic Culture author Kevin Sheridan says entrepreneurs can learn several key business lessons from the amazing story of Louis Zamperini, the man profiled in the book and movie, "Unbroken". Sheridan says mentorship played a key role in Zamperini's life and is indispensible for business owners. Other takeaways include a naturally positive attitude, the courage to overcome major challenges and setbacks, making sure to recognize others for their achievements and the ability to forgive and move beyond painful events from the past.
Mon, 22 Dec 2014 21:04:40 GMT
The hacking of Sony's emails brought great embarrassment to company executives after their private gripes about actors and jokes about what movie President Obama likes best became public. GetContent.net CEO Mike Song walks us through simple ways to make sure you and your business don't suffer the same fate. Song tells us why sending emails while emotional is always a bad idea, why speculation and sarcasm should also be avoided and why the Sony fallout is a good reminder that personal communication still works best.
Wed, 17 Dec 2014 21:26:52 GMT
Uplifting Service author Ron Kaufman offers advice on how to handle customer complaints during the bustle of the holiday season or any other time of year. Kaufman explains why business owners should be grateful for complaints and how to convey to customers that their business is valued and their concerns will be addressed. He also tells us how to deal with people who simply like to complain.
Wed, 10 Dec 2014 20:10:39 GMT
How to Ruin A Business Without Really Trying author M.J. Gottlieb discusses his new book of entrepreneurial lessons learned the hard way, from never making decisions based on emotion to never writing checks to "cash" to never hiring friends. Gottlieb explains why learning from mistakes can be far more helpful than hearing success stories but he also explains why his list of errors should not scare off potential entrepreneurs.
Wed, 3 Dec 2014 20:29:47 GMT
Business author and speaker Liz Jazwiec tells us why the customer experience is just as important as the quality of your product or service and why creating a memorable customer experience is not nearly as difficult or expensive as we might think. Also the author of Service Excellence Is as Easy as PIE, Jazwiec shreds many existing myths about why excellent customer service is supposedly so hard to provide.
Tue, 25 Nov 2014 18:31:23 GMT
Kathy Bromage, senior vice president and chief marketing officer at The Hartford, discusses the results of the company's 2014 Small Business Success Study. Bromage tells us that most small business owners consider themselves successful but how they define success may surprise you. She also details why the vast majority of business owners are not hiring and don't plan to add employees anytime soon.
Wed, 19 Nov 2014 17:44:35 GMT
ViSalus CEO Ryan Blair shares the story of his tumultuous journey from troubled teenager to immensely successful entrepreneur. In connection with National Entrepreneurship Month, Blair explains how he honed his entrepreneurial instincts at a young age, what the keys are to a successful startup and what he's learned from the triumphs and setbacks along his path to tremendous success.
Thu, 13 Nov 2014 19:06:14 GMT
Former Charles Schwab CEO and Stacking the Deck author David Pottruck tells us how to navigate major changes in your business. Pottruck explains why there's always going to be resistance to change and what to look for in the people who will help you carry out the change. He also discusses why the principles behind successful changes work for businesses of any size.
Thu, 6 Nov 2014 16:47:42 GMT
B Lab Communications Director Katie Kerr explains the philosophy of the benefit corporation movement and and the advantages for small business to join the cause of giving back to their communities. Kerr tells us what criteria must be met for a business to earn the "benefit corporation" label, how that generosity makes a difference in local communities and why it makes sense for businesses to emvrace giving back even during tough economic times.
Thu, 30 Oct 2014 16:43:36 GMT
Barefoot Wines founder Michael Houlihan explains how to shake your talented employees out of complacency and inspire them to be part a thriving innovative culture. Also the author of The Entrepreneurial Culture, Houlihan discusses the indicators that your people are going through the motions and how to convince them their input and ideas are welcome and vital to the company. He also offers the sometimes difficult advice on how business owners can get out of the way of their employees so they can maximize their talent.
Wed, 22 Oct 2014 17:48:20 GMT
BizBash founder and CEO David Adler explains how he got the inspiration to start BizBash, a company dedicated to helping other businesses hold successful events and facilitating life-changing networking opportunities for all in attendance. Adler explains how he raised the money to get BizBash off the ground, what makes a successful event and how small businesses can do this effectively on very little money.
Wed, 15 Oct 2014 19:53:17 GMT
A World Gone Social author Ted Coine explains how businesses need to realize the industrial age is over and the social age is here and the key to success in the future. Coine tells us what real engagement with customers looks like and why trying to change your culture should be done one step at a time rather than all at once. Finally, Coine offers tips on how small business owners can adapt to the social age.
Wed, 8 Oct 2014 20:31:33 GMT
Fort Houston Owner and Director of Operations Ryan Schemmel explains the inspiration for his business, which he describes as a gym for artists. Fort Houston offers memberships and mentoring for people interested in arts ranging from woodwork to mechanical projects to photography and more. Schemmel also walks us through the challenges of getting a unique business off the ground, how fast growth actually led to more challenges and how many other small businesses take advantage of the services offered at Fort Houston.
Fri, 26 Sep 2014 21:12:43 GMT
People Tools for Business author Alan C. Fox shares core principles for dealing with employees and customers, from textbook advice to unconventional wisdom. Fox stresses well-known ideals like avoiding always having other people admit you were right, delayed gratification and not running out of cash. However, he also explains the value of concepts like being a contrarian and seeing that for many people emotion trumps intellect.
Fri, 26 Sep 2014 15:51:45 GMT
Junior Achievement USA President and CEO Jack Kosakowski tells us how the new JA Company Program is poised to help teenagers understand and embrace entrepreneurship. Kosakowski explains how the program walks teens through the steps for responsibly starting a business and teaches them terrific life skills even if they don't become entrepreneurs. He also highlights the importance of mentorship and how it is a critical part of the new program.
Wed, 17 Sep 2014 18:55:09 GMT
Martin Luenendonk, founder of the Finance Club and Entrepreneurial Insights, tells us how to use Facebook as a powerful marketing tool. Luenendonk explains why advertising and engagement on Facebook is especially lucrative and walks us through the different options on reaching your desired audience. He also details how to adjust your Facebook marketing strategy if your initial results do not meet expectations.
Thu, 11 Sep 2014 19:56:24 GMT
Van Moody, author of The People Factor, offers advice on handling toxic customers. Moody explains the difference between toxic customers and those who are simply unpleasant or very demanding and details how to engage them in an effort to improve your relationship with them. He also tells us what to do if a customer remains toxic but is a vital part of your revenue stream and how to break ties with them as amicably as possible.
Thu, 4 Sep 2014 20:33:33 GMT
Influence Central Vice President of Client Strategy Megan Maguire tells us why members of the millennial generation evaluate and choose brands much differently than any previous generation. She also explains the different strategies to connect with young adults and what tactics are major turn-offs for them.
Wed, 27 Aug 2014 18:41:58 GMT
Mark Satterfield, author of The One Week Marketing Plan, walks us through the five steps to attracting new customers. He explains why niche marketing is especially effective, how free offers for quality products always get attention and how to turn that interest into internet traffic and new clients interested in your day-to-day work.
Wed, 20 Aug 2014 20:31:06 GMT
Blo BlowDry Bar CEO Ari Yakobson shares the story of how a business devoted simply to blow drying hair got started and rocketed to success. He tells us how women were convinced to get work done on their hair somewhere besides their regular salon. Yakobson also explains why he began to franchise the business throughout North America, the benefits and risks involved in franchising and why running a local franchise of an established company is often a tremendous opportunity.
Thu, 14 Aug 2014 19:51:27 GMT
Scale author David Finkel walks us through seven steps that will only grow your business but also free up your life away from it. Finkel explains how to get the point where a business runs smoothly without the owner hovering over all the details, why clear internal controls are so valuable and how to create the right strategic plan. He also gives tips on finding out why your customers do business with you and tells us why landing new customers is important but not the most likely path to greater revenues.
Wed, 6 Aug 2014 18:47:01 GMT
Business author and speaker Jon Gordon outlines eleven fundamental ways to show customers and clients that you care. Also the author of The Carpenter: A Story About the Greatest Success Strategies of All. Gordon explains why simple gestures like giving someone your undivided attention, remembering a customer's name and jeven smiling are lost arts and can help your business stand out from your competitors. He also tells us how to train your team to embrace and implement these simple courtesies.
Wed, 30 Jul 2014 19:37:38 GMT
Women's Business Enterprise National Council President Pamela Prince-Eason explains the CORE components of helping women achieve their entrepreneurial dreams. She also tells about her group's efforts to certify women-owned businesses and even place logos on products to let consumers know it comes from those businesses. Finally, Prince-Eason reveals how women are making great strides in areas of the economy traditionally dominated by men and why women are often better at spotting the need for a new product or service.
Wed, 23 Jul 2014 23:05:17 GMT
Entrepreneur, blogger and author Barry Moltz joins to discuss what he considers seven dangerous lies that entrepreneurs tell themselves. Ranging from complacency issues like keeping your financial records in your head and assuming your competition is slower than you to betting your company's future on the next big hire or client, Moltz details why we believe these lies and how to change our thinking. He also offers advice on how to distinguish being busy from being productive.
Wed, 16 Jul 2014 20:27:56 GMT
Karen Rands of the Launch Funding Network shares critical advice on how to raise capital for your budding small business. Rands explains why the amount of money you request should be substantially higher than what you think you'll need and what potential investors will want to know from you. She also offers insight on how to change your pitch if the intial response is underwhelming.
Wed, 9 Jul 2014 19:47:32 GMT
Agile Selling author Jill Konrath tells us how to stay ahead of the competition in the ever-changing pursuit of sales. With customer needs constantly shifting and new tactics regularly entering the field, Konrath explains why there is no substitute for constant learning but that there are methods to help you learn what you need to know in a short period of time. Konrath also reveals how to get the "gobbledygook" out of your presentations, why personal stories work best and what to do if sales just isn't your thing as a business owner.
Thu, 3 Jul 2014 16:29:10 GMT
Business professor and Hungry Start-up Strategy author Peter S. Cohan walks us through six key components to a successful small business start-up. Cohan tells us how to determine which markets to target and how to achieve considerable market share. He also details how to set proper goals, finance the business responsibly and hire the right people. Finally, he explains how the entrepreneur's role needs to change as a start-up evolves into an established business.
Wed, 25 Jun 2014 21:25:22 GMT
Lance Walley of Chargify explains the genesis of the business that takes care of billings and collections for other small businesses. Walley tells us how Chargify is much differerent than PayPal and why his service is of great benefit to business owners and consumers. He also shares the most valuable lesson he's learned on the path to entrepreneurial success.
Wed, 18 Jun 2014 20:35:15 GMT
Virool.com's Alexander Debelov offers insights on how to make your business promotions attract a huge audience. Debelov explains when to post your material, how to generate buzz even before anyone else has seen it and how to build excitement again after the initial excitement begins to fade. He also tells us the one thing that must be in place if your ads or videos have any chance of going viral.
Wed, 11 Jun 2014 21:48:58 GMT
JoyTunes founder Yuval Kaminka tells us where the inspiration for his leading music education app came from and how his business went from one table in an Israeli mall to a worldwide hit. Kaminka also tells us how he keeps pressing forward to stay ahead of the competition and avoid the perils of complacency.
Wed, 4 Jun 2014 22:15:41 GMT
Motivate Your Team in 30 Days author Bob Urichuck tells us why no one can motivate us but ourselves but how me might also channel that into our business teams. Urichuck offers advice on how put teams in position tor maximum motivation and how instill great teamwork into the culture of your business.
Fri, 23 May 2014 20:01:58 GMT
Former Merrill Lynch executive Winthrop Smith, Jr. tells us why he left the company his father helped to found and why he decided to take over Sugarbush Resort in Vermont. Smith explains how his principles guided that major decision and how they helped him turn Sugarbush around.
Thu, 22 May 2014 13:54:58 GMT
Richard Weinberger, author of Propel Your Small Business to Success, explains what you need to know about the true financial health of your small business, like the true amounts of your equity and liability. Also the head of the Association of Accredited Small Business Consultants, Weinberger shares his insights on how much of your own skin you should have in the game and why your marketing plan could mean the difference between success and mediocrity or even failure.
Wed, 14 May 2014 20:48:34 GMT
Odysseas Papadimitriou of WalletHub walks us through his new survey on the best and worst cities to work in small business, which was released in conjunction with National Small Business Week. Papademetriou explains what criteria went into the rankings, discusses the best and worst cities and and tells us what lessons job creators, job seekers and local officials can learn from his work.
Wed, 7 May 2014 19:48:20 GMT
The Soft Edge author Rich Karlgaard explains why smaller business teams are more productive, efficient and effective than large ones. Karlgaard details why smaller teams generally work well together, why they still need to be diverse and how they often lead to valuable mentoring relationships. He also tells us what business owners and leaders should look for when putting these teams together.
Wed, 30 Apr 2014 22:30:36 GMT
Change Your Day, Not Your Life author Andy Core tells us how a few subtle adjustments could greatly impact your efficiency and productivity in running your small business. Core details why hitting the ground running each morning not only gives us a great start to the day but gives us momentum for the rest of the day, why actually taking a lunch hour and not focusing on work during that time can be a very good thing and why business owners should never shortchange themselves on sleep. Core also explains why beating yourself up over past mistakes is rarely productive.
Tue, 22 Apr 2014 19:23:47 GMT
David Scott, author of The New Rules of Lead Generation, explains how lead generation marketing works, how to craft your message and where to target that message. Scott also details the cost advantages of lead generation, how to tweak your strategy if it's not working well and why a diversified marketing approach is still the way to go.
Wed, 16 Apr 2014 19:00:39 GMT
Appvance Performance Cloud CEO Kevin Surace explains how businesses can avoid the frustrations and brand damage suffered by healthcare.gov because of its disastrous web launch. Surace tells us how to keep major website or app developments on schedule and how to conduct thorough tests before granting access to the public. He also details how problems with your technology can cost you customers, particularly the younger ones, and whether it's better to miss a promised launch date than to debut a lousy program.
Wed, 9 Apr 2014 22:07:27 GMT
Kenneth Darryl Brown, founder of eWeb2 Sales and Profits, explains how embracing blogging greatly expanded his connections and the number of his clients. Brown tells us why blogging is a good idea for business owners, how to figure out what to blog, who you're trying to reach and how to make sure they see it. However, he also stresses that blogging is still no substitute for the personal attention needed to satisfy prospective and existing customers.
Wed, 2 Apr 2014 22:25:37 GMT
Small Biz Lady Melinda Emerson is sharing the 15 greatest lessons she has learned in 15 years of being America's number one small business expert. Emerson explains why consistency in everything business owners do is crucial, especially when it comes to handling problems. She also extols the value of being mentored and mentoring her employees. And she explains why personal touches like handwritten notes can make a big difference and why not dwelling on missed opportunities is a key to future success.
Wed, 26 Mar 2014 20:41:44 GMT
Dave Power, founder of the internationally respected J.D. Power and Associates, tells us how his business grew from his kitchen table to the gold standard in automotve achievement. Power explains how his surveys elicited much more detail from customers then the automakers were getting themselves. He also discusses how customer feedback is more important than ever in the digital age. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba reveals how the government can help you get that elusive loan or credit needed to improve cash flow management.
Wed, 19 Mar 2014 21:05:26 GMT
Suzanne Evans, author of The Way You Do Anything is the Way You Do Everything, explains why a few simple changes to your approach to your business could greatly benefit your bottom line. Evans explains how focusing on getting one thing done is the key to getting a lot of things done, how keeping your emotions out of major decisions is vital to long-term success how being "realistic" is both good and bad. She also tells us why she believes businesses only fail because people quit. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba details how budgeting and cash flow management should help you determine which projects to undertake and which ones to skip.
Wed, 12 Mar 2014 17:47:14 GMT
Communications expert Skip Weisman explains the biggest mistakes business leaders and employees make in their daily interaction. From lack of specificity to discouraging feedback and from procrastination to not giving your full attention to the person speaking, Weisman tells us how damaging these habits can be and how they can be corrected. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba offers more tips on managing cash flow.
Wed, 5 Mar 2014 19:21:09 GMT
Miller ingenuity CEO Steve Blue walks us through the tricky process of rebranding and explains how to update the name and image of your business without erasing its identity. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba offers tips on how to maintain a healthy cash flow for your business throughout the year.
Wed, 26 Feb 2014 21:21:12 GMT
Ditch the Pitch author Steve Yastrow tells us why listening carefully to a potential or existing customer and engaging in a spontaneous conversation with them is far more productive than a rehearsed pitch. Yastrow offers tips on how to make conversations about clients instead of you and he discusses his six tips for mastering improvised persuasion. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba recaps the critical steps you can take to protect your business from natural disaster, theft and more.
Thu, 20 Feb 2014 20:08:25 GMT
Retired Navy SEAL and FitDeck founder Phil Black tells the story of how he turned a series of college bets into a detailed fitness program. Black also describes his visit to ABC's Shark Tank and explains why he left without a deal. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba walks us through the basics of asset protection.
Wed, 12 Feb 2014 15:00:35 GMT
Sean Castrina, author of 8 Unbreakable Rules for Business Start-Up Success, offers terrific tips on how to get a successful business started at very little cost. Castrina tells us why service businesses can be very profitable and low-risk and what pitfalls we should avoid when starting any business. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba explains how establishing a formal business entity is vital for your long-term wealth preservation strategy.
Wed, 5 Feb 2014 21:15:44 GMT
People Tools author Alan C. Fox explains how your business can benefit from better communication, from listening to your employee or client without focusing on what you'll say next to determining whether "yes" means yes, no or maybe. Fox also tells us how focusing on the belt buckle is the best way to read other people and how to tell in the first interaction whether your message is working. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba details how business owners can put together a wealth creation and preservation plan.
Wed, 29 Jan 2014 21:21:11 GMT
Stop Talking, Start Communicating author Geoffery Tumlin tells us how a few changes in how we interact with colleagues and clients can vastly improve our business relationships. Tumlin explains how to muzzle our inner Neanderthal, how to listen to others most effectively and how to deal with difficult personalities. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba tells us about new government rules for businesses in 2014 that could impact your bottom line.
Wed, 22 Jan 2014 22:37:21 GMT
Dan Levy of Facebook explains how business owners can use the social media site to engage with existing customers and connect with new ones. Levy tells us to make your page stand out from the crowd, how to incorporate it into your busy schedule and how to handle customer feedback - especially the critical comments. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba details how to set goals for employee performance and how to measure them most effectively.
Wed, 15 Jan 2014 22:36:51 GMT
Do It! Marketing author David Newman says business owners need to realize that marketing and sales must be their top priorities. Newman also discusses the keys to effective marketing, the right and wrong ways to use social media and how to determine whether franchising might be right for you. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba explains the tax duties business owners must complete by the end of January.
Wed, 8 Jan 2014 23:29:25 GMT
Entrepreneurial home designer and builder Mike Feigin says it is much tougher to start a business now than when he began, but believes the keys to success remain the same. Feigin explains the importance of a detailed business plan, the willingness to take risks and the ability to adapt among other timely insights. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba tells us why the new year is a great time to re-evaluate your marketing efforts and how to improve them.
Mon, 23 Dec 2013 23:20:41 GMT
Culture Without Accountability - WTF: What's the Fix? authors Brian Bedford and Julie Miller detail why lack of accountability is hurting so many businesses today and what difference taking responsibility for mistakes would make on those around us. They also describe how to put that culture of accountability into place. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba discusses the importance of putting together a business plan and how to do it well.
Mon, 23 Dec 2013 23:13:34 GMT
Connie Kadansky, author of Sales Call Reluctance is Nothing to be Embarrassed About, explains how knowing the value of you and your business to a potential client should be more than enough to ward off the sales call jitters. She also tells us how to read propsective clients early on in the conversation to gauge their level of interest and what part of your business would appeal most to them. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba offers tips on preparing for new tax rules in 2014.
Thu, 19 Dec 2013 19:15:11 GMT
Annie Tsai, author of The Small Business Online Marketing Handbook, explains how small businesses can painlessly make the transition to online marketing. She also tells us why your online marketing should look like your offline efforts, how to find your "social voice" and how generous your online bargains ought to be. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba offers assistance in putting together your budget for 2014.
Wed, 11 Dec 2013 21:45:48 GMT
Will There Be Donuts? author David Pearl offers vital advice on how to transform business meetings from tedious, scatter-brained and worthless to effective, productive and purposeful. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba shares timely tips on tackling the financial books at the end of the year.
Wed, 4 Dec 2013 23:29:03 GMT
Cooking Up A Business author Rachel Hofstetter shares how several different entrepreneurs found success with a food product or business and the principles that guided them. Hofstetter explains how you can determine whether your idea might have mass appeal or should stay in your own kitchen and the keys to getting your foot in the door if you decide to move forward. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba offers timely tax tips for the end of 2013 and the start of the new year.
Tue, 26 Nov 2013 20:40:04 GMT
Tom Panaggio, author of The Risk Advantage, explains why successful entrepreneurs take risks every day and not just with their decision to open a small business. Panaggio walks us through different types of risks business owners face, how to learn from each situation and why failure can often times be a good thing. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba explains why this is a great time of year for business owners to compare the performance of the business to what you expected in your business plan.
Wed, 20 Nov 2013 23:06:33 GMT
Michael Vaughan, author of The Thinking Effect, explains why business owners need to rethink their approach to thinking in order to see the big picture instead od addressing one problem at a time. Vaughan tells us the principles behind this thought adjustment and what it looks like in practice. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba goes over the tax rules you need to know as you reward employees this holiday season.
Wed, 13 Nov 2013 23:13:57 GMT
Isisara Bey of Count Me In tells us about a new effort to help female veterans transition from the military to running their own businesses. Bey explains how the Women Veteran Entrepreneur Corps helps prepare women for the private sector, how starting a business is different for men and women and what qualities they see in our military heroes. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba offers ways to show your employees and vendors your appreciation this holiday season.
Wed, 6 Nov 2013 23:14:59 GMT
John McAdam, author of The One-Hour Business Plan, tells us why it is critical but not time-consuming to lay the foundation for a sound business plan. He also walks us through the process for determining whether your proposed business will succeed, from setting the value for your product to testing marketability and soliciting feedback from the public. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba offers tips on how to plan for the holiday shopping season beyond the Black Friday rush.
Wed, 30 Oct 2013 20:30:42 GMT
As America observes Halloween, SmartStorming authors Mitchell Rigie and Keith Harmeyer offer five tips on how business leaders should avoid scaring away innovative ideas, from a "dungeon master" who dismisses ideas on the spot to "toxic personalities" who breed negativity to the meeting feeling like a "torture chamber" because it has no organization or flow. They also tells us why even the worst ideas could have the seeds of a great idea and how leaders should steer the process of deciding which idea to pursue. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba details decisions on taxes and construction you may want to make before year's end to save you and your business significant money.
Wed, 23 Oct 2013 22:19:45 GMT
After years as an international model, Lizanne Falsetto gave up that life to pursue a new business with her thinkThin nutritional bars. Falsetto explains how the idea came to her and how she transitioned from solving a personal frustration to starting a business. She also describes how she got her products placed in major stores, how she stays ahead of the competition and the type of culture that rules at thinkThin. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba offers several key tps for keeping your business strong in a tough economy.
Wed, 16 Oct 2013 22:24:37 GMT
Eric Holtzclaw, author of Laddering: Unlocking the Potential of Consumer Behavior, explains how to understand customers and get them to break their established buying patterns to give you a chance. He tells us why simple conversations with customers can reveal volumes of information and why it's better to appeal to certain people rather than trying to attract everyone. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba offers some Halloween marketing ideas to boost customer traffic.
Wed, 9 Oct 2013 19:23:05 GMT
Bankable Leadership author Dr. Tasha Eurich explains the best ways to maintain a healthy commitment to achieving results, producing quality products or services and treating your personnel well. Eurich tells us why pursuing any one of those goals too much leads to disaster and why productivity is higher when you don't just focus on results. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba details the many different tax responsibilities facing business owners in October.
Wed, 2 Oct 2013 22:26:17 GMT
Lessons from the Hanoi Hilton co-author Peter Fretwell details six critical leadership lessons business owners should learn from the American heroes held captive in Vietnam. Fretwell explains why focusing on a mission is far better than establishing a cult of personality, why looking out for each other and operating as a team leads to better results and why ignoring issues you cannot change is a major asset. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba offers advice for those about to file their tax returns and how to prepare for tax time throughout the year.
Tue, 24 Sep 2013 20:51:04 GMT
Shannon Cassidy, author of The 5 Degree Principle, explains why making small changes is much easier than trying to enact wholesale changes to your business and often yields much more productive results. Cassidy also explains how to prioritize your priorities and learn how to say 'yes' and 'no.' In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba details why insurance and establishing a formal business entity are two of the best steps you can take to protect your business.
Thu, 19 Sep 2013 18:47:54 GMT
12 Week Year author Brian Moran tells us why running your business as if there were 12 weeks in a year instead of 12 months is a major boost for efficiency and productivity. Moran details how a shorter "year" helps business owners stay focused on the most important things and adds a healthy urgency to operations. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba tells us how to protect a business from both internal and external threats.
Tue, 10 Sep 2013 19:53:54 GMT
Mission in a Bottle co-author and Honest Tea Chairman Barry Nalebuff tells the story behind their wildly successful product. Nalebuff tells us how he came up with the idea for a less sweet tea, walks us through the big decisions from packaging to labeling and from financing to distribution. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba offers advice on something you hope you'll never need - your disaster plan.
Wed, 4 Sep 2013 20:12:51 GMT
Lisa Renee Jones left her own successful business in order to follow her dream. After some harrowing financial moments, she struck gold as a successful writer. Jones explains what you should consider if thinking about leaving a secure, well-paying job to strike out on your own, what she would do differently and why you need to know everything there is to know about the field you wish to pursue. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba walks us through the creation of a written workplace safety plan.
Wed, 28 Aug 2013 22:14:08 GMT
Barry Moltz, author of the Your Business Unstuck blog, reveals how the potential of social media to boost your business can turn into a major hindrance. Moltz explains how to connect with others effectively and why just trying to sell your product or service is a sure-fire loser. He also tells us how to avoid getting sucked into the social side of the digital world and how to set critical disciplines. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba offers great tips on how to get your business chosen for a government contract.
Wed, 21 Aug 2013 16:43:22 GMT
Out-Executing the Competition author Irv Rothman explains how to plan a company successfully. He tells us why a combination of formal business planning and nimble flexibility is ideal for moving forward, why you should plan to address your worst-case scenario when times are really good and what to look for in the people you hire. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba reveals how to make the federal government one of your loyal customers.
Wed, 14 Aug 2013 15:15:26 GMT
Feed the Startup Beast author Drew Williams explains how to radically boost your sales and number of customers. Williams tells us how to gauge your current "beast potential," why the quality of your website and offers to prospective customers are key to engagement and how to turn customers into fans who will help you land even more business. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba explains why continuing education is good for you and your employees and how it can be done cost effectively.
Fri, 2 Aug 2013 20:51:22 GMT
Home Business Success Coach Karen Hammons explains how best to assess whether you are in good position to open up your own home-based business. Hammons discusses the finances you'll need, whether your business is well-suited for a home environment and how to avoid the distractions of home while running your business. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba tells us how to properly prepare for staffing with a change of seasons soon upon us.
Wed, 31 Jul 2013 20:07:50 GMT
Do Cool Sh*t! author Miki Agrawal discusses her entrpreneurial journey from Wall Street to founding WILD, a pizza restaurant with a healthy twist. Agrawal explains how she boldly recruited a top-flight mentor, how she turned the awkward fundraising process into something that played into her strengths and why hiring slow and firing fast are critical to the success of a business. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba offers tips on how to make the most of the sales tax holiday in your state.
Thu, 25 Jul 2013 16:42:50 GMT
GreyTV Advertising Vice President Chris McKnight explains what video marketing can do for your business that other media cannot. He also tells us why hiring a video company will pay off in the quality of the work and why saving up to do video marketing well is a much better plan then trying to do it on the cheap. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba walks us through the value of using solvency ratios to gauge the health of your business.
Wed, 17 Jul 2013 20:06:38 GMT
Capture the Mindshare and the Market Share Will Follow author Libby Gill tells us why getting consumers to have an instinctive positive reaction to your brand is vital to the success of your business. It's called mindshare. Gill elaborates on critical qualities that create mindshare, from colloaborating to connecting and from competing to contributing. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba discusses the value of profitability ratios in gauging the health of your business.
Wed, 10 Jul 2013 18:01:06 GMT
Adaptive Action author Glenda Eoyang tells us why adapting well to change is more important than ever in today's business environment and why adapting to that change may be more important than your long range plans. Eoyang explains the three questions every business owner should ask when change arrives and how those questions should lead to the right course of action. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba reveals how efficiency ratios help define the state of your business.
Wed, 3 Jul 2013 17:03:49 GMT
Leading Out Loud author Terry Pearce explains how business leaders can do more than make their employees feel valued and actually get them to be passionate about the company's long-term vision. Pearce reveals how a leader must define their own goals, articulate them to his team and take action to make it happen. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba details how to use liquidity ratios to help gauge the financial health of your business.
Thu, 27 Jun 2013 18:01:17 GMT
Zebras & Cheetahs author Colby Jubenville explains how business leaders need to adjust goals and how they motivate their team members as the business world becomes more fast-paced than ever. Jubenville details why both focus and passion are essential, why a "scoreboard" helps to motivate employees and how leaders can best coach their subordinates. In the "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba tells us how the government can be a good partner for seasonal businesses.
Wed, 19 Jun 2013 20:11:35 GMT
Christine Comaford explains how employers can make a huge difference in the attitude and performance of their employees by engaging them in key decisions making them feel like a vital part of the company's success. Also the author of Smart Tribes: How Teams Become Brilliant Together, Comaford also tells us how bosses can still maintain control without employees feeling like "order-takers". In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba asks critical questions that will help make your summertime sales as robust as possible.
Wed, 12 Jun 2013 20:52:31 GMT
Business seller extraorinaire Michelle Seiler-Tucker shares some secrets from her new book, Sell Your Business for More Than It's Worth. Seiler-Tucker explains why you should have a plan to sell your business before you ever start one and how to get up to speed on those preparations if you haven't planned for it. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba highlights the major challenges and opportunities for businesses during this summer season.
Wed, 5 Jun 2013 14:32:10 GMT
Head Trash author Tish Squillaro tells us how negative traits such as arrogance, fear and insecurity can plague a business leader. Squillaro explains how to spot these issues in yourself and others. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba offers tips on how to manage summer vacations for your employees.
Tue, 28 May 2013 15:23:36 GMT
Succesful CEO Daniel Steenerson shares his seven sure-fire success priniciples. Steenerson explains why urgency is vital for business success and why contentment is toxic. He also tells us why learning to embrace discomfort is important to the long term health of your business. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba highlights Small Business Application Week and the help that is available to business owners through the federal government and at bizfillings.com/toolkit.
Wed, 22 May 2013 22:29:49 GMT
Southern Vapors author and attorney Lynn Garson describes how her battle with depression impacted her performance on the job, how she finally sought help and how her employers dealt with her revelation and her decision to write a book about it. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba tell us why a detailed business plan needs to be in place long before a big decision needs to be made.
Wed, 15 May 2013 22:27:44 GMT
CPA John Vento walks us through the different types of IRS audits a business could face and how to prepare for them. Vento also details what generally triggers an audit and what type of records you need to have at your fingertips. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba explains why a formal written business plan is essential if your new or existing business is to succeed.
Wed, 8 May 2013 20:03:33 GMT
Business mogul and author Paul LeJoy walks us through eight sure ways to fail in running your small business. From short-sightedness to doubt and from going it alone to contentment with the status quo, LeJoy explains how these and other problems can stifle progress and cause you to miss out on the success that is possible. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba walks us through the critical steps to making your business dream come true.
Thu, 2 May 2013 19:13:51 GMT
Speakeasy CEO Scott Weiss outlines why he believes honesty and transparency are the best strategies for business owners rather than trying to polish an image or keep important information away from clients or employees. Also the author of Dare: Accepting the Challenge of Trusting Leadership, Weiss details the best ways to transition to a more authentic approach to your staff and customers. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba begins his series designed to help you determine if you should consider starting your own business.
Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:06:49 GMT
Successful pharmaceutical company owner, filmmaker and luxury hotel founder James Cusumano walks us through his incredible entrepreneurial career and shares his secrets for success. Now the author of Balance: The Business-Life Connection, Cusumano discusses the importance of how discovering your career purpose drives passion for your business, why being an inspired leader is essential and why everyone in your organization needs to buy into the company's values. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba offers some great tips on how to make future tax payments as low as possible.
Wed, 17 Apr 2013 20:49:41 GMT
Millionaire entrepreneur Dr. Denis Burke explains how he grew from an Irish immigrant barely getting by to a major success with his own frozen foods business and now his own consulting and speaking firm. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba details how to file for a tax extension and the major pitfalls to avoid in the process.
Wed, 10 Apr 2013 18:44:10 GMT
Larry Mohl explains the critical importance of networking and how to do it most effectively in the digital age. The author of Networking Is Dead: Making Connections That Matter, Mohl tells us why it's more important to know why you do your job than telling someone what you do. He also stresses the importance of being an exchanger of information rather than just a giver or taker. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba warns of several mistakes you don't want to make on your tax returns.
Thu, 4 Apr 2013 18:14:00 GMT
Clients First co-author Joseph Callaway highlights ten ways to bring some spring cleaning to how you run your business. Callaway touches on principles such as focusing less on yourself and more on your clients, not being too professional and eliminating any white lies you tell customers or anyone else. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba offers some last-minute ways to lower your federal tax bill.
Wed, 27 Mar 2013 21:58:12 GMT
Perdue Foods President Jim Leighton explains his Fully Integrated Teams (FIT) concept and explains why making sure everyone on your team has the same vision is vital for your success. Leighton details the best ways to get everyone on the same page and what the FIT approach has meant for his own company. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba explains how the government can help you get that elusive loan or credit needed to improve cash flow management.
Wed, 20 Mar 2013 21:59:21 GMT
BizFilings Business Owner's Toolkit Publisher John Duoba joins us to preview next week's webinars designed to help small business owners understand the major tax law changes that were enacted earlier this year and how they might change some of your business decisions. We also explain how you can participate in one of the three webinars. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John details how budgeting and cash flow management should help you determine which projects to undertake and which ones to skip.
Wed, 13 Mar 2013 21:43:56 GMT
Business expert Mike Berman explains what approach made him a success with business start-ups, hyper-growth and turnarounds. He also describes his new "Berman on Business" blog and tells us the most common mistake made by budding entrepreneurs. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba offers more strategies to foster healthy cash flow management.
Wed, 6 Mar 2013 19:31:16 GMT
Three Simple Steps author Trevor Blake discusses his jaw-dropping entrepreneurial success and how best to generate great business ideas. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba offers tips on how to maintain a healthy cash flow.
Wed, 27 Feb 2013 20:09:46 GMT
Listen Up Espanol co-founder Craig Handley explains how his dream of adirect response business to the Hispanic community was born, whathurdles he and his team faced in growing what is now a very successfuloperation and why he decided to create a call center in Mexico fortaking calls from customers in America. In our "Top Takeaway for YourSmall Business," John Duoba recaps the critical steps you can take toprotect your business from natural disaster, theft and more.
Wed, 20 Feb 2013 20:05:07 GMT
Barefoot Cellars co-founder Michael Houlihan talks about the entrepreneurial journey behind his successful winery. Also the author of The Barefoot Spirit, Houlihan explains why face-to-face contact with your buyers is indispensible in building relationships, honing your product and creating something their customers will truly appreciate. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba walks us through the basics of asset protection.
Wed, 13 Feb 2013 22:39:35 GMT
Doing More With Teams author Bruce Piasecki explains why the downfall of Lance Armstrong is a critical lesson in the right and wrong ways to build a business team. He discusses why deferring to the strongest member of the team takes focus away from team goals and how good captains keep everyone focused on the right things. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba highlights how establishing a formal business entity is one of the mpst important things you can do to protect you and your family from lawsuits or other perils that could target your business.
Wed, 6 Feb 2013 18:18:07 GMT
American Management Association President and CEO Edward Reilly details some of the most important keys to successful employee management, as he discusses the AMA's new book, Business Boot Camp. Reilly explains why communication is only as good as the one communicating it, how to conduct meetings that stay on topic and don't drone on forever and how to delegate responsibilities most effectively. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba lays out the best ways to grow and preserve your wealth and the wealth of your business.
Wed, 30 Jan 2013 19:34:49 GMT
Rob Wilson of Employco explains six keys to compassionately firing or laying off workers. Wilson explains why documenting the performance of your employees is critical and what services you ought to consider having available as those terminated workers look for another job. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba details the keys to effective online marketing.
Wed, 23 Jan 2013 22:01:34 GMT
Rodney Sampson, author of Kingonomics, explains how the principles of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. can help you run your small business. Sampson explains how your success should not only grow your profits but also help build your community and how timeless qualities like integrity, courage and vision are essential for true success. In our "Top Takeaway for your Small Business," John Duoba details the value of a performance review system for your employees.
Tue, 15 Jan 2013 21:53:35 GMT
Mark Hopkins explains the tenets of his new book, Shortcut to Prosperity, iun which he explains he doesn't have a prescription for the hard work required to succeed in business but rather how to make smart decisions to help realize your goals sooner. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba explains how to handle finances and emplyee relations as the payroll tax rises.
Wed, 9 Jan 2013 19:13:55 GMT
Vickie Milazzo, author of Wicked Success Is Inside Every Woman, explains why women should embrace and utilize their best qualities to build their businesses rather than trying to fit some sort of business stereotype. Milazzo explains how being able to adapt to a changing economy while maintaining successful habits is key for both men and women in the workplace. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba updates us on three critical tax-related deadlines comng up this month.
Wed, 2 Jan 2013 23:11:36 GMT
Body language expert Patti Wood explains how you can get important insight into your business relationships by observing other people and she details how you can be sure to give the right impression. Wood is author of Snap: Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language and Charisma. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba walks us through the major tax changes stemming from the fiscal cliff legislation and what they mean for your business.
Fri, 21 Dec 2012 21:11:33 GMT
Unpakt General Manager Daniel Cooke explains how his company takes the hassle and frustration out of moving by making sure customers and their moving companies are on the same page. Cooke explains how Unpakt clears up common areas of disagreement before moving day arrives and how the concept could benefit other industries. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba highlights the importance of completing a 2013 budget for your small business.
Wed, 19 Dec 2012 21:51:02 GMT
Steve Zaleznick of Health Pocket Inc. walks us through the health care choices employers need to make for 2013 and some of the biggest changes on the horizon for 2014. Zaleznick explains how to choose the best health plan for your business and tells us why the most expensive plans aren't necessarily the best. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba explains how to brace for a lot of tax uncertainty as we approach the new year and the fiscal cliff.
Wed, 12 Dec 2012 17:22:30 GMT
Terri Maxwell, founder of Succeed on Purpose, Inc. and co-author of The New World of Work: From the Cube to the Cloud, explains why Americans are behind the curve in maximizing the newest technologies to revolutionize businesses. She explains how easy it is for small businesses to embrace this technology and how employers and employees can make sure they're making the right decisions when deciding to work with people they seldom or never see in person. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba highlights what you can learn from your end-of-year financial statements and how to use those figures to adjust your 2013 business plan.
Wed, 5 Dec 2012 23:01:55 GMT
Entrepreneur and blogger Dan Waldschmidt walks us through the four keys to success in his business career and identifies several areas where the conventional wisdom on business is wrong. Waldschmidt explains how qualities like discipline, giving and being extreme are keys to success. He also reveals why popular concepts like networking and using impressive lingo are losing strategies. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba prepares us for the coming headaches for your business if Washington doesn't solve the fiscal cliff mess.
Wed, 28 Nov 2012 17:56:11 GMT
Gregory Downing, author of Entrepreneur Unleashed: Wealth to Stand the Test of Time, explains why the "time is money" adage is dead wrong for entrepreneurs and ends up consuming far more time than necessary. Downing tells us what steps can be taken so business owners don't have to spend every waking moment on the job and why our education system is stifling entrepreneurship. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba details why it's vital to maintain an updated business plan and to compare your goals with what was achieved in the past year.
Tue, 20 Nov 2012 23:37:50 GMT
Robert L. Finder, Jr., author of The Financial Professional's Guide to Communication: How to Strengthen Client Relationships and Build New Ones, offers timeless tips on connecting with existing and prospective customers. Finder explains the art of truly listening to a client, why taking notes is vital and how to offer constructive criticism effectively. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba explains the tax implications for the year-end rewards you extend to your employees.
Tue, 13 Nov 2012 21:51:39 GMT
Kenneth Darryl Brown of eweb2sales.com tells Greg Corombos how focusing on the right things can breed tremendous success. Brown says whatever has your attention will grow and he explains how to turn that focus into more customers and more loyal customers. He also explains why your website should be about your client and not about you. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba offers suggestions on how to show appreciation to your employees and vendors this holiday season.
Wed, 7 Nov 2012 22:59:00 GMT
Paulette Ensign of Tips Booklets explains how a small publication of your entrepreneurial wisdom could bring tremendous success on another business front. Ensign explains why everyone has insights to share, how to get started and how to successfully market your work. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba shares how to make the most of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and the entire holiday shopping season.
Tue, 30 Oct 2012 21:31:25 GMT
Kabbage Chief Marketing Officer Victoria Treyger details how Kabbage's cash advance program could put critical capital at your fingertips just seven minutes after you apply. Treyger explains how Kabbage's criteria are different than the guidelines banks use to consider loans, how much cash is available and how access to that money is also a unique concept. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba warns of the looming "Taxmageddon" and highlights his upcoming webinars to help you prepare for the avalanche of changes in tax laws.
Wed, 24 Oct 2012 21:38:05 GMT
Bizfilings Business Owner's Toolkit Publisher and Editor John Duoba explains how the revamped Toolkit website offers many more opportunities for business owners and others to engage and interact with one another and the site while still offering the same great insights on all aspects of running a small business. Duoba also highlights an upcoming November 1 webinar to help business owners prepare for what could be major changes in the tax laws come January. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John alerts business owners to many states having laws requiring them to allow workers to take time to vote.
Wed, 17 Oct 2012 16:58:33 GMT
Bill McBean explains The Facts of Business Life to Greg Corombos. McBean describes what real leadership looks like, what assets are most important to protect and why marketing really is a kind of war (and how to win it). In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba explains how Halloween marketing can build loyal customers just in time for the holiday shopping season.
Wed, 10 Oct 2012 22:20:42 GMT
Frans Johansson, author of The Click Moment explains how randomness often determines winners and losers in business but that we can prepare for these "random" moments. Johansson tells us how fixed rules can allow for success the traditional way but most areas of our economy are in constant flux. He also describes how constant curiosity and frequent contact with others in your field will help you prepare for what's coming next. In our "Top Takeawy for Your Small Business," John Duoba outlines the October tax responsibilities whether entering a new fiscal year or just wrapping up the quarter.
Tue, 2 Oct 2012 20:37:21 GMT
New Sales Simplified author Mike Weinberg explains how prospecting for new clients became a lost art and why it is vital for businesses to embrace it again. Weinberg details how to find the best prospects for new clients and how to focus your message when you connect with them. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba warns about the looming tax deadline for those who filed for an extension earlier in the year and encourages all business owners to engage in tax planning throughout the year.
Tue, 25 Sep 2012 20:36:54 GMT
Miami Heat Vice President Eve Wright Taylor tells us about her rise in the business world and her entrepreneurial side venture. She also details her work encouraging female business owners on the value of passion for their work, taking days off for their own good and how to work well with other women. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba highlights how to protect our business by establishing the proper formal entity and finding the right insurance.
Tue, 18 Sep 2012 20:39:12 GMT
Speechworks Vice President Marilyn Ringo explains why women face a tough communications double standard in the business world. Ringo is a former CNN Headline News anchor and says organizing your message well, bringing the right emount of energy and handling question and answer sessions will make a tremendous difference and get the response you want. In our 'Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba explains how to protect yourself against criminals within your business and from those outside of it.
Tue, 11 Sep 2012 21:07:06 GMT
Mom Central CEO Stacy DeBroff tells Greg Corombos how smart scheduling will be your best friend in keeping your small business running smoothly while navigating the new school year. DeBroff explains what a good schedule looks like and how to spread out tasks so that mornings aren't pure chaos. She also discusses the success of her blog and business geared towards advising other moms. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba details how to prepare your business for any sort of disaster.
Tue, 4 Sep 2012 20:35:07 GMT
Monica Mehta, author of The Entrepreneurial Instinct, explains why following good instincts can trigger far more success than any business degree ever could. Mehta tells us why instinct and adaptability are the real keys to business success and how those traits can be developed if they don't come naturally. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business", John Duoba details why a concerted effort to enhance workplace safety is in everyone's best interest.
Thu, 30 Aug 2012 14:32:23 GMT
Infusion Sciences CEO Budge Collinson tells Greg Corombos how his company got off the ground and what makes his Youth Infusion drinks unique in the health food arena. Collinson also describes the dynamic of having his mom as an employee and what boundaries need to be established when family members are subordinates in the workplace. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba explains the right way and the wrong way to pursue government contracts.
Fri, 17 Aug 2012 21:22:14 GMT
The Big Book of HR author Cornelia Gamlem explains how large and small business owners can best motivate employees and navigate uncomfortable moments in the workplace. Gamlem details how to keep employees striving higher even though a rough economy means additional pay and benefits are not possible for some time. She also tells us how to handle layoffs and firings most effectively and how to stay on top of the bureaucracy surrounding health insurance and other critical paperwork. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba highlights the advantage of providing additional education for your workers or yourself - all at a much lower cost than you might think.
Tue, 14 Aug 2012 21:11:26 GMT
Natalie MacNeil of nataliemacneil.com and shetakesontheworld.net describes her own impressive entrepreneurial journey. She also provides great insight on what it takes to get a business off the ground and thriving, and she details her passion for helping other women realize their business dreams. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba offers tips on how to add extra employees when things get busy at specific times of the year.
Wed, 8 Aug 2012 21:36:21 GMT
Intersect Fund Co-Founder Rohan Mathew tells Greg Corombos how noticing the economic disparity in the city where he attended college led him and a friend to launch a microlending business that helps struggling entrepreneurs. Mathew explains how microlending works, why he takes risks on entrepreneurs the banks reject and what the results look like for his business and for those he helps. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba highlights sales tax holiday sales and how they could be good for your business.
Fri, 27 Jul 2012 20:38:00 GMT
'Count Me In' Founder Nell Merlino tells Greg Corombos about the upcoming "Make Mine A Million" conference for female entrepreneurs. Merlino details what separates the truly successful female entrepreneurs from the rest of the pack, and she explains what skills and advice entrpreneurs will gain from this conference - not to mention a chance to pitch their own businesses to some of the top business minds in the nation. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba highlights the importance of using solvency ratios to measure risk for your small business.
Wed, 25 Jul 2012 21:26:21 GMT
ACT! Inventor and VIP Orbit Co-founder Mike Muhney explains how he became an early player in the contact management industry that eventually spawned social media. Muhney tells us what contact management is and (just as importantly) what it is not and discusses the most effective ways to engage others. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba tells us why profitability ratios are a vital window into the financial state of your business.
Fri, 6 Jul 2012 20:18:46 GMT
Bremen Castings President James (JB) Brown tells Greg Corombos the keys to running a family-owned business. Brown details the importance of training up the next generation to be ready for the responsibilities of leadership and how to keep the company's finances separate from your personal assets. And Brown explains how family life will be impacted by a family-run business. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba highlights how efficiency ratios are critical to understanding the true financial condition of your business.
Tue, 3 Jul 2012 21:24:34 GMT
Psychologist and business consultant Dr. David Eigen tells Greg Corombos why he believes leading through demands rather than give-and-take is a sure path to frustration. He explains what strong communication in the workplace looks like and highlights other common mistakes to avoid. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba begins a key series on business ratios by discussing the value of liquidity ratios.
Wed, 27 Jun 2012 22:06:39 GMT
Small Biz Lady Melinda Emerson tells Greg Corombos about seven very effective ways to attract new customers. Emerson touts the benefits of embracing new social media sites while still valuing face-to-face networking and building an unpaid sales force by providing exceptional products and services to your existing clients. She also shares other ways to use the internet to bring in more business. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba explains how Uncle Sam can help you get that elusive loan.
Wed, 20 Jun 2012 22:50:35 GMT
Michael Hyatt explains how to create the "Wow" factor in your marketing efforts as he visits with Toolkit's Greg Corombos about Hyatt's new book, Platform: Get Noticed in A Noisy World. Hyatt offers tips on how to grab and hold the attention of existing and prospective customers, what to focus on and what not to worry about and how to grow your base through strategic engagement. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba tells us how to tweak your marketing this summer through stepped up customer engagement and other helpful steps.
Thu, 14 Jun 2012 23:25:48 GMT
Greg Corombos learns how the entitlement culture is hurting the business environment as he visits with Brad Hams, author of Ownership Thinking. Hams explains how the "everyone's a winner" philospophy hurts the workplace and why failure is often a vital ingredient in future success. Hams also tells why an incentive program is a great way to help employees take ownership of their role for your company. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba walks us through the five key steps to a successful seasonal marketing campaign.
Thu, 7 Jun 2012 21:29:26 GMT
Greg Corombos speaks with Les Hewitt, author of The Power of Focus, which is now in a 10th anniversary edition. Hewitt explains why staying focused on your most important tasks will be a huge plus for your small business. He also discusses the four foundations for success and what critical feedback he's received from readers since the first printing of his book. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba details the importance of clear vacation policies and how to handle summer staffing issues.
Thu, 31 May 2012 19:23:51 GMT
Greg Corombos learns how employee engagement is critical to retaining top talent and building a a winning office environment as he visits with Kevin Sheridan, author of Building A Magnetic Culture. Sheridan explains how trust, personal interaction, and authenticity are essential for cultivating a culture where your employees are passionate about their work and not just punching the clock. He also tells us how it strongly boosts productivity. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba how adhering to your business plan keep you focused on your goals and committed to achieving them long after you open your business.
Wed, 23 May 2012 21:38:14 GMT
Greg Corombos learns about the cost and productivity benefits of cloud-based business phone systems as he visits with Denise Terry of RingCentral. Terry explains how cloud-based phones could save you a lot of money compared to traditional business phone systems and can dramatically boost productivity since almost all business can now be done from your smartphone. She also discusses questions about reliability and where RingCentral is headed in the years to come. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba tells us why a formal written business plan is essential for those starting out and for all established business owners as well.
Thu, 17 May 2012 20:52:13 GMT
Greg Corombos learns how Bold Organics founder Aaron Greenwald used a college assignment to create tasty and healthy pizzas and turn it into a booming business. Greenwald explains how the project transitioned from academic to a real business venture and how he handled all the startup and marketing challenges that came his way. He also tells us how his food line is expanding in the near future. In our "Top Takeaway for your Small Business," John Duoba discusses several key steps you must take on the road to opening your own business.
Fri, 11 May 2012 21:05:32 GMT
Greg Corombos discusses the concept of competitive frugality with Bruce Piasecki, best-selling author of Doing More With Less: The New Way to Wealth. Piasecki explains how embracing frugality whether in terms of bargain hunting or simply finding more cost-effective ways to do things is critical for the success of a small business. He also offers examples of companies that have successfully implemented this strategy and triggered very strong results. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba explains how to evaluate whether you are cut out to run your own small business.
Wed, 2 May 2012 21:52:32 GMT
Greg Corombos learns how to merge good business principles with social responsibility as he visits with Robert McLaughlin, founder and CEO of Organic Bouquet. McLaughlin explains how he rose from the greenhouses to the CEO's chair and why he decided to create a niche by only using flowers grown by places that treated workers fairly and grew flowers in a better way. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba highlights the help your business can find through the government's upcoming Small Business Week.
Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:44:09 GMT
Greg Corombos learns how branding is less about slogans and much more about establishing the identity of a business as he speaks with Brand Real author Laurence Vincent. Mr. Vincent explains what your business needs to convey about its culture and how that will create better customers than the ones drawn in just by clever marketing. Vincent also tells us why this is especially important for small business owners to master and why the nuts and bolts of marketing still matter as well. In our "Top Takeawy for Your Small Business," John Duoba offers advice on how to prepare now for the best possible tax bill in 2013 and how to address the loose ends from the tax deadline that just passed.
Wed, 18 Apr 2012 21:36:37 GMT
Greg Corombos learns the ABC's of bookkeeping from Lita Epstein, author of Bookkeeping Kit for Dummies. Epstein explains why solid bookkeeping skills give business owners a critical window into their current financial condition and help them determine the best decisions to make in the near future. She also tells us how computer programs make bookkeeping a breeze and what kind of accounting help you should seek when launching your business. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba offers a few final tax tips for anyone who missed the deadline.
Wed, 11 Apr 2012 16:34:34 GMT
Greg Corombos discusses the value of investing in your employees with Mark C. Crowley, author of Lead from the Heart: Transformational Leadership for the 21st Century. Crowley explains why connecting with and building up employees yields far greater productivity than cracking the proverbial whip. He also tells us how this approach helps to retain good workers and how "old-school" bosses can transition to this new style of leadership. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba offers five final tips on how to avoid a nightmare with IRS auditors.
Wed, 4 Apr 2012 21:13:32 GMT
Robert Herjavec of ABC's Shark Tank joins Greg Corombos to discuss his extremely successful business career and his astounding investment of four million dollars in a recent contestant on his show. Herjavec explains why he's been a business success and why he loves being among the "sharks". He also takes us inside the intense bidding wars against the other "sharks" and reveals why he always invests in people more than ideas. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba offers some late tax filing tips and reveals the one way you can still lower your tab to Uncle Sam.
Tue, 27 Mar 2012 22:29:35 GMT
Greg Corombos learns the keys to successfully launching a small business as he visits with business and success coach Amy Applebaum. She explains why surrounding yourself with mentors is critical to launching a small business and she discusses the keys to having your financial strategy in order. Applebaum also tells us why she has a special focus on female entrepreneurs and which challenges are often tougher to for women business owners. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba wraps up our series on cash flow management by explaining who is ready to help you get that much needed loan.
Tue, 20 Mar 2012 18:45:31 GMT
Greg Corombos discusses what it takes to launch a successful small business with Kevin Ready, author of Startup: An Insider's Guide to Starting and Running a Business. Also a longtime entrepreneur and a CNBC contributor, Ready explains why starting a business takes a lot of work but it should never actually feel like work. He also discusses the importance of balancing the pursuit of your business dream with market realities and offers tips on how to win those first critical customers. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba highlights the importance of formal cash flow projections.
Wed, 14 Mar 2012 15:53:40 GMT
Renowned business author Ken Blanchard speaks with Greg Corombos about how good business leaders keep growing and learning or risk losing ground. In discussing his new book, Great Leaders GROW, Blanchard walks us through the principles in the acronym GROW and explains how the best leaders learn from others, engage with their workers and pass along what they've learned. He also tells us why having just a few employees gives business owners the best chance to know and invest in others. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba offers some strategies to deal with cash flow headaches.
Tue, 6 Mar 2012 21:56:08 GMT
Greg Corombos learns some of the basics and finer points of business negotiations from Ross Kimbarovsky of crowdspring.com. Kimbarovsky explains the many aspects of running a business that require negotiations and how to get the most out of those discussions. Kimbarovsky also details how to determine whether your opponent is genuinely upset or just angling for a better deal. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba tells us how to address cash flow shortages both large and small.
Tue, 28 Feb 2012 21:51:49 GMT
Greg Corombos gets great advice on how to manage employees who work off-site as he visits with Kevin Sheridan, author of The Virtual Manager. Sheridan explains how managing employees in an office is much different than dealing with those who work from home or possibly in different areas of the country. He also gives tips on how to hire people you won't see on a regular basis and how this is especially important to small business owners. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba explains how to establish a plan to build your business and personal wealth and properly prepare for retirement.
Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:29:26 GMT
With the tax deadline sneaking closer and closer, Greg Corombos learns how to lower the tax bill from Bernard Kamoroff, author of 475 Tax Deductions for Businesses and Self-Employed Individuals. Kamoroff tells us how to find the deductions we might qualify for and he highlights how a business can save money through targeted tax credits. He also offers insights on when to file and pay taxes and shares the depressing news about estimated taxes as well. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba offers more tips for securing wealth for you and your business. This week he focuses on insurance and physical security.
Wed, 15 Feb 2012 17:51:32 GMT
Greg Corombos finds out how good sales and service often resemble strong personal relationships as he visits with Andy Masters, author of Kiss Your Customer. Masters explains how making a good first impression is critical and how to respond when you've really messed up. He also tells us how to handle rejection from potential clients and the best way to secure the deal. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba discusses why asset protection is key to preserving wealth for you and your business.
Wed, 8 Feb 2012 17:41:06 GMT
Greg Corombos visits with Tequila Partida CEO Gary Shansby, who has shaped the marketing of many famous products over more than 50 years in the business. Shansby explains why he decided to enter the spirits business at this stage of his career and how he markets his tequila against long-established brands. Shansby also discusses some of the principles that have guided his career and shares stories of how he thought outside the box to promote his clients. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba stresses the importance of establishing a business entity to provide yourself legal protection and preserve the wealth you've created.
Wed, 1 Feb 2012 17:56:56 GMT
Shawn "Chef Big Shake" Davis went on ABC's Shark Tank in hopes of finding financial assistance for his new business of providing shrimp burgers and other fresh products to grocery stores. The sharks denied his proposals but it didn't Davis long to turn that disappointment into huge business growth. Davis tells Greg Corombos how he got the idea for his shrimp burger and how he reacted to the TV rejection. He also explains why his appearance on the show led to great success anyway and what key lessons he's learned throughout his business efforts. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba offers advice on how business owners can best grow and preserve their wealth for themselves and their children.
Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:24:20 GMT
Greg Corombos discusses the new Good Company Index with Laurie Bassi, author of Good Company: Business Success in the Worthiness Era. Bassi explains how the index gauges which companies are doing things the right way with respect to employees, customers and stewardship. She also details how these concepts easily translate to small businesses and how to improve in any of the areas where your business may be lacking. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba highlights the importance of detailed employee performance goals and reviews.
Tue, 17 Jan 2012 22:12:43 GMT
Greg Corombos learns how best to establish business relationships that show promise for creating new customers as he visits with Jon Wuebben, CEO of Content Launch and author of Content is Currency. Wuebben explains that being a helpful resource before trying to sell something is a winning strategy. He also tells us how to stand out from our competitors in making that initial contact and why keyword searches are critical for online and mobile success. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba explains why major government policy changes next year could mean some big decisions for your business this year.
Tue, 10 Jan 2012 21:50:11 GMT
Greg Corombos learns how small businesses can fight much larger competitors and win as he visits with Stephen Denny, author of Killing Giants. Denny explains how to "fight dirty" in a good way against your bigger rivals and what counts as killing a giant even if you don't actually run them out of business. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba explains the multiple tax deadlines your small business faces in the coming days.
Fri, 6 Jan 2012 22:53:07 GMT
Greg Corombos discusses how to maintain and even boost sales in tough economy with Ron Volper, author of Up Your Sales in a Down Market. Volper explains what the first sales priority should be in difficult economic times, how to make the sale all about the customer and how to close the deal with new clients. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba highlights the importance of keeping your records well organized.
Thu, 22 Dec 2011 19:40:04 GMT
Greg Corombos learns about the unique success of fertilizer maker Grower's Secret and discusses business principles with CEO Chaz Berman. Berman explains what makes his product different and better than anything else on the market and why his business model succeeds as well. Berman also tells us why too much virtual communication may be a bad thing and why the entrpreneur and the MBA don't always mix well. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba explains what tax changes your business can expect in 2012.
Wed, 21 Dec 2011 18:48:39 GMT
Greg Corombos discusses the best strategies for online marketing with Neil Rosen, head of ewaydirect.com and author of Chatter Marketing: Putting the Relationship Back in Customer Relationship Management. Rosen explains how to translate traditional marketing into today's internet age of marketing, how to engage customers without annoying them and why the opt-in concept is so critical. In our Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba details the importance of having your 2012 budget ready now.
Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:33:06 GMT
Greg Corombos and Brand Yourself's Patrick Ambron discuss the damage that can be done to the online reputation of your business by bad reviews or malicious conduct. Ambron explains how to deal with negative internet search results and how to flush out the bad news with a steady flow of positive content. He also tells us why that steady content is important even when there is nothing bad out there. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba offers advice on closing out the books for 2011 and how those numbers can help you plan for 2012.
Tue, 6 Dec 2011 22:57:55 GMT
Greg Corombos discusses the keys to effective online marketing and social media with Gail Martin, author of 30 Days to Online PR and Marketing Success. Martin explains why 30 days makes sense as a goal and how joining an online conversation is far more effective than trying to start one. She also reveals why embracing technology for marketing should not mean an end to traditional means. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba highlights the tax breaks that could benefit your business if you act before the end of the year.
Tue, 29 Nov 2011 21:45:31 GMT
Greg Corombos discusses making the right choices on the path to small business success as he visits with Darren Hardy, author of The Compound Effect. Also the publisher of Success magazine, Hardy explains why discipline and consistency are the biggest assets on the road to small business success. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba details the steps aspiring business owners must take to compile a solid business plan and start off on the right foot.
Tue, 22 Nov 2011 23:39:33 GMT
Greg Corombos and Forbes magazine reporter Jenna Goudreau discuss the best-paying jobs you can do at home as an employer or employee. Goudreau also explains how the rough economy is making this trend more and more popular. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business", John Duoba explains why it's vital to regularly consult and update your business plan.
Tue, 15 Nov 2011 22:22:33 GMT
Business and wealth planning attorney Jim Duggan tells Greg Corombos why establishing an entity for your business is vital and how to find the right entity for your firm. Duggan also explains why a personal entity is also a good idea as your wealth grows. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba details how to make sure you're not breaking the law when rewarding employees at the end of the year.
Tue, 8 Nov 2011 23:07:49 GMT
Longtime business leader and coach Rick Miller tells Greg Corombos why it's vital for a business owner to 'raise their antenna' and develop strong instincts of where a business should head and know where others on the team want it to go. He explains how this instinct works in tandem with facts on a page and strong business discipline to move a business in the right direction. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba offers some tips on how to show appreciation for your employees and vendors this holiday season.
Tue, 1 Nov 2011 20:38:13 GMT
Greg Corombos gets advice on how to recession-proof your small business from Melinda Emerson, who is also known as the Small Biz Lady. Emerson explains why it's vital to keep marketing, make great contacts, set 30-day sales goals and be bold in collecting unpaid bills. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business", John Duoba offers great tips as your business gears up for the holiday shopping season.
Tue, 25 Oct 2011 17:42:49 GMT
Greg Corombos learns the best ways for private sector businesses to land government contracts as he visits with EZGSA President Scott Orbach. Orbach explains how a business can best position itself for a government contract and why having Uncle Sam for a client can be a very good thing. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba offers five critical tips to help your business weather the rough economy.
Tue, 18 Oct 2011 16:48:05 GMT
Greg Corombos learns the keys to business success in any economic environment from real estate mogul and small business superstar Barbara Corcoran. Also featured on ABC's Shark Tank, Corcoran explains why organization and perseverance are two of the most important qualities an entrepreneur can cultivate. She also explains why she invests in people much more than in products or ideas. In our 'Top Takeaway for Your Small Business,' John Duoba details the tax breaks available to you before the end of the year and the value of planning ahead into 2012.
Tue, 11 Oct 2011 17:31:20 GMT
Greg Corombos learns the entrepreneurial story of Bath Planet from co-founder Rick Hirschhaut. Hirschhaut explains how Bath Planet emerged as a new idea from an existing home remodeling business and how the dream continued and even thrived when the economy soured. He also describes how Bath Planet partners with different communities and why its marketing strategy is the best and cheapest one around. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba discusses the looming deadline for those who postponed tax returns in April and the benefits of keeping up with tax preparation throughout the year.
Tue, 4 Oct 2011 17:01:35 GMT
Greg Corombos gets great advice on launching a small business from Vonda White, successful entrepreneur and author of Success Against the Odds. White explains how her small business journey began and why writing down your goals is a huge step towards achieving them. She also describes how simple ideas can turn into hugely profitable businesses. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba discusses some easy ways to keep up with estimated tax payments for your business.
Tue, 27 Sep 2011 17:46:42 GMT
Greg Corombos learns the great business and philanthropic story of TOMS Shoes as he visits with Blake Mycoskie, founder of TOMS and author of Start Something That Matters. Mycoskie explains how children in need of shoes inspired his business and how he grew his company exponentially without having much money. He also details why being charitable is far less expensive than we think and highlights the rewards of seeing lives changed by his work. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business", John Duoba discusses how establishing a business entity and getting the right type of insurance are the best ways to secure the financial health of you and your business.
Tue, 20 Sep 2011 17:34:29 GMT
Greg Corombos visits with Todd Simon of Omaha Steaks to learn why 'long distance' steaks have been so successful for nearly a century. Simon explains how his brand is different than what you find in the local store and how he gets the meat fresh to your door. He also details how his prices compare to the markets and how customer service is key to success. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba highlights the best ways to protect against crimes targeting people or property at the workplace.
Tue, 13 Sep 2011 16:21:31 GMT
Greg Corombos speaks with Hostway Senior Vice President Aaron Hollobaugh about the advantages cloud computer technology can provide your small business. Hollobaugh explains what cloud technology is, why it can greatly boost productivity and cost efficiency and how small businesses are driving the technological advancements. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba details the importance of contingency and recovery planning.
Wed, 7 Sep 2011 13:48:12 GMT
Greg Corombos visits with customer service guru Micah Solomon, who is also author of Exceptional Service, Exceptional Profit. Solomon explains the customer service mistakes that businesses don't realize they make, the keys to understanding what your customers really need and the biggest customer service challenges for small business owners. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba details the importance and economic benefits of strong workplace safety and security policies.
Tue, 30 Aug 2011 17:20:25 GMT
Greg Corombos discusses the principles of small business success with longtime entrepreneur G.J. Reynolds. Reynolds explains the importance of finding a good business mentor, how he went from small business success to rock bottom and back and what the 90 Day Challenge is all about. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba offers great tips on how your business can get an edge in landing government contracts.
Tue, 23 Aug 2011 18:47:35 GMT
Greg Corombos discusses how technology allows businesses to plan more efficiently and effectively as he visits with John Hagel, author of The Power of Pull. Hagel explains the key differences between the "push" and "pull" approaches and how the transition can work most smoothly. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba explains why you should consider making the federal government a client of your small business.
Tue, 16 Aug 2011 17:44:32 GMT
Greg Corombos visits with Michael Issa of Quipu Applications to learn how cloud computer technology cannot only make your paperwork much simpler but also much cheaper. Issa describes his own entrepreneurial journey, why his business could be a big help to your business and why emerging technologies is changing everything. in our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba explains why paying for additional training could be a good investment for you or your employees - and why it may not cost you very much.
Fri, 5 Aug 2011 18:40:40 GMT
Greg Corombos and Million Dollar Hire author David Jones discuss concrete ways to measure the type of employee you're about to hire and the performance of workers on the job. Jones explains how everything from productivity to personality can be measured and why making the right hire is especially critical for small businesses. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba offers insights on how to adjust your workforce for the upcoming change in seasons.
Tue, 2 Aug 2011 17:13:44 GMT
Greg Corombos discusses the critical issue of data protection with Pete Lamson of Carbonite. Lamson explains how damaging a data loss can be for a small business and how most never recover. He also details the simple and inexpensive ways to protect your most important information and your privacy. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba goes over the best ways to take advantage of upcoming sales tax holiday promotions.
Tue, 26 Jul 2011 17:53:00 GMT
Greg Corombos and Dani Johnson of ABC's "Secret Millionaire" discuss Johnson's new book First Steps to Wealth. Johnson tells the gripping story of rising from homeless single mother to millionaire in just two years. She also explains where to look for your business opportunities and why relationships and service are huge keys to your future business success. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba outlines how solvency ratios give you a clear picture of how much risk your business is taking right now.
Wed, 20 Jul 2011 13:07:52 GMT
Greg Corombos discusses why some small business are thriving, some are treading water and others are in big trouble in the present economy, as he visits with Jim Blasingame - The Small Business Advocate. Blasingame explains why some entrepreneurs thrive regardless of the economic conditions, the keys to surviving an extended downturn and what badly struggling business owners may need to admit. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba explains how efficiency ratios help you determine the most productive use for your assets.
Wed, 13 Jul 2011 18:19:48 GMT
Greg Corombos discusses the differences between written business plans and the dreams you have for your business with Tim Berry, author of The Plan-As-You-Go Business Plan. Berry also explains the importance of maintaining an updated business plan, the tension between strategic planning and strategic agility and why it's important for individuals rather than groups to bear responsibility for results. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba highlights the issues that determine whether starting your own business is a good idea.
Wed, 6 Jul 2011 13:31:12 GMT
Greg Corombos and online marketing expert Amy Porterfield discuss the keys to building the profile of your small business through social media marketing. Porterfield explains the three phases needed to establish a social media marketing presence and how to find the people you want to reach. She also gives tips on how to communicate in a way that makes each person feel like you are speaking directly to them. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba explains why liquidity ratios are critical in helping you make informed decisions about your business.
Fri, 24 Jun 2011 15:51:26 GMT
Greg Corombos discusses the importance of merging your business plan with emerging technologies, as he visits with Faisal Hoque, author of The Power of Convergence. Hoque explains how small businesses can make the tech upgrade at limited cost and why not keeping up to date can leave your business behind. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba offers different avenues to help you get that loan you need in this busy summer season.
Tue, 21 Jun 2011 16:11:51 GMT
Greg Corombos and ProPhase Labs CEO Ted Karkus discuss how and why Karkus led a tough but successful effort to take leadership of the company that makes Cold-Eeze. Karkus also explains how he restructured the firm, why specific job descriptions were key to hiring the right people and how his product has become the dominant player in its market. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba details how superior customer service can separate your business from your competitors in this busy summer season.
Tue, 14 Jun 2011 14:52:58 GMT
Greg Corombos and Denise Terry of myid.com discuss the best ways to prevent your small business from becoming a victim of identity theft. Terry also explains the most important steps you can take to minimize the damage and frustrations for your business if your critical information is compromised. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba offers great tips on how to run successful summer promotions.
Tue, 7 Jun 2011 16:40:22 GMT
Greg Corombos and Patrick Ambron of Brand Yourself discuss how to improve your search engine optimization, how much of a difference it can make in your reputation and bottom line and what can go wrong if you don't have a strong online presence. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba discusses the importance of a detailed vacation policy and how to line up manpower for your business when your employees are on vacation.
Tue, 31 May 2011 16:24:07 GMT
Greg Corombos discusses how best to sift through the endless online information coming at small business owners as he visits with magnify.net CEO and Curation Nation author Steven Rosenbaum. Rosenbaum explains how we don't need more information, just the ability to determine which information is actually important. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba tells us why having a thorough, updated business plan is critical for your success.
Wed, 25 May 2011 12:32:14 GMT
Greg Corombos visits with Daymond John, president and CEO of FUBU and regular shark on ABC's hit reality series Shark Tank. John recounts his own incredible entrepreneurial journey, offers advice to those considering their own business and explains how to stand out among competitors. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business", John Duoba explains why having a formal, written business plan is absolutely essential.
Wed, 18 May 2011 13:20:58 GMT
Greg Corombos and Caskey's Brooke Green discuss how anyone can become an effective salesperson whether it's your desired job or whether you're thrust into the role. Green explains how very satisfied clients will win you business by word of mouth and she explains how to spot the good salespeople when they come to your business. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba highlights some of the key steps to starting a business that must be taken care of long before you open your doors.
Tue, 10 May 2011 12:25:33 GMT
Greg Corombos and Maisha Walker of messagemedium.com discuss how to do the most good for your business online. Walker explains why different businesses require different approaches and how to determine which strategy is right for you. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba helps you determine whether you're well-suited to become your own boss.
Tue, 3 May 2011 16:55:27 GMT
Greg Corombos and Albert Maruggi of Provident Partners and The Marketing Edge podcast discuss how to market effectively through social media while still being engaging. Maruggi also details how some firms are taking their social promotions to the next level. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba explains how you can benefit from May being National Small Business Month.
Tue, 26 Apr 2011 13:21:13 GMT
Greg Corombos discusses how to successfully market to moms with Stacy DeBroff of momcentral.com and momcentralconsulting.com. DeBroff explains how to get connected to these moms online, how to get them to test your products and even get them to help promote your business. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba offers insights on what you can start doing now to make next year's tax season as painless as possible.
Mon, 18 Apr 2011 20:06:28 GMT
Greg Corombos discusses the keys to successful social media use by small businesses, as he visits with Susan Gunelius, author of 30-Minute Social Media Marketing. Gunelius gives great insight on how to establish quality relationships and why your strategy for building contacts should be the same methods you would use face-to-face. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba tells you what you need to know in order to file an extension with the IRS.
Tue, 12 Apr 2011 15:41:42 GMT
Greg Corombos discusses the right and wrong ways to market your business online and through social media, as he visits with C.C. Chapman, successful blogger and author of Content Rules. Chapman explains the need to find your 'authentic voice' when building online relationships and how to market effectively without offending your potential customers. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba offers some key tips on what NOT to do as you file your tax returns.
Tue, 5 Apr 2011 17:35:15 GMT
Greg Corombos discusses last-minute tax preparations with Gary Lundberg of CompleteTax. Lundberg explains who should be looking to file an extension, how to handle changes to withholding and how to be fully prepared for next year's tax deadline. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba offers tips on how to make tax filing for your business as smooth as possible.
Tue, 29 Mar 2011 14:33:56 GMT
Be the Media author David Mathison tells Greg Corombos why cultivating quality online contacts and customers is far more important than just building up a large quantity of them. Mathison also explains how to sift through current contacts to find the best prospects and how to find new ones. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba offers tips on how to keep your cash flow strong and make your business appealing to outside lenders.
Tue, 22 Mar 2011 16:55:42 GMT
Greg Corombos speaks with ChangeLabs CEO Peter Sheahan about Sheahan's new book, Making It Happen. Sheahan explains how to package a good raw idea into a marketable one, reach willing and reluctant customers and adapt your ideas to stay ahead of the curve. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba explains how poor cash flow can sink any small business.
Tue, 15 Mar 2011 17:20:19 GMT
Small Biz Lady Melinda Emerson tells Greg Corombos the top five reasons small business fail. Emerson explains the financial realities you need to keep in mind and the critical importance of networking and finding your niche. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba explains how "factoring" might be a good way for your business to access additional capital.
Tue, 8 Mar 2011 15:14:54 GMT
Greg Corombos discusses the importance of building your business on core values as he visits with Ann Rhoades, president of People Ink and author of Built on Values. Rhoades explains how to establish the right values for your business and how to gauge if your firm is living up to its principles. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba explains how to secure additional capital for your business with some help from the federal government.
Tue, 1 Mar 2011 13:26:44 GMT
Greg Corombos discusses the keys to growing a successful small business with growth strategist Aldonna Ambler. Ambler explains how she broke through the glass ceiling of business consultants, how to tell if entrepreneurship is right for you and how to make the most critical decisions for your business. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba explains what you need to gain access to more financial capital.
Wed, 23 Feb 2011 15:47:22 GMT
Greg Corombos discovers how best to relate and market to America's huge emerging generation as he visits with Thom Rainer, co-author of The Millennials: Connecting to America's Largest Generation. Rainer explains how Millennials are different from previous generations and why businesses better get tech-savvy if they want these young people as customers. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba explains the importance of having an asset protection strategy.
Wed, 16 Feb 2011 10:53:30 GMT
Greg Corombos discusses the keys to truly effective branding with David Aaker, vice chairman of Prophet Brand Strategy and author of Brand Relevance: Making Competitors Irrelevant. Aaker explains the critical difference between brand relevance and brand preference and how to determine if your strategy of separating your business from your competitors is a smart one. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba explains the importance of disaster planning and how best to prepare for everything from natural disasters to sticky-fingered employees.
Tue, 8 Feb 2011 12:49:34 GMT
Greg Corombos and The New Small author Phil Simon discuss the importance of entrepreneurs embracing new technologies to grow their businesses. Simon explains how many small firms have used cloud computing, open-source software, social media and other tools to distance themselves from competitors still relying on technology from several years ago. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba explains why establishing an entity for your business is vital for protecting wealth and limiting liability.
Tue, 1 Feb 2011 16:39:15 GMT
Greg Corombos and Dina Amico-Kriescher of noahsarkworkshop.com discuss the balance between business and the home. Amico-Kriescher also explains how she grew her business by allowing others to buy into it and how she got the inspiration for her second business, bellabeads925.com. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba explains how to protect your business from calamity and safely preserve your wealth for your heirs.
Tue, 25 Jan 2011 14:23:38 GMT
Greg Corombos and accomplished Gen Y entrepreneur Scott Gerber discuss how Gerber survived early business failures and used those lessons to fuel a very successful career. Gerber also gives insights on approaching angel investors, finding business partners and other topics he discusses in his new book, Never Get A Real Job. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba explains why small businesses will be seeing a lot more IRS paperwork this year.
Tue, 18 Jan 2011 15:43:56 GMT
Greg Corombos and Jay Ehret of themarketingspot.com discuss Ehret's four-spot marketing model. Ehret explains how building a brand and sparking conversation about your business are the keys to sustained success. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba tells us what important 2010 tax information you need to get to your employees and vendors by the end of the month.
Tue, 11 Jan 2011 13:04:00 GMT
Greg Corombos and Leslie Truex of workathomesuccess.com discuss the right way and the wrong way to start working from home. Truex explains how to decide whether working from home is right for you and how to avoid work-at-home scams. In our 'Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba explains what has changed and what has not changed in the tax code as we start 2011.
Tue, 4 Jan 2011 13:56:40 GMT
Greg Corombos discusses the benefits of Sales 2.0 with Kenneth Darryl Brown of eweb2sales.com. Brown explains how Sales 2.0 is different from the more traditional sales strategies, and he tells us how to keep a human touch while conducting business in cyberspace. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba advises us how to set and achieve our small business goals for 2011.
Thu, 23 Dec 2010 14:56:35 GMT
Greg Corombos and digital marketing expert Natalie MacNeil discuss the keys to engaging potential customers through social networks and your website. MacNeil also offers tips on building international relationships and discusses her rapidly growing blog, shetakesontheworld.net. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba helps you to prepare for changes coming to the tax laws in 2011.
Tue, 21 Dec 2010 17:42:56 GMT
Greg Corombos and Diane Helbig of seizethisdaycoaching.com talk about the simplicity of sales and the importance of clarity in the workplace. They discuss the keys to keeping sales clients, winning over the ones that reject you at first and setting the most efficient course for your business. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba explains the importance of creating a detailed budget plan - and sticking with it.
Tue, 14 Dec 2010 13:18:49 GMT
Greg Corombos gets critical insight on the employer-employee relationship from Eli Holzman, executive producer of Undercover Boss on CBS and co-author of the book by the same name. Holzman explains what employers have learned by seeing their own companies at the ground level and what all bosses can do to make their businesses function better. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba explains how your year-end balance sheet can give you great advice for business planning in 2011.
Tue, 7 Dec 2010 12:49:10 GMT
Greg Corombos and Pamela Slim of 'Escape from Cubicle Nation' discuss why now is the right time to test your entrepreneurial dream and possibly make the jump to begin your own business. Pamela also explains how to test your ideas and who to talk with before launching a new business. In our Top Takeaway for Your Small Business, John Duoba offers tax planning advice for the coming year.
Tue, 30 Nov 2010 15:15:00 GMT
Greg Corombos and entrepreneurial expert Barbara Weltman discuss the often overlooked issues of entity, insurance, taxes and more when starting up a business. Weltman also explains why taking care of all the preliminary steps is good preparation for running a business, why choosing the right name for your firm is critical and what she discusses in her "Big Ideas for Small Business" newsletter. In our Top Takeaway for Your Small Business, John Duoba tells us why aspiring entrepreneurs need to take the time to assemble a quality business plan and how best to do it.
Tue, 23 Nov 2010 13:42:30 GMT
Greg Corombos and Personality Poker author Stephen Shapiro discuss the importance of understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each employee, honest dialogue that improves performance and his book and card game that help bosses and workers address these critical issues. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba explains why having an updated business plan is vital long after you've opened your doors.
Tue, 16 Nov 2010 14:45:48 GMT
Greg Corombos and Count Me In founder Nell Merlino discuss the challenges and opportunities for female entrepreneurs and why there are more female entrepreneurs, even though men run the majority of million-dollar businesses. Merlino also explains why financing and personnel are areas worth your close attention when starting a small business. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba offers tips on how to reward employees at the end of the year without involving the IRS.
Tue, 9 Nov 2010 13:11:30 GMT
Greg Corombos and Rainforest Cafe founder Steven Schussler discuss the ideas, risks, ambition and personal qualities needed to be a successful entrepreneur. Schussler explains the key steps in his own career and other business principles contained within his new book, It's A Jungle in There . In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba highlights the importance of clear holiday vacation policies.
Tue, 2 Nov 2010 15:15:54 GMT
Greg Corombos discusses the keys to small business success with Bill Murphy, Jr., author of The Intelligent Entrepreneur. Murphy reveals what he learned by closely observing how three Harvard Business School graduates run their businesses, explaining the most important rules to follow on the path to success. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba offers tips on how to prepare for the critical Thanksgiving and Christmas shopping seasons.
Tue, 26 Oct 2010 12:20:59 GMT
Greg Corombos and Twist Image President Mitch Joel discuss why understanding the purpose of digital marketing is far more important than understanding how to do it. They also discuss many of the principles in Joel's new book, Six Pixels of Separation. In our "Top Takeaway for Your Small Business," John Duoba offers great tips for protecting your business in lean financial times while still planning for a robust future.
Tue, 19 Oct 2010 14:49:03 GMT
Greg Corombos and mompreneur Margee Moore discuss how Moore was able to find entrepreneurial success while raising a young family, what she knows now that she wishes she knew when she first became a mompreneur and how young moms are relying heavily on the latest digital technology. They also highlight her new book app "Sleeping with the Laundry". In our Top Takeaway for Your Small Business, John Duoba explains why your business should be planning for the future right now and which soon-to-expire tax breaks could benefit you most.
Tue, 12 Oct 2010 16:58:20 GMT
Greg Corombos discusses the keys to launching a successful small business with Omar Soliman, co-founder of College Hunks Hauling Junk and co-author of "Effortless Entrepreneur". Soliman also discusses the keys to successful branding and why being the best at one thing is better than being pretty good at several things. Plus, John Duoba offers last minute tips for tax procrastinators in our Top Takeaway for Your Small Business.
Tue, 5 Oct 2010 11:51:57 GMT
Greg Corombos and Business Insanity Radio host Barry Moltz discuss why entrepreneurs persevere through failed business ventures and what lessons they need to learn from those failures. Moltz also explains how businesses can keep growing even when money is tight. In our Top Takeaway for Your Small Business, John Duoba offers insights on complying with the IRS at the start of a new fiscal quarter.
Tue, 28 Sep 2010 14:39:46 GMT
Greg Corombos discusses what Congress is doing and should be doing to help small business owners, as he visits with Jim Blasingame - The Small Business Advocate. Blasingame explains how government is failing to provide certainty to business owners, how the tax debate impacts business planning and why entrepreneurship will still improve in the coming months. In our Top Takeaway for Your Small Business, John Duoba wraps up his series on protecting your business with tips on getting the right insurance for your needs.
Tue, 21 Sep 2010 16:52:48 GMT
Greg Corombos discusses the merits of an employee recognition system with entrepreneur and blogger Zane Safrit. Safrit explains how employee recognition works and why having employees who take part in decisions and feel like part of a real team will be a great boost for your business. In our Top Takeaway for Your Small Business, John Duoba offers advice on fraud prevention - both from inside and outside your business.
Tue, 14 Sep 2010 16:38:49 GMT
This week we highlight how to say 'no' to your employees while encourging their creativity, as Greg Corombos visits with Tim Berry, founder of Palo Alto software and author of 'The Plan as You Go Business Plan'. They also discuss how to avoid frozen business thinking and the importance of using real-world examples when setting your goals. In our Top Takeaway for Your Small Business, John Duoba explains the importance of contingency planning in case your business encounters disaster.
Tue, 7 Sep 2010 14:28:20 GMT
Greg Corombos learns how to find the best health coverage for your business, as he speaks with Cary Hall, founder of Benefits by Design Inc. and host of the nationally syndicated "Health Insurance Advocate Show". They also discuss how the new health care laws will impact your business. In addition, John Duoba highlights the importance of workplace safety in our Top Takeaway for Your Small Business.
Tue, 31 Aug 2010 11:43:07 GMT
Greg Corombos and Social Media Today CEO Robin Carey discuss why every small business owner should jump aboard the social media movement and why online networking with customers, potential clients and even competitors can be a huge help to your business. In addition, John Duoba explains the value of getting your business qualified to bid on government contracts in our Top Takeaway for Your Small Business.
Tue, 24 Aug 2010 14:17:14 GMT
Greg Corombos and Empower Me CEO Adrienne Graham discuss common mistakes small business owners make when trying to weather a rough economy, the greatest hurdle facing female entrepreneurs and the common qualities of successful business leaders. In our Top Takeaway for Your Small Business, John Duoba explains why helping your workers get more education could be a good investment.
Tue, 17 Aug 2010 11:42:56 GMT
Greg Corombos discusses the common traits of successful entrepreneurs with Sherry Borzo, host of the "Entrepreneur People - Real Stories" podcast. Borzo reveals what is vital in running a small business, what aspects of the job have surprised many small business owners and how one guest led her to a clear understanding of what marketing really is. In addition, John Duoba highlights the pros and cons of hiring full-time seasonal workers in our Top Takeaway for Your Small Business.
Tue, 10 Aug 2010 10:56:15 GMT
Greg Corombos and "Twooting" podcast host Bo Bennett discuss the power of Twitter to grow and promote your small business. They explain how to use Twitter effectively and what type of time commitment you'll need for your social media efforts. In addition, John Duoba highlights the elements of an effective seasonal ad campaign in our Top Takeaway for Your Small Business.
Fri, 30 Jul 2010 17:02:31 GMT
Greg Corombos discusses how to make your hobby your new career with Melinda Emerson, author of "Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months". The conversation also covers the seven keys to small business success. In addition, John Duoba explains how your business can take advantage of sales tax holidays in our Top Takeaway for Your Small Business.
Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:15:25 GMT
Greg Corombos and Nancy Padberg of Navigate Boomer Media discuss why marketing towards baby boomers could be a great move for your small business and why aiming your message at female baby boomers is especially wise. Also, John Duoba explains the best ways to collect money from customers who are slow to pay their bills in our Top Takeaway for Your Small Business.
Tue, 20 Jul 2010 10:44:31 GMT
Greg Corombos and Dan Miller of 48days.com discuss how to find work you love in just 48 days, how to determine what type of business will give you the greatest satisfaction and how to avoid burnout no matter how much you love your work. Plus, John Duoba explains how some states are much more hospitable to small businesses than others in our Top Takeaway for Your Small Business.
Tue, 13 Jul 2010 12:18:01 GMT
Greg Corombos and "Conquer the Chaos" author Clate Mask discuss the best ways to keep your head above water as you launch your small business and how to build the best mindset and habits for long-term success. In our Top Takeaway for Your Small Business, John Duoba explains how to compare the success of your business to other firms in the same field.
Tue, 6 Jul 2010 11:08:58 GMT
Greg Corombos and Metromom Kim DeYoung discuss her path as an entrepreneur, how she found a customer base and how to get over the fear of selling. Also, John Duoba discusses the importance of regular financial analysis in the Top Takeaway for Your Small Business.
Tue, 29 Jun 2010 11:59:34 GMT
Greg Corombos And Provident Partners founder Albert Maruggi discuss the keys to marketing in the 21st century, including how to blend classic ideas with emerging trends. Also, John Duoba offers the Top Takeaway for Your Small Business.
Tue, 22 Jun 2010 12:03:35 GMT
Greg Corombos discusses how to build your business through great customer communication, as he visits with C.C. Chapman, creative director and partner at Campfire and host of the 'Managing the Gray' podcast. They also talk about the critical role of social media in building your brand. Also, John Duoba reveals where you can get some loan assistance during the seasonal ups and downs of the business cycle.
Tue, 15 Jun 2010 10:55:10 GMT
Greg Corombos discusses the importance of how we act and react in the workplace with Michelle DeAngelis, founder of Michelle Inc and Planet Joyride and author of "Get a Life That Doesn't Suck". What do business owners fret about that is beyond your control and what are the best ways to deal with office frustrations? In addition, John Duoba explains how to increase the profile of your business during the summer months in our Top Takeaway for Your Small Business.
Tue, 8 Jun 2010 10:48:29 GMT
Greg Corombos and venture capitalist Jeffrey Bussgang explain the keys to success when seeking or giving financial help through venture capitalism. They also discuss Bussgang's new book "Mastering the VC Game". Also, John Duoba covers the potential pitfalls of hiring the wrong summertime employees.
Tue, 1 Jun 2010 12:26:54 GMT
Greg Corombos and "Inbound Marketing" author Brian Halligan discuss why most businesses go about marketing in precisely the wrong way and how to use your web page, blog and social media to get the best results. In addition, John Duoba offers tips for hiring part-time summer help in our Top Takeaway for Your Small Business.
Tue, 25 May 2010 10:38:12 GMT
Greg Corombos discusses the art of employee management with Wendy Powell, author of "Management Experience Acquired". They address what should be expected of a good worker and a good boss and how to resolve personality clashes in the workplace. Also, John Duoba explains the vital importance of of aspiring entrepreneurs putting together a business plan in our Top Takeaway for Your Small Business.
Tue, 18 May 2010 10:49:17 GMT
Greg Corombos and biz coach Kenneth Darryl Brown discuss Brown's incredible personal story and the passion needed to be a successful entrepreneur. Also CEO of E3 Capital Resources and host of his own podcast, Brown explains how to use social media and Google to grow your business. In our Top Takeaway for Your Small Business, John Duoba reviews some of the most important steps before you ever open your doors.
Tue, 11 May 2010 10:21:26 GMT
Greg Corombos is joined by "Be the Media" author David Mathison to discuss how to usethe internet and social networking most effectively to boost sales and marketing for your small business. In addition, John Duoba explains the most critical factor in your professional success or failure in our Top Takeaway for Your Small Business.
Tue, 4 May 2010 12:18:11 GMT
Greg Corombos interviews Leslie Truex, author of "The Work at Home Success Bible" about what you need to consider before telecommuting or starting a home-based business. And John Duoba explains how you can benefit from National Small Business Month in our Top Takeaway for Your Small Business.
Tue, 27 Apr 2010 13:35:36 GMT
In our Top Takeaway for Your Small Business, John Duoba explains how to protect the integrity of your business from those who seek to harm it.
Tue, 27 Apr 2010 13:35:07 GMT
Greg Corombos discusses how to prioritize resources during a down economy with David Wolf, head of American Markets Media and host of the "Small Biz America" podcast. They also examine the need to keep dreaming and avoid hunkering down to ride out the economic storm.
Tue, 27 Apr 2010 10:51:24 GMT
Greg Corombos discusses how to prioritize resources during a down economy with David Wolf, head of American Markets Media and host of the "Small Biz America" podcast. They also examine the need to keep dreaming and avoid hunkering down to ride out the economic storm. In our Top Takeaway for Your Small Business, John Duoba explains how to protect the integrity of your business from those who seek to harm it.
Tue, 20 Apr 2010 12:39:19 GMT
John Duoba explains why keeping detailed records will help your business in the long run.
Tue, 20 Apr 2010 12:39:00 GMT
Greg Corombos discusses the simplicity and fundamentals of sales with Diane Helbig, author of "Lemonade Stand Selling" and host of the "Accelerate Your Business Growth" podcast.
Tue, 20 Apr 2010 10:03:00 GMT
Greg Corombos discusses the simplicity and fundamentals of sales with Diane Helbig, author of "Lemonade Stand Selling" and host of the "Accelerate Your Business Growth" podcast. And in our Top Takeaway for Your Small Business, John Duoba explains why keeping detailed records will help your business in the long run.
Tue, 13 Apr 2010 12:46:52 GMT
John Duoba explains why you should be planning for next year's tax season right now in our Top Takeaway for Your Small Business.
Tue, 13 Apr 2010 12:46:33 GMT
Greg Corombos interviews British entrepreneur Guy Kingston, host of the "Mind Your Own Business" podcast. They discuss the advantages of the U.S. business climate, how to profit off the end of the recession and the perils and payoffs of using emerging technologies.
Tue, 13 Apr 2010 10:19:43 GMT
Greg Corombos interviews British entrepreneur Guy Kingston, host of the "Mind Your Own Business" podcast. They discuss the advantages of the U.S. business climate, how to profit off the end of the recession and the perils and payoffs of using emerging technologies. Plus, John Duoba explains why you should be planning for next year's tax season right now in our Top Takeaway for Your Small Business.
Tue, 6 Apr 2010 12:04:20 GMT
Greg Corombos interviews marketing visionary Thomas Harpointner of AIS Media. They discuss how the internet and social networking are changing the advertising world - and what all the rage will be a year from now.
Tue, 6 Apr 2010 12:02:40 GMT
toolkit.com publisher John Duoba offers some timely tax tips in our Top Takeaway for Your Small Business.
Tue, 6 Apr 2010 09:57:23 GMT
This week on Business Owner's Toolkit, Greg Corombos interviews marketing visionary Thomas Harpointer of AIS Media. They discuss how the internet and social networking are changing the advertising world - and what all the rage will be a year from now. And toolkit.com publisher John Duoba offers some timely tax tips in our Top Takeaway for Your Small Business.
Tue, 30 Mar 2010 10:01:52 GMT
Greg Corombos interviews Kevin Hanville, author of "Change or Go Broke: Straight Talk About Small Business". In addition, John Duoba wraps up our monthlong look at cash flow management in our Business Owner's Toolkit Top Takeaway for Your Small Business.
Tue, 23 Mar 2010 10:31:51 GMT
Greg Corombos discusses the keys to success in your sales efforts with Brooke Green, "The Ultimate Sales Chick". In addition, John Duoba offers some valuable cash flow advice in our Business Owner's Toolkit Top Takeaway for Your Small Business.
Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:14:19 GMT
Greg Corombos discusses the importance of valuing talent in the workplace and utilizing emerging technologies with Peter Clayton of Total Picture Radio. And John Duoba continues our month long look at cash flow strategies in our small business tip of the week.
Tue, 9 Mar 2010 10:41:44 GMT
Greg Corombos interviews The Small Biz Lady, Melinda Emerson, about her new book that gives you the tools and the strategy to become your own boss in 12 months. And John Duoba begins our monthlong business tips focused on managing your cash flow,
Wed, 3 Mar 2010 10:04:07 GMT
Greg talks with digital marketing pioneer and 'Dishy Mix' podcast host Susan Bratton about her entrepreneurial experience and what she's learned by interviewing many business executives.
Wed, 3 Mar 2010 10:03:33 GMT
John Duoba examines the benefits of buying a small business instead of starting one from scratch.
Tue, 2 Mar 2010 15:59:51 GMT
Greg talks with digital marketing pioneer and 'Dishy Mix' podcast host Susan Bratton about her entrepreneurial experience and what she's learned by interviewing many business executives. In our business tip of the week, John Duoba examines the benefits of buying a small business instead of starting one from scratch.
Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:29:20 GMT
Greg Corombos interviews Micah Solomon, author of "Exceptional Service, Exceptional Profit - The Secrets of Building a Five-Star Customer Service Organization"; and John Duoba relates a helpful Toolkit Top Takeaway for the month of February.
Tue, 16 Feb 2010 11:33:43 GMT
In this week's podcast, John Duoba talks more about doing business in the month of February, and Greg Coromobos interviews Pamela Slim, author of "Escape From Cubicle Nation."
Thu, 4 Feb 2010 13:52:54 GMT
Greg interviews internet entrepreneur and networker Adam Toren about the keys to small business success and Toren's new book, 'Kidpreneurs', which teaches business principles to children. In addition, John Duoba is here with the Business Owner's Toolkit Top Takeaway for your small business.
Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:32:03 GMT
Greg speaks with 'mompreneur' Jennifer Cary about starting a business while raising her small kids. Also, John Duoba offers tips on how you can get your business year off to a good financial start.
Tue, 19 Jan 2010 09:56:09 GMT
Greg talks to Sander Flaum, who has some great ideas on ways to be a leader. Flaum also has tips for you when you begin your new job that are priceless, and set you apart from your co-workers.
Wed, 13 Jan 2010 13:15:16 GMT
In this podcast of Business Owner's Toolkit, Greg Corombos learns valuable tips on organizing your business for success, as he speaks with John G. Miller, author of 'Outstanding: 47 Ways to Make Your Organization Exceptional'. We'll also hear this week's Top Takeaway for Your Small Business from John Duoba.
Wed, 6 Jan 2010 13:10:04 GMT
Business Owner's Toolkit is a fast-paced, entertaining, one-hour radio program that provides advice and inspiration to small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Wed, 6 Jan 2010 13:03:06 GMT
Wed, 6 Jan 2010 12:55:05 GMT
Wed, 6 Jan 2010 12:50:22 GMT
Wed, 6 Jan 2010 12:45:56 GMT
Tue, 1 Dec 2009 11:11:31 GMT
Tue, 1 Dec 2009 11:06:34 GMT
Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:06:51 GMT
Wed, 4 Nov 2009 09:31:17 GMT
Greg and John talk about two White House initiatives for increasing small business lending, the process for determining your financing profile, the considerations if you are thinking of pursuing a federal government contract,and the importance of networking at the upcoming Global Entrepreneurship Week events in your state. In addition, Kate Holmes, a consignment shop owner and the proprietor of two websites following that industry, is interviewed about the lessons of retail shop ownership and the trends in consignment shopping.
Wed, 4 Nov 2009 09:28:00 GMT
Greg and John talk about a new initiative by federal officials that is hoped will improve small business lending, recommendations for using your completed business plan, the types of small business insurance, and how to use Business Tools found at toolkit.com sample letters for checking employer references, personal references, educational records and driving records. In addition, Becky McCray, small town entrepreneur owning a retail store and cattle ranch, as well as publisher of SmallBizSurvival.com, is interviewed about rural small business issues and trends.
Wed, 4 Nov 2009 09:24:42 GMT
Greg and John talk about a new federal plan to lend TARP money to smaller banks for small business lending, the best ways to update your business plan over time, the alternatives to traditional insurance, and how to use Business Tools found at toolkit.com Sample Employee Termination Contract Waiving Rights to Sue and Sample Reference Release for Employees Who Leave. In addition, Derek Miner, co-founder and executive vice president of OrangeSoda, is interviewed about the small business trends in search engine marketing and search engine optimization.
Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:26:45 GMT
Greg and John talk about the lack of small business lending and how it is dampening economic recovery, the content and presentation format of your business plan, doing a risk assessment of your business insurance needs, and how to use Business Tools found at toolkit.com filling out OSHA Forms 300 and 301.
Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:53:57 GMT
Greg and John talk about the October 15 federal income tax extension filing deadline, the assumptions that should drive your business plan, insurance and the special needs of small business, and how to use Business Tools found at toolkit.com. The Sample Noncompete Agreement. In addition, Joan Gillman, Director of Special Industry Programs, Executive Education, for the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Business, is interviewed about the help resources available and the lessons learned for entrepreneurs in this struggling economy.
Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:40:21 GMT
Greg and John discuss how to prepare for the upcoming flu season with H1N1 (or swine) flu, the thought process when preparing to write a formal business plan document, the many federal/state/private resources available when greening your small business, and how to use a Business Tool found at toolkit.com??The Sample Script for Employee Feedback. In addition, Robert Spector, motivational speaker, business expert and author of the new book, The Mom and Pop Store: How the Unsung Heroes of the American Economy Are Surviving and Thriving, talks about customer service and competing with the big-box and category-killer stores.
Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:35:58 GMT
Greg and John talk about new SBA loan rules regarding the value of goodwill included in the selling price of a business, the many reasons for writing a formal business plan document, ways you can measure the value of your small business greening efforts, and how to use a Business Tool found at toolkit.com??The Overtime Guidance Tool. In addition, Dave Ratner, small business owner, motivational speaker and owner and founder of Dave's Soda and Pet City, talks about improving sales and his new book Creating Customer Love: Make Your Customers Love You So Much They'll Never Go Anyplace Else.
Mon, 21 Sep 2009 10:12:53 GMT
Greg and John discuss a new National Federation of Independent Business poll showing lower optimism for the future from business owners, sustaining success when your new business is up and running, ways you can cut costs by greening your small business, and how to use a Business Tool found at toolkit.com??Sample Disability Policy Template.
Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:02:00 GMT
Greg and John look at the new monthly unemployment figures and dig deep into what the numbers mean, how to measure success for small businesses at different life cycle stages, the alternatives to hiring full-time employees such as interns and volunteers, and advice from our online columnist Ask Alice at toolkit.com??what is Workers?? Compensation Insurance? In addition, Rea Hederman, Assistant Director of the Center for Data Analysis at the Heritage Foundation, is interviewed about the growing unemployment numbers and the various reform policies under consideration in Washington.
Tue, 8 Sep 2009 15:26:33 GMT
Greg and John talk about various aspects of the federal stimulus package 200 days after passage: problems with the new withholding rules for the Making Work Pay tax credit, the looming deadline for a special tax break that allows writing off a net operating loss from 2008, the new certification rules for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit for hiring, and how to use a new tool from the government: E-Verify, online employment eligibility verification for employees. In addition, Gerald Prante, sr. economist at The Tax Foundation, is interviewed about the effects of the stimulus bill on the economy and the policies currently under consideration in Washington.
Sat, 29 Aug 2009 20:05:31 GMT
Greg and John talk about the SBA's report on small business government contracting and the SBA's looming deadline for a special loan program, ways to protect your start up business and your new ideas for it through insurance and intellectual property protections, understanding your legal liabilities and various employment laws when you become an employer, and how to use a Business Tool found at toolkit.com.
Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:51:38 GMT
John is joined by Ray Keating, chief economist at the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council. Ray shares his thoughts on the economy and if the recession is over..
Sat, 22 Aug 2009 20:05:53 GMT
Greg and John talk about how the economy and public opinion may be at a turning point for entrepreneurs, tips for when and where to open your new business, the considerations and economic justifications when hiring employees into your business, and how to use a Business Tool found at toolkit.com??Sample Collection Letters. In addition, JD Foster, a Senior Fellow in the Economics of Fiscal Policy at The Heritage Foundation, is interviewed regarding the micro- and macro-economic features of this recession as well as the state of government entitlement programs Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security.
Sat, 15 Aug 2009 20:05:34 GMT
Greg and John talk about the recent stock market rally and its future potential, tips for setting up a record-keeping and accounting system for a start up business, the considerations for justifying and making a major purchase, and how to use a Business Tool found at toolkit.com??Sample Employee Leave or Time-Off Policies Template. In addition, Ray Keating, chief economist at the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council, is interviewed various aspects of this recession and the future outlook as well as the policies needed to reverse the slide.
Sat, 8 Aug 2009 20:05:32 GMT
Greg and John talk about the health care reform debate coming from Washington, the process for getting financing for a start up business, the options to consider when adding a vehicle to your business, and advice from our online columnist Ask Alice at toolkit.com??what are Small Business Investment Companies? In addition, Jason Lemkin, CEO and co-founder of EchoSign, the web??s #1 electronic signature service, is interviewed about the small business economy and tips to grow your business in this environment.
Sat, 1 Aug 2009 20:05:34 GMT
Wed, 29 Jul 2009 12:28:28 GMT
Not only is the national debate critical, but also how it will affect employer provided health care. Your hosts also discuss loans through the Small Business Administration. They are joined by Sramana Mitra to discuss her book "Entrepreneur Journeys." Finally, they discuss absanteeism policies.
Tue, 23 Jun 2009 11:57:05 GMT
Forbes columnist Sramana Mitra takes aim at this essential route along the roadmap to startup success with Bootstrapping: Weapon of Mass Reconstruction. Mitra showcases successful entrepreneurs and their lessons from bootstrapping. Important issues like doing more with less, getting started with little or no capital, and validating the market on the cheap are discussed.
Tue, 23 Jun 2009 11:37:19 GMT
Karen Kerrigan, President and CEO of Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council, talks about the most recently released report on Flex Time. Co-author of Flex-Options Guide, Karen discusses the updated guide which includes the latest information about workplace flexibility, and new model practices to help business leaders implement flexible workplace solutions.
Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:47:32 GMT
This podcast discusses the value of employees to small businesses, and how to effectively manage them during a recession. It also talks about how to properly handle downsizing. Also discussed are a variety of business tax credits. Joining the program is Gotham Godhwani owner of Simply Hired, to discuss his business.
Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:36:12 GMT
Julann Jatczak, VP and COO of the Wisconsin Women's Business Initiative (WWBIC), describes WWBIC's 14 session Start Smart plan. This plan fits the needs of many entrepreneurs - from future business owners to established businesses looking to expand their operations.
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