Weatherholt and Associates - Small Business Authority

New Blog Post Location at GDTB

David W Weatherholt — Sat, 18 May 2013 06:47:24 +0000

For David's newest blog posts, please click the link below.

WEALTH DISTRIBUTION

David W Weatherholt — Wed, 01 May 2013 01:17:25 +0000

The United States has produced and distributed more wealth than any other country in the history of the world. Have you ever wondered why? A careful look at our experiences in economic terms exposes the truth behind this incredible feat. The story behind this success has been distorted by its enemies who have even rewritten history and impugned the reputation of those who labored to make this success a reality.

Top 3 Coolest Tech Products for 2013

David W Weatherholt — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 16:00:30 +0000

Our Top 3 Coolest Tech Products for 2013 are out… read the article for more details. They are: Samsung Youm – Bendable Phone FitBit Flex Panasonic 56-inch TV Read the article: Top 3 Coolest Tech Products for 2013 Subscribe to the Newsletter This form needs Javascript to display, which your browser doesn’t support. Sign up [...]

3 Steps that Will Create Lead-Generating Websites

David W Weatherholt — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 16:00:04 +0000

We @ Beacon really love everything about Social Media: We love the strategy, the contests and excitement generated with every post. Social Media is exciting, fast paced and challenging. Take a look at our client, Kaleidoscape- www.facebook.com/kplayak. Her Facebook page has generated a substantial following in less than 3 months. She has 754 fans, growing every [...]

Location Matters – Top Tips

David W Weatherholt — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 16:00:26 +0000

In this introductory article by Alaska real estate expert Bernie Lewis, “Location Matters – Top Tips,” learn what makes a great commercial real estate location. Read the article: Location Matters – Top Tips Subscribe to the Newsletter This form needs Javascript to display, which your browser doesn’t support. Sign up here instead

How to Plan for Success

David W Weatherholt — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 20:02:16 +0000

Business planning starts NOW… wait, isn’t it February already? If you haven’t finished your business plans for the year, start now with my article “How to Plan for Success.” It’s better late than never. Read the article: How to Plan for Success Subscribe to the Newsletter This form needs Javascript to display, which your browser doesn’t [...]

6 Ways to Work More Effectively on a Virtual Team

David W Weatherholt — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 16:00:22 +0000

Have you ever had to work virtually? Did you find it challenging? Read “6 Ways to Work More Effectively on a Virtual Team” for some great tips. Read the article: 6 Ways to Work More Effectively on a Virtual Team Subscribe to the Newsletter This form needs Javascript to display, which your browser doesn’t support. [...]

Managing Workplace Risk with the Flu

David W Weatherholt — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 16:00:38 +0000

Flu season is upon us, and along with the disease comes risk to your business. “Managing Workplace Risk with the Flu” addresses concerns from minor outbreaks to how to handle a widespread epidemic. All businesses should have plans in place in case the worst happens. Read the article: Managing Workplace Risk with the Flu Subscribe [...]

5 Steps Towards Social Media Success on Facebook in 2013

David W Weatherholt — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 16:00:18 +0000

With these five steps, your business can enjoy social media success this year. Just read the article, “5 Steps Towards Social Media Success on Facebook in 2013.” Here’s the intro, to get you interested: One of my favorite quotes is by none other than the late Zig Ziglar. He said: “A goal properly set is [...]

Economic News Summary: Gaming the Numbers

David W Weatherholt — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 16:00:51 +0000

My latest economic news summary, Gaming the Numbers, continues our string of economic bad news. Here’s the top item: “Did you hear about Gross Domestic Product this week? The key indicator of economic health was down -0.1% in Q4 2012. Wouldn’t you think that would be big economic news? The classic definition of recession is [...]

The Surety Bond

David W Weatherholt — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 16:00:14 +0000

Learn about the two types of surety bonds in “The Surety Bond.” Here’s a preview: Unlike traditional insurance, surety bonds are a three party agreement that involve one party (surety company) making a financial guarantee on behalf of another party (principal), for the benefit and protection of a third party (obligee). The use of such [...]

Getting Down to Business eNewsletter – January 2013

David W Weatherholt — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 18:32:12 +0000

The newest Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter is ready for reading! Learn the less-than-stellar news about our economy, how to get your business on track for 2013, handling the flu at your workplace, marketing tips and the top 3 new tech products. Read the newsletter: Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter – January 2013 Subscribe to [...]

Does Anybody Really Care?

David W Weatherholt — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 19:30:52 +0000

Well, let’s hope you do! My latest economic summary, “Does Anybody Really Care?,” reflects that voters don’t seem to care much about our economic quagmire. But see how we’re doing with my latest graphs and analysis. Read the article: Does Anybody Really Care? Subscribe to the Newsletter This form needs Javascript to display, which your [...]

Getting Down to Business® Podcast Digest – January 2013

David W Weatherholt — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 19:24:47 +0000

Listen to the latest Getting Down to Business® podcasts here, including: “Starting a New Year” – sponsored by Beacon Media + Marketing “World Trade Alaska Update” – sponsored by ACB Solutions “Closer Look at Year-End Closing” – sponsored by Business Insurance Associates, Inc. “Port of Anchorage” – sponsored by ComServ Realty See the Podcast Digest here.

Getting Down to Business eNewsletter – December 2012

David W Weatherholt — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 20:56:52 +0000

December’s Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter will help you this January as you re-group for the new year. There’s the economic news summary you’ve come to depend on, information on surety bonds, social media tips for 2013, real estate advice from ComServ Realty and much more! Read the newsletter: Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter – [...]

6 Ways to Ensure Your Emails Get Read

David W Weatherholt — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 16:00:43 +0000

If you’re like a lot of us, you get so much email every day that you might spend as little as 15 seconds scanning a message to determine how it applies to you. Now, imagine that other people are reading your email the same way. If they can’t quickly identify the purpose of your message, [...]

Live United, Anchorage

David W Weatherholt — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 16:00:38 +0000

Many Gadgets, Many Risks Small companies are giving their employees a lot of leeway with gadgets. Letting workers use personal laptops, tablets and cellphones on the job. This policy has tremendous upside but there is a cost. Listen as Dave summarizes this timely article. United Way in Anchorage What does the United Way do? You may [...]

The Young Founder

David W Weatherholt — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 16:00:28 +0000

If You Want to Beat ‘Em, Learn From ‘Em First Sound research for your new business starts with looking closely at your competitors. Dave ran across an article with some great tips on how to research competitors. Read the entire article here. Paying for College with a Start-Up How would you pay for your college [...]

The Great Shrinking Business Model

David W Weatherholt — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 16:00:21 +0000

Redbox vs. Blockbuster – why is the kiosk beating out the retail store? Read The Great Shrinking Business Model to learn how to apply this case study to your business. Read the article: The Great Shrinking Business Model Subscribe to the Newsletter This form needs Javascript to display, which your browser doesn’t support. Sign up [...]

Investment 101

David W Weatherholt — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 16:00:12 +0000

Small Business Optimism Ticks Up Slightly Listen as Dave summarizes the latest NFIB index. While up slightly, the overall index remains at recessionary levels and continues to set low records. 6-Point Investment Philosophy Listen as Jeff Pantages, over 30 years in investment management, talks investment philosophy. His 6 point philosophy is available to the Getting [...]

What to Know for Surety and Fiscal Year-End

David W Weatherholt — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 16:00:14 +0000

Here’s an excerpt from my latest article, What to Know for Surety and Fiscal Year-End: With only 40 days left in the 2012 calendar year, many contractors are making year-end preparations for their 12/31 fiscal year-ends and the tax and surety considerations that go along with that planning. Now is the time to sit down and [...]

The End Game

David W Weatherholt — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 19:21:38 +0000

Looming Tax Hike Motivates Owners to Sell Why you should sell your business before the end of 2012. Listen as Dave discusses a Texas small business owner who is selling his business before the year-end– A 9% increase in capital gains taxes. This business owner figures it would take another 4 years of steady growth [...]

Economic News Summary: With Lemons, Make Lemonade

David W Weatherholt — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 16:00:37 +0000

The title alone suggests that November’s economic news summary isn’t promising – With Lemons, Make Lemonade. Read the article for my latest analysis of key economic indicators and to learn this month’s grade. Read the full article – Economic News Summary: With Lemons, Make Lemonade Subscribe to the Newsletter This form needs Javascript to display, [...]

Getting Down to Business eNewsletter – November 2012

David W Weatherholt — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 18:33:20 +0000

November’s Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter is focused on helping your business prepare for the new year, with articles on what year-end means for your finances and business plan, and the latest economic news summary. Also, get some marketing and tech tips. Read the newsletter: Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter – November 2012 Subscribe to [...]

Tech Talk: 8 Simple Ways to Help Your IT Department

David W Weatherholt — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 15:00:22 +0000

PC and mobile devices are critical to your job. Every day you rely on them to perform tasks, connect with people, and access resources. Maintaining your computer and keeping it running smoothly can even be closely tied to job performance. At work, your computer and devices are part of a larger network. Keeping them running [...]

Go With the Flow – Cash Flow, That Is

David W Weatherholt — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 16:00:27 +0000

If your business is on a calendar year, then the end of your year is fast approaching. Have you been tracking your performance numbers, or are you afraid to look? If you have spent most of this year looking for cash, then chances are that you have not been very profitable. Managing cash flow is [...]

4 Steps for Navigating Economic Change

David W Weatherholt — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 15:00:08 +0000

Economic change has been our constant the last few years, and will continue into the future, hopefully for the better. Read my article “4 Steps for Navigating Economic Change” for solid advice on succeeding during the upcoming changes. Read the article: 4 Steps for Navigating Economic Change Subscribe to the Newsletter This form needs Javascript [...]

World Trade & Alaska

David W Weatherholt — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 16:00:16 +0000

For Twitter Founder Jack Dorsey, These Days It’s Hip to Be Square Inc. The founder of Twitter is shaking-up the credit card industry with a Square that lets merchants process credit or debit cards on smartphones. Listen as Dave talks about an $11 billion industry that could grow to $57 billion. Read the entire article [...]

Marketing Matters: What is the Google Display Network?

David W Weatherholt — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 15:00:35 +0000

The Google Display Network is part of Google’s advertising universe. Businesses place text, image or video ads on websites that partner with Google. The Display Network can be an effective way to reach potential customers who are interested in your products or services but aren’t actively searching for them. Read the full article: What is the [...]

Energy Outlook

David W Weatherholt — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 16:00:04 +0000

Hiring Plans Plunge: Small Business Optimism Drops 0.1 The monthly “Optimism Index” from NFIB is out for September, and it isn’t very optimistic. Listen as Dave summarizes this report. ”Since the start of this monthly survey in 1986, sampled quarterly prior, the index has been below 93.0 a total of 56 times; 32 of which [...]

Business Risk Management: Workers Comp Changes Coming in 2013

David W Weatherholt — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 15:00:24 +0000

Important changes are coming to the E-Mod calculation in 2013, which will almost certainly affect your business– for better or worse. Read my recent article “Workers Compensation – E-Mod Calculation Changes Coming in 2013“ to learn more. Read the full article: Workers Compensation – E-Mod Calculation Changes Coming in 2013 Subscribe to the Newsletter This form needs [...]

Economic Realities

David W Weatherholt — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 19:35:12 +0000

Economic Headwinds Listen as Dave gives his summary and grade for our economy. Tomorrow, we will be voting in the most important election of our life time. In Alaska we have the unique opportunity to make big changes in our state’s legislative body. On a state level, we will be voting on 59 out or [...]

Marketing Matters

David W Weatherholt — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 15:00:01 +0000

Economic News Summary September 2012 You may want to listen to the old buffalo Springfield song “For What It’s Worth.” “There is something happening here what it is, ain’t exactly clear” but it doesn’t look good. Listen as Dave portends our sinking economy with his first failing grade. Read the entire story here. Advertising with Google [...]

Economic News Summary: Economic Headwinds

David W Weatherholt — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 15:00:04 +0000

My economic news summary for October highlights the importance of next week’s election, especially for Alaska. Last month’s grade was a D. Read the full article for details, analysis and graphs. Read the article – Economic News Summary: Economic Headwinds Subscribe to the Newsletter This form needs Javascript to display, which your browser doesn’t support. [...]

Getting Down to Business eNewsletter – October 2012

David W Weatherholt — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 18:22:47 +0000

October’s Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter brings insightful economic analysis and advice for your business, along with some important workers compensations modifications taking place in 2013. On the marketing side, learn about Google Display Advertising, and our tech article has some simple ways to help your IT department. Read the newsletter: Getting Down to Business® [...]

Getting Silver

David W Weatherholt — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 15:00:29 +0000

How much should I pay for PR services? This is a bit of a different news item. Listen as Dave talks about the benefits and costs of a PR campaign. Public relations are an often overlooked but cost effective part of an effective marketing strategy. Find entire story here. Olympic Medal Winner Henry Boucha Getting Down [...]

Four Common Errors on Social Media Strategy

David W Weatherholt — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 15:33:05 +0000

Avoid these four common errors in your social media strategy. They are: Letting bad press dominate through inaction Losing potential conversation through inactivity Affecting your relationship with current clients Spending too much on social media and too little on other marketing platforms Read the article: Four Common Errors on Social Media Strategy Subscribe to the [...]

From Business to Government

David W Weatherholt — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 15:00:13 +0000

Small Businesses Push Congress for Tax Certainty To end some of the political uncertainty, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce sent a letter to the President and members of Congress urging certain tax policy. Find entire story here. State Senate Candidate Representing customer and stockholder interests is a lot different from representing constituents. Bob Bell, a [...]

Extend Your Reach With Google Image and Video Ads

David W Weatherholt — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 15:35:15 +0000

Google has a large array of advertising options through their AdWords platform. “Extend Your Reach With Google Image and Video Ads” focuses on advertising through Google’s Display Network while using images and videos instead of the traditional text ads. Read the article: Extend Your Reach With Google Image and Video Ads Subscribe to the Newsletter [...]

Speaker of the House

David W Weatherholt — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 15:00:50 +0000

Small-Business Optimism Sees Slight Bump in August Few positive signs for the future, little change likely long-term. Small-business owners continue to show resilience in the face of economic and political uncertainty. Listen as Dave reviews the NFIB monthly optimism report. Speaker Mike Chenault The Speaker of the House for the Alaska State Legislature Representative Mike Chenault [...]

Go It Alone

David W Weatherholt — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 15:00:03 +0000

When Freemium Fails Giving your product or service away violates the basic business model- Buy Low, Sell High and Keep the Difference. Yet companies like Dropbox Inc., LinkedIn Corp., and Skype Incorporated have successfully used “Freemium,” giving away their products and services free to build a customer base. Go It Alone Self-employment beats everyday employment according to [...]

Is Your Broker an Insurance Agent or a Risk Management Professional?

David W Weatherholt — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 15:29:51 +0000

My most recent business risk management article asks, “Is Your Broker an Insurance Agent or a Risk Management Professional?” The answer can be very important, but it’s rare the businessperson who has recognized the difference: “For many business owners, who dedicate their time towards managing and operating their business, there is no difference and any [...]

Economic News Update: There is Something Happening Here…

David W Weatherholt — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 15:00:32 +0000

Here’s how I start my latest economic news update: Early in the year, we heard predictions of the inevitable fall of the European economy, which would produce a negative hit to our economy. Daily, business news reports this crisis an unsolvable, inevitable event– only to then report that a meeting over the weekend will produce [...]

Tech Talk: 12 Tips for Creating Better Documents

David W Weatherholt — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 15:00:13 +0000

Do your documents need some sprucing up? In this Microsoft article, “12 Tips for Creating Better Documents,” learn some ways to improve your document design, making them easier to read and more impressive. Read the full article: 12 Tips for Creating Better Documents Subscribe to the Newsletter This form needs Javascript to display, which your [...]

Getting Down to Business eNewsletter – September 2012

David W Weatherholt — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 20:21:08 +0000

The “Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter – September 2012” is full of advice and tips for your business as the fall season gets into swing. Get your monthly economic update, along with an update on the GDTB Conference. Learn about advertising on the Google Display Network and social media tips. And get some great business [...]

Business Risk Management: Rates Are Going Up!

David W Weatherholt — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 15:00:48 +0000

In my “Commercial Surety Market Report,” I warn businesses that commercial insurance markets are changing, and rates are going up. Learn more and what to focus on by reading the article below. Read the full article: Rates Are Going Up – Commercial Surety Market Report Subscribe to the Newsletter This form needs Javascript to display, which your browser [...]

Your Business Lifestyle

David W Weatherholt — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 15:00:44 +0000

‘Angels’ Can Fund Your Next Step Friends Jackie Graham & Emma Mahon started a business with savings and a bank line of credit. Realizing after two years that they needed more to reach their goals, they successfully turned to so-called angel investors. Listen as Dave talks about angel funding and read the whole article. Culture [...]

Marketing Matters: The Pinterest Marketing Checklist

David W Weatherholt — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 15:00:31 +0000

Have you heard of Pinterest? It’s a growing social network that might be a marketing opportunity for your business. Or maybe not. Read my “Pinterest Marketing Checklist” to find out if Pinterest is right for your business. Read the full article – Marketing Matters: The Pinterest Marketing Checklist Subscribe to the Newsletter This form needs [...]

Developing a Great Plan

David W Weatherholt — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 15:00:50 +0000

Street Fight: Food Trucks vs. Restaurants A street fight is brewing between gourmet food-truck vendors and restaurants, not over the grub but where it’s sold. Dave asks the question: Are food-truck operators being punished by offering innovative service? Listen to the summary or read the whole article. Email David@waconsult.com with your opinion. Business Plans Does every business [...]

Why a Conference?

David W Weatherholt — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 15:00:13 +0000

Attending business luncheons and an occasional meeting or conference provides an informational opportunity, usually lunch and networking. To most active business people, time is your most important commodity and the major determinant of when and where you go. These events cover a plethora of topics many of relative importance and usefulness. Given these circumstances, why [...]