Weatherholt and Associates - Small Business Authority

Milk Toast Economy – January Economic News

David W Weatherholt — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:53:27 +0000

In January’s economic news summary, I assert that we are in a “Milk Toast Economy.” I include many key economic indicators with historical graphs to prove my point. Here’s how I start:

My mother would always give me milk toast when recovering from a bout of stomach flu. This temporary, bland remedy was meant as a transition to a better diet. Yet after ten straight quarters of economic recovery, we are still eating “milk toast,” economically speaking. The post-recession economic recovery from the 1982-1983 recession, after ten quarters, showed 13.4% growth in Gross Domestic Product. Ten quarters into our current post-recession recovery that rate is a tepid 6.2%– less than half of our previous recovery. Why do you think we are still eating “milk toast?” Overall grade for January: D

Read the article: Milk Toast Economy

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January 2012 – Getting Down to Business eNewsletter

David W Weatherholt — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:04:57 +0000

January’s Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter has a full line-up of great articles. Start with Dave Weatherholt’s insightful economic summary – “Milk Toast Economy.” Learn about the “Common Network Cold” from Tim White, “The Risk of Serving” by Chris Pobieglo and “Yelp for Small Business” from Amanda Cullen. Finally, Dave gives us a civics lesson with “Caucus vs. Primary.”

Read the newsletter: Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter – January 2012

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Me, Painter

David W Weatherholt — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:09:54 +0000

Small Business Confidence Inches Upward

National Federation of Independent Business’s Optimism Index made a small but notable gain, settling at 93.8 for December. Business optimism increased four times since September, ending 2011 on an up note. Read the complete article here.

mepainter

Charles Lindemuth, painter, illustrator, innovator and entrepreneur visits Getting Down to Business® and talks about how he makes a living as a fine arts painter. Moving from canvas and brush to a digital art form was a natural step for Charles. Listen as he talks about that process and some of his creations such as “mepainter.”

Business Risk Management

Chis Pobieglo, business insurance expert with Business Insurance Associates, is joined by his business partner and wife Angie to talk about the “Risk of Serving.” That’s right, the local board you voluntary serve can cause you financial distress. Find out more as Chris and Angie talk about Directors and Officers (D&O) insurance.

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Me, Painter

Steve Forbes on Economics

David W Weatherholt — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:00:17 +0000

How to Build Recognition for Your Unknown Brand

Learn how to increase advertising frequency without increasing your advertising budget. Dave introduces you to Mike Michalowicz, the author of The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur, who believes the greatest business success come from underfunded, inexperienced entrepreneurs. Read the complete article on the Wall Street Journal site.

Steve Forbes on Economics

Listen as Steve Forbes, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief for Forbes Media is Getting Down to Business® with Dave Weatherholt. Forbes discusses his book How Capitalism Will Save Us, Austrian Economist Joseph Schumpeter, the “Brutality of Capitalism,” and more.

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Steve Forbes on Economics

Mitigating the Risk of Employee Theft

David W Weatherholt — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:00:53 +0000

Employee theft is certainly a sensitive issue. But it’s also a necessary one for all businesses to address… before it happens. In this month’s article, Mitigating the Risk of Employee Theft, I paint a grim but realistic picture:

“For small business owners, employee theft can be a fatal blow and put an end to their business. For larger corporations, it can have an equally undesirable outcome. In Alaska alone, we saw several prolific cases of embezzlement and employee theft this year, each case involving employees who embezzled corporate funds.”

But there are ways to mitigate this risk. Read my article to learn more.

Read the article: Mitigating the Risk of Employee Theft

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It’s Not Too Late

David W Weatherholt — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:23:49 +0000

Small Signs That Small Business Lending Is Up

Small-business lending hit a 4 year high in November 2011, according to Thomson Reuter/Pay Net Index. Listen as Dave describes a small but positive change for small businesses. Read the complete article on the Wall Street Journal site.

2012 Business and Marketing Planning

It’s not too late to start simple but effective planning for this New Year. Small-Business Marketing Expert Amanda Cullen and Small-Business Financial Expert Dave Weatherholt give practical tips on planning for 2012. Be bold and set a sales goal that will make you smile. Dave provides tools and advice on how to achieve that audacious goal. Amanda gives you practical cost effective marketing tips that will move your company toward achieving that sales goal.

Here are some useful handouts from the show:

Financial Budgeting Tools

Sample Marketing Plan

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It’s Not Too Late

Computer Back-Ups: The Avoidable Business Risk, Part 2

David W Weatherholt — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:00:33 +0000

In my first article in my computer back-up series, I encouraged businesses to take their back-up strategy seriously. In this month’s article, Computer Back-Ups: The Avoidable Business Risk, Part 2, I continue:

“Now that your backup procedures are second nature, what steps are you taking to verify that the data is recoverable and usable? Creating a backup of your data is only the halfway mark. There are other steps that must to be followed to ensure that, in the event of a catastrophe, you do not lose data.”

Read the article: Computer Back-Ups: The Avoidable Business Risk, Part 2

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The Clueless Man

David W Weatherholt — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:00:26 +0000

Small-Business Confidence Rises for Third Consecutive Month

Dave discusses the latest “Optimism Index” which was up 1.8 point in November, settling at a still weak 92.0, according to the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB). Read the complete article.

The Journey of Publishing

Kelly Fisher– attorney, author and publisher– visits Dave on this program. Listen as Kelly discusses how he came to write his new book A Clueless Man’s Guide to Relationships. The story doesn’t end there. The easy part was writing the book; creating a great end product and introducing it to the world takes more effort. Kelly takes us through his journey.

Business Risk Management

Listen as Chris Poblieglo, insurance expert, talks about Fidelity Bonds. Find out much, much more about this potential business risk and a solution. Visit Business Insurance Associates’ website - a must link for business risk management information.

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The Clueless Man

2012 Marketing Planning – It’s Not Too Late

David W Weatherholt — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:00:38 +0000

In December’s Getting Down to Business eNewsletter, I advised that it’s not too late to complete your marketing plan for 2012. Guess what? If you haven’t finished now, it’s still not too late! Here’s an excerpt:

In fact, January is a great time to plan for the rest of the year. The previous year’s results are final; holiday vacations are over, and employees are refreshed and ready to dive in. As you start focusing on the new year, consider these tips in developing your 2012 marketing plan.

Read the article: 2012 Marketing Planning – It’s Not Too Late

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More Than Bricks & Mortar

David W Weatherholt — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:41:07 +0000

Military Veterans Prepare for a New Role

A business incubator called VETransfer provides free mentoring and facilities to military veterans who start their own businesses. The program is funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs and has a waiting list for their services. Listen as Dave discusses the WSJ article.

SBA 504 Loan Program

When you need to get a job done right, the correct tool works best. Listen as Barbara Gill, VP & Senior Loan officer with Evergreen Business Capital, describes the SBA 504 loan program. If your business needs a new location, land, buildings or even leasehold improvements, financing with the 504 program maybe the right tool for you.

Go it Alone

Listen as Geoff Burch discusses the bargaining process and its potential negative impact in sales. Chapter 17 of Irresistible Persuasion provides great advice.

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More Than Bricks & Mortar

Economic News: Revised Downward

David W Weatherholt — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 16:00:52 +0000

In my December Getting Down to Business eNewsletter article, “Economic News: Revised Downward,” I start:

Economically, are you better off today than a year ago? The numbers tell the story. Gross domestic product for Q3 2010, a weak 2.5%, continued to slide into a 2.3% Q4 2010 rate. The slide continues: Q1 2011 was revised down to an abysmal 0.4%, clawing its way back to a meager 1.3% in Q2 2011. The final estimate for Q3 2011, 1.8%, was another significant downward revision. The first estimate was 2.5%. An accurate description for 2011 is “Revised Downward.”

Read the article – Economic News: Revised Downward

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December 2011 – Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter

David W Weatherholt — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 18:03:50 +0000

December’s Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter wraps up the year with some great articles – including marketing planning for 2012 from Amanda Cullen and economic news from David Weatherholt. Christopher Pobieglo advises on the sensitive subject of employee theft, while Tim White continues his series on computer back-ups.

Read the newsletter: Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter

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Should you be on Twitter?

David W Weatherholt — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 18:22:09 +0000

The 800-Pound Gorilla – Economic News Summary November 2011

November affirmed that the US economy is no longer in a recession, but it can be hard to tell. Listen as Dave explains why he improves the November grade to a “D.” To find out why and view key economic graphs read the complete article on Weatherholt & Associate’s website.

Twitter Talk

Live talk radio can be full of surprises. Listen as Dave and Amanda adjust in mid-stream from the planned topic “Hands That Photograph” to “Should You Be on Twitter.” The “Marketing Matters” segment took over the program, with a full discussion devoted to Twitter, including some great tips from Amanda Cullen of Zoo in a Jungle Marketing.

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Should you be on Twitter?

Go With the Flow… Cash Flow, That Is

David W Weatherholt — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 16:00:56 +0000

As the year comes to a close, business owner’s minds turn to… cash flow. Use my article and included downloads to manage your cash flow and keep it positive!

Read the article: Go With the Flow

Get the Downloads

Projected Statement of Cash Flow (Adobe PDF)

Monthly Cash Flow Status (Microsoft Excel)

Business Risk Management is sponsored by Business Insurance Associates, Inc.

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Go With the Flow

David W Weatherholt — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:00:17 +0000

Crowd Funding Brings Unease

The House approved a bill that would let companies sell equities online. Senator Scott Brown (R., Mass.) introduced a similar measure. Listen as Dave discusses the overwhelmingly positive potential of this legislation. And read the complete article on the Wall Street Journal.

Cash Flow

If your business is on a calendar year, then you are approaching the end of this year. 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. Listen as Dave discusses cash management tools that work.

Download these tools here:

Projected Statement of Cash Flow (Adobe PDF)

Monthly Cash Flow Status (Microsoft Excel)

Tech Talk

What if your point-of-sale system went down during peak sales on “Black Friday”? How much would that cost your business? Tim White, our technology guru, discusses the inevitable but avoidable business risk– backing up your IT system. Visit Tim at www.akcb.com.

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Go With the Flow

Marketing Matters: Should I be on Twitter?

David W Weatherholt — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:00:51 +0000

Business owners often ask me, “Should I be on Twitter?” In this month’s Marketing Matters, I provide a basic litmus test for answering that question, along with content tips and basic Twitter definitions.

Read the article: Should I be on Twitter?

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Know Your Customer

David W Weatherholt — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:00:34 +0000

Small Business Confidence Has Minor Uptick

The NFIB’s “Optimism Index” gained 1.3 points, nudging the index up to 90.2. Listen as Dave discusses the main reason the index remains mired in low readings. Read complete article on NFIB’s website.

Market Analysis

According to Celtic myths, there was once a magical cup. This cup satisfied the tastes and needs of all who drank from it. These myths led to the legend of the Holy Grail. The business equivalent of the Holy Grail is the Business Plan. The real value of a business plan is the process. Listen as Dave gets a rare opportunity to take you through the process of completing a “Market Analysis.”

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Know Your Customer

Tech Talk: Computer Back-Ups

David W Weatherholt — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 16:00:23 +0000

Computer back-ups are the avoidable business risk, as I write in this month’s Tech Talk article. Even if your backups are spread across multiple external hard drives, your valuable data isn’t truly secure.

Read the article: Computer Back-Ups

Tech Talk is sponsored by ACB Solutions.

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Through a Banker’s Eyes

David W Weatherholt — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:00:40 +0000

Small Business: a Good Worker is Hard to Find

Even with 14 million people unemployed, 40% of small businesses complain about the dearth of qualified workers. Listen as Dave talks about a pressing problem for employers. Read complete article at the Wall Street Journal.

Credit & Business Lending

Dave’s guest is Bill Cessnun, VP Commercial Loan Officer with Northrim Bank– a Alaskan community bank. Listen as Bill talks about making a credit decision during the business lending process. Bill provides great information to Dave and his listeners.

Go it Alone

Alice in Wonderland meets a Cheshire Cat at the beginning of her journey. Listen as Geoff Burch explains how “measuring success” ties in to Alice’s journey. Intrigued? Listen to the show!

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Through a Banker’s Eyes

Economic News Summary: The 800-Pound Gorilla

David W Weatherholt — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 16:00:28 +0000

November affirmed that the US economy is no longer in a recession, but it can be hard to tell. My grade for last month was still a D, though. To find out why and view key economic graphs, Read the article: The 800-Pound Gorilla.

Read the article: The 800-Pound Gorilla

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November 2010 – Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter

David W Weatherholt — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 20:06:34 +0000

November’s Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter brings the latest economic news, marketing tips and technology advice. Our panel of authors are David Weatherholt, with his “800-Pound Gorilla” and “Go With the Flow articles, Tim White with “Computer Back-Ups: The Avoidable Business Risk” and Amanda Cullen who answers “Should I be on Twitter?”

Read the newsletter: Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter

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Tech Talk: The “What Changed?” Effect

David W Weatherholt — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:00:31 +0000

In the first installment of my Tech Talk column, I advise computer users on my best tip for troubleshooting, “The ‘What Changed?’ Effect“:

“In the world of Information Technology, there is no cookie-cutter solution when setting up computer networks. Even when using the same hardware, the results from two network configurations can vary. So what happens when there is an issue? What do you do when it’s not working the way that it’s supposed to? This is where the “What Changed?” Effect comes into play.”

Read the article – “Tech Talk: The ‘What Changed?’ Effect”

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Technology & the Realtor

David W Weatherholt — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 14:38:35 +0000

Join the Crowd in Funding – Or Maybe Not

The House is expected to vote on legislation that would allow privately held businesses to raise money from nonaccredited investors in exchange for equity stakes. Listen as Dave discusses the pros & cons of using Crowd Funding sites to sell common stock in small businesses. Read complete article on the Wall Street Journal.

How Has Technology Changed Real Estate?

Ken Jelinek, Associate Broker with Remax Properties, Inc. joins Dave today. Listen as Ken discusses the impact that social medial and technology have on the business of buying and sell real estate. Back in the 1980s, new listings were actually printed in books, and it took weeks to get a property listed.

Marketing Matters

This month, we’re talking marketing copy. Listen as Amanda Cullen, President of Zoo in a Jungle Marketing give us 5 easy tips for writing great marketing copy.

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Technology & the Realtor

Marketing is easy when you’re awesome

David W Weatherholt — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 15:00:18 +0000

“Marketing is easy when you’re awesome.” Sounds pretty obvious, doesn’t it? But what is your business doing everyday to be awesome? Read my article to learn how much easier your marketing will be if you try.

Read the article: “Marketing is easy when you’re awesome”

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Alternative Business Lending

David W Weatherholt — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 16:00:59 +0000

Economic News Summary – SHACKLED

Listen as Dave talks about how an economic powerhouse “shackled” by federal regulators and rouge environmental group’s squeezes out some growth. The first estimate of GDP beat all expectations coming in at 2.5%. Read the complete economic news article here.

What is Alternative Business Lending?

Business lending is a business, and all lenders expect to make a profit on their loans. Listen as Steven Bush, Commercial Loan Officer at Alaska Growth Capital. Find out why they are called an alternative business lender as Steven tells us about their history, goals, and how to start the loan process.

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Alternative Business Lending

Surety Bond Overview

David W Weatherholt — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:00:52 +0000

What do you know about surety bonds? If you’re a small business owner, you probably don’t know enough! Read my “Surety Bond Overview” to learn about the two basic types of surety bonds and when you might need them.

Read the article: “Surety Bond Overview”

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Hospitality in Anchorage

David W Weatherholt — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:00:33 +0000

SMALL-BUSINESS CONFIDENCE SEES MODEST GAIN: THE START OF A TREND, OR A BLIP?

Small-business optimism gained 0.8 points in September, according to the National Federation of Independent Business’ (NFIB’s) latest Index, ending a six-month decline. Read complete article here.

2011 Summer Tourism Update

Listen as Julie Saupe, CEO and President of Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) returns for her 5^th visit to Getting Down to Business®. Julie covers a lot of ground including the just completed 2011 Summer Visitor Season.

Business Risk Management

Listen as Chris Pobieglo, President of Business Insurance Associates, Inc and business insurance expert, explains surety bonding. Today he discusses bonding for the construction industry. Listen and learn a lot.

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Hospitality in Anchorage

Crowd Funding – What do you think?

David W Weatherholt — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 18:52:59 +0000

On Saturday’s “Getting Down to Business,” we’re talking crowd funding. It’s a pretty controversial topic, as this Wall Street Journal article shows. But we want to know what you think. Is crowd funding a good idea… or a bad one?

Comment on the post to let us know why you answered as you did.

Economic News: Shackled

David W Weatherholt — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 15:00:16 +0000

This economic news summary, “Economic News: Shackled“, grows slightly political as Dave Weatherholt is still discouraged about the state of our economy:

“Why is an economic powerhouse “Shackled?” Maybe it’s just that I live in one of the most beautiful and resource-blessed states that makes me keenly aware of the impact of twisted environmental regulations. Our economic resources are caught between federal regulators and rouge environmental groups, hobbling our resource development. There is something completely dysfunctional about a system where a company can literarily spend millions of dollars studying an issue, placing facts on the table which can simply be blown away by environmental groups who make baseless, unsupportable claims and have no skin in the game. The mistaken belief that economic development comes at the expense of the environment severely “shackles” our economy and inhibits growth. Instead of limping along economically, the U.S. economy could ignite the world. Overall grade for October: D- (September was also D-)”

The remainder of the article shows key economic indicators showing why Dave is so sour on the economy.

Read the article – “Economic News: Shackled”

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Exit Stage Left – Business Succession Planning

David W Weatherholt — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 15:00:51 +0000

Steven Paul Jobs, 1955-2011

The passing of Steve Jobs had an impact on me. The “Information Age” developed during my business career and the entrepreneurs, innovators and founders are a source of inspiration to us all. The world will miss the inspiration and energy of Mr. Jobs. He ranks with Great American Entrepreneurs: Ford, Carnegie, Morgan, Vanderbilt, McLean, Gates, etc.

Business Succession Planning

Starting and running a small business is an emotional experience. The business contains a lot of the founder which makes it hard to pass on. Succession planning is something most small business owners don’t think about. Listen as Russell Ball, Founder and owner of ACB Solutions, a 25 year old business tells the story of his plan and how it involves Tim White, the company’s Chief Technology Officer. Find out more by visiting: www.akcb.com.

Go It Alone

Listen as Geoff Burch, author & business expert, talks about “Big Decisions” from his book Irresistible Persuasion. As usual, Geoff has some great advice along with a great story. Visit Geoff atwww.geoffburch.com.

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Exit Stage Left – Business Succession Planning

Welcome to Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter

David W Weatherholt — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 17:30:33 +0000

October marks the launch of Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter. We welcome you! Read the entire welcome message here.

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October 2010 – Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter

David W Weatherholt — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 16:35:52 +0000

Welcome to the first issue of the Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter.

We’re pleased to announce our new contributors whose articles you won’t want to miss this month. Christopher S. Pobieglo, CRIS and President of Business Insurance Associates, Inc., provides expert advice concerning business risk management. Tim White is Chief Technology Officer of ACB Solutions and brings us Tech Talk each month.

And, as always, David Weatherholt gives his take on recent economic news with his nine key indicators. Amanda Cullen is back with Marketing Matters.

Don’t miss these great business articles! Read the newsletter here: Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter.

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Last Issue of Business/News & Views

David W Weatherholt — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 15:00:30 +0000

Learn a bit about my entrepreneurial journey, and the reasons we’re changing eNewsletter formats… and look forward next month to the new “Getting Down to Business” Newsletter!

Read the article: Last Issue of Business/News & Views

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SEO Roundtable

David W Weatherholt — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 15:00:40 +0000

Price of Reclassifying Workers

If your business uses independent contractors, the IRS has a new plan that may cost you. Their new program called “Voluntary Worker Classification Settlement Program” will be taking a closer look at how you classify contractors/employees. Is this an attempt to raise money and increase employment? Read the complete article: “Price of Reclassifying Workers.”

Search Engine Optimization

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) experts Amanda Cullen (Zoo in a Jungle Marketing) and Steve Volz (Alaska Search Marketing) have an open discussion on the topic. Listen to learn more about how to increase business and some of the basics of SEO as well as finding an SEO provider.

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SEO Roundtable

3 Stubborn PC Problems You Can Fix

David W Weatherholt — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 15:00:56 +0000

Sometimes, it can feel like your PC has a “personality of its own,” especially when it comes to setting and remembering your preferences. Read this article to learn about “3 Stubborn PC Problems You Can Fix.” (and it’s not that hard!)

Read the article: 3 Stubborn PC Problems You Can Fix

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Written in Alaska

David W Weatherholt — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:00:05 +0000

Spending Wisely on Technology

People used to working in an office stocked with technology may find that starting as a solo enterprise can be painful. Listen as Dave discusses a useful reality of going it alone. Or read complete article: “Spending Wisely on Technology.”

Alaskan Association of Authors

Authors Josie & Mark McKinney are the co-founders of the Alaskan Association of Authors. Listen as they discuss the reasons for starting their company and the books they have written and published.

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Written in Alaska

A Matter of Design

David W Weatherholt — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 15:00:47 +0000

Facebook ‘Likes’ Small Business

Do you want to market your business on Facebook but don’t know how? Facebook, Inc. the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and National Federation of Independent Business will be able to help. Listen as Dave summarizes the new Facebook partnership and how it will help your business. Read complete article here.

Graphic Design & Technology

Listen as Adrienne Wilkerson, a graphic designer with Beacon Publishing & Design, and Dave talk about the gigantic shift technology had on the graphic design business. Adrienne also shares her experience building a business– a topic dear to all business owners’ hearts.

Tech Talk

Listen as Tim White, Chief Technology Officer with ACB Solutions introduces his new program segment Tech Talk.” Tim discusses his goal for the segment and talks about the “What Changed?” effect.

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A Matter of Design

Be Good, Businesses

David W Weatherholt — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:00:49 +0000

Most often, the best marketing advice has little to do with tactics and more to do with strategy. In my article “Be Good, Businesses,” I delve in to the strategy of ethics– why they are important, and how they will make you profitable.

Read the article: Be Good, Businesses

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Simon & Seaforts Unwrapped

David W Weatherholt — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 19:09:26 +0000

Small Business Confidence Takes Huge Hit

Listen to the highlights of the NFIB’s monthly Optimism Index. This index dropped dramatically in August– find out why. Or read complete article: “Small Business Confidence Takes Huge Hit.”

Simon & Seaforts: The Restaurant Business

After over 30 years in Anchorage, Simon & Seaforts is one of the city’s oldest and best restaurants. Listen as Robert Kilby gives us a behind the scenes look a successful restaurant. This is a great show about a super business.

Business Risk Management

Do you know what a “surety bond” is used for? Listen as business insurance expert Chris Pobielgo talks more about this important insurance product. Chris is president of Business Insurance Associates.

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Simon & Seaforts Unwrapped

Economic News Summary: Have We Already Been There?

David W Weatherholt — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 15:00:17 +0000

After witnessing Mickey Mantle & Roger Maris repeatedly hit back-to-back home runs for the Yankees’ seasons in the early 1960s, Yogi Berra exclaimed, “Its déjà vu all over again!” I’m beginning to feel the same way about our economy, as I express in my latest Economic News Summary.

Read the article: Economic News Summary

Article sponsored by Business Insurance Associates.

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Business/ News & Views – September 2011

David W Weatherholt — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 20:30:12 +0000

September was our final issue of Business/News & Views®-- but don’t worry! We have a great new eNewsletter venture for next month. Read all about it in Dave Weatherholt’s editorial, “Last Issue of Business/ News & Views.”

Then read Dave’s Economic News Summary (although you probably won’t enjoy his conclusions, it’s important for every business to understand the direction our economy is heading). Regain some of your optimism with Amanda Cullen’s marketing article, “Be Good, Businesses” and out IT article about stubborn PC problems you can fix.

Read the newsletter: Business/News & Views®- September 2011

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Dual Monitor Setup: Two Monitors Are Better Than One

David W Weatherholt — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 15:00:58 +0000

One of the biggest factors in productivity for office workers is the amount of screen real estate they have. Learn how to increase your screen real estate in the article Dual Monitor Setup: Two Monitors Are Better Than One. It’s easier than you might think!

Read the full article: Dual Monitor Setup: Two Monitors Are Better Than One

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Make Credit Card Transactions Easy

David W Weatherholt — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 14:47:36 +0000

Economic News

Listen as guest host Christopher Pobieglo gives a brief recap of key economic indicators. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) will be holding three free webinars. Find out more at their website - nfib.com.

He also discusses traffic safety and potential business risks from a “Risk Management” standpoint.

Make Credit Card Transactions Easy

Today’s special guest Sushil Wanigantunga, president of American Credit Card Systems, provides great insights into the management of debit and credit card transactions. Listen to find out how to take credit and debit cards in your business.

Marketing Matters

Listen as marketing expert Amanda Cullen, president of Zoo in a Jungle Marketing, discusses marketing on Facebook. Amanda provides creative ideas to build a following.

Listen or download below:

Make Credit Card Transactions Easy

5 Tips for Writing Great Marketing Copy

David W Weatherholt — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 18:42:27 +0000

All great marketing requires great copy. In my latest Business/News & Views® article, 5 Tips for Writing Great Marketing Copy, I equip readers to start writing great copy today. And if you’re skeptical, check out the article for a major corporation’s “marketing black eye” to see how better copywriting could have avoided the mistake.

Read the full article: 5 Tips for Writing Great Marketing Copy

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Wealth Creation the American Way

David W Weatherholt — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:00:46 +0000

I’m tired of dour economic news, and I bet you are too. My latest Business/News & Views® article, Wealth Creation the American Way, starts out as a book review for An Empire of Wealth and ends by championing the American way of getting things done. If we follow America’s founding principles, we can put this down economy behind us!

Read the full article: Wealth Creation the American Way

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The Business of Classical Music

David W Weatherholt — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 15:00:21 +0000

Making the Most of Groupon

Small companies are getting savvier about using Groupon. Listen as Dave discusses the good and not so good about using Groupon. Read the whole article on the Wall Street Journal website.

Anchorage Symphony

Listen as Sherri Burkhart Reddick, Executive Director of the Anchorage Symphony discusses her role in a dual management organization. Sherri talks about the Symphony’s new 2011-2012 season with some really great shows. You won’t want to miss this local update!

Economics and Alaska

Listen as Dan Robinson, Senior Economist with the McDowell Group, discusses the economies of the performing arts. His thoughts are not what you would expect. Listen to his insights and even the softer side of economics.

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The Business of Classical Music

Economic News Summary: Psychology vs. Economic Reality

David W Weatherholt — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 15:00:34 +0000

Here’s how I start my latest roundup of economic news, sponsored by Business Insurance Associates, Inc.:

“Can we think our economy into a recession? While it is true that psychology does have an impact on economic conditions, its impact would not be this dramatic or sustained. The reality: We live in challenging times, which is reflected in these economic indicators. Speculation is that we are headed for a “double-dip recession,” and while we can debate what a double dip might look like, the European and U.S. economies are trending down. The “50 State Leading Economic Index” consistently predicts a recession every time it falls below zero. The chart below shows the index racing to zero. Note this chart only reflects June economic data and does not include July’s poor economic numbers or market volatility.”

The full article includes graphs and analysis of key economic indicators.

Read the full article– Economic News Summary: Psychology vs. Economic Reality

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The Business of Opera

David W Weatherholt — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 15:00:11 +0000

Small Business Optimism Index

For the fifth consecutive month, the NFIB’s monthly Small Business Optimism Index fell. Dropping 0.9 points in July—a larger decline than in each of the previous three months. Listen as Dave discusses the components of the “Index.” Read the whole article at NFIB’s site.

The Business of Opera

Torrie Allen is an accomplished opera singer who loves talking about his passion. He clues us in to the upcoming 50^th Anniversary of the Anchorage Opera, starting this November. You’ll want to listen to Torrie’s fascinating story.

Business Risk Management

Chris Pobieglo, president of Business Insurance Associates, Inc, discusses the nuances of “Commercial Property Coverage.” Listen as Chris brings his topic to life– trust us!. He makes it very interesting and helpful.

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The Business of Opera

Business/News & Views – August 2011

David W Weatherholt — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 18:29:34 +0000

The August Business/News & Views ® is full of great advice for businesses. From the marketing front, Amanda Cullen gives 5 Tips for Writing Great Marketing Company, and our IT article on using dual monitors will really boost productivity.

Dave weighs in with his economic report– and since that’s not very encouraging these days, his Views article extolls Wealth Creation the American Way.

Read the newsletter: Business/News & Views ®

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Performing Arts New Season

David W Weatherholt — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 15:00:28 +0000

Fed Up: A Texas Bank Calls it Quits

In an “Atlas Shrugged” moment, Kingwood, Texas bank Main Street Bank gets out of the banking business because of federal banking regulations. Listen as Dave talks about the frustration of the banks chairman and how they will handle excessive bank regulations. Read the whole article at the Wall Street Journal online.

Alaska Center for the Performing Arts

Listen as Nancy Harbour, Executive Director of the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts talks about the new 2011-2012 season. Nancy tells a story about a fun topic that has a serious economic impact on Anchorage’s community. And they’ve got a new website! Visit it at www.myalaska.com.

Go It Alone

Listen as Geoff Burch, author & business expert, talks about effective selling without the high pressure. Geoff is in rare form and entertaining as always. It’s a delightful (and useful) segment you won’t want to miss!

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Performing Arts New Season