dsmBUZZ

Randall Sorensen of Tax Return Score pt.1 (podcast #151)

2010-03-13T14:24:33-06:00

Before the housing bubble burst loans flowed freely. Lending decisions were made with slim borrower information and lower credit score requirements. Part economic soothsayer and entrepreneurial journeyman, Randall Sorensen could see the flaw with this and wanted to created a better tool. As a forensic accountant, Sorensen understands that an individual's true fiscal strength is revealed in the pages of the 1040 form. In this first episode of a two-part interview, we'll learn how Sorensen developed the Tax Return Score and why this could be a tool used by lenders in our new economy.

photo by Mondays child powered by flickr

Confessions of An Entrepreneur?

2010-03-11T14:02:01-06:00

Several months ago I put it "out there" that I was working with business coach Melanie Jordan to try and get some focus over my business projects, identify true revenue streams, and gel an actual marketing strategy. Then I proceeded not to report in with you here. I know why. I admitted it to myself the other day. I was hoping to say something like, "This all has resulted in sales, sales, sales. But now I recognize that that is silly. This is a process and I'm at the beginning of it in many ways.

I'm not a guru . . . just a "learning as I go" entrepreneurial spirit. With that in mind, I can share the wisdom I've gleaned from the last several years of my efforts mixed with the recent work with both Melanie and also Dhyan Atkinson who is helping me form a consistent strategy for marketing specific to Storied Gifts. You can read the recent piece about SG in the Des Moines Register here.

Here are several of the insights I've come to at this point:

It took three years to get here but finally the euphoria of the beginning part of entrepreneurship has been replaced with a desire to be focused and practical . . . mostly.
I think I can become comfortable with a marketing strategy that won't "feel" like marketing.
I will not misplace my enthusiasm for finding new things to do and other projects with the need to market.
I've had lots of successes.
I am happy with my failures as they've helped me learn.
Oh . . . I guess then there are no failures.
I will blog more often and share my experience hopeful that it will be of use to others.
I won't try and say it all in one post.

Thanks for stopping by. I'll check in with a new lesson learned next week. In the meantime, if spring and life have you in the "change" mode . . . what do you most want to change this year about your business?

photo by lawrence op powered by flickr

#150 Mignon Fogarty is THE Grammar Girl

2010-03-06T01:51:04-06:00

In the form of an explanation/ reminder, I started Entrepreneur People Real Stories about the same time that I launched dsmBUZZ. I was/am on a mission to learn what makes entrepreneurs hum along and glean/ share their wisdom.

This interview with Mignon Fogarty. author of "Quick and Dirty Tips to Better Writing," has instantly become one of my favorites. Her story is the kind that takes one's breath away, due in part to her quick ascend in popularity with the public and how that culminates in a book deal that becomes a NYT bestseller. The other reason is because she so graciously and generously shares her thoughts on the experience of being an entrepreneur. There are gems to be heard.

Thanks for listening!

By the way, this month makes three years of interview with EPRS. I'm proud of the content and the people who have shared their stories. Look for EPRS to have it's own web home in April of 2010. I'll send out open house invites soon.

Magnitude of March in Entrepreneur Interviews

2010-03-01T18:43:26-06:00

March 2, 2010

Mignon Fogarty is THE Grammar Girl and creator of the popular Quick and Dirty Tipswebsite where experts offer up concise and useful information on a myriad of topics. In this program we learn about Mignon’s incredible journey from top 100 iTunes podcaster to author of the New York Times best seller, “Grammar Girl’s Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing.” Mignon relates her phenomenal entrepreneurial journey and her thoughts on marketing -- with a few grammar tips as an extra bonus.

March 9, 2010

Randall Sorensen explains his background as a forensic accountant and how that experience led him on the entrepreneurial journey to create the Tax Return Score. This tool can help lenders more accurately determine loan risk over the use of credit data and credit score. This is a particularly relevant topic in these post meltdown days of our economy. We’ll start to understand the foundation for the Tax Return Score and how it can help. Randall also shares some interesting stories of forensic accounting in part one of this interview.

March 16, 2010

In part two we pick up our conversation with Randall Sorensen about the potential uses of the Tax Return Score and how it may help lenders make better lending decisions in the future. Randall talks about the interesting process of pitching this tool to lenders, credit bureaus and politicians. Could Tax Return Score be the paramount tool used by lenders in the future? We’ll explore that in this segment of the interview.

March 23, 2010

Alexander Grgurich of Foundry Coworkinghas been a passionate entrepreneur for about a decade . . . and he is only in his early 20s. In this interview we'll learn about his amazing experiences and insights about entrepreneurship, social media, and Des moines, Iowa. We'll also talk about how entrepreneurs are rethinking the workspace, moving from home offices or coffee shop tables to spaces that allow them flexibility, office amenities and the potential to collaborate.

March 30, 2010

Suzanne Hall of Contemporary Business Solutions offers virtual services to business owners that yield tangible results. We’ll meet Suzanne and learn how she has moved from employee to business owner and the impetus behind the transition. Suzanne steps in to assist businesses on an as-needed basis saving them the costs associated with full-time employees.

photo by marcokalmann powered by flickr

#145 Doug Lipman of Story Dynamics

2010-02-24T06:37:13-06:00

You'll be drawn in by his stories. Doug Lipman of Story Dynamics knows A LOT of stories and tells them well. Do you want to find out the power of storytelling? You'll learn more in this interview.

In addition, Doug goes on to say some things about marketing and business that I found HUGELY comforting. These insights come from a gentleman who has had his own business since the early 70s so his thoughts come with the wisdom of history. I'm very proud to have met and spoken with Doug. Enjoy.

#144 Louis Dean The Singing Gourmet

2010-02-19T21:10:24-06:00

This was a particularly fun interview because Louis tells wonderful stories of his experiences bringing a fine dining experience into the home of his clients while singing for their supper. The backdrop of how he was inspired to fuse his talents to create his business as The Singing Gourmet is also inspiring. Also, he describes some of the dishes he loves to make. The yum factor without the calories. Bon Appetit!

reNew Design Studio

2010-02-16T17:40:07-06:00

Quality design, construction documents and specifications don't have to cost a fortune. In fact, a complete set of construction documents can actually save money over the course of a renovation or construction project! reNew Design Studio offers affordable and high quality design with a focus on renovations, historic preservation, tax credits, custom homes, kitchens, bathrooms, additions, garages, decks, and other "house" projects.

I have a Masters Degrees in both Architecture and Social Work. reNew Design Studio's underlying philosophy is that a good designer's roles include both helping define the client's vision and creatively translating that vision into drawings that accurately describe the project to the contractors. Of course defining needs and resolving conflicts between the needs, the vision, and the budget is often one of the more difficult parts of the process! Not only can I help with creative solutions, I can also help make the decision-making process run more smoothly.

With over 10 years of years experience in residential renovation, addition, and new construction design you can be confident in creative and complete service. I have designed and prepared construction drawings for over 80 renovation projects that range in size from a small bathroom through a multi-million dollar warehouse-to-loft conversion!

http://studiorenew.com
steve@studiorenew.com
515 + 710 3484

Ebersole Cattle Company

2010-02-13T10:49:03-06:00

Located just 60 miles outside of Des Moines the Ebersole family raise cattle "naturally the good old fashioned way." They market cattle and also supply both delicious grass fed and pastured beef to central Iowa. To learn more about the Ebersole Ranch you can go to their website.

In addition, you can also discover details about the Iowa ranch life here.

K Ink Tattoo

2010-02-13T10:11:51-06:00

K. Ink Tattoo & Piercing
110 NE Trilein Dr Suite 8
Ankeny, IA 50021
(515) 257-6465

Locally owned and operated by Chad Kovac, K Ink Tattoocaters to those who want a safe and friendly environment to receive artisan tattoos and piercings.

#142 Gayl Murphy of Interview Tactics

2010-02-04T01:03:07-06:00

Hang on to your pen! In this interview Gayl Murhpy, author of "Interview Tactics: How to survive the media without getting clobbered," delivers useful ideas to help you think about how you should deliver your message so it is heard and spread. Garner concepts that Gayl, a Hollywood correspondent and interview expert, has taught to celebrities and high-profile personalities over the years. Learn how to celebritize your brand so that you can wear shades and hobnob.