Small Business Trends Radio | Small Business Advice

Six Simple Steps to Keeping the Peace

Small Business Trends — Tue, 08 May 2012 18:25:47 +0000

One of the most challenging roles of an effective entrepreneur or small business owner is that of “peacekeeper.” The ability to effectively navigate conflict will ultimately propel you to grow – both professionally and personally. As a leader without this ability, it can be extremely difficult to see projects through to fruition and successfully manage your team.

Business consultant, licensed mediator and Amazon bestselling author Susan Steinbrecher joins Anita Campbell in this episode to reveal the “Three Golden Rules” of engagement and the “Six Steps to Conflict Resolution.” Learn the secret to heart centered communication that will, more often than not, make the difference between positive and negative outcomes.

Below are the questions we asked Susan:

(2:47) Susan can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
(5:04) How does being a mediator relate to the workplace and executive coaching?
(7:10) Tell us about the concept of emotional intelligence? What exactly is it and how does it relate to the workplace and why is it important to success?
(9:27) You say that there are two fundamental needs that must be met in any dialogue. What are those and why?
(11:43) At the beginning of the show, I mentioned you would be talking about the “golden rules of engagement.” What are those and how can a manager address those in any kind of a conflict situation?
(14:27) What about body language?
(18:25) Can we jump into the six steps to conflict resolution?
(23:49) Can you briefly summarize those six steps?
(26:16) What is heart centered communication?
(28:01) Where can people find out more about your new book and yourself?

* * * * *

Listen to Susan’s interview now by clicking the red and yellow player below

How To Manage International Payments

Small Business Trends — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 19:22:52 +0000

With the rise of globalization, the world is increasingly trading across borders. Small and medium sized companies have the opportunity to do business in new and emerging markets, but they need international payment solutions and customized advice on foreign exchange. Despite advances in technology, cross border payments continue to present challenges for businesses. The major causes of these challenges are hidden fees, a lack of transparency, and inefficient processes.

Western Union Business Solutions Senior Corporate Trader, Sherif Gabriel, joins Anita Campbell in this episode to discuss how small businesses can manage international payments.

Below are the questions we asked Sherif:

(2:28) Sherif can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background and how you came to be with Western Union?
(3:23) What are some of the changes, specifically, as they relate to small businesses? What’s been changing in the 15 years since you’ve been involved?
(4:54) Why is the idea of making/receiving a payment internationally something that can stop business cold? What are some of the challenges they face?
(6:18) If you’re importing supplies from Europe or India, what advice do you have for the importer in the United States?
(8:08) What does “hedging” actually mean to a small business?
(9:28) Is that something that Western Union can provide?
(10:23) How can a company keep up with the speed of global payments?
(12:50) The current economic landscape has been brutal these last couple years. How do you manage international payments in that type of environment?
(14:41) What else does Western Union do as far as these services you’re talking about?
(19:36) What does it cost for that type of service?
(20:30) How do you make sure that international funds are delivered safely and effectively when you’re a small business?
(23:22) Where do you see business to business payments five years from now?
(24:48) Is that commerce being transacted in the English language?
(25:59) Where can people find out more?

* * * * *

Listen to the interview with Sherif now by clicking the red and yellow player

10 Ways to Qualify Marketing Help

Small Business Trends — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 18:22:41 +0000

John Follis, Owner of Follis Inc., was a founding partner of one of Madison Ave’s most awarded agencies, Follis DeVito Verdi. A featured blogger for AdWeek/AOL’s “Fuel the Future,” he’s also one of the few marketing executives profiled on Wikipedia.

John’s marketing therapy program, Follis Marketing Therapy, helps small businesses around the US achieve their marketing goals faster, smarter, and more cost effectively. In this episode, John joins host, Anita Campbell, to share 10 tips that you can apply to your small business to help you qualify marketing help.

Below are the questions we asked John:

(2:28) John, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
(4:54) If someone needs qualified marketing help, can’t you just go to Twitter and ask for referrals? What’s really involved in getting the best help that you can afford?
(6:56) Let’s jump into these tips. What’s the first way you would suggest that a business qualify marketing help?
(8:08) What is your second suggestion?
(9:51) Going back to your first point, where do you find someone’s work? Where should you be able to look for that?
(10:14) If someone doesn’t display their work on their website, should you ask for it?
(11:22) Let’s go to the third tip you have for us, what is that?
(12:19) What is the fourth way to qualify marketing help before you hire them?
(13:49) What do you think about anonymous or semi-anonymous testimonials on their website?
(15:05) What is tip number five, John?
(18:01) How about tip number six?
(19:21) What’s your next tip for us, John?
(21:39) Share tip number eight with us, John.
(22:39) And tip number nine?
(23:47) Tip number ten?
(24:29) And the bonus tip, number eleven?
(26:30) Where can people find out more about you and your firm online?

Be sure to check out John’s three part series, “Ways to Qualify Marketing Help” on our sister site, Small Business Trends.

* * * * *

Listen to John’s interview now by clicking the red and yellow player below

Finance Your Business Without the Crutch of Real Estate Inflation

Small Business Trends — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 19:23:38 +0000

Millions of entrepreneurs have relied on years of real estate inflation to ensure financing in their business. Home equity and commercial property value increases created overnight piggy banks to withdraw capital from to use in operating businesses. Those days are long gone with millions of foreclosed homes and hundreds of closed, crippled banks.

Charles H. Green, recovering banker and Executive Director of the Small Business Finance Institute joins Anita Campbell to explore how a small business can finance growth without collateral and where to turn when the bank is weaker than the borrower.

Below are the questions we asked Charles:

(3:09) Charles, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background and how you got into this business?
(4:17) So you founded and served as President and CEO of Sunrise Bank. Can you tell us a little bit more about that?
(5:18) Can you explain how real estate inflation provided business financing? If the real estate was there and you could draw on it for a loan, is that a bad thing? What was really happening?
(7:28) Is it the same thing that happend in the late 80′s and early 90′s?
(9:03) Are there any banks that are actually lending to small businesses today?
(10:00) Where do you go today if you’re an entrepreneur or small business that needs financing and you don’t want to tap into your home’s equity, where do you turn?
(11:31) How do you know which banks to approach or which of these forms of alternative lending to go to?
(13:42) You mention the eBay for loans. What were you referring too?
(15:14) What about alternative sources like Angel Investors? Is that a realistic source for many small businesses?
(17:20) What that realistically means is that is going to be a fairly limited group of businesses that are going to be attractive to Angel Investors. Would you agree?
(18:42) What are some of the other alternatives? What do you think of tapping into a 401K or retirement funds? Is it risky or a last resort?
(21:42) What do you think about credit cards as a source of funds? How realistic is that for a small business owner?
(23:42) Bottom line, what advice would you recap with for small business owners? In general, what would you say to them?
(25:18) Where can people find out more about your company online?

* * * * *

Listen to the interview with Charles now by clicking the red and yellow player

Get Your Media Groove On

Small Business Trends — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:08:29 +0000

In these changing times, the need to be seen and heard above the roar of the crowd is far more challenging than ever before. What small business owners need are the same cost-effective, targeted media tactics and interview techniques that successful businesses use. Some of the most valuable business and marketing skills today are navigating the media; getting past the gatekeepers, creating sound bites that go viral and creating pitches that “get the word out” about who you are and what you do.

Gayl Murphy, Founder of Interview Tactics joins Anita Campbell to share how to “tell it to sell it,” what the media wants from you, the four questions you will always be asked by gatekeepers, why sound bites are crucial and translating your story into media language.

Below are the questions we asked Gayl:

(1:43) Gayl, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background and how you got into this business?
(3:55) You’ve interviewed 15,000 people?
(4:31) Why are interview tactics important? Can you explain?
(6:48) Are small business owners ready for this?
(10:17) How can you prepare for an interview?
(14:21) If you had to point to one or two things to create a memorable, killer interview, what would those be?
(16:45) When you find you’re ready to do media events, does this take a lot of preparation to get yourself ready?
(18:21) Can you talk about what the interviewers goal is and how it can differ depending on the show, interviewer, etc.?
(21:58) What is the most memorable sound bit you can think of?
(24:06) Where can people find out more?
(25:26) Any final comments before we close?

* * * * *

Listen to Gayl’s interview now by clicking the red and yellow player below

How To Properly Plan For Your Website

Small Business Trends — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:32:25 +0000

Most people don’t understand the spell they invoke when they recite the magic works “I need a website” in the presence of a developer. Sometimes the results are good, sometimes bad, sometimes the results are no where near what they wanted.

Cal Evans, Author of “Avoiding A Goat Rodeo“ will be joining Anita Campbell and Brent Leary to look at 8 points that people need to consider before contacting their developer. He will dispel the magic of software development and show small business folks how to be involved in the process, keep control of the process, and get the website they want.

Below are the questions we asked Cal:

(3:39) Cal, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background and how you came to be involved in web design?
(5:16) You’ve probably been involved in thousands of web applications, correct?
(5:45) What is the number one problem that you see web site projects fall into?
(6:50) Is lack of communication the real reason why web developers don’t understand what the business intends?
(9:17) Do small business owners think that’s what the developer does? What would you say to those small business owners, Cal?
(12:45) Why would you hire someone if the developer is willing to do it for you?
(13:24) What would be the title that person carries? What skills or title would you be looking for?
(14:26) What would you typically pay to hire someone like that?
(15:40) When you go to hire a developer, should you tell the developer what your budget is?
(17:01) How do you know that the price you’ve been quoted is a good price?
(18:48) Once you’ve hired your developer, how can you tell if your project is on track?
(22:00) How often should a client and a developer communicate during the project? What’s the right level of communication?
(23:28) Why is a contract so important?
(25:18) Is it a good idea to have your developer host your site?
(27:34) Is is better for a business to get the domain on their own as opposed to letting the developer register it?
(28:34) Once the project is finished, who owns it?
(29:39) Where can people find out more about what we discussed today, your company and what you do?

* * * * *

Listen to Cal’s interview now by clicking the red and yellow player below

How to Create a Marketing Ideas File

Small Business Trends — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:29:27 +0000

When it comes to marketing your small business, coming up with ideas and creative, inexpensive ways of doing so can become quite the obstacle to overcome. That’s when a marketing Ideas File comes in handy.

In this episode, David Langton, Founder of Langton Cherubino Group, joins Anita Campbell for an open discussion regarding techniques for coming up with creative ideas for marketing and the concept of an “Ideas File.” Anita and David discuss various types of ideas, tips for creating an Ideas File, where to find ideas and tools to create your very own Ideas File.

Below are the questions we asked David:

(2:07) David, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background and how you came to found the Langton Cherubino Group?
(4:13) The book has been referred to as a print version of a marketing Ideas File. Tell us a bit about marketing ideas files. Is that something that professional designers use, David?
(5:35) What kind of ideas should go in the file? Should you put things that you like in there or bad examples as well? Or should you just take notes?
(7:16) Sometimes people get the idea that a swipe file or marketing ideas file implies that you’re going to steal someone else’s idea. You never want to steal someone’s idea, right?
(12:13) Once you snap a photo of an image that you feel may inspire you later on, do you keep it in a file or on your phone? What do you do with the image?
(12:47) What can you do to set up a marketing Ideas File?
(14:03) What about electronic files? Do you keep track of web pages or email templates or anything like that?
(15:07) You spoke about your company and your team. Who should be responsible in the company for creating the marketing Ideas File?
(16:26) When we were doing Visual Marketing, we used a tool, Wufoo, where people could submit projects online to be included in the book. Do you see that as something that companies should do?
(19:15) What other tools are out there for creating a marketing Ideas File?
(20:37) Visual Marketing has 99 case examples using visual marketing in a notable way. You wanted a hand in laying out the pages in the book. Can you talk about that?
(23:56) Can you take a few minutes to explain how small business owners and marketing managers can go about coming up with ideas for marketing that are creative and don’t cost an arm and a leg?
(25:41) Understanding who you are and what business you’re in, how might a company articulate that? What would you be looking for as a designer that would give you good input?
(28:07) Where can people find out more about your company and what you do?

* * * * *

Listen to David’s interview now by clicking the red and yellow player below

How to Protect Your Business When Accepting Payments

Small Business Trends — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 20:20:53 +0000

When it comes to accepting payments for your small business, security for both your business and your customers is crucial. Protecting your business and your customers when accepting payments should be your number one priority.

Brian Goudie, Senior Vice President and Small Business Center Director, First Data, oversees the company’s Small Business Center and focuses on the broad spectrum of payments issues small businesses of all types face – from payment acceptance and processing decisions to emerging data security threats and mobile commerce opportunities. Brian joins Anita Campbell and Brent Leary to share First Data’s latest “best practices” for ensuring maximum business and customer security when accepting payments.

Below are the questions we asked Brian:

(2:02) Brian, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background and how you came to be in charge of this particular role at First Data?
(3:07) How would you describe the business that First Data is in?
(4:04) What are the security risks associated with accepting various forms of payment?
(10:02) What are the real risks of accepting online payments and how do they differ from other types of payments in the real world?
(13:13) What are some of the legal or industry requirements that small businesses should be aware of when accepting credit or debit card payments?
(16:08) You did a survey about the knowledge that small businesses have about security. What can you share with us about what the survey showed? Is there a big knowledge gap there?
(21:26) There’s a new legislation called the Durbin Amendment. What is the potential impact this can have on data security?
(22:54) Do you see anything else that will take effect in 2012 that will have some significant impact or incentives?
(26:19) How are the changes in mobile payments impacting the need for data security? Do you see changes that have to be accounted for because of these changes to how we’re using mobile devices?
(28:39) Are there any tips listeners can put into effect right away to help them address some of the issues we’ve talked about today?
(30:22) Where can people find out more?

* * * * *

Listen to Brian’s interview now by clicking the red and yellow player below

The Small Business Legislative Outlook for 2012

Small Business Trends — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 19:26:22 +0000

It’s an election year, and many small business owners may be asking themselves, “Will anything get done on Capitol Hill to help small businesses?” In this episode, we have a special guest that will be able to shed some light on that subject for you.

SBE Council President & CEO, Karen Kerrigan, joins Anita Campbell and Brent Leary to take a look at key bills before Congress that may have a chance of getting to President Obama’s desk for signature. Will they help, or hurt, entrepreneurs? Let’s find out.

Below are the questions we asked Karen:

(2:45) Karen, can you tell us a bit about yourself, what you do and a bit about the SBE Council, for those who may not know?
(6:44) Can you tell us, were there any good things that happened for small business owners and entrepreneurs or anything we need to look out for?
(13:04) You mentioned the survey you had done in November. Did anything stand out, in particular, that we should discuss here today?
(14:55) Are any of the House bills concerning small businesses going to be made into law? Or are they all just a waste of time?
(18:24) Do you see the lack of having a 12 month payroll extension being a hindrance to small business initiatives or is the two month extension enough to make them feel comfortable?
(22:45) It seems like a good number of large companies are doing pretty well concerning profit and revenues they’re bringing in, yet small businesses are still struggling. Do you see anything in Washington that’s going to help small businesses? Is there any hope that next year, there will be some legislation or actions that will help small businesses?
(28:51) Where can people find out more?

* * * * *

Listen to Karen’s interview now by clicking the red and yellow player below

StartUp Cup: A Community Driven Business Model Competition

Small Business Trends — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 19:25:46 +0000

Sean Griffin has spent the last five years creating a business model competition which can be replicated in any community. The fundamentals of this program were developed in Silicon Valley during the dot-com era - but while all the world is focused on tech, StartUp Cup focuses on the other 98% of business startups. And while bootcamps and weekend challenges are all the rage, StartUp Cup understands that businesses need more support over the long haul.

So, is StartUp Cup the answer to our current economic woes? Sean thinks it just might be.

Sean Griffin, CEO of BizXe, joins Anita Campbell for an in-depth look at Startup Cup – a grass roots, community driven business model competition.

Below are the questions we asked Sean:

(1:55) From Silicon Valley to Tulsa, Oklahoma, you’re a high school dropout, you have worked with some very impressive organizations and you have a very interesting success story. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
(4:20) Why did you decide to do something like StartUp Cup?
(6:03) So getting to market fast is not something just for the tech industry, it’s something important for all kinds of startups, correct?
(6:48) Can you explain what StartUp Cup is?
(9:47) So the winners not only get a cup, do they get ongoing coaching and mentoring in addition to the cash?
(10:51) You’ve created a guide that organizers can follow. What would they get in exchange once they contact you?
(12:35) Is there a fee for a community to get involved and gain access to all of this and gain access to the StartUp Cup name?
(13:20) Is this something that you feel is limited to your local geography? Or are there other ways to define what type you’d like to do? Like an online community StartUp Cup or can a vendor do a StartUp Cup for the customers it has?
(15:18) There are some other startup events and competitions out there. How does StartUp Cup differ from something like Startup Weekend or a business plan competition?
(18:09) What types of entrepreneurs and businesses would be involved in something like StartUp Cup? How would you describe them?
(20:10) You mentioned you had seen a business based on bacon drippings? Is that right? Is that real?
(22:48) What other communities, besides Tulsa, have StartUp Cups?
(23:55) What is the incentive for a community to want to do this? What benefits do communities get from doing something like StartUp Cup?
(25:55) What does it cost a community to do something like StartUp Cup?
(27:01) Do you have any idea of the cost to create jobs for these communities?
(28:37) Where can people find out more?

* * * * *

Listen to Sean’s interview now by clicking the red and yellow player below

A 360 Degree View of Successful Entrepreneurs

Small Business Trends — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:34:50 +0000

Ever wonder what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur? Trep Life is an online series of video interview episodes featuring successful entrepreneurs that provides a unique, behind-the-scenes look at what it actually takes to be a successful entrepreneur.

Join us for this special episode as we discover exactly what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur.

Founder and Producer of Trep Life, Scotty Cadenhead & Malachi Leopold, join Anita Campbell to discuss how they have taken a “social action” vision with their series seeking to impact one billion people worldwide to be inspired by entrepreneurship and take on risks.

Below are the questions we asked Scotty and Malachi:

(1:49) Can you tell us a bit about how you came to create Trep Life?
(4:53) And Trep is short for en-TREP-reneur, correct?
(5:03) Tell us more about the series. Can you tell us about some of the people you’ve interviewed and how you set about doing so?
(7:44) You mentioned grind, hustle and payoff. Can you explain what that means for people who may not be familiar with your episodes?
(10:13) What are some specific things you’ve learned from filming these entrepreneurs? Which ones stand out in your mind and what are the things that people can take away from what you’ve learned?
(11:42) Are there any advice and tips for listeners?
(14:06) How long are the interviews and how are they set up?
(17:14) You’re talking about spending 3 days with an entrepreneur to create each interview. How do you fund all of this?
(18:30) How do people actually consume these videos? Do they go to your site or YouTube or are they downloading these?
(19:30) Where do you see this going in the next year or so? Are you going to do more interviews or are you looking to expand out into other areas? What are your plans?
(21:57) Is there anything important that you’d like to convey that we haven’t talked about?
(24:28) Where can people find out more?

* * * * *

Listen to this interview now by clicking the red and yellow player below

Business Gift Giving: How It Can Make A Difference

Small Business Trends — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 20:07:12 +0000

The Holiday is fast approaching and gift giving is top of mind for many. When you’re in business, the task of gift giving can be quite daunting regarding client and customer gifts to express your thanks. What is appropriate? How much should you spend?

These questions and more are about to be answered for you.

Susan Payton of Egg Marketing and Communications and Ivana Taylor of DIYMarketers join Anita Campbell to discuss the art of business gift giving and, particularly, how it can make a difference for your small business.

Below are the questions we asked Susan and Ivana:

(1:40) Susan, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
(2:07) Ivana, can you tell us a bit about yourself?
(3:41) Giving gift to employees, customers, clients, service providers – why do you do that, Susan? Why is that important?
(5:22) How do you decide how much to give? Susan, can you talk a bit about that?
(6:31) Some might consider that a bit controversial. Is that a hard rule of thumb or just one way to approach it?
(7:46) Some people like to give gifts to say, their postal worker. Are there rules of thumb about what can be given there? Ivana, can you elaborate on that?
(9:54) If you’re on a tight budget, but your budget is only $15 per person, what can you get for $15 dollars, Susan?
(12:21) How can you make your gift stand out? Susan, if you’ve got dozens of customers and clients that you need to give gifts to, should you personalize them, what should you do?
(14:23) Let’s talk about mistakes. What are some things that you should NOT do, Susan?
(17:10) Susan, tell us about re-gifting? Is it an absolute no-no?
(18:08) How do you prevent overlooking someone? What do you recommend?
(19:48) Let’s talk about business books as a gift. Susan, I read that you have never received a book as a gift, is that right?
(22:22) What kinds of books would you recommend and how do you recommend people find books?
(23:55) Are there any particular business books that come to mind, Ivana?
(26:14) Any book come to mind that you would recommend, Susan?
(26:45) In terms of ebook readers, Ivana, any quick recommendations there? Which ones are the best?
(28:01) Susan, any quick 60 second tip for people?
(28:28) Where can people find out more?

* * * * *

Listen to this interview now by clicking the red and yellow player below

Starting or Expanding a Business: Why Year End Planning Matters

Small Business Trends — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 20:44:41 +0000

The final days of 2011 are approaching and with the end of the year comes thoughts of holiday gatherings and shopping trips. For a small business owner, however, it also should come with a list of ‘To-Do’s’ before 2012 hits.

Nellie Akalp, the CEO of CorpNet an online legal document filing service, shares some top items that should be on that list and steps you can take to cross them off the list and focus on other holiday festivities.

Below are the questions we asked Nellie:

(2:46) Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background and how you came to be doing what you’re doing today?
(6:36) You’ve been in the incorporation business online for over 10 years now, correct?
(10:59) What is an annual report and do business owners have to file them? Can you give us a quick run down on that topic?
(14:46) So you should check with your state and find out what the requirements are for your particular state?
(16:03) What if you have closed a business in 2011? What do you need to know?
(19:51) What if you made changes to a business in 2011? What do people need to know from a legal perspective?
(24:05) What if you started a business this year? What do you need to know before the end of the year?
(29:52) Where can people find out more?

* * * * *

Listen to Nellie’s interview now by clicking the red and yellow player below

Why Most Businesses Can’t Be Sold and 5 Fixes

Small Business Trends — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 19:50:59 +0000

After working with hundreds of business owners over the last 10 years, certified business broker Julie Gordon White discovered a pattern of problems when owners contacted her to sell. As founder of BlueKey Business Brokerage M&A and author of “EXIT! 12 Steps to Sell Your Business for the Price You Deserve”, Julie knows that these roadblock to selling could have easily been removed had the owner knew they existed and planned in advance for the sale.

Julie Gordon White, Founder of BlueKey Business Brokerage M&A, helps listeners to discover both the problems and the 5 simple, but powerful fixes to ensure their ability to sell their business for the highest market price.

Below are the questions we asked Julie:

(1:35) Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background and explain what led you to develop BlueKey Business Brokerage?
(3:22) What are the four reasons most business can’t be sold?
(4:26) What percentage of businesses are like that?
(9:00) We just covered the 4 reasons why business won’t sell. Talk us through each of the 5 fixes.
(10:31) How difficult is it for a business to make sure that they value themselves accordingly?
(11:58) Let’s jump to number two.
(12:44) Do you have an example of someone that has done that?
(13:52) What is the number three fast fix?
(15:26) Would an example of that be some of these loyalty programs that make it more likely to have people come back and buy things on a regular basis?
(16:18) Ok great, what is number four?
(18:19) How often should they do that to keep it up-to-date?
(18:43) We’re at number five, what is the number five fix?
(20:16) Is that something that potential buyers look at in addition to customer lists? Having an email list, is that something they also look at in terms of valuing something?
(21:50) Overall, someone who had all four issues that took the time to implement these five fixes, when do you think they’d be ready to sell?
(23:25) Let’s say a business did the five fixes and got a great offer and decided to sell, but then had second thoughts. Have you seen that happen and, if so, what happens in that case?
(25:43) I understand you have a special offer for our listeners?
(27:12) Where can people find out more?

SPECIAL OFFER: Purchase The EXIT! Book by November 18, 2011 and receive two FREE tickets valued at $900 each to Julie’s seminar in the San Francisco Bay area, January 2012. Register here.

* * * * *

Listen to Julie’s interview now by clicking the red and yellow player below

Procrastination and Disorganization: Two Mistakes That Cost You at Tax Time

Small Business Trends — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 18:27:36 +0000

Tracking, logging, categorizing, and organizing business expenses throughout the year can be a real hassle. Human nature says, “If its a hassle, put it off.” This leads to forgetfulness, which then leads to a mad scramble at the end of the year to get that disorganized shoe box of receipts to the tax professional who then must do his or her best to help you realize the tax deductions your business provides. In the end, it leads to lost deductions and lost dollars due to over-payment of taxes.

William Olsen, Founder of Deductr, CPA and tax professional in this industry for more than 16 years, joins Anita Campbell and Brent Leary for an in-depth discussion about procrastination and disorganization – two mistakes that can cost you big time at tax time.

Below are the questions we asked William:

(3:42) Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
(6:30) Can you explain how Deductr works?
(9:31) Did you deliberately set out to do that? Or was this created along the way?
(10:55) What tips or best practices would you recommend for small businesses regarding procrastination and disorganization?
(13:47) When talking about the IRS, what is it that the IRS really wants to see when small businesses take deductions?
(17:05) Can you take a minute to explain a bit more about how to use the online app and the mobile app?
(18:51) Are there significant deductions that small business owners can take but do not because they are unaware of them?
(23:31) Is Deductr only for sole proprietors or can any business use it?
(24:38) Can you actually deduct your time from your taxes?
(26:47) Was creating a mobile app something that you thought would help accelerate the adoption of the service?
(28:08) Where can people find out more?

Take advantage of Deductr’s special offer to radio show listeners. Receive a 30 Day Free Trial and lock in your discounted rate now!

* * * * *

Listen to William’s interview now by clicking the red and yellow player below

Shipping Tips For A Painless Holiday Season

Small Business Trends — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 18:21:42 +0000

The Holidays are right around the corner and that means that speedy, hassle free shipping will be top of mind for a lot of small businesses. Wouldn’t it be nice to have some Holiday shipping tips to make that a reality? No worries, we’ve got you covered.

Learn from the masters of shipping, United Parcel Service (UPS), as Tom Langa, UPS Small Business/Occasional Customer Marketing Manager, joins Anita Campbell to offer shipping tips so your Holiday season will be the most painless and successful yet for your small business.

Below are the questions we asked Tom:

(1:38) Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background? How did you end up at UPS?
(3:03) How can small businesses prepare for the Holiday rush? It starts earlier and earlier each year so what should we be doing, Tom?
(4:55) So are UPS drivers up all night? How do they get things delivered so fast?
(5:38) What do you recommend that we do when it comes to shipping? How do we get prepared and how do we carry that out?
(7:44) Can you explain why NOT to use masking tape and newspaper as packing materials?
(9:30) You mentioned an offering UPS has to track shipping. Can you tell us more about that and more about creating an account with UPS?
(10:55) What is the advantage of having an account with UPS? Is it that you don’t have to fill out forms each time and input credit card information? Can you describe the benefits of having an account?
(12:44) So these are efficiency tools and a benefit of a result of using the site and having an account with UPS?
(13:06) How does UPS help you in a situation where you’re standing in line with loads of boxes and holding others behind you up?
(14:56) I assume you can arrange for picks ups at your place of business?
(16:06) So are you saying that if you use the technology, it will automatically alert the driver to pick up the package? You don’t have to schedule a pick up, is that right?
(17:20) Is there anything else we can do to make sure that gifts or packages arrive in time?
(20:17) You have told us that UPS has launched a new service, My Choice, just in time for the Holidays. Can you tell us more about that?
(23:06) This is something that the recipient in a residential situation would arrange for, correct?
(23:44) Are there links that you can put in a website to invite customers to use that? How would you recommend that businesses alert their customers that My Choice is available to them?
(25:20) What’s the best way to ship perishable goods?
(26:50) Would you explain what UPS stores are and how to use them?
(30:50) Where can people find out more?

* * * * *

Listen to Tom’s interview now by clicking the red and yellow player below

How Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google Have Redefined Business

Small Business Trends — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 19:12:15 +0000

Companies like Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Google are doing things that collectively, they could not do individually – they are creating dynamic platforms that are stable – yet in motion.

Phil Simon, Author of “The Age of the Platform: How Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google Have Redefined Business,” joins Anita Campbell and Brent Leary for an in-depth discussion of how platforms like Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google have redefined how we do business.

Below are the questions we asked Phil:

(2:12) Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background and how you came to write your book?
(4:40) What do you call a platform? What makes these four companies a platform?
(6:18) You mentioned planks. What is a plank then, specifically?
(7:46) It’s like each of these planks make up your platform to stand on, correct?
(8:51) You were an IT consultant, correct?
(9:07) Was that a big switch to make?
(10:47) So we have these four companies, are these what you would call the “gang of four” is that right?
(11:17) Can you tell us a little bit more about how they’ve embraced these platform strategies? And can you identify why a company like Twitter doesn’t fall in with these four?
(14:22) You mentioned Amazon, they have been around since the early 90′s and are now leading the way. Can you tell us what some of the lessons that people can learn from Amazons approach to this area?
(17:41) Can you talk a bit about Facebook and Google+? Do you think that there’s going to be one platform to rule the world, or specific instances where people are going to have to figure out the right mix on using these platforms?
(19:55) You mentioned MicroSoft. Do they play a role in your definition of platforms?
(21:40) Are there other companies that maybe aren’t that well known that are putting together some impressive platforms out there?
(23:31) What are some of the ways that small businesses can leverage these platforms to create their own platforms?
(25:26) What do you see a year or two from now in terms of the developments of these platforms? What are some things that small businesses need to know to leverage these platforms for their own small businesses?
(28:56) Where can people find out more about the book?

* * * * *

Listen to Phil’s interview now by clicking the red and yellow player below

The Value of an Online Presence for Small Businesses

Small Business Trends — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 18:21:18 +0000

Karla Hakansson feels that enough cannot be said about the importance of having an online presence for small businesses. And if you think that most small businesses already know the importance of an online presence – think again - many do not even have one.

Karla Hakansson, Director of Global Channel Marketing at Verisign, joins Anita Campbell for an in-depth discussion on the matter. She will explain the importance of establishing a branded domain and social media profiles for your small business, she will walk you through the steps to establish and register a domain and share interesting stories of different way small businesses are using their web domains to grow their business.

Below are the questions we asked Karla:

(1:52) You are an employee of Verisign, correct?
(2:19) How did you get into this business?
(3:33) The web is about 15 years old at this point, correct?
(4:09) So here we are, a quarter century later. Do you find that there’s still a hurdle to convince business owners that they should have an online presence?
(6:55) A common thing I hear is that all the good domain names are gone, especially the .com names. What does Verisign say to that?
(8:46) Lets talk a bit about the name of your company, your brand, and how that relates to a domain name. Is it better to get a descriptive domain name or a brand domain name?
(10:19) You mention social media profiles. When choosing a domain name, should you be checking on the availability of the social media profile name as well?
(10:50) What social media sites do you think are important for small businesses? We have Facebook and Twitter. Are there other sites we should all be thinking about?
(12:28) Walk us through what it’s like to establish a domain name. How should I be searching for that domain name? Are there any insider tips to make sure you’re as creative as possible and do as good a search as possible when looking for a domain name?
(14:35) Why is it important to register the .net name as well? Does it give you an advantage or protect you in some way?
(15:17) So you’re really protecting your brand that you’ve built, correct?
(15:33) Can you tell us some stories about how small businesses are using their web domains to grow their businesses?
(19:34) Why does a company like Verisign run a contest like that? What are your goals as a company for that?
(21:46) Can you tell us about the winner, Vibrant Chocolates out of Seattle, Washington?
(22:54) Can you tell us what the new product, Mobile View, is and how it works?
(24:38) Do you have to have a website product through Verisign for that?
(26:20) Where can people find out more about Verisign and what Verisign has to offer?

* * * * *

Listen to Karla’s interview now by clicking the red and yellow player below

Don’t Give A Gift Card: Give An Experience

Small Business Trends — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 18:41:27 +0000

Ety Rybak feels that nothing beats a memorable experience – from tickets to a Broadway show and a backstage meet and greet to 50 yard line seats at the Superbowl.

Ety Rybak is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Inside Sports and Entertainment Group, a provider of once-in-a lifetime event experiences for a cross section of small business, corporate and individual customers. Ety joins Anita Campbell to talk about the consumer spending trend towards experiences versus “things” or merchandise and how you can motivate clients, employees and prospects with carefully selected exciting experience-based Holiday gifts.

Below are the questions we asked Ety:

(2:03) Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background and how you came to start this business?
(3:04) Why do you think that people are more apt to spend money during a recession on experiences versus things?
(4:45) What is the number one most popular event or experience that people want to enjoy?
(6:16) Can you give us an idea of what an experience might be like? Do you arrange a variety of activities around the event?
(7:39) How do you get tickets? I’m assuming these are not events open to anyone just walking in off the streets are they?
(8:40) So you’re acting as a source to get into these hard to get into events?
(9:38) Are there some best practices? Where does one start to figure out what’s a good incentive and a good thank you to an employee or client?
(11:44) Would you say that’s true even for women?
(13:20) What are your thoughts about giving experiences to your employees, clients, etc. at the Holidays?
(15:15) What kind of lead time do you need for a Holiday experience-based gift?
(15:43) So you accommodate last minute requests?
(16:29) Can you give us some ballpark figures?
(17:16) Would you say that the best practice for an employee experience-based gift would also include a companion of their choice to accompany them as well?
(18:30) What’s the process to do this? How does one go about doing this, what would you recommend?
(19:54) Do you have any tips for businesses about making the most of an event? You want this to be a great, memorable experience so what would you recommend there?
(21:51) You’ve sound as if you’ve seen just about everything. What’s the most unusual request you’ve ever had for one of these experiences?
(23:36) Do you see any particular trends with this in the future?
(25:07) Any final thoughts or tips that you’d like to cap off with?
(25:55) Where can people find out more?

* * * * *

Listen to Ety’s interview now by clicking the red and yellow player below

The Emergence of the Mobile Office

Small Business Trends — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 18:40:47 +0000

Today’s smartphones and tablets have influenced a new generation of mobile workers, new ways of doing business and the emergence of a new type of office – the mobile office. The mobile office is about cutting the ties to physical office space and making all the tools and technologies available to employees wherever they may be.

Anita Campbell joins guest, Alan Panezic, VP of Research In Motion (RIM), makers of BlackBerry, to discuss the evolution of the mobile office and how your business’ bottom line can benefit by becoming more mobile.

Below are the questions we asked Alan:

(2:55) Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
(4:57) How would you define the mobile office?
(6:36) What are the benefits of equipping your employees to be more mobile and do you think it’s a competitive advantage to make your employees more mobile?
(8:42) How do smartphones help teams work together? What examples can you give?
(10:31) How do you see small businesses using tablets and in what way can they help small businesses?
(13:22) Can you talk about how mobile and social are driving each other and driving this need to stay in touch with customers?
(15:26) They give you the opportunity for a level of engagement with customers, correct?
(17:24) What is the growing importance of these other services?
(19:15) Can you recommend other business related apps that people should be aware of?
(20:41) What are some of the key things that a small business can do to show up better on their customers mobile device?
(22:10) What is the difference between your website looking good on mobile versus a mobile app?
(24:02) What is your favorite thing about the PlayBook?
(27:44) What are some of the top two or three things people should consider as they start to implement that strategy?
(30:04) Where can people find out more?

* * * * *

Listen to Alan’s interview NOW by clicking the red and yellow player below