Small Business Advice from Small Business Owners - Startup BizCast

Startup BizCast #86 – How Social Media Changed PR (Steve Mullen)

Steve Mullen — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:40:42 +0000

There has been quite a gap between episodes 85 and 86. The reasons for that are plentiful, but one of the biggest is that I’ve been doing a lot of speaking engagements that have taken away the time I would normally have spent on this podcast. For this episode, I wanted to make available the audio from one of those presentations. Over the past several months I’ve presented at several of the monthly New Media Seminars, organized by Madison + Main, a new media and advertising firm. My portion of the half-day workshop centered on how social media and social networking have changed everything about PR.

easy payday loans and secure !

I did have a slideshow presentation during this presentation. I believe the audio can stand alone, but if you want to follow along with the slides, you can do so below, where I’ve embedded them using SlideShare.

Don’t forget to become a “fan” of EndGame Public Relations on Facebook!

Startup BizCast #85 – New Tech for “Old” Jobs (David Marks)

Steve Mullen — Thu, 07 May 2009 16:01:41 +0000

Between hardware like mobile phones and new social media tools, there’s so much new technology coming out every day that it can be hard to keep track. If you’re able to harness some of these tools, however, it can make your work more profitable and sometimes even easier. The topic of this episode is “new tech for ‘old’ jobs”, or using technology to make it easier to do jobs that have been around for a while. We talk a little bit about a handful of examples, and then bring in our guest, David Marks from PreQuence, a company that helps Realtors harness cell phone texting technology.

Links mentioned in this week’s episode:
Info about Steve Mullen’s presentation at the SBA workshop in Charlottesville
Spartx (spartx.com)
PreQuence (prequence.com)

And, don’t forget to join our new Startup BizCast Facebook Page!

Also, become a “fan” of EndGame Public Relations on Facebook!

small business advice

A switch on Facebook

Steve Mullen — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:20:58 +0000

Just a quick note to let you know about a change on Facebook. I’ve decided to convert the Startup BizCast Group on Facebook to a page. If you’re a current member of that group, you should have received a note through Facebook about it. The reason is that the most recent changes to Facebook Pages make it easier for me to keep up to date, and for you to enjoy and comment on the latest episodes.

I hope current group members will join us on the new “Fan Page”. If you’re not a group member, please join us on the new page anyhow!

Here’s a link to the Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Startup-BizCast-Small-Business-Advice/91944824814

facebook

Startup BizCast #84 – Small Biz Social Media Review (Steve Mullen)

Steve Mullen — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 09:00:01 +0000

The social media landscape changes so quickly … almost every day! The pace of change is so fast, in fact that it’s sometimes hard for professionals to keep up, let alone small business owners who have other things to worry about. For that reason, in Startup BizCast #84 I decided to revisit the social media landscape to review what’s out there and how you can use it. Included in this episode are tips on blog placement, podcasts and web videos, Facebook, Twitter, and Ning.

Links mentioned in this week’s episode:
Facebook (www.facebook.com)
Twitter (www.twitter.com)
Ning (www.ning.com)
Podcast and web video production from EndGame PR (www.endgamepr.com/podcasts/)

Please join the Startup BizCast Facebook Group!

Become a “fan” of EndGame Public Relations on Facebook!

Tags: small business advice, small business news, taxes

small business advice, social media

Startup BizCast #83 – Tax Time in the U.S. (Ryan Thompson)

Steve Mullen — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 09:00:36 +0000

It’s no April Fools … tax day in the U.S. is rapidly approaching. That means you’d better be getting to work on your tax returns. If you’re not, you may need to think about filing for an extension. Our guest on this episode of Startup BizCast is Ryan Thompson from FileLater, an online service set up to help you file that extension.

Links mentioned in this week’s episode:
FileLater (www.filelater.com)

Also — don’t forget to join the Startup BizCast Group on Facebook!

small business advice, small business news, taxes

Startup BizCast #82 – The Pulse of Entrepreneurship (Chris Benjamin)

Steve Mullen — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 10:45:17 +0000

After a bit of a long hiatus, Startup BizCast is back with episode 82! In this show, we take the pulse of entrepreneurship. How are things going out there? Our guest is Chris Benjamin from Rogue CFO. He’s a contract CFO, working with companies that need someone in that position, but perhaps not full time or long term. In this position, he talks with many different startups and small businesses from many different industries … making him uniquely qualified to discuss entrepreneurship in this weak economy.

Links mentioned in this week’s episode:
Rogue CFO (www.roguecfo.com)

Also — don’t forget to join the Startup BizCast Group on Facebook!

Get each episode as it’s published: RSS – iTunes – Blubrry – Podcast Alley

small business advice, small businesses, startups

Startup BizCast #81 – Hiring in a Weak Economy (Brad Smart)

Steve Mullen — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 10:30:06 +0000

It’s tough to hire new employees these days. It may seem like a strange statement, and it’s not top on the list of concerns of most people, but it’s something to consider. If you’re one of the small businesses that’s actually thriving in this weak economy, and you put an ad in the newspaper that announces an opening at your company, it’s very likely that you’ll get 100, 200, or even 500 resumes in response. How do you sift through that kind of volume? This week’s guest on Startup BizCast is Brad Smart from Topgrading, a firm that helps companies find and hire the best employees. He has outstanding advice for not only sifting through the resumes, but also how to make sure you only get the top performers as applicants in the first place.

This episode is a good bit longer than most, but be sure to stick around to the end … not only for the great advice, but for information on a free e-book that has even more tips on this topic!

Links mentioned in this week’s episode:
Topgrading (www.smarttopgrading.com)

Also — don’t forget to join the Startup BizCast Group on Facebook!

Get each episode as it’s published: RSS – iTunes – Blubrry – Podcast Alley

hiring, recruiting, small business advice

Startup BizCast #80 – Small Business Venture Funding (Robert Ochtel)

Steve Mullen — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 10:45:43 +0000

Back in the 1990s, all you needed to do if you wanted funding for your business was show up with an interesting company name and slogan … and you’d get all you wanted. These days … not so much. With the economy withering, so is the amount of funding available. To gain venture or angel funding these days, you need a solid business plan. This week’s guest on Startup BizCast is Robert Ochtel, who has written a book entitled Business Plans, Business Planning and Venture Funding. He has tips on how to put your plan together.

Links from this week’s episode:
Buy Robert’s book here (www.carlsbadpublishing.com)
Also available at Amazon.com
Robert Ochtel’s Entrepreneur Blog (http://rochtel.wordpress.com/)

Also — don’t forget to join the Startup BizCast Group on Facebook!

Get each episode as it’s published: RSS – iTunes – Blubrry – Podcast Alley

small business advice, venture funding

Feed Issues

Steve Mullen — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 20:39:18 +0000

I realized this morning that the file links in the RSS feed for this show no longer work. What this means is that people using feed readers to get this show, AND people using iTunes to get this show are no longer able to pull the files down. This is a huge problem, and I’m 99% sure it’s caused by Feedburner. Feedburner recently (in between the last show and this one) moved all feeds over to the Google servers, as part of Google’s integration of the business. I’ve got a note posted to Feedburner, and hopefully will have a solution soon. Until then, the only way to hear Startup BizCast will be at this website, which just isn’t good enough for the long term.

This issue is fixed … no thanks to Feedburner. I suspect the problem was caused when they migrated my feed from the Feedburner servers to their new home on the Google servers. Something kicked in, and I had to find the setting to change. Mind you, I had changed nothing about this feed before or after the migration … other than the migration itself. Grrrrr.

Startup BizCast #79 – Twitter for Small Business Owners (Dave Saunders)

Steve Mullen — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 10:45:04 +0000

After missing a week of the show … I’m back! This week we have our promised episode on how small business owners can use Twitter. I’m a member of the micro-blogging site and use it quite a bit, but I decided to bring in a guest who is even more immersed in the Twitterverse. Dave Saunders from Madison & Main Advertising and New Media will give us some tips on getting started with Twitter!

Links mentioned on this week’s episode:
Steve Mullen’s Twitter Page (http://twitter.com/stevemullen)
Dave Saunders’ Twitter Page (http://twitter.com/madmain)

Also — don’t forget to join the Startup BizCast Group on Facebook!

Get each episode as it’s published: RSS – iTunes – Blubrry – Podcast Alley

small business advice, small business news, social media, social networking, twitter

What’s up?

Steve Mullen — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 20:46:11 +0000

Just a quick update on the show since we missed an episode last week. I don’t know how important weekly episodes are to my listeners, but it irks me when I have to cancel a show. Right now is a very busy time for EndGame PR and its podcast production service, BizPodz Productions and I may have to occasionally put that client work and family obligations in front of this podcast. Unfortunately that may mean Startup BizCast is coming out a little less frequently or, at the very least less regularly. This does NOT mean the show is going away … by any stretch of the word.

The good news, now that my pseudo-mea culpa is out of the way, is that we have a new episode coming tomorrow! Check here, on the RSS feed, or on iTunes tomorrow morning to learn about using Twitter for Small Business!

site news, small business advice, twitter

Errrr … nevermind.

Steve Mullen — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 14:08:33 +0000

In my last post, I said this week’s episode would be a day late. Nevermind. There will be no episode this week. The issue is a combination of being out of town all weekend, having a good bit of client work to do this week, and having a couple of sick kids. The former left me a little behind, and the latter two mean there’s not much extra time to produce an episode of Startup BizCast. I expect things will be back to normal next week, and I still expect to do an episode talking about how to use Twitter for business.

My apologies!

A day late, and hopefully not a dollar short.

Steve Mullen — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 15:56:03 +0000

FYI for everyone – Startup BizCast will be published a day later than usual this week. I was out of town all weekend, which threw off my production schedule. Expect a new episode on THURSDAY instead of Wednesday. This week’s topic will be “Twitter for Small Business”.

Thanks for listening!

Startup BizCast #78 – Small Biz Tech from CES 2009 (Ken Colburn)

Steve Mullen — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 10:45:10 +0000

This week we welcome back one of our favorite guests. Ken Colburn from Data Doctors joins us to talk about this year’s Consumer Electronics Show. Ken was at the show in Las Vegas, covering it not only for his own newsletter but also for CNN! He gives us the rundown on a couple of the hottest products from the big trade show – the new Palm Pre and the variety of netbooks that are hitting the market.

Links mentioned during this episode:
Data Doctors (www.datadoctors.com)
Data Doctors Free Weekly Newsletter (www.datadoctors.com/help/quikreg.cfm)
Ken Colburn at CES with CNN (www.cnn.com/video/#/video/tech/2009/01/10/data.doctor.lapin.ces.cnn)
Palm Pre (www.palm.com/us/products/phones/pre/index.html)

Also — don’t forget to join the Startup BizCast Group on Facebook!

Get each episode as it’s published: RSS – iTunes – Blubrry – Podcast Alley

consumer electronics, small business advice, small business news

Startup BizCast #77 – Small Biz New Year’s Resolutions for 2009 (Steve Mullen)

Steve Mullen — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 10:45:50 +0000

Happy New Year everyone! Startup BizCast is back from the Christmas and New Year’s break, and ready for action!

In this episode, I give a few suggestions for resolutions for this year for small business owners. More importantly, however, I’d like YOUR input. What do you think small business owners should resolve to do this year? Call (206) 350-7905 and leave me a voicemail with your suggestion (feel free to plug your business if you like) and I’ll use it in an upcoming episode!

Links mentioned in this week’s episode:
Facebook (www.facebook.com)
Startup BizCast Group on Facebook
Twitter (www.twitter.com)

Get each episode as it’s published: RSS – iTunes – Blubrry – Podcast Alley

new years resolutions, small business advice

Back to Work!

Steve Mullen — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:18:13 +0000

I’m back to work after the Christmas and New Year’s holidays! I hope your holidays were as good as mine, by the way!

I’ll be producing a new episode today. The topic: Suggested New Year’s Small Business Resolutions. Startup BizCast #77 will be published tomorrow!

site news

Off for the Holidays

Steve Mullen — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 02:51:02 +0000

There will be no new episodes of Startup BizCast in 2008. I’ve decided to take the last two weeks of the year off from recording, so I can enjoy the holidays. Keep the voicemails and emails coming during that time, and I’ll use them in 2009. See you in the new year, and have a safe holiday season!

site news

Startup BizCast #76 – Small Business Public Speaking (Rich Hopkins)

Steve Mullen — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 10:45:28 +0000

There’s a large portion of the population that would probably rather take a bath in a tub full of those newly-discovered cyanide spitting pink millipedes than speak in front of a room full of people. Public speaking is one of the top fears out there, but when you’re asked to talk about yourself and your business in front of potential customers, you simply should not turn it down. This week’s guest is public speaker, author, and public speaking coach Rich Hopkins. He has some great advice on how to nail that speaking opportunity.

Here’s a piece of bonus advice that Rich says he forgot to mention during the interview:
“Remember that the audience doesn’t know what you are going to say. Don’t get caught up in being ‘perfect’ – its the easiest way to throw yourself off track, and lose credibility as a speaker. Speak about what you know, and you will be able to go from Point A to Point B, without the audience knowing you skipped to Point C in between! ”

Also in this week’s episode, listener-submitted advice from Frances Jones of Cole Media Management on how to record your voice mail greeting properly!

A word from our sponsor:
Try GotoMeeting free for 30 days! For this special offer, visit www.gotomypc.com/techpodcasts!

Links mentioned during this week’s episode:
Rich Hopkins (www.richhopkinsspeaks.com/coaching.htm)

Also — don’t forget to join the Startup BizCast Group on Facebook!

Get each episode as it’s published: RSS – iTunes – Blubrry – Podcast Alley

public speaking, small business advice, small business news

Startup BizCast #75 – Internet Freebies for your Small Business (Ken Colburn)

Steve Mullen — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 10:45:28 +0000

Free is good … free is great! With times as rough as they are for small businesses, we need to save money wherever and whenever possible. This week on Startup BizCast Ken Colburn from Data Doctors and I run down some of the best FREE resources on the `net for your small business!

Also, in BizCast Brief, the top five and bottom five small business-friendly states in the U.S.

A word from our sponsor:
Try GotoMeeting free for 30 days! For this special offer, visit www.gotomypc.com/techpodcasts!

Here’s the list of links mentioned in this week’s episode, along with a great tip from Data Doctors that will speed up your Firefox browser. I tried it and it works great!

Google Alerts:
http://www.google.com/alerts

Google Docs:
http://docs.google.com

Google’s Gmail:
http://www.gmail.com

Google’s Translate:
http://translate.google.com/

Business Advice:
http://www.allbusiness.com/
http://www.askjim.biz

Search Engine Education
http://searchenginewatch.com/

Free Anti-Virus / Anti-Spyware:
http://free.avg.com/

Free Alternative to Microsoft Office:
http://www.openoffice.org/

Data Doctors Free Weekly Newsletter:
http://www.datadoctors.com/help/quikreg.cfm

Data Doctors Weekly CNN.com video advice:
http://search.cnn.com/search?type=video&sortBy=date&intl=false&query=colburn&x=0&y=0

Firefox web browser:
http://www.mozilla.com

Small Business Advice Podcast
http://www.startupbizcast.com

The Data Doctors Tip for making Firefox even faster (for high-speed Internet users):

1. Type “about:config” into the address bar and hit return. Scroll down and look for the following entries:

network.http.pipelining
network.http.proxy.pipelining
network.http.pipelining.maxrequests

Normally the browser will make one request to a web page at a time. When you enable pipelining it will make several at once, which really speeds up page loading.

2. Alter the entries as follows:

Set “network.http.pipelining” to “true”

Set “network.http.proxy.pipelining” to “true”

Set “network.http.pipelining.maxrequests” to some number like 30. This means it will make 30 requests at once.

3. Lastly right-click anywhere and select New-> Integer. Name it “nglayout.initialpaint.delay” and set its value to “0″. This value is the amount of time the browser waits before it acts on information it receives.

If you’re using a broadband connection you’ll load pages MUCH faster now!”

Get each episode as it’s published: RSS – iTunes – Blubrry – Podcast Alley

small business advice, small business news

Small Business Recommended Reading (12-10-08)

Steve Mullen — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 02:04:13 +0000

Here’s this week’s recommended reading from Startup BizCast!

Survey: Small business anxiety on the rise
Bizjournals

Hawaii ranks low on ‘small business survival index’
Bizjournals

What Small Business Can Expect From Obama
Business Week

small business news

Startup BizCast #74 – Your Small Business Website (Steve Mullen)

Steve Mullen — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:35:54 +0000

This week we tackle small business websites, and what they need. I go solo to discuss three different types of small biz sites, and the integral parts of each. Included are the online business card, the online store, and the social media hub. This is a shorter episode, as I’m slammed trying to catch up after the Thanksgiving holiday in the U.S. This is generally going to be a tough month for me, as I’m potentially starting several new projects. I’m going to do my best to keep the show coming out on a regular basis!

A word from our sponsor:
Try GotoMeeting free for 30 days! For this special offer, visit www.gotomypc.com/techpodcasts!

Links mentioned in this week’s episode:
15 Key Elements All Top Web Sites Should Have (http://freelancefolder.com/15-top-site-elements/)

Also — don’t forget to join the Startup BizCast Group on Facebook!

Get each episode as it’s published: RSS – iTunes – Blubrry – Podcast Alley

small business advice, small business news, web design

Startup BizCast #73 – Five Tips from ABC (Jim Tracy)

Steve Mullen — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 14:35:28 +0000

Note: I’m publishing a day earlier than usual this week, partly because there was no episode last week and partly because of the Thanksgiving holiday in the U.S.

This week we have not one piece of advice … but five! The guest for Startup BizCast’s small business advice segment is Jim Tracy, founder and president of America’s Best Companies. ABC is a small business organization with a great website and print magazine chocked with wonderful information. Jim joins us to talk about five tips to help any entrepreneur.

Also this week … I address a listener question on building a community on your website.

A word from our sponsor:
Try GotoMeeting free for 30 days! For this special offer, visit www.gotomypc.com/techpodcasts!

Links mentioned in this week’s episode:
America’s Best Companies (www.americasbestcompanies.com)
Snow and Trail (www.snowandtrail.com)

Also — don’t forget to join the Startup BizCast Group on Facebook!

Get each episode as it’s published: RSS – iTunes – Blubrry – Podcast Alley

small business advice, small business news, small business podcast

Small Business Recommended Reading (11/25/08)

Steve Mullen — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 13:48:52 +0000

Here’s this week’s recommended reading from Startup BizCast!

Small Business Economic Confidence Continues to Fall
MarketWatch (press release)

Employers cut back on holiday gifts
Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Twitter for Business: 10 Things to Consider Before You Get Started
Search Engine Guide

Year-End Tech & Tax Tips for Smart Small Businesses
MarketWatch (press release)

small business news

Startup BizCast #72 – How and Why of Business Blogging (Steve Mullen)

Steve Mullen — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:45:45 +0000

A few weeks back I was one of the presenters in two different webinars from PRWeb. Each of the presentations was about small business marketing, and during each I talked about business blogging. And … after each I received a number of emails from people who were confused about how to do it. Since this seems to be at least a somewhat universal confusion, I decided to do an episode on the “how” and “why” of business blogging, even though I’ve covered the information here and there during this series.

Note: There will be NO episode next week. I’ll be out of town speaking at a conference on Monday and Tuesday, and I just won’t have time to produce a show.

A word from our sponsor:
Try GotoMeeting free for 30 days! For this special offer, visit www.gotomypc.com/techpodcasts!

Links mentioned in this episode:
WordPress (www.wordpress.org)
EndGame PR Blog (www.endgamepr.com/blog)

Also — don’t forget to join the Startup BizCast Group on Facebook!

Get each episode as it’s published: RSS – iTunes – Blubrry – Podcast Alley

corporate blogging, small business advice

Startup BizCast #71 – Small Business Government Contracts (Gloria Berthold Larkin)

Steve Mullen — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 10:45:07 +0000

Local, state, and federal U.S. government contracts are NOT easy to get. However, they tend to bring in good money, particularly for small business owners who aren’t used to multi-thousand or million dollar deals. And, it’s unlikely our government is going to go out of business any time soon — a major consideration in this economy! This week’s guest on Startup BizCast is Gloria Berthold Larkin, president of TargetGov, a business that helps entrepreneurs through the government contract maze.

Also this week — an announcement about a brand new podcast series from BizPodz Productions!

A word from our sponsor:
Try GotoMeeting free for 30 days! For this special offer, visit www.gotomypc.com/techpodcasts!

Links mentioned in this week’s episode:
TargetGov (www.targetgov.com)
Central Contractor Registration (www.ccr.gov)
Federal Business Opportunities (www.fedbizopps.gov)
Women Impacting Public Policy (www.wipp.org)
Also — don’t forget to join the Startup BizCast Group on Facebook!

Get each episode as it’s published: RSS – iTunes – Blubrry – Podcast Alley

small business advice, small business news

New Podcast Series from BizPodz Productions

Steve Mullen — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 21:53:04 +0000

I’m happy to announce a brand new podcast series from BizPodz Productions! TREScast is the official podcast of The Real Estate School (TRES), from the Richmond Association of Realtors (RAR). TRES offers education and enrichment to thousands of members of the RAR, and TREScast brings those educational opportunities to members’ computers, iPods, and other mp3 players. If you’re a real estate agent in Richmond, Virginia, a real estate agent elsewhere, or just someone who wants to learn more about the real estate industry, this is the podcast for you!

Subscribe and listen to TREScast!
Subscribe via iTunes

To sample other podcasts from BizPodz, visit the podcast production page on the EndGame Public Relations website, and click on the link for “audio client samples”.

podcast production

Small Business Recommended Reading (11-4-08)

Steve Mullen — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 21:52:25 +0000

Here’s this week’s recommended reading from Startup BizCast!

In Britain, Debate Over Help for Small Businesses
New York Times

Ask an Expert: Credit crunch forces small businesses to be creative
USA Today

Let Your Website or Blog Build Your Online Business With Profits
SmallBusinessToday

Twitter, Flickr, Facebook Make Blogs Look So 2004
Wired Magazine

Study: Blogging’s Dead? Someone Forgot to Tell Readers.
BuzzLogic

The 10 silliest bits of advice to IGNORE when running a Business
StartRunGrow

small business news

Startup BizCast #70 – News Release SEO (Jiyan Wei)

Steve Mullen — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 10:45:22 +0000

This week, I welcome a good friend and guest from the first handful of Startup BizCast episodes. The topic of the week is SEO for press releases. More and more people are catching on to the fact that news releases can be used for SEO purposes, but many people don’t know how to maximize the work put into writing the releases and posting them. Jiyan Wei is a product manager at online news release presswire PRWeb. He was my guest back in episode #7, and now he joins me for #70. Kind of symmetrical, don’t you think?

One more note about Jiyan — for any new listeners who found this show after hearing my presentation at the PRWeb webinar … yes, this is the same Jiyan that was the moderator

Also this week, I have listener advice submitted via the “Submit YOUR Advice” form, and business news in the BizCast Brief.

Links mentioned during this week’s episode:
ROI of Online Press Releases Executive Summary (pdf)
PRWeb (www.prweb.com)
New Influencer – Jiyan’s Personal Blog (http://www.newinfluencer.com)

Also — don’t forget to join the Startup BizCast Group on Facebook!

Get each episode as it’s published: RSS – iTunes – Blubrry – Podcast Alley

entrepreneurs, small business advice, small business news, startups

Startup BizCast Recommended Reading (10-28-08)

Steve Mullen — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 17:59:20 +0000

Here’s this week’s recommended reading!

Small Business Economic Confidence Continues to Slide
MarketWatch (News release)

Small business owners reap benefits of social media
ZDNet

Joe Who? Small businesses say they’re not being heard
Reuters

Last minute battle for the small business vote
The Journal Blog

Small Business Marketing; 3 Tips to Improve Your Email Marketing
Smart Marketing

small business news

Startup BizCast #69 – Marketing for Franchisees (Sherri Fishman)

Steve Mullen — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 10:45:40 +0000

Despite having a bigtime name behind them, businesses like McDonalds, Hair Cuttery, and Century 21 are all small businesses. They’re franchises, and most of the time they’re owned by someone in your area. There are challenges inherant to marketing a franchise small business, however, not the least of which is that people don’t often view them as being home grown. This week’s guest on Startup BizCast is Sherri Fishman from Fishman PR, a public relations firm that specializes in marketing franchisees and franchisers. She’ll have some tips on how you can work to get publicity for your franchise small business.

NOTE: There was a bit of audio difficulty in this week’s episode. We had trouble with the interview phone line, which led to a ticking sound while Ms. Fishman talks. I attempted to filter it out, but it only made things worse. My apologies for the lapse in quality!

Also this week, in the BizCast Brief … help for UK small businesses, the best places in Canada to have a small business, and things aren’t as bad as they seem economically!

A word from our sponsor:
Try GotoMeeting free for 30 days! For this special offer, visit www.gotomypc.com/techpodcasts!

Links mentioned in this week’s episode:
Fishman PR (www.fishmanpr.com)

Also — don’t forget to join the Startup BizCast Group on Facebook!

Get each episode as it’s published: RSS – iTunes – Blubrry – Podcast Alley

entrepreneurs, small business advice, small business news, startups

Small Business Recommended Reading (10-21-08)

Steve Mullen — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 21:38:37 +0000

Here’s this week’s small business recommended reading from Startup BizCast:

Steps taken to help small businesses
Reuters UK

The best cities for small business
Financial Post (CA)

Looking for a Job? Try a Small Business
The Wall Street Journal

Small Business: Bonuses may be casualty of economy in ’08
Seattle Post-Intelligencer

small business news

Presenting at a Free PRWeb Webinar on SMB Marketing

Steve Mullen — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 02:02:20 +0000

I’ve been invited to be one of two presenters at an upcoming free webinar from PRWeb. I was presenter at one earlier this week that was a record-setter for PRWeb. There were approximately 1,000 attendees for that event, and the one coming up next week could be even bigger.

The next webinar will be on October 22 at 2:00 p.m. ET. The topic will be Use PR to Grow Your Business. My co-presenter will be Amy C. Cosper, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine.

To register, simply follow this link!

small business advice, speaking engagement, webinar

Startup BizCast #68 – Small Business Expense Management (Toffer Grant)

Steve Mullen — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 10:45:10 +0000

This week, we’re talking about how to manage the flow of money going out the door, while the poor economy worldwide may be limiting the amount of money that’s coming in the door. My guest is Toffer Grant, founder and CEO of PEXCard, a company that offers prepaid VISA cards for use by businesses in expense management. His company has also launched a blog on corporate finances. He has tips on how you can manage the expenses of your employees.

Also this week, in the BizCast Brief – news of Barack Obama’s small business plan, Wall Street Journal’s top 15 small business workplaces, and small business week in Canada.

A word from our sponsor:
Try GotoMeeting free for 30 days! For this special offer, visit www.gotomypc.com/techpodcasts!

Links mentioned in this week’s episode:
PEXCard (www.pexcard.com)
Corporate Finance Blog (www.pexcard.com/blog)

Also — don’t forget to join the Startup BizCast Group on Facebook!

Get each episode as it’s published: RSS – iTunes – Blubrry – Podcast Alley

small business advice, small business news, small business podcasts

Small Business Recommended Reading (10-14-08)

Steve Mullen — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 23:03:56 +0000

Here’s this week’s Startup BizCast Small Business Recommended Reading for October 14, 2008 — my wife’s birthday. Happy Birthday to her!

Candidates Present 401(k) and Small-Business Plans
The New York Times

Top Small Workplaces 2008
Wall Street Journal

Small Business Week 2008
BDC (Canada)

Small business: Getting past the gatekeepers
Newsday

Twitter: Not A Waste Of Time For Small Business Owners
Internet Marketing NewsWatch

MySpace Woos Small Business And Personal Advertisers With Targeted Ads
eBrandz

small business news

Startup BizCast #67 – Online News Release Distribution Services Updated (Steve Mullen)

Steve Mullen — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 10:45:09 +0000

Almost a year and a half ago, in episode five of Startup BizCast, I reviewed a list of online news release distribution services. These sites will post and distribute your news release across the web, bringing benefits like SEO and potential media coverage. Since it’s been so long since that episode, and a number of these sites have changed their services, I decided to revisit the subject with this update and re-review!

Also, in BizCast Brief, small business owners upset with the Feds, the SBA ups its disaster loan rates, and Colorado targets CEOs.

A word from our sponsor:
Try GotoMeeting free for 30 days! For this special offer, visit www.gotomypc.com/techpodcasts!

Links to sites mentioned in this podcast:
PR Newswire (www.prnewswire.com)
PR Web (www.prweb.com)
PR Log (www.prlog.org)
PR Leap (www.prleap.com)
24-7 Press Release (www.24-7pressrelease.com)
I-Newswire (www.i-newswire.com)
Wikio (www.wikio.com)

Also — don’t forget to join the Startup BizCast Group on Facebook!

Get each episode as it’s published: RSS – iTunes – Blubrry – Podcast Alley

news release distribution, public relations, small business advice, small business news

Small Business Recommended Reading (10-07-08)

Steve Mullen — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:52:04 +0000

Here’s this week’s Startup BizCast Small Business Recommended Reading!

Small Business Owners Divided on Wall Street Bailout Plan
PRWeb (news release)

SBA ups interest rate on many disaster loans
Triangle Business Journal

Sending CEOs to the slammer
CNN/Money

Ask an Expert: It may be time for a ‘small business bailout’
USA Today

Small Business Owners Unfamiliar with Risks Involved in Workers’ Compensation Insurance from Self-Insured Groups
MarketWatch (news release)

Ease-of-Use Essential for Small-Business VoIP
SmallBusinessComputing.com

small business news

Startup BizCast #66 – Small Business Video (Benjamin Wayne)

Steve Mullen — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:45:13 +0000

A recent study from ABI Research indicates that the number of people watching videos online has doubled in the past year. It’s obvious that people are becoming more comfortable using this technology. What that means, is that you should be using it for your business! My guest this week is Benjamin Wayne from Fliqz, an online video site that works primarily with businesses. He has tips on how you can use web video to your benefit.

Also in this episode … news about the economy and an Australian maternity leave proposal … in the BizCast Brief!

Links mentioned on this week’s episode:
Fliqz (www.fliqz.com)

Also — don’t forget to join the Startup BizCast Group on Facebook!

Get each episode as it’s published: RSS – iTunes – Blubrry – Podcast Alley

entrepreneurs, online video, small business advice, small business news

Startup BizCast Updates, Previews, Inside Tidbits, and Networking

Steve Mullen — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 19:01:10 +0000

The Startup BizCast Group on Facebook is growing! Be sure to join in. I’ve been posting new episodes over there as well as show previews. I’m also happy to answer questions or just chat on the Facebook “wall”. My plan to get to as many show guests as possible to join up, and I suspect they’ll be willing to answer questions as well.

If you’re not a Facebook member, check it out. It’s a lot of fun, and can be a great networking tool. If you ARE a Facebook member, click the banner above to join the group!

facebook

Small Business Recommended Reading (09-30-08)

Steve Mullen — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 18:23:54 +0000

Here’s this week’s small business recommended reading from Startup BizCast!

Business groups upset over bailout vote
Bizjournals

Small Business Economic Confidence Falls Sharply
MarketWatch (Press Release)

Maternity scheme ‘no good for business’
NEWS.com.au (Australia)

Entertainment Accounting
PEX Card Corporate Finance Blog

small business news

Startup BizCast #65 – Small Business Computer Security (Ken Colburn)

Steve Mullen — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 10:45:41 +0000

Are the worst enemies to your small office computer network banging on the gates, or walking around inside the castle? Truly, there are plenty of people out there trying to harm your business, either by writing viruses or actively trying to gain access to your data. You need to protect yourself from those threats. However, another threat is just as much of a problem — your own employees inadvertently damaging your network. This week’s guest on Startup BizCast is Ken Colburn from Data Doctors. He has advice on how to secure your network from all threats, whether they’re from within or without.

In this week’s BizCast Brief — surveys covering the economy and traveling.

Links mentioned in this week’s episide:
Data Doctors (www.datadoctors.com)

Also — don’t forget to join the Startup BizCast Group on Facebook!

Get each episode as it’s published: RSS – iTunes – Blubrry – Podcast Alley

entrepreneurs, small business advice, small business computers, small business news, small business tips

Small Business Recommended Reading (9-23-08)

Steve Mullen — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 18:57:39 +0000

Here’s this week’s small business recommended reading from Startup BizCast!

Survey: small businesses remain optimistic
Bizjournals

National Survey Shows Traveler Award Programs Important But Too Difficult to Redeem
MarketWatch (news release)

Promises, promises, but which party has the best ideas for small business?
New Brunswick (Canada) Business Journal

Small-business owners forge ahead with holiday party plans
Dallas Morning News

Cost Cutters: Reduce Shipping Costs
The Wall Street Journal

Brand Building Tips (On A Budget)
SEOBook

What Media Crunches Mean To Your PR Efforts
Small Business Daily

small business news, small business tips

Support Your Favorite Podcasts

Steve Mullen — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 02:14:58 +0000

Nominating for the 2008 People’s Choice Podcast Awards opened this week. Click the banner below and nominate your favorite show, whether it’s mine or someone else’s! Podcasters don’t usually get paid, so this is a great way to say “thanks!”

Startup BizCast #64 – Fall Tax Update (Glen Weilandt)

Steve Mullen — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 10:45:52 +0000

Fall isn’t a time when you normally think much about taxes … unless, that is, you filed for an extension back in April. If you did, that means your taxes are due next month. Additionally, the more thinking you do NOW, the higher the chances you’ll lower your tax burden when you file next year. Joining me this week is Glen Weilandt with Roni Deutch Tax Centers. We’ll discuss a variety of tax issues relevant to small business owners.

Also in this episode — an announcement about the new Startup BizCast voice mail hotline, a reminder about the Startup BizCast Facebook Group, and small business news in BizCast Brief.

Links mentioned in this week’s episode:
Roni Deutch Tax Center (www.rdtc.com)

Get each episode as it’s published: RSS – iTunes – Blubrry – Podcast Alley

small business advice, small business news, small business taxes

Small Business Recommended Reading (09-16-08)

Steve Mullen — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 19:17:50 +0000

Here’s this week’s recommended reading from Startup BizCast!

Small Business Owners Back McCain
PRWeb (press release)

As Credit Lines Fade, Credit Cards Step In
New York Times

Lenovo aims ThinkServer line at SMEs
vnunet.com

The Wall Street Journal
Small Firms See Financing Harder to Get

Lessons from Ike
BusinessWeek

small business news

New Startup BizCast Voicemail Number

Steve Mullen — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:37:47 +0000

Hey folks. I had to register a new voicemail phone number today. My apologies to anyone who tried to call the old one, but ended up getting one of those “fast busy” signals. I subscribe to a service that gives you a free voicemail and emails any received messages to your inbox. It’s awesome for podcasting, but unfortunately if it’s not used for a month, your number disappears. I’ve gone through a period where I haven’t gotten any voicemails for a little while, and I forgot to call it myself to keep it active. So … I lost my old number.

Here is the new Startup BizCast voicemail hotline number: 206-350-7905

If you’ve tried to call recently but weren’t able to get through, PLEASE try again!

site news

Startup BizCast #63 – Phoning in your Small Business (Mark Asnes)

Steve Mullen — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 10:45:25 +0000

These days, if you only use your cell phone to talk to other people, you’re considered behind the times. Today’s cell phones email, text, surf the web, and much more. My guest this week is Mark Asnes from Wireless Zone. He has tips for how you can use your cell phone to make your small business life easier.

Also in this episode, an announcement about the new Startup BizCast group on Facebook! If you haven’t joined the group, head on over and do so!

In this week’s BizCast Brief, more hurricane preparedness tips, the SBA helping Florida nonprofits, and managing telecommuting workers.

Links mentioned in this week’s episode:
Wireless Zone (www.wirelesszone.com)

Get each episode as it’s published: RSS – iTunes – Blubrry – Podcast Alley

entrepreneurs, small business news, small business podcasts, startups

Small Business Recommended Reading (09-09-08)

Steve Mullen — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 19:00:19 +0000

Here’s this week’s recommended reading from Startup BizCast!

Is Your Business Prepared for a Disaster?
Wall Street Journal Blogs

SBA offers disaster loans to some Florida nonprofits
Bizjournals

Telecommuting means change in management style
San Francisco Chronicle

How to Make a Splash for Your Small Business
Small Business Mole

small business news

Startup BizCast #62 – Small Business Viral Marketing (Dave Saunders)

Steve Mullen — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:45:09 +0000

I love it when someone emails a friend about my business. How would you like it if thousands of people were emailing friends about something you created? When something on the Internet gains that kind of traction and gets spread around from friend to friend, it’s said that it’s “gone viral”. In this episode of Startup BizCast, I visit the office of Dave Saunders, president of advertising and new media firm Madison + Main, to talk about how you can use viral marketing to benefit your small business.

In BizCast Brief: How to prepare for a disaster such as a hurricane, and problems with small business insurance subsidies in Maryland.

Also … a big thanks!

Links mentioned in this week’s episode:
Steps to Protect your Assets if a Hurricane Aproaches
SBA Disaster Services (http://www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance/index.html)
Madison + Main (http://www.madisonmain.com/)

Get each episode as it’s published: RSS – iTunes – Blubrry – Podcast Alley

entrepreneurs, hurricane preparedness, small business advice, small business news, startups

Startup BizCast on Facebook

Steve Mullen — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:00:47 +0000

I’ve started a Facebook group for Startup BizCast. It’s a great way for listeners to network and not only learn from each other but also perhaps trade some business. This podcast has plenty of listeners and is growing each week, so I’m hoping it will be a great resource for everyone! I’ll also be posting special previews of upcoming shows. My hope is also that it will be a great way to contact my guests, as I’m planning to invite each new guest to join the group as well. If you head over there, you’ll notice that this week’s guest, Dave Saunders, has already joined the group. Casey Quinlan, who was my guest in episode 47, is also a member of the group.

If you’re a Facebook member, all you have to do is click the banner above or this link, and then join up to the group. If you’re not a Facebook member, join up! It’s fun, and a great way to network!

facebook, social networking

Small Business Recommended Reading (9-2-08)

Steve Mullen — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 17:39:01 +0000

Here’s this week’s recommended reading from Startup BizCast!

Steps to Protect your Assets if a Hurricane Aproaches
Small Business Today

SBA Disaster Services

Small business owners excited about health program, but some left out
The Herald-Mail (MD)

McCain or Obama: Who Deserves the Small Business Vote?
Wall Street Journal Blogs

Small Business: Pricing business’ products and services
Newsday.com

Tips for managing a small business’ books
Los Angeles Times

10 Ways to Use LinkedIn That You Never Thought Of
Biz.edu

small business news

Startup BizCast #61 – Small Business Webinars (Rich Baker)

Steve Mullen — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 10:45:28 +0000

It feels good to get back into the studio chair after taking a couple of weeks off this month — one due to workload and one due to vacation. This week we’re talking about another new media tool that you can use to promote and brand your small business. Rich Baker, CEO of Glance Networks, joins me in Startup BizCast 61 to talk about webinars, and how you can use them to your benefit.

In this week’s BizCast Brief: Stories about improving small business owner confidence and missing planks in the U.S. Democratic Party platform.

Links mentioned in this week’s episode:
Glance (www.glance.net)

Get each episode as it’s published: RSS – iTunes – Blubrry – Podcast Alley

entrepreneurs, small business advice, small business news, startups, webinars

Small Business Recommended Reading (8/26/08)

Steve Mullen — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:21:50 +0000

Here’s this week’s Startup BizCast Small Business Recommended Reading!

Democratic Platform Dodges Key Small Business Issues
PRNewswire (Via Yahoo News)

Small Business Economic Confidence Increases for Second Consecutive Month
PRNewswire (via Yahoo News)

Joe Biden: Friend of Small Business?
US News & World Report Blogs

Credit crunch hurting entrepreneurs
The Dallas Morning News

small business news

We’re Back!

Steve Mullen — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:16:50 +0000

I’m back! After a week at the beach that was somewhat disturbed by Tropical Storm Fay, I’m back in the office. I’m about to post this week’s Recommended Reading, and I’m in the middle of producing this week’s episode. Startup BizCast #61 will feature a full compliment of news, as well as an interview with tips on using webinars for your small business. Expect the show to be published early tomorrow morning. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss it!

site news

No new episode this week

Steve Mullen — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 19:05:31 +0000

Hi all–

Just a quick note to let you know there will be no new episode of Startup BizCast released this week, as I’m on vacation! I’ll be back next week with a brand new show, which is already in the works.

In the meantime, if you haven’t heard every episode of Startup BizCast, check out some of the older shows … they’ll be new to you!

-Steve

site news

Startup BizCast #60 – What to Shred and How to Shred It (Joe Roberto)

Steve Mullen — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 10:45:14 +0000

This is a packed show!

In this week’s interview segment: What if one of your customers became the victim of identity theft … and you were the cause? Needless to say, it wouldn’t be good for your business. This week we’re talking about protecting the personal information of your customers. As someone who recently had his business credit card number stolen (don’t know HOW it happened) I’m particularly sensitive these days about making sure that anything that contains my personal information is shredded properly. My guest is Joe Roberto from Shred-Tech, a company that produces shredding and recycling systems. He provides advice on what to shred, and how to shred it.

Also in this episode: I answer a listener question about how to blog effectively for a gas station!

ALSO in this episode: The BizCast Brief, with information on the Fortune 100 fastest growing small businesses, and predicted growth in the amount of tech spending by small businesses.

Links mentioned in this week’s episode:
Shred-Tech (www.shred-tech.com)

Get each episode as it’s published: RSS – iTunes – Blubrry – Podcast Alley

entrepreneurs, identity theft, small business advice, small business news, startups

Small Business Recommended Reading (8-12-08)

Steve Mullen — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 22:37:55 +0000

Here’s this week’s Small Business Recommended Reading from Startup BizCast!

Fortune Small Business 100
CNNMoney.com

Fortune Small Business Showcases Fastest Growing Public Firms
Washington Post Blogs

Small, Midsized Firms To Spend $280 Billion On Technology By 2012
InformationWeek

The Business of Politics
Wall Street Journal

WVU Prof says Wal-mart doesn’t hurt, help small business
West Virginia Public Broadcasting

Small business owners are salespeople in disguise
Fort Worth Business Press

10 Lessons Learned Starting a Small Business
American Chronicle

small business news

Startup BizCast #59 – Tech Gadgets for Small Business Owners (Derek Meister)

Steve Mullen — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 10:45:52 +0000

This week we’re joined by an honest-to-goodness double agent. It’s true. Double Agent Derek Meister is with the Geek Squad, a service that provides technology solutions for consumers through Best Buy’s retail stores. He joins us to talk about must-have technology for different types of small business owners. If you’re anything like me, there are certain gadgets that you just can’t do without.

No BizCast Brief this week. Not much going on, and this week’s interview was a rather long one, so there wasn’t time to include it.

Links mentioned in this week’s episode:
Geek Squad (www.geeksquad.com)

Get each episode as it’s published: RSS – iTunes – Blubrry – Podcast Alley

entrepreneurs, small business advice, small business news, small business technology, startups

New EndGame PR Website Design

Steve Mullen — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 04:35:49 +0000

Please allow me a self-indulgent post, while I direct you to please take a gander at the brand new online home of my PR firm, EndGame Public Relations. I just completed a total redesign today, and I’m quite proud of the work. Previously, the site was an html-based site with a WordPress blog (like this one). Now, the entire site is managed by WordPress and the blog is completely integrated.

You may not be asking right now, but … yes, I am doing website design for clients now. If you’re interested in a quick website at a reasonable price, just let me know!

Startup BizCast #58 – Warming Your Cold Calls (Sam Richter)

Steve Mullen — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 10:45:29 +0000

I’m back! After a one week hiatus, Startup BizCast returns for episode 58. This show ran a touch long, due to having listener feedback and a longish interview. Both were so good, however, that I just couldn’t chop any more out. So … the show is 15 seconds longer than my self-imposed limit of 15 minutes. I think we’ll all survive

Here’s this week’s advice topic: Cold Calling

Those are some scary words aren’t they? As small business owners, most of us at one point or another are going to need to pick up the phone, call someone we don’t know, and ask them for their business. It’s just a fact of life. My guest is Sam Richter, who has written a book called Take the Cold Out of Cold Calling. He has some outstanding tips to make sure you know about your cold calling target, so you can be relevant and know what he or she wants.

In BizCast Brief this week: Blackwater under investigation for posing as a small business … a jump in the U.S. minimum wage … and small business owner optimism could be looking up.

Also … a Listener Voicemail!

Links mentioned on this week’s episode:
Take the Cold Out of Cold Calling (www.takethecold.com)

Get each episode as it’s published: RSS – iTunes – Blubrry – Podcast Alley

cold calling, entrepreneurs, small business advice, small business news, startups

Small Business Recommended Reading (7-29-08)

Steve Mullen — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 21:45:24 +0000

Here’s this week’s Small Business Recommended Reading from Startup BizCast!

Blackwater May Have Fudged Numbers to Get $100M in Contracts
ABC News

Minimum Wage Rises 70 Cents
CBS News

Small-Business Optimism Up
Inc.com

Making use of social networking sites
Newsday

Making Cents: Growing your small business
Norwich (CT) Bulletin

small business news

Back to business this week!

Steve Mullen — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 23:08:28 +0000

Someone emailed me today commenting that they saw I wasn’t doing an episode this week. Well, that’s untrue! I took off last week for a variety of reasons, but this week Startup BizCast will return! Expect a new episode to be published on Wednesday morning, complete with listener feedback, the BizCast Brief, and an interview chocked full of small business advice goodness!

episode preview, site news

No New Episode This Week

Steve Mullen — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:13:05 +0000

Hi all…

There will be no new episode of Startup BizCast this week. Between summer guest scheduling issues, my busy work and family schedule, and a variety of other things, I made the executive decision to not produce a show this week. I expect to be back next week with a new show, complete with BizCast Brief and listener feedback. Stay subscribed so you don’t miss it! In the meantime, if you haven’t heard any of the 57 episodes I’ve published, go back and listen … they’ll be new to you!

Steve

site news

Startup BizCast #57 – Small Business Moms (Pat Cobe)

Steve Mullen — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:45:11 +0000

On this week’s episode, we’re talking about small business owners who also happen to be stay-at-home moms. My guest and her partner call them “Mompreneurs”. These moms are running service or product businesses as a source of secondary or even primary income for their household, and they’re balancing it with taking care of the kids. Pat Cobe is the co-author of two books on the subject, and is co-founder of Mompreneursonline.com, an education and community website that provides assistance for small business moms. She joins us on this episode to provide some tips for Mompreneurs.

In this week’s BizCast Brief — the U.S. Senate votes for more money for small business programs, business owners don’t believe in the U.S. federal government, and new small business laptops from Lenovo.

One thing I didn’t mention during the show is a CONTEST for Mompreneurs. Whirlpool, the company you know as making dishwashers and such, recently announced the fourth annual Mother of Invention Grant Program. The program provides seed money and guidance to moms to turn their invention, business or service ideas into full-fledged businesses. For prize details and an entry form, go to the Whirlpool contest page.

Links mentioned in this week’s episode:
Mompreneursonline.com (www.mompreneursonline.com)

Get each episode as it’s published: RSS – iTunes – Blubrry – Podcast Alley

entrepreneurs, mompreneurs, small business advice, small business news, startups

Small Business Recommended Reading (7-15-08)

Steve Mullen — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 01:11:06 +0000

After a two week break … here’s this week’s Small Business Recommended Reading, from Startup BizCast!

Small – Business Funding Boost
New York Times

Poll: Business Owners Unhappy With Washington
Wall Street Journal Blogs

Lenovo announces new small-biz laptops, updates ThinkPads
Crave

Setting Strategy: Blogs can give small-business Web sites a personal touch
Kansas City Star

Should small businesses whine?
Seth Godin’s Blog

small business news

Startup BizCast #56 – Avoiding Email Blunders (Steve Mullen)

Steve Mullen — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 10:45:22 +0000

I didn’t really know what to call this abbreviated episode, but it came to me as I was reading a story about the White House needing to apologize to the Premier of Italy after they released a less-than-flattering biography about him. I decided to talk about tips to help you avoid mistakes with email like sending a comment to the wrong person, or sending the wrong document to the wrong person. These can be simple errors, but can also be disastrous.

Also in this episode, listener feedback on SB #47, which featured advice from Casey Quinlan on business storytelling.

Links mentioned in this episode:
Tech Talk for Families (www.techtalkforfamilies.com)
White House apologizes for insult to Italian premier (http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/07/08/bush.berlusconi.ap/index.html)

Get each episode as it’s published: RSS – iTunes – Blubrry – Podcast Alley

entrepreneurs, small business advice, small business news, startups

Startup BizCast #55 – Office Space for your Small Business (Chris Desloge)

Steve Mullen — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:45:47 +0000

I can’t help but laugh when I hear the words “Office Space”, because I love the classic movie of that name. But, this week’s episode has nothing to do with that great flick. This week we’re talking about how to find office space for your small business. Whether you’re leasing space for the first time, or the second, third, or fourth … it’s a perplexing process. Our guest this week has some advice on the subject. Chris Desloge is with Tenant Rep Agency, LLC, a company in St. Louis that works with business owners who are hoping to find office space. His company last fall launched OfficeTenant.com, a site chocked full of advice for potential office tenants.

In BizCast Brief this week, a “duh” survey about small business owner concern, potential changes to the tax laws concerning home-based businesses, and Microsoft passes a big milestone. Also this week — listener feedback!

Links mentioned in this week’s episode:
South Coast Marketing Events (www.southcoastme.com)
Tenant Rep Agency, LLC (www.tenantrepagency.com)
OfficeTenant.com (www.officetenant.com)

Get each episode as it’s published: RSS – iTunes – Blubrry – Podcast Alley

entrepreneurs, small business advice, small business news, startups

Small Business Recommended Reading (7-1-08)

Steve Mullen — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 01:59:03 +0000

Here’s this week’s recommended reading from Startup BizCast!

Survey: Health insurance, fuel costs among top small biz owners burdens
BizJournals

More Than 1 Million Entrepreneurs Have Made Microsoft Office Live Small Business One of the Fastest Growing Web Services
Microsoft (Press Release)

Congress Considering Tax Breaks for Small Business Investors
NuWire Investor

Employee Training for Small Business Owners
American Small Business News

Why do I need a small business website?
Bytestart (UK)

small business news

Listener Help Needed!

Steve Mullen — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 23:06:22 +0000

I need listener help! I’m working on an episode about saving money on gas, and I need your most novel advice. I’m not talking about things like keeping your car tuned and keeping the proper amount of air in your tires. I want unusual or even off the wall advice! I figure with all of the people who listen to this show, there must be some great advice to be found. Those who participate will, of course, get mentions on the show for themselves and their businesses. They’ll also get a link on the blog.

To help out, either email me via the contact form, comment in this blog post, or use the “Submit Your Advice” form. You can also leave an audio comment (which I will use on the show) by calling (206) 339-4366. I’ll produce the show once I have enough advice to fill an episode!

Thanks in advance!

site news

Startup BizCast #54 – Crisis Planning and Communication (Steve Mullen)

Steve Mullen — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 10:45:17 +0000

Imagine the worst happens with your business — perhaps one of your employees is caught trafficking goods from your warehouse, or one of your products is tainted and makes a whole flock of people sick. What would you do to handle the crisis? Having a crisis plan in advance can help. In this episode of Startup BizCast, I go solo to discuss how to develop your crisis plan and give tips on how to talk with the media if a crisis hits.

In BizCast Brief — older businesses drive the economy, and Visa teams with Facebook to help small businesses.

Links mentioned in this week’s episode:
Visa Business Network (http://apps.facebook.com/visabusiness/sign_up)

Get each episode as it’s published: RSS – iTunes – Blubrry – Podcast Alley

crisis planning, media relations, small business advice, small business news

Small Business Recommended Reading (6-25-08)

Steve Mullen — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 03:47:13 +0000

Here’s this week’s recommended reading!

Small, Older Firms Are Biggest Economic Drivers
Washington Post

Visa Joins Facebook
FaceReviews

Small Talk: Too much skin? Create a dress code
Salt Lake Tribune

Before You Buy That Small Business
MSNBC.com

To Increase Website Traffic and Sales, Answer Customer Questions
Ayo’s Website Design

small business news

Startup BizCast #53 – Greening Your Small Business (Tish Kashani)

Steve Mullen — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 19:42:59 +0000

Sorry for the tardiness of this episode. I have one correction right off the top: There is no Recommended Reading feature on the blog this week. Sadly, I lost my list of links and simply don’t have time to look them up! Apologies!

And now … on with the show!

Between insane fuel prices and an increasing desire to preserve resources, everyone is talking about going green. On this week’s Startup BizCast, we meet Tish Kashani from Co-op America, a membership group of individuals and businesses that are not only going green themselves, but are also working in a larger sense to save our planet’s resources.

Also on this week’s Startup BizCast…

I have listener feedback, and of course this week’s review of small business news in BizCast Brief!

Links mentioned on this week’s episode:
Golden Bee Tours (www.goldenbeetours.com)
Co-op America (www.coopamerica.com)

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green businesses, small business advice, small business news

The Next Episode is Coming!

Steve Mullen — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:10:05 +0000

For those of you who were looking forward to the next Startup BizCast, there will be a bit of a delay. I’m leaving town for a few days tomorrow and have to wrap up some client work before I have a chance to finish production of episode 53. Currently it’s about half produced. It will be published before the end of the day, though. Here’s a preview — the topic is “Greening Your Small Business”. I have a great interview with some great tips on how to make your small business more ecologically friendly. I also have a listener comment on the “favorite Startup BizCast” discussion and the BizCast Brief. Don’t miss it!

episode preview

Startup BizCast #52 – Branding your Small Business (Dave Martin)

Steve Mullen — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 10:45:21 +0000

Thus far on Startup BizCast, we’ve talked about marketing, advertising, PR and even logo production. In this episode, we’re going to talk about techniques that use all of the above and more. Branding strategies use an across-the-board approach to create a feeling in the customer (or potential customer) about your business. Our guest is Dave Martin from Martin Branding Worldwide, a firm that works with medium and Fortune 500 companies. Dave explains branding to us, and gives some tips on how it can be used by small business owners.

In BizCast Brief, we have stories about small business owner pessimism about the economy, even while they’re planning to expand … and the US presidential candidates spar over their small business plans.

Links mentioned in this week’s episode:
Martin Branding Worldwide (www.martinbranding.com)

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branding, entrepreneurs, marketing, small business advice, small business news, startups

Small Business Recommended Reading (6-11-08)

Steve Mullen — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 18:12:49 +0000

Here’s this week’s recommended reading from Startup BizCast!

Small business optimism index hits 28-year low
Reuters

Small Business Owners Are Stirred, Not Shaken, by Economic Conditions
MarketWire (press release)

McCain says Obama policies are bad for business
Associated Press

Who is “Small Business Owners?”
Small Business Trends

5 Ways to Start Your Business With No Money!
Bankaholic

small business news

Startup BizCast #51 – Blogger Relations (Steve Mullen)

Steve Mullen — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 10:45:19 +0000

I’ve talked a lot on this podcast about how to make your business blog work for you, but what about using other people’s blogs to promote your business? That’s this week’s topic on Startup BizCast. I go solo to talk about what a successful blogger relations campaign can do for you, and give some tips on how to properly contact bloggers to try to get them to write a blog post about your company.

In BizCast Brief this week: Canadians rejecting a carbon tax, small business employees more likely to endanger company computers, and eBay auction businesses may be in danger.

Websites mentioned in this week’s episode:
E-business Ideas (http://web-ebiz.blogspot.com)
Fight SMA (www.fightsma.org)
Perez Hilton’s post about Fight SMA (http://perezhilton.com/2008-05-26-a-worthwhile-cause-67)
Media Relations and SEO PR Blog (http://www.endgamepr.com/blog)
Google Blog Search (http://blogsearch.google.com)
Technorati (http://www.technorati.com)

Don’t forget to email me YOUR advice. I’ll talk about submitted advice in a future episode!

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