Small Business Trends Radio | Small Business Advice

Get Your Media Groove On

Staci Wood — 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?

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

Starting or Expanding a Business: Why Year End Planning Matters

Staci Wood — 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?

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

Why Most Businesses Can’t Be Sold and 5 Fixes

Staci Wood — 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.

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

Don’t Give A Gift Card: Give An Experience

Staci Wood — 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?

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

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Small Business Loan

Staci Wood — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 19:36:49 +0000

Small Business Finance has been a hot topic this year. While several large banks have boasted about devoting more staff and financial resources to their small business lending programs, in fact, their loans to entrepreneurs have decreased. With capital being harder to secure, entrepreneurs need to be diligent about maintaining strong credit scores and in properly filling out their loan applications.

Rohit Arora, CEO of Biz2Credit, voted one of Crain’s NY Business “Top Entrepreneur of 2011,” joins Anita Campbell to give tips on improving credit scores, cash flow and securing small business loans.

Below are the questions we asked Rohit:

(2:40) Rohit, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
(5:28) Your website and your business really depends on bringing together two distinct audiences – the lenders and the small business owners. Which was the hardest to serve and pull into the website?
(7:13) Are small business loans harder to get now? And, if so, why do you think that is?
(8:40) What are some of the specific reasons that small businesses are being rejected? What are the top reasons and can you put them in priority?
(10:51) Are those the primary reasons? Are there any other reasons?
(12:08) What can small business owners do to increase the chances of getting a loan? Where would you start?
(13:48) I want to talk a little bit about credit rating. Personal credit ratings as well as business credit ratings. Can you talk to us about those two things?
(16:29) What if you’re a small business and you just don’t have any reported credit rating? What happens then, Rohit?
(18:09) Are there other technologies that increase or improve your chances?
(21:20) Has the Small Business Lending fund had any impact at all? And, if so, what impact has it had on small business lending?
(24:22) Are there different parts of the country where it’s easier to get a loan than others? Or does geography not matter?
(25:32) Tell us a little bit about what the Biz2Credit index does?
(28:03) Are there any points you’d like to make before we end?
(28:52) Where can people find out more?

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

SBA Success: A Personal Story of Recovery

Staci Wood — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 19:47:17 +0000

Kevin Hartford and Ed Newell started their business, Alle-Kiski Industries, in 2005 with loans guaranteed by the SBA. A year later, a second SBA loan was granted to buy the building that houses their manufacturing shop. Kevin and Ed saw the economic downturn coming when business at their company took a turn for the worse. Layoffs soon followed along with pay cuts and many sleepless nights.

But alas, this story has a happy ending and Ed and Kevin are proud to announce that the first quarter of 2011 was their best ever. The two even recently received a personal visit from Karen Mills, Administrator of the SBA. Join us for this special episode as Ed Newell joins Anita Campbell to share their personal story of recovery.

Below are the questions we asked Ed:

(2:00) Ed, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background? How did you come to start Alle-Kiski Industries and what is it?
(2:58) Did you start Alle-Kiski industries?
(3:23) Was the SBA loan what actually enabled you to get into business or did you start before that? How did that come about?
(4:05) Tell me a bit about your partner? How did you two meet? Was this a shared dream that you had?
(5:10) Are you glad you started your business?
(5:40) How long did the SBA loan process actually take from start to finish?

(7:22) Did it surprise you that you kept getting hit for information on request for SBA loans?
(8:25) What happened after you were in business? Did you have to go out and start looking for customers or did you have prior commitments?
(10:28) So you laid a foundation as best as you could?
(10:37) Did you meet your goals for growth in those first 3 years? How did that work out for you?
(11:21) Things started dropping off in 2008. Was that the result of the economy or other factors?
(12:05) What were some of the things that you did at that point?
(13:18) And what was the reaction from your employees? Did they understand that it was the economy that was the cause of things?
(14:20) So when did things start to turn around? Was there a particular point or was it a gradual building over time? How did that work?

(15:35) What were some of the first things you brought back? Was it hiring people or benefits?
(16:17) How is 2011 comparing with 2010?
(17:05) If you had to give other business owners advice for going through the downturn that you went through, are there a couple of pieces of advice?
(18:23) Is there any cost cutting that you would never do or was it all fair game?
(19:15) Karen Mills, Administrator of the SBA, made a visit to you. How did that come about? Did you get a phone call one day?
(20:40) What was the reaction of your employees to have someone like that come?
(21:05) Was that visit, in any way, a reflection in your performance of repaying your SBA loan or did that not have anything to do with it?
(22:06) If you had to it all over again and had to wind the clock back to 2004, would you do it all over again with the SBA loan or would you do it a bit differently?
(24:23) How many employees do you have today?
(24:27) Is that the highest you’ve ever had?
(25:13) What do you see for the future? Where do you see things going in the next couple of years, assuming that the economy cooperates with us? Do you see continued growth and big moves in the future?
(26:33) What did you do to market Alle-Kiski Industries? What are your main avenues? And where can people find out more about Alle-Kiski Industries?

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

Protect Your Startup from Cybercriminals

Staci Wood — Tue, 31 May 2011 18:26:08 +0000

Cybercriminals, like all predators, gravitate towards the weakest targets. With an arsenal of easily-distributed malware at their fingertips, hackers can infect your office with malware that will wipe out your machines, steal the financial data of your customers, or worse, hijack bank transactions. For your startup or small business, an incident like this could spell financial ruin.

Gary Mullen, Vice President of Corporate Marketing at Kaspersky Lab, joins Anita Campbell to share his five tips to protect your business from cybercrime hackers, malware infestations, accidental loss of data and malicious or inadvertent catastrophes.

Below are the questions we asked Gary:

(3:05) Gary, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background and how did you come to end up at Kaspersky Lab?
(5:08) Where do these threats come from? It used to be that the typical hacker was a teenager, living with his parents, that participated in this behavior for fun. Is that the profile of a cybercriminal today?
(6:23) Can you put us in the thought process of a cybercriminal and why they would want to come after our businesses?
(8:25) Why is Kaspersky Lab attempting to specifically address this small business segment?
(10:51) Can you give us a few examples of a small business that’s been a victim of cybercrime? What happened and how did they deal with it?
(13:02) Can you tell us about, for example, stealing customer data? What can happen there?
(16:00) If you had to pick one thing as the single biggest challenge a small business faces regarding security, what would that be?
(17:24) So you can have a great tool, but if you don’t know how to use it, it’s the equivalent of having no tool at all, would that be correct?
(18:26) Where is a good place for a small business to start when thinking about security?
(20:33) Can you give the 5 tips you’d like to share? What are the 5 things you would recommend to protect your business from cybercriminals?
(25:34) Very small offices often have people who work out of their homes, or on their own computers, and may be hooking into your network. How do you manage in that situation?
(28:10) What are the key products that Kaspersky Labs has for small businesses?
(29:31) You even have a product for mobile security and smart phones, correct?
(30:02) Where can people find out more?

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

It’s Never Too Late: But Why Wait?

Staci Wood — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 13:25:58 +0000

As many of us know, life doesn’t always unfold the way we want it to. And many times, an unusual event or occurrence can act as a catalyst of sorts for major change and transformation. This is the type of event that Lynda Bouchard experienced. One day, she was happily flying the friendly skies, employed as a flight attendant, when the events of 9/11 changed everything for her. Suddenly, she found herself asking, ”Is this what I want to do with my life?”

Thus began Lynda’s journey. At the age of 45, she began her author publicity and concierge business and kicked it into high gear at 52, after she lost her husband. She didn’t hit her sweet spot at 25 and has found that there are challenges to changing your life radically, especially when you’ve already done a bit of living. In this episode, Lynda Bouchard, Founder of Booking Authors Ink., shares her insights on the challenges and rewards of changing direction in your life, her thoughts on why now is a great time to start a small business, and why it’s never too late to find your passion in life.

Below are the questions we asked Lynda:

(1:51) Lynda, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
(2:39) A couple of major events really did shake your life. Can you share a little bit about the impact that these events had on your career?
(5:03) What was the turning point that enabled you to make that change and transform your life?
(6:07) What kinds of things could you help folks understand to inspire them to think the way you do in that “it’s never too late.”
(7:53) Can you share a few of your challenges and how you were able to overcome them and reach the ultimate rewards?
(11:01) Can you talk about the other side and all of the work and obstacles? What are some of the rewards you’ve gained for yourself?
(12:25) As you were overcoming the challenges, did you have help? A mentor or advisor? Were there people that helped you along the way?
(13:32) What was that self-examination like for you and how can others benefit from some of the things you did?
(15:43) Going from an employee to a small business owner, what do people need to know about that transition before they actually make it?
(18:00) Can you tell us a little bit about what it was like for you to start a business at a later stage in life?
(19:34) When transitioning from employee to a small business startup, there can be a feeling of isolation when business is conducted from home and over the Internet. So what advice would you give to others to avoid that feeling of isolation?
(21:30) Can you talk about some of the challenges you face when working with your clients?
(23:06) In your opinion, would you say that now is a good time to start a business?
(24:59) What role has social media or social networks played in how you’ve developed your business?
(25:49) If you asked for advice by a young individual thinking of starting their own business, what advice would you give this person?
(27:30) Where can people learn more about you and what you do?

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

Small Business: How to Navigate 2010 Tax Laws

Staci Wood — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 19:57:11 +0000

As tax season gets into full swing, it’s time to discuss the changes in this year’s taxes that will affect small businesses. From the IRS’ recently enacted payroll tax holiday to writing off up to $10,000 in start-up costs for businesses started in 2010, we have a small business champion for the latest must-claim deductions and write-offs here to inform you.

Mike D’Avolio, CPA and Senior Tax Analyst at Intuit, has been a small business tax expert for more than 20 years and today, he joins Brent Leary for an in-depth discussion about the changes that can benefit you and your small business.

Below are the questions we asked Mike:

(1:51) Mike, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
(2:32) Can you by telling us about the high level changes that businesses need to be aware of?
(3:12) What benefits will these tax incentives give small businesses?
(3:43) You mentioned exemptions and deductions and credits, can you break down what each one of those are?
(4:50) Is this year anymore challenging for a small business as opposed to years previous to this?
(5:24) Is this a sign of the times or is that just something that’s a little out of the ordinary this year?
(5:52) Let’s talk about start up expenses in 2010, what can we write off?
(6:43) What are some of the things to stimulate hiring and get companies to do some investing in people that the tax credits can help with?
(8:04) Does it matter how long the employee stays employed or is it a “one and done” kind of benefit?
(8:34) So that’s strictly for 2010, do you see that as something that could be around for years or is that just to get the incentive rolling for this year?
(9:25) What can small businesses do with the health insurance credits?
(10:25) This was an incentive to get some business moving forward. What about the self-employed health insurance and self employer health insurance credit, what are the differences?
(11:58) So you can take advantage of these credits and it doesn’t have any impact on the future, correct?
(13:06) What about retirement plans in 2010 taxes?
(14:13) You can put money in those plans until April of this year?
(14:43) Can you explain about the tax differences between a small business with less than 10 employees and one with 25 employees?
(15:55) Is that a new distinction they’ve put in place here?
(16:30) Overall, how helpful do you think the things that are in place will be to small businesses filling out their taxes for 2010?
(17:33) What are some of the things that small business owners should be anticipating when it comes to the year ahead?
(18:51) How can people best take advantage of all of this? Is this built into some of the software in QuickBooks?
(20:08) What are some of the potential “red flags” people should be aware of?
(21:22) Where can people get the best resources?
(22:11) And you foresee 2011 being a similar challenge?
(23:00) If you’re a company that is optimistic and you expect 2011 to be a year of growth and you have less than 10 employees, what are some of the generic things they should strategically be planning for?
(24:49) What about somebody who is just thinking about starting a business this year, what advice would you have for them from a tax standpoint?
(26:02) And for those who just want to make sure they cover their bases in 2010, your advice is going to the IRS website?
(27:29) The accountant will work with you and the software, correct?
(27:56) So you’re thinking that this may be the “new normal” and this is going to be something that we’ll have to be ready to deal with this year and in the next year or so?
(29:09) Where can people learn more from Intuit regarding tax information?

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

One Womans Journey: Turning Challenges Into Celebrations

Staci Wood — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 19:47:18 +0000

Deb Scott, Author of “The Sky is Green and The Grass is Blue: Turning Your Upside Down World. . .Right Side Up,” left a successful corporate career in medical sales when she realized that she was not happy simply being a “gerbil on a wheel.” However, shortly after leaving her 20 year career, a series of unfortunate tragedies struck that changed her life forever.

In this episode, Deb joins Anita Campbell and Brent Leary to share her inspiring story. Listen in as Deb shares her “perfume/manure” analogy, what kept her motivated, how she believes that dreams are born from loss - and how to become self-aware to recreate your own personal landscape to business and success.

Below are the questions we asked Deb:

(2:20) Deb, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background and what prompted you to write your book?
(6:07) Having a sense of purpose, a reason to live, is fundamental to happiness. In the book, you encourage people to become “two minute volunteers.” What does it mean to become a two minute volunteer?
(9:58) How can small businesses who find themselves in a world that’s been turned upside down, turn their world right side up again?
(13:58) In the book, you talk about immersing yourself in transformation. How does one immerse oneself in transformation?
(18:02) After people read your book, what are a few things that you want them to come away with?
(19:29) You mentioned that your mother wanted you to finish writing the book and as you were writing the book, you lost your life savings in a Ponzi scheme. What lessons did you learn that you can share with others about all of the things that happened to you?
(23:41) In the book, you coined the phrase “successful sabotage.” What is that? How can people stay away from successful sabotage?
(25:57) Possibly by helping others we can feel like that? Or change the tide so-to-speak?
(27:24) What is the number one thing that someone can glean from your personal experiences?
(28:55) Where can people can find out more?

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

Tidal Power and America’s Energy Future

Staci Wood — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 17:43:57 +0000

There’s a renewable energy source out there – the ocean tides. Ocean tides are predictable, you can literally set your watch to them. They’re a natural part of the clockwork of the universe and all of the planets affect a tidal pattern that repeats itself. Tidal power takes advantage of the lateral flow and best of all, produces no pollution.

Roger Bason, President and Founder of Natural Currents Energy Services, a leading green technology company producing revolutionary systems for emerging renewable energy markets, discusses the future of ocean tidal power generation in the United States.

Below are the questions we asked Roger:

(2:28) First Roger, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background and how you came to be running a company harnessing ocean tides?
(4:08) What is energy from the tides? Can you explain how that works? How do you take ocean tides and turn them into energy?
(5:42) How does that actually work? Is it that simple? What’s really involved?
(7:29) Can you tell us a bit about the ancient cross flow wind turbine used to generate power?
(9:14) So our forefathers had nothing over us when it came to renewable energy sources?
(9:52) Now back to the topic of renewable energy and where America gets it’s energy today. What’s the situation today regarding how we use energy? How does tidal power fit into that big picture?
(11:48) What are some of the pitt falls regarding an emerging energy technology company? What’s it like to actually start a business like this to pick up on something such as tidal energy?
(14:48) What is your business doing in this market? Are you creating the systems and equiment that others can buy that actually turn the tides into power? What exactly do you sell and what stage are you at in your business?
(20:42) Who are the early adopters for technology such as yours that would harness tidal power? Or early adopters of alternative forms of energy, in general?
(23:56) What roles does public relations play in this?
(27:55) Any final wrap up comments you’d like to make, Roger?
(28:55) Where can people find out more?

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

Hot Business Trends to Keep an Eye On

Staci Wood — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 17:22:11 +0000

Staying on top of the latest trends driving small business can be beneficial in many different ways for you and your small business. It’s crucially important to determine the fads from the trends – and then capitalize on the trends.

Rieva Lesonsky, CEO of GrowBiz Media and SmallBizDaily has been covering small business issues and entrepreneurship for nearly 30 years. One of her favorite topics is business trends, uncovering the hot markets today’s entrepreneurs should be focusing on. Today, Rieva joins Brent Leary to them with you.

Below are the questions we asked Rieva:

(1:17) First Rieva, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background and what you’ve been doing over the past years?
(2:18) You’ve been living the entrepreneurs dream over the years, so how has being in the dream shaped your opinions of what small businesses should know about?
(3:32) When you have those rare occasions when you have time for yourself, what do you do for fun?
(4:29) Can you tell us the difference between a trend and a fad and how a small business owner can avoid the fads and focus on the trends?
(6:30) Do you see any fads that are currently upon us right now?
(8:58) What are some of the ways you can determine what’s hot? How do you know what that is before everyone else knows?
(11:32) What are some of the areas that small business folks can find these things and jump into them?
(13:24) Is there any one trend that makes sense for a small business person to be focused on right now or be aware of right now?
(16:05) I’m assuming that these are areas that people are spending money in today’s market?
(19:59) How much time should business owners spend on trying to find trends and determine fads? How much time should they be putting into this?
(21:18) How has social media and social networks affected this area by finding and exploiting trends?
(23:08) What are some of the sites that people can start doing some of the research on?
(25:53) Should all small businesses have a web site at this time?
(29:04) What are some of the things that you’d like to leave folks with?

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

Data Privacy: What Every SMB Should Know To Be Compliant

Staci Wood — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:25:40 +0000

Small businesses are strapped for time and resources, and therefore may not realize how serious of a problem that information data leaks can be, or how they can handle this issue affordably. They are governed by the same federal and state regulations and business rules as large enterprises and violating these rules can damage reputation, cost business, and result in massive fines to small businesses.

Christian Renaud, CEO of Palisade Systems, joins Brent Leary to share important information on how small businesses can prevent data loss and keep confidential information confidential in order to stay compliant with the plethora of rules and laws that govern many organizations.

Below are the questions we asked Christian:

(1:01) First Christian, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
(1:32) If you had an opportunity to take an afternoon off, what would you be doing that afternoon?
(2:19) Can you tell us a bit about Paisade Systems and what you do there?
(3:04) Can you explain in a bit more detail about data loss and what goes into it and why it’s important to small business?
(4:22) Is this something that small businesses have to be aware of?
(5:56) Can you give some examples of things that put small businesses in jeopardy when it comes to compliance and data privacy?
(7:52) Can you give us some examples of situations that could occur with data breaches that small businesses may not even realize are a problem?
(9:50) If you had to take a guess as a whole, how safe is data being stored in corporate companies and organizations on a scale of 1 to 10?
(10:54) So the smaller the organization, the less secure the data is?
(13:51) Can you talk a bit about how your company and solutions help prevent these data losses?
(17:40) How expensive or inexpensive is this solution? Is it something that small businesses can afford right now?
(19:22) What kind of IT help or expertise does a small business have to have in order to be able to use this service effectively?
(21:06) How are mobile devices impacting data security and data protection?
(23:01) What are some “best security practices” for protecting sensitive data?
(25:38) Where can people find out more?

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Twitter Chats – A Small Business Secret Weapon

Staci Wood — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 21:05:13 +0000

Have you ever wondered what those Twitter chats and online parties are all about or have you thought they might be useful for your own small business? If so, you’ve come to the right place to learn more about Twitter chats and Twitter parties.

Cathy Larkin, Founder of Web Savvy PR, also known as @CathyWebSavvyPR, co-host of Melinda Emerson’s #SmallBizChat, joins Anita Campbell and Brent Leary to share 5 ways to get involved in some of the more than 150 weekly chats taking place on Twitter, plus effective tips for using them to connect with your audiences and prospects.

Below are the questions we asked Cathy:

(2:46) First Cathy, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
(5:43) Tell us what a Twitter chat really is and how does one participate?
(10:57) During a Twitter chat you’re literally reading Tweets to participate?
(11:42) Can you compare and contrast Twitter chats versus Twitter parties?
(16:22) When Bush’s Baked Beans sponsored the discussion, was that a Twitter party or a Twitter chat?
(19:25) So the difference between Twitter parties and Twitter chats is that the Twitter parties offer giveaways and discounts, target mom bloggers (WAHMs) and their networks, drive traffic to a site and build communities?
(21:36) What are the 5 ways people can participate?
(22:03) What’s the best way for someone trying to build their reputation to get started?
(25:28) If you’re a business owner that’s new to this, what are the best ways to determine if you should sponsor a chat or facilitate a chat on your own?
(28:24) If there is one downside to a Twitter chat, what would it be?
(29:14) Where can people find out more?

For more information on Twitter chats and a list to over 150 different chats on Twitter, visit Cathy’s Twitter Chat Help.

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Five Tips For Hiring A-Player Employees

Staci Wood — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 20:02:58 +0000

Eric Herrenkohl, recruiting specialist and author of How to Hire A-Players, argues that hiring just one “A-Player” can save an executive’s marriage as well as add immeasurable value to his business. Given the current economic situation, he says there is no better time than the present for small business owners to build the organizations they deserve – and desire.

Eric joins host, Anita Campbell, to provide his top 5 tips and step-by-step instructions on how to find, interview, and hire the “rock star” employees that every business needs.

Below are the questions we asked Eric:

(2:01) First Eric, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
(3:10) Can you tell us what an A-Player is in your estimation and how does one get to become an A-Player as an employee?
(4:17) Can you talk a little bit about the top ways that you can find and interview these “rock star” employees? How do you get them and how do you know when someone is an A-Player?
(5:27) Where do you go to find A-Players?
(6:37) You’re not saying we should pretend to have a job opening when we don’t, correct?
(7:58) If it’s not a wise idea to pretend you have a job opening when you don’t, what do you say to a candidate to explain why you’re interviewing them when you don’t have a job opening?
(9:33) What is your next tip?
(12:49) What is the A-Player profile? How do you spot an A-Player?
(14:32) What is it that puts that one candidate ahead of everyone else? How do you actually determine what those “knock out” factors are?
(19:27) Eric, how do you find an A-Player? Is there a particular background profile or set of experience that you look for to identify these A-Players?
(21:47) If you had to point out the hiring mistakes that small businesses and executives make, what would they be?
(23:05) If you had to determine what the most important questions are to ask during an interview, what would the top questions be that you recommend we ask?
(25:36) Tell us about your book, is it out?
(26:11) If you had to leave listeners with a few final points, what would they be?
(27:04) Eric, where can people find out more?

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Build an Engaged Facebook Fan Page Base Using Multiple Channels

Staci Wood — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 19:37:50 +0000

Victoria Ransom is Founder and CEO of Wildfire Interactive, a platform that enables small businesses to easily and cost-effectively manage their social media marketing needs. Victoria started Wildfire to serve her own need – she needed an affordable way to building an engaged fan base on the Facebook page of her own small business.

Seeing no other solutions on the market to easily create compelling social media campaigns, Victoria and her partner created their own. Now, 30,000 campaigns later, Wildfire has a passionate customer base. Victoria joins host, Ivana Taylor, to share some tips for building an engaged fan base of your own.

Below are the questions we asked Victoria:

(1:28) First Victoria, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
(2:19) So tell me, what is Wildfire Interactive and how can it help small businesses??
(3:32) Let me see if I’m hearing you correctly. You’re saying all we have to do is go to Wildfire to develop Facebook and Twitter contests and run social media campaigns?
(5:10) Can this help me? What can I do to build my fan base and is it even worth it?
(5:42) What is a good number of fans to aim for?
(9:02) Can you talk a little bit more about contests, coupons and giveaways and how small businesses can use them or even put something like that together?
(12:05) What are some of the secrets of running a successful campaign?
(16:33) Can you tell me more about making it twice as effective?
(19:17) You’re saying that status updates are important and that we should be using our fan pages almost like a web site?
(23:31) What’s the risk versus reward of getting involved with the Facebook “Like” button?
(25:49) So there are fans of the web site that actually don’t fall within the fan page?
(26:16) Victoria, where can people find out more?

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Is Congress Really Looking Out For Small Businesses?

Staci Wood — Tue, 11 May 2010 20:08:28 +0000

Congress and policymakers tout their support of small businesses at the drop of a hat - but what about all this legislation they propose? Are they really looking out for small businesses?

Dan Danner, President and CEO of National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), joins Anita Campbell and Brent Leary to look at the issues impacting small businesses. Issues such as health care, taxes, spending issues and the outlook of small businesses on the economy. Dan provides the facts - and explains what they will mean to your small businesses.

Below are the questions we asked Dan:

(1:57) First Dan, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background and how you came to be at the NFIB?
(2:41) Can you tell us a bit about the NFIB and what the organization is about?
(3:44) What is the typical or median size of the businesses that are members of the NFIB?
(4:39) One of the things on the minds of others is the general shape of the economy today. What would you say is the mood among small businesses when it comes to the economy?
(5:56) You mentioned historical lows. It seems optimism been historically low for what, about a year now?
(6:15) What is really happening? Are people just conserving their cash in small businesses?
(7:33) What is the status of this new health care bill? While there have been some good things, haven’t there been things that have taken people by surprise?
(9:38) What do you think is the potential to get some of these things undone in the new bill?
(10:54) I want to talk specifically about the tax credit in the new health care bill. What can you tell us about that new tax credit?
(12:34) Is there any potential to actually increase the impact of that tax credit and make it more widely available to small businesses?
(13:40) Are there other issues that NFIB members are concerned about?
(18:55) Where are we at when it comes to access of capital when it comes to small business? Where do we stand today with that?
(20:10) What are the main challenges? Is it revenue growth, finding new customers or simply just navigating new growth on the ground?
(21:11) Where are small businesses? Are they hiring at all or at they hunkered down? What’s it going to take for them to feel comfortable to move forward?
(23:09) Do you see any movement of your members turning towards technology to help them face challenges right now?
(24:26) What’s the proper role in government overall when it comes to the small business person?
(26:15) In the economic environment, are you seeing a lot more small businesses being created? What are the best ways to get a business started in this kind of an environment?
(28:05) When do you think things will turn around and really pick up steam for small businesses to feel comfortable about investing in their businesses?
(29:18) Dan, where can people find out more about the NFIB?

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The Latest Trends Driving Small Business

Staci Wood — Wed, 05 May 2010 20:37:04 +0000

Times are changing fast – and business trends are changing even faster. Topics such as cloud computing, “green” business and mobile devices are top of mind for many small business owners and entrepreneurs. Small businesses are exploring how to take advantage of these new trends and tools and successfully incorporate them into their small businesses.

In this special episode, Anita Campbell, the host of Small Business Trends Radio, provides listeners with her top 10 list of trends driving small business, six of which she discusses in detail. To accompany this special episode, a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation was prepared titled, “2010 Small Business Trends and Opportunities.” Download the visual presentation and follow along as Anita discusses her picks for the current trends driving small business.

Below is a sampling of 6 of the trends Anita discusses:

(3:12) It’s the Cloud, Stupid - Cloud computing is a term that refers to software applications and tools that “live on the Internet” – or “in the cloud.” Google’s popular email system, Gmail, is an example of cloud computing. It’s an email application that is hosted “within the cloud.” Cloud computing is an increasingly popular form used for software applications such as accounting software, collaboration platforms, data backup services, email services and more. Cloud computing offers a reduction in complexity and can be very beneficial to your business. Speed, cost and efficiency are the true benefits. Even better – you don’t have to eat up precious memory by storing the software on your own computer.
(9:29) Do It Yourself Marketing Grows – “DIY” tools can be accessed over the web. These are tools that help you perform one or more of your marketing tasks better – by yourself. Google Adwords, Constant Contact and PRWeb are examples. DIY tools give you a lot of leverage and save you a lot of money. Anita explains, “You get a lot of capabilities from these tools that would be very expensive and would cost a lot of money to duplicate if you did this on your own.” But she warns, “You’re only as good as your knowledge of the tool. Unless you can master them, you won’t get everything out of them that you hope to. Pick and choose your tools wisely and make sure master them to get as much value as possible out of them.”
(15:18) The Color of Business is “Green” – Anita explains, “There is a very large segment of the population that is committed to sustainability and will look for that in their service providers.” However, not everyone has the same level of commitment to “green.” Keep that in mind and realize that it may not matter as much to some – as it does to others. However, Anita warns to steer clear of the practice of “green washing,” a term that relates to a business with “green” claims or techniques that really doesn’t have a strong commitment to the cause. In other words, their claims are purely for public relations purposes.
(17:36) Everyone Can Be a Celebrity – Personal branding is important today. Anita states, “With so many blogs and social media sites, everyone can have a presence online. Your name can become very well-known with enough time and enough attention.” It’s important that people recognize you. Take a lesson from some executives that use their personal brand to promote their businesses - Tony Hsieh of Zappos, Gary Vaynerchuck of Wine Library TV.
(20:55) The “Carry Your Computer” Trend – It’s no secret, computers and cell phones are getting smaller and smarter while becoming more portable. They seem to be morphing into one universal form. As Anita stated, “It may be a long time before a computer becomes as small as a cellphone, but there’s no doubt that’s the direction we’re going.” Some 80% of the population have a mobile phone – but 80% of the population does NOT have a computer. Anita suggests that you, “Install a mobile template on your website. Use the Mdot mobile domain structure for a full mobile web site and begin building a text message list because 96% of them are opened.”
(24:07) Location Based Presence Online – “There are now more and more online applications, as well as mobile applications, that tell the world where you are or provide information to you based on where you are.” Google Latitude and FourSquare are two examples. Small businesses are figuring out ways to get involved by providing loyalty rewards in the form of discounts and coupons to customers who sign up.

To see all 10 of Anita’s chosen trends driving small business, download the visual presentation titled, “2010 Small Business Trends and Opportunities.”

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How to Protect Your Online Reputation

Staci Wood — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 19:00:43 +0000

Protecting your online reputation is a topic that is fast becoming of increasing importance to the business community. Michael Fertik, CEO of Reputation Defender, joins Anita Campbell and Brent Leary for an in depth discussion concerning how to protect your online reputation. Reputation Defender is a privacy and online reputation management company. In his position on the advisory board of The Internet Keepsafe Coalition (iKeepSafe), Michael is regarded as the pioneer of online reputation management and the foremost expert on issues of online privacy.

Michael authored the forthcoming book “Wild West 2.0” and is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School. Today, he’s going to show you how to monitor what people are saying about you and your company brand, and manage your online reputation with helpful tools.

Below are the questions we asked Michael:

(2:38) First Michael, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
(6:00) Can you tell us a little bit about how you find out what people are saying about you online? How do you monitor what others are saying about you?
(10:00) If I’m operating a local business without a web presence, why should I worry about what’s being said on Facebook or some other place? Or should I worry about that?
(13:44) Once I know what’s being said, what does a small business owner or entrepreneur do at that point?
(20:39) Can you give people a full list of the products and services that Reputation Defender offers?
(22:45) You mention clearing your personal information from public databases and directories. How easily does that type of personal information get into the directories?
(25:28) How quickly can you help people get out of those databases and public directories?
(26:15) On the reputation management side, what are some of the mistakes small business owners are making in terms of not fully protecting themselves or keeping tabs on what’s going on with their reputation?
(28:18) I am assuming that the proliferation of social networks and easy content creation tools have added to that?
(29:28) Michael, where can people find out more?

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SEO Trends: What’s New, What’s Old?

Staci Wood — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 19:36:25 +0000

Aaron Wall, Founder of the SEOBook Training Program For SEOs, is a very busy man these days. Aaron and his site have been mentioned in The Wall Street Journal, The London Times, Wired, USA Today, BusinessWeek, Business2.0, Time Magazine, The Register, MSNBC, and The Guardian to name a few. But Aaron has graciously offered a slice of his time and joined Anita Campbell and Brent Leary to share his insights into the latest trends in search engine optimization (SEO).

SEO is a dynamic field that shifts and changes endlessly. While some things remain constant, other elements of SEO change frequently at will. In this episode, we look at some of the things that are changing the landscape of the virtual world — and what you can do to get better business results within it.

Join us for a half hour packed solid with information about the latest trends in SEO.

For this very special episode, we reached out to the virtual world of Twitter to gather questions that you had for Aaron. Below are the questions you asked him:

(3:00) First Aaron, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you came to create SEOBook? I know you started the site as an ebook, but it’s become much, much more than that. Can you give us the background?
(7:09) Which businesses should invest in SEO? Also, are there any businesses that should not invest in it?
(9:28) Can you tell us what has changed over the past few years? What are two or three things that have changed dramatically from the time you started SEOBook?
(11:10) Blogs are like a dime-a-dozen these days, aren’t they?
(12:20) Is there any value to being on Twitter? How would you describe the value of being on Twitter when it comes to the search engines?
(15:08) The question that people are dying to know is, what are some of the things that small businesses can do and what are some of the mistakes that they are making?
(16:53) So as small business owners, we shouldn’t be afraid of paying for a premium domain? Maybe even one that’s a pre-owned domain name?
(19:05) Are there any other mistakes worthy of mentioning?
(20:31) So don’t split up your web site into different domains? One big web site is better than five itty-bitty web sites, correct?
(23:22) Where does AdWords and PPC (pay per click) fit into the mix?
(24:48) Is it more difficult today to be successful at SEO or was it more difficult when you started?
(26:38) So if you are starting from scratch and don’t have a lot of expertise in this area, should you go ahead and hire someone to assist with that?
(28:30) Google has said that site performance will become a factor in search engine ranking. How do you feel about that Aaron?
(31:13) Aaron, where can people find out more online?

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