The Small Business Hour, as heard on CBS Radio

Harvey MacKay, the American Small Business League, and the US Center for Entrepreneurship

2010-03-08T16:00:00.000-08:00

On today's show, we're joined by three guests- noted business expert Harvey Mackay, Chris Gunn from the American Small Business League, and David Meadows from the US Center for Entrepreneurship. Harvey will discuss his new book, Use Your Head to get Your Foot in the Door and how it relates to small businesses. Harvey's books include the landmark Swim with the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive: Outsell, Outmanage, Outmotivate, and Outnegotiate Your Competition.

We also will have Chris Gunn from the American Small Business League to discuss the latest happenings in Washington, and whether the new jobs bill will help or hurt small business owners.

David Meadows from the US Center for Entrepreneurship joins us to discuss the classes and online instruction available to help you with your business problems.

Barry Moltz, BAM!, Michael Stanier, Do More Great Work

2010-02-22T16:00:00.000-08:00

We have two great guests today. First up is Barry Moltz, author of BAM! Delivering Customer Service in A Self Service World. We follow that with an interview with Michael Bungay Stanier, author of Do More Great Work. Tune in to hear about how to create a better experience for your customers and how to best use your time.

Dawn McCooey, author of Keeping Good Employees on Board, presidents as entrepreneurs, and a rare ARC loan success story

2010-02-15T16:00:00.000-08:00

Having trouble keeping your best employees? Tune in to hear Dawn McCooey, author of Keeping Good Employees on Board discuss some of the top ways to keep your best talent happy and productive. We'll also talk about President's Day and the entrepreneurial credentials some of our presidents have had. Since ARC loans have been such a hot topic for us in the past, we look at a rare success story that this program has had.

Steve Slaunwhite, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Starting a Web-Based Business

2010-02-08T16:00:00.000-08:00

Our guest today is Steve Slaunwhite, author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Starting a Web-Based Business. Listen in to learn the basics on accepting online payment, the different types of online businesses, and how to give your new website the best chance at success. We also discuss the Superbowl ads, backup solutions for small businesses, and when to employ Rule 14 from The Rules of Attraction- Destroy Your Business.

Chris Gunn from the American Small Business League and Jim Randel, publisher of the "Skinny On" books

2010-02-01T16:00:00.000-08:00

Chris Gunn from the American Small Business League joins us once again to discuss the latest in legislative efforts to support small business, and we speak with Jim Randel, publisher of The Skinny On series of books.

Raul Espinosa from the Fairness in Procurement Alliance, and a discussion of Amish farmers and Social Media

2010-01-25T16:00:00.000-08:00

Raul Espinosa of the Fairness in Procurement Alliance is back to discuss the latest with his efforts to turn the tide against unlawful government contracting that shuts out small businesses. We also discuss the efforts of an Amish farmer and his astonishing success, and the benefits of social media.

Christopher Howard discusses his new book, seniors are leading a new entrepreneurial trend, and what's going on with bank executives?

2010-01-18T16:00:00.000-08:00

We speak with Christopher Howard, author of the best seller Instant Wealth. Mark and Matt also discuss the new trend of senior entrepreneurs, and try to figure out what is going on with the bankers facing the scrutiny of congress.

Sean and Darius from Compliance Poster Company join us to discuss the labor law changes for 2010, and we discuss the emerging technology of Android

2010-01-11T16:00:00.000-08:00

Sean and Darius from Compliance Poster Company join us to help you prepare for labor law changes that went into effect on January 1. You'l also learn about the Fun Theory, and how it can apply to your business. All this, plus Mark's obsession with the Droid phone continues.

Chris Gunn discusses the latest on federal contracting fraud, Mark raves about the Droid, and we discuss the ongoing healthcare debate

2010-01-04T16:00:00.000-08:00

Chris Gunn from the American Small Business League is back to discuss the latest on the so called "Jobs for Main Street" Bill and the rampant fraud in government contracts. We also discuss the new Droid phone from Motorola/Verizon/Google, and check in on the healthcare debate.

Dennis Niewoehner discusses exit planning, and Matt and Mark talk about creating a unique experience in your business.

2009-12-21T16:00:00.000-08:00

Today we talk with Dennis Niewoehner, author of The Transition: Winning the 4th Quarter of Life. We'll discuss exit planning, and how to make sure you are prepared for when you will no longer be running your business. We also talk about the success of the movie Avatar, and how some movie theaters are changing the industry through experiential marketing.

Using Heartshare to improve your business

2009-12-14T16:00:00.000-08:00

Many business owners are familiar with the concepts of mindshare and marketshare, and this week we discuss heartshare. Learn how to develop and leverage your share of heart with customers and prospects.

Protecting your business credit rating with Dan Meder from Experian, an update on ARC loans, and remembering Soupy

2009-12-07T16:00:00.000-08:00

Dan Meder, Vice President of Marketing and Product Management for Business Information Services for Experian joins us to discuss business credit ratings. Learn how they differ from personal credit ratings, how to safeguard your rating, and the dangers of blending personal and business finances. We also give an update on the ARC loan program, and discuss the passing of an entertainment legend.

What really happened at the small business financing forum? And how can scarcity and selective rejection help you get the upper hand in your market?

2009-11-23T16:00:00.000-08:00

On November 18, the federal government held the Small Business Financial Forum. What went on, and will anything happen that helps your small business? We speak with Chris Gunn of the American Small Business League to find out more. We also discuss how selective rejection can help your marketing efforts, and both when and how to effectively destroy and rebuild your business.

A discussion of diversity in the workplace, and how Google will impact your phone service.

2009-11-16T16:00:00.000-08:00

How will your business be impacted by the shifting demographics of the US population? How does the ever broadening diversity of the workforce affect how you need to market your products and services? Mark and Matt discuss these issues, and also give insight into how a new acquisition by Google could affect your telephone usage in the future.

Corey Perlman discusses website usability and the lessons of Vegemite

2009-11-09T16:00:00.000-08:00

Once again we have Corey Perlman, master Internet Marketer joining us, this time to give his 6 tips for website usability. Learn how to make sure your website actually generates business. Also discussed will be some lessons we can learn from a marketing "mistake" that Kraft made in Australia with a new version of Vegemite.

Al Angrisani discusses the state of Small Business, tips for better meetings, and entrepreneurs in developing countries

2009-11-02T16:00:00.000-08:00

Former United States Assistant Secretary of Labor Al Angrisani joins us to discuss the state of small business issues in today's economic climate. We also discuss the best way to hold productive meetings, and efforts to help budding entrepreneurs in developing nations.

Lloyd Chapman on problems at the SBA, Robin Bond on workplace violence, and the latest Intuit survey

2009-10-26T16:00:00.000-07:00

We check in today with Lloyd Chapman at the American Small Business League to hear the latest on the troubles at the SBA. We also discuss workplace violence with Robin Bond- learn what to look for and how to avoid problems. The latest small business survey from Intuit has been released, and it shows a positive outlook from small business owners, but what does this mean for your business? Learn all this and more on today's show.

Chuck Blakeman discusses ARC loans, spotlight on a small business taking on larger competitors, and how to effectively globalize your business.

2009-10-19T16:00:00.000-07:00

Listen in to hear Chuck Blakeman of TeamNimbusWest discuss the problems with the ARC Loan program. We also examine the success of Method Home and how they gained their largest retail account. Lastly, learn the best ways to have successful business meetings when overseas.

Improving human performance with Dr. J.M. Perry, GINA regulations, and when to change your business model

2009-10-12T16:00:00.000-07:00

We are joined this week by a few old friends. First, we have on Dr. J.M. Perry, an expert in improving the performance of employees through motivational techniques that are proven to yield results. He is the author of one of the best books on self improvement available today, The Road to Optimism. Find out more about Dr. Perry at jmperry.com.

We next speak with Darius and Sean from Compliance Poster Company about the new GINA regulations and what they mean to your business. You'll learn what it is, who needs to comply, and how to do so.

Chris Gunn, American Small Business League, PR tips, a public/private partnership that works, and the latest in green lighting.

2009-10-05T16:00:00.000-07:00

Chris Gunn from the American Small Business League joins us once again to discuss the latest on their efforts to hold congress accountable. We also discuss the best way to get PR on the web, a company that provides benefits when visiting state parks, and the latest option for "green" lighting.

The Press Release websites mentioned on the show today can be found at: webwire.com and prbuzz.com.

Jack Kyser from the LAEDC, Innovation at Netflix, and how to cope with the economy

2009-09-28T16:00:00.000-07:00

We're joined by Jack Kyser, chief economist with the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, one of the premier experts on the state of the economy. He offers up his thoughts on economic recovery, and how small businesses can survive the remainder of the recession and be prepared for the recovery. We also discuss how Netflix has used third parties to aid their innovation, and how your small business can cope with a slow economy.

Improving Productivity through Employee Benefits, Jeff Wolfe from Hero Care

2009-09-21T16:00:00.000-07:00

This week we discuss how employee benefits can provide a sense of security that helps improve employee productivity. Our guest is Jeff Wolfe, from Hero Care, a non-profit organization that helps members of the military, fire and police departments, teachers, and medical professionals with financial planning needs to which they otherwise have traditionally had limited access. Find out more about Hero Care here.

Contented Cows, giving samples of your business, disaster recovery, and the IT Expo

2009-09-14T16:00:00.000-07:00

Back from our Labor Day break, we'll be speaking with Bill Catlette, author of Contented Cows Give Better Milk and Contented Cows MOOve Faster. His books address the issues of accountability and creating a workplace environment that employees enjoy coming to. We'll also discuss some ideas on how to let prospects sample your business as a means of reversing risk, disaster recovery essentials, and check-in on our visit to the IT Expo.

Bank Loans, the Fairness in Procurement Alliance, and the American Small Business League

2009-08-31T16:00:00.000-07:00

Banks are allegedly stronger today than they were six months ago. But why are they so reluctant to lend to small businesses if that is the case? We'll be talking about this, as well as discussing the latest news on small business contracts with Raul Espinosa from the Fairness in Procurement Alliance, and Chris Gunn from the American Small Business League.

Greening your business, business planning, and selling your company

2009-08-24T16:00:00.000-07:00

Today we'll discuss methods for "greening" your business, techniques for creating not just a business plan, but an operating plan, and how to properly value your business if you're looking to sell. Our guest is Molly Thompson from the Frazier Gardner Group.