Small-business lending hit a 4 year high in November 2011, according to Thomson Reuter/Pay Net Index. Listen as Dave describes a small but positive change for small businesses. Read the complete article on the Wall Street Journal site.
2012 Business and Marketing Planning
It’s not too late to start simple but effective planning for this New Year. Small-Business Marketing Expert Amanda Cullen and Small-Business Financial Expert Dave Weatherholt give practical tips on planning for 2012. Be bold and set a sales goal that will make you smile. Dave provides tools and advice on how to achieve that audacious goal. Amanda gives you practical cost effective marketing tips that will move your company toward achieving that sales goal.
“Now that your backup procedures are second nature, what steps are you taking to verify that the data is recoverable and usable? Creating a backup of your data is only the halfway mark. There are other steps that must to be followed to ensure that, in the event of a catastrophe, you do not lose data.”
In fact, January is a great time to plan for the rest of the year. The previous year’s results are final; holiday vacations are over, and employees are refreshed and ready to dive in. As you start focusing on the new year, consider these tips in developing your 2012 marketing plan.
Economically, are you better off today than a year ago? The numbers tell the story. Gross domestic product for Q3 2010, a weak 2.5%, continued to slide into a 2.3% Q4 2010 rate. The slide continues: Q1 2011 was revised down to an abysmal 0.4%, clawing its way back to a meager 1.3% in Q2 2011. The final estimate for Q3 2011, 1.8%, was another significant downward revision. The first estimate was 2.5%. An accurate description for 2011 is “Revised Downward.”
The NFIB’s “Optimism Index” gained 1.3 points, nudging the index up to 90.2. Listen as Dave discusses the main reason the index remains mired in low readings. Read complete article on NFIB’s website.
Market Analysis
According to Celtic myths, there was once a magical cup. This cup satisfied the tastes and needs of all who drank from it. These myths led to the legend of the Holy Grail. The business equivalent of the Holy Grail is the Business Plan. The real value of a business plan is the process. Listen as Dave gets a rare opportunity to take you through the process of completing a “Market Analysis.”
The passing of Steve Jobs had an impact on me. The “Information Age” developed during my business career and the entrepreneurs, innovators and founders are a source of inspiration to us all. The world will miss the inspiration and energy of Mr. Jobs. He ranks with Great American Entrepreneurs: Ford, Carnegie, Morgan, Vanderbilt, McLean, Gates, etc.
Business Succession Planning
Starting and running a small business is an emotional experience. The business contains a lot of the founder which makes it hard to pass on. Succession planning is something most small business owners don’t think about. Listen as Russell Ball, Founder and owner of ACB Solutions, a 25 year old business tells the story of his plan and how it involves Tim White, the company’s Chief Technology Officer. Find out more by visiting: www.akcb.com.
Go It Alone
Listen as Geoff Burch, author & business expert, talks about “Big Decisions” from his book Irresistible Persuasion. As usual, Geoff has some great advice along with a great story. Visit Geoff atwww.geoffburch.com.
If your business uses independent contractors, the IRS has a new plan that may cost you. Their new program called “Voluntary Worker Classification Settlement Program” will be taking a closer look at how you classify contractors/employees. Is this an attempt to raise money and increase employment? Read the complete article: “Price of Reclassifying Workers.”
Search Engine Optimization
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) experts Amanda Cullen (Zoo in a Jungle Marketing) and Steve Volz (Alaska Search Marketing) have an open discussion on the topic. Listen to learn more about how to increase business and some of the basics of SEO as well as finding an SEO provider.
People used to working in an office stocked with technology may find that starting as a solo enterprise can be painful. Listen as Dave discusses a useful reality of going it alone. Or read complete article: “Spending Wisely on Technology.”
Alaskan Association of Authors
Authors Josie & Mark McKinney are the co-founders of the Alaskan Association of Authors. Listen as they discuss the reasons for starting their company and the books they have written and published.
Listen to the highlights of the NFIB’s monthly Optimism Index. This index dropped dramatically in August– find out why. Or read complete article: “Small Business Confidence Takes Huge Hit.”
Simon & Seaforts: The Restaurant Business
After over 30 years in Anchorage, Simon & Seaforts is one of the city’s oldest and best restaurants. Listen as Robert Kilby gives us a behind the scenes look a successful restaurant. This is a great show about a super business.
Business Risk Management
Do you know what a “surety bond” is used for? Listen as business insurance expert Chris Pobielgo talks more about this important insurance product. Chris is president of Business Insurance Associates.
Small-Business Owners Registering Vote of ‘No Confidence’ in the Federal Government
Bill Dunkelberg, economist says, “Between the deluge of new regulations and a Washington policy agenda that is largely ignorant of Main Street needs, stubbornly low consumer spending, and grave concern among small firms about the federal budget, there is not much to be optimistic about as a small-business owner.” Listen to the Getting Down to Business analysis.
Starting a restaurant with Crush Wine Bistro & Cellar
Chris Pobieglo sitting in for Dave talks with Anchorage entrepreneur Chad Culley one of the founders of Crush Wine Bistro & Cellar talks about starting a restaurant. Listen as Chad talks about employees, team building, customers, the economy, and what wakes him up at 3:00 am. For more information go to www.crushak.com
Go it Alone
Listen as Geoff Burch, bestselling author in business discusses the “Show Business” element in sales from his latest book Irresistible Persuasion.
Main Street Desperately in Search of Reasons to be Positive
NFIB’s monthly Small-Business Optimism Index dropped one tenth of a point (0.1) in June, settling at 90.8, an unsurprising reading, unchanged from the previous month and solidly in recession territory. Read the full article from NFIB, then listen to Dave’s commentary.
Customer Relations Management as a Tool
Techniques are not tools, and Customer Relations Management (CRM) software is a tool to help your sales staff to be more effective. Back when I first started in sales (I sold printing for 18 years), we used 3’ x 5’ client cards, daily sales sheets and weekly sales forms– a manual system designed to track contacts with customers and potential customers. CRM automates the client tracking process and provides much more sales help. Listen as Andre Horton, a Microsoft Dynamics CRM consultant talks about CRM.
Business Risk Management
Do your employees use their personal or business autos during their work day? If so, you may need to have a commercial auto policy to minimize your risk. Listen as Chris Pobeiglo, President of Business Insurance Associates talks about commercial auto insurance. Dind out why your company may need this coverage.
Contractors Survey: New EPA Rule to Increase Costs
Home-renovation businesses expect a federal ruling proposed last month to increase operating costs and dampen sales, according to a recently released survey. This survey is a great example of government regulation impacting small business. Read the full article at the Wall Street Journal blog.
>Entrepreneur takes a leap of faith
What is an entrepreneur? If you said a person who assembles the factors of production, raises capital, organizes management, makes policy decisions, and reaps the gains of success or the losses of failure, you would be correct. The short answer is anyone who risks everything to start a business. Steve Volz, of Alaska Search Marketing, left a good job with a steady paycheck and benefits to pursue the dream of owning his own business. Listen as Steve tells the story of how he took a “leap of faith.”
Marketing Matters
Does your business use email marketing as part of its marketing plan? Amanda Cullen of Zoo in a Jungle Marketing provides good reasons why you should and “how to do it right.”
In the eyes of the average small business, the U.S. economy is still in a recession and likely to stay that way through 2012. A new survey, commissioned by the U.S. Bancorp one of several reports out in recent weeks painting a more dismal picture for American small businesses than previously perceived. Listen for my recap, and read the full article on the Wall Street Journal site.
How to prepare a business loan package
The American reserve banking system evolved from Goldsmiths. In most early towns, the only vault belonged to the Goldsmith who began holding the valuables and money of others in the community. Today’s bank lending evolved from these practices. Andy Riddell, VP at Wells Fargo talks about the bank’s side of the lending process including explaining the 5 C’s of Credit. Listen to find out the best way prepare a business loan package.
Alaska Economics
The U.S. economy is made up of all the individual state economies. Listen as Dan Robinson, Senior Economist with the McDowell Group discusses the two common beliefs about the relationship between Alaska’s economy and the U.S. economy. ”Historical data doesn’t really support either of those beliefs,” according to Dan. Listen for his view.
June’s Business/News & Views® continues David’s journey through the audit process, with helpful advice for all who file a Schedule C. Dave also points out that the economy still feels bad, although we’re technically not in a double-dip recession. Learn great email marketing tips from Amanda Cullen, and pick up some advice on how to use PowerPoint.
The Internal Revenue Service is moving aggressively to collect more taxes from small businesses. It is telling companies being audited to turn over exact copies of the electronic records kept in their business-software programs. The IRS wants your QuickBooks files. Read the full Wall Street Journal article.
Business Planning
Success in anything that works well requires vision, dedication, luck and a great plan. Join Dave as he talks about the subject he knows well– “business planning.” A well-written business plan will not guarantee the success of your business start-up, but it will improve the long odds. Listen, as David Weatherholt, you business authority, reveals the art of writing a business plan.
Economics in Alaska
The “Economics Guy” Dan Robinson, Senior Economist for the McDowell Group, discusses gross domestic product and how it impacts your business. Dan and Dave also discuss gross domestic product for the state Alaska. Listen as economic principles become clear and relevant.
May’s Business/News & Views® brings some encouragement amidst continuing dour economic news – that the US is still a powerhouse. David Weatherholt keeps it upbeat as he details his recent experience with auditors, while marketing expert Amanda Cullen advises businesses with tips for creating that great first impression. In our tech section, learn 9 ideas for managing files and folders on your computer.
3 Ways to Maintain Positive Cash Flow in a Down Economy
David Weatherholt gives a summary of an article on cash flow– the life blood of a business. Focus on creating annuity revenue is one of the helpful tips. Listen to learn more.
Real Estate Opportunity
It’s no surprise to anyone that the domestic real estate market is in difficulty. Winston Churchill said that an optimist “sees opportunity in every difficulty.” Find out how Dee Thomas and Jeff Greenberg, managing partners in a company called Synergetic Investment Group, LLC, look for opportunity in the real estate market.
Alaska Economics
Dan Robinson, Senior Economist with the McDowell Group, discusses the commercial real estate markets in Alaska.
“It has never been the intention to make this column a political platform, but the ‘unusually uncertain’ or more aptly, ‘political uncertainty’ is crushing our economy. If the reasons for this uncertainty were simple economics, then business would move on looking for effective ways to address the unknown. In this case the uncertainly is by design– creating circumstances where we are competing with ‘one arm tied behind our back.’”
This month in Business/News & Views® – Learn the economic meaning behind the cost of a new suit (Hint: don’t expect any good economic news here). Following the economic news, learn how to weather the upcoming storm with cost-cutting and revenue-adding business tips from David Weatherholt in his article, “One Arm Tied Behind Our Back.”
Not all is bad news, as we highlight some of Wells Fargo’s up and coming in Alaska. And harness the power of “Word of Mouth Marketing” from marketing expert Amanda Cullen. Then chill out as you learn to “Listen to the Radio on Your Computer.”
To keep your business healthy, you need to do a business health checkup. In my article, I explained the 7 steps to a healthy business, starting out:
Take a deep breath, clear your head, relax, and then take stock of what you have. How is your business performing now? Have sales slowed? Do you have enough cash? Is your business ready to face a future where business growth is not the key to success? What is the overall health of you and your business, both mentally and financially?
In 2008, the United States and the world economies went into a steep downward tailspin. This economic downturn, despite earlier confusion, misstatements and missteps is very real and had a significant impact on your business. This sudden shift changed what we considered “business normal”– signaling that the old way we operated as a business will not work in the future.
Executive Director of the Food Bank of Alaska Susannah Morgan joins “Getting Down to Business” with David Weatherholt. Learn about Susannah’s journey and about how she came to be involved in hunger issues. Susannah has an MBA from Boston University and reveals the business model of the Food Bank of Alaska.
In the news, learn about the controversial ways one can use to finance a business using a 401(k). Love it or hate it, it’s important information to know.
David Weatherholt has a tasty show for his listeners as he talks the restaurant business with Chef Sal Addonisio, Executive Chef of Sal’s New York Grill and Catering. Chef Sal is a seasoned restauranteur and has lately expanded his catering business, saying his favorite thing about catering, “Is seeing people eating my food, the smiles and head nods while they are enjoying that – working in a restaurant you just don’t get that.” This “Getting Down to Business” is valuable for all aspiring restaurant owners.
Marketing expert Amanda Cullen, president of Zoo in a Jungle Marketing, joins the show to explain Facebook advertising. She answers the questions, “Should you advertise on Facebook?” and “How do you do it?” If you’ve been thinking about advertising on Facebook, you don’t want to miss this segment!
March’s Business/News & Views® has very informative business tips and advice to help you with finances, marketing and technology. First, get the scoop on Pay-Per-Click Advertising as Amanda Cullen explains Google, Bing and Facebook.
Get your business in shape with David Weatherholt’s “7 Steps to a Business Health Checkup.” Learn the state of the economy with David’s economic news summary and learn how to increase browsing speed with our technology article.
February’s Business/News & Views® is packed with great information for Alaska’s businesses. Read about an Anchorage operation’s 20th year and how they’ve made it this far, along with news of local job promotions.
Then read David Weatherholt’s Economic Summary, informing us about the “New Normal.” David’s opinion article takes a look at the optimism index and inspires us with our first President’s example. Beat the new economic normal with your marketing plan – Amanda Cullen tells you how.
And if that wasn’t enough, learn how to make your computer run faster by reading our Internet Tips and Tricks article.
What does it feel like to be the best of the best? At the moment of victory, it feels great. What does it take to get there? It takes hours and hours of practicing the basics, until they become second nature. A businessperson that chooses to compete at the top of their market will work hard. That hard work is the cost of membership into the top tier of your market and will bring rewards.
Competing at the top requires more than simply pumping additional money into an organization. A solid base like the “Peerless Pyramid” is quite simply the starting point, and while solid organization will not guarantee business success, a poorly organized structure will guarantee business failure. Performing at the top of your market requires going beyond a solid structure- it requires binding that structure together with solid business processes.
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It’s not too late to start simple but effective planning for this New Year. Small-Business Marketing Expert Amanda Cullen and Small-Business Financial Expert Dave Weatherholt give practical tips on planning for 2012. Be bold and set a sales goal that will make you smile. Dave provides tools and advice on how to achieve that audacious goal. Amanda gives you practical cost effective marketing tips that will move your company toward achieving that sales goal.
In my December Getting Down to Business eNewsletter article, “
Techniques are not tools, and Customer Relations Management (CRM) software is a tool to help your sales staff to be more effective. Back when I first started in sales (I sold printing for 18 years), we used 3’ x 5’ client cards, daily sales sheets and weekly sales forms– a manual system designed to track contacts with customers and potential customers. CRM automates the client tracking process and provides much more sales help. Listen as 
Success in anything that works well requires vision, dedication, luck and a great plan. Join Dave as he talks about the subject he knows well– “business planning.” A well-written business plan will not guarantee the success of your business start-up, but it will improve the long odds. Listen, as David Weatherholt, you business authority, reveals the art of writing a business plan.
