Archive for the ‘Economy’ Category
Tuesday, January 31st, 2012 |
In January’s economic news summary, I assert that we are in a “Milk Toast Economy.” I include many key economic indicators with historical graphs to prove my point. Here’s how I start:
My mother would always give me milk toast when recovering from a bout of stomach flu. This temporary, bland remedy was meant as a transition to a better diet. Yet after ten straight quarters of economic recovery, we are still eating “milk toast,” economically speaking. The post-recession economic recovery from the 1982-1983 recession, after ten quarters, showed 13.4% growth in Gross Domestic Product. Ten quarters into our current post-recession recovery that rate is a tepid 6.2%– less than half of our previous recovery. Why do you think we are still eating “milk toast?” Overall grade for January: D
Read the article: Milk Toast Economy
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Monday, January 30th, 2012 |
January’s Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter has a full line-up of great articles. Start with Dave Weatherholt’s insightful economic summary – “Milk Toast Economy.” Learn about the “Common Network Cold” from Tim White, “The Risk of Serving” by Chris Pobieglo and “Yelp for Small Business” from Amanda Cullen. Finally, Dave gives us a civics lesson with “Caucus vs. Primary.”
Read the newsletter: Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter – January 2012
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Posted in Business Insurance, Economy, Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter, Risk, Social Networking, Technology | No Comments »
Monday, January 23rd, 2012 |
How to Build Recognition for Your Unknown Brand
Learn how to increase advertising frequency without increasing your advertising budget. Dave introduces you to Mike Michalowicz, the author of The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur, who believes the greatest business success come from underfunded, inexperienced entrepreneurs. Read the complete article on the Wall Street Journal site.
Steve Forbes on Economics
Listen as Steve Forbes, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief for Forbes Media is Getting Down to Business® with Dave Weatherholt. Forbes discusses his book How Capitalism Will Save Us, Austrian Economist Joseph Schumpeter, the “Brutality of Capitalism,” and more.
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Steve Forbes on Economics
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Monday, January 9th, 2012 |
Small-Business Confidence Rises for Third Consecutive Month
Dave discusses the latest “Optimism Index” which was up 1.8 point in November, settling at a still weak 92.0, according to the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB). Read the complete article.
The Journey of Publishing
Kelly Fisher– attorney, author and publisher– visits Dave on this program. Listen as Kelly discusses how he came to write his new book A Clueless Man’s Guide to Relationships. The story doesn’t end there. The easy part was writing the book; creating a great end product and introducing it to the world takes more effort. Kelly takes us through his journey.
Business Risk Management
Listen as Chris Poblieglo, insurance expert, talks about Fidelity Bonds. Find out much, much more about this potential business risk and a solution. Visit Business Insurance Associates’ website - a must link for business risk management information.
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The Clueless Man
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Friday, December 30th, 2011 |
In my December Getting Down to Business eNewsletter article, “Economic News: Revised Downward,” I start:
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.”
Read the article – Economic News: Revised Downward
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Posted in Alaska, Business Planning, Economy | No Comments »
Thursday, December 29th, 2011 |
December’s Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter wraps up the year with some great articles – including marketing planning for 2012 from Amanda Cullen and economic news from David Weatherholt. Christopher Pobieglo advises on the sensitive subject of employee theft, while Tim White continues his series on computer back-ups.
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Monday, December 26th, 2011 |
The 800-Pound Gorilla – Economic News Summary November 2011
November affirmed that the US economy is no longer in a recession, but it can be hard to tell. Listen as Dave explains why he improves the November grade to a “D.” To find out why and view key economic graphs read the complete article on Weatherholt & Associate’s website.
Twitter Talk
Live talk radio can be full of surprises. Listen as Dave and Amanda adjust in mid-stream from the planned topic “Hands That Photograph” to “Should You Be on Twitter.” The “Marketing Matters” segment took over the program, with a full discussion devoted to Twitter, including some great tips from Amanda Cullen of Zoo in a Jungle Marketing.
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Should you be on Twitter?
Posted in Economy, Getting Down to Business® Podcast, Government, Marketing, Social Networking | No Comments »
Monday, December 12th, 2011 |
Small Business Confidence Has Minor Uptick
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.”
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Know Your Customer
Posted in Business Planning, Customers, Economy, Finance, Getting Down to Business® Podcast | No Comments »
Friday, December 2nd, 2011 |
November affirmed that the US economy is no longer in a recession, but it can be hard to tell. My grade for last month was still a D, though. To find out why and view key economic graphs, Read the article: The 800-Pound Gorilla.
Read the article: The 800-Pound Gorilla
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Posted in Alaska, Economy, Government | No Comments »
Wednesday, November 30th, 2011 |
November’s Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter brings the latest economic news, marketing tips and technology advice. Our panel of authors are David Weatherholt, with his “800-Pound Gorilla” and “Go With the Flow articles, Tim White with “Computer Back-Ups: The Avoidable Business Risk” and Amanda Cullen who answers “Should I be on Twitter?”
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Posted in Alaska, Economy, Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter, Marketing, Risk, Technology | No Comments »
Monday, November 14th, 2011 |
Economic News Summary – SHACKLED
Listen as Dave talks about how an economic powerhouse “shackled” by federal regulators and rouge environmental group’s squeezes out some growth. The first estimate of GDP beat all expectations coming in at 2.5%. Read the complete economic news article here.
What is Alternative Business Lending?
Business lending is a business, and all lenders expect to make a profit on their loans. Listen as Steven Bush, Commercial Loan Officer at Alaska Growth Capital. Find out why they are called an alternative business lender as Steven tells us about their history, goals, and how to start the loan process.
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Alternative Business Lending
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Monday, November 7th, 2011 |
SMALL-BUSINESS CONFIDENCE SEES MODEST GAIN: THE START OF A TREND, OR A BLIP?
Small-business optimism gained 0.8 points in September, according to the National Federation of Independent Business’ (NFIB’s) latest Index, ending a six-month decline. Read complete article here.
2011 Summer Tourism Update
Listen as Julie Saupe, CEO and President of Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) returns for her 5th visit to Getting Down to Business®. Julie covers a lot of ground including the just completed 2011 Summer Visitor Season.
Business Risk Management
Listen as Chris Pobieglo, President of Business Insurance Associates, Inc and business insurance expert, explains surety bonding. Today he discusses bonding for the construction industry. Listen and learn a lot.
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Hospitality in Anchorage
Posted in Alaska, Economy, Getting Down to Business® Podcast, Risk | No Comments »
Thursday, November 3rd, 2011 |
This economic news summary, “Economic News: Shackled“, grows slightly political as Dave Weatherholt is still discouraged about the state of our economy:
“Why is an economic powerhouse “Shackled?” Maybe it’s just that I live in one of the most beautiful and resource-blessed states that makes me keenly aware of the impact of twisted environmental regulations. Our economic resources are caught between federal regulators and rouge environmental groups, hobbling our resource development. There is something completely dysfunctional about a system where a company can literarily spend millions of dollars studying an issue, placing facts on the table which can simply be blown away by environmental groups who make baseless, unsupportable claims and have no skin in the game. The mistaken belief that economic development comes at the expense of the environment severely “shackles” our economy and inhibits growth. Instead of limping along economically, the U.S. economy could ignite the world. Overall grade for October: D- (September was also D-)”
The remainder of the article shows key economic indicators showing why Dave is so sour on the economy.
Read the article – “Economic News: Shackled”
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Posted in Alaska, Economy, Recession | No Comments »
Friday, October 28th, 2011 |
Welcome to the first issue of the Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter.
We’re pleased to announce our new contributors whose articles you won’t want to miss this month. Christopher S. Pobieglo, CRIS and President of Business Insurance Associates, Inc., provides expert advice concerning business risk management. Tim White is Chief Technology Officer of ACB Solutions and brings us Tech Talk each month.
And, as always, David Weatherholt gives his take on recent economic news with his nine key indicators. Amanda Cullen is back with Marketing Matters.
Don’t miss these great business articles! Read the newsletter here: Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter.
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Posted in Alaska, Economy, Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter, Marketing, Risk, Technology | No Comments »
Monday, October 10th, 2011 |
Small Business Confidence Takes Huge Hit
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.
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Simon & Seaforts Unwrapped
Posted in Business Planning, Economy, Getting Down to Business® Podcast, Risk, Small Business | No Comments »
Thursday, October 6th, 2011 |
After witnessing Mickey Mantle & Roger Maris repeatedly hit back-to-back home runs for the Yankees’ seasons in the early 1960s, Yogi Berra exclaimed, “Its déjà vu all over again!” I’m beginning to feel the same way about our economy, as I express in my latest Economic News Summary.
Read the article: Economic News Summary
Article sponsored by Business Insurance Associates.
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Posted in Economy, Recession | No Comments »
Monday, October 3rd, 2011 |
September was our final issue of Business/News & Views®-- but don’t worry! We have a great new eNewsletter venture for next month. Read all about it in Dave Weatherholt’s editorial, “Last Issue of Business/ News & Views.”
Then read Dave’s Economic News Summary (although you probably won’t enjoy his conclusions, it’s important for every business to understand the direction our economy is heading). Regain some of your optimism with Amanda Cullen’s marketing article, “Be Good, Businesses” and out IT article about stubborn PC problems you can fix.
Read the newsletter: Business/News & Views®- September 2011
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Posted in Economy, Entrepreneurs, Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter, Marketing, Technology | No Comments »
Monday, September 26th, 2011 |
Economic News
Listen as guest host Christopher Pobieglo gives a brief recap of key economic indicators. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) will be holding three free webinars. Find out more at their website - nfib.com.
He also discusses traffic safety and potential business risks from a “Risk Management” standpoint.
Make Credit Card Transactions Easy
Today’s special guest Sushil Wanigantunga, president of American Credit Card Systems, provides great insights into the management of debit and credit card transactions. Listen to find out how to take credit and debit cards in your business.
Marketing Matters
Listen as marketing expert Amanda Cullen, president of Zoo in a Jungle Marketing, discusses marketing on Facebook. Amanda provides creative ideas to build a following.
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Make Credit Card Transactions Easy
Posted in Economy, Finance, Getting Down to Business® Podcast, Marketing, Small Business, Social Networking | No Comments »
Thursday, September 15th, 2011 |
I’m tired of dour economic news, and I bet you are too. My latest Business/News & Views® article, Wealth Creation the American Way, starts out as a book review for An Empire of Wealth and ends by championing the American way of getting things done. If we follow America’s founding principles, we can put this down economy behind us!
Read the full article: Wealth Creation the American Way
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Posted in Economy, Entrepreneurs, Innovation | No Comments »
Monday, September 12th, 2011 |
Making the Most of Groupon
Small companies are getting savvier about using Groupon. Listen as Dave discusses the good and not so good about using Groupon. Read the whole article on the Wall Street Journal website.
Anchorage Symphony
Listen as Sherri Burkhart Reddick, Executive Director of the Anchorage Symphony discusses her role in a dual management organization. Sherri talks about the Symphony’s new 2011-2012 season with some really great shows. You won’t want to miss this local update!
Economics and Alaska
Listen as Dan Robinson, Senior Economist with the McDowell Group, discusses the economies of the performing arts. His thoughts are not what you would expect. Listen to his insights and even the softer side of economics.
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The Business of Classical Music
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Thursday, September 8th, 2011 |
Here’s how I start my latest roundup of economic news, sponsored by Business Insurance Associates, Inc.:
“Can we think our economy into a recession? While it is true that psychology does have an impact on economic conditions, its impact would not be this dramatic or sustained. The reality: We live in challenging times, which is reflected in these economic indicators. Speculation is that we are headed for a “double-dip recession,” and while we can debate what a double dip might look like, the European and U.S. economies are trending down. The “50 State Leading Economic Index” consistently predicts a recession every time it falls below zero. The chart below shows the index racing to zero. Note this chart only reflects June economic data and does not include July’s poor economic numbers or market volatility.”
The full article includes graphs and analysis of key economic indicators.
Read the full article– Economic News Summary: Psychology vs. Economic Reality
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Posted in Economy, Recession, Risk | No Comments »
Tuesday, September 6th, 2011 |
Small Business Optimism Index
For the fifth consecutive month, the NFIB’s monthly Small Business Optimism Index fell. Dropping 0.9 points in July—a larger decline than in each of the previous three months. Listen as Dave discusses the components of the “Index.” Read the whole article at NFIB’s site.
The Business of Opera
Torrie Allen is an accomplished opera singer who loves talking about his passion. He clues us in to the upcoming 50th Anniversary of the Anchorage Opera, starting this November. You’ll want to listen to Torrie’s fascinating story.
Business Risk Management
Chris Pobieglo, president of Business Insurance Associates, Inc, discusses the nuances of “Commercial Property Coverage.” Listen as Chris brings his topic to life– trust us!. He makes it very interesting and helpful.
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The Business of Opera
Posted in Alaska, Business Insurance, Economy, Public Relations | No Comments »
Wednesday, August 31st, 2011 |
The August Business/News & Views ® is full of great advice for businesses. From the marketing front, Amanda Cullen gives 5 Tips for Writing Great Marketing Company, and our IT article on using dual monitors will really boost productivity.
Dave weighs in with his economic report– and since that’s not very encouraging these days, his Views article extolls Wealth Creation the American Way.
Read the newsletter: Business/News & Views ®
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Posted in Economy, Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter, Innovation, Marketing, Technology | No Comments »
Monday, August 22nd, 2011 |
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.
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Posted in Alaska, Business Planning, Economy, Entrepreneurs, Getting Down to Business® Podcast, Sales | No Comments »
Monday, August 15th, 2011 |
Bad News, More Bad News, and Worse News
The release of the Gross Domestic for 2nd quarter 2011 was released last Friday. The second quarter “advance estimate” was an abysmal 1.3%. Listen as Dave reveals more bad news, the worst news and his grade on the economy. Read More in “Its’ Not Rocket Science” and listen to Dave’s analysis.
Rep. Chris Tuck on the Alaska State Legislature
The 27th session of The Alaska State Legislature lasted 90 day, then reconvened for another 71 days in a “Special Session.” Representative Chris Tuck provided us with updates on both of these sessions. Listen as he shares his vision for the State of Alaska and find out why he is Dave’s favorite Democrat. Questions or Comments? Send an email to Rep Tuck at rep.chris.tuck@legis.state.ak.us or Dave Weatherholt at David@waconsult.com.
Alaska Economics
Thirty four percent of Alaska’s GDP comes from federal spending. Listen as Senior Economist Dan Robinson of the McDowell Group discusses the “debt ceiling debate” and its potential impact on the Alaska Economy.
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Rep. Chris Tuck Unwrapped
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