Weatherholt and Associates - Small Business Authority » Economy

Milk Toast Economy – January Economic News

David Weatherholt — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:53:27 +0000

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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January 2012 – Getting Down to Business eNewsletter

Amanda Cullen — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:04:57 +0000

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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Steve Forbes on Economics

David Weatherholt — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:00:17 +0000

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

The Clueless Man

David Weatherholt — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:00:26 +0000

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

Economic News: Revised Downward

David Weatherholt — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 16:00:52 +0000

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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December 2011 – Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter

Amanda Cullen — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 18:03:50 +0000

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.

Read the newsletter: Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter

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Should you be on Twitter?

David Weatherholt — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 18:22:09 +0000

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?

Know Your Customer

David Weatherholt — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:00:34 +0000

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

Economic News Summary: The 800-Pound Gorilla

David Weatherholt — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 16:00:28 +0000

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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November 2010 – Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter

Amanda Cullen — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 20:06:34 +0000

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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Alternative Business Lending

David Weatherholt — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 16:00:59 +0000

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

Hospitality in Anchorage

David Weatherholt — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:00:33 +0000

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 5^th 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

Economic News: Shackled

David Weatherholt — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 15:00:16 +0000

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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October 2010 – Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter

Amanda Cullen — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 16:35:52 +0000

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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Simon & Seaforts Unwrapped

David Weatherholt — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 19:09:26 +0000

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

Economic News Summary: Have We Already Been There?

David Weatherholt — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 15:00:17 +0000

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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Business/ News & Views – September 2011

Amanda Cullen — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 20:30:12 +0000

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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Make Credit Card Transactions Easy

David Weatherholt — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 14:47:36 +0000

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

Wealth Creation the American Way

David Weatherholt — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:00:46 +0000

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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The Business of Classical Music

David Weatherholt — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 15:00:21 +0000

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

Economic News Summary: Psychology vs. Economic Reality

David Weatherholt — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 15:00:34 +0000

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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The Business of Opera

David Weatherholt — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 15:00:11 +0000

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 50^th 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

Business/News & Views – August 2011

Amanda Cullen — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 18:29:34 +0000

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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Great Wine with Your Cheese

David Weatherholt — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 15:00:39 +0000

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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Great Wine with Your Cheese

Rep. Chris Tuck Unwrapped

David Weatherholt — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 15:00:55 +0000

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 27^th 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

Marketing with Headwinds – Marketing the Pebble Project

Amanda Cullen — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 13:54:47 +0000

It’s Not Rocket Science

Read Dave’s economic analysis of the US economy July 2011 – hint, “It’s Not Rocket Science.”

Pebble Project

Mike Heatwole, VP of Public Affairs for The Pebble Partnership, joins Dave and Amanda Cullen to discuss The Pebble Partnership. The Pebble deposit is one of most significant discoveries of copper, gold and molybdenum in the world. With demand for these commodities at an all time high, the economic impact in the billions of dollars, and the creation of thousands of high-paying jobs in a high unemployment area, why does this project have opposition? Mike tells the story from the Partnerships side. Supported by facts and ongoing analysis, Mike also reveals an emotional side to this project. Listen to this fascinating discussion.

We want to hear from you. Send questions or Comments to mikeheatwole@pebblepartnership.com or David@waconsult.com.

Marketing Matters

Listen as Amanda Cullen, President of Zoo in a Jungle Marketing, joins Dave and Mike to discuss marketing The Pebble Project. Amanda is our small business marketing expert, and she brings her own perspective to the challenges of marketing with headwinds.

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Marketing with Headwinds – Marketing the Pebble Project

Tools of the Trade – CRM

David Weatherholt — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 18:39:54 +0000

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.

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Tools of the Trade – CRM

Economic News Summary: It’s Not Rocket Science

David Weatherholt — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 18:00:57 +0000

In July’s economic news summary, I explain:

“With economic confidence at an all time low and business pessimism growing, the U.S. economy is on the ropes. At the root of our prolonged (even epic) economic struggle? The U.S. Government. While we wrestle with our own budgets, making the tough choices to adjust expenses to match income, frustration grows with the political elite who believe the best solution to economic stagnation is to raise taxes. Do you, like me, wonder why reducing spending at the Federal level is so controversial? This natural first step is a no-brainer; reduce spending to match revenues, and break the economic log-jam to begin to restore a level of certainty in our economy.”

The rest of the article is full of economic indicator graphs, historical information to put them in context and my analysis. It’s not good news, but it’s important for every business owner to know.

Read the full article: It’s Not Rocket Science

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Business/News & Views – July 2011

Amanda Cullen — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 17:35:12 +0000

As summer marches on, July’s Business/News & Views® brings some really hot articles for small business owners and entrepreneurs. First up, get some Facebook marketing tips from Amanda Cullen. While you’re learning about technology, check out our article on working wirelessly.

David’s articles are quite entertaining, even though they are on sober topics: surviving an audit and the state of the US economy. He encourages you to “Protect Your Pockets” while chiding the US government that helping the economy “Isn’t Rocket Science.”

Read the newsletter: Business/News & Views®

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Creating a Business Loan Package

David Weatherholt — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 15:00:22 +0000

Outlook Grows Bleak on Main Street

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.

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Creating a Business Loan Package

Live, Work & Play

Amanda Cullen — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 15:00:56 +0000

Consumer Spending Remains Weak: Small Business Optimism Dips Lower in May.

For the third consecutive month, NFIB’s Small Business Optimism Index fell. The drop was slight—0.3 points, with the index settling at 90.9 in May. The index makes clear that optimism is moving in the wrong direction. The NFIB Research Foundation has collected Small Business Economic Trends data with quarterly surveys since 1974 and monthly surveys since 1986. Survey respondents are drawn from NFIB’s membership.

Lessons from the Seattle Economy

The Seattle economy tanked in the early 1970’s due to a severe economic downturn at Boeing. Thousands of people lost their jobs, and an amusing billboard read “Will the last person leaving SEATTLE – Turn out the lights.” This served as a wakeup call to community leaders and a focus on economic diversity. The Anchorage Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) is leading the way on a project to make Anchorage the number one place to “Work, Live & Play” by 2025. Listen as Bill Popp, President and CEO describes the role and steps his organization is taking to make this a reality.

Business Risk Management

Business insurance expert and president of Business Insurance Associates, Chris Pobieglo tells us about the risk to your business when employees travel both domestically and internationally. As a business owner you really don’t need another risk to consider however, Chris also provides some low cost ways to cover this risk.

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Live, Work & Play

The Economy Still Feels Bad

David Weatherholt — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 14:59:44 +0000

In my latest economic news article, “The Economy Still Feels Bad,” I write:

“The US Economy remains stagnant, staggering on the thin line separating recovery from recession, while consumer confidence and small business optimism slide downward. The post-recession pain is as bad as– if not worse than– the pain suffered during the recession, and, while technically the economy is growing, it doesn’t feel quite right.”

After the summary, see the graphs and analysis of key economic indicators- and what this means for our future.

Read the full article: “The Economy Still Feels Bad”

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A Wild Ride

David Weatherholt — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 15:00:51 +0000

Uptick in Loans Could Aid Business

Two crucial forms of bank lending that remained stubbornly weak are finally showing signs of life, another indicator that the credit crisis is on the mend. This uptick could help businesses expand and reduce unemployment listen to the summary. Read the full article: “Uptick in Loans Could Aid Business.”

A Wild Ride

An entrepreneur is a person who wants to change the future. Change involves more than talk. The vision must be followed by action. Following that vision is a great risk. There is the risk of failure, a damaged reputation, the loss of time and money. Listen as Dave describes what it took to follow his vision of a professional football team, Alaska Wild, in Anchorage. Contact Dave at david@WaConsult.com.

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A Wild Ride

Business/ News & Views – June 2011

Amanda Cullen — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 15:36:48 +0000

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.

Read the newsletter: Business/News & Views®

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Effective Co-Branding

David Weatherholt — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 15:00:50 +0000

Economic News Summary May 2011

The US economy is still the largest single-nation economy in the world at $14.2 trillion, as measured by gross domestic product. It is still bigger then the next three largest economies combined. Consider what would happen if we put-the-pedal-to-the-metal economically. Instead of just limping along, we could set the world on fire, and in the words of John F Kennedy, “A rising tide lifts all boats.” Listen and find out what grade Dave gives the US economy. Read the full article: Still a Powerhouse.

Effective Co-Branding and the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association began branding itself officially in 1948 with a network radio contest called the “The Walking Man.” Today, the American Heat Association is recognized by 96% of consumers and has a 98% favorable reaction. Listen as Lisa Sauder talks about way to leverage your product with their brand. To contact Lisa, email her at lisa.sauder@heaqrt.org

Marketing Matters

Listen to “Marketing Matters” with marketing expert Amanda Cullen of Zoo in a Jungle Marketing. Amanda gives us three tips on how to make a good first impression with your marketing.

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Effective Co-Branding

The Art of Business Planning

David Weatherholt — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 15:00:19 +0000

Small Business Fight IRS Over Data

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.

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The Art of Business Planning

Produced in Alaska

Amanda Cullen — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 14:46:20 +0000

In the News

Small-Business Optimism on the Wane: Optimism Index Dips for Second Consecutive Month

The Nation Federation of Independent Business (NIFB) has tracked business optimism since 1976, making this a reliable measurement of business optimism. The month of April marked a second consecutive month of decline in small business optimism. Listen for Dave’s take on the news.

Council of Alaska Producers

San Francisco, Denver and Seattle have much in common. Plenty of social amenities, fine dining, shopping, cultural and arts carters, and professional-level sports teams. They also create lots of jobs with vibrant and diverse economies. When they were fledgling communities, mining gave them a big economic boost. Mining can be a game changer for the Alaska Economy. The Council of Alaska Producers represents large mining companies and tracks their economic impact. Listen, as Mike Satre, Executive Director of the Council discusses their role in Alaska.

Business Risk Management

The “Insurance Guy” Chris Poblieglo of Business Insurance Associates reveals an often overlooked business risk. A company’s employees represent a risk to any business. Managing employment practices and obtaining liability insurance can minimize this business risk. Listen as Chris gives “advice you can use.”

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Produced in Alaska

Economic News Summary: Still a Powerhouse

David Weatherholt — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 14:56:45 +0000

May’s economic news summary brings the rallying cry that the US is still the economic powerhouse of the world. But that only softens the blow for May’s economic grade, a D-. As I write in the opening paragraph:

“In spite of our economic issues, we are still the economic powerhouse of the world. Did you ever stop to think what would happen if we put-the-pedal-to-the-metal economically? Instead of just limping along, we could set the world on fire economically. In the words of John F Kennedy, “A rising tide lifts all boats.” While my grade on the overall economy remains low, clearly political uncertainty continues to hold us back.”

Read the full article for my analysis of key economic indicators: Still a Powerhouse

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Business/News & Views – May 2011

Amanda Cullen — Tue, 31 May 2011 17:30:44 +0000

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.

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One Arm Tied Behind Our Back

David Weatherholt — Tue, 17 May 2011 15:00:43 +0000

In my controversial new article,One Arm Tied Behind Our Back, I write,

“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.’”

Read the full article: One Arm Tied Behind Our Back

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Anchorage Tourism 2011

Amanda Cullen — Sat, 07 May 2011 16:00:59 +0000

In the News

Hiring Up, But Optimism Down in March

The Index of Small Business Optimism fell again in March. This index has been tracked by the National Federation of Independent Business since 1976, making it a great measure of business optimism. According to the NFIB chief economist, “Today’s recession-level reading is, all in all, a real disappointment.”

Anchorage Tourism Update

Julie Saupe, President, and CEO of the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau joins Dave to talk about the upcoming visitor season in Anchorage. Julie also discusses their volunteer program and its role in assisting visitors by matching them to services and tours.

Business Risk Management

The third segment in our series “Workers Compensation Uncovered,” Chris Poblieglo discusses job classifications and how they can affect your bottom line. Chris also describes three bills now before the Alaska State Legislature: HB-12, 13, and SB-116, and their effect on workers’ compensation in Alaska.

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Anchorage Tourism 2011

Economic News Summary: Cost of a New Suit

David Weatherholt — Fri, 06 May 2011 13:51:44 +0000

April’s economic news summary, Cost of a New Suit, documents the rising prices that will cause our shaky economic recovery to falter. I explain how key economic indicators, such as the Consumer Price Index and Industrial production tell the story of our economy now and in the future. Here’s an excerpt:

Daily, the price for basic commodities is on the rise– oil, corn, cotton; gold…all have reached or are headed to all time highs. November 2010, the price of cotton hit 155.4 cents per pound, moving past the previous high of 141.9 cents per pound set in 1864, a 146 year record, WOW! The price is now 229.6 cents per pound. We are witnessing similar record high prices for corn, oil and gold. This leads to a great question: are we witnessing a new normal or a simple aberration in pricing, creating unsustainable bubbles?

Read the full article: Cost of a New Suit

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Business/News & Views – April 2011

Amanda Cullen — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 14:43:06 +0000

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.”

Read the newsletter: Business/News & Views®

Economic Confidence Down

David Weatherholt — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 15:00:55 +0000

How do you feel about the economic outlook? If you feel confused, uncertain, and just plain less confident, then you are not alone. In fact, “Gallup’s Economic Confidence Index” for the week ending March 27, 2011 was down sharply to a -33– a 22% drop from the same period in 2010. In a single month, the grade on the economy dropped a whole point, going from a C+ in February to a D+ in March. The number and size of the chaotic local and world events, i.e. state and federal budget problems, unrest in the Middle East, Japan’s earthquake, tsunami and nuclear reactor problems, lead to rising consumer prices and an overall economic downturn. While we are not technically in an economic downturn, we are teetering on the brink again.

Read the complete article, complete with key economic indicator graphs: Economic Confidence Down

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Business/News & Views – March 2011

Amanda Cullen — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 21:09:07 +0000

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.

Read the newsletter: Business/News & Views®

The Optimism Index

David Weatherholt — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 17:00:46 +0000

February’s Business/News & Views® is full of economic news and insights, like my article The Optimism Index. I start:

This optimism index measures 10 components ranging from increasing hiring, inventories and capital outlays to earnings trends. The data has been collected on a quarterly basis since 1973, becoming a monthly survey in 1986– making this an extremely reliable measure and record of the state of our small business community. In the 1980-82 recession periods, the Index was below 90 in only one quarter, registering the lowest reading ever at 80.1 during the second quarter of 1980. The latest reading from December 2010 was 92.6, a drop from November’s 93.2. “This marks the 36th month of recessionary levels. Only once in that period did the Index get above 93 [i.e. November] and has been below 90 for 26 months.” Our business community is mired in pessimism as never before.

But don’t be too dismayed! In the article, I provide inspiration from the life of George Washington and how we Americans have a little Washington in each of us.

Read the full article: The Optimism Index

The New Normal

David Weatherholt — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 17:00:01 +0000

In February’s Business/News & Views®, my economic news summary explained “The New Normal” of our economy. I wrote:

The economic recovery continues, limping toward recovery. We are finally shaking-off the dazed state that resulted from the jarring, vertical economic drop. Economic indicators were mixed over the past year. They grudgingly moved to higher levels, indicating a solid economic recovery. Economic growth is good, even when that growth is anemic creating what may be called the “New Normal.” My overall grade for February: C+ (January was a C).

Read the full article, including graphs of key economic indicators: The New Normal

The Entrepreneur

Amanda Cullen — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:28:14 +0000

This “Getting Down to Business,” is devoted to The Entrepreneur, and David is joined by real-life entrepreneur, Kelsey Gray of Azimuth Adventure Photography. Kelsey also wrote the only book on rock climbing in Alaska, titled, appropriately enough, Alaska Rock Climbing Guide. Get inspired and learn a few things as you meet Kelsey, hear his story and how his father started him on the path of entrepreneurialism.

Later in the show, get an Alaska economics update with Dan Robinson, Senior Economist with the McDowell Group. Uncertainty abounds, and Dan and Dave discuss how to handle it.

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The Entrepreneur

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Business/News & Views – February 2011

Amanda Cullen — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 18:22:23 +0000

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.

Read the newsletter: Business/News & Views®

Fire Island Wind

Amanda Cullen — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 16:08:53 +0000

Suzanne Gibson of Fire Island Wind joins David Weatherholt on “Getting Down to Business” to discuss the Fire Island Wind Project. She explains how this wind farm will diversify Southcentral Alaska’s energy sources, the jobs the project is creating and what federal incentives the group is capitalizing on.

Small business marketing expert Amanda Cullen weighs in with how to get customers to call your business. Listen for her easy-to-implement tips and strategies.