Have you ever wondered what’s the difference between a caucus and a primary? My latest article in the Getting Down to Business® eNewsletter is here to help with a lesson in Civics 101: “Caucus vs. Primary.” Here’s the basic definitions, but the article contains much more detail:

Caucus – The way all states used to conduct voting, getting down to the one person they want to represent their party.  In a caucus, registered voters get together to discuss the candidates and decide who should win.

Primary – Simply going into a voting booth and casting your vote on a secret ballot.

Read the article: Civics 101: Caucus vs. Primary

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A business incubator called VETransfer provides free mentoring and facilities to military veterans who start their own businesses.  The program is funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs and has a waiting list for their services.  Listen as Dave discusses the WSJ article.

SBA 504 Loan Program

When you need to get a job done right, the correct tool works best.  Listen as Barbara Gill, VP & Senior Loan officer with Evergreen Business Capital, describes the SBA 504 loan program.  If your business needs a new location, land, buildings or even leasehold improvements, financing with the 504 program maybe the right tool for you.

Go it Alone

Listen as Geoff Burch discusses the bargaining process and its potential negative impact in sales. Chapter 17 of Irresistible Persuasion provides great advice.

Listen or download below:

More Than Bricks & Mortar

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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.

Listen or download below:

Should you be on Twitter?

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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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2. Economic News Summary: It’s Not Rocket Science
3. Economic News Summary: Still a Powerhouse

Comment on the post to let us know why you answered as you did.

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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.

Listen or download below:

SEO Roundtable

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In an “Atlas Shrugged” moment, Kingwood, Texas bank Main Street Bank gets out of the banking business because of federal banking regulations.  Listen as Dave talks about the frustration of the banks chairman and how they will handle excessive bank regulations. Read the whole article at the Wall Street Journal online.

Alaska Center for the Performing Arts

Listen as Nancy Harbour, Executive Director of the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts talks about the new 2011-2012 season.  Nancy tells a story about a fun topic that has a serious economic impact on Anchorage’s community.  And they’ve got a new website! Visit it at www.myalaska.com.

Go It Alone

Listen as Geoff Burch, author & business expert, talks about effective selling without the high pressure.  Geoff is in rare form and entertaining as always. It’s a delightful (and useful) segment you won’t want to miss!

Listen or download below:

Performing Arts New Season

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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.

Listen or download below:

Rep. Chris Tuck Unwrapped

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In this continuation of my series on surviving an audit, I tell you how to “Protect Your Pockets in 5 Steps.”

In a tax audit, the IRS Auditor’s job is simple: find errors in your return that will increase the amount of money you owe the government.  Your goal is also simple: keep their hands out of your pockets (or at least from going all the way to the bottom).

Read the full article: “Protect Your Pockets in 5 Steps”

Read the 2nd article in the series: “Remember, It’s Your Pocket”

Read the 1st article in the series: “You Have Been Selected”

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“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

Subscribe to the Newsletter

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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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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.”

Listen or download below:

Leap of Faith

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In this continuation of my series on having your tax return selected for a review (that means “audit”), I encourage you to take charge of the situation and, “Remember, It’s Your Pocket.”

This year, auditors are really after those filing a Schedule C. Their goal is simple: find errors in your return that will increase the amount of money you owe the government.  Your goal: keep their hands out of your pockets.

Read the article: “Remember, It’s Your Pocket”

Read the 1st article in the series: “You Have Been Selected”

Subscribe to the Newsletter

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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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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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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.

Listen or download below:

The Art of Business Planning

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Have you ever been audited by the Internal Revenue Service? Being selected for an audit is a nagging fear of every small business owner. “You Have Been Selected” is part one in my series of how to come out ahead (or at least not behind!) in an audit. I detail my recent experience with the IRS, how to get prepared and what to expect. It’s a must-read for any small business owner.

Read the article: You Have Been Selected

Subscribe to the Newsletter

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“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

Subscribe to the Newsletter

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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.

Read the newsletter: Business/News & Views®

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Price of a new suit and gold historically has been the same.  Dave talks about his article on the economy and the impact of rising commodity prices.  Listen to find out Dave’s current grade on the economy.

90 Days and Counting

The 27^th Legislative Session was scheduled to run for 90 days starting January 18^th and officially ended on April 17^th.  Starting on April 18^th, the Alaska State Legislature went into special session and while Representative Tuck was originally scheduled to give a session wrap-up he gave an update.  Listen to Representative Chris Tuck from HD 29 talk about the session and predict the end of the special session.

Marketing Matters

Amanda Cullen, our small business marketing expert, talks about her passion “Word of Mouth Marketing.”  Listen to Amanda’s great tips.

Listen or download below:

Legislative Update

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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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What 1099 Reporting Rule Repeal Means to Small Business

The comprehensive health care reform bill (ObamaCare) expanded 1099 reporting to include all B2B transactions that exceed $600 per year.  Dave talks about the bullet small business owners dodged with the repeal of this provision.

The Cyber Market

Courtney Brooke Smith, Principal of Courtney Brooke Smith, MBA Consulting talks about your business’s Cyber Market.  Conversations taking place on social media networks can either build or erode your business.  Courtney discusses reasons why you need to understand your “Cyber Market.”

Listen or download below:

Social Media Unwrapped

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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.

Listen or download below:

Anchorage Tourism 2011

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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

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The interview is 21:16, and well worth the time for anyone interested in an inside look at Alaska governing. And if you want more information on the Alaska State Legislature, visit their website!

Listen or download below:

Interview with Alaska Representative Chris Tuck

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Chris Pobieglo,CRIS and President of Business Insurance Associates, Inc., joins the show for his regular segment “Risk Management.”   He starts his series on Worker’s Compensation, which aims to help small businesses untangle this difficult issue. Or, as Chris likes to put it –  “Workers’ Compensation Unwrapped!

Listen or download below:

Alaska Legislative Update

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The U.S. economy remains flat, with no discernable growth or changes in most of these economic indicators except for a sharp decline in industrial production.  A decline in a leading indicator such as industrial production following its very weak positive showing in August is troubling.  Preliminary estimates of gross domestic product for Q3 2010 are a slight increase over the restated Q2 2010 numbers.  However, the initial estimates of gross domestic product have proven to be high with subsequent revisions moving down.  Declining industrial production is a strong indicator that gross domestic product will also move downward.  In short we are headed to another recession.

To see my full analysis, read the article here – Economic Summary: Sharp Decline in Industrial Production

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Listen or download below:

Interview with Ethan Berkowitz

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The first special guest is the head of the Small Business Administration – Karen Mills, Administrator. She has a Harvard MBA and a background in venture capital. In her home state of Maine, she was instrumental in developing the “cluster approach” to grouping businesses together. David asked her some great questions.

David has the opportunity to interview a recipient of an SBA award – Marty Weisner, from Marty’s New York Bagel Deli. His funding was made possible by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (also known as the stimulus bill)

Listen or download below:

A Small Agency with a Big Mission

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Listen to the show to learn why Bill is applying for this state job.

David also gives us a news update about angel investors – and the possibility of finding them for free. Open Angels and Angel List are examples of these free services. Angel investors are investors who are looking for start-ups in which to invest.

Listen or download below:

Business in Alaska VI

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Small business marketing expert Amanda Cullen of Zoo in a Jungle Marketing joins the show later with her segment “Marketing Matters.” She strays a bit from the topic of marketing this week to ask businesses the question, “Where do you want to go?” Before implementing any marketing initiatives, businesses need to secure a solid business strategy. This strategy will make day-to-day decision making more simple and help your business reach success on time.

Listen or download below:

Business in Alaska V

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Geoff Burch joins the show with some great sales tips. Dave introduces Geoff with a riddle, “Well, of course we were skint when we first started.” Listen to show to learn what that mysterious phrase is all about. If you’re in a visual mood, you can watch some of Geoff Burch’s sales videos here.

Listen or download below:

Business in Alaska IV

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This “Getting Down to Business” podcast inaugurates a new  monthly segment headed by Todd Clark called The IT ProAdvisor. Todd delves into the importance of backing up your data – and the resources required to address this important issue.

David also brings some worrying news about the economy – that the current recession is well-above the average length for post-WWII recessions. Listen to learn what this might mean for your business.

Listen or download below:

Business in Alaska III

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David also talks about the profitability of social media using facts and figures provided by real companies, along with his personal experience with the media.

Listen or download below:

The Connection Between Congress and Business

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Governor Parnell weighs in with the similarities between running a business and running a state. In fact, he owned his own small business for ten years after learning entrepreneurship from his father and understands small business owners’ challenges. Listen to the podcast below for more stories and observations from the governor.

Listen or download below:

Working for Alaska

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