Archive for ‘Getting Down to Business’ Radio Broadcast
Thursday, June 24th, 2010 |
Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Walker joins David Weatherholt in his ongoing “Getting Down to Business” series on candidates for Alaska’s governorship. The governor’s office is especially important for small businesses, so David asks how Bill Walker about the relationship between business and government. Bill has a history in small business – and his family’s small business was wiped out by the 1964 earthquake. He also worked with a ministry serving inmates on Death Row and has worked on the Alaska Pipeline.
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.
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Business in Alaska VI
Posted in Alaska, Getting Down to Business, Government | No Comments »
Tuesday, June 15th, 2010 |
Regular guest and Member of the Board Geoff Burch joined Dave for this “Getting Down to Business.” We were lucky enough to have Geoff for the whole show, and he didn’t disappoint. He talked a bit about the process of writing his new book and expounded on some tips from his well-known sales book, The Way of the Dog.
David also provides a small business news update, first looking at the small business optimism index. Good news – it’s going up and is higher than it’s been since September 2008! David cheers us that the economy is moving in the right direction, however slowly. And with it, should return Alaska’s tourism business.
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Geoff Burch – Live!
Posted in Entrepreneurs, Getting Down to Business, Sales | 1 Comment »
Tuesday, June 8th, 2010 |
Gubernatorial candidate Ethan Berkowitz joins David Weatherholt to explain why he’s running for Alaska’s governorship. Ethan has an interesting business background in alternative energy and brings intellectual answers to David’s questions.
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.
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Business in Alaska V
Posted in Business Planning, Getting Down to Business, Government | No Comments »
Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010 |
Have you ever considered how important Malcolm McClain is to Alaska? He invented the idea of using containers for shipping, saving companies untold expenses. David’s guest “the Pallet Guy” has taken container to the next level of innovation – climate control. “The Pallet Guy’s” name is Don Harmond and his product is TEDS Box (tracking environmental deviation).
Don started our repairing pallets for airlines, but the TEDS Box has taken his business to the next level. This product actually actively heats or cools the container, depending on the contents. David asks Don to explain the research and development of this new product, and Don elaborates on the regulations, engineering and building of the TEDS Box. This podcast will be useful for any entrepreneur with an idea for an invention and wants to take it to the next step.
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The Pallet Guy
Posted in Alaska, Entrepreneurs, Getting Down to Business, Innovation | No Comments »
Tuesday, May 18th, 2010 |
David Weatherholt continues his ongoing series of interviewing candidates for Alaska’s governor primary election with Bob Poe. David has been asking each candidate their views on the relationship between government and small business. Bob emphasizes that he wants to focus on the future of Alaska’s economy. He says, “Jobs equal opportunity, and opportunity equals hope.”
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.
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Business in Alaska IV
Posted in Alaska, Getting Down to Business, Government | No Comments »
Wednesday, May 12th, 2010 |
David starts off this “Getting Down to Business” by celebrating his first year on the radio and providing listeners with some great borrowing advice – how to start and maintain a close relationship with a bank.
Later in the show, David brings in two special guests. Russell Ball, founder of ACB Solutions, talks about transitioning his business from Alaska Computer Brokers, a computer retail store, to ACB Solutions, a technology services provider. He and David talk about the evolving marketplace that necessitated this change and share valuable stories and advice for small business owners facing similar situations.
Amanda Cullen, president of Zoo in a Jungle Marketing for small business, elaborates on the importance of keeping your business strategy current with what your customers want. She advocates conducting qualitative research with your customers and gives helpful tips on how to do that.
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A Matter of Survival
Posted in Business Planning, Getting Down to Business, Marketing, Small Business | No Comments »
Tuesday, May 4th, 2010 |
David Weatherholt is joined by two guests, gubernatorial candidate Ralph Samuels and Todd Clark, president of DenaliTEK. Ralph Samuels addresses the roles of government and business and why he wants to be governor.
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.
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Business in Alaska III
Posted in Economy, Getting Down to Business, Government, Recession, Technology | No Comments »
Tuesday, April 27th, 2010 |
Congressional candidate Sheldon Fisher joined David Weatherholt to discuss how Congress can work with business, including issues concerning energy, balance of trade and the size of government. Things get lively when callers ask some probing questions.
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.
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The Connection Between Congress and Business
Posted in Getting Down to Business, Government | No Comments »
Tuesday, April 20th, 2010 |
In this “Getting Down to Business” show, David Weatherholt is joined by a very special guest – Alaska Governor Sean Parnell. They talk about the relationship between business and government. Giving a short history lesson, David emphasizes the importance of government’s limited role in influencing business and its responsibility to ensure business’s freedom to grow and innovate.
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.
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Working for Alaska
Posted in Alaska, Entrepreneurs, Getting Down to Business, Government | No Comments »
Wednesday, April 14th, 2010 |
What does that mean- Dancing with Goats? You’ll have to listen to find out! David Weatherholt brings Brad Bigelow, a founder of Kaladi Brother Coffee, to the show to discuss the history of coffee in Anchorage. Brad started his coffee business in the early 1980’s, and he provides interesting insights into the world of an emerging market.
After Dave’s news update about the optimism index, Geoff Burch joins the show with his “Go It Alone” segment. Geoff talks about some of the crazy things entrepreneurs think they need before they can launch their business- and what they should be focusing on instead.
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Dancing with Goats
Posted in Alaska, Entrepreneurs, Getting Down to Business | No Comments »
Wednesday, April 7th, 2010 |
David Weatherholt tells of his audit woes and talks marketing in this episode of “Getting Down to Business.” Even an accounting expert may be on the receiving end of an audit- Dave gives advice to small businesses on how to survive audits in this surprisingly entertaining segment.
Later in the show Dave is joined by Amanda Cullen founder of Zoo in a Jungle Marketing, who specializes in small business marketing. Amanda gives her 5 rules for small business marketing and delivers a pop quiz to listeners, challenging them to put their business to the test. Here are the rules:
- Be easy to do business with.
- Communicate with your customers in ways that are meaningful to them.
- Know where you want to go.
- Involve your team.
- Keep at it.
Listen or download below to take the test and see how your business stacks up!
Marketing and Taxes
Posted in Finance, Getting Down to Business, Marketing, Small Business | No Comments »
Wednesday, March 31st, 2010 |
Dave Weatherholt brings photographer and owner of Alaska Stock Images, Jeff Schultz, onto the show today. Jeff talks about the exciting life of being a photographer with his own business.
Dave starts the show with the questions, “What makes a good employee?” and reports on an innovative article to help small businesses know their hiring practices will ensure they recruit great employees.
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Photo Shoot – Alaska!
Posted in Alaska, Getting Down to Business, Human Resources | No Comments »
Wednesday, March 31st, 2010 |
Dave Weatherholt introduces the topic of “business risk.” He explains there are many aspects to risk, and not all of it is bad (he gives the example of Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop not having enough bread to sell to its many customers). Dave gives small businesses tools and concepts to help them deal with and minimize business risk. Todd Clark, founder and president of DenaliTEK, started his new IT update segment in this “Getting Down to Business” podcast.
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Minimizing Business Risk
Posted in Economy, Entrepreneurs, Getting Down to Business, Risk | No Comments »
Wednesday, March 17th, 2010 |
Ron Peck, president and COO of Alaska Travel Industry Association, joins Dave on “Getting Down to Business” to talk about marketing Alaska. Dave starts out the show with a small business and tourism update. Ron has worked in the travel industry for 32 years and brings much experience to the conversation. He reveals a surprising fact- that travel and tourism companies in Alaska are largely small businesses. 92% of ATIA’s membership are businesses with 50 or fewer employees.
Later in the show, Geoff Burch, international consultant, calls in. He is the author of Go It Alone, a great book for those with an entrepreneurial spirit. Geoff talks about the classic Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance and how it applies to those who have recently been laid off or are looking for a way to be self-employed.
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Marketing Alaska
Posted in Alaska, Getting Down to Business, Marketing | 1 Comment »
Tuesday, March 9th, 2010 |
Dave interviews the owners of Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop, Jerry Lewanski and Janis Fleischman. The couple opened their bakeshop less than a year ago and share their interesting startup story. They started by completing thorough research, traveling around the United States and visiting successful bakeries. The only thing they didn’t plan for was their immediate success!
Amanda Cullen, small business marketing consultant, joins the group to give startup businesses advice on marketing their fledgling businesses. Marketing for small businesses doesn’t have to involve a large budget, and most of the time, the most effective marketing is quite economical.
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The Gift of Bread
Posted in Entrepreneurs, Getting Down to Business, Innovation, Marketing, Public Relations, Small Business | No Comments »
Monday, March 1st, 2010 |
Julie Saupe, CEO of the Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau, joins the show to give a tourism update for Anchorage. They talk about the 30-year history of the ACVB. While last year was the first year tourism declined in Anchorage, Julie is hopeful for the future. She shares her community report with listeners, and what that will mean for Anchorage tourism.
Dave’s second guest is Sam Dickey, Deputy District Director of the Small Business Administration. SBA programs are changing, and Sam has the details. He is hopeful that Congress will keep funding some programs, but deadlines for stimulus money have passed. They discuss trends and facts related to small business lending and what this could mean for your small business.
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Alaska Tourism Update
Posted in Alaska, Finance, Getting Down to Business | No Comments »
Monday, February 22nd, 2010 |
Lori Davey, owner of Motznik Information Services, joins Dave Weatherholt to talk about buying a used (or existing) business. Lori purchased Motznik and tells listeners the story of the purchase process. She starts out by letting us know, “I sold my airplane to buy my business.”
Dave also talks about how your vendors can help with your financing. For many small businesses, borrowing has become increasingly difficult. Some have developed creative means of raising capital, and Dave has the details.
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Buying a Used Business
Posted in Entrepreneurs, Getting Down to Business, Small Business | No Comments »
Tuesday, February 16th, 2010 |
Non-profit organizations perform many necessary functions in our communities, but they face many unique business challenges, as well. Dave’s first guest is Candace Winkler, CEO of Thread, an Anchorage-based non-profit. They discuss some of the business aspects non-profits focus on more than other organizations, such as having a transparent accounting system, keeping administrative costs reasonable and keeping a strict budget. Candace also talks about her experience in rebranding Thread (formerly Child Care Connection), and the wide variety of non-profits that are in Alaska.
In the next segment, Dave brings in Jason Stralka to discuss taxes for non-profits and answer listener questions. Jason is a tax expert for Carter Tax, Inc. Dave discovers that he has a passion for taxes. Jason knows that taxes are more than just filling out the forms– he loves finding loopholes and saving his clients money. However, he realizes the importance of being accurate and paying all the taxes that are due to the IRS.
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Non-Profits are Businesses
Posted in Alaska, Business Planning, Finance, Getting Down to Business, Marketing | No Comments »
Friday, February 12th, 2010 |
Joining the show this week is Todd Clark, founder and president of DenaliTEK, one of the leading IT services firms in Anchorage. He and Dave delve into the concept of cloud computing and how it can help your small business. Revolutions in the the IT industry come and go, but cloud computing is an innovative way to increase efficiency and manage budgets in your organization.
Todd also discusses some of the business issues he faces: why he develops client relationships, what DenaliTEK does to keep clients and how they handle losing a client. All small business owners can learn from his candid assessment.
Dave and Geoff Burch, author and international guru, launched a new segment of “Getting Down to Business” called Going it Alone. In his trademark cheeky manner, Geoff encourages entrepreneurs to go out and make it alone. He says of employment, “Who was the first caveman who got another caveman to go out and kill a buffalo for him, then just give him a tiny piece of the buffalo as a wage? When did that start?”
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Cloud Computing and Your Future
Posted in Alaska, Entrepreneurs, Getting Down to Business, Sales, Small Business, Technology | No Comments »
Monday, February 1st, 2010 |
Dave interviews Andy Riddell, VP and Business Banking Manager at Wells Fargo Bank. The discuss how important it is for a small business to develop a relationship with a bank. Andy provides advice for how to reach the business expert at your bank and how to start the relationship.
In Dave’s news update, he talks about Congress’s recent changes to the SBA loan program and other stimulus package details affecting small businesses. There might be good news for small businesses struggling to obtain loans.
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Building a Banking Relationship
Posted in Finance, Getting Down to Business | No Comments »
Monday, January 25th, 2010 |
Pamela Marsch joins Dave Weatherholt in this “Getting Down to Business” to discuss tips for buying and leasing commercial real estate. She is a commercial real estate broker with vast experience in Alaska’s real estate market.
Dave shares his personal experience with commercial real estate and hopes his listeners can learn from his less-than-ideal experience.
Dave also weighs in with his news update, bringing to light some useful business stories.
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Finding the Right Spot
(Graphic by Getty Images)
Posted in Alaska, Getting Down to Business, Real Estate | No Comments »
Tuesday, January 19th, 2010 |
Sponsored by DenaliTEK, an Anchorage-based information technology services firm.
Kathy Day of KD/PR | A Virtual Agency joins Dave Weatherholt to talk about public relations, and how good PR can benefit your business. Kathy explains how we can go beyond thinking of PR as “free advertising,” and truly maximize its potential. Dave tells us of his own success with PR– and just how much exposure it can generate.
Dave gives us an economic update, talking about interest rates, historical data and what this information means for us today. He addresses a question important to all of us, “Are consumers ready to buy?”
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Have you considered PR?
Posted in Getting Down to Business, Public Relations | No Comments »
Sunday, January 10th, 2010 |
In this first “Getting Down to Business” of 2010, Dave interviews Todd Clark, founder of DenakiTEK, an Anchorage-based IT-maintenance, consulting and technology firm. Todd started the company nine years ago and discusses the road he’s taken to success.
Todd credits a great mission and vision statement with the successful growth of his company. Amanda Cullen, of Zoo in a Jungle Marketing for Small Business, joins the show and discusses how to create mission and visions statements that are effective for the organization along with how to use them as marketing tools.
Dave also gives a news update for small businesses, including tips for how to make your website great.
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Focus on DenaliTEK
Posted in Entrepreneurs, Getting Down to Business, Recession, Small Business | No Comments »
Monday, December 21st, 2009 |
Dave Weatherholt interviews Kim and Blain Roberts, owners of Westport Winery in Aberdeen, WA. They are passionate about what they do and have built a successful small business. Listen for their advice for other aspiring entrepreneurs.
Accountant Paul Foutz joins the conversation and makes projections for the Alaskan economy. He predicts what businesses can expect in the coming year. This episode of “Getting Down to Business” will be valuable to any small business owner.
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The Winery
Posted in Alaska, Entrepreneurs, Getting Down to Business, Small Business | No Comments »
Tuesday, December 15th, 2009 |
Dave talks project management principles with Dan Maxwell, Technical Project Manager for Structured Communication Systems, Inc. They give listeners advice for “doing it right” – by defining “project”, analyzing risk analysis and discussing technology solutions. Dan sets forth an alarming statistic that 80% of projects fail– don’t let yours be one of them!
Dave also gives a business and economic news update by analyzing the Optimism Index over the course of the year.
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Doing It Right
Posted in Economy, Getting Down to Business, Technology | No Comments »
