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
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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.
Listen or download below:
Building a Banking Relationship
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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.
Listen or download below:
Finding the Right Spot
(Graphic by Getty Images)
Posted in Alaska, Getting Down to Business, Real Estate | 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.
Listen or download below:
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 »
Monday, December 7th, 2009

In this week’s “Getting Down to Business,” Dave talks with IT expert Mark Mathis of Arctic Information Technology about Cloud Computing. Mark helps us understand what Cloud Computing is, how long it has been around and how small businesses can use it to reduce their IT costs. This useful technology is familiar to many businesses through companies such as Carbonite and Go To Meeting.
Dave also talks with Amanda Cullen about 2009’s Black Friday. They talk about the history of Black Friday, how performance was this year and the changing attitudes of consumers. Amanda, of Zoo in a Jungle Marketing, explains how these factors affect small business retailers.
Listen or download below:
Cloud Computing
Posted in Getting Down to Business, Marketing, Small Business | No Comments »
Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009
If you missed Dave’s interview with Geoff Burch earlier in the year, here’s your chance to catch up!
International consultant Geoff Burch talks about his sales management book, The Way of the Dog: The Art of Making Success Inevitable. Dave finds this book very motivating, compelling and full of useful information. Geoff proves to be a lively guest who tells great stories.
In other news: We also learn that Dave is broadcasting during International Talk Like a Pirate Day!
Listen or download below:
Sales: The Way of the Dog
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Tuesday, December 1st, 2009
Entrepreneurs Sydney Mitchell Dawn Walsh talk with David Weatherholt about their venture: a shoe store for women who love shoes beyond reason. Their store, Shoefly + Hudsons, is in Juneau, AK and appeals to shoe lovers in many creative ways– including hosting private parties.
David also talks economic news, using his experience dealing with recessions to encourage businesses. Paul Foutz joins David later in the show to discuss the Alaskan economy and what’s ahead in the coming year.
Listen or download below:
Discovering Latent Revenue
Posted in Economy, Entrepreneurs, Getting Down to Business, Small Business | No Comments »
Tuesday, November 17th, 2009
David Weatherholt brings on the top franchisors in the state of Alaska: Jerry Kinn, owner of the Carl’s Jr. franchise and Michael Davidson, owner of 18 McDonald’s franchises to talk about the business of franchise.
These friendly competitors discuss the top ten franchise businesses, the benefits of franchising and the changing face of the franchisor.
Is franchising a good fit for your entrepreneurial spirit? How do you get started in franchising? Listen to find out!
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Franchises are Businesses, Too
Posted in Entrepreneurs, Franchising, Getting Down to Business | No Comments »
Monday, November 9th, 2009
David Weatherholt talks with Dan Sullivan, Mayor of Anchorage, about the relationship between government and small business. Throughout the decades, government regulation has been pilloried, but without some key legislation, our business environment would be unstable, recessions would be less predictable and small businesses would find it difficult to thrive.
Dan Sullivan shares his business background and the similarities between running a business and a municipal government.
Later in the show, Amanda Cullen, of Zoo in a Jungle Marketing, explains relationship marketing and how small businesses can develop strategies to build relationships with their customers. Strong customer relationships lead to stronger loyalty, more numerous customer referrals and higher profits.
Listen or download below:
Alaska Municipal Government, Small Business and Customer Relationships
Posted in Alaska, Customers, Getting Down to Business, Small Business | No Comments »
Monday, November 2nd, 2009
On his radio show “Getting Down to Business,” David Weatherholt talks with Bob Poe, gubernatorial candidate for Alaska. Poe discusses his views on the relationship between government and small business– what it looks like currently and what he thinks it should be. This is a great opportunity for small businesses in Alaska to hear the candidate talk about issues affecting their livelihoods.
Also, David speaks with the deputy director of the SBA about the changes enacted last week by the SBA program. Finally, David introduces the show with a history of recessions, how government intervention has helped or hurt the economy and why we no longer call them “economic panics.”
All considered, this episode of “Getting Down to Business” is full of essential knowledge for small businesses.
Alaska State Government and Small Business
Posted in Alaska, Getting Down to Business, Recession, Small Business | No Comments »
Thursday, October 29th, 2009
David provides an economic update, relaying to listeners some good news for the economy.
Guest Robert McDowell, Vice President of Information Worker Business Value for Microsoft, provides valuable advice for businesses looking to generate a better return on their technology investments. These IT investments include hardware, software and personnel. He discusses how Microsoft works with other vendors to create efficient business solutions.
Getting Value from Technology
Posted in Getting Down to Business, ROI, Small Business, Technology | No Comments »
Saturday, October 17th, 2009
Having a great strategy is only the first step of a successful business. Dave’s show this week is about putting legs on your strategy and giving you tips for effective implementation.
Dave’s guest is Dwain DeVille, author of The Biker’s Guide to Business. Dwain is an entrepreneur coach and asks, “What do entrepreneurs and business leaders have in common with bikers?” The answer? More thank you think!
In the news, Dave alerts small businesses to the opportunity of applying for grants and stimulus money. Someone has to get it. Why not you?
Listen or download here:
The Tragedy of Strategy
Posted in Business Planning, Entrepreneurs, Getting Down to Business, Small Business | No Comments »
Saturday, October 10th, 2009
What is social networking? Does your small business need it?
Dave finds out what his Facebook page and Twitter account really mean. His guest, Mindy O’Neill, is the Director of Integrated Marketing for news magazine Alaska Dispatch. She imparts her social media expertise to Dave’s listeners (and Dave himself!).
Listen or download below:
Making the Right Connections
Posted in Getting Down to Business, Sales | No Comments »
Saturday, October 3rd, 2009
Tourism is 11% of Alaska’s economy, so a small change in growth can affect the state dramatically. What will tourism look like in 2010?
Dave welcomes Julie Saupe to the show. She’s the President and CEO of the Anchorage Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and provides a forecast on the upcoming 2010 tourist season.
How can small businesses that depend on tourism weather the economic storm? Dave’s next guest, Amanda Cullen, gives small businesses advice for reaching their customers– and it might surprise you just who she thinks is your customer. Her company, Zoo in a Jungle Marketing, specializes in small business marketing.
In the news, Dave talks about the credit crisis still plaguing small businesses, even while larger businesses see credit loosening. Dave’s moved “Getting Down to Business” over to station 1080 KUDO, and he’s excited for the new opportunities this station provides.
Listen or download below:
Alaska Tourism Report
Posted in Alaska, Getting Down to Business, Marketing, Small Business | No Comments »
Saturday, September 26th, 2009
Dave reminisces about the business world of the 1980s, where the most technology a business encountered was a fax machine. As we all know, things have changed, and now information technology is required for every business venture.
In this week’s “Getting Down to Business,” Dave talks with IT expert Mark Mathis of Arctic Information Technology who will help you determine if your business needs a server. And what is a server, anyway?
In the news, Dave highlights the optimism index and forecasts some sign of recovery on the horizon.
Listen or download below:
Do you need a server?
Posted in Getting Down to Business, Technology | No Comments »
Sunday, September 20th, 2009
In this entertaining “Getting Down to Business,” Dave talks with international consultant Geoff Burch about his sales management book, The Way of the Dog: The Art of Making Success Inevitable. Dave finds this book very motivating, compelling and full of useful information. Geoff proves to be a lively guest who tells great stories.
In other news: We also learn that Dave is broadcasting during International Talk Like a Pirate Day!
Listen or download below:
Sales: The Way of the Dog
Posted in Getting Down to Business, Sales | No Comments »
Saturday, September 5th, 2009
Small business and labor have both been instrumental in building America’s success, and Dave takes the Labor Day Weekend episode of “Getting Down to Business” to explore the partnership between the them.
Dave’s guest, Paul Foutz, a walking encyclopedia of business information, shared important labor statistics with Dave and his listeners (appropriate for Labor Day Weekend, don’t you think?)
Listen or download below:
Small Business and Labor- A Great Partnership
Posted in Getting Down to Business, Small Business | No Comments »
Saturday, August 29th, 2009
Dave calls on all “Getting Down to Business” listeners to devote some time to long-term business planning. And, of course, he gives them advice and tools to plan effectively. Gerhard Vierthaler with Value Strategy Group explains the SWOT analysis to Dave’s listeners. SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats and is a long-term planning analysis tool.
Long term planning becomes especially important during a recession. So, pull up a chair and let Dave give you Advice You Can Use.
Listen or download below:
Long Term Business Planning
Posted in Business Planning, Getting Down to Business, Recession, Small Business | No Comments »
Saturday, August 22nd, 2009
In this week’s “Getting Down to Business,” Dave continues discussing marketing by focusing on sales strategy for small business. His guest, Gerhard Vierthaler with Value Strategy Group, provides valuable cold-calling advice and encouragement in developing a small business sales strategy.
Amanda Cullen of Zoo in a Jungle Marketing gave small businesses advice on how to tie marketing in with your sales strategy to reinforce your brand and customers’ impressions of your business.
Listen or download below:
Sales Strategy for Small Business
Posted in Getting Down to Business, Sales | No Comments »
Saturday, August 15th, 2009
In this week’s “Getting Down to Business,” Dave asked Amanda Cullen of Zoo in a Jungle Marketing to give his listeners some creative marketing ideas for small business. Zoo in a Jungle Marketing specializes in small business marketing.
Dave also tells us the story of the founder of the Geek Squad, an entrepreneur who started the company with $600. As we all know, now Best Buy owns the Geek Squad.
Listen or download below:
Creative Marketing Ideas for Small Business
Posted in Getting Down to Business, Innovation, Marketing, Small Business | No Comments »
Saturday, August 1st, 2009
Small businesses need good marketing, which is why Dave dedicated this “Getting Down to Business” to marketing fundamentals. In a lively discussion, he talks with David Taylor of SugarSled Creative in Alaska and Amanda Cullen of Zoo in a Jungle Marketing, specializing in small business marketing.

They explain the 4-P’s of marketing (Product, Price, Place and Promotion) and how to integrate new marketing strategies into this classic categorization.
Listen or download below:
Marketing Fundamentals
Posted in Getting Down to Business, Innovation, Marketing | No Comments »
Saturday, July 25th, 2009
When you borrow money, there is a risk involved. Dave evaluates the risk to you and to the bank– and how these risks will affect your business. Everyone knows the cost of interest involved, but there are other costs and risks associated with borrowing that all businesses need to be aware of. He reminds businesses they need to, “Buy low. Sell high, and Keep the difference.”

Dave’s guest on “Getting Down to Business” is Mitch Jacobs, founder and CEO of On Deck Capital.
And in the news, Dave talks about the issues around mandating small businesses to provide health insurance for their employees.
Listen or download below:
Alternative Lending Sources
Posted in Business Planning, Finance, Getting Down to Business | No Comments »
Sunday, July 19th, 2009
Financial ratios sound intimidating, but Dave reassures listeners that it’s just, “Looking at the story behind the numbers.” After his regular news update, Dave helps Sunburst Coffee learn the importance of industry standards, ratios and other financial concepts. Dave makes these tools easy to understand and apply to your business.
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Financial Rations: The story behind the numbers
Posted in Business Planning, Finance, Getting Down to Business | No Comments »
Saturday, July 18th, 2009
Dave believes the market analysis is the most important part of the business plan. He tells listeners what they need to include, what banks are looking for and what they need to know to ensure success.
Dave’s guest is Amanda Cullen of Zoo in a Jungle Marketing. This marketing firm specializes in small business marketing, and Amanda has a unique marketing philosophy for small business.
Listen or download below:
Market Analysis for your business plan
Posted in Business Planning, Getting Down to Business, Marketing | No Comments »