http://www.businessweek.com In addition to her popular twice-weekly BusinessWeek.com SmallBiz Smart Answers column, veteran small-business and entrepreneurship writer Karen E. Klein now leads a weekly discussion on a compelling small-business topic. Small Business Tips and Advice with Karen E. Klein BusinessWeek Small Business Advice, entrepreneurs, getting started, Karen E. Klein, BusinessWeek, small biz no In addition to her popular twice-weekly BusinessWeek.com SmallBiz Smart Answers column, veteran small-business and entrepreneurship writer Karen E. Klein now leads a weekly discussion on a compelling small-business topic. She draws on experts and newsmakers from around the country for new perspectives and strategies on everything from building an online audience to finding health insurance for employees to avoiding bankruptcy scams. en-us Copyright 2009, by The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc. All rights reserved. Jaime Beauchamp#bw_online_media@businessweek.com Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:16:40 -0500 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss bwwebmaster@businessweek.com 1000 http://images.businessweek.com/icons/bw_podcast_88x31.jpghttp://www.businessweek.com8831 Advice from consultant Sam Horn BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_11_16_09.htm An "elevator" introduction is not meant to be a sales pitch, says Sam Horn, communication consultant and author of "Pop! Stand Out in Any Crowd." The best way to capture interest in your small business is to ask an engaging, relevant question, she says. Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:14:08 -0500 14:17 communication advice, Sam Horn, Pop! Stand Out in Any Crowd, branding, marketing, selling http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_horn_111709.mp3 Team-building, training, and loyalty BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_11_09_09.htm Growing family businesses must implement organizational culture and invest in employee training and team-building, says Frank Hoy, business professor at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He discusses developing loyalty by sharing the company's startup story Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:22:43 -0500 9:50 Frank Hoy, family-owned business, employee training, team-building, employee loyalty http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_hoy_110909.mp3 How to keep relationships intact BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_11_02_09.htm Automating processes such as collections and follow-up on sales prospects can help small companies cut costs and increase revenues. But automation must be done thoughtfully, so that relationships aren't undermined, says Clate Mask, CEO of Infusionsoft Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:58:26 -0500 9:53 Clate Mask, Infusionsoft, automate business tasks, automate business processes http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_mask_110309.mp3 Using more than text to tell your story BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_10_26_09.htm As online business expands from text to include graphics and video, small business owners must go beyond logos and letterheads, says Juliet Huck, CEO of TheHuckGroup in Los Angeles. She urges them to use visual elements to inform and persuade readers Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:20:31 -0400 9:24 marketing, logo, letterhead, collateral, Juliet Huck, TheHuckGroup, storytelling http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_huck_102709.mp3 Strategies entrepreneurs should learn BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_10_19_09.htm Management guru Michael McGrath, whose new book is called "Business Decisions", says that decision-making is more challenging for startups than their larger counterparts. He explains how learning to manage risk and to make bold moves can help Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:23:42 -0400 10:42 Michael McGrath, Business Decisions, business advice, decision-making, decision making http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_mcgrath_102009.mp3 How an ex-banker set up her Harlem shop- BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_10_12_09.htm Clara Villarosa, founder of the Hue-Man Bookstore in Harlem, has written a book emphasizing the finance basics she learned as a banker in the 1980s. She shares entrepreneurial startup tips about developing realistic business ideas, finding funding, and analyzing competitors' marketing plans Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:00:52 -0400 10:01 Clara Villarosa, Hue-Man Bookstore, startup advice, business idea, fiding funding, marketing plans http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_villarosa_101309.mp3 Yola's Randy Almond on why it matters BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_10_05_09.htm More than half of consumers say they turn to the Internet for information about local companies. Randy Almond, vice-president for marketing at Yola, says it is imperative for small companies to establish a Web presence and articulates dos and don'ts Mon, 05 Oct 2009 15:26:52 -0400 9:07 business Web site, business presence online, Randy Almond, Yola, e-commerce site http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_almond_100609.mp3 Tips from 50 owners BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_09_28_09.htm Stephanie Chandler interviewed more than 50 small business owners for her book "Leap! 101 Ways to Grow Your Business." She discusses some of the best practices she discovered, like the importance of outsourcing, building your business as an asset, and more Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:02:59 -0400 10:18 Stephanie Chandler, Leap! 101 Ways to Grow Your Business, business advice, best practices http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_chandler_092909.mp3 Resources for bootstrappers BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_09_21_09.htm There are many free resources that entrepreneurs can use to start or expand a business, says Bob Reiss, author of "Bootstrapping 101: Tips to Build Your Business With Limited Cash and Free Outside Help." He talks about lesser-known bootstrapping tactics. Mon, 21 Sep 2009 10:50:07 -0400 10:49 Bob Reiss, Robert Reiss, bootstrapping, business advice, business resources http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_reese_092209.mp3 Strategies for independent retailers BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_09_14_09.htm Independent retailers compete with Goliaths by inspiring "customer love," says Dave Ratner, founder of Dave's Soda & Pet City, a small Massachusetts chain. He says better selections, return policies, guarantees, and workers lure Americans to the underdog Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:04:06 -0400 11:11 Dave Ratner, retail strategy, Dave's Soda & Pet City, business advice, underdog, customer love http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_ratner_091509.mp3 How to stay on budget and get ahead BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_09_08_09.htm Consumer confidence is rising and entrepreneurs are more optimistic. Ron Wince, a business strategy expert and CEO of Guidon, in Mesa, Az., says savvy business owners should continue operating frugally but begin planning to emerge ahead of their competition Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:00:02 -0400 11:55 growth strategy, Ron Wince, Guidon Performance Solutions, business strategy, management advice http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_090809.mp3 Advice on self-employment BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_08_31_09.htm Many entrepreneurs start out with freelance jobs to supplement employment income or test the waters of self-employment. Christine Durst, CEO of Staffcentrix, offers advice on pricing, marketing, and navigating job boards for people working gig-to-gig Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:28:40 -0400 11:20 freelancing, self-employment, what freelancers charge, pricing, building a brand, marketing, Staffcentrix, Christine Durst http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_durst_090109.mp3 A design firm founder on pros and cons BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_08_24_09.htm After selling his interactive design agency, Heavenspot, in 2007, Chevon Hicks bought it back. He talks about the cons of selling a business and the pros of keeping it small in expenses and overhead but big in customer relationships and profitability Mon, 24 Aug 2009 09:59:02 -0400 9:29 Chevon Hicks, Heavenspot, buy a business, sell a business http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_hicks_082409 2.mp3 A survey gauges the impact of reform BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_08_17_09.htm Most women business owners offer health insurance to employees even as they cut back, says Linda Denny, president and CEO of the Women's Business Enterprise National Council. She talks about the group's recent survey on the impact of proposed reforms. Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:19:39 -0400 10:14 Womens Business Enterprise National Council, Linda Denny, health care reform http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_denny_081709.mp3 An online company owner offers tips BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_08_10_09.htm Maisie Knowles jumped on a trend last year when she and her husband founded FreeShipping.org. The home-based entrepreneur offers advice about being flexible with your business model, keeping costs to a minimum, and juggling work and family time. Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:05:05 -0400 11:43 Maisie Knowles, FreeShipping.org, Luke Knowles, retail strategy, free shipping, business advice, starting a business http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_knowles_081009.mp3 Carve out time to cultivate top clients BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_08_03_09.htm Imagine the boost in customer relations if you could spend half an hour daily nurturing top customers. Steve Strauss, author of The Small Business Bible, urges entrepreneurs to reorganize and use software more efficiently to improve the bottom line. Mon, 03 Aug 2009 10:42:32 -0400 8:56 Steve Strauss, The Small Business Bible, The Strauss Group, time management, business software training http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_strauss_072709.mp3 How to make the most out of a deal BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_07_27_09.htm Ed Schmid expanded his small software firm, eCopy, into the global market via a partnership with his largest client, Canon. He explains how persistent entrepreneurs with solid relationship-building skills can do the same with help from corporate partners. Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:08:15 -0400 11:33 Ed Schmid, eCopy, Canon, business partnership, expansion strategy http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_072009.mp3 How entrepreneurs can make a difference BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_07_16_09.htm Jason Jennings' new book, "Hit the Ground Running", identifies tactics that top-performing CEOs use to make a positive impact on their companies as quickly as possible. Entrepreneurs can follow their lead by thinking long-term, asking for help, and more Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:17:46 -0400 10:20 Jason Jennings, Hit the Ground Running, business advice, management advice, business motivation, Jennings-McGlothlin & Company http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_jennings_072009.mp3 Reasons and ways to empower employees BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_07_13_09.htm Small companies can establish a competitive advantage by cultivating ownership attitudes among their employees, says consultant Joe Wheeler, author of "The Ownership Quotient." He gives tips on empowering employees to improve products, services, processes, and relationships. Mon, 13 Jul 2009 10:57:35 -0400 8:33 Joe Wheeler, The Ownership Quotient, employee ownership, employee motivation, employee management http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_wheeler_071309.mp3 Learn how to move on--and learn--from your mistakes BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_07_06_09.htm A business failure can be devastating emotionally, as Dean A. Shepherd learned when his father's long-time business shut its doors. The experience led Shepherd, a professor of entrepreneurship, to write "From Lemons to Lemonade" (Wharton School Publishing, 2009), about how entrepreneurs can deal with failure productively and use it to propel future success Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:38:11 -0400 10:12 Dean A. Shepherd, From Lemons to Lemonade, business failure, business advice, entrepreneurship http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_shepherd_070609.mp3 How to use the Web's inexpensive tools BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_06_29_09.htm Nathan Egan, founder of Freesource Agency, says entrepreneurs should better exploit social media networking as a low-cost, high-return marketing tool to find new customers and strengthen business relationships. Egan explains how to use these online tools Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:07:07 -0400 8:11 social media, online tools, Nathan Egan, Freesource Agency, communications, marketing http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_egan_062909.mp3 Persuade your clients to trust you BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_06_22_09.htm Individuals and companies are scrutinizing the firms they hire and cutting the fees they pay. Andrew Sobel, author of All for One: 10 Strategies for Building Trusted Client Partnerships, explains how your small business can make the cut Mon, 22 Jun 2009 10:45:55 -0400 14:15 Andrew Sobel, Andrew Sobel Advisors, All for One: 10 Strategies for Building Trusted Client Partnerships, business strategy, client relationship, client loyalty http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_sobel_062209.mp3 Why accepted practices are obsolete BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_06_15_09.htm Brain science is challenging what we thought we knew about management, says Charles S. Jacobs, author of "Management Rewired." Small business owners should be using emotion and positive thinking to communicate with employees and customers, he says. Mon, 15 Jun 2009 10:20:47 -0400 15:11 Charles S. Jacobs, Management Rewired, brain science, management, human psychology http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_jacobs_061509.mp3 Surprising advice to help you sell more BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_06_08_09.htm Herb Sorensen, who applies scientific methods and technologies in his new book, Inside the Mind of the Shopper (Wharton School Publishing), offers insights for retailers, including concentrating on best-selling items and guiding customers with visual cues Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:52:23 -0400 14:34 Herb Sorensen, retailer, retail, selling to consumers, Inside the Mind of a Shopper http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_sorenson_060809.mp3 A communications skills refresher BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_06_01_09.htm Barbara Pachter, a business etiquette lecturer in Cherry Hill, N.J., urges entrepreneurs to evaluate how they present themselves and their companies to the public. Entertaining and interacting become more important than ever in tough times, she says. Mon, 01 Jun 2009 10:31:13 -0400 13:28 Barbara Pachter, business etiquette, business communications, business presentation http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_pachter_060209.mp3 Tips on profiting despite the recession BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_05_26_09.htm Large footwear companies are feeling the pain, but Aetrex Worldwide, a small shoemaker in Teaneck, N.J., is having its 14th straight year of growth. CEO Larry Schwartz talks about instituting a creative financing program for his customers Tue, 26 May 2009 10:46:35 -0400 13:06 Larry Schwartz, Aetrex Worldwide, financing program, growth strategy, footwear manufacturing http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_schwartz_052509.mp3 Strategies for-profit companies can use BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_05_18_09.htm Nonprofits are told to emulate for-profits in efficiency and measuring success. But in today's economy, small for-profit companies can learn from nonprofits, says Roger Sametz, president of communications consultancy Sametz Blackstone Associates in Boston Mon, 18 May 2009 14:56:41 -0400 14:00 Roger Sametz, nonprofit business strategy, for-profits, for-profit companies, social responsibility, Sametz Blackstone Associates, 501(c) http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_samits_051809.mp3 Alvarado Street Bakery's Communal Roots BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_05_11_09.htm The Alvarado Street Bakery started as an offshoot of the Red Clover Worker's Brigade, a 1970s Northern California hippie commune. With $25 million in annual sales, the bakery is one of 300 cooperatively owned small businesses in the U.S. Mon, 11 May 2009 09:52:14 -0400 14:42 Alvarado Street Bakery, Michael Girkout, bakery, cooperative http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_girkout_051109.mp3 How to find the best candidate BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_05_04_09.htm Small firms that are fortunate enough to be hiring now may be overwhelmed with responses to help-wanted ads. Douglas Duncan, president of Your HR Solutions, based in Maplewood, N.J., gives tips on finding standout employees Mon, 04 May 2009 15:14:04 -0400 11:33 hiring, human resources, Douglas Duncan, Your HR Solutions http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_duncan_050409.mp3 A contractor's survival strategies BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_04_27_09.htm Eileen Gould is a female general contractor in a man's world. She details how her company is coping with the downturn in the construction industry, from networking more to taking courses on solar panels. Mon, 27 Apr 2009 11:25:15 -0400 13:11 Eileen Gould, Lifestyles Interior Design & Construction, construction industry http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_gould_042909.mp3 Engage customers and monetize content BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_04_20_09.htm Web sites are no longer optional marketing and sales tools, but too many entrepreneurs are missing out on the Internet's full power, says Jim Hart, vice-president of Mirror Image Internet. Hart tells how to engage customers and monetize Web site content Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:38:33 -0400 11:41 Mirror Image Internet, Jim Hart, information architecture, online marketing, online sales, customer engagement, monetize http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_hart_042009.mp3 Sterling National's Bizenov has advice BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_04_13_09.htm Many small business owners are considering switching banks but are nervous about taking the plunge. Michael Bizenov, Sterling National Bank's executive vice-president, discusses how to choose a bank that specializes in small and midsize business lending. Mon, 13 Apr 2009 10:53:30 -0400 13:48 Michael Bizenov, Sterling National Bank, business loans, new bank, switch banks http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_bizinof_041409.mp3 They can help improve your business BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_04_06_09.htm Flexibility is key for small businesses, but too often owners are slow to adapt, says corporate anthropologist Andrea Simon. Simon has entrepreneurs shadow their clients and interview non-clients, to help them face and implement change. Mon, 06 Apr 2009 15:27:24 -0400 15:22 Andrea Simon, corporate anthropologist, Simon Associates Management Consultants, management consulting http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_simon_040609.mp3 Strategies to put in place now BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_03_30_09.htm To succeed, family business owners must sharpen their marketing skills, define individual responsibilities, and maybe use the recession to give Cousin Joe a push out the door, says Wayne Rivers, president of the Family Business Institute. Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:03:17 -0400 19:19 family business, Wayne Rivers, Family Business Institute, marketing, management, operations http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_rivers_040109.mp3 How to make the most convincing case BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_03_23_09.htm How can you increase your chances of getting a small business loan if recent government efforts to unfreeze credit are successful? Arizona accountant Mark Dreher says having the proper financial documentation can make all the difference. Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:30:21 -0400 16:55 business loan, debt financing, small business loan, Small Business Administration, SBA-backed loan, Mark Dreher http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_032309.mp3 Marketing how-tos for small retailers BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_03_16_09.htm Every retailer is fighting a battle for customers now, and customers are looking for discounts. Small retailers can gain a competitive edge and appeal to bargain hunters by engaging in "affinity marketing," says Jonathan Silver, CEO of Affinity Solutions. Mon, 16 Mar 2009 18:22:34 -0400 13:15 Affinity Solutions, Jonathan Silver, discounting, retail marketing, affinity marketing http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_031309.mp3 Getting the most from remote contractors BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_03_10_09.htm From information technology to marketing and graphics projects, small business owners increasingly outsource work online. Fabio Rosati, CEO of online work site Elance, outlines how best to find, interview, and hire remote workers over the Internet. Tue, 10 Mar 2009 16:21:21 -0400 15:38 Elance, outsourcing, professional services, Fabio Rosati, freelancer, contractor, remote workers, Internet, hiring http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_rosati_031109.mp3 Ways to cut costs and strengthen your company BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_03_02_09.htm After employees, inventory is typically a small company's biggest asset. And the way you manage that inventory--and account for hidden costs--can make or break your firm, says Bill Harrison, president of St. Louis-based Demand Solutions, a supply chain management software firm Mon, 02 Mar 2009 17:47:19 -0500 17:12 inventory, inventory management, Bill Harrison, Demand Solutions http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_harrison_030409.mp3 Rethink how you approach possible buyers BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_02_24_09.htm How can small businesses continue selling successfully in a recession? Transform the buyer-seller relationship from one based on fear to one based on trust, says Randy Illig, co-author of Let's Get Real or Let's Not Play. Tue, 24 Feb 2009 17:49:45 -0500 16:34 Randy Illig, sales, selling, Lets Get Real or Lets Not Play http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_illig_022509.mp3 Self-funding creates strong leaders BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_02_17_09.htm It's not easy to bootstrap a startup, let alone a Silicon Valley software company. But Elizabeth Charnock started Cataphora in 2002 without venture capital or any outside funding, and she believes the experience made her a stronger business leader. Tue, 17 Feb 2009 13:03:22 -0500 13:34 bootstrap, startup, venture capital, silicon valley, funding, software company http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_charnock_021809.mp3 Businesses need to make adjustments BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_02_10_09.htm As demand drops and prices follow suit, many small businesses are coping with deflation for the first time. Turnaround strategist Sheldon Kopin says outfits can still be profitable if they make adjustments in inventory, cash flow, and human resources. Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:55:31 -0500 12:28 sheldon kopin, consulting, inventory, downsizing, employees, karen klein, small business, totes, turnaround, strategist http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_kopin_021109.mp3 Lead a business through a long downturn BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_02_05_09.htm Few small business owners have experienced the kind of recession we're facing now, says Peter Warshaw of management psychology firm RHR International. CEOs must learn from their predecessors, ask for help from peers, and have detailed contingency plans. Thu, 05 Feb 2009 11:26:15 -0500 12:18 Peter Warshaw, RHR International, recession, contingency plans, leadership, management http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_warshaw_020409.mp3 How to put products on store shelves BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_01_27_09.htm Phil Baker has spent his career in product development, much of it helping to refine ideas and bring them to market. He shares some practical insights from his new book, From Concept to Consumer: How to Turn Ideas Into Money. Tue, 27 Jan 2009 11:15:20 -0500 15:34 Phil Baker, From Concept to Consumer, invention, prototype, product development http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_baker_012809.mp3 Startup Nation co-founder offers advice BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_01_20_09.htm Rich Sloan, co-founder of Startup Nation, says traffic at his Web site for would-be entrepreneurs has increased dramatically during this recession. The good news? Starting a home-based business is easier and cheaper than ever before. Tue, 20 Jan 2009 13:50:32 -0500 15:51 Rich Sloan, Startup Nation, home-based business, starting a business http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_sloan_012109.mp3 Persuading folk to talk up what you sell BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_01_13_09.htm Selling a good product or service isn't enough, says Bertrand Cesvet, chairman of ad agency Sid Lee and author of the book Conversational Capital. You also have to tell a great story or create a ritual around your company for the business to succeed Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:22:28 -0500 13:57 Bertrand Cesvet, Conversational Capital, marketing strategy, Sid Lee http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_cesvet_011609.mp3 What not to do when starting a business BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_01_06_09.htm Lots of people may be thinking about starting businesses in 2009, but the process can be fraught with mistakes. Ed Hess, professor of business administration at the University of Virginia, offers advice on avoiding the eight mistakes that doom startups. Tue, 06 Jan 2009 11:02:52 -0500 13:10 Ed Hess, starting a business, business mistakes, business advice, startups http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_hess_010709.mp3 Make sure you're entrepreneur material BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_12_29_08.htm Looking to take your accumulated experience and savings and start your own business? Stop and think first about whether the reality of the entrepreneurial lifestyle is right for you, says Jon Gillespie-Brown, author of So You Want to Be an Entrepreneur? Mon, 29 Dec 2008 18:58:30 -0500 12:59 Jon Gillespie-Brown, serial entrepreneur, starting a business, "So You Want to Be an Entrepreneur?" http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_gillespiebrown_123108.mp3 Taking advantage of the deep talent pool BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_12_23_08.htm For entrepreneurs, the silver lining in the downturn is hiring opportunities. Barbara Poole of workforce Web site Employaid, says small companies can benefit by making strategic hires among the myriad smart and experienced employees losing their jobs. Tue, 23 Dec 2008 10:28:55 -0500 16:31 Barbara Poole, Employaid, hiring, small employers, layoffs http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_poole_122408.mp3 Scaling down without jeopardizing sales BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_12_16_08.htm Is your company omitting client gifts or the holiday party this year? Cost-cutting doesn't mean forgoing efforts to build ties for the future, says Joe Takash, president of Chicago's Victory Consulting and author of Results Through Relationships. Tue, 16 Dec 2008 12:40:43 -0500 14:07 Joe Takash, cost-cutting, relationship building, Victory Consulting http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_tackish_121708.mp3 Advice for small employers cutting staff BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_12_09_08.htm Amid this spate of layoffs, Richard Bayer of the Five O'Clock Club, a career counseling organization, reminds small businesses that handling terminations in a kind, ethical manner helps maintain a good reputation with clients and remaining employees. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 14:29:19 -0500 14:31 Richard Bayer, small employer, layoffs, career counseling, The Five O'Clock Club http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_12_10_08.mp3 A good marketing technique in recessions BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_12_02_08.htm Networking is one of the most cost-effective ways to keep marketing during an economic downturn, says Liz Lynch, founder of the Center for Networking Excellence and author of Smart Networking. And you don't have to be an extrovert to benefit. Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:45:14 -0500 15:04 Liz Lynch, networking, Center for Networking Excellence, Smart Networking http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_lynch_120108.mp3 Advice on selling in a tough environment BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_11_25_08.htm The holiday retail outlook isn't jolly, with consumer spending down and unemployment up. But long-time consultant Bob Phibbs, who calls himself "the retail doc," says small business owners can not only make it through the downturn, but capitalize on it Tue, 25 Nov 2008 14:40:07 -0500 14:48 retail, sales, selling, Bob Phibbs, retailers http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_jphibbs_112608.mp3 Turn your innovative ideas into practice Business Week http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_11_18_08.htm Innovation -- and the ability to act quickly on new ideas -- is a big edge small companies have over larger competitors. Serial entrepreneur Nancy Jarecki talks about how to nurture creativity and make practical decisions about innovative business concepts. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:15:55 -0500 16:45 innovation, business concepts, business ideas, Nancy Jarecki http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_jarecki_111908.mp3 How to adopt a global mindset BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_11_11_08.htm Small business owners may not want to push into international markets, fearing it will be too risky, complicated, and unprofitable. But entrepreneur, author, and teacher Ayse Oge says a global mindset can position entrepreneurs to succeed internationally. Tue, 11 Nov 2008 13:56:50 -0500 16:48 exporting, international markets, going global, doing business overseas, Ayse Oge http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_oge_111208.mp3 The case for narrowing your focus BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_11_04_08.htm Susan Friedmann, a small business marketing consultant and author of Riches in Niches: How to Make it Big in a Small Market, says it's hard for a generalist to make a mark these days, but becoming an expert with a narrow focus can pay off big time. Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:51:08 -0500 16:12 niche marketing, Susan Friedmann, business strategy http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_friedmann_110508.mp3 How to lift your firm's financial health Business Week http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_10_28_08.htm Data from CEO Brian Hamilton of financial information firm Sageworks shows that over the past five years privately held North American companies increased debt, but not assets or sales. He discusses how small companies can improve in today's climate. Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:34:32 -0400 16:58 debt, Sageworks, Brian Hamilton, financial health http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_hamilton_102208.mp3 Advice from a business attorney Business Week http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_10_21_08.htm Entrepreneurs can readily familiarize themselves with the three areas likely to provoke legal action, says Hanna Hasl-Kelchner, author of "The Business Guide to Legal Literacy," a book to help small business owners prevent trouble before it happens Tue, 21 Oct 2008 17:40:08 -0400 16:54 lawsuit, legal action, Hanna Hasl-Kelchner, business attorney http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_haselkelcher_102208.mp3 How to address employees' economic fears Business Week http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_10_14_08.htm American workers are having a tough time doing their jobs as they worry about financial turmoil and recession. Consultant Morrie Shechtman offers advice on how small business owners can address those fears honestly and make employees productive again. Tue, 14 Oct 2008 11:12:59 -0400 13:08 Morrie Shechtman, Fifth Wave Leadership, management, financial turmoil, recession http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_shechtman_101508.mp3 Issues and remedies for business owners Business Week http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_10_07_08.htm The Presidential election is likely to continue to dominate office conversation. What if employees' political expressions at work cross the line? Attorney Daniel Prywes, partner at Bryan Cave, discusses legal issues and remedies for small business owners. Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:15:07 -0400 17:30 legal issues, political expression, workplace http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_prywes_100808.mp3 Financial principles for entrepreneurs BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_09_30_08.htm Small business owners often unwittingly leave money on the table. Even in the midst of financial turmoil, there are principles entrepreneurs need to learn or relearn to put cash in their pockets, says Carlos Lowenberg of Lowenberg Wealth Management. Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:04:44 -0400 15:37 wealth management, Carlos Lowenberg, Lowenberg Wealth Management Group http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_100108.mp3 Campaign plans for small retailers BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_09_23_08.htm With December nearly upon us, Luc Vezina of Campaigner, an e-mail marketing firm, explains how entrepreneurs can shore up their e-mail marketing lists, target specific buyers, and personalize their online marketing campaigns without being annoying Tue, 23 Sep 2008 12:43:32 -0400 18:31 online marketing, holiday campaign, Luc Vezina, Campaigner http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_092408.mp3 Make the most of your customers' posts Business Week http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_09_16_08.htm Whether you know it or not, your customers are talking about you online, says Lyle Fong, CEO of Lithium Technologies. He explains how small business owners can learn from their feedback, build a loyal customer base, and harness enthusiastic clients. Tue, 16 Sep 2008 18:17:36 -0400 12:50 Lyle Fong, Lithium Technologies, online feedback http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_fong_09_17_08.mp3 A survivor tells business how to prepare Business Week http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_09_09_08.htm Many consultants lecture about disaster preparedness, but author and entrepreneur Donna Childs actually survived a disaster on 9-11. Childs teaches small-business owners how to plan for the best but prepare for the worst. Tue, 09 Sep 2008 11:04:57 -0400 16:56 Donna Childs, disaster planning http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_childs_09_10_08.mp3 Organizing so you can regain control Business Week http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_09_02_08.htm Entrepreneurs often hope to gain free time by starting their own businesses, but most find themselves working longer hours than ever. Financial guru Louis Barajas says simple organizational systems can help business owners regain balance in their lives. Tue, 02 Sep 2008 17:18:23 -0400 14:18 Louis Barajas, work-life balance, organizational systems, over-stressed business owners http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_barahas_09_03_08.mp3 How to manage your company's legal bills Business Week http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_08_26_08.htm Even the most careful entrepreneurs are likely to become involved in litigation at some point, says attorney Stewart Weltman, a principal in the Weltman Law Firm in Chicago. There are ways small business owners can control legal bills, he says Tue, 26 Aug 2008 17:56:50 -0400 16:04 litigation costs, legal fees, legal advice http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_weltman_082608.mp3 With best-selling author Ken Blanchard Business Week http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_08_19_08.htm Ken Blanchard is the co-author of "The One Minute Manager" and one of the top 25 best-selling authors of all time. His new book, "The One Minute Entrepreneur," talks about the attributes of successful small business owners and gives some one-minute tips Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:30:03 -0400 11:26 Ken Blanchard, business advice, The One Minute Manager, The One Minute Entrepreneur http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_blanchard_081908.mp3 What to consider about pricing and more BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_08_12_08.htm Small business owners who want to sell have an advantage. Even in a down market, there are always more buyers than sellers. But this year getting the best price will require creativity, says Peter Johnston, author of "Negotiating With Giants." Tue, 12 Aug 2008 10:47:40 -0400 14:45 selling a business, Peter Johnston, Negotiating with Giants http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_johnston_081208.mp3 How to keep company e-mail on track BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_08_05_08.htm More small companies are communicating with clients via e-mail. But all too often a newsletter or sales alert gets sidelined in a spam filter or lost in cyberspace. Richard Rabins, co-chair of Alpha Software, has tips for keeping communications on track. Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:44:22 -0400 13:05 Richard Rabins, Alpha Software, spam regulations, e-mail, entrepreneurs, entrepreneurial companies, startups http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_rabins_080508.mp3 Why small firms need coaching programs BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_07_29_08.htm High-performing outfits are more likely to have employee coaching than mediocre performers, according to the American Management Assn. AMA President Edward T. Reilly talks about how companies can implement coaching programs, either in-house or externally. Tue, 29 Jul 2008 12:34:11 -0400 12:25 American Management Association, Edward T. Reilly, employee coaching program http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_riley_072908.mp3 Ways a small company can cope Business Week http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_07_22_08.htm The economic downturn is hitting small businesses hard, but is there a silver lining? David Tropper is CEO of CODA Resources, a third-generation, family-owned Brooklyn (N.Y.) manufacturer, and he says there are ways small outfits can cope. Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:42:54 -0400 11:11 David Tropper, CODA Resources, manufacturing, bad economy http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_tropper_072208.mp3 Strategies to change the way you work BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_07_15_08.htm Americans are making big changes due to the fuel price runup. A new survey shows small business owners are changing how they work, with many cutting back on office space and working virtually, says Praful Shah, vice-president for strategy at RingCentral Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:32:31 -0400 12:06 phone system, working virtually http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_shah_071108.mp3 Making money and reducing energy use Business Week http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_07_08_08.htm Biologist Glenn Croston talks about the green business ideas he came up with while researching his new book, "75 Green Businesses You Can Start to Make Money and Make a Difference". Tue, 08 Jul 2008 15:46:13 -0400 15:12 green, sustainability, business idea http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_croston_070808.mp3 Learn and practice this essential quality BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_07_02_08.htm Small business consultant and author Greg Hartley talks about how small business owners can learn and practice charisma in his latest book, "Get People to Do What You Want." Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400 13:07 Greg Hartley, people skills, management, Get People to Do What You Want http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_hartley_070208.mp3 When to upgrade and which system to pick BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_06_25_08.htm Small business owners can be at a competitive disadvantage when they lag behind in technology. Shawn Welsh, vice-president of business development at Telular in Atlanta, gives entrepreneurs strategies for switching from analog to digital phone networks. Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400 12:57 technology, analog to digital, phone networks, modems, fax machines, point-of-sale retail devices, small business, entrepreneurs http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_welsh_062408.mp3 Rethinking the risks of a new business BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_06_18_08.htm Starting a business is risky, costly, and only for extraordinary individuals, yes? No, says University of Central Florida management professor Bruce Barringer, who discusses his new book. Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400 13:02 starting a business, starting your own business, management, risk http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_06_18_08.mp3 Make your brand's promise memorable BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_06_10_08.htm If a company's brand promise sets it apart, its tagline must convey this promise in a memorable way. Steve Cone, author of Powerlines: Words That Sell Brands, Grip Fans, and Sometimes Change History, tells how to create and capitalize on a great tagline. Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400 14:44 tagline, marketing, branding, Steve Cone http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_06_10_08.mp3 Tips on managing your personal brand BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_06_04_08.htm We all have personal "brands" -- whether we cultivate them intentionally or not. Dr. Jackie Freiberg provides tips on how entrepreneurs can be strategic about shaping and projecting their branding Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400 14:00 branding, entrepreneurs http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_06_04_08.mp3 Encouraging capital investments BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_05_28_08.htm Most Americans know about the $50 billion going out to individuals under the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008. Less publicized is $44.8 billion in tax incentives for companies. Maria Coyne of Cleveland's Key Bank talks about the package Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400 14:44 Economic Stimulus Act, tax incentives, tax rebates, capital investments, Maria Coyne, Key Bank http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_05_27_08.mp3 Making great hires--and avoiding bad ones BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_05_21_08.htm Most entrepreneurs aren't trained in HR and many have no hiring experience. Emotional intelligence is a concept that could help them learn how to hire great employees and avoid bad ones, says Jean Greaves, CEO of San Diego-based TalentSmart Wed, 21 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400 15:12 hiring, management, emotional intelligence, Jean Graves, TalentSmart, reprogramming, human brain, synapses, family interaction, physiology http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_05_21_08.mp3 Help make your response consistent BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_05_14_08.htm Small businesses can differentiate themselves from competitors by providing excellent, consistent responses to customers. Ashu Roy, CEO of software company eGain, gives tips for improving service by e-mail, Web chat, or phone Wed, 14 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400 13:26 technology, personal interaction, customer relationships, Peter Handal, Dale Carnegie Training http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_05_14_08.mp3 A balance between tech and human touch BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_05_07_08.htm Business is all about relationships, but relationships are transformed by technology. Peter Handal of Dale Carnegie advises on using technology without losing crucial personal interactions Wed, 07 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400 15:08 technology, personal interaction, customer relationships, Peter Handal, Dale Carnegie Training http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_05_07_08.mp3 Focus on what your company is best at BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_04_30_08.htm Entrepreneurs are great idea people. But some small companies pursue so many trends, products, and strategies that they lose focus on their core competency, says Andrew Graham, head of Kepner-Tregoe, a consulting and training services firm in Princeton, N.J. Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400 16:04 ideas, management, core competency, Kepner-Tregoe, business decisions http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_04_30_08.mp3 How to keep the best producers Ruth Haag http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_04_23_08.htm Top sales producers are always in high demand, and particularly so in times of economic uncertainty. Dan Kleinman, author of "All Star Sales Teams," talks about how entrepreneurs can accumulate "psychic equity" with sales staffers to gain their loyalty Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400 16:47 sales, selling, employee loyalty, employee retention, small business, entrepreneur, business, employment http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_04_23_08.mp3 Why entrepreneurs need people skills Ruth Haag http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_04_16_08.htm Few people start companies out of an eagerness to be supervisors. But entrepreneurs who can't manage employees are unlikely to be successful, says Ruth Haag, CEO of Haag Environmental in Sandusky, Ohio, and the author of books about small business management Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400 14:43 retirement, brain drain, planning, business, small business, entrepreneur http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_04_16_08.mp3 How to be sure your business is prepared Bill McKendree http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_04_09_08.htm In the next 5 to 10 years, 40% to 60% of the U.S. workforce is expected to retire. Small companies must anticipate the "brain drain", says Bill McKendree, founder of The Clarion Group Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400 15:13 retirement, brain drain, planning, business, small business, entrepreneur http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_04_09_08.mp3 Test business concepts first David Cochran http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_04_02_08.htm David Cochran, a vice-president at consulting firm QualPro, says hunches are often wrong: Business owners should test carefully before pursuing marketing, sales, or operations strategies Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400 16:19 QualPro, David Cochran, testing, planning http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_04_02_08.mp3 In an effort to rebuild Iraq's economy Phil Borden http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_03_26_08.htm Small-business development expert Phil Borden discusses his book, "Shaku Maku: On the Ground in Occupied Baghdad," which recounts his time advising Iraqi business owners in the Red Zone Wed, 26 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0400 16:36 Iraq, rebuilding efforts, economic development, Iraqi business owners, security, business, war http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_03_26_08.mp3 How small outfits can build lasting ties Karen Klein http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_03_19_08.htm Competency and integrity might get customers through your door, but to develop real loyalty, you'll have to do more. Jim Kane, senior fellow at management consultancy the Brookeside Group, explains how small firms can engender lifelong loyalty Wed, 19 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0400 17:17 customer loyalty, relationship management http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_03_19_08.mp3 Diagnosing anxiety in the workplace Jeffrey Miller http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_03_12_08.htm Jeffrey Miller, family therapist and management consultant, is an expert on "anxious organizations." He talks about how entrepreneurs can diagnose and remedy anxiety in the workplace Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0400 15:31 management, workplace anxiety, business, entreprenuer, media, employees, employer, video, audio http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_03_12_08.mp3 Advice from a corporate finance expert Anna Yen http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_03_04_08.htm Serial entrepreneur Anna Yen found herself facing a new world of marketing opportunities last year when she co-founded a new venture, PacketTrap Networks. She talks about how viral marketing and customer feedback have helped drive her success Tue, 04 Mar 2008 23:00:00 -0500 17:16 Anna Yen, viral marketing, PacketTrap Networks http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_03_05_08.mp3 Advice from a corporate finance expert John De Puy http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_02_26_08.htm Corporate finance specialist and author John De Puy says successful companies carve out a niche and dominate it, put in the right managers, and find creative ways to finance growth Tue, 26 Feb 2008 23:00:00 -0500 14:10 IPO, going public, finance, John De Puy, business, small business, entrepreneur http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_02_27_08.mp3 How to prevent employees from stealing Jay Myers http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_02_19_08.htm Jay Myers, CEO of Memphis-based Interactive Solutions, was still mourning the death of his brother when he got another shock: A key employee had stolen more than $250,000 from Myers' technology firm. Myers tells the story and gives prevention tips Tue, 19 Feb 2008 23:00:00 -0500 16:23 embezzlement, employee theft, business, small business, entrepreneur, theft http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_02_20_08.mp3 What to Watch for When Buying a Business Elaine Allen http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_02_12_08.htm Which industry should I buy into? How can I determine whether an existing business is a good purchase? What should I look for when hiring and managing employees? Rubin Ferziger, a New York City business attorney, answers all these questions and more Tue, 12 Feb 2008 23:00:00 -0500 15:13 business attorney, legal mistakes, Rubin Ferziger, entrepreneur, business, small business, law, litigation http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_02_13_08.mp3 How small companies can land contracts Elaine Allen http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_02_05_08.htm The U.S. government buys 20% of all services and products produced in the U.S., but less than 2% of U.S. businesses try to sell to it. Malcolm Parvey, co-author of "Winning Government Contracts," explains how small companies can start bidding on contracts Tue, 05 Feb 2008 23:00:00 -0500 15:13 Malcolm Parvey, Winning Government Contracts, federal, contracting, business, businessweek, small business, entrepreneur http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_02_06_08.mp3 The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Elaine Allen http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_01_29_08.htm Babson College professor Elaine Allen, the research director of the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, discusses the latest findings of this international study of nascent and startup business owners, and how governments help--or hinder--business formation Tue, 29 Jan 2008 23:00:00 -0500 15:06 Global, Entrepreneurship, Monitor, businessweek, entrepreneur, small business http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_01_30_08.mp3 Identifying the real problems in your business Paul Stappas http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_01_22_08.htm Entrepreneurs don't realize their real problems, vs. those they often bring to Gary Harpst, are lack of planning and follow-through. The "Six Disciplines for Excellence" author discusses his strategy for business success Tue, 22 Jan 2008 23:00:00 -0500 15:54 Gary Harpst, Six Disciplines, business, entrepreneur, small business, businessweek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_01_23_08.mp3 Getting records in shape for the coming year Paul Stappas http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_01_15_08.htm It's not unusual for small companies to find themselves in financial disarray. Paul Stappas, president of Bookkeeping Administration Management in New Jersey, urges entrepreneurs to get their records in shape for 2008 and gives tips for doing that Tue, 15 Jan 2008 23:00:00 -0500 15:51 Paul Stappas, bookkeeping, taxes, feds, IRS, business, management, money, investing, quickbooks http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_01_16_08.mp3 Startup pitfalls and how to avoid them Barry Thomsen http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_01_08_08.htm Barry Thomsen, a serial entrepreneur, recently wrote When the Shit Hits the Fan: How to Keep Your Small Business Afloat For More Than a Year. He details some of the common pitfalls of a company's inaugural year and provides tips on how to overcome them Tue, 08 Jan 2008 23:00:00 -0500 14:41 getting started, Barry Thomsen, business, small business, businessweek, entrepreneur, start-up, capital, finance http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_01_09_08.mp3 A new study's surprising findings Roger Sametz http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_01_01_08.htm Leaders of U.S. family-owned companies are more likely to want their businesses to go to family members when they retire than are their counterparts in other countries, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers. PwC's Alfred Peguero discusses the implications Tue, 01 Jan 2008 23:00:00 -0500 15:55 family-owned businesses, succession planning, global survey http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_01_02_08.mp3 For-profits can adapt winning strategies Roger Sametz http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_12_25_07.htm Roger Sametz, president of Sametz Blackstone Associates, believes small companies can learn from the way nonprofits connect and develop relationships with their clients and constituents Tue, 25 Dec 2007 23:00:00 -0500 15:46 best practices, nonprofit, for-profit http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_12_26_07.mp3 Tips for professional relationships Ty Freyvogel http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_12_18_07.htm It's often said that small business is "all about relationships." So just how do entrepreneurs forge positive relationships with customers, vendors, and employees? Ty Freyvogel, business consultant, author, and angel investor, has some tips Tue, 18 Dec 2007 23:00:00 -0500 15:02 relationship building, Ty Freyvogel, business, small business, entrepreneur http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_12_19_07.mp3 Learn the realities and repercussions Jonathan Segal http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_12_11_07.htm The Presidential primaries are just around the corner, and there will be a high level of interest in politics in 2008. This will have implications for businesses. Jonathan Segal of the Wolf Block law firm in New York talks about politics in the workplace Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:00:00 -0500 16:26 politics, workplace policy, human resource, corporate, communications, personality http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_12_12_07.mp3 Pave your own way to better decisions Jim Nightingale http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_12_04_07.htm Decision errors, according to "Think Smart--Act Smart," a new book by Jim Nightingale, are often the result of succumbing to irrational optimism and crowd-following behavior Tue, 04 Dec 2007 23:00:00 -0500 15:04 politics, workplace policy, human resource, corporate, communications, personality http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_12_05_07.mp3 Specific ways to prepare for a downturn Brad Sugars http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_11_27_07.htm How can small businesses not only survive, but thrive, in a slowing economy? Brad Sugars, chairman and CEO of business coaching firm ActionCOACH, gives specific ways to prepare for 2008 Tue, 27 Nov 2007 23:00:00 -0500 15:43 Brad Sugars, ActionCOACH, economic downturn http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_11_28_07.mp3 Consider this option for succession Ricky Rahaman http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_11_20_07.htm Ricky Rahaman, a tax partner at regional accounting firm Mahoney Cohen, introduces an option for succession planning. The ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan), with advantages for the departing owner and employee and cashes in on generous tax subsidies. Tue, 20 Nov 2007 23:00:00 -0500 11:31 succession plan, Employee Stock Ownership Plan, ESOP http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_11_20_07.mp3 How to sell on credit and stay solvent Betty Nelson http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_11_13_07.htm When small companies act like banks for chronic late-paying customers, they risk cash flow shortages, even bankruptcy. Paul Rauseo of Chicago consulting firm George S. May International, gives tips and resources for selling on credit and staying solvent Tue, 13 Nov 2007 23:00:00 -0500 14:28 late-paying customers, business, entrepreneur, businessweek, small business http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_11_14_07.mp3 How to locate tax credits, discounts, and cash Betty Nelson http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_11_06_07.htm Companies thinking about expanding should talk to their local economic development office, says CBIZ Accounting Tax & Advisory Services' Betty Nelson. Governments offer tax credits, discounts, and even cash. Businesses just have to know who to ask Tue, 06 Nov 2007 23:00:00 -0500 14:50 government incentives, business, small business, entrepreneur, businessweek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_11_07_07.mp3 How to tell if your company will benefit Thomas Harpointner http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_10_31_07.htm How do retailers get the best return on investment? CEO Thomas Harpointner of AIS Media offers criteria to determine whether online marketing and advertising will work for your company Wed, 31 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0400 16:39 AIS Media, Thomas Harpointner, smart answers, business, businessweek, small business, entrepreneur http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_10_31_07.mp3 When to bring in a professional manager Mark Allenbaugh http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_10_24_07.htm Sometimes a company needs to bring in a professional. Revenues doubled at iPost, an e-mail marketing firm, when the three founders asked Russell McDonald to become CEO in June, 2006. McDonald talks about how and why firms bring in outside management Wed, 24 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0400 13:52 iPost, professional manager, Russell McDonald, business, Chief, Executive, BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_10_24_07.mp3 Learning from manufacturing flaws Mark Allenbaugh http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_10_17_07.htm When Mark Allenbaugh took over his father's manufacturing firm, Home Depot placed a big order. The first $50,000 shipment from China was unusable. Allenbaugh has since become an expert on import product safety Wed, 17 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0400 14:09 Mark Allenbaugh, China, import safety, small business, businessweek, manufacturing, recall, sourcing, innovation http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_10_17_07.mp3 What you should (and shouldn't) ask Tom Gimbel http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_10_10_07.htm Recruiting and retaining top personnel is of the utmost importance, but many entrepreneurs neglect their interviewing skills. BW Columnist Karen Klein gets tips from Tom Gimbel, CEO of the LaSalle Network, on what you should--and shouldn't ask interviewees Wed, 10 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0400 14:16 The LaSalle Network, Tim Gimbel, hiring, recruiting http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_10_10_07.mp3 Common myths and tips for small companies Jerry Ripperger http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_10_03_07.htm Jerry Ripperger, national practice leader for consumer health at the Principal Financial Group, discusses how small employers can establish their own wellness programs Wed, 03 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0400 12:55 Karen Klein, Smart Answers, wellness program, health insurance http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_10_03_07.mp3 What it takes to succeed as a franchisor and a franchisee Dr. Robert Justis http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_09_26_07.htm Dr. Robert Justis, director of the International Franchise Forum at Louisiana State University, provides information and answers aimed at helping both franchisors and franchisees succeed Wed, 26 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0400 19:28 Smart Answers, Karen E. Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, small company, small-business owner, Robert Justis, franchising http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_09_26_07.mp3 A serial entrepreneur on what it takes to launch a winning business Lane Nemeth http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_09_19_07.htm Lane Nemeth, CEO and founder of Petlane, talks about what it takes to start a successful business, and what keeps serial entrepreneurs coming back for more Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0400 15:32 Smart Answers, Karen E. Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, small company, small-business owner, Lane Nemeth, Petlane, Discovery Toys http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_09_19_07.mp3 To Lure Young Talent, Offer Volunteer Opportunities Tony J. Buzzelli http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_09_12_07.htm A recent survey showed that Gen Y individuals want to contribute to nonprofit organizations. That means entrepreneurs looking to recruit young talent should offer volunteer opportunities through the workplace Wed, 12 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0400 12:29 Smart Answers, Karen E. Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, small company, small-business owner, Gen Y, recruiting, hiring, volunteering http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_09_12_07.mp3 The way employers are expected to verify workers' employment eligibility is changing Karen Maarouf http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_09_05_07.htm Business owners need to be aware of the new regulations regarding employment eligibility verification to ensure they don't face penalties or even jail time. BW Smart Answers Columnist Karen E. Klein talks to management consultant Karen Maarouf of Workforce Logic Wed, 05 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0400 14:55 Smart Answers, Karen E. Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, small company, small-business owner, federal immigration reform, employment verification, WorkforceLogic, Karen Maarouf http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_09_05_07.mp3 There are affordable, practical ways for entrepreneurs to take advantage of renewable energy Alex Perera http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_08_29_07.htm Alex Perera, director of the Green Power Market Development Group, talks to BW Smart Answers Columnist Karen E. Klein about practical ways that small business owners can take advantage of on-site wind- and solar-power generation Wed, 29 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0400 15:16 Smart Answers, Karen E. Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, small company, small-business owner, Alex Perera, renewable energy, Green Power Market Development Group, World Resources Institute http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_08_29_07.mp3 A Web Site Offers Entrepreneurs a New Way to Meet Business Partners Steve Nielsen http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_08_22_07.htm Steve Nielsen, president and CEO of PartnerUp, Inc., a kind of Match.com for the small business crowd, talks about what to look for in a business partner, how to vet a potential partner you meet online, and whether long-distance partnerships can work Wed, 22 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0400 15:44 Smart Answers, Karen E. Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, small company, small-business owner, Steve Nielsen, PartnerUp, business partner, online http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_08_22_07.mp3 Manny Avramidis of American Management Association Manny Avramidis http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_08_15_07.htm Manny Avramidis, senior vice-president of global human resources for the American Management Association, offers tips for improving employee retention and correcting mistakes that can lead to costly high turnover rates Wed, 15 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0400 12:56 Smart Answers, Karen E. Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, small company, small-business owner, turnover, management, Manny Avramidis, American Management Association http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_08_15_07.mp3 A business owner who has grown his company to 18 employees shares his advice for entrepreneurs George Lim http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_08_08_07.htm George S. Lim, owner of Solar Technologies, a business-to-business supplier of flatscreen LCD panels that has grown to 18 employees since 1997, shares tips and advice for startup entrepreneurs who want to grow their companies Wed, 08 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0400 15:08 Smart Answers, Karen E. Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, small company, small-business owner, George S. Lim, advice, tips, growth strategies, Solar Technologies http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_08_08_07.mp3 How to Handle Chronically Absent Employees and Promote Productivity Zachary Meyer http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_08_01_07.htm Smart Answers Columnist Karen E. Klein get tips from Zachary Meyer for entrepreneurs who need help handling chronically absent employees Wed, 01 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0400 12:36 Smart Answers, Karen E. Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, small company, small-business owner, Zachary Meyer, employee absenteeism, workplace productivity http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_08_01_07.mp3 The Smart Way to Prepare for an Emergency Jon Toigo http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_07_25_07.htm Jon Toigo, a business disaster recovery expert, tells Smart Answers Columnist Karen E. Klein how easy and inexpensive it is for small-business owners to prepare for an emergency Wed, 25 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0400 13:43 Smart Answers, Karen E. Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, small company, small-business owner, Don Mardak, International Monetary Systems, bartering http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_07_25_07.mp3 How cash-strapped entrepreneurs can use alternatives to cash Don Mardak http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_07_18_07.htm Don Mardak, CEO of International Monetary Systems, explains how bartering online, using "trade dollars" rather than cash, could be a viable option -- particularly for startup entrepreneurs Wed, 18 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0400 16:06 Smart Answers, Karen E. Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, small company, small-business owner, Don Mardak, International Monetary Systems, bartering http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_07_18_07.mp3 A Complex Job Gets Easier for Entrepreneurs Karen White http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_07_11_07.htm With many software and outsourcing solutions to choose from, entrepreneurs can manage payroll painlessly themselves or turn the job over to the experts Wed, 11 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0400 15:25 Smart Answers, Karen E. Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, small company, small-business owner, Karen White, PayCycle, payroll, outsourcing http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_07_11_07.mp3 New Challenges Hiring and Managing Home Workers Tim Houlne http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_07_04_07.htm Tim Houlne, CEO of Working Solutions, speaks about the mindset needed to recruit and manage employees working from their homes, as well as the tax implications of such hires Wed, 04 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0400 13:05 Smart Answers, Karen E. Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, small company, small-business owner, Tim Houlne, Working Solutions, tax implications http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_07_04_07.mp3 A Behavioral Assessment Tool Helped Get Staffers Working Together More Effectively, Driving Sales Up Lisa Daigle http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_06_27_07.htm A behavioral assessment tool changed Lisa Daigle's leadership style and got her team members working together more effectively. Today, sales are up a Daigle's business, DataSys Corp. Wed, 27 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0400 14:52 Smart Answers, Karen E. Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, small-business owner, Lisa Daigle, DataSys Corporation in Marlborough, Mass., Predictive Index, behavioral assessment tool, leadership http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_06_27_07.mp3 Seth Godin Offers Advice Aimed at Entrepreneurs Seth Godin http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_06_20_07.htm BW.com Columnist Karen Klein talks to author Seth Godin, whose book "The Dip" gives advice to entrepreneurs about when they should lean into a business dip and when they should jettison a failed tactic Wed, 20 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0400 12:26 Smart Answers, Karen E. Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, small-business owner, Seth Godin, quitting, starting over, The Dip http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_06_20_07.mp3 Fewer than 1 in 10,000 Startups Gets Funded by VCs Dr. Bill Bygrave http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_06_13_07.htm Fewer than 1 in 10,000 startup companies gets funded by VC firms, according to a report on small business finance by Dr. Bill Bygrave, professor at Babson College. Bygrave discusses results of the 2006 GEM Finance Report with Smart Answers' Karen E. Klein Wed, 13 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0400 15:45 Smart Answers, Karen E. Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, small-business owner, financing, finance, GEM Finance Report, Dr. Bill Bygrave, seed funding for startups, venture capital http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_06_13_07.mp3 Employment attorney Heather Brock explains employer obligations Heather Brock http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_06_06_07.htm Employment attorney Heather Brock, of the Florida law firm Fowler White Boggs Banker, talks about the obligations that employers have to employees serving in the military, as well as what accountability employees owe their employers Wed, 06 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0400 18:27 Smart Answers, Karen E. Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, small-business owner, Heather Brock, Fowler White Boggs Banker, military, employment law, Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, USERRA http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_06_06_07.mp3 How entrepreneurs can use the video-sharing site Michael Miller http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_05_30_07.htm How YouTube can play an integral part in a small company's viral marketing campaign Wed, 30 May 2007 00:00:00 -0400 15:40 Smart Answers, Karen E. Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, small-business owner, YouTube, Michael Miller, viral marketing campaign http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_05_30_07.mp3 How Business Owners Can Wipe Out Theft by Establishing a Culture of Honesty Jerald Greenberg http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_05_23_07.htm Singapore business professor Jerald Greenberg discusses employee theft and how small business owners can wipe it out by establishing a culture of honesty - from the top down Wed, 23 May 2007 00:00:00 -0400 13:15 Smart Answers, Karen E. Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, small-business owner, theft, stealing, employees, management, business failures, Jerald Greenberg http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_05_23_07.mp3 Steps for Boosting Cash Flow, Determining Your Company's Worth, and Identifying the Best Successor for Your Firm John H. Brown http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_05_16_07.htm Attorney and author John H. Brown, president of Business Enterprise Institute talks to Smart Answers' Karen E. Klein about why demographics are conspiring against Baby Boomer business owners and how to begin the exit strategy process Wed, 16 May 2007 00:00:00 -0400 16:04 Smart Answers, Karen E. Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, small-business owner, John H. Brown, president of Business Enterprise Institute, retirement, exit strategy http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_05_16_07.mp3 Leading the Consumer Race to Outer Space Eric Anderson http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_05_09_07.htm Space Adventures is leading the consumer race to outer space. The company's CEO, Eric Anderson, talks about how his vision and persistence are opening a new frontier Wed, 09 May 2007 00:00:00 -0400 12:59 Smart Answers, Karen E. Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, small-business owner, Space Adventures, Eric Anderson, space travel http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_05_09_07.mp3 Another Way to Finance Your Business Dan Mica http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_05_02_07.htm BW.com columnist Karen E. Klein talks to Credit Union National Association's Dan Mica about how credit union loans differ from bank loans and gives advice on how small business owners and would-be entrepreneurs can tap into this growing source of financing Wed, 02 May 2007 00:00:00 -0400 14:02 Smart Answers, Karen E. Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, small-business owner, Credit Union National Association, Dan Mica, credit union loan http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_05_02_07.mp3 How the courts are handling the issues Marko Mrkonich http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_04_25_07.htm With worldwide migration bringing adherents of global faiths to the U.S., and a rise in the domestic profile of individual spirituality, the issue of religion in the workplace has virtually exploded over the past couple of decades. How can entrepreneurs deal with employees' religious motivations if they conflict with the company's goals? Can an entrepreneur legally turn her business into a "faith-based" firm? Marko Mrkonich, a labor and employment attorney with the Minneapolis-based law firm Littler Mendelson, talks about how the courts are grappling with these and related issues Wed, 25 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0400 17:24 Smart Answers, Karen E. Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, small-business owner, Marko Mrkonich, religion, faith-based, Minneapolis-based law firm Littler Mendelson http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_04_25_07.mp3 How to Keep Regular Customers Coming Back Lori Saitz http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_04_18_07.htm Lori Saitz, founder of Zen Rabbit Baking, talks about how small companies can institute an effective and inexpensive client appreciation program that meshes with their existing marketing plan Wed, 18 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0400 13:23 Smart Answers, Karen E. Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, small-business owner, Lori Saitz, Zen Rabbit Baking Co. in West Palm Beach, Fla, client appreciation program http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_04_18_07.mp3 How to Stay In Front of Target Customers on the Web Josh Stylman http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_04_11_07.htm Josh Stylman of Reprise Media discusses why entrepreneurs must become familiar with search engine marketing and advertising in order to stay in front of their target customers Wed, 11 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0400 14:22 Smart Answers, Karen E. Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, small-business owner, Josh Stylman, Reprise Media, search engine marketing and advertising http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_04_11_07.mp3 Why so many seniors continue to work, and how entrepreneurs can support them Milan Yager http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_04_04_07.htm Almost a fifth of the small business owners who responded to a recent survey said their older workers are staying on the job past the usual retirement age of 65. This "graying of the work force" is not necessarily bad news: Seasoned employees lend experience and maturity to any enterprise. However, older workers can present unique challenges for small businesses, including requests for flexible work hours and job-sharing. Milan Yager, executive vice president of the National Association of Professional Employer Organizations - a national trade group for professional employer organizations - talks about why so many seniors continue to work and how entrepreneurs can support them Wed, 04 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0400 12:34 Smart Answers, Karen E. Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, small-business owner, Milan Yager, National Association of Professional Employer Organizations, seniors http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_04_04_07.mp3 How entrepreneurs can best handle problematic employees Joanne G. Sujansky http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_03_28_07.htm Joanne G. Sujansky, founder and CEO of KEYGroup, talks to Smart Answers columnist Karen E. Klein about how entrepreneurs can best deal with 'bad apple' employees Wed, 28 Mar 2007 23:00:00 -0400 15:19 Smart Answers, Karen E. Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, small-business owner, Joanne G. Sujansky, KEYGroup, HR, problem employees, bad apples http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_03_28_07.mp3 What can entrepreneurs do to break into international marketplaces? Susanne Evans http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_03_14_07.htm Advancing technology and the "global village" business atmosphere are opening up international marketplaces to U.S.-based entrepreneurs. But how difficult is it for small companies to start selling overseas? What do entrepreneurs need to do, where can they find information, and what can give them an edge over domestic and international competitors? Susanne Evens, president of AAA Translation Services, answers these questions and more Wed, 14 Mar 2007 23:00:00 -0400 13:22 Smart Answers, Karen E. Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, small-business owner, small retailer, Susanne Evens, AAA Translation Services, global marketplace, selling overseas http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_03_14_07.mp3 What to know before filing your return Keith Hall http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_03_07_07.htm The national tax adviser for the National Association for the Self-Employed answers the top half-dozen questions that entrepreneurs ask about preparing and filing their tax returns Wed, 07 Mar 2007 23:00:00 -0500 15:01 Smart Answers, Karen E. Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, small-business owner, small retailer, Keith Hall, taxes, filing taxes, preparing taxes, National Association for the Self Employed http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_03_07_07.mp3 How to kill clutter by setting up simple systems at work John Trosko http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_02_27_07.htm How entrepreneurs can kill the clutter, make more money, and reduce their stress by letting go of perfectionism and setting up simple, intuitive information systems Tue, 27 Feb 2007 23:00:00 -0500 13:49 Smart Answers, Karen E. Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, small-business owner, small retailer, John Trosko, Organizing LA http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_02_28_07.mp3 Facilitate your own corporate retreat now or anytime Tom Petro http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_02_20_07.htm Tom Petro, president and CEO of Fox Chase Bank in Hatboro, Pa., outlines a five-step process that can help you facilitate your own corporate retreat now or anytime Tue, 20 Feb 2007 23:00:00 -0500 13:58 Smart Answers, Karen E. Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, small-business owner, small retailer, Tom Petro, corporate retreat, goals http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_02_21_07.mp3 The Ultimate Challenge for a Family Business: Balancing Tradition with Innovation Don Schwerzler http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_02_15_07.htm The ultimate challenge for a family business is to balance tradition with innovation. BW.com Smart Answers columnist Karen E. Klein talk to Don Schwerzler, founder of the Family Business Institute, who offers smart strategies Thu, 15 Feb 2007 23:00:00 -0500 11:30 Smart Answers, Karen E. Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, small-business owner, Don Schwerzler, Atlanta-based Family Business Institute, innovation, family business http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_03_16_07.mp3 Fraud Protection for Entrepreneurs Ken Springer http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_02_13_07.htm Former FBI agent Ken Springer, president of New York-based Corporate Resolutions, explains how to spot a fraud and tells entrepreneurs how to protect and educate themselves against it Tue, 13 Feb 2007 23:00:00 -0500 14:51 Smart Answers, Karen E. Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, small-business owner, small retailer, fraud, Corporate Resolutions, Ken Springer http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_02_14_07.mp3 Effective Branding and Repositioning Roger Sametz http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_02_06_07.htm Smart Answers columnist Karen E. Klein talks to Roger Sametz of Sametz Blackstone Associates, a Boston-based strategic communications firm, about how small companies can brand and reposition themselves effectively Tue, 06 Feb 2007 23:00:00 -0500 12:58 Smart Answers, Karen E Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, small-business owner, retailer, Roger Sametz, Blackstone Associates, branding, repositioning http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_02_07_07.mp3 How Small Retailers Can Succeed with a New Demographic Hector Orci http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_01_30_07.htm As demographics in their locations shift, small business owners must constantly stay in touch with their customers. Hector Orci of the multicultural marketing firm La Agencia de Orci weighs in with practical advice and encouragement Tue, 30 Jan 2007 23:00:00 -0500 13:49 Smart Answers, Karen E Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, small-business owner, small retailer, Hector Orci, La Agencia de Orci, multicultural marketing http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_01_31_07.mp3 How to evaluate the costs of doing business in a particular location Bob Potter http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_01_23_07.htm Smart Answers columnist Karen E. Klein talks to business relocation consultant Bob Potter and gets advice for both existing companies and startups about how to evaluate the costs of doing business in a particular location Tue, 23 Jan 2007 23:00:00 -0500 11:57 Smart Answers, Karen E Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, small-business owner, moving, relocating, Bob Potter, relocation consultant http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_01_24_07.mp3 Are Your Ready for Your Second Act? Jeff Williams http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_01_16_07.htm Just before his 40th birthday, Jeff Williams left the financial security of a full-time job to start the Go Smart Business Start-Up Center in Chicago. Over the years, Williams has coached and trained thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs and refugees from Corporate America like himself. A decade ago, he founded Bizstarters, which specializes in helping people age 50 and older start their own businesses. In this interview, he offers advice for would-be entrepreneurs who are currently working for someone else Tue, 16 Jan 2007 23:00:00 -0500 13:22 Smart Answers, Karen E Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, small-business owner, Bizstarters, Jeff Williams, second act, Go Smart Business Start-Up Center http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_01_17_07.mp3 A Survey Shows Small-Business Owners What Their Counterparts Are Up to Overseas Bruno Perreault http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_01_09_07.htm With globalization an increasing reality even for micro-businesses, it behooves all entrepreneurs to learn about their overseas counterparts. MasterCard's Bruno Perreault discusses the findings of his company's latest worldwide small-business survey Tue, 09 Jan 2007 23:00:00 -0500 11:06 Smart Answers, Karen E. Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, StartupBuilder.com, small-business owner http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_01_10_07.mp3 How can you know if you've got the stuff it takes? David Zahn http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_12_26_06.htm How can you know whether you truly have the stuff it takes to be your own boss? David Zahn -- author, serial entrepreneur, and president of StartupBuilder.com -- has identified various personal characteristics successful entrepreneurs share Tue, 26 Dec 2006 23:00:00 -0500 11:06 Smart Answers, Karen E. Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, StartupBuilder.com, small-business owner http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_12_27_06.mp3 Not Taking Time off Can Hurt an Entrepreneur's Business Dr. Mark Rosekind http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_12_19_06.htm Not taking time off can hurt an entrepreneur's business. Dr. Mark Rosekind, founder of Alertness Solutionsm talks about the urprising results of tests performed on vacationers Tue, 19 Dec 2006 23:00:00 -0500 14:23 Smart Answers, Karen E Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, Dr Mark Rosekind, Alertness Solutions, vacations http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_12_20_06.mp3 How CEOs of Small Firms Can Get Started Alfred Peguero http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_12_12_06.htm A PricewaterhouseCoopers' survey asked 301 CEOs of the nation's fastest-growing firms about priorities. Only 20% put succession planning among their most important challenges. Alfred Peguero, a partner in PwC's Private Company Services group, explains why it's key, and how CEOs can get started Tue, 12 Dec 2006 23:00:00 -0500 13:09 Smart Answers, Karen E Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, succession planning, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Private Company Services Group, Alfred Peguero http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_12_13_06.mp3 Boss Talk Without the Warm Fuzzies Bruce Feldman http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_12_05_06.htm Publisher Bruce Feldman discusses his book, Harry Says: Boss Talk Without the Warm Fuzzies. It features the wisdom of Feldman's deceased CEO friend -- identified only as "Harry" -- who left him a notebook full of ideas and insights Tue, 05 Dec 2006 23:00:00 -0500 13:24 Smart Answers, Karen E Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, Harry Says, Boss Talk Without the Warm Fuzzies, Bruce Feldman, being a boss, leadership http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_12_06_06.mp3 Fundamentals of Business Performance Andre Gien http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_11_28_06.htm A small-business owner can get so focused on running the day-to-day aspects of her firm that she loses sight of what is driving her company's performance. Sometimes, that insight returns too late, and the company has to close its doors. To avoid that kind of nasty shock, entrepreneurs need to keep track of 10 fundamentals of business performance, says Andre Gien, director of strategic consulting for CBIZ Accounting, Tax & Advisory Services, based in Bethesda, Md. Tue, 28 Nov 2006 23:00:00 -0500 14:54 Smart Answers, Karen E Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, CBIZ Accounting Tax Advisory Services, Andre Gien, business performance http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_11_29_06.mp3 Putting a stop to customer-service faux pas Kevin Billingsley http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_11_21_06.htm Kevin Billingsley hopes to help small-business owners identify and put a stop to customer-service faux pas. Billingsley, owner of an Indianapolis-based mystery shopping firm and author of a new book titled "Turn Your Customers On: 23 Ways to Motivate Employees and Make Customers Love You," speaks with Smart Answers columnist Karen E. Klein about customer-service dos and dont's Tue, 21 Nov 2006 23:00:00 -0500 12:58 Smart Answers, Karen E Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, customer service, motivation, Perception Strategies http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_11_22_06.mp3 What is the best way to fire someone? Ruth Haag http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_11_14_06.htm The prospect of letting an employee go raises serious questions: What are the legal considerations? How do you prevent a wrongful termination claim? Is there a way to reassure remaining employees? Ruth Haag, author of Hiring and Firing, offers advice Tue, 14 Nov 2006 23:00:00 -0500 13:38 Smart Answers, Karen E Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, hiring, firing, HR, termination, legal considerations http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_11_15_06.mp3 Women "bootstrapping" their way to success Candida Brush http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_11_07_06.htm Women "bootstrap" their way to success in the tech sector, using cost-cutting techniques like bartering and vendor financing, according to new research Tue, 07 Nov 2006 23:00:00 -0500 15:37 Smart Answers, Karen E Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, women, research, Babson College, cost-cutting techniques, equity investors http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_11_08_06.mp3 What Motivates Young Entrepreneurs Jade Bourelle http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_10_29_06.htm Smart Answers columnist Karen E. Klein talks to guest Jade Bourelle, CEO of Talent Technology, about mentoring young people, what motivates them to entrepreneurship, and the common challenges they face Sun, 29 Oct 2006 23:00:00 -0500 11:28 Smart Answers, Karen E Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, Jade Bourelle, Entrepreneurs Organization, mentoring young people http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_10_31_06.mp3 Backing Up Your Data Al Dripchak http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_10_25_06.htm Small-business owners should be aware of the best practices for data backup to prevent loss of critical information and records Wed, 25 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0400 11:36 Smart Answers, Karen E Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, Al Dripchak, Maxell, data backup http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_10_24_06.mp3 Recognize (and Fix) Bookkeeping Mistakes George Malina http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_10_18_06.htm A large percentage of startups fail within the first five years of operation. Others hang on but struggle to grow past the microenterprise stage. One key remedy: better bookkeeping, says George Malina, of consulting firm Sikich Wed, 18 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0400 13:56 Smart Answers, Karen E Klein, startup, entrepreneur, small business, bookkeeping, George Malina http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_10_18_06.mp3 Trickle Up Bill Abrams http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_10_11_06.htm For 27 years, a nonprofit agency called "Trickle Up" has been fighting poverty with small business. The group's mandate is to train and fund the world's smallest companies. It provides education and seed money for more than 10,000 businesses annually and finds that 80% of its grantees are still in business a year later. Working through grassroots agencies, Trickle Up gives grants of $100 to each entrepreneur whose business plan it selects. The money buys things like hair-cutting tools, seeds, and sewing machines. Although the majority of the group's entrepreneurial projects take place in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, Trickle Up also gives grants of $700 to U.S. microbusinesses. Smart Answers columnist Karen E. Klein talks to Trickle Up president Bill Abrams about alleviating poverty through entrepreneurship Wed, 11 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0400 17:26 Smart Answers, Karen E Klein, investment, startup, entrepreneur, Bill Abrams, Trickle Up, microbusiness, seed money http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_10_11_06.mp3 Entrepreneurs and Growth Equity Harrison Miller http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_10_04_06.htm Most entrepreneurs are familiar with venture capital, which is typically sought during a firm's early years, and venture capital, which is often used to take a company public or facilitate a leveraged buyout. But many are not aware of a form of private investment called "growth equity"--a capital infusion that straddles private equity and venture capital and often involves minority investments. Smart Answers columnist Karen E. Klein talks to someone whose firm specializes in growth equity: Harrison Miller, general partner with Summit Partners, a private equity and venture capital firm with offices in Palo Alto, Boston and London Wed, 04 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0400 11:54 Smart Answers, Karen E. Klein, venture capital, leveraged buyout, Harrison Miller, Summit Partners, private equity http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_10_04_06.mp3 A new survey shows that women business owners form a powerful coalition of voters. Barbara Kasoff http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_09_27_06.htm A new survey shows women business owners form a powerful coalition of involved voters. Smart Answers columnist Karen E. Klein talks to Barbara Kasoff, president of Women Impacting Public Policy, about the key issues for the nation's female entrepreneurs Wed, 27 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0400 13:32 women, business owners, vote, voting, soccer moms, mid-term elections, Women Impacting Public Policy, Barbara Kasoff, Smart Answers, Karen E. Klein, female entrepreneurs http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_09_27_06.mp3 Promise and Pitfalls for Black Entrepreneurs Barbara Thomas http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_09_20_06.htm Barbara Thomas, president and CEO of the National Black MBA Assn., sees both promise and pitfalls for entrepreneurs in the black community. While black entrepreneurship is growing rapidly, black-owned businesses too often suffer from lack of access to capital and mentors. In addition, Hurricane Katrina's effects on African-American-owned firms in Mississippi and Louisiana have been devastating and won't be easily remedied. In this Smart Answers podcast, columnist Karen E. Klein talks to Thomas about the challenges ahead for black entrepreneurs Wed, 20 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0400 11:46 Barbara Thomas, African-American, black entrepreneurs, National Black MBA Association, capital, mentors, Hurricane Katrina http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_09_20_06.mp3 How Do You Sell More? Mike Schultz http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/smart_answers/smart_answers_09_13_06.htm For Mike Schultz, principal of the Boston-based Wellesley Hills Group, which helps services companies increase revenues, prices, and profits, selling is one of the toughest skills for anyone making the switch from working for a company to running their own company. In this inaugural Smart Answers podcast, columnist Karen E. Klein asks Schultz what he learned from his recent survey of 11 renowned sales and marketing experts that could help small-business owners become better sellers Wed, 13 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0400 22:56 selling, sales, entrepreneur, small business, revenues, profits http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/smart_answers/smartanswers_09_13_06.mp3