BusinessWeek -- Smart Answers

BusinessWeek podcasts

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.

Official Website

Report a Concern

Episodes

Self-Promotion for Introverts
12/14/2009
Download

Duration: 8:52

Not everyone is naturally good at sales and self-promotion. Nancy Ancowitz, author of "Self-Promotion for Introverts," talks about how introverts can rely on strengths such as writing, listening, and research to sell themselves and their businesses
How to Secure Government Contracts
12/7/2009
Download

Duration: 9:05

John C. Lauderdale III helped win more than $10 billion in government contracts for big and small companies. Here, the author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting Government Contracts offers advice on selling to the federal government
Starting a Food Company
11/30/2009
Download

Duration: 10:13

Setting up a food company is more difficult-and more expensive-than you might think. Rachel Kruse, founder of Organicville Foods, lets us in on how she launched her signature salad dressings nationwide and how she did years of research beforehand.
Make the Most of Trends
11/24/2009
Download

Duration: 11:13

Startup CEOs are well informed about their markets, but as their businesses grow they may lose touch with larger trends and opportunities, says Seena Sharp, principal of Sharp Market Intelligence. She offers advice to help them stay on top of their games
Make Your Business Stand Out
11/16/2009
Download

Duration: 14:17

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.
Managing Workers in Family-Owned Firms
11/9/2009
Download

Duration: 9:50

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
Before You Automate Business Tasks
11/2/2009
Download

Duration: 9:53

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
Improve Your Marketing Messages
10/26/2009
Download

Duration: 9:24

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
A Better Way to Make Decisions
10/19/2009
Download

Duration: 10:42

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
Startup Advice from a Bookseller
10/12/2009
Download

Duration: 10:01

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
Establish a Web Presence
10/5/2009
Download

Duration: 9:07

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
Grow Your Business
9/28/2009
Download

Duration: 10:18

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
Business Help for Free
9/21/2009
Download

Duration: 10:49

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.
How to Defeat Big-Box Competitors
9/14/2009
Download

Duration: 11:11

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
Use the Downturn to Beat the Competition
9/8/2009
Download

Duration: 11:55

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
Tips for Freelancers
8/31/2009
Download

Duration: 11:20

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
Buying and Selling a Business
8/24/2009
Download

Duration: 9:29

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
Women Biz Owners and Health-Care
8/17/2009
Download

Duration: 10:14

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.
How to Run a Home-Based Business
8/10/2009
Download

Duration: 11:43

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.
To Increase Profits, Get Organized
8/3/2009
Download

Duration: 8:56

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.
Partner with a Large Corporation
7/27/2009
Download

Duration: 11:33

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.
Leadership Lessons from Top CEOs
7/16/2009
Download

Duration: 10:20

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
Why a Sense of Ownership Matters
7/13/2009
Download

Duration: 8:33

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.
Deal with Failure Productively
7/6/2009
Download

Duration: 10:12

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
Use Social Media to Develop Business
6/29/2009
Download

Duration: 8:11

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
Avoid Losing Business
6/22/2009
Download

Duration: 14:15

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
Rethink Your Approach to Management
6/15/2009
Download

Duration: 15:11

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.
What Most Retailers Get Wrong
6/8/2009
Download

Duration: 14:34

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
Business Etiquette
6/1/2009
Download

Duration: 13:28

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.
How to Set Up a Financing Program
5/26/2009
Download

Duration: 13:06

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
Business Lessons From Nonprofits
5/18/2009
Download

Duration: 14:00

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
A 1970s Co-op Makes Tasty Profits
5/11/2009
Download

Duration: 14:42

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.
Resume Overload
5/4/2009
Download

Duration: 11:33

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
The Construction Industry's Downturn
4/27/2009
Download

Duration: 13:11

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.
How to Improve Your Web Site
4/20/2009
Download

Duration: 11:41

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
How to Evaluate a Bank
4/13/2009
Download

Duration: 13:48

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.
Shadow Your Own Clients
4/6/2009
Download

Duration: 15:22

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.
Advice for Family Business Owners
3/30/2009
Download

Duration: 19:19

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.
Up Your Chances of Landing a Loan
3/23/2009
Download

Duration: 16:55

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.
Appealing to Bargain Hunters
3/16/2009
Download

Duration: 13:15

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.
Hiring and Using Freelancers Online
3/10/2009
Download

Duration: 15:38

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.
Why Inventory Management Matters
3/2/2009
Download

Duration: 17:12

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
Selling in a Recession
2/24/2009
Download

Duration: 16:34

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.
Bootstrapping a Startup
2/17/2009
Download

Duration: 13:34

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.
Profits in a Deflationary Climate
2/10/2009
Download

Duration: 12:28

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.
Contingency Plans for the Recession
2/5/2009
Download

Duration: 12:18

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.
Bringing Your Invention to Market
1/27/2009
Download

Duration: 15:34

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.
Starting a Home-Based Business
1/20/2009
Download

Duration: 15:51

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.
Word-of-Mouth Marketing
1/13/2009
Download

Duration: 13:57

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
Eight Mistakes That Doom Startups
1/6/2009
Download

Duration: 13:10

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.
Before You Start a Business
12/29/2008
Download

Duration: 12:59

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?
Hiring in a Downturn
12/23/2008
Download

Duration: 16:31

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.
Cost-Cutting Strategies
12/16/2008
Download

Duration: 14:07

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.
How to Handle Layoffs
12/9/2008
Download

Duration: 14:31

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.
Why It's Time to Network
12/2/2008
Download

Duration: 15:04

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.
How to Thrive in a Retail Downturn
11/25/2008
Download

Duration: 14:48

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
Turning Business Ideas Into Realities
11/18/2008
Download

Duration: 16:45

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.
Doing Business Overseas
11/11/2008
Download

Duration: 16:48

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.
Why Niche Marketing Works
11/4/2008
Download

Duration: 16:12

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.
Dealing with Growing Debt
10/28/2008
Download

Duration: 16:58

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.
Preventing Lawsuits
10/21/2008
Download

Duration: 16:54

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
Increasing Productivity in Bad Times
10/14/2008
Download

Duration: 13:08

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.
Political Expression at Work
10/7/2008
Download

Duration: 17:30

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.
Managing Your Company's Money
9/30/2008
Download

Duration: 15:37

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.
Reaching Holiday Shoppers Online
9/23/2008
Download

Duration: 18:31

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
Harnessing Online Feedback
9/16/2008
Download

Duration: 12:50

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.
Disaster Planning
9/9/2008
Download

Duration: 16:56

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.
Help for Overworked Business Owners
9/2/2008
Download

Duration: 14:18

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.
Controlling Litigation Costs
8/26/2008
Download

Duration: 16:04

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
The One Minute Entrepreneur
8/19/2008
Download

Duration: 11:26

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
Selling a Business in a Down Market
8/12/2008
Download

Duration: 14:45

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."
Complying with Spam Regulations
8/5/2008
Download

Duration: 13:05

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.
Employee Coaching Matters
7/29/2008
Download

Duration: 12:25

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.
Surviving in a Bad Economy
7/22/2008
Download

Duration: 11:11

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.
Virtual Workplace Options
7/15/2008
Download

Duration: 12:06

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
Green Business Ideas
7/8/2008
Download

Duration: 15:12

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".
Using Charisma to Persuade
7/2/2008
Download

Duration: 13:07

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."
Transitioning from Analog to Digital
6/25/2008
Download

Duration: 12:57

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.
Startup Myths Shattered
6/18/2008
Download

Duration: 13:02

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.
How to Craft a Good Tagline
6/10/2008
Download

Duration: 14:44

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.
Branding for Entrepreneurs
6/4/2008
Download

Duration: 14:00

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
New Tax Incentives
5/28/2008
Download

Duration: 14:44

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
Benefit from Emotional Intelligence
5/21/2008
Download

Duration: 15:12

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
Improving Customer Service
5/14/2008
Download

Duration: 13:26

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
Technology Vs. Personal Interaction
5/7/2008
Download

Duration: 15:08

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
You Can Have Too Many Great Ideas
4/30/2008
Download

Duration: 16:04

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.
Retaining Top Sales Talent
4/23/2008
Download

Duration: 16:47

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
Hiring, Managing, and Firing
4/16/2008
Download

Duration: 14:43

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
What to Do When Employees Retire
4/9/2008
Download

Duration: 15:13

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
Don't Rely on Gut Instinct
4/2/2008
Download

Duration: 16:19

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
Encouraging Entrepreneurship in Iraq
3/26/2008
Download

Duration: 16:36

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
Customer Loyalty That Lasts
3/19/2008
Download

Duration: 17:17

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
Anxious Organizations
3/12/2008
Download

Duration: 15:31

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
Viral Marketing
3/5/2008
Download

Duration: 17:16

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
Creative Ways to Finance Growth
2/27/2008
Download

Duration: 14:10

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
Avoiding Embezzlement
2/20/2008
Download

Duration: 16:23

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
How to Spot and Avoid Legal Mistakes
2/13/2008
Download

Duration: 15:13

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
Doing Business with the Feds
2/6/2008
Download

Duration: 15:13

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
What Helps and Hinders Entrepreneurs
1/30/2008
Download

Duration: 15:06

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
The 'Six Disciplines' Approach
1/23/2008
Download

Duration: 15:54

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
Bookkeeping Basics
1/16/2008
Download

Duration: 15:51

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
Surviving the First Year
1/9/2008
Download

Duration: 14:41

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
Eye on Family-Owned Businesses
1/2/2008
Download

Duration: 15:55

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
Best Practices from Nonprofits
12/26/2007
Download

Duration: 15:46

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
Schmoozing for Business
12/19/2007
Download

Duration: 15:02

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
Politics in the Workplace
12/12/2007
Download

Duration: 16:26

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
Be Smart and Avoid Business Mistakes
12/5/2007
Download

Duration: 15:04

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
Thrive in a Slowing Economy
11/28/2007
Download

Duration: 15:43

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
The Employee Stock Ownership Plan
11/21/2007
Download

Duration: 11:31

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.
When Customers Pay Late
11/14/2007
Download

Duration: 14:28

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
Government Incentives for Entrepreneurs
11/7/2007
Download

Duration: 14:50

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
Does Online Marketing Pay?
10/31/2007
Download

Duration: 16:39

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
Passing the Baton
10/24/2007
Download

Duration: 13:52

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
Import Product Safety
10/17/2007
Download

Duration: 14:09

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
How to Conduct a Job Interview
10/10/2007
Download

Duration: 14:16

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
What's a Wellness Program?
10/3/2007
Download

Duration: 12:55

Jerry Ripperger, national practice leader for consumer health at the Principal Financial Group, discusses how small employers can establish their own wellness programs
The Ins and Outs of Franchising
9/26/2007
Download

Duration: 19:28

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
Starting a Successful Business
9/19/2007
Download

Duration: 15:32

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
Recruiting Gen Y Workers
9/12/2007
Download

Duration: 12:29

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
New Employment Verification Rules
9/5/2007
Download

Duration: 14:55

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
Using Renewable Energy at Your Business
8/29/2007
Download

Duration: 15:16

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
Finding a Business Partner Online
8/22/2007
Download

Duration: 15:44

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
Reducing Employee Turnover
8/15/2007
Download

Duration: 12:56

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
Growth Strategies from the Trenches
8/8/2007
Download

Duration: 15:08

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
Dealing with Absenteeism
8/1/2007
Download

Duration: 12:36

Smart Answers Columnist Karen E. Klein get tips from Zachary Meyer for entrepreneurs who need help handling chronically absent employees
Disaster Management
7/25/2007
Download

Duration: 13:43

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
Bartering Systems
7/18/2007
Download

Duration: 16:06

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
Managing Payroll Painlessly
7/11/2007
Download

Duration: 15:25

With many software and outsourcing solutions to choose from, entrepreneurs can manage payroll painlessly themselves or turn the job over to the experts
Dealing With a Home-Based Workforce
7/4/2007
Download

Duration: 13:05

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
Improving Chemistry Between Team Members
6/27/2007
Download

Duration: 14:52

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.
Knowing When to Quit
6/20/2007
Download

Duration: 12:26

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
The Venture Capital Myth
6/13/2007
Download

Duration: 15:45

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
Managing Employees Serving in the Military
6/6/2007
Download

Duration: 18:27

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
YouTube as Marketing Tool
5/30/2007
Download

Duration: 15:40

How YouTube can play an integral part in a small company's viral marketing campaign
When Employees Steal
5/23/2007
Download

Duration: 13:15

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
Planning an Exit Strategy
5/16/2007
Download

Duration: 16:04

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
"Astro-preneur" Sends Tourists into Orbit
5/9/2007
Download

Duration: 12:59

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
How to Tap Into Credit Union Loans
5/2/2007
Download

Duration: 14:02

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
Religion in the Workplace
4/25/2007
Download

Duration: 17:24

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
Instituting a Client Appreciation Program
4/18/2007
Download

Duration: 13:23

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
Search Engine Optimization Basics
4/11/2007
Download

Duration: 14:22

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
Managing Seniors
4/4/2007
Download

Duration: 12:34

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
Dealing with 'Bad Apples' at Work
3/29/2007
Download

Duration: 15:19

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
Gaining an Edge Overseas
3/15/2007
Download

Duration: 13:22

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
Expert Advice at Tax Time
3/8/2007
Download

Duration: 15:01

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
Organizing Your Business and Home Office
2/28/2007
Download

Duration: 13:49

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
Run a Retreat Like a Pro
2/21/2007
Download

Duration: 13:58

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
Innovation in Family Businesses
2/16/2007
Download

Duration: 11:30

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
Business Fraud
2/14/2007
Download

Duration: 14:51

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
What's In a Name?
2/7/2007
Download

Duration: 12:58

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
Multicultural Marketing
1/31/2007
Download

Duration: 13:49

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
You Move Your Business
1/24/2007
Download

Duration: 11:57

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
For Aspiring Entrepreneurs
1/17/2007
Download

Duration: 13:22

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
Global Entrepreneurial Pulse
1/10/2007
Download

Duration: 11:06

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
Are You Entrepreneur Material?
12/27/2006
Download

Duration: 11:06

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
Why You Should Vacation
12/20/2006
Download

Duration: 14:23

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
Succession Planning
12/13/2006
Download

Duration: 13:09

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
Being a Boss
12/6/2006
Download

Duration: 13:24

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
Business Performance
11/29/2006
Download

Duration: 14:54

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.
Customer Service
11/22/2006
Download

Duration: 12:58

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
Firing 101
11/15/2006
Download

Duration: 13:38

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
How Female Entrepreneurs Get Funding
11/8/2006
Download

Duration: 15:37

Women "bootstrap" their way to success in the tech sector, using cost-cutting techniques like bartering and vendor financing, according to new research
Young Entrepreneurs
10/30/2006
Download

Duration: 11:28

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
Backing Up Your Data
10/25/2006
Download

Duration: 11:36

Small-business owners should be aware of the best practices for data backup to prevent loss of critical information and records
Four Bookkeeping Mistakes
10/18/2006
Download

Duration: 13:56

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
Fighting Poverty with Entrepreneurship
10/11/2006
Download

Duration: 17:26

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
Growth Equity
10/4/2006
Download

Duration: 11:54

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
The Women Business Owners Vote
9/27/2006
Download

Duration: 13:32

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
Black Entrepreneurs
9/20/2006
Download

Duration: 11:46

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
Selling More
9/13/2006
Download

Duration: 22:56

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

BusinessWeek -- Smart Answers

Episodes

podcast reviews

Add review