The Small Business Owners Manual by author Joe Kennedy: Selected Readings in mp3 Podcast

TSBOM Article Podcast: Hiring and Firing and Weeding and Seeding

Sat, 31 Mar 2007 06:03:01 GMT

Small business is actually the biggest engine driving employment in the U.S. economy. It's always been that way. But did you know that there are over a dozen federal agencies that exist to make sure that your business satisfies their definition of a workers' paradise? Then there is state law, county and local laws. It seems that there is no end to the legal morass involved in recruiting, hiring, contracting, and firing. We can't cover every regulation but a few tips, rules and methods are given to make the entrepreneur aware of the most likely problems that can occur, and quick and easy ways to prevent real and frivolous employee lawsuits that may threaten the very existence of your small business.

TSBOM Article Podcast: Accounting for Anxiety

Wed, 28 Feb 2007 06:03:01 GMT

Small businesses owners are proactive, energetic and possess impress skill sets needed to make the business happen. But accounting is often put off for another day. Books fall behind and entrepreneurs have no idea if they are in a profit or loss situation, or even how much money they have in the bank. Why is this? Psychologists tell us that it is a common disorder called anxiety syndrome. In good times there is always something more important and exciting to do than balance the checkbook, and in difficult times business owners just don't want to work hard at calculating numbers that are discouraging. So what is anxiety syndrome and how should business owners make sure they have accurate and timely numbers in good times and bad?

TSBOM Article Podcast: The Unique Selling Proposition of Your Small Business

Wed, 24 Jan 2007 02:03:01 GMT

Advertising icon Rosser Reeves brought us the "Unique Selling Proposition" in his 1961 book "Reality In Advertising." But almost half a century later the USP is still with us and continues to grow in importance. The USP is not just about advertising and marketing but is the very identity of your company; it's very reason to be. This is why customers should buy your products and services and why your firm is not just another competitor. So we describe the USP and its special importance to small business.

TSBOM Article Podcast: Advice to Small Businesses on IT Security and Internet Scams

Mon, 12 Feb 2007 03:03:01 GMT

Small businesses must be constantly on the lookout for scams and security breaches, both internal and external. Ill-intentioned or even innocent employees may expose your Information Technology assets to an increasing range of hazards including viruses, hacking, worms, mal-ware, scum-ware, spam attacks, server hi-jackings and more. The results to the small business owner may range from degraded workstation performance, to someone in a far-away country stealing your customer lists and emptying bank accounts. When a problem occurs, expect little help from law-enforcement. There is no way to protect again everything, but this primer outlines the top threats and advises on what to tell employees to minimize IT security exposures.

Chapter 1 Part 1, Introduction

Sun, 07 Jan 2007 04:03:01 GMT

In this short intro chapter the author describes the purpose of the book as a serious, high-voltage undertaking, thick with real information, not feel-good fluff. Assumptions here are that small business owners are either planning a new business or already have one; aim to grow; are comfortable with the Internet; and are in business to maximize earnings and minimize taxes and expenses. The segment concludes with an outline of the book’s 14 chapters.

Chapter 2 Part 1, Developing Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) and Business Plans

Mon, 24 Apr 2006 00:00:01 GMT

We begin chapter 2: Beginnings of Your Small Business, discussing the importance of a well thought out Unique Selling Proposition (USP) that explains to you - and the world - why anyone should purchase your products and services. Then we move onto building an informal business plan (in half the time required by the more formal approach often demanded by venture capitalists and other financing sources) to help management decide upon objectives, and then acquire the needed resources - and funds - needed to get from here to there.

Chapter 2 Part 2, Legal Forms of Business Ownership

Wed, 26 Apr 2006 00:00:01 GMT

We're in chapter 2 and discuss the different forms of business ownership including the Sole Proprietorship ("DBA"), General and Limited Partnerships, and Corporations. In the next section we review Sub S Corps, the Limited Liability Company ("LLC"), and the Professional Corporation. We talk about the features and benefits of each (e.g., limited liability), regulatory burders, and tax effects.

Chapter 2 Part 3, Legal Forms of Business Ownership

Mon, 1 May 2006 00:00:01 GMT

We're in chapter 2 discussing the forms of business ownership and in this segment describe corporations ("C-Corp"), and Subchapter S Corps, including the issues of personal guarantees and limited liability of the owners, tax considerations, double-taxation with dividends, regulatory effects and other pros and cons of each ownership type.

Chapter 2 Part 4, Legal Forms of Business Ownership

Wed, 10 May 2006 00:05:01 GMT

We finish chapter 2, discussing the forms of business ownership, and in this segment describe the Limited Liability Company (LLC) and Professional Corporation, including the issues of personal guarantees and limited liability of the owners, tax considerations, double-taxation with dividends, regulatory effects and other pros and cons of each ownership type. We also discuss incorporating in another state to avoid taxes. The chapter finishes with a few words on sales and use tax permits, and how and when to get an Employer Identification Numbers (EIN).

Chapter 3, Part 1, Sales and Selling: The Oxygen of Business

Thu, 27 Jul 2006 00:05:01 GMT

Nadia Hopper reads chapter 3 and in part 1 we talk about why the small business owner is often not the best salesperson for the small business, targeting sales efforts towards market niches you’re most likely to win, the 7 steps in the sales qualifying process (a classic, essential tool), and the prudent use of your sales time. Then we talk about the importance of understanding how to pace efforts and expectations considering the stages in your sales cycle. After this we get specific on different sales force alternatives such as a direct sales force, an insides sales staff, and hiring and dealing with telemarketers. Other options are discussed in the next episode (Chapter 3, part 2).

Chapter 3, Part 2, Sales and Selling: The Oxygen of Business

Mon, 7 Aug 2006 20:00:01 GMT

Nadia Hopper continues her read of chapter 3, Selling and Sales: The Oxygen of Business, and we discuss the pros and cons of working with 4 selling channels including: agents and field reps, business partners, distributors and dealers, and through a retail location. In each case we cover concepts such as push/pull, promotion, loyalty to your products, and relative costs.

Chapter 3, Part 3, Sales and Selling: The Oxygen of Business

Mon, 14 Aug 2006 19:00:01 GMT

Nadia Hopper continues her read of chapter 3, Selling, The Oxygen of Business, and we discuss how an Internet site validates a business and allows potential customers around the world to: quickly find that your company exists; gather information; and inititate contact. Then we list some easy and cheap ways to set up your site. When more power is needed, we talk about adding features such as e-commerce and e-catalogs, and outline how sites are promoted on Yahoo, Google, MSN and thousands of other locations using "SEM" (Search Engine Marketing). In this part we also describe how online sales may cause problems with existing retail and distribution channels.

Chapter 3, Part 4, Sales and Selling: The Oxygen of Business

Wed, 30 Aug 2006 18:18:01 GMT

Nadia Hopper finishes her read of chapter 3, Selling, The Oxygen of Business. In this part we talk about how to sell internationally including inexpensive ways to test the market and then move forward after you’ve overcome the barriers. Then we discuss the strange sales phenomena known as the 80/20 rule, managing sales people considering motivational effects of both salary and commissions, the importance of consistency and well thot out comp plans in dealing with sales people, recruiting and recruiting from competitors, things to watch out for when landing a big deal with big businesses, using perks to motivate your sales staff and a reminder to not get complacent – the world is changing.

Chapter 4 Part 1, Effective Small Business Marketing Programs; Writing Effective AIDA and Announcement Ads

Tue, 18 Apr 2006 00:00:01 GMT

We're in chapter 4: Marketing-Artillery for Sales, discussing the 4 parts of setting up an effective small business marketing program, and then writing effective AIDA and announcement type advertisements")

Chapter 4 Part 2, Small Business Marketing Programs - Delivering your message via Direct Mail; Effective Press Releases and PR

Tue, 18 Apr 2006 00:00:01 GMT

We're in chapter 4: Marketing-Artillery for Sales, and discuss effective direct mail programs, press releases, and PR programs

Chapter 4 Part 3, Small Business Marketing Programs - Using Promotional Items, Print Advertising and Brochures

Tue, 18 Apr 2006 00:00:01 GMT

We're in chapter 4: Marketing-Artillery for Sales, covering the use of promotional items, print advertising and brochures as part of your small business marketing program.

Chapter 4 Part 4, Small Business Marketing Programs - Delivering your message via printed newsletters, email marketing (aka spam), yellow pages ads, radio, television and CATV advertsing

Tue, 18 Apr 2006 00:00:01 GMT

We're in chapter 4: Marketing-Artillery for Sales, and discuss the best use of printed newsletters, why email marketing (aka spam) is often not effective, when to consider yellow-pages advertising, and how to consider and advertise through radio, television, and CATV (cable-television).

Chapter 4 Part 5, Small Business Marketing Programs - Corporate Image, Trade Shows, Conventions, Co-op Advertising Programs, and Chamber of Commerce

Tue, 18 Apr 2006 00:00:01 GMT

We're in chapter 4: Marketing - Artillery for Sales, and discuss when to consider trade shows and conventions, explains co-op ad programs and how your business may team with a financial partner to reduce the cost of advertising campaigns, the pros and cons of chamber of commerce and similar networking organizations. Then, the discussion moves on to corporate identity issues such as trademarking, deciding upon a company name, slogan, logo, and colors.

Chapter 4 Part 6, Advertising and the Law; and Figuring Your ROI on Advertising

Fri, 21 Apr 2006 00:00:01 GMT

We finish chapter 4: Marketing - Artillery for Sales, with a talk about the laws affecting advertising, a model to determine the ROI on advertising expenses and whether to produce ads in-house or with an advertising pro.

Chapter 11 Part 1, Understanding Banking, Credit, and Considering 13 Sources of Outside Financing

Sat, 20 May 2006 20:03:01 GMT

In the first part of this chapter Ms. Nadia Hopper describes the criteria to use when deciding upon a business bank, how bankers and other lenders weight the "4 c's of credit" to evaluate your firm, and we begin describing various small business financing options including bank credit lines ("LOCs") and how to negotiate trade credit from vendors.

Chapter 11 Part 2, Understanding Banking, Credit, and Considering 13 Sources of Outside Financing

Sat, 27 May 2006 00:05:01 GMT

Nadia Hopper continues her read of chapter 11, where we discuss three more forms of small business financing. The use of personal credit cards and credit lines are described first, then we turn to a detailed discusssion of asset-based loans and conditional sales contracts in contrast to equipment leasing. This includes a list of factors associated with each financing method such as tax effects, depreciation, cash convervation and obsolescence.

Chapter 11 Part 3, Understanding Banking, Credit, and Considering 13 Sources of Outside Financing

Tue, 26 Dec 2006 20:57:01 GMT

Joe reads this continuation of chapter 11, where we discuss U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) financing, AR (Accounts Receivable) Financing, AR Crunching and AP Stretching. The most popular SBA lending programs discussed are: the Section 7(a) Loan program, the 804 Loan program, and SBIC (Small Business Investment Company) venture capital financing.

Chapter 11 Part 4, Understanding Banking, Credit, and Considering 13 Sources of Outside Financing

Mon, 18 Dec 2006 00:05:55 GMT

Joe reads this continuation of chapter 11, where we consider the pros and cons of venture capital, angel investors, home equity loans, PG, personal and business credit cards, and the oft-requested personal guarantee.

Chapter 11 Part 5, Understanding Banking, Credit, and Considering 13 Sources of Outside Financing

Mon, 04 Dec 2006 00:05:42 GMT

To finish up chapter 11 we discuss building a business plan or loan package for presention to investors or lenders to obtain additional debt or equity financing. Each component of the business plan / loan package is discussed with an explanation of why it is needed and what to include and not include. A crisply prepared, professional package may well impress funding sources and make a difference well worth the time.

TSBOM.com Joe Kennedy - Terry Nalroo Interviews 1 of 6

Mon, 11 Sep 2006 18:18:01 GMT

Number 1 in a series of 6 wide ranging podcast interviews with internet radio host and online selling pro Terry Nalroo and Joe Kennedy, author of "The Small Business Owners Manual" where we discuss everything from your Unique Selling Proposition to business plans, hiring and firing, contractors versus employees, noncompete and noncircumvention concerns, drop ship versus inventory models, how to choose products that will earn serious money and more.

TSBOM.com Joe Kennedy - Terry Nalroo Interviews 2 of 6

Fri, 22 Sep 2006 04:44:01 GMT

Number 2 in a series of 6 wide ranging podcast interviews with internet radio host and online selling pro Terry Nalroo and Joe Kennedy, author of "The Small Business Owners Manual" where we discuss everything from your Unique Selling Proposition to business plans, hiring and firing, contractors versus employees, noncompete and noncircumvention concerns, drop ship versus inventory models, how to choose products that will earn serious money and more.

TSBOM.com Joe Kennedy - Terry Nalroo Interviews 3 of 6

Thu, 05 Oct 2006 04:51:01 GMT

Number 3 in a series of 6 wide ranging podcast interviews with internet radio host and online selling pro Terry Nalroo and Joe Kennedy, author of "The Small Business Owners Manual" where we discuss everything from your Unique Selling Proposition to business plans, hiring and firing, contractors versus employees, noncompete and noncircumvention concerns, drop ship versus inventory models, how to choose products that will earn serious money and more.

TSBOM.com Joe Kennedy - Terry Nalroo Interviews 4 of 6

Mon, 16 Oct 2006 20:21:01 GMT

Number 4 in a series of 6 wide ranging podcast interviews with internet radio host and online selling pro Terry Nalroo and Joe Kennedy, author of "The Small Business Owners Manual" where we discuss everything from your Unique Selling Proposition to business plans, hiring and firing, contractors versus employees, noncompete and noncircumvention concerns, drop ship versus inventory models, how to choose products that will earn serious money and more.

TSBOM.com Joe Kennedy - Terry Nalroo Interviews 5 of 6

Fri, 3 Nov 2006 19:33:01 GMT

Number 5 in a series of 6 wide ranging podcast interviews with internet radio host and online selling pro Terry Nalroo and Joe Kennedy, author of "The Small Business Owners Manual" where we discuss everything from your Unique Selling Proposition to business plans, hiring and firing, contractors versus employees, noncompete and noncircumvention concerns, drop ship versus inventory models, how to choose products that will earn serious money and more.

TSBOM.com Joe Kennedy - Terry Nalroo Interviews 6 of 6

Tue, 14 Nov 2006 17:19:01 GMT

Number 6 in a series of 6 wide ranging podcast interviews with internet radio host and online selling pro Terry Nalroo and Joe Kennedy, author of "The Small Business Owners Manual" where we discuss everything from your Unique Selling Proposition to business plans, hiring and firing, contractors versus employees, noncompete and noncircumvention concerns, drop ship versus inventory models, how to choose products that will earn serious money and more.

The Latest In Starting A Successful E-Store: Joe Kennedy - Jason Steinl KYGT Radio Interview

Tue, 18 Apr 2006 00:00:01 GMT

Talk show host Jason Steinl leads Joe through a comprehensive hour long radio interview on the latest in starting and growing a successful e-store. Includes what to sell, what Internet services to use, what you need to know, estimated costs, and how to figure if your margins are acceptable.

Radio Show - Business Diseases, Cure Them or Die, on VoiceAmericaRadio

Mon, 3 Jul 2006 15:38:01 GMT

In this half hour show Joe and hosts Dr. Tom Rogers and Jim Velos cover a range of subjects, starting with the 3 biggest mistakes made by entrepreneurs, the importance of defining a Unique Selling Proposition (USP) and how this makes many other decisions much easier, various forms of small business financing and which ones are the most likely, how to network and find investors, what investors or lenders expect to see in a business plan, the importance of selling, selling and the importance of qualifying to not waste time and to optimize efforts, and finally how to capitalize upon the continuing boom in ecommerce sales.