The Bare Bones Biz Podcast Series

Making Money basics. In uncertain times, its easy to get discouraged. Business is different. Maybe you've been effected. How do you know if you're charging more than it costs? We'll discuss that and more! 

It's easy to get overwhelmed these days. So much that I feel it's now more important than ever to buckle down on your projects and get stuff done! What better time to start than now? We'll chat about... How to get your home in order What about your desk? #leafblower Lists...help! Back to the Why, What and How Triage...and what to NOT do Calendaring Basics Meetings ROCK The special sauce is ____

Business to business. B2B. We hear that term…but what does it mean? Co-op marketing? Multi-level? Is it a risk to align your reputation with someone else's? Will you get lost in the shuffle? What about affiliate marketing? Is there a good reason to promote someone else's business? What about YOUR business? Mary Kay Morgan is an expert in B to B, especially internet based affiliate marketing. B2B can be a paint by numbers approach to more sales, more profits. Learn how…now! Guest: Mary Kay Morgan is a relationship marketing specialist and founder of Conscious Affiliate Network, the only affiliate and joint venture network plus “how-to” resource devoted exclusively to business owners like you – service-minded and 100% committed to quality and integrity! C.A.N. is your one-stop-shop for growing a large tribe of raving fan followers, becoming the go-to leader of your area of expertise, and making a bigger, much bigger, impact in your area of expertise.

Your own business can be a path to freedom! It can help you expand your financial freedom, lifestyle freedom. It can be a way to share your unique gifts, and expand peace and prosperity. OR…a business of your own can be HELL. Your own business can be like…being stuck on a hamster wheel…running running and never getting anywhere. BREATH! You can exit the hamster wheel. IF you are willing to ask the right questions. If you are open to inspiration and engaging new thought and action. I believe that. Guest Simon Sinek suggests that the first right question isn't HOW? It's WHY? Guest: Simon Sinek is the author of Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action. He created a simple model, The Golden Circle, that codifies what makes the most inspiring people and organizations so successful and influential. The concept is so powerful that it is changing the way people think, act and communicate. From the Pentagon, to the United Nations, to Hollywood. Simon has been invited to talk about The Golden Circle across the United States and around the world. He advises a wide variety of leaders and organizations, including small businesses and entrepreneurs, corporations like Microsoft, non-profits, government and politicians.

In business, sometimes it feels like you are surrounded by 5 year olds! Total chaos! Is business really just babysitting? Let's learn how to handle the “kids” as we visit with Trish Saccomano, author of the Kindergarteners at Work book series. Yep, everything you need to learn about business can be learned in Kindergarten! Listen in. Bring a snack and your blankie.

Ben Dattner, Ph.D. is the founder of Dattner Consulting.  Ben helps organizations become more successful by developing a better understanding of the impact of individual and group dynamics on their performance. Ben is an Adjunct Professor at New York University, where he teaches Organizational Development in the Industrial and Organizational Psychology MA Program in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. We discuss… How individuals assign credit or blame to themselves. How our family experiences, gender and cultural influences shape our ways of thinking about credit and blame. How personality and personality types impact how individuals assign credit or blame to themselves and others. How to deal!  Can you take credit and blame out of the equation? Corporate cultures and how credit and blame is a key determinant of cultures, for better or for worse. Leadership- how leaders assign credit and blame.

ISISARA BEY is Vice President of Programs & Education for Count Me In For Women's Economic Independence, and “journey agent” for its signature Make Mine a Million $ Business competitions, 1-Day Business Intensives and conference workshops, domestically and internationally. She designed and leads the Count Me In Leadership Institute and supervises other CMI educational program initiatives including its webinar series and regional MeetUps for women entrepreneurs. Prior to joining CMI in September 2007, she was Vice President of Corporate Affairs for Sony Music Entertainment, directing the company's corporate philanthropy, strategic non-profit, government and community relations and popular employee enhancement activities. We'll Discuss… Isisara's story…from Sony Music executive to fostering women's economic independence at Count Me In, Inc. Tacking on a label? Or making a real difference? How to create real change. Where and how do you start…on the “inside?” Integrating personal, professional, community and family life. All of life's a stage…bringing authenticity to your communications.

Glenn Bill received his Real Estate license at the age of 19.  Using the same principles he leaned from his athletic background, he dominated listings and sales in one of the nation's largest real estate firms.  At 23 years old, Glenn became a partner in a Real Estate franchise that had 16 agents and did just over $600,000 in revenues.  Recently, Glenn completed one of the largest mergers in a national franchise system and his company now totals in excess of over 350 sales peoples and revenues of over $18,000,000. We'll chat it up… The four key components of “Stretch Training.” Important questions to address when we are not achieving and executing the way we should. Why people do what they do.  (Can't wait to hear his take on this!) Six fundamental human needs of people. Sales Tips Learned from his bff, Jeffrey Gitomer.  (Woohoooo!  Jeff is a nut…and has had a big impact on our good sales systems, too.)

Marlene and I are hometown pals! Her sense of humor dissolves drama…and she has easy ways for you to strip it from your life – and business – too. She is the founder of The Stop Your Drama Methodology, an 8-part empowerment process to increase clarity and improve productivity and personal effectiveness. Marlene has a master's degree in HR Development and is the creator of Leaders Developing Leaders Institute, an online membership for all levels of leadership. Visit Marlene Here to learn how to stop your workplace drama. We'll Discuss... What drama is…and why it happens. The “Stop Your Drama” Methodology and how drama keeps you from success. The three components present in any type of drama. What the Integrity Gap is. Releasing resistance and how do you know if you are in a state of resistance? Why is there always a certain amount of drama with any change? Creating a drama-free life and business!

Carol and I are soul sisters! Carol helps businesses grow and make more money. She has helped her clients raise more than $1 billion in capital, complete hundreds of millions of dollars in M&A transactions, secure high-profile licensing and partnership deals…and more. Wow! Carol is a rockin' media guest, appearing on Fox News, MSNBC, Fox Business, WGN TV Chicago and more. She is also signed to LA-based t.v. production company Snackaholic who is currently developing a television show around Carol's life as a business expert and personality. Carol's Unsolicited Business Advice blog at CarolRoth.com was recently named as one of the Top 10 small business blogs online. The Entrepreneur Equation, Carol's book on evaluating the realities, risks and rewards of business ownership, releases March 22nd! We'll Discuss... Not all businesses are created equal! We'll discover what's the difference between a jobbie, a job-business and a bona-fide business. How to work on your business instead of just in it, even if you are a solo-entrepreneur. The Importance of Setting Goals…Setting BIG Goals. Valuing Your Time and Experience. (I love talking about how much to CHARGE!) What it takes to be a Professional and attract what you put out. Being "ABLE"- Viable, Remarkable, Scalable and Suitable. Simple business tweaks to create recurring revenue opportunities.

JoAnn Gwynn is Principal of JMG Event Strategies, a boutique event planning firm in New York City. JoAnn is passionate about creating, producing and orchestrating extraordinary events for her clients. I met JoAnn through the Make Mine a Million organization.  She is a rockstar and creates events that get attention, get attended and grow businesses! Her introduction to event production was as a producing associate on the off-Broadway play, "I Love You Because." Since that time, her experience includes, full and multi-day business competition and education events. Her clients: Senator Hilary Clinton, Gene Wilder, Juliette Binoche, Regis Philbin, Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams...and businesses of all shapes and sizes. We'll Discuss... What would an event do for you?  How does it help you grow your business? What kind of an event would work for you? The 3 Main questions to answer when promoting an event. How to plan and deliver a rockin' successful event. How to promote the event and get the right crowd – and publicity! How to leverage the event to more sales and more profits! The positive impact of a solid promotion plan to your bottom line. How to take advantage of free advertising.

Casey owns several businesses and has employed hundreds of people over the past 20 years. That's a lot of experience hiring and retaining employees. Casey has grown his service company to the largest in the city of Pittsburgh, PA boasting 4000 customers and 4 locations. The best part is that his companies work so well, they are now on “auto-pilot” and his great teams make sure everything gets done. His latest venture is focused on helping others do that, too! Let's chat it up about Hiring and Retaining Hundreds of Outstanding Employees. Isn't it time you stop the revolving door and learn the secrets to developing Superstars so that you can achieve your dream of independence and financial freedom?  It's rare to get rich without employees. (I am excited to learn from Casey!). We'll Discuss... How to attract Superstar Employees. Where are there? How do you magnetize "right stuff" people? What's the # 1 power-packed interview question?  Casey claims it cuts through the crap to the truth...everytime. How to avoid two devastating (and common) hiring mistakes...the ones that can cost you thousands of dollars. Now that you've hired 'em, how to manage 'em? Casey's tips for empowering your team. Can you get the really great ones to stay? Forever?

Natalie Sisson is the founder of WomanzWorld- a blog for women entrepreneurs wanting freedom in business and adventure in life. Natalie travels the world living out of her suitcase and running her business. She appeals to the Suitcase Entrepreneur - a person who wants to run their business from anywhere using online tools, social media and outsourcing. We'll Discuss... Streamlining your business so it can run without you. Attracting more clients, leads and joint venture partners using social media. Let's reduce the noise and discover more of what works! Outsourcing work that takes you a lot of time currently for much less than your hourly rate. Don't waste dollar time on penny tasks! Leaving the office and staying in touch – and in charge!

Once upon a time, Dan - www.heatinghelp.com - encouraged me to start writing for a trade magazine. That was the beginning of an amazing career as a consultant, business builder and industry expert! Writing can be a way to gain fame and fortune. Even better, you can be of service to others, sharing what you know and expanding what you've learned. Dan loves language and soaks up knowledge like a thirsty kid gulps Kool-aid. So, Dan and I have planned a terrific BlogTalk Radio show for you! Join in as we discuss... How we met!I remember the place the article and that I laughed OUT LOUD! Our all-time favorite, life-altering books...business, self-help and flat-out fiction! We'll discuss ours and you are welcome to chime in with YOURS! Is new technology helping or hurting when it comes to learning? Ready to write? Perhaps there is a book (an article? a blog?) in you? Dan's Reading List. Buy a book and help a kid!

Erica started a web hosting company in 2001 and sold her online business in 2007 at age 26 for $1,100,000.00. Although her business didn't require her to understand the intricacies of search engines, she learned them anyway. Back then,it was mostly about just getting listed in a search engine. After Erica sold her business, she started another one…natch! www.whooshtraffic.com This one is all about a relatively effortless approach to getting more traffic to your site. And, Erica has a rockin' good blog, devoted to helping you become more successful. Love it! We'll Discuss... Erica's amazing story of success at such a young age. Three Basic Factors That Make People Successful. 5 ways to increase traffic to your website. What are Google Keywords? And what the heck is an Algorithm. More importantly…what do you DO with them? Debunking the big internet myths. Erica is not the hardest working girl in the Marketing business. That should tell you something. The #1 thing you should be doing to increase traffic to your website.

I met Tab when he was 24 years old and he impressed me as a “fizzy” and savvy business owner.  He's gotten better and better at biz since!  Tab, starting from scratch, quickly grew his Nashville-based business to one of the largest plumbing companies in the market. Tab has been recognized as a leader in training, operations and system implementation in the home services industry. He is a firm believer in sticking to the systems that work. In August of 2006 Tab sold his company to Clockworks Home Services and joined their team as the Vice Presidents of Franchise Sales. Tab and his team grew the franchise at record setting growth numbers and quickly advanced his career to become the President of Franchise Operations. Tab left Clockworks in October 2009.  He retired…for about five minutes.  Tab just jumped back in the game with the acquisition of a plumbing company in Sarasota, Fl. We'll Discuss... How we met!  Tab has the BEST story of moving from lackluster tract home work to a rockin' full service business! What adding a new division can do for your business. Becoming a teacher.  Tab says, “It's all Ellen's fault!” Raising standards and what you will and won't tolerate. Selling a company – what Tab wants you to know before you do! We'll chat about Franchising! We have a lot of experience between us. Retirement at 41?  Back in the game and getting back to basics. Buying a company – what to do first, second and third!

Wow…she is smart and nice and beautiful.  She's an attorney, a journalist and a best-selling author (You gotta love “The Girls Guide to Power and Success!”) And, she is the co-founder of SBTV.com – Small Business Television -- she led the company from a concept to a multi-million dollar enterprise.  Susan's been on every TV show you can imagine as the go-to small biz expert.  She also has a new television show called "It's Your Biz with Susan Solovic".  You can catch segments at www.itsyourbiz.com. Her successful entrepreneurial experience and legal background provides her with a unique vantage point from which to share information and insight with business owners around the world. Susan knows business!  And she has the power to communicate about the freedom and power your own small business can offer.  I am soooo excited to have her on our Radio Show! The D's change everything...divorce, disaster, death, disability and debt!  Have you had experienced difficulty hanging on?  Should you stay the course or it is time to throw in the towel?  Perhaps neither is the right answer - maybe it's time to reinvent your business. We'll Discuss... “Why can't you be more like your brother?”  Sometimes it makes sense to compare yourself to others in your industry. Don't Throw Good Money After Bad.  You can't cut your way to financial health, but here are a few things to STOP doing. Biz Reinvention! Don't dig your heels in the ground.  Try a NEW approach! Giving yourself permission and time. THINK about what you want to be and do. Learn how to start with the obvious. And, no Sacred Cows. How to Price Differently. Aim for Apples to Oranges! When to be Unorthodox: Collaborate with a competitor. Target a new industry.  Go virtual.

Rick Arquilla took off the suit and put on the work shirt (complete with a first name patch) to learn what really happens on the front line of his company. He spent time clearing drains and managing customer service calls. I know Rick as a savvy business executive and the president and chief operating officer of Roto-Rooter Services Company. He is also a sensitive guy who cares about his team. He has a lot to share! Roto-Rooter is North America's largest provider of plumbing repair and drain service. Rick oversees the operations side of Roto-Rooter's business and spends much of his time at branch locations working with general and regional managers to ensure that Roto-Rooter is providing top quality plumbing and drain service. Let's discover what he learned on the front line...undercover! We'll discuss... You went undercover on Undercover Boss, the hit TV show! Lessons learned…? Biggest surprise? Roto-Rooter launched a green plumbing program this year called ROTOGreen. How will it help homeowners and businesses? The evolution of the company...what are the pivot points that have kept Roto-Rooter at the top? What advice would you give entrepreneurs with a good business idea? You have a lot of experience with business owners…what do you look for as a “success characteristic?” What do you go to the WALL about? What do you always do or never do at Roto-Rooter. What are you concerned about as you look to the future? What gets you excited about the next few years? The recession has taken its toll on lots of iconic brands. How has Roto-Rooter fared? Congratulations on your 75th anniversary! What's next?

Kenny owns the Chapman Companies, which offer business and personal development, coaching, training and motivational speaking. He tours with Les Brown!  He is the author of “The Six Dimensions of C.H.A.N.G.E.,” and has created “The Most Powerful Selling Secret Ever.” Yeah, baby! Kenny is a serial entrepreneur. From the first business he purchased, to the multiple companies he is currently involved with, Kenny has dedicated himself to the study of leadership and people development. He lives his dream by inspiring others to unleash their potential, while enjoying the rewards provided by his businesses. Kenny and I met through mutual friends at Nexstar, Inc.  I am delighted to have him for my guest.  He has so much energy, he makes me look like a slug! We discuss... What makes a change in business and life? How to get un-stuck! What is the difference between successful and non-successful companies? Why do so many people and companies struggle creating change? The framework of C.H.A.N.G.E. – break it down, Kenny! How key Leadership is to any organization…and how to develop it. We are both Michael Gerber fans…and were changed by The E-Myth! Let's discuss!

Bo Burlingham is an editor-at-large of Inc. magazine and chairman of the Small Giants Community. His book Small Giants: Companies That Choose To Be Great Instead of Big was one of five finalists for the 2006 Financial Times/Goldman Sachs Business Book of the Year award. His most recent book, co-authored with Norm Brodsky, is The Knack: How Street-Smart Entrepreneurs Learn to Handle Whatever Comes Up. (It is now available in paperback under the title Street Smarts: An All-Purpose Tool Kit for Entrepreneurs. What's Bo's definition of “mojo”? What companies have it? Which one's need it? How can you tell if you have a company with “mojo”? I love Bo's book, Small Giants: Companies that Choose to be Great Instead of Big. We'll discuss the inspiration. Good news for the other-than-Fortune-500 set! The importance of having a mentor. Finding one, being mentored…we'll explore! Bo co-wrote The Great Game of Business. What it's like to work with Jack Stack and how he managed to build a company that is bucking nearly every current economic trend? Stories from Inc. magazine. Bo has his finger on the pulse of business. What advice can he share to help YOU? Call in and ask for it!