LISTEN: April’s Top Shows on The Business Edge

AS HOST OF The Business Edge, a national internet radio show, I interviews savvy entrepreneurs and business leaders who share their stories of success, and even missteps, as well as practical solutions to the unique challenges faced by growing organizations. Listen every week for Insights-Intelligence-Inspiration!

#1: The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Initiative

Are you an entrepreneurial owner of a small company that’s poised for growth? Can you benefit from a market-based business education program? Would you like to know how to get more access to capital? If yes, then find out if you qualify for this program.

My guest is Patricia Greene, the academic director of the 10,000 Small Business Initiative sponsored by Goldman Sachs. Its aim is to boost job growth in the United States and one of the best ways to do that is to stimulate small business growth.

Listen to this Podcast and Learn:

• How you can be part of the 10,000 Small Business Initiative
• Why being opportunity obsessed is so important for entrepreneurial success.
• What’s crucial for entrepreneurial success: Your aspirations, behaviors and confidence.
• If there are differences between men and women in aspirations, behaviors and confidence levels.
• Why advisory boards, networks and access to resources are important: You don’t have to do it alone.

[su_box title=”Key Takeaway: Work On Your Pitch” style=”glass” box_color=”#2f598a”]Many entrepreneurs are so enamored with their product or service that they forget to focus on what investors want to know — how will you make money for them. What’s your business case? Once you figured that out, practice, practice and practice your compelling pitch.[/su_box]

#2: Start Me Up: How Entrepreneurship Made Me Feel Like a Global Rock Star

What does it take to move from a corporate career to an entrepreneurial one? Do you know the number one challenge for women who make that leap? How prepared are you to run a business?

My guest is Pam Eyring, owner of The Protocol School of Washington, the global leader in international business etiquette and cross-cultural awareness training. She shares stories from her entrepreneurial journey and inspires others to become their own rock star and take center stage in their business career.

Listen to this Podcast and Learn:

• Why women owned businesses are changing the international marketplace.
• Her biggest challenge: Stay profitable and not overextend while growing her business
• How she hires, on-boards, engages new employees to quickly learn the school’s culture
• Her secret for managing a variety of vendors, sub-contractors, staff and cultural communities
• How to build professional relationships through cultural understanding, communication and respect.

[su_box title=” Key Take Away: You Need More Than a Handshake” style=”glass” box_color=”#2f598a”]Understand the legal and financial side of your business. Have advisors who can help you especially with contracts. Always, always get it in writing. Know your numbers even if you’re not a numbers person. [/su_box]

#3: A Second-Generation Family Business: Lessons Learned and Learning.

Did you know family-owned business accounts for nearly 90% of US businesses — some 5.5 million and a third are headed by women? To say they are the foundation of our economy is an understatement. Often overlooked is the hand-off from one generation to another which can lead to success or disaster.

My guests are Rachel Sanchez and her brother Jason Dinverno who are second generation family business owners of Prestige Maintenance USA, a national provider for janitorial and facilities maintenance.

Listen to this Podcast and Learn:

• The key principles they got from their parents that they still use today.
• How they retain the culture started by their parents while growing the business.
• Examples how they became cutting edge in an industry that is not known for innovation
• How they implemented “repeatability”: delivering the same great service at every job site.
• Benefits and challenges of being a family owned business; how to successfully make the transition from one generation to another.

[su_box title=”Key Take Away: Communication is Key with Staff and Customers “ style=”glass” box_color=”#2f598a”]As hard as we may try to always be ahead of change, it is inevitable that we have to deal with unexpected changes, some more difficult than others. Openness and transparency throughout the organization is what I find that we rely upon most to get through these difficult changes without sacrificing service levels. [/su_box]

Readers, which of these podcasts did you find most valuable? Would you like to know more about any of the three topics discussed? As host, I would appreciate your feedback and guests you would recommend — could even be you! Contact me at Marcia@SmartMovesCoach.com

My Motto Is:

If you do what you always did, you will get what you always got. Therefore, MOVE outside of your comfort zone; that’s where the MAGIC happens.” To bring that magic to your leadership and business, subscribe to Marcia’s monthly Execubrief: Business Edge — Smart Growth Strategies with insights, intelligence and inspiration on how to build great businesses that matter- those that do well and do good.

Did You Know That a New Kind of SMARTS is Needed?
75% of leaders are derailed for reasons related to emotional competencies, including inability to handle people problems, unsatisfactory team leadership during times of difficulty or conflict; or inability to adapt to change or elicit trust. — Center for Creative Leadership. Do you want to boost your emotional and social intelligence and be a more effective leader? Let me help you do it!

[su_button url=”http://bizcatalyst360.com/free-execubriefs/" target=”blank” style=”stroked” background=”#ff4e07" color=”#ffffff” size=”1" wide=”yes” center=”yes” radius=”5" icon_color=”#2d3fff”]CLICK HERE FOR FRESH INSIGHTS DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX [/su_button]