Learn from successful entrepreneurs, CEOs, executives and business leaders as they share their experiences, insight and tips. Topics include marketing, management, mentoring, money and many others. Improve your business by listening to this business series from SCORE, with Business Alchemist Dennis Zink as your host.

Franchise ownership comes with its own benefits and challenges.  In this discussion, Nick Choat, owner of a Sport Clips Haircuts franchise and a SCORE mentor, talks with Dennis Zink about how he selected this particular business and the processes of starting, marketing and running his franchise locations.  He also discusses the franchise model in general, and the relationship between the franchisor and the franchisee.

Direct download: Whats_It_Like_to_Own_a_Franchise.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

Every business is a reflection of its employees, and selecting, training and promoting the right employees are a key factor in long term success.  

Host Dennis Zink and co-host Fred Dunayer are joined by talent management specialist and SCORE mentor Howard Kilman, who shares some of his key concepts and experience in the staffing of Avenade, a joint venture of Microsoft and Accenture.  As Chief Leadership Officer, he grew the company from a handful of startup staff to thousands of high value, highly skilled employees.

Topics of the discussion include the creation and maintenance of a corporate culture and the things to look for when hiring and promoting employees.

Howard is now with WriteHeights LLC, specializing in Leadership Development and Business Coaching.

Direct download: Episode_64_-_Talent_Management.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

Managing your digital world is a key process in creating business success.

In this information-packed extended recording, Mike McCormick, CEO of Full Stack Marketing Consultants, discusses how you can use all aspects of digital marketing in your business. From startups to the enterprise level, Mike shares his insights on the digital landscape. He provides practical tips on lead generation and sales, advertising and promotion, content marketing, the customer experience, social community management and business management.

SCORE is proud to partner with Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources, and the Sarasota County Office of Business and Economic Development to offer this seminar as part of the ongoing Success Strategies for Business Owners Meetup Group.

Direct download: Episode_63_-_How_to_Grow_Your_Business_in_a_Digital_World.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

Nearly all merchants need to accept credit and debit cards, and an increasing number accept other forms of electronic payment.  Pat Moran, "Master Your Card" expert, has over 14 years of experience across the entire electronic payments ecosystem.

In his role with Master Your Card, a community empowerment program sponsored by Mastercard, Moran uses his deep knowledge of payment technologies to educate small business owners and advisers on how to maximize the value from electronic payment acceptance. In this discussion with Dennis Zink and Fred Dunayer, he promotes a deeper understanding of the process to empower business owners to limit the costs and headaches associated with electronic payments.

Direct download: 62_-_Managing_Electronic_Payments.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

By using social media and email marketing, you can attract prospects and move them from a “shopper’s” mindset to a “buyer’s” mindset. For many businesses this sales process can be automated, freeing you to manage your business while your marketing continues working for you non-stop in the background. In this episode, Barbara Langdon, an email and social media marketing expert, owner of Market Momentum, Certified Constant Contact Solution Provider and SCORE Mentor, shares tips, tools, and techniques for growing your business by moving your customers through the buying journey in a cost and time efficient way.

SCORE is proud to partner with Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources, and Sarasota County Economic Development to offer this seminar as part of the on-going Success Strategies for Business Owners Meetup Group.

Direct download: 61_-_Using_Email_and_Social_Media_to_Find_and_Close_New_Business.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

Take care of your business relationships and your company will prosper.  This is the message of Andrea Nierenberg, president of The Nierenberg Consulting Group.  In this discussion with Dennis Zink and Fred Dunayer, Andrea shares her secrets and methods for building business relationships and making everyone in the company a brand ambassador  She dispenses fantastic networking advice and also gives examples of good and bad practices in networking.

Direct download: Episode_60_-_Super_Networking.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:09pm EDT

Achievers throughout history have had one thing in common—they know themselves.

 

In this seminar on Personality Selling, Mike Lewis will share insights into the psychology of the sales process, provide practical tips and tools to understand your own selling style,recognize the buying styles of your customers and adapt your selling style to increase sales, enhance sales communications and build relationships.

 

Mike Lewis is a certified SCORE mentor and the Chapter Chair of Pasco-Hernando SCORE in Pasco County, Florida. Mike has been a small business owner and is an expert in selling techniques and sales communication skills and an entertaining and engaging sales trainer. His published book, The Sales Bridge, The Art of Sales Communication, focuses on why personality selling is an ideal way to interact, communicate, and sell more products and services.

 

SCORE is proud to partner with Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources, and Sarasota County Economic Development to offer this seminar as part of the on-going Success Strategies for Business Owners Meetup Group.

Direct download: Episode_59_-_Personality_Selling.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

Purchasing a franchise gives you a head start towards owning and operating your own business.  In this session Mats Bengtson, a Certified Franchise Specialist at FranNet and a SCORE Certified Small Business Mentor, will discuss the items that should be considered when reviewing franchise ownership opportunities, as well as planning for business ownership and funding options.

SCORE is proud to partner with Manatee County Public Library and Manatee County Economic Development Division and the speaker to offer this program.

Direct download: Episode_58_-_Franchise_Ownership_Opportunities.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:43am EDT

Crowdfunding can be the entrepreneur's avenue to success.  Last year, entrepreneurs with great product ideas raised over $16 billion to launch their companies.

Presenter John Montelione is CEO and Founder of J-Tech Investments and a self-described serial entrepreneur, author, mentor and lecturer.  He actively consults to startups.  John has extensive experience in developing strategic business plans and launching innovative products within the healthcare and Department of Defense intelligence and Homeland Security markets.

SCORE is proud to partner with Manatee County Public Library and Manatee County Economic Development Division and the speaker to offer this program.

Direct download: 57_-_Crowdfunding_Revisited.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:24am EDT

Many small businesses experience sales increases and decreases based on the seasons.  

In this episode, John Horne, CEO of the Anna Maria Oyster Bar restaurant group, Dylan Bower, General Manager of the Holiday Inn Sarasota Airport, and Stefan Sommerfield, a SCORE mentor with 40 years of experience in retail management, including clients such as Sax Fifth Avenue, Gimbel’s and Target, discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by seasonal business.  Hosting this session are Bob Melberth, SCORE vice-chair, and Chelsea Baker, Information Services Librarian of the Manatee County Central Library.

SCORE thanks the Manatee Public Library and the Economic Development Division for its assistance in the production of this podcast.

Direct download: Episode_56_-_Seasonality.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:35am EDT