Getting Down To Business®

CELEBRATING SMALL BUSINESSEvery business started small.  Some successful business remain small others grow size is not the measure of success.  David gives his view of business success.  Questions or comments email David@GDTB.Biz. EMPIRE OF WEALTH The Transcontinental Railroad was a marvel in engineering.  It was constructed by Credit Mobilier a company owned by shareholders of the Union Pacific and congressmen setting the stage for massive corruption.  Questions or comments email David@GDTB.Biz. SPECIAL GUEST Steve Forbes visited Getting Down to Business® in 2012.  Listen to this timeless interview.  Questions or comments email David@GDTB.Biz in the newsCredit Monitor's Hard Sell Under ScrutinyIncreased Attention Follows Court's Decision to Hear Lawsuit Over Practices.  This Vending Machine Sells Fresh Salads Instead Of Junk Food Chicago's Garvey Food Court has a McDonald's, a Dunkin Donuts and a vending machine that sells kale.  

Jon Snare, Senior VP & Regional Investment Manager with Wells Fargo returns to summarize economic performance in 2013 but most importantly gives us his view of 2014.   Questions or comments email David@GDTB.Biz. EMPIRE OF WEALTH Building the Transcontinental Railroad took 5 years to build lots of money and the greatest financial scandal of the nineteenth century.  Questions or comments email David@GDTB.Biz. in the newsThe Right Way to Go After Big ClientsDon't Put All Your Eggs in One BasketA year after starting a restaurant-technology firm, Rajat Suri got an introduction to what would become by far his biggest client—the casual-dining chain Applebee's International.  Link to the full article visit Getting Down to Business® on Facebook. Sell Bikes? There's a Web Domain for ThatSmall Businesses Hope to Gain from the Rollout of Addresses with Endings Like .Bike and .SinglesThe World Wide Web is about to get a lot wider.  Starting Jan. 29, the first of hundreds of new top-level Web domains the suffixes that

Budgeting is a great way to start your New Year!  Dave put his teaching hat back on providing insights into the budgeting process that will make it easier for your business to step up in 2014.  Questions or comments email David@GDTB.Biz.EMPIRE OF WEALTH Our mercantile system of doing business is the greatest economic force in the world.  The period of time immediately after the Civil War business and political corruption ran rampantly.  Why was this period of time such a blight on capitalism?  Dave provides the needed perspective.  Questions or comments email David@GDTB.Biz. in the newsAlternative Lenders Peddle Pricey Commercial LoansWith Credit for Businesses Tight, Nonbank Lenders Offer Financing at a Price.  When Khien Nguyen needed $180,000 to open his 13th nail salon near Philadelphia in November, he didn't go to a bank.  Mr. Nguyen's credit score had dropped during the recession, so he figured a bank would put him through weeks of aggravation, then reject him.  Link to the full article visit Getting Do

Jeff Krantz, President of Krantz Training, Author, Sales Trainer, Executive Coach and Keynote Speaker visits Dave.  Jeff discusses his book about “Encore Customer Service”.  Questions or comments email David@GDTB.Biz. EMPIRE OF WEALTH                                            The 50 years between the Civil War and the beginning of WWI in Europe the U.S. economy changed more profoundly that any earlier 50 year period in the nation’s history.  Questions or comments email David@GDTB.Biz. in the newsWHO’S SUITABLE FOR EQUITY CRODFUNDINGFew positive signs for the futureThe National Federation of Independent Business released their “Optimism Index” for the month of November and optimism increased slightly.  Link to the full article visit Getting Down to Business® on Facebook.DISCUSSION: Who’s Suitable for Equity Crowdfunding?Ed Zimmerman a venture lawyer and angle investor describes accredited and sophisticated they don’t always mean the same thing. Link to the full article visit Getting Down to Business® on Fac

Who should pay for infrastructure in Western Alaska?  Mike Black and Rada Khadjinova join Dave to discuss this issue.  Questions or comments email David@GDTB.Biz. EMPIRE OF WEALTH                                            The Civil War and how it was financed had a profound effect on how Americans handled their assets.  .  Questions or comments email David@GDTB.Biz. in the newsSMALL BUSINESS OPTIMISM SEES SLIGHT BUMP IN NOVEMBERFew positive signs for the futureThe National Federation of Independent Business released their “Optimism Index” for the month of November and optimism increased slightly.  Link to the full article visit Getting Down to Business® on Facebook.Who’s Suitable for Equity Crowdfunding?George Deeb, managing partner at Red Rocket Ventures discusses things to watch out for when choosing Crowdfunding.  Link to the full article visit Getting Down to Business® on Facebook.CONNECT KEYMichael Ferris, President of AES Alaska/Xerox discusses scanning solutions. Questions or comments email Mike@aes

In this podcast meet Stephanie McKenzie, MBA, Author & Entrepreneur learn about her new book “The Business of Dating” and the story behind her company The Relationship Firm.  Questions or comments email “Coach Steph” at sdm@TheRelationshipFirm.com.EMPIRE OF WEALTH“Sixty years ago there were no great fortunes in America, few large fortunes, no poverty.  Now there is some poverty (though only in a few places can it be called pauperism)”…James Bryce, Author of “The American Commonwealth”, 1894.  Questions or comments email David@GDTB. Biz.MARKETING MATTERSJonathan Lee of Creative Cube Company is back to discuss simple logo design part of his simple design series.  Questions or comments email Jon@creativecubecompany.com.Who’s Suitable for Equity Crowdfunding?Do you believe that everyone deserves the right to invest in small companies?  Listen to comments from Michael Chasen, CEO of SocialRadar and co-founder of Blackboard Inc.  Link to the full article visit Getting Down to Business® on Facebook.

The SEC is a step closer to opening the equity crowdfunding spigot.  They have the ball on the 5 yard line getting ready to push it in.  Questions or comments email Questions or comments email David@GDTB. Biz. EMPIRE OF WEALTHDuring the Civil War the Federal government used a mixture of taxes, bonds, & printing that produced annual inflation of 75%.  The Confederacy used a mixture that produced 700% inflation and the economic impact hurt both sides but not equally.  Questions or comments email David@GDTB. Biz.Who’s Suitable for Equity Crowdfunding?Do you believe that everyone deserves the right to invest in small companies?  John Breilinger shares some interesting thoughts.  Link to the full article visit Getting Down to Business® on Facebook. world tRade updateInvestments in Alaska from Sovereign Wealth Funds is Greg’s topic along with Joe Griffith, Executive Director of Matanuska Electric Association talking about their new generating facility and Rada Khadjinova with the Pacific Rim Institute and envir

Before you get the wrong idea….listen as Rosie Pekar talks about her book Kick But! It’s Time…  Bloody –Useless-Talk (BUT) may be holding you and your business back.  Listen as Rosie helps you “find more ways to feel good and less ways to feel bad”.  Questions or comments contact rosie@kickbut.com.au EPIRE OF WEALTHThe Civil War started April 15, 1861 ending April 9, 1865 and in economic terms the two sides used far different strategies.  Governments have 3 ways to raise money, tax, borrow or print money.  During the Civil War both governments used a combination of all three however, the mix of these three were used by both the North & South.  Finances turned out to be key to winning the war.  Questions or comments email David@GDTB. Biz. IN THE NEWS Uncertainty: The Enemy of Economic GrowthOctober Small Business Optimism Takes a TumbleFall arrived literally this month, as small-business optimism dropped from 93.9 to 91.6.  Largely due to a precipitous decline in hiring plans and expectations for future sm

Telling Uncle Sam thanks but no thanks doesn’t happen that often.  Listen as Mollie Dalpae, Executive Director of Spokane Meals on Wheels program tells their story.  Developing their own funding sources allows them to react quickly to client needs.  Questions or comments contact Director@mowspokane.org. EMPIRE OF WEALTH The Civil War started April 15, 1861 ending April 9, 1865 and in economic terms the two sides used far different strategies.  The U.S. government went for spending $172 thousand per day to $1.5 million a day in a matter of months.  Solving the spending gap problem was essential.  Questions or comments email David@GDTB. Biz.IN THE NEWSStartups: Misadventures in Spending -A Look at Some of the Pitfalls of Allocating CapitalRaising capital is a challenge for most startups.  But those who do so successfully then face the dilemma of figuring out how to best allocate the funds with the temptations of plush office spaces, perks and high salaries, a startup's so-called "seed" funds can quickly disapp

Don Dyer, Economic Development Director for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough visits Dave in this program.  Essentially the salesman for the borough government Don sells the advantages of doing business in the agriculture middle of Alaska.  Questions or comments contact ddyer@matusgov.us. EMPIRE OF WEALTHThe Civil War started April 15, 1861 ending April 9, 1865 and was the largest war fought between Battle of Waterloo 1815 and WWI 1914.  It was also the first conflict of the industrial age, geographically covering half a continent troops moved by railroad, communications by telegraph, people informed by large circulation newspapers.  Next week we’ll look at the Civil War in economic terms.  Questions or comments email David@GDTB. Biz. IN THE NEWS Some Factories Stick With Old Health PlansFaced With Rising Insurance Premiums, Small Manufacturers Know They Can Opt for Exchanges, but Remain Wary.  Some small manufacturers facing soaring costs for employee health insurance.  Say they are likely to continue coverage

Steve Trabun, Regional Business Manager for Avista Utilities handles their center for entrepreneurship.  Avista has used their money and people to stimulate the entrepreneurial spirit in its service area.  Questions or comments contact steve.trabun@avistacorp.com. EMPIRE OF WEALTHJohn Deer was a real person who made the first commercially successful cast-steel plow and founded Deere & Company.  Questions or comments email David@GDTB. Biz.IN THE NEWSFinally, a Good Time to Sell the BusinessSelling your business is a great exit strategy.  Timing is a critical step in the small-business-for-sale market, which is warming up.  Link to the full article visit Getting Down to Business® on Facebook.TECH TALKTim White IT expert with ACB Solutions discusses new viruses and new tactics for combating.  Questions or comments email Twhite@acbsolutions.net. LISTEN EVERY SATURDAY Getting Down to Business® with David Weatherholt Saturday’s 8-10 am (AKDT) Fox News Talk KOAN 95.5 FM & AM 1020 – Stream:www.foxnewskoan.com

Rich Hadley, President and CEO of Greater Spokane, Incorporated talks about economic development and his retirement plans.  For more information visit http://www.greaterspokane.org/ EMPIRE OF WEALTH Meet Cyrus McCormick, inventor and founder of International Harvester Company.  Questions or comments email David@GDTB. Biz. IN THE NEWS Discussion of the Week: should you get Patent Protection? Does your business need to spend time and money to protect intellectual property?  Great discussion on that topic.  Link to the full article visit Getting Down to Business® on Facebook. MARKETING MATTERSSmall business marketing expert Jonathan Lee discusses rebranding.  Questions or comments emailJon@creativecubecompany.com LISTEN EVERY SATURDAYGetting Down to Business® with David Weatherholt in Anchorage, Alaska Saturday’s 8-10 am (AKDT) Fox News Talk KOAN 95.5 FM + AM 1020.  In Spokane, Washington listens to MoneyTalk 1230 AM KSBN from 9-11 am.  Like us on Facebook, join me on LinkedIn or follow us on Twitter at Waconsul

Dominick Domasky, Author and Motivational Speaker join Dave today to discuss his book Don’t Double Bread the Fish.  Dominick’s book is a tale of failure, persistence and finding success.  For more information visit http://www.motivationchamps.com. EMPIRE OF WEALTH The Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) is renowned, modern, example of the American market economy in action.  Founded by Xerox Company PARC has changed your world in extraordinary ways.  Questions or comments email David@GDTB. Biz. IN THE NEWS Small Businesses Skeptical About Future; Optimism Dips Too early to measure impact of the “shut-down” but economic outlook is depressed Small-business owner optimism did not “crash” in September, but it did fall, dropping 0.20 from August’s reading of 94.1 and landing at 93.9. The largest contributing factor to the dip was the significant increase in pessimism about future business conditions.  Link to the full article visit Getting Down to Business® on Facebook. KONNECT KEYMichael Ferris, President of Alaska E

Michael Robbins, President of Alaska Integrated Media, Inc which owns KOAN and four other radio stations.  Robbins talks about his lifelong desire to become a business owner.  For more information visit http://www.alaskaim.com. EMPIRE OF WEALTHJohn D Rockefeller is remembered most for starting Standard Oil Company but he spent almost half of his life giving money away.  Education and medical research were his top priorities.  Questions or comments email David@GDTB. Biz.IN THE NEWSFIVE SMART STEPS TO BUILDING YOUR BRAND THE RIGHT WAYAlmost all the entrepreneurs and founders see a problem or gap in the market, they create a compelling product, technology, or service for an unmet need.  Then with passion, vision, courage, and conviction they set out to build a company to solve those needs.  Most of the time, what’s missing is a lack of knowledge about branding.  Link to the full article visit Getting Down to Business® on Facebook.BUSINESS RISK MANAGEMENT“Notorious Disasters” a look through the eyes of Chris Pobi

PROGRAM TOPIC Scott Goldsmith, Professor Emeritus, Economics and the father of the “Three-Legged Stool” analogy used for the Alaska Economy visits Dave.  Every small business owner and managers need to learn how economics will affect your business.  For more information visit www.iser.uaa.alaska.edu EMPIRE OF WEALTH John D Rockefeller’s Standard Oil Company was a successful entrepreneur in business.  Rockefeller was a successful social entrepreneur.  Questions or comments email David@GDTB. Biz.IN THE NEWSSmall Businesses Take Fundraising PublicCompanies Seek More Ways to Raise Cash After the SEC Lifts Long-Standing BanRick Field posted an eye-catching orange-and-blue "FUND US" notice on his company's website Monday near an image of a jar of kosher organic dill spears.  Link to the full article visit Getting Down to Business® on Facebook.TECH TALK“Bundled Services” from your communications provider is more marketing term than exceptional service.  Russell Ball, IT Expert talks about “Bundled Services” as it a

The typical entrepreneur creates more, does more and is more.  Justin Sachs is typical.  He has written 5 books, 3 international bestsellers, started several companies, a nonprofit organization, made 3 movies and is an accomplished motivational speaker.  Guess how old he is?  Listen to find out how old Justin is and how he accomplished all of this.  For more information visit www.JustinSachsCompanies.com. EMPIRE OF WEALTH:  Ida Tarbell an author/journalist in the 1900’s used her journalistic talents against Standard Oil and successful business.  Questions or comments email David@GDTB. Biz.  IN THE NEWS:  Optimism Doesn't Budge: Underlying Numbers Suggest Turmoil in the Sector The NFIB released their monthly optimism index for August.  While progress was minimal some of the individual indicators revealed incongruent details.  Link to the full article visit Getting Down to Business® on Facebook.BUSINESS RISK MANAGEMENT:  Chris Pobieglo, Business Risk Management Expert, looks at “Notorious Disasters” from the vi

PROGRAM TOPIC Have you ever considered how evening activities created a demand for light?  What did people do before electricity?  They used candles made from Whales and Whale oil powered lighting.  Listen as Dave tells the story of how the U.S. became the best Whalers and how we moved to oil.  Questions or comments email David@GDTB. Biz. IN THE NEWS Starting a Company? Skip B-SchoolPrograms Like Starter School Give Students Just Enough Instruction to Get an Idea off the GroundBusiness schools have new competition for students with startups on the brain a number of programs, from General Assembly in New York to Starter School in Chicago, have cropped up recently to cater to people seeking to launch their own companies or join fledgling ones.  Link to this WSJ article visit Getting Down to Business® on Facebook.Economic News Summary August 2013Many believe that unfettered markets are inferior and even antiquated to a centrally controlled government run economic system, which works well, in the words of Margret

PROGRAM TOPIC Greg Wolf, Executive Director of the World Trade Center Alaska, Rada Khadjinova, Executive Director of the Pacific Rim Institute, and Don Dyer, Economic Development Director of the Matanuska Susitna Community visit Dave.  An official delegation from China recently visited Alaska with delegations from other trading partners scheduling future visits according to Greg.  Rada told us about the purpose of her organization and Don updated us on the new rail loop.  Find more visit www.Wtcak.org, www.PacRimInstitute.com, or www.matsugov.org. EMPIRE OF WEALTH James J Hill – The Great Northern Railway (1838-1916)The only transcontinental railroad built without any governmental assistance, the Great Northern Railway.  James J Hill and his partners built a 1,700 mile railroad from St Paul, Minnesota to Seattle, Washington.  Hill noted that the key to success was, “work, hard work, intelligent work, and then more work”.  Questions or comments email David@GDTB. Biz. IN THE NEWS Small-Business Optimism? Not S

PROGRAM TOPIC The typical performance appraisal is dysfunctional and harms employees and organizations.  Wally Hauck author of the book Stop the Leadership Mal Practice:  How to Replace the Typical Performance Appraisal explains why this outdated process is actually Mal Practice.  Find more visit www.WallyHauck.com EMPIRE OF WEALTH James J Hill – The Great Northern Railway (1838-1916) Another exciting entrepreneurial story James Hill rose from humble beginnings and through hard work built the Great Northern Railway and a transportation empire.  Hill noted that the key to success was, “work, hard work, intelligent work, and then more work”.  Questions or comments email David@GDTB. Biz. IN THE NEWS Will the Health-Care Law Help Small Businesses?Change doesn't get much bigger than this.  President Obama's Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act has rewritten the rules on health insurance.  Great feature gives you both the pro & cons of Obamacare.  Link to this WSJ article visit Getting Down to Business® o

PROGRAM TOPIC Regardless of your opinion on The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) your business needs a strategy for dealing with the impact of this law.  Mark Newbold employee benefits specialist discusses possible strategies.   Every business owner needs to hear this program.  Questions or comments email mnewbold@moloneyoneill.com. EMPIRE OF WEALTH Cyrus Field Trans-Atlantic Cable (1819-1892) How will you spend your retirement?  Cyrus Field launched the mega project of laying the first cable across the Atlantic Ocean in 1857.  This transmission project changed the world.  Questions or comments email David@GDTB. Biz. IN THE NEWS ONE STRATEGY FOR hEALTH-LAW COSTS: SELF INSUREUnitedHealth and Humana Will Offer Smaller Businesses Options Typically Left to Big CorporationsAs businesses cast about for ways to minimize new costs related to the federal healthcare law health insurers are stepping up.  Among their lasts offerings: allowing ever-smaller companies to switch to a riskier form of co