Been There, Done That!

Business is built on relationships, and relationships are built on communications.  In this episode, host and SCORE Mentor Dennis Zink speaks with communications consultants, experts and authors Bob and Eileen Parkinson.  Topics include both oral and written communications to individuals and groups.  Given that “how you say it” is just as important as what you say, you’ll want to consider and adopt the tips and tricks shared by these professional communicators. To get a free SCORE mentor, go to our website at www.score.org, or call 941-634-0245.

Professional Employer Organizations are an increasingly popular way for small and medium sized businesses to manage their HR and payroll functions.  By outsourcing these administrative burdens, the staff is free to focus on their core competencies.  And, because PEOs service many companies, they can exercise their purchasing power to offer higher quality employee benefits while reducing insurance costs. Join host Dennis Zink and guests John Coleman and Brian Smith of Oasis, a Paychex company, as they discuss the benefits and costs of using a PEO.  If your business has employees or intends to have them in the future, you’ll want to hear this important information.  

When two or more people get together with a business idea, their first inclination is often to join together as partners.  However, that’s not always the best decision, and even when it is, there are a number of variables that need to be considered.  A business partnership can be as rewarding and exasperating as any relationship.  This podcast discusses what a partnership entails, including the benefits, drawbacks and other things you should know before proceeding down this path. Listen as host Dennis Zink and expert guest Michael Zuckerman, a SCORE mentor, attorney and subject matter expert, discuss the details of business partners and partnerships.

Every business today is dependent on computer systems, and a cyber attack could be devastating.  In this episode, host Dennis Zink talks with David Spire, Chief Development Officer and Chris Brenes, Director of IT Security for Entech.  They discuss ways to keep your computers safe when exchanging data with other systems, when using cloud services, and simple email and web browsing hygiene.  They discuss ransomware, and how best to avoid and recover from it. They also discuss how and when to update passwords.  The answer to this may surprise you! If you lead a business, you won’t want to miss this important information.

Knowledgeable business owners are aware that digital marketing is essential to their growth and survival.  In this episode, host Dennis Zink speaks with Nabil Freij, a SCORE Mentor, successful business owner and a proficient user of digital media and social marketing tools.  Nabil explains what digital marketing is and how best to use it.  His on-point suggestions will increase your ability to use these tools to drive business success.  Nabil provides easily understandable examples of using long-tail keywords, on-page and off-page search engine optimization and back links.  

Business owners and entrepreneurs are becoming increasingly aware that social media is a vital part of any marketing plan. Many of them don't have a complete understanding of this technology. They don't know what it is or how to use it.  In this episode, host Dennis Zink speaks with Mical Johnson of Cyberize Group and Jason Bearden of Digital MKTG Pro (see contact information at bottom.)  They discuss: What is social media? How is social media different than SEO? The main social media platforms for B2B and B2C What Twitter is good for? Why it’s important for businesses to be involved in Social Media How to build your customer base What is the most effective way to build engagement What are some benefits to joining groups How to measure social media activities What the best platforms are to reach a younger audience When is the best time to use Pinterest When is the best time to use Instagram How to reach a more mature audience What does it cost to have a social media campaign What is the biggest misconception

Alexis Nguyen, owner of an Assisting Hands Home Care franchise, is a major success story.  She credits her SCORE mentors with helping her build her multi-million dollar business. In this episode, host Dennis Zink speaks with her and her two SCORE mentors, Stroud Curran with the Tampa chapter, and Lloyd Nurick with the Manasota chapter, regarding the relationship between a client and mentor, and how the client can best use the mentors to advance their business. Subjects discussed include the setting of goals and key performance indicators, the frequency and logistics of meetings, how to work with multiple mentors, and the key advice that the mentors gave Alexis to help her understand her role in her own business.  If you're considering getting a SCORE mentor, this episode will help you make that decision, and to get the most out of your mentoring relationship.  

Access to capital is a problem faced by most businesses.  We’ve brought back Gerri Detweiler, Education Director of Nav, to further discuss the ways that businesses can gain access to funding.  Gerri and host Dennis Zink talk about the importance of personal as well as business credit, how to check your credit, how you can improve credit scores and common mistakes people and companies make regarding their credit.  They also discuss different types of financing, the impact of under-capitalization, the importance of a business credit card, the availability of SBA loans and many other topics.  If your business requires capital, you won’t want to miss this!

Buying a franchise can be an easier way to get into business than starting from scratch.  In this episode, we're addressing the benefits and challenges associated with buying a franchise business. We'll be exploring what a franchise is, what types of franchises are available, how to choose the best one to fit your needs, and the cost of buying into and operating a franchise. Along with host Dennis Zink, our guests are Bob Melberth, a SCORE Subject Matter Expert, and Jenny Sutter, owner of FranNet, which helps prospective franchisees select an appropriate franchise and negotiate the purchasing process. SCORE is a 55-year-old nationwide non-profit organization providing free mentoring services to business owners. Our SCORE experts are here to guide you safely through that minefield.

Buying a business is one of the most important steps in life taken by entrepreneurs. It can be a rewarding experience or it can be a minefield fraught with danger. Our experts are here to guide you safely through that minefield. In this episode, host Dennis Zink is joined by Peter Gruits, an experienced SCORE mentor, and Michael Zuckerman, also a mentor and an attorney who has been in practice for than 50 years to explore this topic.

This is the final episode in our series addressing exit strategies. In part one, we explored the important considerations sellers must understand before exiting their business.  In part two, our experts presented ways in which businesses are valued. In part three, we outlines the first 5 steps of the process of selling a business. In this podcast, we outline the final 5 steps in the selling process leading to a successful exit. Our guests Peter Gruits of SCORE and Matt LaPointe with Blalock, Walters PA, along with host Dennis Zink present a free-flowing dialog. This is a must-listen episode for anyone that is in the market looking to sell a small business now or in the next few years.

This is part three of a series of episodes addressing exit strategies. In part one, we explored the important considerations sellers must understand before exiting their business.  In part two, our experts presented ways in which businesses are valued.  In this podcast, we outline the steps in the selling process leading to a successful exit. Our guests Peter Gruits of SCORE and Matt LaPointe with Blalock, Walters PA, along with host Dennis Zink present a free-flowing dialog on the first 5 steps of this process.  This is a must-listen episode for anyone that is in the market looking to sell a small business now or in the next few years.

In this episode, Dennis Zink talks with Peter Gruits with the SCORE Exit Strategy Team and Eric Robinson, a CPA with Robinson, Gruters & Roberts, CPA, about business valuation.  You'll learn what a buyer is actually buying, methods used to establish value, and the definitions of goodwill and EBITDA. You'll also learn why owner benefits are added back to recast the true profit, how multiples are determined, SBA loan guarantees, taking an earnout as partial compensation, non-competes and what you should not do when selling your business.  

In this first episode in a series about exiting your business, Dennis Zink talks with Mark Dunlop, Vice President with BankUnited, and attorney Ken Chapman, partner with Bowman, George, Scheb, Kimbrough, Koach & Chapman, P.A. about exit strategies.  You'll learn: The six most common exit options The best time to plan for selling your business Key considerations to include in your planning How to increase the value of your business SBA (Small Business Administration) loan guaranties The need (or not) for audited financial statements How to make your business more desirable The importance of cash flow If you own a business, at some point you will want to sell it, pass it on to others, or otherwise exit it while gaining the most value for it.  Listen to this series of podcasts and learn how to do it right!

Will your business need access to additional funds to facilitate growth or to cover emergencies?  Many, perhaps most, will.  In this episode, Gerri Detweiler of Nav, along with host Dennis Zink and co-host Fred Dunayer, discuss the building of business credit, the proper use of debt, and the intersection of personal and business credit. Credit expert Gerri Detweiler is Education Director for Nav, which provides business owners with free personal and business credit scores, along with simple tools to build strong business credit and financially healthy companies. Gerri’s articles have been widely syndicated, and she’s written five books, including Finance Your Own Business: Get on the Financing Fast Track. She’s been interviewed in more than 3000 news stories and has testified before Congress on credit legislation.

Customers frequently rely on on-line reviews to make their purchasing decisions, so you want to make sure that your business has a stellar reputation.  This online reputation is known as "Social Proof".  This presentation by Nick Choat will focus on digital marketing, specifically focusing on how to cultivate positive and turn around negative reviews.  Formerly a Walt Disney Company executive, Nick is the owner of two Sport Clips Haircut franchises. He is a SCORE mentor and international best-selling author of "Online Or Flatline: The Small Business Owner's Guide to Digital Marketing". In this presentation, you’ll learn how to make affordable yet effective investment decisions.  Nick provides real-world, understandable examples that you’ll be able to implement. SCORE is proud to partner with the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce to offer podcast highlights of the Chamber’s Powerbites series to improve your business’ bottom line.

How much is your company worth?  Whether you’re growing it or considering selling it, you want it to be as valuable as possible.  In these highlights from a recorded seminar, Dane DeSantis, owner of Hallmark Business Brokers, tells you eight things you can do to make your company more valuable. His experience and insight will help you get more from your business than you ever thought possible! SCORE is proud to partner with the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce to offer podcast highlights of the Chamber's Powerbites series to improve your business's bottom line. 

Including eBay in your marketing strategy is a great way to expand your reach.  As an online market, eBay can be used as a secondary, or even the primary place to sell your products.  In this episode, Dennis Zink and Fred Dunayer speak with Danna Crawford, a nationally recognized and highly successful eBay sales expert, the founder and CEO of powersellingmom.com, and a SCORE mentor, who will tell you everything you need to know to get started selling in this worldwide marketplace.

Social Media and Video Marketing have emerged as important areas that business owners should consider when developing their overall marketing strategy.  In the second part of our two-part discussion with host Dennis Zink, co-host Fred Dunayer and Michael Skigen, Senior Manager of Digital Content and Social Engagement at DexYP, the focus is on the key elements of content and timing that belong in a social media and video marketing strategy. 

Developing and implementing an email and text marketing strategy can dramatically increase your sales.  Michael Skigen, Senior Manager of Digital Content and Social Engagement at DexYP, joins Dennis Zink and Fred Dunayer to discuss the key elements of an email and text marketing strategy and the tools that can be used to automate it.