http://www.blogtalkradio.com/bigpictureadvisorsThe Big Picture on Small Business focuses on the business issues that create stronger, more efficient and highly profitable company. This program will concern itself with helping listeners learn how to build stronger 'business muscle' and a strong business Core. The Big Picture highlights the critical need to have individual components of a business work together to create the most profitable and efficient operation.enCopyright Joel Goobich (C/O Blogtalkradio)Sat, 15 Jun 2019 04:15:00 GMTThu, 13 Oct 2011 12:30:00 GMTBusinessBlogTalkRadio Feed v2.0https://dasg7xwmldix6.cloudfront.net/hostpics/c1e00e56-dd43-46dc-9438-8056ef89dd10_blogtalksquare.jpghttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/bigpictureadvisorsThe Big Picture on Small Business focuses on the business issues that create stronger, more efficient and highly profitable company. This program will concern itself with helping listeners learn how to build stronger 'business muscle' and a strong business Core. The Big Picture highlights the critical need to have individual components of a business work together to create the most profitable and efficient operation.feeds@blogtalkradio.comBlogTalkRadio.combusiness,business roadmap,big picture,strategic planning,business consultant,business development,business metrics,sales strategy,big picture advisors,big picture on small businessBigpictureadvisorsnoThe Big Picture on Small Business focuses on the business issues that create stronger, more efficient and highly profitable company. This program will concern iepisodichttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/bigpictureadvisors/2011/10/13/write-it-down--create-a-contract-with-yourselfBusinesshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/bigpictureadvisors/2011/10/13/write-it-down--create-a-contract-with-yourself/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/bigpictureadvisors/2011/10/13/write-it-down--create-a-contract-with-yourselfThu, 13 Oct 2011 12:30:00 GMTNobody has all the answers. This is the tenth and final podcast episode in a series of ten episodes about building better business Abs and strengthening your business core. In this episode we will discuss the importance of getting objective outside advice. Perhaps the most important thing a business owner can admit to themselves is "I know that I don't know everything". This is often difficult, since the unbridle optimism and belief in oneselves is what spurs entrepreneurs to take the calculated risks necessary to start, buy and grow their businesses. However, the top executives of Fortune 500 companies, Top Athletes, A-List entertainers and successful political figures all avail themselves of professional advisors to provide them with objective and focused advice. So should you - no matter how large or small your business is. Most people make decisions based on their intuition and experience. They make "gut" decisions. But what if their core (gut) is not strong? What if they have to make critical decisions in areas that they have no experience or little knowledge? If your business core is weak, your business decisions will suffer accordingly. Think of a business consultant or business advisors as a personal trainer to guide you to build better business abs. To strengthen your business core. Hiring an objective professional business advisor is like an insurance policy. They are trained to look at the Big Picture, honing in on the weaknesses and flaws of the business and identifying ways to correct them. Suggested reading for this episode is  "Getting Naked" by Patrick Lencioni     00:12:00BigpictureadvisorsnoBusiness Consultant,Business Advisor,Business Roadmap,Big Picture on Small Business,Strategic PlanningThis is the tenth and final podcast episode in a series of ten episodes about building better business Abs and strengthening your business core. In this episohttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/bigpictureadvisors/2011/10/06/wheres-the-magic-door-learn-how-to-exit-your-businessBusinesshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/bigpictureadvisors/2011/10/06/wheres-the-magic-door-learn-how-to-exit-your-business/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/bigpictureadvisors/2011/10/06/wheres-the-magic-door-learn-how-to-exit-your-businessThu, 06 Oct 2011 12:30:00 GMTWhere's the Magic Door? Learn how to exit your business   This is the ninth in a series of ten episodes about building better business Abs and strengthening your business core. In this episode we will discuss the importance of creating a business exit plan. This business exit strategy roadmap is critical to extracting from your business the equity that has accumulated through your hard work and investment. Let's face the truth - everyone exits. Those that plan for it do much better. Your business should always be "for sale" or ready for an exit. Not necessarily because you actually want to sell, but because when you treat your buisness as if it were "For Sale" you have the incentive and focus to make sure it's running efficiently and profitably. We all know that to get top dollar for our homes, we need to make sure that all systems are in good working order. This applies to your business as well. Making sure your business practices are in place, your operations are as efficient as possible and that you have a written roadmap for success, including your exit strategy, is how you strengthen your business. This is what a buyer would be looking for - a strong business core with the "muscles' and 'backbone' to thrive in the present and into the future. They are looking for future cash flows to justify their investment. Having a good exit strategy forces you to work toward a definitive goal. Not every exit strategy results in the actual sale of the business. There are other options available as well depending upon the mental and financial readiness of the owner.  Whatever the reason for the exit through it is critical to have a well thought out plan with measurable action items and milestonse. 00:15:00BigpictureadvisorsnoBusiness Exit Planning,Exit Strategies,succession planning,Business Valuation,Business consultantThis is the ninth in a series of ten episodes about building better business Abs and strengthening your business core. In this episode we will discusshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/bigpictureadvisors/2011/09/29/its-all-about-people-no-one-does-it-aloneBusinesshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/bigpictureadvisors/2011/09/29/its-all-about-people-no-one-does-it-alone/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/bigpictureadvisors/2011/09/29/its-all-about-people-no-one-does-it-aloneThu, 29 Sep 2011 12:30:00 GMTIt's all about People. No one does it alone   This podcast is the 8th in the series of Top Ten ways to Build Better Buisiness Abs. The core message of this program today is to treat your employees as a vital part of your business. They are the heart (and sould) of your company. They represent a powerful interface with the local community as well as your greater target market.  One of the best investments any business can make is to spend the time, money and energy necessary to attract, train and retain excellent employees. Do you have an overall system in place that measures and rewards employee productivity? Do you know what truly motivates your employees? It is a good practice to have written job descriptions with perfmance requirements and a roadmap for continunal improvement. Keep your employees motivated through constant training. Use the internet for inexpensive on-line courses. And always communicate. When people work without information regarding their environment it creates a sense of insecurity and less efficiency. A well motivated, trained and appreciated workforce is another core essential in building a profitable and successful business. Suggest reading for this podcast is "Drive" by Daniel H. Pink 00:11:00Bigpictureadvisorsnoemployee motivation,Human resources,employee productivity,job satisfaction,employee turnoverThis podcast is the 8th in the series of Top Ten ways to Build Better Buisiness Abs. The core message of this program today is to treat your employeeshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/bigpictureadvisors/2011/09/22/the-business-world-is-digital-virtual-and-flatBusinesshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/bigpictureadvisors/2011/09/22/the-business-world-is-digital-virtual-and-flat/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/bigpictureadvisors/2011/09/22/the-business-world-is-digital-virtual-and-flatThu, 22 Sep 2011 12:30:00 GMTThe Business World is Digital, Virtual and Flat   The world lives on the internet. If you're a business owner you better get used to it. And fast. Picture visiting your website or social media pages for the first time. Would you feel inspired enough to spend your time learning more about your own company, its products or services? Is your website stale? This of your internet presence as a vace of freshly cut flowers. Over time, these flowers begin to wilt and look old and drab. Now think about your website. Has it been refreshed lately? Ever? This is the 7th podcast in the series "Top Ten Ways to Build Better Business Abs".  We explore and expand on the core features of any business. Let's be real. It's possible to have a successful business without an Internet presence, but it's highly unlikely to have a long term success without it. Every business can and should use the internet successfully.  Websites are like our modern day digital 'business card'. It's where you can provie that first positve impression of your company, your product and your brand. And just as important, it's where you can actively deliver a strong Call-to-Action, guiding your customers to both learn about you and then do something about it. (Like purchase a product, call you, fill out a form, download information). 00:14:00Bigpictureadvisorsnosocial media,online media plan,online call to action,marketing strategy,google adwordsThe world lives on the internet. If you're a business owner you better get used to it. And fast. Picture visiting your website or social media pagehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/bigpictureadvisors/2011/09/15/cash-is-king-long-live-the-kingBusinesshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/bigpictureadvisors/2011/09/15/cash-is-king-long-live-the-king/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/bigpictureadvisors/2011/09/15/cash-is-king-long-live-the-kingThu, 15 Sep 2011 12:30:00 GMTCash is King. Long Live the King!   This podcast is the sixth in the series of Top Ten Ways to Build Better Business Abs. In this podcast we discuss the importance of cash flow. Cash is oxygen for your business. It what keeps your organization breathing. Many businesses fail because they lack adequate capital, have limited or no lines of credit or have inadequate cash management. This affects businesses of all sizes and at all stages of their business life cycle. Many businesses are seasonal and absolutely must have a disciplined cash management plan to survive the slower times of the year. In general cash flow issues are the result of other core problems in your business For example, selling a product or service at a price that is too low or if your cost of goods (COG) is too high or is rising. In either case, raising your prices would be one manner to increase cash flow. Cutting expenses by increased efficiency or better purchasing of raw materials or inventory is another important manner to grow the cash of your operations. Many businesses feel it is necessary to act as a 'bank' to their customers by extended generous credit terms. These payment terms can put your business in serious jeopardy if not handled properly and with strict guidelines. Creating a disciplined cash management system is a core business function. Your system should address how and when you get paid as well as where and how you access your cash. Getting a good handle on your cash flow will allow you to understand the true cost of your product or service. 00:14:00BigpictureadvisorsnoCash Flow,cash management plan,cost of goods,core business function,business creditThis podcast is the sixth in the series of Top Ten Ways to Build Better Business Abs. In this podcast we discuss the importance of cash flow. Cash is oxygehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/bigpictureadvisors/2011/09/08/business-commandment--know-thy-customersBusinesshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/bigpictureadvisors/2011/09/08/business-commandment--know-thy-customers/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/bigpictureadvisors/2011/09/08/business-commandment--know-thy-customersThu, 08 Sep 2011 12:30:00 GMTBusiness Commandment - Know Thy Customers This podcast is the fifth in the series of Top Ten Ways to Build Better Business Abs. In this podcast we discuss the importance of truly doing your homework in terms of knowing your market and your customers. Knowing your customers better than they know you is a proven method to stack the odds in your favor as a business. Many of the lessons from the first podcast - Start With Why - are applicable to this topic as well. If you don't know the reasons why your customers purchase products or services it is difficult and certainly risky to market or try to sell them on your company. What are the motivating factors that are driving their decisions? What are the market dynamics. Have they changed? What about the threats from your competition, technology?  Are you customers purchasing more or less than in previous years? Are you attracting at least 10% new customers to your store or company each year? Are you adding new products or services each year, or at least improving the ones you currently offer. If you aren't doing any of these activities, your business will inevitably start to decline. What about getting direct feedback from you market? Do you solicit feedback from your customers? How do you do this and in what manner do you incorporate that into how you conduct your business? Do you acknowledge and reward your clientele for their loyalty? These topics and more make up the subject matter of today's broadcast. The reading bibliography for today's podcast is Why We Buy - Paco Underhill The Paradox of Choice - Barry Schwartz   00:17:00Bigpictureadvisorsnobusiness customers,sales strategy,business development,marketing strategies,big picture advisorsThis podcast is the fifth in the series of Top Ten Ways to Build Better Business Abs. In this podcast we discuss the importance of truly doing your homework inhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/bigpictureadvisors/2011/09/01/measure-your-businessBusinesshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/bigpictureadvisors/2011/09/01/measure-your-business/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/bigpictureadvisors/2011/09/01/measure-your-businessThu, 01 Sep 2011 12:30:00 GMTMeasure Your Business This is the fourth in a series of ten episodes about building better business Abs and strengthening your business core.In this episode we will discuss the importance of measurements and metrics. Control of your business operations is essential to generating the profits and cash flow that will keep it running. We discussed the importance of generating revenue in our previous podcast. A well-run operation provides the springboard for growth and extrreme business success.  How do you create such a well-run operation? One of the Core strengths is being able to measure Identifying the key organizational issues and making sure that there are systems in place to monitor, measure and assign accountability is a key to building this core.  What are the proper metrics and how are they used? To begin with, conducting an honest, objective and thorough review of your business operations will set a baseline. From this starting point you can now compare where your business has progressed (or not). Making sure your measurements provide the information that can lead to better decisions is crucial. Your measurements cannot just be numbers, they have to be directly relatedable to a "why" factor. Why have things changed for the positive, negative or not at all. If you can't measure it - you can't manage or improve it. And be sure you are using the correct yardsticks. You might be missing important information by using the wrong tools. Suggested Reading for this podcast  "Start With Why" - Simon Sinek 00:16:00BigpictureadvisorsnoBusiness metrics,Business roadmap,business organization,Big Picture,Time ManagementThis is the fourth in a series of ten episodes about building better business Abs and strengthening your business core.In this episode we will discuss the impohttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/bigpictureadvisors/2011/08/26/generating-revenue--core-to-your-business-healthBusinesshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/bigpictureadvisors/2011/08/26/generating-revenue--core-to-your-business-health/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/bigpictureadvisors/2011/08/26/generating-revenue--core-to-your-business-healthFri, 26 Aug 2011 12:00:00 GMTGenerating Revenue - Core to your Business HealthThis is the third in a series of ten episodes about building better business Abs and strengthening your business core.In this episode we discuss the importance of generating revenue. This is the fuel that keeps your business engine running. It goes without saying that the success of any business is closely tied to its ability to generate new and repeat revenue streams. Increasing or even maintaining these revenue streams rarely happens by itself. Put the odds in your favor by having an actionable sales roadmap with specific objectives and milestones.  It's easier to follow a road that is paved than one that if full of potholes! Does your revenue plan reinforce your core brand and core message? Your business "Why's"?  A robust revenue roadmap contains directions for continually reinforcing the company's brand, its core values and core competencies. The roadmap should address the dynamics of the marketplace and the competitive position your company's products and services occupy. 00:18:00BigpictureadvisorsnoBusiness revenue,Business Roadmap,Business metrics,business development,sales strategyThis is the third in a series of ten episodes about building better business Abs and strengthening your business core.In this episode we discuss the importancehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/bigpictureadvisors/2011/08/19/write-it-down--create-a-contract-with-yourselfBusinesshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/bigpictureadvisors/2011/08/19/write-it-down--create-a-contract-with-yourself/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/bigpictureadvisors/2011/08/19/write-it-down--create-a-contract-with-yourselfFri, 19 Aug 2011 12:00:00 GMTWrite it Down!! - Create a Contract with Yourself This is the second in a series of ten episodes about building better business Abs and strengthening your business core. In this episode we will discuss the importance of starting the process of creating a roadmap for business success. It starts with writing it down. It's a well known fact that a vast number of business problems and specifically many business failures are caused by a lack of thorough planning. This is almost always avoidable with enough forethought and planning.  To build a stronger business core, increase your business muscle it is critical to set specific goals with definitive plans for reaching the short and long term objectives that will lead to profitability. This holds true for 'one-man' operations and multi-national megafirms. Without a roadmap it's hard to achieve lasting success. This roadmap must answer the 'why' questions that we discussed in the first episode of this series. It must address what you want to achiee, how you will accomplish this and what resoures you will need along the way. And most importantly it MUST be in writing. The act of transcribing your thoughts into an actual document refines and organizes them. Your written document is a resource that should be referred to frequently and shared with others. It constitutes a CONTRACT by which you will measure your success. I 00:16:00Bigpictureadvisorsnobusiness roadmap,business plan,plan of action,Big Picture,Strategic PlanningThis is the second in a series of ten episodes about building better business Abs and strengthening your business core. In this episode we will discuss the imhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/bigpictureadvisors/2011/08/11/how-strong-is-your-business-coreBusinesshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/bigpictureadvisors/2011/08/11/how-strong-is-your-business-core/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/bigpictureadvisors/2011/08/11/how-strong-is-your-business-coreThu, 11 Aug 2011 12:30:00 GMTHow Strong is your Business Core?? A business is like a body. It has a skeleton (the framework on which it is built), muscle (the essential added value product or service of the business) and skin (the marketing and external face of the company). And like any trainer will tell you, it's critical that your core is strong.  So too in business. How strong is your business core? Are all the key components of your business functioning at peak performance? Are they working in unison to create efficiencies and maximum profits? This issue of The Big Picture on Small Business will examine the crucial importance of continually building a strong business core. 00:14:00BigpictureadvisorsnoBusiness Core,Big Picture,Business Consulting,Strategic Planning,Business RoadmapA business is like a body. It has a skeleton (the framework on which it is built), muscle (the essential added value product or service of the business) and sk