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...
Feb 10, 2020•42 min
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 t...
Dec 04, 2019•24 min
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 Den...
Nov 08, 2019•40 min
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 ...
Sep 27, 2019•30 min
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-tai...
Sep 17, 2019•29 min
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 fo...
Aug 01, 2019•26 min
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 setti...
Jul 08, 2019•31 min
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, t...
Jun 05, 2019•27 min
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...
Apr 30, 2019•22 min
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 explores this topic. He is joined by Peter Gruits, a SCORE mentor, and Michael Zuckerman, also a mentor, and an attorney who has been in practice for than 50 years.
Apr 25, 2019•31 min
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, Walt...
Apr 14, 2019•29 min
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 o...
Mar 15, 2019•27 min
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 y...
Mar 04, 2019•21 min
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 (...
Feb 12, 2019•24 min
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 ...
Nov 20, 2018•30 min
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-selli...
Nov 01, 2018•51 min
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 Cha...
Aug 20, 2018•37 min
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....
May 07, 2018•33 min
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.
Apr 23, 2018•31 min
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.
Apr 10, 2018•30 min
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.
Mar 26, 2018•30 min
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, highl...
Mar 09, 2018•36 min
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 managemen...
Jan 26, 2018•46 min
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 acceptan...
Jan 02, 2018•34 min
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 techniq...
Dec 07, 2017•32 min
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.
Oct 30, 2017•30 min
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 P...
Oct 12, 2017•34 min
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 speak...
Sep 20, 2017•31 min
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 H...
Jul 26, 2017•27 min
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, SCO...
Jun 28, 2017•39 min
