Podcast: Download

Please click on the POD button to listen to the latest Atlanta Business Radio show podcast broadcasting live each Wednesday at 10am EDT from the Business Radio X studio in Atlanta, GA, USA. Here’s how to listen to the podcast of our show.First click on the title of the show you are interested in. Then there should be a player in the upper right hand corner of the screen. Now just press play and the show you chose should start playing.

You can also download the show to listen on your mp3 player. We are now available on iTunes, click this link and you can find all our past shows. Press SUBSCRIBE and you will automatically get the latest show when you sync your iPod to your computer.

Today we learned all about DECA, an Association of Marketing Students. We had a full house in the studio this morning. We had: Jim Severnak, the Georgia DECA Foundation Director; Debra Moore, an instructor at South Forsyth High School and Marketing Education & DECA Chairperson; Chasady Foster, State Officer – Competitive Events; Katie Pickering, State Officer – Corporate Relations; Jim Twaits, South Forsyth Chapter Vice President and Amanda Mapes, South Forsyth Chapter President.

We covered a lot of ground and learned a lot about DECA and how it works and why schools should start a DECA program. We discussed the co-curricular aspects of DECA and the Marketing Pathways established by the Georgia Department of Education. We also learned about the functions of DECA and the various activities and community service programs. The students shared their experiences working with Cousins Properties’ The Avenues Forsyth on a local market research project. They also shared how they benefit from the program and how it helps them get into college and possibly earn scholarship money. To learn more about DECA in Georrgia please go to their website www.gadeca.org

Also if you know of a business in Atlanta that we should know about please email Amy Otto at Amy @ atlantabusinessradio.com and we will try and get them on the show

Podcast: Download

Please click on the POD button to listen to the latest Atlanta Business Radio show podcast broadcasting live each Wednesday at 10am EDT from the Business Radio X studio in Atlanta, GA, USA. Here’s how to listen to the podcast of our show.First click on the title of the show you are interested in. Then there should be a player in the upper right hand corner of the screen. Now just press play and the show you chose should start playing.

You can also download the show to listen on your mp3 player. We are now available on iTunes, click this link and you can find all our past shows. Press SUBSCRIBE and you will automatically get the latest show when you sync your iPod to your computer.

Today we opened with Danny Kofke who wrote the book “How to Survive (and perhaps thrive) On A Teacher’s Salary.” Danny has been a teacher for nearly 10 years. He said that his passion for his craft keeps him in the classroom but smart savings and basic understanding of financial principles have kept his wife at home with their children. His book explains the steps necessary for others to follow suit and save for life’s journeys. To learn more or to order the book please go to Danny’s website www.dannykofke.blogspot.com

Next we had on Arthur Benz (pictured) President of OXYGen Financial Insurance. OXYGen is a financial planning firm that aspires to be your family’s CFO. They have created a compnay that helps primarily but not exclusively the X and Y Generations. The try and bring Wall Street to Main Street and offer decades of knowledge and expertise to help their clients through these challenging economic times. Please go to Arthur’s website www.oxygenfinancial.net to learn more.

We closed the show with Robert Ball, CEO fo Atlanta-based OfficeArrow.com. Office Arrow recently launched a professional online community that serves Office Professionals like: executive and administrative assistants, office managers and small business owners – to do their jobs better, faster and smarter. Robert explained that as businesses find themselves working to maintain productivity with fewer respurces, they need support and they often look to Office Arrow’s 130,000 members to help. To get your free membership to this extremely helpful and resource packed site please go to www.officearrow.com

Also if you know of a business in Atlanta that we should know about please email Amy Otto at Amy @ atlantabusinessradio.com and we will try and get them on the show

Podcast: Download

Please click on the POD button to listen to the latest Atlanta Business Radio show podcast broadcasting live each Wednesday at 10am EDT from the Business Radio X studio in Atlanta, GA, USA. Here’s how to listen to the podcast of our show.First click on the title of the show you are interested in. Then there should be a player in the upper right hand corner of the screen. Now just press play and the show you chose should start playing.

You can also download the show to listen on your mp3 player. We are now available on iTunes, click this link and you can find all our past shows. Press SUBSCRIBE and you will automatically get the latest show when you sync your iPod to your computer.

Today was a special roundtable show focusing on franchising. We had on several of the leaders in the franchising industry with us in the studio.

Jim Deitz, President of Andover Franchising, home of The Franchise Doctor shared his insight based on over 25 years working in and around franchising. His firm consults and develops franchises as well as helps promote and sell franchises for their clients. For anyone who wants to learn more about franchising please go to his website www.franchisedoctor.com

Bill Williams, with Murphy Business & Financial Corporation also joined us. Bill knows what its like to want to control your own destiny by owning a business. He has worked in the corporate world for over 25 years and discovered that he is an entrepreneur at heart. As head of the Franchise Division at MBFC-GA and a certified business Bill can help his clients discover the best business fit for their unique skills and desires. To learn more about Bill and his firm please go to his website www.murphybusiness.com

We were so fortunate to have Mike Rosenthal in the studio. He is with the law firm Wagner, Johnston & Rosenthal. Mike’s practice primarily involves the representation of franchise and distribution, professional and service industry clients, providing both day-to-day business counseling and advice, as well as litigation services when necessary. Mike has represented numerous start-up franchisors, sellers of business opportunites and other sellers in licensing and distribution arrangements. Learn more at www.wjrlaw.com

Kent Gregoire (pictured) also joined us and shared his experience as a franchise owner of The Alternative Board metro Atlanta. TAB is a business coaching and peer advisory group made up of CEOs, presidents, business owners and partners from acorss metro Atlanta. Kent has guided dozens of companies through all phases of their business cycle. He also oversees a powerful training program called Responsibility Centered Leadership.

Kent is hosting a Business Leaders’ Roundtable called “Fight Back: Best Marketing, Sales and Finance Practices for Tough Times.” This event is being held on March 4 from 11am – 2pm (luncheon) at the Ashford Club. To learn more and to RSVP please go to Kent’s website www.tabmetroatlanta.com and view the calendar of events on the home page to request an invitation to the event.

Also if you know of a business in Atlanta that we should know about please email Amy Otto at Amy @ atlantabusinessradio.com and we will try and get them on the show

Podcast: Download

Please click on the POD button to listen to the latest Atlanta Business Radio show podcast broadcasting live each Wednesday at 10am EDT from Atlanta, GA, USA. Here’s how to listen to the podcast of our show.
First click on the title of the show you are interested in. Then there should be a player in the upper right hand corner of the screen. Now just press play and the show you chose should start playing.You can also download the show to listen on your mp3 player. We are now available on iTunes, click this link and you can find all our past shows. Press SUBSCRIBE and you will automatically get the latest show when you sync your iPod to your computer.

Today we kicked off the show with Phlicia Keaton co-owner (with her husband Ken) of the Seniors Helping Seniors franchise in north Gwinnett and Forsyth County. At Seniors Helping Seniors, Phlicia and her team match seniors who need help with seniors who are looking to help others. This innovative intra-generational companion service provides an experienced and credible resource of help for older adults who want to stay in their own homes. They also provide a full range of non-medical home care, companion and home maintenance support from seniors who enjoy helping others. To learn more please go to their website www.seniorshelpingseniors.com

Next up we had on Lewis Mann, with Atlanta Home Care Partners. Atlanta Home Care Partners is dedicated to caring for all aspects of the client – the home, body, mind and spirit. Lewis explained that his services always begin with a comprehensive Home Care Assessment to evaluate each clients unique needs and concerns. His staff provides caregiver services 365 days a year on a 24/7 basis. In addition to providing exceptional caregivers, Lewis’ team are constantly monitoring their care and services to make sure they are always providing the services that will beneift their clients as their situation evolves. To learn more please go to their website www.atlantahomecarepartners.com

Next we had on attorney, Miles Hurley (pictured) founder of Hurley Elder Care Law. Miles is dedicated to the process of long-term care and estate planning. He founded his firm in response to what he identified as a growing need for families and individuals to address concerns surrounding getting older.
Hurley Elder Care is committed to making the process of planning for the future-as pain-free as possible. The firm holds that philosophy that dedicated customer service and individual attention can actually make this difficult process empowering and even rewarding. To learn more please go to his website www.hurleyeclaw.com

And we closed the show with Kevin Martin, managing director and partner with Leblon Cachaca. In case you didn’t know, cachaca is the third most consumed spirit in the world and is the key ingredient in the caipirinha, Brazil’s national drink. Lebron is an ultra-premium spirit produced in Brazil using traditional distillation techniques combined with creative wine-making techniques to create a Cachaca that really stands out. This spirit has won just about every major award in their category around the world. To learn more (and get lots of great cocktail recipes) please go to their website www.liveloveleblon.com. And when you go out please ask for Leblon by name.

Also if you know of a business in Atlanta that we should know about please email Amy Otto at Amy @ atlantabusinessradio.com and we will try and get them on the show

Podcast: Download

Please click on the POD button to listen to the latest Atlanta Business Radio show podcast broadcasting live each Wednesday at 10am EDT from Atlanta, GA, USA. Here’s how to listen to the podcast of our show.
First click on the title of the show you are interested in. Then there should be a player in the upper right hand corner of the screen. Now just press play and the show you chose should start playing.You can also download the show to listen on your mp3 player. We are now available on iTunes, click this link and you can find all our past shows. Press SUBSCRIBE and you will automatically get the latest show when you sync your iPod to your computer.

Today we kicked off the show with Dr Jeffrey Wainstein VP of Medical Operations in the Southeast with Concentra. Concentra is a national health care company focused on improving America’s health, one patient at a time. They offer comprehensive health services to injured/ill patients and their employers through a nationwide netwrok of medical centers. They have about 320 centers in 40 states, with 11 here in the metro Atlanta area. They also operate over 250 workplace health clinics that provide a range of health and wellness services such as: athletic training programs, health screeniongs, vaccinations and medical advisory services. They are known for actually posting their pricing so patients know up front what the fees will be. To learn more about Concnetra please go to their website www.concentra.com

Next up we had on Penny Fry and Brent McIntire with Fresh N Fit Cuisine. Penny is the Operations Manager and Brent is the Executive Chef. Fresh N Fit offers consumers the perfect recipe for healthy eating. Their program helps people who want to lose weight, or who need to follow a restrictive diet for medical reasons or even the person who just doesn’t have time to shop and prepare meals. They have a registered dietitian/nutritionist on staff to make sure each meal is both fresh and healthy. You can pick up your meals from Atlanta’s premier healthy meal provider at aany of their 35 distributors. A weeks worth of meals can be picked up twice a week. Then you just pop them in the microwave and you are eating a calorie controlled delicious, freshly prepared meal – never frozen. To learn more please go to their website www.freshnfitcuisine.com

We closed the show with Carl Schuessler Jr. Managing Principal with Benefits Strategies LLC. Carl has over 20 years experience in employee and executive benefits consulting and financial planning. He guides large firms, privately held companies and executives through the challenges of evaluating health care and benefits planning. He explained that people spend more time shopping around for a new car than they do for health care. And during the interview he shared a simple way for just about everyone to cut their health care premiums. To learn more from this true expert in the benefits industry please go to his website www.benefitstrategiesllc.com

Also if you know of a business in Atlanta that we should know about please email Amy Otto at Amy @ atlantabusinessradio.com and we will try and get them on the show

Podcast: Download

Please click on the POD button to listen to the latest Atlanta Business Radio show podcast broadcasting live each Wednesday at 10am EDT from Atlanta, GA, USA. Here’s how to listen to the podcast of our show.
First click on the title of the show you are interested in. Then there should be a player in the upper right hand corner of the screen. Now just press play and the show you chose should start playing.You can also download the show to listen on your mp3 player. We are now available on iTunes, click this link and you can find all our past shows. Press SUBSCRIBE and you will automatically get the latest show when you sync your iPod to your computer.

Today we were fortunate to have on two members of the Atlanta Botanical Gardens staff Jenny Cruse-Sanders and Dante Fenolio. Jenny is the Director of Research and Conservation and Dante is the Amphibian Conservation Scientist.

The Atlanta Botanical Garden is develops and maintains plant collections for display, education, research, conservation and enjoyment. The Garden is taking action against amphibian extinction through their amphibian pod, which was developed with the help of our friends at Advanced Coastal Technologies. Right now they have about 30 species of frogs in the pod, which is a special modular frog biosecure lab that is used to breed and house these endangered creatures. The study of amphibians has played a critical role in helping scientists discover cures to human diseases like AIDS and cancer.To learn more about the Atlanta Botancial Garden’s conservation and amphibian programs please visit their website www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org

Also if you know of a business in Atlanta that we should know about please email Amy Otto at Amy @ atlantabusinessradio.com and we will try and get them on the show

Podcast: Download

Please click on the POD button to listen to the latest Atlanta Business Radio show podcast broadcasting live each Wednesday at 10am EDT from Atlanta, GA, USA. Here’s how to listen to the podcast of our show.
First click on the title of the show you are interested in. Then there should be a player in the upper right hand corner of the screen. Now just press play and the show you chose should start playing.You can also download the show to listen on your mp3 player. We are now available on iTunes, click this link and you can find all our past shows. Press SUBSCRIBE and you will automatically get the latest show when you sync your iPod to your computer.

We opened the show with Jina Lee, Managing Editor of The Ultimate, your concierge for luxury products. She shared some of her favorite gift ideas for the person that is difficult to buy for. She brought into the studio this super cool wine aerator and some collectible timepiece themed cuff links. The Ultimate is a great online resource for checking out amazing videos of your favorite luxury products. Please go to their websites www.theultimate.com and www.theultimatecatalog.com and become a member today. Members recieve VIP all access to amazing demonstration vidoes and special discounts.

We closed the show with Hope Flammer founder of VoiceQuilt a great gift for anyone that will never be forgotten. What better way to celebrate an anniversary or birthday than with a beautfiul keepsake like a valet, music box, iPod or digital picture frame that comes with the actual voices of the gift recipeints favorite people sharing a heart felt tribute or memory. You must go online to see this product and really understand what a powerful and wonderfully touching gift this is. Please go to www.voicequilt.com to see and hear this for yourself.

Also if you know of a business in Atlanta that we should know about please email Amy Otto at Amy @ atlantabusinessradio.com and we will try and get them on the show

Podcast: Download

Please click on the POD button to listen to the latest Atlanta Business Radio show podcast broadcasting live each Wednesday at 10am EDT from Atlanta, GA, USA. Here’s how to listen to the podcast of our show.
First click on the title of the show you are interested in. Then there should be a player in the upper right hand corner of the screen. Now just press play and the show you chose should start playing.You can also download the show to listen on your mp3 player. We are now available on iTunes, click this link and you can find all our past shows. Press SUBSCRIBE and you will automatically get the latest show when you sync your iPod to your computer.

We opened the show with Trey Humphreys, one of the founders of the Fur Bus. The Fur Bus is a lounge-like setting full of magical lights, a thundering sound system and of course, fantastic fur. They provide transportation for all occasions including business outings, staff parties, sporting events, concerts, birthdays, weddings, proms, children’s parties, bachelor and bachelorette parties. The Fur Bus has been featured on MTV, Blind Date, Howard Stern Show, Nickelodeon, Elimindate and My Sweet 16. The busses are rented by the hour and are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The atmosphere and interior of the Fur Bus is designed to bring people together to have an incredible time. Take the ordinary out of your transportation and ride The Fur Bus for an extraordinary experience. You’ve probably seen one of the Fur Buses rolling around 285. It is the bus with the kids dancing, singing as they ride in style to their event. They have buses that hold parties of 14-30 passengers. Remember to book early because once you’ve rode the Fur Bus you can’t stop. Trey explained that he has grown his business exclusively through word of mouth referrals and stellar customer service and he has grand plans on expanding his Fur Bus empire. To learn more please check out Trey’s website http://www.furbus.com/

Next we had on Bob Littell with Littell Consulting Services, Second Opinion Insurance Services, and The Enrichment Company where he carries the title of Chief NetWeaver. Although he wears a number of hats within the financial services industry ranging from broker and second opinion fee-paid advisor to business owners and high net worth individuals, as well to insurance companies and financial institutions, Bob’s primary passion these days revolves around a word and concept he created almost a decade ago – “NetWeaving”.

Bob”s 2nd book, “The Heart and Art of NetWeaving“, picks up where the first book, “Power NetWeaving“, left off and covers many of the practical appli-cations of NetWeaving – being a connector OF others, and a ‘no-strings-attached’ resource provider TO others – simply with the belief that, what goes around, does come back around.

The “Heart and Art of NetWeaving” book also explains how those who become NetWeaving Ambassadors, and who spread the word about this ‘win-win’ form of networking, find it not only elevates their own image in the eyes of others, but they also derive a form of energy which pours over into everything else they do.

Thanks to a generous contribution from Xerox Global Services who covered the cost of printing “The Heart and Art of NetWeaving”, Bob donates 100% of the $20 per book sales price either to the Pay It Forward Foundation, created by Catherine Ryan Hyde – author of the book on which the popular movie was based, or to any non-profit who wishes to use the book for fund-raising purposes. Bob also serves on the Board of the Pay It Forward Foundation and co-chairs the steering committee.

Bob’s latest book, “Raising Your R&R Factor – How Referable & Recommendable Are You?” introduces the ‘irrefutable’ “NetWeaver’s Law of Referral Reciprocity“. It helps explain why those who genuinely NetWeave for others, and yet don’t see much if anything come back around, need to look in the mirror to analyze how others actually perceive them – since referrals and recommendations represent a ‘risk’ on the part of the person making them. To help persons deal with this, Bob also conducts “WOW Workshops” to help people discover ways to be more creative and innovative, as well as to differentiate themselves and make themselves more remarkable. To learn more please go to Bob’s website www.netweaving.com

Also if you know of a business in Atlanta that we should know about please email Amy Otto at Amy @ atlantabusinessradio.com and we will try and get them on the show

Podcast: Download

Please click on the POD button to listen to the latest Atlanta Business Radio show podcast broadcasting live each Wednesday at 10am EDT from Atlanta, GA, USA. Here’s how to listen to the podcast of our show.
First click on the title of the show you are interested in. Then there should be a player in the upper right hand corner of the screen. Now just press play and the show you chose should start playing. You can also download the show to listen on your mp3 player. We are now available on iTunes, click this link and you can find all our past shows. Press SUBSCRIBE and you will automatically get the latest show when you sync your iPod to your computer.Today’s show is brought to you by TAB of Northwest Atlanta.The Alternative Board of Northwest Atlanta brings together owners of privately held businesses to overcome challenges and seize new opportunities with a combination of peer advice and strategic business coaching. Board members meet monthly to learn from one anothers successes and mistakes and create more valuable and profitable companies. Achieve Greater Success with Peer Advice and Coaching with TAB of Northwest Atlanta. www.tab-nwatlanta.com

We started the show off with Marshawn Evans, inspirational speaker, entrepreneur, attorney, author and survivor of Donald Trump’s The Apprentice. Marshawn shared some wisdom from her new book “S.K.I.R.T.S in the Boardroom: A Woman’s Survival Guide To Success in Business & Life.” To learn more please go to her website www.skirtsintheboardroom.com

Next up we had on our good friend Leslie-Anne AcAllister from ReachLocal. Leslie-Anne explained why she is known as The Google Girl. She also shared some great tips on getting the most out of your web advertising and if you are currently using Google AdWords you need to call Leslie-Anne. She will be glad to help you make sure you are getting the most bang for your AdWord bucks. She is a great networker and has helped a lot of people associated with our show. Please check out her website www.reachlocal.com. She is truly an Intenet Marketing Specialist who can help you grow your business.

We closed the show with Al Burroughs. Al is the Sound Engineer with The SOS Band as well as an affiliate with VM Direct the parent company of HelloWorld a great video email solution for your business and your home. Al explained multiple uses for this unique product which you reall have to see to understand completely. Please go to Al’s website www.tv4unme.com and check out the demos.

Also if you know of a business in Atlanta that we should know about please email Amy Otto at Amy @ atlantabusinessradio.com and we will try and get them on the show

Podcast: Download

Please click on the POD button to listen to the latest Atlanta Business Radio show podcast broadcasting live each Wednesday at 10am EDT from Atlanta, GA, USA. Here’s how to listen to the podcast of our show.
First click on the title of the show you are interested in. Then there should be a player in the upper right hand corner of the screen. Now just press play and the show you chose should start playing. You can also download the show to listen on your mp3 player. We are now available on iTunes, click this link and you can find all our past shows. Press SUBSCRIBE and you will automatically get the latest show when you sync your iPod to your computer.

Today’s show is brought to you by TAB of Northwest Atlanta.The Alternative Board of Northwest Atlanta brings together owners of privately held businesses to overcome challenges and seize new opportunities with a combination of peer advice and strategic business coaching. Board members meet monthly to learn from one anothers successes and mistakes and create more valuable and profitable companies. Achieve Greater Success with Peer Advice and Coaching with TAB of Northwest Atlanta. www.tab-nwatlanta.com

We started the show off with Pat Stansbury, Marketing Director with the National Museum of Patriotism. This unique museum is opening its doors in January of 2009 and it’s mission is to celebrate patriotism in America. there are innovative interactive exhibits as well as permanent monuments to patriotism. Be sure to go to their website www.museumofpatriotism.org to learn more and take advantage of their Family membership.

Next up we had on Bill Dixon with the Atlanta Art Gallery. Bill’s gallery celebrates the representational art style. He shared a moving story about how he came to own an art gallery and how important it is to follow your passion in life. To learn more about Bill, his gallery and the big Atlanta Gallery Association Gala in January please go to his website www.atlantaartgallery.com

Next we had on Jo Kirchner, President and CEO of Primrose Schools. Jo was recently named one of the Top 25 Entrepreneurs in Atlanta and Primrose is regularly on various Top franchises in America lists. Jo’s lifelong passion to improve early childhood education has helped her open close to 200 schools nationwide. To learn more about Primrose as a parent or as a franchise owner please go to their website www.primroseschools.com

Next Carrie Podber founder of E Chain Community shared ways small business owners can connect with others building relationships and meeting others online and off through her unique community. Carrie is an expert in connecting companies. She helps create synergistic, strategic and revenue generating relationships for her community members. Please go to www.echaincommunity.com to submit your business profile and learn more.

And we closed the show with Doug Hughes with Meridian South. Meridian South are specialists in Dental and Medical construction. They have over 25 years experience designing and building dental facilities. Talk about having a niche, Doug explained that since they do so many dentist and doctor offices they know exactly where all the equipment should go to maximize efficiency and effectiveness for their doctor clients. If you are a doctor thinking about building a new office please call Doug. To learn more go to his website www.meridiansouthinc.com

Also if you know of a business in Atlanta that we should know about please email Amy Otto at Amy @ atlantabusinessradio.com and we will try and get them on the show