SCORE Podcast: Where Small Business Matters

Armando, Marc and Tom are joined by Certified Volunteer Mentor Dick Rappleye and fellow volunteer and mentor Val Moskalik, who serves as Recruiting and Onboarding Chair for the Southeast Michigan Chapter of SCORE to honor April as National Volunteers Month and to discuss why working and retired executives alike should consider giving back and paying it forward to the next generation of small business owner.

Discussion points:

References and Resources:

You took the plunge. You started your business, worked hard and then...success, your business is growing! Did you pivot, diversify your product or service, or are you serving a new market? Chances are, it was one of the above...and if you haven’t yet, it’s time to learn how! Co-hosts Armando Ojeda and Tom Nixon are joined by Jennifer Kluge, President and CEO of MichBusiness, Best and Brightest Programs and Corp! magazine to discuss elements of successful growth from the start-up to the C Suite!

Discussion points:

References and Resources:

Making a business investment no longer has to be a people or profit decision, it can be a people and profit opportunity. Angela Barbash of Revalue joins the podcast to share her knowledge on values-based investing and the funding mechanisms that support it. Listen to learn about alternative funding and capital sources that aren’t a rich aunt and uncle nor a traditional bank!

While today's guest is a registered investment advisor, the comments shared should not be construed in any way to constitute investment advice. 

Discussion points:

References and Resources:

For Business Owners:

Investors:

Ecosystem developers (technical assistance providers, economic developers, local government, higher ed):

More from SCORE:

How do you find—no, MAKE!—the time to work on the most important objective of any small business: sales!? Business development is the lifeblood of your business, but too many small business owners make the claim that they are too busy to sell. Jay Harrington, author of “The Productivity Pivot,” joins the podcast to share his proven process for making time to focus on growing your business (or any other important business objective), no matter how busy you are!

Discussion points:

References and Resources:

Sean Gray, Economic Development Specialist with the U.S. Small Business Administration meets up with co-hosts Tom Nixon and Marc Trail to discuss the Payment Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). Discussion also explores positive developments within the SBA business community.

Discussion points:

References and Resources:

Armando Ojeda and Marc Trail of The SCORE Podcast team meet up with Doug Pettigrew of Electronic Brain Solutions to discuss the importance of “Good Data Hygiene,” providing cybersecurity protection for your small business. Yes, even a SMALL business!

Discussion points:

References and Resources:

The SCORE Podcast team of Armando Ojeda and Marc Trail place fellow podcast member Tom Nixon—Chief Strategy Officer at Harrington Communications—in the guest chair to discuss the branding and marketing components of successful businesses.

Discussion points:

References and Resources:

Community stability requires a strong business presence to be viable. Don Jones, Associate Director of the New Economy Initiative, joins Tom Nixon and Marc Trail to discuss the 12-year journey of building business in Detroit and where we are headed, including NEI's "Neighborhood Business Initiative" and how small businesses can benefit.

Discussion points:

References and Resources:

In recognition of National Mentoring Month, Tricia Beck joins co-hosts Armando Ojeda and Tom Nixon to explore the importance of mentorship within the many critical moments of the entrepreneurial journey. Tricia hails from our Southern Arizona SCORE Chapter as both a mentor and accomplished author.

Discussion points:

References and Resources:

Ray Moulden, owner of Moulden Agency LLC, joins co-hosts Armando Ojeda and Marc Trail to discuss the varied aspects of insurance and how it impacts your business. From traditional business insurance requirements to the newest considerations for cyber security and COVID, Ray provides valuable insight to help the entrepreneur navigate in troubled waters.

Discussion points:

References and Resources: