Been There, Done That!

Learn from successful entrepreneurs, CEOs, executives and business leaders as they share their experiences, insight and tips. Topics include marketing, management, mentoring, money and many others. Improve your business by listening to this business series from SCORE, with Business Alchemist Dennis Zink as your host.

85 - Communicating Effectively 02/10/2020

85 - Communicating Effectively 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 , or call 941-634-0245. /episode/index/show/manasotascore/id/13076291

84 - Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) 12/04/2019

84 - Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) 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. /episode/index/show/manasotascore/id/12268817

83 - Business Partners 11/08/2019

83 - Business Partners 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. /episode/index/show/manasotascore/id/11959922

82 - Avoid Cyber Attacks! 09/27/2019

82 - Avoid Cyber Attacks! 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. /episode/index/show/manasotascore/id/11410670

81 - Digital Marketing and SEO for Non-Techies 09/17/2019

81 - Digital Marketing and SEO for Non-Techies 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. /episode/index/show/manasotascore/id/11274347

80 - Social Media for Non-Techies 08/01/2019

80 - Social Media for Non-Techies 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 about social media What are the key components of a typical social media marketing campaign What a client budget looks like Social Media and your website are key to your future success. Listen to this podcast and learn how to use them for maximum effect! Contact Information: Mical Johnson, President, Cyberize Group / James Bearden, Owner, Digital MKTG Pro / /episode/index/show/manasotascore/id/10725845

79 - The Client - Mentor Experience 07/08/2019

79 - The Client - Mentor Experience 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. /episode/index/show/manasotascore/id/10440641

78 - Where's The Money? Finding Your Best Lender 06/05/2019

78 - Where's The Money? Finding Your Best Lender 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! /episode/index/show/manasotascore/id/10061075

77 - Is Buying a Franchise Right for You? 04/30/2019

77 - Is Buying a Franchise Right for You? 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. /episode/index/show/manasotascore/id/9587588

76 - How to Buy a Business 04/24/2019

76 - How to Buy a Business 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. /episode/index/show/manasotascore/id/9519095

75 - Exit Strategy Part 4 - The 10 Step Business Sale Process continued 04/14/2019

75 - Exit Strategy Part 4 - The 10 Step Business Sale Process continued 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. /episode/index/show/manasotascore/id/9380738

74 - Exit Strategy Part 3 - The 10 Step Business Sale Process 03/15/2019

74 - Exit Strategy Part 3 - The 10 Step Business Sale Process 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. /episode/index/show/manasotascore/id/9003530

73 - Exit Strategy Part 2 - Valuation 03/04/2019

73 - Exit Strategy Part 2 - Valuation 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. /episode/index/show/manasotascore/id/8858870

72 - Exit Strategy Part 1 - Cashing In 02/12/2019

72 - Exit Strategy Part 1 - Cashing In 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! /episode/index/show/manasotascore/id/8615249

71 - Credit Strategies for Entrepreneurs 11/20/2018

71 - Credit Strategies for Entrepreneurs 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. /episode/index/show/manasotascore/id/7630133

70 - Digital Marketing and Social Proof 11/01/2018

70 - Digital Marketing and Social Proof 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. /episode/index/show/manasotascore/id/7394135

69 - Eight Drivers of Company Value 08/20/2018

69 - Eight Drivers of Company Value 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. /episode/index/show/manasotascore/id/6943975

68 - eBay Selling 05/07/2018

68 - eBay Selling 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 , and a SCORE mentor, who will tell you everything you need to know to get started selling in this worldwide marketplace. /episode/index/show/manasotascore/id/6561030

67 - Growing Your Business with Social Media and Video Marketing 04/23/2018

67 - Growing Your Business with Social Media and Video Marketing 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. /episode/index/show/manasotascore/id/6508773

66 - Growing Your Business with Text and Email Marketing 04/10/2018

66 - Growing Your Business with Text and Email Marketing 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. /episode/index/show/manasotascore/id/6461918

65 - What's It Like to Own a Franchise? 03/26/2018

65 - What's It Like to Own a Franchise? 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. /episode/index/show/manasotascore/id/6405192

64 - Talent Management 03/09/2018

64 - Talent Management 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, highly skilled employees. Topics of the discussion include the creation and maintenance of a corporate culture and the things to look for when hiring and promoting employees. Howard is now with WriteHeights LLC, specializing in Leadership Development and Business Coaching. /episode/index/show/manasotascore/id/6343994

63 - How to Grow Your Business in a Digital World 01/26/2018

63 - How to Grow Your Business in a Digital World 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 management and business management. SCORE is proud to partner with Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources, and the Sarasota County Office of Business and Economic Development to offer this seminar as part of the ongoing Success Strategies for Business Owners Meetup Group. /episode/index/show/manasotascore/id/6189967

62 - Managing Electronic Payments 01/02/2018

62 - Managing Electronic Payments 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 acceptance. In this discussion with Dennis Zink and Fred Dunayer, he promotes a deeper understanding of the process to empower business owners to limit the costs and headaches associated with electronic payments. /episode/index/show/manasotascore/id/6105143

61 - Using Email and Social Media to Find and Close New Business 12/07/2017

61 - Using Email and Social Media to Find and Close New Business 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 techniques for growing your business by moving your customers through the buying journey in a cost and time efficient way. SCORE is proud to partner with Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources, and Sarasota County Economic Development to offer this seminar as part of the on-going Success Strategies for Business Owners Meetup Group. /episode/index/show/manasotascore/id/6020698

60 - Super Networking 10/30/2017

60 - Super Networking 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. /episode/index/show/manasotascore/id/5891971

59 - Personality Selling 10/12/2017

59 - Personality Selling 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 Pasco County, Florida. Mike has been a small business owner and is an expert in selling techniques and sales communication skills and an entertaining and engaging sales trainer. His published book, The Sales Bridge, The Art of Sales Communication, focuses on why personality selling is an ideal way to interact, communicate, and sell more products and services. SCORE is proud to partner with Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources, and Sarasota County Economic Development to offer this seminar as part of the on-going Success Strategies for Business Owners Meetup Group. /episode/index/show/manasotascore/id/5833631

58 - Franchise Ownership Opportunities 09/20/2017

58 - Franchise Ownership Opportunities 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 speaker to offer this program. /episode/index/show/manasotascore/id/5757714

57 - Crowdfunding Revisited 07/26/2017

57 - Crowdfunding Revisited 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 Homeland Security markets. SCORE is proud to partner with Manatee County Public Library and Manatee County Economic Development Division and the speaker to offer this program. /episode/index/show/manasotascore/id/5580540

56 - Seasonality 06/28/2017

56 - Seasonality 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, SCORE vice-chair, and Chelsea Baker, Information Services Librarian of the Manatee County Central Library. SCORE thanks the Manatee Public Library and the Economic Development Division for its assistance in the production of this podcast. /episode/index/show/manasotascore/id/5489001

Been There, Done That!

TOPICS