Pinterest and Why It Is In Your Business Interest - Episode #23, Segment #3

Pinterest is the 'hot' new social media site. Originally designed to cater to brides and weddings, the site has boomed in popularity and is now used by more than 16 million visitors a month.

Cyndie Shaffstall, a social media expert and author, is the guest this segment, helping to explain Pinterest and why it is a must for some business owners.  Shaffstall is the founder of Spider Trainers in Lakewood, Colorado, and the author of more than a dozen books, including What, How, Who & When: Small-Business Guide to Winning at Web Marketing.

In addition to this broadcast segment, Shaffstall joined co-hosts David Biondo and Dean Rotbart for an extended interview, which is available here.

B. Unconventional airs each Sunday morning at 8 a.m. (MDT).  The program is also streamed over the Internet at www.710KNUS.com 

Original air date:  April 1, 2012 

Direct download: 040112_BUnconventional_Segment-3_10Min.mp3
Category:Branding -- posted at: 6:27pm MDT

Senator Mark Udall's Small Business Lending Legislation (Part 2) - Episode #23, Segment #2

The conversation continues with Scott Earl, president and CEO of Mountain West Credit Union Association, and Tara Trujillo, communications director for U.S. Senator Mark Udall (D-Colo.).

Earl and Trujillo discuss Senator Udall's proposal, dubbed the Small Business Lending Enhancement Act, which would allow credit unions to compete more directly with banks in lending money to creditworthy small businesses.  

Business that wish to support the legislation are encouraged to sign a petition available on Senator Udall's web site at: www.markudall.senate.gov/smallbizjobs.  A column about the proposal written by co-host Dean Rotbart is available from Examiner.com here.

Rotbart and co-host David Biondo express different opinions on the pending legislation.  This is two one of a two-part interview.

Also on this segment, B. Unconventional Certified Entrepreneur #1, Homer Hudson Hillis, Jr., shares his experiences helping home-based entrepreneurs earn extra income creating and selling crafts.  Hillis is owner of HHH Enterprises in Abilene, Texas.

B. Unconventional airs each Sunday morning at 8 a.m. (MDT).  The program is also streamed over the Internet at www.710KNUS.com.  

Original air date:  April 1, 2012 
Photo:  Homer Hudson Hillis, Jr., Certified Entrepreneur #1, displays a custom belt buckle.

 

Direct download: 040112_BUnconventional_Segment-2_14Min.mp3
Category:Business Financing -- posted at: 6:19pm MDT

Senator Mark Udall's Small Business Lending Legislation - Episode #23, Segment #1

Scott Earl, president and CEO of Mountain West Credit Union Association, and Tara Trujillo, communications director for U.S. Senator Mark Udall (D-Colo.), are guests on this week's Business Unconventional.

Earl and Trujillo discuss Senator Udall's proposal, dubbed the Small Business Lending Enhancement Act, which would allow credit unions to compete more directly with banks in lending money to creditworthy small businesses.  

Business that wish to support the legislation are encouraged to sign a petition available on Senator Udall's web site at: www.markudall.senate.gov/smallbizjobs.  A column about the proposal written by co-host Dean Rotbart is available from Examiner.com here.

Rotbart and co-host David Biondo express different opinions on the pending legislation.  This is part one of a two-part interview.

B. Unconventional airs each Sunday morning at 8 a.m. (MDT).  The program is also streamed over the Internet at www.710KNUS.com.  

Original air date:  April 1, 2012 
Photo:  Scott Earl and Tara Trujillo 

 

Direct download: 040112_BUnconventional_Segment-1_9Min.mp3
Category:Business Financing -- posted at: 6:11pm MDT

Chaz DePaolo Discusses the 'Business of Music' - Episode #22, Segment #1

International recording artist Chaz DePaolo is in-studio to visit with his friend and fellow performer co-host David Biondo.  DePaolo is a well-established blues fusion artist who has performed around the world.  He is headed back to Europe soon to perform with Leon Hendrix, brother of rock legend Jimmy Hendrix.  Leon makes a brief cameo on this segment.

B. Unconventional airs each Sunday morning at 8 a.m. (MST).  The program is also streamed over the Internet at www.710KNUS.com. 

Original air date:  March 25, 2012 
Photo: Co-Host David Biondo (l) and Chaz DePaolo

Direct download: 032512_BUnconventional_Segment-1.mp3
Category:Musicians -- posted at: 7:46am MDT

'Power of Habit' Author Charles Duhigg (Part Two) - Episode #22, Segment #3

Charles Duhigg, author of the mega-bestseller, 'The Power of Habit' is the guest on this segment. Calling in from the newsroom of The New York Times, where he is an award-winning reporter, Duhigg explains the methods that individuals and businesses can use to break bad habits and build new positive habits.

Duhigg discusses his book with co-hosts David Biondo and Dean Rotbart. B. Unconventional airs each Sunday morning at 8 a.m. (MST).  The program is also streamed over the Internet at www.710KNUS.com. 

This is part two of a two-part interview.

Original air date:  March 25, 2012 

Direct download: 032512_BUnconventional_Segment-3_10min.mp3
Category:Business Transformation -- posted at: 5:04pm MDT

'Power of Habit' Author Charles Duhigg (Part One) - Episode #22, Segment #2

Charles Duhigg, author of the mega-bestseller, 'The Power of Habit' is the guest on this segment. Calling in from the newsroom of The New York Times, where he is an award-winning reporter, Duhigg explains the methods that individuals and businesses can use to break bad habits and build new positive habits.

Duhigg discusses his book with co-hosts David Biondo and Dean Rotbart. B. Unconventional airs each Sunday morning at 8 a.m. (MST).  The program is also streamed over the Internet at www.710KNUS.com. 

This is part one of a two-part interview.

Original air date:  March 25, 2012 

Direct download: 032512_BUnconventional_Segment-2_14min.mp3
Category:Business Transformation -- posted at: 5:01pm MDT

Sponsoring the Titanic - Episode #22, Segment #4

The 100th anniversary of the sinking of the HMS Titanic has spawned a booming industry of exhibits, tours, souvenirs and special events.  Joining co-hosts David Biondo and Dean Rotbart on this segment is Andrea Malcomb, director of Denver's Molly Brown House Museum.  The museum is engaged in a year-long commemoration of the Titanic disaster.

Malcomb notes that the Titanic has become a billion-dollar-a-year industry.  Her museum is offering area businesses a wide variety of sponsorship opportunities. 

B. Unconventional airs each Sunday morning at 8 a.m. (MST).  The program is also streamed over the Internet at www.710KNUS.com. 

Original air date:  March 25, 2012 
Photo: Molly Brown House Museum in Denver

Direct download: 032512_BUnconventional_Segment-4_13_50min.mp3
Category:Tourism -- posted at: 4:41pm MDT

Introduction to Franchising / Business Life of Bees - Episode #21, Segment #4

M. Stacy Swift, owner of FranNet Colorado, joins co-hosts David Biondo and Dean Rotbart to introduce B. Unconventional listeners to the world of franchising.  Swift has more than 21 years of small business ownership, management, sales and marketing experience.

Biondo and Rotbart explore with Swift the question of what kind of people are most suited to owning a franchise versus operating an independently owned and operated business.

Swift's own business covers franchising opportunities in Colorado, Wyoming and Montana.

B. Unconventional airs each Sunday morning at 8 a.m. (MST).  The program is also streamed over the Internet at www.710KNUS.com. 

Original air date:  March 18, 2012 
Photo: David Biondo, B. Unconventional; and Stacy Swift, FranNet Colorado

Direct download: 031812_BUnconventional_Segment-4_13_50min.mp3
Category:Franchising -- posted at: 8:33am MDT

Marketing to Girls Age 7 thru 15 (Part Two) - Episode #21, Segment #3

Debra Gano, founder and publisher of Be Your Own You - a magazine targeted at girls ages 7-thru-15, is in studio to share her insights about the often-overlooked market that her publication aims to serve.  She is joined by 15-year-old Cassandra Perkins, a student in Parker, Colorado, who also is a spokesmodel for the magazine.

Gano, who is a veteran of both the fashion and entertainment industry, sees her magazine as a way to help boost the self-esteem of young girls.  But she hasn't lost sight of the fact that her target audience has real money to spend - and hence real appeal to advertisers.

Gano and Perkins are interviewed by co-hosts David Biondo and Dean Rotbart.  This is part two of a two-part interview.

Also during this segment, B. Unconventional Certified Entrepreneur #1 Homer Hudson Hillis, Jr., talks about the business lessons to be found by watching and correctly interpreting the behavior of bees. Hillis and Rotbart are currently co-writing an e-book titled, Re: Occupy Your Business.

B. Unconventional airs each Sunday morning at 8 a.m. (MST).  The program is also streamed over the Internet at www.710KNUS.com. 

Original air date:  March 18, 2012 
Photo:  (L-R) David Biondo, Debra Gano, Cassandra Perkins, Avital Rotbart, and Dean Rotbart

Direct download: 031812_BUnconventional_Segment-3_10minRESEND.mp3
Category:Branding -- posted at: 8:24am MDT

Marketing to Girls Age 7 thru 15 - Episode #21, Segment #2

Debra Gano, founder and publisher of Be Your Own You - a magazine targeted at girls ages 7-thru-15, is in studio to share her insights about the often-overlooked market that her publication aims to serve.  She is joined by 15-year-old Cassandra Perkins, a student in Parker, Colorado, who also is a spokesmodel for the magazine.

Gano, who is a veteran of both the fashion and entertainment industry, sees her magazine as a way to help boost the self-esteem of young girls.  But she hasn't lost sight of the fact that her target audience has real money to spend - and hence real appeal to advertisers.

Gano and Perkins are interviewed by co-hosts David Biondo and Dean Rotbart.  This is part one of a two-part interview.

B. Unconventional airs each Sunday morning at 8 a.m. (MST).  The program is also streamed over the Internet at www.710KNUS.com. 

Original air date:  March 18, 2012 
Photo:  Debra Gano and Cassandra Perkins

Direct download: 031812_BUnconventional_Segment-2_14min.mp3
Category:Branding -- posted at: 8:21am MDT

Justin Gold Reports from Natural Products Expo West - Episode #21, Segment #1

Justin Gold, founder of Justin's Nut Butter, phones in from the floor of Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, California, to share his experience introducing an all-natural candy bar line.

Justin's is a pioneering and rapidly expanding leader in the organic, all-natural nut butter and confections categories.

The new candy bars are available in three gourmet flavors -- Milk Chocolate Peanut, Dark Chocolate Peanut and Milk Chocolate Almond.  Gold explains to co-hosts David Biondo and Dean Rotbart how much effort and time went into developing the candy bar line, which is currently available exclusively through Whole Foods Stores.  The candy bars will go into national distribution with other retailers in June 2012.

B. Unconventional airs each Sunday morning at 8 a.m. (MST).  The program is also streamed over the Internet at www.710KNUS.com. 

Original air date:  March 18, 2012 

Direct download: 031812_BUnconventional_Segment-1_9min.mp3
Category:Natural Foods -- posted at: 8:17am MDT

Physician Turned Entrepreneur and His 'Sous Vide' Odyssey - Episode #20, Segment #4

Despite the amazingly long odds, Drs. Michael and Mary Dan Eades took their idea for an at-home version of a professional kitchen appliance from drawing board to the shelves of some of the world's most prestigious department stores and other retailers.

Dr. Michael Eades shares the story of his entrepreneurial odyssey designing and marketing the Sous Vide Supreme with co-hosts David Biondo and Dean Rotbart.  Drs. Eades are self-taught business owners, who have battled to design, manufacture, distribute and market their now-popular appliance, a water oven for at-home use.  

Dr. Eades explains why the appliance is so popular with professional and amateur chefs alike and discusses some of the obstacles he had to overcome along his journey.

B. Unconventional airs each Sunday morning at 8 a.m. (MST).  The program is also streamed over the Internet at www.710KNUS.com. 

Original air date:  March 11, 2012
Photo: Dr. Michael Eades, Sous Vide Supreme 

Photo: (L-R)  Matt Talbot, Joey Alfano and Samantha Holloway

Direct download: 031112_BUnconventional_Segment-4_13_50min.mp3
Category:Entrepreneurs -- posted at: 6:58pm MDT

Doreen Bloch on Why GoSpotCheck is Unique - Episode #20, Segment #3

Surprise guest Doreen Bloch, author of The Coolest Startup in America and a guest on the March 4, 2012, edition of B. Unconventional, phones in from New York to talk about GoSpotCheck and why she included it in her book's "honorable mentions" list.

Says Doreen:  "I think it is really exciting what GoSpotCheck is doing."

GoSpotCheck provides businesses with real-time insight into their store merchandising using an innovative mobile application.  Three executives from GoSpotCheck join co-hosts David Biondo and Dean Rotbart in-studio this segment to discuss their crowdsourced mobile workforce of consumers who are paid to complete "missions."

The GoSpotCheck executives are Matt Talbot, CEO; Samantha Holloway, Head of Customer Insights; and Joey Alfano, Head of Mission Control.

This is part two of a two-part interview

Also on this segment, Homer Hudson Hillis, Jr., Business Unconventional's Certified Entrepreneur #1, talks about busting entrepreneurial myths.  Contrary to popular opinion, you don't need money to succeed.

B. Unconventional airs each Sunday morning at 8 a.m. (MST).  The program is also streamed over the Internet at www.710KNUS.com. 

Original air date:  March 11, 2012
Photo: 

Direct download: 031112_BUnconventional_Segment-3_10minRESEND.mp3
Category:Business Intelligence -- posted at: 6:35pm MDT

GoSpotCheck.com Is On a Mission - Many Missions, In Fact - Episode #20, Segment #2

GoSpotCheck provides businesses with real-time insight into their store merchandising using an innovative mobile application.  Three executives from GoSpotCheck join co-hosts David Biondo and Dean Rotbart in-studio this segment to discuss their crowdsourced mobile workforce of consumers who are paid to complete "missions."

The GoSpotCheck executives are Matt Talbot, CEO; Samantha Holloway, Head of Customer Insights; and Joey Alfano, Head of Mission Control.

This is part one of a two-part interview

B. Unconventional airs each Sunday morning at 8 a.m. (MST).  The program is also streamed over the Internet at www.710KNUS.com. 

Original air date:  March 11, 2012
Photo: (L-R)  Matt Talbot, Joey Alfano and Samantha Holloway

Direct download: 031112_BUnconventional_Segment-2_14min.mp3
Category:Business Intelligence -- posted at: 6:20pm MDT

Searching for the Pot of Gold at the End of the Entrepreneurial Rainbow - Episode #20, Segment #1

On the Sunday before St. Patrick's Day, co-hosts David Biondo and Dean Rotbart explore what it takes to achieve true entrepreneurial financial success.

On this segment, Biondo and Rotbart preview the week's guests.  They also discuss Biondo's upcoming musical bookings in Colorado with his friend and fellow performer, Chaz DePaolo.  

Rotbart also reports on his recent visit to the Pampered Passions Care Wear boutique that is now open at Porter Adventist Hospital.  The retail outlet is owned by Alicia Vargo, a guest featured on the February 5, 2012, edition of B. Unconventional.

Joining Biondo and Rotbart as an in-studio guest is Rotbart's mother Helen Rotbart, who was celebrating her birthday. 

B. Unconventional airs each Sunday morning at 8 a.m. (MST).  The program is also streamed over the Internet at www.710KNUS.com. 

Original air date:  March 11, 2012
Photo: Pampered Passions Care Wear Boutique

Direct download: 031112_BUnconventional_Segment-1_10min.mp3
Category:Program Notes -- posted at: 5:48pm MDT

Coolest Startups in America / Remembering Martin Hills - Episode #19, Segment #4

Doreen Block, a startup strategy consulting, entrepreneur and author of The Coolest Startups in America joins co-hosts David Biondo and Dean Rotbart in a conversation about what it takes to be a successful, standout startup business.  In her new book, Doreen identifies 72 of the best, most innovative companies in the United States.

This is part two of a two-part interview.

Also on this segment, B. Unconventional Certified Entrepreneur #1, Homer Hudson Hillis, Jr., pays tribute to his uncle, Martin Hillis, who passed away in February 2012 at age 90.  "Uncle Martin" was a WWII air corps veteran who lived a content life and epitomized the verse, "Godliness with contentment is great gain."

B. Unconventional airs each Sunday morning at 8 a.m. (MST).  The program is also streamed over the Internet at www.710KNUS.com. 

Original air date:  March 4, 2012

Direct download: 030412_BUnconventional_Segment-4_13_50min.mp3
Category:Entrepreneurs -- posted at: 1:54pm MDT

The Coolest Startups in America by Doreen Bloch - Episode #19, Segment #3

Doreen Block, a startup strategy consulting, entrepreneur and author of The Coolest Startups in America joins co-hosts David Biondo and Dean Rotbart in a conversation about what it takes to be a successful, standout startup business.  In her new book, Doreen identifies 72 of the best, most innovative companies in the United States.

This is part one of a two-part interview.

B. Unconventional airs each Sunday morning at 8 a.m. (MST).  The program is also streamed over the Internet at www.710KNUS.com. 

Original air date:  March 4, 2012
Photo: Doreen Bloch, Coolest Startups in America

Direct download: 030412_BUnconverntional_Segement-3_10min.mp3
Category:Entrepreneurs -- posted at: 1:38pm MDT

'B. Simple' Contributor Ellen Rohr on Tax Season - Episode #19, Segment #2

Regular B. Unconventional contributor Ellen Rohr joins co-hosts David Biondo and Dean Rotbart to talk about tax-filing season and ways business owners and entrepreneurs can simplify the process. Ellen, our "B. Simple" contributor, offers five specific steps for business owners to take to make tax season less of a burden.

Ellen is the owner of Bare Bones Biz. She is a noted author, consultant and public speaker.

For a free  tax preparation check list, visit: www.barebonesbiz.com/taxtips 

This is part two of a two-part interview.

B. Unconventional airs each Sunday morning at 8 a.m. (MST).  The program is also streamed over the Internet at www.710KNUS.com. 

Original air date:  March 4, 2012
Photo: Ellen Rohr, Bare Bones Biz

Direct download: 030412_BUnconventional_Segment-2_14min.mp3
Category:Simplifying Your Business -- posted at: 1:22pm MDT

Ellen Rohr Simplifies Tax Season for Business Owners - Episode #19, Segment #1

Regular B. Unconventional contributor Ellen Rohr joins co-hosts David Biondo and Dean Rotbart to talk about tax-filing season and ways business owners and entrepreneurs can simplify the process.  Ellen, owner of Bare Bones Biz, is a noted author, consultant and public speaker. 

This is part one of a two-part interview.

B. Unconventional airs each Sunday morning at 8 a.m. (MST).  The program is also streamed over the Internet at www.710KNUS.com. 


Original air date:  March 4, 2012
Photo: Ellen Rohr, Bare Bones Biz

Direct download: 030412_BUnconventional_Segment-1_9min.mp3
Category:Simplifying Your Business -- posted at: 12:54pm MDT

Literary CEOs: Time Management for Busy Home Executives (Moms & Dads)  - Episode #18, Segment #4

Unlike so many other time management books that aim to help parents increase their daily efficiency, No Regrets Parenting by Dr. Harley A. Rotbart has struck a chord with readers nationwide because of its emphasis on intimacy.  Rather than teaching parents to organize their child-rearing routines, Dr. Rotbart shows moms and dads creative, easy, even fun methods to optimize their time with their kids.

On this week's final segment, Dr. Rotbart joins co-hosts David Biondo and Dean Rotbart to explain that the most important measure for busy executives is not how much time they allow themselves each day to spend with their children, but rather how they make the time that they do spend special and memorable.

Dr. Rotbart, a professor and vice chairman of pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children’s Hospital, has been observing successful parenting techniques – and some not so successful approaches – for three decades. 

B. Unconventional airs each Sunday morning at 8 a.m. (MST).  The program is also streamed over the Internet at www.710KNUS.com. 

Original air date:  February 26, 2012

Photo: Dr. Harley A. Rotbart, No Regrets Parenting – Turning Long Days and Short Years into Cherished Moments with Your Kids

Direct download: 022612_BUnconventional_Segment-4_13_50.mp3
Category:Time Management -- posted at: 5:48pm MDT

Literary CEOs: How to Connect with a Solid Literary Agent  - Episode #18, Segment #3

The Business Unconventional "book club" continues its exploration of the business skills required by successful book authors.  

On this segment, the final of three related segments, guest moderator Cathy Langer and three successful authors share insights that aspiring authors can use to help them along their journey, including the question of how to connect with a good book agent.

Cathy is the head book buyer at Colorado's famed Tattered Cover Bookstore.  Joining her in this conversation are Nick Arvin, author of The Reconstructionist; Erin Blakemore, author of The Heroine's Bookshelf; and Eli Gottlieb, author of The Face Thief.

B. Unconventional airs each Sunday morning at 8 a.m. (MST) on 710 KNUS in Denver.  The program, hosted by David Biondo and Dean Rotbart, is also streamed over the Internet at www.710KNUS.com. 

Original air date:  February 26, 2012
Photo: Erin Blakemore, The Heroine's Bookshelf

Direct download: 022612_BUnconventional_Segment-3_10min.mp3
Category:Books-Publishing -- posted at: 4:57pm MDT

Literary CEOs: Three Successful Authors Share Their 'Business Plans' - Episode #18, Segment #2

Cathy Langer, head book buyer for the Tattered Cover Bookstore, moderates a panel featuring three success authors in a discussion of the business skills required to be a "Literary CEO."

Joining Cathy in the 710 KNUS AM studios are Nick Arvin, author of The Reconstructionist, and Erin Blakemore, author of The Heroine's Bookshelf.  Also participating by phone from New York is Eli Gottlieb, author of The Face Thief.

As co-hosts David Biondo and Dean Rotbart point out, writing and successfully publishing a book is very much a business - requiring many of the same skills that any successful entrepreneur must master.

Do you have the right product line (subject matter)? How much will it cost to produce (time, lost opportunities, out-of-pocket expenses)? What's your marketing plan (if no one buys the book, then what)? Do you have the self-discipline and dedication to see the project through? What type of team do you need to assemble to get the job done (agent, publisher, PR, editor, etc.)?

This is the second of three related segments.

Original air date:  February 26, 2012
Photo: Nick Arvin, The Reconstructionist

Direct download: 022612_BUnconventional_Segment-2_14min.mp3
Category:Books-Publishing -- posted at: 4:27pm MDT

Literary CEOs: Writing Books is a Challenging Business - Episode #18, Segment #1

Put on your reading glasses and turn up the volume.  On this week's edition of Business Unconventional, we're talking to some "literary CEOs" - also known as authors.  

Writing and successfully publishing a book is very much a business - requiring many of the same skills that any successful entrepreneur must master.

Joining co-hosts David Biondo and Dean Rotbart on this week's program as a guest moderator is Cathy Langer, head book buyer at Colorado's Tattered Cover Bookstore.  Cathy is a regular contributor to B. Unconventional and one of the program's most popular guests.

In this, the first of three related segments, Cathy explains the business aspects of merchandising a bookstore and talks about why the Tattered Cover is such a unique and popular destination for book buyers.

B. Unconventional airs each Sunday morning at 8 a.m. (MST).  The program is also streamed over the Internet at www.710KNUS.com. 

Original air date:  February 26, 2012

Photo: Cathy Langer, Tattered Cover

Direct download: 022612_BUnconventional_Segment-1_9min.mp3
Category:Books-Publishing -- posted at: 4:02pm MDT