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Jim Blasingame covers a wide range of subjects, including advice about hiring and where you should find capital to invest in your business. We also talk about what big companies do better than small businesses (and how you can change this), the most important characteristics of successful small business owners, and why tapping into the age of the customer is the key to your business's longevity. Tune in to take advantage of Jim's expertise and take your small business to the next level!

Today's special edition of the Local Business Stories by Alignable podcast highlights another industry luminary. Bill Brunelle, co-founder of Independent We Stand, is doing amazing work supporting small businesses around the country. IWS is inspiring small businesses to celebrate their locally owned status and helping them compete with big box retailers.

In this episode, Jared Hecht talks about the experience that inspired his business Fundera, which provides alternative funding to small business owners. We talk about the common ways that small businesses raise money, and how alternative funding can be a wiser and more cost-effective lending option. If you're a small business owner struggling to get a loan from the bank despite a proven business plan, Jared's advice may be exactly what you're looking for!

In this episode, CJ shares how he leveraged  the power of the internet, combined wit his 20 years of business savvy, to help other businesses expand. He also talks about how a holistic approach to marketing can impact business growth, why his strategies drive instant results, and provides excellent resources that small business can use now to acquire new customers.  Listen in to find out just how CJ turned a traumatic experience into a viable business.

In this episode, we spoke with Gene Marks, a writer and small business aficionado in his own right. We talked about which presidential candidate could be best for small businesses, which business sectors are flourishing vs. floundering, and happy small business stories that deserve more attention.    

Raj Lakkaraju describes the failures he encountered in pursuit of his most successful venture to date. If you're looking for a simple yet effective new way to market, listen in!

Ben Domena shares his strategies for generating repeat business and pivoting to be resourceful during cycles of slow times. Business owners who regularly face customers will find Ben's local business story helpful and insightful.

Today, we're talking with Steve Dreiling from EaglesNest Wood and Pottery Shop. Steve talks about his experience buying an existing business on the verge of failure. By adding his custom approach to woodworking and pottery, Steve has been able to turn the business around. In addition to the custom development service, he added a component to the business model that encouraged customers to create and sell their own products. Attracting pottery and woodworking enthusiasts with the space and equipment made available to the public has created a sense of community within his local business.

We are excited to have Stacey on to show us how she leverages sites like Groupon and Living Social to help small businesses increase their reach, advertising, and exposure. We also discuss integration strategies for building customer retention with customers that come in for daily deals.

Tune in to learn about learn about alternative funding sources and why small businesses have a treasure trove of resources available to them beyond banks and the SBA. We also dig into the differences between marketing and advertising and just why small business owners need to focus on a content marketing strategy.

This week, we are joined by Anita Perry, Founder of YogaAnita and Author of YogaMinute. She has a master’s degree in education and is a frequent presenter at Title I and education conferences. Anita has been in the yoga and fitness industry since 1978 and today she shares with us how it has evolved for her over the years. Get full show notes and more information here: http://bit.ly/29RTBAW

Marcia Whyte joins us to share her small business experience, what got her started in the business world, and how she stayed with the idea until it became a success. Tune in as Marcia shares stories seizing opportunities and how creating authentic relationships can positively impact your company's bottom line. Get full show notes and more information here: http://bit.ly/29Yykqv

In this conversation with Lisa, we talk about her computer training with the military and the business knowledge she gained from her time in the corporate world. Lisa shares how she has combined both experiences to establish a marketing firm with customer satisfaction at its heart, and how to overcome fear when building your business. Get full show notes and more information here: http://bit.ly/2alMxRs

In this episode of Local Business Stories, Ann Handley tells us some excellent stories about local businesses she's worked with that take content marketing to impressively unique places. From Snapchats about pizza, to smartphone apps, to music videos about cleaning carpets, Ann details how any local business can harness the customized opportunities that content marketing affords.  Get full show notes and more information here: http://bit.ly/2a5mrkG

Viktor joins us to share his journey that led him to become an entrepreneur and launch ProjectArmy. In this wide-ranging conversation, we cover Victor’s biggest successes, as well as the challenges that shaped him into a thriving business owner. He also shares his unique process for hiring and training new team members. Get full show notes, resources, and more information here: http://bit.ly/28LpmMa

We invited Pat to share the story of how she embarked on the path of entrepreneurship, how she started each one of her businesses, as well as the peaks and valleys she experienced on that journey. Pat also shares how she was able to build up her clientele and create a team-based approach to better serve her clients. Get full show notes, resources, and more information here: http://bit.ly/28Jgntd

Eddie joins us to share his small business story, what got him started with entrepreneurship, and what fuels his passion for being a business runner.  Tune in as Eddie talks about his transition from his Costa Rican real estate businesses to joining the Atlanta-based team of FINSYNC. He also recounts his most impactful moments in business, as well as his biggest mistakes and the lessons he’s gleaned from them. Get full show notes, resources, and more information here: http://bit.ly/28JZGDD

Today, we’re excited to welcome Andre Harrell, the founder of AH2 & Beyond Consulting, based in New Hope, Pennsylvania. Andre’s consulting organization offers expertise in the areas of Sales, Marketing, Sales Training, and Business Operations. Get full show notes, resources, and more information here: http://bit.ly/28JzQv6

Kristine joins us to share her unique entrepreneurial journey and the story of her road to success.  Tune in for Kristine’s incredible insights into building up the “know, like, and trust factor” with your audience and why it’s an absolute must as a part of the process of customer acquisition, retention, and marketing. Get full show notes and more information here: http://bit.ly/28JgogH