From picking the right back up system for your photo archives, to picking up tips on naming your website, picking and url and finding more customers, we cover a ton of ground in this show.  Join Andy Greider and Lee Kantor for this edition of Uniqueness is Power, your Business Growth Solutions show – where we interview Kevin Ames and Roger Kealey.

Starting the show, we talk about the importance of picking a good domain name.  Yes, we know most of the best ones are taken.  However, there are guidelines to follow to help you get the best ones you still can.  First and foremost – if you don’t already have one – get one today.  You need a web address and site in today’s internet driven world – it’s about credibility.  But before you grab that domain – listen in – and we’ll teach you the best ways to pick a great one.

Our author, (new) blogger, speaker AND Business Booster this week was Kevin Ames (www.amesphoto.com) â€“ a name known to those in the upper echelons of photography and Photoshop for his professional execution and teaching.  Kevin joined us to discuss his books, his videos, his classes and provide an amazing amount of tips to everyone from the small business owner who needs a few great shots – to the shutter bug who is taking family photos.  From backing up the files to teaching people to become better (and have more fun) at the elemental pieces of making a better photo – you get gain from a pro on how to improve many aspects of what you may have the equipment to do, but not the knowledge.

Be sure to listen in to our Unique of the Week (www.freegasmonthly.com), if the down economy is hurting your business – because Roger Kealey shows you how to make the grey skies blue – and bring the customers streaming back in.  When you think of why people buy – it is done from emotion, backed by logic.  So, the proposition of free gas certificates that Roger proposes is one that is amazing…because it addresses the biggest emotional hot button out there (the price of gas) and backs it with a logical premise for vendors and customers.  For instance – if a hotel told me I could get $300 in free gas for spending the weekend – I’d likely want to – 1.  Because it’s $300 in something I need on something that is an emotional point for me, and 2.  Because it won’t cost me $300 for the weekend or only slightly more.  I break even – or slightly under – for having a fun weekend.  For the vendor – they only pay about $15 for the certificate – and gain two nights occupancy on an otherwise open room.  Win – Win – Win.  Tune in to find out how the program works – or give Roger a call or email and let him know you want to hear from him.  404 932 7811.

==

This week's show is brought to you by QAlias, with hosts Andy Greider and Lee Kantor.

Uniqueness is Power is a marketing and business growth show, broadcast live Thursdays 6-7pm eastern, and downloadable by podcast, or RSS Feed.  Please send any questions to andygreider@comcast.net.

Also, if you have a product or service or advice that can boost a business or know of a company innovative enough to be an Unique of the Week, drop Andy a line

With the launch of Andy’s new company, Marketing Pedagogy – he had to come up with a logo – and quick.  Using the very cool tools found in this article – “A logo, 500 Business Cards and Lots of Fun for Under $100â€� he built the new logo for his company, leveraging along the way the support of his friends, professional peers and others to help find the logo  with the most appeal.  The logo cost $49.  The color palettes were free – and the business cards were less than $50.  What a deal!  Check it out in action – here!

Next up, we had on Business Booster, Brad Gasaway, VP of Marketing for Namifiers (www.namifiers.com).  From name tags that look amazing to rugged personalized attaches and backpacks, these guys have it going on in the promotional products business.  They not only treat the customer very differently than the rest of the industry (no is like a four letter word in the offices) – they also apply that culture internally and have subscribed to a Good to Great model for building the right team to do the jobs needed.  Be sure to check them out and see what they can do to assist you with your needs today!  www.namifiers.com

How many times have you either lost your connection or closed a browser window before you finished a sale?  If you’re like most people, it has happened far more than once.  Now, how often do you go back to complete that sale?  Again, if you’re like most of us, people return far less often than the site would like for sure.  As our Unique of Week, we had on with us the dynamic duo from interactive sales saving chat tool, UpSellIt (www.upsellit.com) – CEO Gelnn Russell and CTO Chris Wampler.  Deploying this amazing tool on your website can save between 7-20% of sales that would have otherwise exited.  And it isn’t obnoxious – in fact, it is kind of fun.  Utilizing a tool that appears just after a sale is exited (which isn’t popup blockable) – a chat operator (Jenny, Susan and others are names) – pops up and begins a dialogue, trying to save the sale.  With realtime monitoring, if it is going poorly, vendors know and can work to change the scripting or delivery.  From there, once the sale is completed, the helpful Jenny can offer upsell or cross sell propositions as well.  Seeing it in action helps, so check out the demo on the site.  (www.upsellit.com)

Ever wanted to network with the best of them?  Then be sure to listen into this show as Andy Greider and Lee Kantor interview Susan Knox of Corporate Connections (www.corporateconnections.us ) and Bonnie Ross Parker, founder of Joy of Connecting (www.thejoyofconnecting.com ).

Sometimes it seems that no matter how much you network, you aren’t meeting the people you need to meet.  Sometimes you can’t get them on the phone, find where they hang out or become part of the circle you need to be in fast enough.  If you realize it is not only who you know, but who knows and trusts you as well, you’ll want to hear from Susan Knox of Corporate Connections.  She can catapult you into the birds nest for networking – taking you right to the top of her vaunted network of trusted colleagues.  For a fee, she arranges events, special meetings, parties and more.  Her work is very helpful for those around her, as she works the room and ties people together like a business matchmaker (you can almost hear Hodel and Chava from Fiddler on the Roof!)  Be sure to tune in for details of how Susan weaves her magic – and connect with her today to grow your business.

Perhaps you’re a woman business owner who feels like she doesn’t want to be part of the “good old boyâ€� network?  Who wants to support other women in business?  Who wants to do it without a once a week, or even once a month commitment.  Have you ever felt strangled by the regulations of most of the opportunities out there?  That you weren’t getting what you needed?  Then be sure to listen in as Bonnie Ross Parker details the best kept secret in networking groups for women.  She’s aiming to make it the best revelation for women ever – and that is the Joy Of Connecting. You’ll be impressed as you hear about the program’s origin, raison d’etre, and progress – and many of our listeners will find that home they’ve been looking for in networking; just listen in to learn more.

This week's show is brought to you by QAlias, with hosts Andy Greider and Lee Kantor.

Uniqueness is Power is a marketing and business growth show, broadcast live Thursdays 6-7pm eastern, and downloadable by podcast, or RSS Feed.  Please send any questions to andygreider@comcast.net.

Also, if you have a product or service or advice that can boost a business or know of a company innovative enough to be an Unique of the Week, drop Andy a line

If you own a franchise, you need to tune into this show!  Seriously.  Your future success could be catapulted just by knowing these two guests, Rick Batchelor of Qiigo, and Bill King of Axxiom Franchise Advisors.

Lee and Andy begin the show talking about the reasons why many people don’t often succeed in franchises – and why you should and shouldn’t consider one, plus we tackle some ideas on how to please both the franchisees and franchisors.

Next up, we had on Rick Batchelor of www.Qiigo.com – who lets us know how franchises and other businesses benefit from his SEO and SEM activities.  He helps franchisees build local business traffic through search engine marketing and search engine optimization.  His activities, unlike most marketing are trackable – and he even records the calls that are generated from the web traffic he produces.  This allows franchisees to know how to improve much more quickly.  Rick also works with companies on Reputation Management – showing them how to survive and thrive with their personal brand and protection of their reputation online.  Finally, be sure to check out his book, www.seoforgoogle.com. 

As our Unique of Week, we had the franchise within a franchise, www.AxxiomFranchiseAdvisors.com, and Bill King, who has added quite a deal of intricacy to his model since his first appearance on the show.  Tune in to hear all about what is new in the ways in which franchises can be sold, represented and how to tell when a franchise is really a franchise.  Plus, realize why, if you are seeking a franchise, you would want to talk to Axxiom first.  They save you time, cost you no money and ask the tough questions to get you the right franchise for your best success.  Connect with Bill for this free service – and be sure to tell him we sent you.

==

This week's show is brought to you by QAlias, with hosts Andy Greider and Lee Kantor.

Uniqueness is Power is a marketing and business growth show, broadcast live Thursdays 6-7pm eastern, and downloadable by podcast, or RSS Feed.  Please send any questions to andygreider@comcast.net.

Also, if you have a product or service or advice that can boost a business or know of a company innovative enough to be an Unique of the Week, drop Andy a line

Amazing guests!  Superb information to grow your business is tough times!  Unique ideas!  We bring it all to you, on Uniqueness is Power, your Business Growth Solutions show.

Right into the show we dove, with the founders of Strategy Magazine – a great new resource for the discerning professional who doesn’t have time for a stack of news to pile through – but still needs to stay abreast of each aspect of their business category.  Broken into 8 disciplines, Strategy delivers a concise, holistic business synopsis to the actionable business professional.  The print magazine is on introductory pricing at $19.95 – and you should sign up for an account online today.

Next, we move from magazines, to books – where we pick up with Kim Boim, of WWAOW, the WorldWide Association of Writers.  Kim started out by describing how, anyone with a book in them, can now be published – AND pick up 5 copies of their book, for $80.  Yes, $80.  They give you the shipping, handling, and distribution channel as part of the deal – and you get the word out.  One of the coolest features we thought, was that hardcovers cost only about $2/copy more than softcovers – and that you can be up and running in about 90 seconds, assuming you have a pdf’d and formatted version of your book ready. 

In addition, WWAOW has arms and legs in the corporate and government manual, employee handbook, etc realm – and they are backed by Peleman, a company with nearly 8 decades of binding experience.  Finally, I love WWAOW because they use steel binding on the hardcovers, and that makes it darn near impossible to lose pages or have binding breaks.  Gosh, the Long Tail model lives again!

Finally, we spoke with Craig VanPelt of PlantMakers – who is someone who can truly grow your business (and your position in the marketplace!) with his new GoGreen Program for hotels.  Can you imagine being able to offer a live plant in every room – and make it not only a marketing position, but also a profit center?  Maybe it is hard to believe, but that is what Plantmakers brings to the table – or the counter or vanity or dressertop – in each of your hotel rooms.  Using the coveted Milennial Soil, this program allows hotel owners to “go greenâ€� with no mess, little added labor – and helps them sell more than sleep.  We are fortunate to have Craig back on the show, where he had spoken about how restaurants can also benefit.  Be sure to check in with him and see how he can assist you and your hotel or restaurant – and as always, please let our guests know you heard about here, on Uniqueness is Power.

Thanks!

==

This week's show is brought to you by QAlias - with hosts Andy Greider and Lee Kantor.

Uniqueness is Power is a marketing and business growth show, broadcast live Thursdays 6-7pm eastern, and downloadable by podcast, or RSS Feed.  Please send any questions to andygreider@comcast.net.

Also, if you have a product or service or advice that can boost a business or know of a company innovative enough to be an Unique of the Week, drop Andy a line

Amazing guests!  Superb information to grow your business is tough times!  Unique ideas!  We bring it all to you, on Uniqueness is Power, your Business Growth Solutions show.

This week Lee and Andy ponder which political party is best for small businesses – and you might be surprised with the answers and results to the research.  Be sure to go to the World’s Smallest Political Quiz to find out how your values match your support before you listen in.

Second on the show was Jason Syzdek, who helped small business owners understand how to properly set expectations with regards to the marketing they are beginning.  Syzdek covered how most businesses miss the most unique part of word of mouth marketing – actually executing the plan.  Using amusing examples coupled with poignant information, Syzdek (a second time guest), really helps us understand how we can all benefit from using word of mouth and viral marketing properly – and shows how to implement the tricks of the trade.  He can help you from his company, Jaymunda!

Our third guest (who appears in an inserted format this week) was Stephen Jones, of Growth Strategies – back to talk more about his amazing tool, Executive Briefings.  His success since we last had him on prompted a quick return visit to go over some other aspects of this amazing door opening sales tool – a third party commissioned presentation designed to attract your target audience and educate them, not sell them, on your products and services.  By sharing pertinent industry information with the potential clients, they are alerted to why they need to pay attention to your offering today.  This greatly increases odds of both setting the first appointment and also of landing the business overall.  Be sure to check it out – and tell Stephen we sent ya.  This is a tool all small and medium sized businesses can't afford to be without!

==

This week's show is brought to you by Carroll/White (marketing, business and technology consulting experts), with hosts Andy Greider and Lee Kantor.

Uniqueness is Power is a marketing and business growth show, broadcast live Thursdays 6-7pm eastern, and downloadable by podcast, or RSS Feed.  Please send any questions to andygreider@comcast.net.

Own your name on the web!  Be found at the TOP of Google anytime someone searches your name!  Control what the web says about you - for only $9.95 a month.  Google Andy Greider for a sample and then click the globe atop the screen to sign up today!

Also, if you have a product or service or advice that can boost a business or know of a company innovative enough to be an Unique of the Week, drop Andy a line

To learn more about how to effectively position yourself online, hear how the internet has changed media delivery, use video and walk-on-the-web technology and to hear an inspiring tale of entrepreneurial success – listen in to today’s show – just download the mp3 and listen along as we help you grow your business.

Lee and Andy begin by discussing the different elements that have really changed media delivery online.  From new online tv stations  to podcasting, and purl (direct mail drives online) to online resumes, there is a lot to ponder.  Get an unique perspective as we delve into this world today.

Next up, be sure to listen closely as the Video Bishop, C Ranaldo Weaver takes us on a learning journey regarding online video, flash website creation and the tricks of the trade.  If you want video on your website, or are seeking a walk on the web plug in….this is the man to pay attention to.

From there, we spoke with Nina Frye about LTD Chix (and Andy embarrasses himself, forgetting that LTD stands for Living the Dream, not Limited…)  And it stands to reason that is the abbreviation, as this company is having pretty much unlimited success…with 12 designs illustrated to parlay the working Mom into a perhaps overtaxed, but still smiling caricature – these are immensely popular shirts.  Starting at a local festival and growing rapidly from there, Frye and her partner Cindi Schmitzer have really taken this from a fledgling startup to something with serious potential.  Listen in if you think you  want to start something up for some inspiration!  And for crying out loud - order a shirt for a Mom you know!  She deserves it...

==

This week's show is brought to you by Carroll/White (marketing, business and technology consulting experts), with hosts Andy Greider and Lee Kantor.

Uniqueness is Power is a marketing and business growth show, broadcast live Thursdays 6-7pm eastern, and downloadable by podcast, or RSS Feed.  Please send any questions to andygreider@comcast.net.

Own your name on the web!  Be found at the TOP of Google anytime someone searches your name!  Control what the web says about you - for only $9.95 a month.  Google Andy Greider for a sample and then click the globe atop the screen to sign up today!

Also, if you have a product or service or advice that can boost a business or know of a company innovative enough to be an Unique of the Week, drop Andy a line

For a sales show that will bring you the best in how to choose an affiliate program and software to great resources like Sales Gravy and Salesconx, be sure to join Andy Greider and Lee Kantor as we help you grow your business, and increase your personal brand!

Lee and Andy begin by exploring the two different main mindsets of the affiliate program pantheon – that of high traffic push to the other side of high personal touch pull.  Each have solutions targeted to their ends, and each have different ways in which they succeed.  Tune in to hear more – and also learn how to recognize elements that make up a strong program if you want to join one.

Want to learn more about sales?  How about being able to learn from the best tutors out there?  How about being able to do this for the cost of a smile?  (as in free….)  Our Business Booster this week was Jeb Blount, founder and CEO of Sales Gravy, where they treat salespeople like the elite athletes of the business world.  Jeb is full of great ideas, and this two year old site may be the only resource we’ve seen with so much to offer you as a salesperson (and let’s face it, we’re ALL in sales of some sort.)  Jeb shares plenty of tips and ideas while he shares the most popular features of the community they are developing.  Come post a job for free, or apply – but do it soon, as the potential for this becoming a paid service increase each day.  Check out cool podcasts, read awesome articles and learn from top experts – all as part of your free membership.  Jeb is reachable – and answers both his phone and his email.

How would you like to stop fruitlessly spending money on Google AdWords for keywords that don’t convert?  How would you like strong leads EACH time you pay money?  Our Unique of the Week was Evan Sohn of Salesconx – a very interesting and strong compliment to Sales Gravy.  Wherein Sales Gravy is a resource laden site, Salesconx is where connections make you money – and warm up the sales process.  You can both buy and sell leads on the site, and your account manager is there to help you work through the process.  When you offer to pay someone for a lead, there are three stages.  The first is the initial lead offer – say for $25.  Then the money is held in limbo while you certify the veracity of the lead.  Then there is the “success feeâ€� – often a one time fee that is a percentage of the closed new business from that lead.  Let’s say it is $500 – at 10% of a $5000 deal.  For providing this service and the assistance, Salesconx takes a 20% processing fee (making them a profit of $105 on that full transaction – very fair all in all….listen in as Evan compares this with a typical Google AdWord effort….)

Be sure to tune in next week as we go digital with the Video Bishop, C Ranaldo Weaver, and speak with the magnate of hip and cool clothing, Ltd Chix.

==

This week's show is brought to you by Carroll/White (marketing, business and technology consulting experts), with hosts Andy Greider and Lee Kantor.

Uniqueness is Power is a marketing and business growth show, broadcast live Thursdays 6-7pm eastern, and downloadable by podcast, or RSS Feed.  Please send any questions to andygreider@comcast.net.

Own your name on the web!  Be found at the TOP of Google anytime someone searches your name!  Control what the web says about you - for only $9.95 a month.  Google Andy Greider for a sample and then click the globe atop the screen to sign up today!

Also, if you have a product or service or advice that can boost a business or know of a company innovative enough to be an Unique of the Week, drop Andy a line

Another show chock full of great information and guests - Join Andy Greider and Lee Kantor as we help you grow your business, and increase your personal brand!

From hairapy to business therapy to family memories – we have it all in this episode of Uniqueness is Power, your Business Growth Solutions show.  We began things with Aura Mae, author of Get Some Hairapy, who is the quintessential therapist, hairipist and social diva of Seattle.  Advocating the idea that not all customers are good customers for her style – she brings in a longterm and highly connected clientele, who appreciate her forward, honest and tough love approach to life.  While most businesses have reasons why you SHOULD come in, Aura Mae and her salon, advocate the reasons why someone SHOULDN’T come in.  Listen in for this fun interview.

Do you have a co-worker who you don’t gel with?  A boss you can’t understand?  Feel left out or behind in company functions?  Perhaps the team just needs some work – and our next guest is the leader in doing so, while making everyone smile and learn at the same time.  Brownell Landrum is with Draw Success, a company that was founded out of necessity (and maybe a little pain, as well.)  Landrum worked for a few large corporations and in the last one had the team that put the dys in dysfunction.  Her work thereafter was to create a game, partially based in Disc-Jungian psychology, partially based in experience, and partially based in having some fun!  If you are in management and know your team needs some help – or suspect there may be some underlying quiet issues, connect with Brownell at brownell@drawsuccess.com

Who has gone to the family reunion only to find they no longer remembered everyone?  Or they hadn’t kept up as well as they’d have liked after seeing the relatives you thought you didn’t like?  Or found a relative who was doing something really cool, if only you’d known?

Well, as a part of those types of experiences, and after a youth of experiencing good stories, increased relations and more around the kitchen table of familial relations, Dean Roy decided he wanted to bring families together online, in a secured social environment.  Set up so there is no way to invite people outside your family – or to have them find you – this network, ShareFam, is free to access and set up and allows you to stay in touch.  One of our favorite features was the story section and the news section – allowing you to continue those late night chats that evolve after Thanksgiving cleanup, or those that grow out of setting up a surprise birthday for Auntie Grace’s 90th – be sure to drop by and sign up today.

==

This week's show is brought to you by Carroll/White (marketing, business and technology consulting experts), with hosts Andy Greider and Lee Kantor.

Uniqueness is Power is a marketing and business growth show, broadcast live Thursdays 6-7pm eastern, and downloadable by podcast, or RSS Feed.  Please send any questions to andygreider@comcast.net.

Own your name on the web!  Be found at the TOP of Google anytime someone searches your name!  Control what the web says about you - for only $9.95 a month.  Google Andy Greider for a sample and then click the globe atop the screen to sign up today!

Also, if you have a product or service or advice that can boost a business or know of a company innovative enough to be an Unique of the Week, drop Andy a line

Another show chock full of great information and guests - Join Andy Greider and Lee Kantor as we help you grow your business, and increase your personal brand!

Today we covered a lot of catching up in the first few minutes of the show – relaying all sorts of goings on, growing companies and interesting ideas – a real hodgepodge of things – before launching into the show with Mike McGraw as our Business Booster.

For 28 years, McGraw has owned and operated tneve – which is event spelled backwards – and I think it means, after hearing how thorough and strong Mike is at his craft, that they have you covered from front to back and then again.  McGraw shares with us insights on how much more an event means when you have it; and how with the rising prices of gasoline and travel – they may become even more rare.  Download the show to hear about his biggest success story, the things people take away from the shows, and of course, how to find out more.

For well over 5 years, 5 Seasons Brewing has been serving top quality food and excellently quaffable pints of crafted brews for the patrons of Atlanta.  Now in two locations, with a third coming, we take a look at what sets them apart from pub grub oriented brewpubs and makes them a Gastro-Pub, where drink and food meet on equal terms.  Dennis Lange, owner, joined us to talk about the uniqueness of the 5 Seasons, beginning with the name.  From there, Dennis spoke of the relations with 18 different organic farms, with myriad vendors all seeking organic, fresh and tasty product – which definitely, in the world of breweries meet restaurants, sets them apart.  Dennis, as always, just like at his restaurant, is a delight to speak with – tune in for great commentary and stories, too.  And be sure to get to 5 Seasons when you are in Atlanta.  If you are from in Atlanta - come on out and ask for Dennis - tell him Uniqueness sent ya!

==

This week's show is brought to you by Carroll/White (marketing, business and technology consulting experts), with hosts Andy Greider and Lee Kantor.

Uniqueness is Power is a marketing and business growth show, broadcast live Thursdays 6-7pm eastern, and downloadable by podcast, or RSS Feed.  Please send any questions to andygreider@comcast.net.

Own your name on the web!  Be found at the TOP of Google anytime someone searches your name!  Control what the web says about you - for only $9.95 a month.  Google Andy Greider for a sample and then click the globe atop the screen to sign up today!

Also, if you have a product or service or advice that can boost a business or know of a company innovative enough to be an Unique of the Week, drop Andy a line

Another show chock full of great information and guests - Join Andy Greider and Lee Kantor as we help you grow your business, and increase your personal brand!

The multi-faceted and amazing Katherine Phelps joined us to discuss her quarterly publication, Beautiful Magazine.  Besides having amazing stories to share, a nonprofit with a personal stake and background as a co or ghost author of 22 books, Katherine also reveals the secrets to successfully populating the 64 pages of her quarterly magazine, without hardly lifting a finger.  She’ll be back in a few weeks to discuss Strategy, her next magazine.

Are you about to travel for business affairs?  Do business with another country?  Visit a new client who is recently living here from another country?  Our next guest, the talented and articulate Chi Chi Okezie, wears the hat of Cultural Ambassador.  What is that?  Tune in to find out…but let’s just say if you are doing, intend to do or think international business could potentially happen for you – check in with Chi Chi so you don’t run the risk of insulting others, stepping on their “custom toesâ€� and mores.  Chi Chi is well versed in many aspects and cultures and can help you immensely.

Finally, we had on David Wolf, who sports a “who’s whoâ€� background of clients in the audio and video field.  These days, David runs SmallBizAmerica.com and host the radio show The SmallBiz Brain.  He is a great interview, full of amazing information you need to hear about how the new media is changing the format of things moving forward – and how he is leveraging strategic partnerships to make things happen for his show hosts and listeners.  You’re sure to pick up good info when you tune in.

==

This week's show is brought to you by Carroll/White (marketing, business and technology consulting experts), with hosts Andy Greider and Lee Kantor.

Uniqueness is Power is a marketing and business growth show, broadcast live Thursdays 6-7pm eastern, and downloadable by podcast, or RSS Feed.  Please send any questions to andygreider@comcast.net.

Own your name on the web!  Be found at the TOP of Google anytime someone searches your name!  Control what the web says about you - for only $9.95 a month.  Google Andy Greider for a sample and then click the globe atop the screen to sign up today!

Also, if you have a product or service or advice that can boost a business or know of a company innovative enough to be an Unique of the Week, drop Andy a line

Another show chock full of great information and guests - Join Andy Greider and Lee Kantor as we help you grow your business, and increase your personal brand!

Straight out of the gate, we were after it in this show.  Joining us as a renowned speaker and motivator was networking maven Gwen Marshall, who spoke of interconnectivity, the importance of controlling who you network with (to protect your personal brand and standing) and the differences between online and offline networking.  Be sure to connect with her when you need an engaging, delightful and personable speaker for your next event.

Next up was Business Booster Erick Moore with Empanel Online.  Erick previously guested while with us while with another company, and now brings a much wider array of tools to the table with his new company, as owner.  He works with everyone from small Mom and Pop businesses up through the Fortune 5.  With capabilities spanning Online surveys to focus groups to phone interviews – and more, Empanel Online seeks the information you need to make informed decisions about : • Brand Research  • Message and Copy Testing  • Marketing Effectiveness  • Communications Strategy/Effectiveness  and • Media Research.  Knowing how to both find the coveted executive level feedback as well as analyze and interpret sets Empanel apart from many companies.  Check in with Erick today to learn more about his capabilities and offerings.

As our Unique of the Week, we had Jim Killeen, of Google Me, the Movie!  As we mention on the show all the time, Google has become a verb – and name googling and personal branding (online especially) have become almost synonymous.  Google is a part of our culture and our experiences daily.  Jim Killeen saw an opportunity to create a movie that showed that while there are many different things that make up a “Jim Killeenâ€? – there are far more similarities and positive associations than differences.  The human condition sometimes keeps us from remembering that.  Interviewing a total of 7 Jim Killeen’s with 30 predetermined (but not shared) questions, the experience is one you have listen in to hear (download this show), or watch (see links below) to see.

Full of humility, quiet confidence and a personality that lends quite well to this project, Jim Killeen is a true pioneer of the new facets of how we all find out about each other.  Google Me the Movie is available for purchase on DVD, and for a limited time, is available in full on YouTube.  To say Jim found himself, may be an understatement – as he truly found something much bigger – something we’re all seeking – which is an answer to the question “why are we who we are?â€?  Rare to have such an unique, Unique of the Week, we were privileged to have Jim as a guest after appearances at Newport Beach Film Fest, on Google Me Talk Radio and more.  What’s next?  Tune in to find out – but here’s a hint – Googled people may be getting a “reality checkâ€? in the coming months….

==

This week's show is brought to you by Carroll/White (marketing, business and technology consulting experts), with hosts Andy Greider and Lee Kantor.

Uniqueness is Power is a marketing and business growth show, broadcast live Thursdays 6-7pm eastern, and downloadable by podcast, or RSS Feed.  Please send any questions to andygreider@comcast.net.

Own your name on the web!  Be found at the TOP of Google anytime someone searches your name!  Control what the web says about you - for only $9.95 a month.  Google Andy Greider for a sample and then click the globe atop the screen to sign up today!

Also, if you have a product or service or advice that can boost a business or know of a company innovative enough to be an Unique of the Week, drop Andy a line

This is the kind of show that makes you think, makes you prepare and makes you feel good.  We hit on all cylinders with an eclectic lineup of excellent guests who all bring great things to the table.  Join Andy Greider and Lee Kantor as we help you grow your business, and increase your personal brand!

We began with Elizabeth Gordon, serial entrepreneur and author; owner of Flourishing Business, previous guest of Uniqueness is Power, current hostess of The Publicity Show and for purposes of today’s interview, author of The Chic Entrepreneur.  Elizabeth talks about how she ended up writing this book, targeted to women, but for everyone – and how the conversational, sassy and fun tone makes it a read anyone can digest – understand and apply.  Pick up a copy today!

Next up, we had Patrick Bradshaw, owner of My Next Career Move.  Patrick focuses on making the most of preparation for the next move in your career.  He is someone, who as a recruiter in corporate America, saw myriad people unprepared for the work they were trying to land.  His cd’s are excellent and he works with clients in a down to earth, yet very practically advanced methodology.  Tune in to hear some tips, and find out more.

Wrapping up the show, we had, the one, the only, Sir Markadoo – owner of Before and After, host of Let’s Talk Business, Heavenly Body Products and so much more.  A man who is a unique as his name, Sir joined us for straight talk on health, fitness, franchising, radio interviews, humble beginnings and more.  You just have to hear this interview!

==

This week's show is brought to you by Carroll/White (marketing, business and technology consulting experts), with hosts Andy Greider and Lee Kantor.

Uniqueness is Power is a marketing and business growth show, broadcast live Thursdays 6-7pm eastern, and downloadable by podcast, or RSS Feed.  Please send any questions to andygreider@comcast.net.

Own your name on the web!  Be found at the TOP of Google anytime someone searches your name!  Control what the web says about you - for only $9.95 a month.  Google Andy Greider for a sample and then click the globe atop the screen to sign up today!

Also, if you have a product or service or advice that can boost a business or know of a company innovative enough to be an Unique of the Week, drop Andy a line

This was another amazing show, and one well worth the time you’d take to download and listen.  We’re having fun, teaching and learning – and holding court with some amazing guests again this week.  Andy Greider and Lee Kantor delve into the recent success in linking up with HARO – Help a Reporter Out from Peter Shankman, who will be here to discuss his new creation on May 1^st.

Our Author this week, was the creator of Simple Networking, Chi Chi Okezie.  Fun, delightful and chick full of good advice, Chi Chi is a treat to listen to as she discusses do’s and don’ts of networking.  We love her book because it is easy, but intelligent – helpful, but not heavy handed.  She even uses her own quotes – how UNIQUE!

Next up, we had on our Business Booster, Mattie Rock, of Rock’s Networking Unlimited.  She is a true powerhouse in the new face of networking we are all coming to expect – education, entertainment and business all rolled together.  Be sure to check out the new offers she has coming each month, walk on the web and join her group to find out the best buzz about Atlanta goings on.

We ended the show with the Unique of the Week – Greg Rau of Leadership Development Group.  Greg is an amazing person, with deep insight into the things that cause pain in small business…and on the show, he handed out a few Aleve for the business owner.  Be sure to tune in, count your breaths (it’ll make sense if you listen) and learn from someone who every business owner should be listening to.  Greg’s down to earth style, large picture thinking and user friendly implementation are all to be coveted.

Join us next week for Patrick Bradshaw and Sir Markadoo, and perhaps a surprise guest for our author…

==

This week's show is brought to you by Carroll/White (marketing, business and technology consulting experts), with hosts Andy Greider and Lee Kantor.

Uniqueness is Power is a marketing and business growth show, broadcast live Thursdays 6-7pm eastern, and downloadable by podcast, or RSS Feed.  Please send any questions to andygreider@comcast.net.

Own your name on the web!  Be found at the TOP of Google anytime someone searches your name!  Control what the web says about you - for only $9.95 a month.  Google Andy Greider for a sample and then click the globe atop the screen to sign up today!

Also, if you have a product or service or advice that can boost a business or know of a company innovative enough to be an Unique of the Week, drop Andy a line

Be sure to listen in to this show, as you’ll learn to become part of the royalty of Cold Calling – you’ll learn how to do good publicity – and you’ll learn how to succeed in the face of what most consider long odds.

The show kicks off with discussion of the many ways in which to do (and not to do) publicity – and the ways in which you can narrow down Google Ad Words for your business.

Then our Business Booster (and Unique of the Week) Wendy Weiss, called in.  We found out quickly, she’s not called the Queen of Cold Calling for nothing, folks.  Actually a nickname that stuck after her first job 20 years ago as a Marketing and New Business Consultant, she’s drummed this up into a thriving career, working with the likes of ADP and Avon.

Wendy gives a ton of great advice and offers up some free resources, but you’ll need to listen in to get the goodies.  You’ll hear how to get past the gatekeeper and how to best follow up.  Please drop her a line and let her know how she can help you conquer the cold calling blues.

Tune in on the 17^th when we’ll have author Chi Chi Okezie and more special guests for your enjoyment.

==

This week's show is brought to you by Carroll/White (marketing, business and technology consulting experts), with hosts Andy Greider and Lee Kantor.

Uniqueness is Power is a marketing and business growth show, broadcast live Thursdays 6-7pm eastern, and downloadable by podcast, or RSS Feed.  Please send any questions to andygreider@comcast.net.

Own your name on the web!  Be found at the TOP of Google anytime someone searches your name!  Control what the web says about you - for only $9.95 a month.  Google Andy Greider for a sample and then click the globe atop the screen to sign up today!

Also, if you have a product or service or advice that can boost a business or know of a company innovative enough to be an Unique of the Week, drop Andy a line

If you are a small or medium sized business owner, it is tremendously important you don’t fall into the traps that have cursed and are killing corporate America.  Hosts Lee Kantor and Andy Greider work with you to cover both the “don’tsâ€? and the “do’sâ€? – not just criticizing but also offering solutions.

If you own a business, technology is something that is both necessary, but also expensive.  For our business booster, that means a lot of business – in their new niche.  Be sure to check out this interview with Stu Lustman of Southern Lending Solutions - and find out about 2-3 year leases on technology equipment, 3-5 year financing on other technology, even true medical office loans. 

As a VAR or OEM style shop, you can also gain from the best financing deals available for your clients.  Stu is a top customer service provider and also does factoring, credit card processing and equipment leasing.  His knowledge of this new niche is truly exceptional.  You don’t want to miss talking to Stu if you have a technology need to finance in your business…no need to spend all the cash upfront and get stuck with equipment you have to completely replace in 3 years.

Our Unique of the Week was Dr. Dan Gottlieb of Gottlieb Vision Group.  If you have a child suffering in school, learning to read, or paying attention - and you’ve been told “there’s nothing more we can doâ€? – take the time to call Dr. Gottlieb ((404) 296-6000).  Host Andy Greider has personally seen small miracles occur for both his children while working with Dr. Gottlieb and his team of vision therapists.  

Internationally renowned for his approach and results, Dr. Gottlieb covers the things to look for to know if you should make a call to his office.  From covering one eye while reading to sitting right in front of the tv, to squinting, to frustration in the classroom – there are plenty of warning signs.  Almost all learning disabilities are tied to a visual challenge, and there are always things that can be done.  If your child has been diagnosed with ADD, ADHD or just seems to have reading challenges, it is a fairly easy thing to correct and rectify at young ages.  Within a few weeks, differences are noticeable – within a few months, differences are often dramatic.

Be sure to tune in next week when we speak to Josh Felix about his new publication Kenzie, to Wendy Weiss, the Queen of Cold Calling and to Tom Linkous with SportsWar….and maybe even get a quick call in from Final Four prognosticator, Lee Miller.

==

This week's show is brought to you by Carroll/White (marketing, business and technology consulting experts), with hosts Andy Greider and Lee Kantor.

Uniqueness is Power is a marketing and business growth show, broadcast live Thursdays 6-7pm eastern, and downloadable by podcast, or RSS Feed.  Please send any questions to andygreider@comcast.net.

Own your name on the web!  Be found at the TOP of Google anytime someone searches your name!  Control what the web says about you - for only $9.95 a month.  Google Andy Greider for a sample and then click the globe atop the screen to sign up today!

Also, if you have a product or service or advice that can boost a business or know of a company innovative enough to be an Unique of the Week, drop Andy a line

We began the show, looking at “how to find an internâ€? – exploring the pros and cons, and suggesting resources for our small – smedium and medium sized business owners to leverage to find the best of the best for the summer or evenings test.  Lee has had a copious amount of intern ups and downs – right now we love our intern!  We welcome your questions and hope to hear from you.

Did you know that by simply organizing your clutter in both home and business, you can save yourself over 1 hour a day?  What if that was an extra hour to spend with the kids, to relax or to even be more productive?  Our Business Booster was Laura Ray with Laura Ray Organizing, and she helps small business owners, home business mavens and home owners organize and streamline.  Asking “what do you use? And what do you love?â€? she begins the weeding process, something that she says takes 12-20 hours on average, and sometime leaves a little homework for the clients as well.  However, the savings are evident immediately, in time, in cleared minds, and in increased efficacy and efficiency.  Be sure to drop her a line, as she is the right person to help you take the steps you’ve been avoiding in business and personal organization.

Ever considered creating a tv ad – and then placing it on cable or local networks?  If you’re like most small – medium sized businesses, you’ve done one of three things – (1) considered it, and dropped it when you saw production costs, (2) were willing to compromise some production value, but still couldn’t afford enough frequency to effect changes, or (3) skimped on quality, and didn’t place enough valume, and lost on all counts – hemorrhaging money on a commercial that tanked.

What if you could get the best of all worlds?  Sometimes, if it sounds to good to be true, it’s a Uniqueness is Power, Unique of the Week!  And that’s our guest today, Spotrunner, and Eric Williams.  Working with the theory that the internet has commoditized many entities and services that before had no common denominator, the folks at Spotrunner, Nick Grouf and David Waxman, formed the company to level the playing field. 

For around $500 you lease the footage, own exclusivity in your broadcast area and can customize the commercial.  In addition, you get to buy targeted demographic cable grabs, and for about 1/5 to 1/10 of the cost of the footage alone, you gain a 2 month trial run to ascertain how you want to proceed.  This change in delivery and slashing of upfront costs makes Spotrunner an attractive option for those who want to consider TV, but felt they could not afford it.  Please connect with Eric for more info on SpotRunner and SpotRunner Custom (where there are more facets offered.)

==

This week's show is brought to you by Carroll/White (marketing, business and technology consulting experts), with hosts Andy Greider and Lee Kantor.

Uniqueness is Power is a marketing and business growth show, broadcast live Thursdays 6-7pm eastern, and downloadable by podcast, or RSS Feed.  Please send any questions to andygreider@comcast.net.

Own your name on the web!  Be found at the TOP of Google anytime someone searches your name!  Control what the web says about you - for only $9.95 a month.  Google Andy Greider for a sample and then click the globe atop the screen to sign up today!

Also, if you have a product or service or advice that can boost a business or know of a company innovative enough to be an Unique of the Week, drop Andy a line

Today it was the “double Leeâ€? show – co-host Lee and guest Lee.  For the first 20 minutes, Lee (co-host) and I discussed how to improve your blog, your internet presence and your search engine rankings.  We covered 17 tips and more that will help you with your online marketing.

Our guest, Lee Miller, is a very unique fella, with an even more unique company – Elite Hoops Basketball/NIKE Sports Camps.  Be sure to check out his summer camps; you’ll be learning from Wooden pyramid of success system, Jim Harrick trained instructor, Lee Miller.  With an intense schedule that spans the summer months, Lee works with kids 8-14 on basketball skills, agility and of course, hoop-ing it up as well. 

However, unlike many camps, there is a lot more than just organized games each day. 

With sponsors like Nike and SPARQ - he uses top level equipment and processes to help players progress with everything from movement to shooting to ball handling.  Not surprisingly, he says ball handling is the easiest area to see marked improvement in the camps.  Whereas shooting takes all elements of co-ordination, plus the relearning and erasing of bad habits, ball handling usually is more about concentration and agility – and is easier to correct.  Be sure to check out his camps, held across the Southeast, or connect with him to ask questions.

==

This week's show is brought to you by Carroll/White (marketing, business and technology consulting experts), with hosts Andy Greider and Lee Kantor.

Uniqueness is Power is a marketing and business growth show, broadcast live Thursdays 6-7pm eastern, and downloadable by podcast, or RSS Feed.  Please send any questions to andygreider@comcast.net.

Own your name on the web!  Be found at the TOP of Google anytime someone searches your name!  Control what the web says about you - for only $9.95 a month.  Google Andy Greider for a sample and then click the globe atop the screen to sign up today!

Also, if you have a product or service or advice that can boost a business or know of a company innovative enough to be an Unique of the Week, drop Andy a line

From private labeling at the top of Google, to niche social and business networking, using realtors as the focal point, we covered a lot of ground in our show today.

We started out the show talking about the new things we have cooking – Lee’s new Mastermind/Business Advisory Board, and Andy’s new connections for the radio show, in the form of upcoming guests.

Then we began talking about article marketing and how it works and why.  Simply put, the search engines love fresh content, they love keyword rich resources, and they like relevant information that connects with other sites.  Writing articles can happen pretty quickly – usually 30-60 minutes for a one page wonder – and you can submit it to the search engines easily…through article directories.  But we show you how to turn that one article into hundreds and then how to leverage that to the hundreds of engines – multiplying your work in a way you never thought possible.  This new software eliminates the issues Google and Yahoo have with duplicate content – and make your life as a writer SO much simpler.  They also show you how to climb the organic rankings and position yourself as an expert, while potentially gaining autoresponder driven signups for your newsletter, ezine, bulletin, or other vehicle for consumer connections.

Scott Forcino of ProRealEstateCity.com joined us to discuss his unique vision for a localized online networking community, centered around, but not exlusive to the real estate industry.  Allowing agents to position themselves in local community online settings, he helps agents build a bevy of vetted resources, allowing others access to their most coveted and valued partners.  With options that allow a free look, this is a service worth checking out if you are in real estate.

Next up was Charles Fellingham, founder of qAlias – a guest in prior episodes, but with plenty of new things happening, which we wanted to update you, our listeners, about.  Check out the new website they have up about private label branding – allowing employees to enhance their personal brand while the company protects the overarching online brand.  For the next 90 days, the private label branding is the same price - $9.95/person/month – as the regular service.  It will likely increase to $14.95 once the pilot period ends. 

This is a powerful way to make sure that what people find – and read first about your employees – is what the company wants them to see.  Fellingham explained how much of a liability in some cases and helping hand in others, the internet can be these days.  qAlias has grown a great deal since we last saw them, and are getting ready to just take off in the coming weeks and months.  Drop them a line to ask about private label services - or just sign up with them and advance your own name and brand today.

==

This week's show is brought to you by Carroll/White (marketing, business and technology consulting experts), with hosts Andy Greider and Lee Kantor.

Uniqueness is Power is a marketing and business growth show, broadcast live Thursdays 6-7pm eastern, and downloadable by podcast, or RSS Feed.  Please send any questions to andygreider@comcast.net.

Own your name on the web!  Be found at the TOP of Google anytime someone searches your name!  Control what the web says about you - for only $9.95 a month.  Google Andy Greider for a sample and then click the globe atop the screen to sign up today!

Also, if you have a product or service or advice that can boost a business or know of a company innovative enough to be an Unique of the Week, drop Andy a line

Beginning the show with advice on 4 ways to grow your small business, we tapped into and expanded on suggestions made by Stephen Jones, our first guest.  Here’s the lowdown:

Find good sales books, books on CD, seminars, tutorials/tools, workshops, sales resource web sites, etc. The resources are all around you! Check out our links!

Start a referral or affiliate program.

Gain referral commissions for your hard work. You probably make these referrals anyway. Now get paid for them.  Link to SalesConx…

Also, make your white papers and tips available in A/V format.  Or do an e-Book.  (link) More accessible to more people.

Our first guest was Stephen Jones, of Growth Strategies.  

It was great to have Stephen on the show again after his first run a few months ago. We learned in his first visit how he helps companies grow – and guarantees it, even.  But this time, Stephen came to visit and talk about his new standalone offer, called Executive Briefings.  Tired of sales pitches that don’t open doors?  Want traction that actually continues…then talk to Stephen about the 30 day process of turning your tired sales pitch and presentation into a robust, informational, educational executive briefing.  By providing business owners with information, even bad news, then re-situating your offering as the solution, you open many more doors and close many more sales.  Far more affordable than losing sales, this tool is a standard service for Stephen’s clients, but he now offers it a la carte, as well.  Google him for contact info!

Next up, we had Keven Izen of Pick Media, a recruitment advertising agency.  So, you ask, what is a recruitment ad agency?  Keven tells us they work with HR to bring efficiency and efficacy to the process of placing job want ads, often in print and online.  Never costing the company more money, and gaining increases in the work process and targeting, Pick Media brings huge value to the clients they serve.  Working best with a decentralized industry – they specialize in healthcare, hotels, restaurants and more – they allow for streamlined process and better overall delivery and cost efficiency.  They take the 15% rate card discounts available in want-ads as compensation – the one place in advertising the discount still applies.  Be sure to check out what they have to offer if you are a franchise, a hotel, restaurant or are in healthcare.

At the end of the show we had time to revisit with both Stephen and Keven about their best successes and what the process of working with them feels like.  Be sure to listen to hear about how they helped others – in much the same way they could certainly help you.

==

This week's show is brought to you by Carroll/White (marketing, business and technology consulting experts), with hosts Andy Greider and Lee Kantor.

Uniqueness is Power is a marketing and business growth show, broadcast live Thursdays 6-7pm eastern, and downloadable by podcast, or RSS Feed.  Please send any questions to andygreider@comcast.net.

Own your name on the web!  Be found at the TOP of Google anytime someone searches your name!  Control what the web says about you - for only $9.95 a month.  Google Andy Greider for a sample and then click the globe atop the screen to sign up today!

Also, if you have a product or service or advice that can boost a business or know of a company innovative enough to be an Unique of the Week, drop Andy a line

Lee and Andy open the show spending a few minutes talking about how to green your business, as well as how some other companies have already done so.  We find out Lee is anti-green, but not for unwarranted reasons – tune in the hear why.

Our guest today was Maria Elena Duron, the Champion of Connections, and owner of Buzz2Bucks.com – where your personal brand is the key to success and her passion.  Maria was a great guest, sharing with the listeners a plethora of tips, ideas and thoughts on how to best network, how to create and maintain a personal brand and what things they need to stay aware of in a changing world of relationship driven marketing.  You can check out her book and learn more plus connect with her when you Google Maria Elena Duron.

We ended up the show talking about the SuperBowl Ads – whether they were on MySpace, YouTube or a myriad of other online entities, this was the first year the advertisers maybe got their 3 million per 30 seconds worth, with the increased viewing.  Still, we debate that most, if not almost all of the ads lacked punch or drive or selling power – and that most didn’t even manage to provide branding.  Let us know if you agree or not?

==

This week's show is brought to you by Carroll/White (marketing, business and technology consulting experts), with hosts Andy Greider and Lee Kantor.

Uniqueness is Power is a marketing and business growth show, broadcast live Thursdays 6-7pm eastern, and downloadable by podcast, or RSS Feed.  Please send any questions to andygreider@comcast.net.

Own your name on the web!  Be found at the TOP of Google anytime someone searches your name!  Control what the web says about you - for only $9.95 a month.  Google Andy Greider for a sample and then click the globe atop the screen to sign up today!

Also, if you have a product or service or advice that can boost a business or know of a company innovative enough to be an Unique of the Week, drop Andy a line

We began this HUGE show with a “tiny sectionâ€? – speaking about www.tinyurl.com – and how to use it to capture large links to place them in emails or blogs, or to hide affiliate id tags.  We also walk our listeners through how to establish or set up a redirect url.

Our first guest was the heralded Steve Rubel, who is a digital marketer with over 15 years experience. He currently serves as senior vice president in Edelman's me2revolution practice. Steve assists his clients by identifying key insights, trends and emerging digital platforms that can be applied in marketing programs.  He came on our show to share this knowledge and more with our listeners, along with discussing articles he has on adage.com.

Be sure to tune in to hear his thoughts on hot blog topics, what to do to increase your exposure online, where things are heading over the coming 12 months and how to reach those you covet.  Check out an unique perspective on why the traditional mediums have “done wellâ€? over the past year and where things are heading in the converging world of old school advertising and the internet, according to MicroPersuasion blog author, Steve Rubel.

With the Super Bowl coming up this weekend, we chose an Unique of the Week in keeping with the theme.  Please welcome Steve Kapusta, from KSI Consulting.  While most sports fans are glued to their TV sets to watch big events such as the Super Bowl, most folks don’t realize the business side sports, especially when it involves the health of the athletes.  One such component involves athlete disability coverage which can be purchased by the athlete, the team or a sponsor depending upon the contract status in place.  (with over 320 NFL players on the injured reserve for the past 3 seasons each, it IS a huge deal – this stat doesn’t cover other sports, even.)

Steve came into the studio to talk about this aspect of the game – the hidden side most of us miss.  But from there, we got into event cancellation insurance – due to performer illness or no show, due to weather or even other causes.  Lee and I were stunned at the things you can insure – and we were even more impressed with Steve’s knowledge of the ways to do so.  Be sure to check out how you can even insure promotions centered around games of chance and save your bottom line while doing so.

==

This week's show is brought to you by Carroll/White (marketing, business and technology consulting experts), with hosts Andy Greider and Lee Kantor.

Uniqueness is Power is a marketing and business growth show, broadcast live Thursdays 6-7pm eastern, and downloadable by podcast, or RSS Feed.  Please send any questions to andygreider@comcast.net.

Own your name on the web!  Be found at the TOP of Google anytime someone searches your name!  Control what the web says about you - for only $9.95 a month.  Google Andy Greider for a sample and then click the globe atop the screen to sign up today!

Also, if you have a product or service or advice that can boost a business or know of a company innovative enough to be an Unique of the Week, drop Andy a line.

We get things rolling with everything you wanted to know about e-books, but were afraid to ask.  For about 15 minutes, we cover the ways to virally grow your brand online through e-pubs, and give you sites and links and ideas galore.  Tune in for this extremely helpful primer and starting guide to e-books.

As our Business Booster, we bring in Kim Butler, from www.partners4prosperity.com – she is a specialist at guiding her clients to abundance through the Wealth Capitalization System.  Working with core principles and avoiding pitfalls, she and her talented staff walk clients through a process and new manner of thinking they can use to help them re-adjust their path to wealth and financial wellbeing.  Check out their newsletter, or go to the site and view Kim’s video.  Able to help small business owners, and willing to give a free session to anyone who listens to the show, she is an instant asset to the balance sheet of your financial and business life.

Our Unique of the Week was Richard Quan – who has begun work on the publication, Impact Times. (www.impacttimes.com) A hybrid of Harvard Business Review meets GQ – this is a stylish, yet ad free space for intelligent, thought provoking one page articles accompanied by full page works of art – be they photos, paintings or other mediums.  Quan saw a need to expand on what was already out there – and place a magazine in circulation that could be a collector’s item – such high quality, it would be saved like a book, for future reference.  With a strong background in both creating and selling publications, he has applied his knowledge and skills to make an amazing new splash in the rather red sea of written word and visual art.  On top of that, he has assembled a strong staff of writers who work with him on providing content for both the magazine and for the website.

Andy and Lee begin the show with the best techno tools they’ve come across in the past year….and 2007 held some wonders.  Lee uses Twitter to miniblog his exploits as the Fat Guy on Dr Fitness and the Fat Guy, Andy uses Jott to relay quick reminders and updates to himself and others, Lee and Adam have created the best thing going for those getting in shape and losing weight…and Andy has risen to the top of Google and Yahoo this year, through a new service for $9.95 a month (and has made over $25,000 as a result of using this tool.)

We were determined to bring in the New Year with a business boosting bang, so we did a double Business Booster section – and Vanessa Lowry was with us from Profits in Progress (www.profitsinprogress.com)  Her company is an interesting and compelling flip side to the explosion of the internet.  In helping businesspeople handwrite notes and send via snail mail, she returns the personal touch – and in many cases – the connections and the sales.  Featuring three flexible packages, Profits in Progress makes the process easy, fun and instantly appealing.  The cards are unique works of art, designed by Lowry, and often adorned with quotes from famous writers, authors or poets.  If you’re looking for a unique and effective manner with which to correspond and stand out from the crowd, your search is over.

Next up, we were joined by Jason Syzdek, whose company Jaymunda, is beginning the revamp of the Uniqueness is Power website.  Going from a straight blog and download site to a more robust, interactive and educational portal type of site will be a huge change to what Uniqueness is Power can offer its listeners.  Now, instead of just reading the blog overviews, and downloading shows, users and listeners will be able to access pertinent information, helpful tips and news and even promotional specials.  To be included is the dynamic Networking Toolbox, where how to gain the most from your relationship capital is explored – to INeedSomeoneWho.com – a selection tool for the best of the best for various service categories, all based on your needs and input.  Look for the new look and feel in Q2 of 2008.

We ended our year having some childish fun – keeping it all light at heart and easy going, to be sure.  Joining us as Unique of the Week, was Rob Solberg, of Brainwave Studios (www.brainwavestudios.net) and creator of the new Franktown Fun website, stage 1 of an interactive online virtual world for kids 8-14 or so.  Franktown is based on the success of Webkins and Club Penguin, but has many more features that should make it stand out.  With Guitar Hero 3 and other music based games being all the rage, the fact that Franktown is music intensive, should only help boost word of mouth popularity and near the Tipping Point faster.  Next steps include the creation of a soundtrack and band, named “Call Me Harveyâ€? and then an animated Franktown TV series.  It won’t be long until Franktown is on a computer near you – likely in the living room, if you have kids.

Our Business Booster was Jeff Haynie, of Appcelerator (www.appcelerator.com) – the home of More App, Less Code.  Haynie was fresh off the announcement of JBoss founder Marc Fleury, as a new advisor and was extremely excited about where his company is headed.  Working in the SOA space, his open source code is available to enrich user interfaces, increase speed and usability and make software more enjoyable to use.  Having developers on staff who can work within this open source framework can deliver better offerings to your customers, better products to your clients and better functioning tools to your staff.

Our Unique of the Week was Rob Franta with the Reverse Funnel System – an invention of cyber-warrior, Ty Coughlin.  Coughlin’s invention comes from the idea of an upside down funnel.  In normal business models, the top of the funnel is thick and wide, and accommodates a large amount of the flow.  In the reverse funnel – the prospects are vetted and carefully chosen and only a few make the “holeâ€? at the top.  From there, those who show the interest and needed fortitude and aptitude are chosen.  Franta explained how this system works and brings people in that actually do the work and how to funnel expands on the lower end, instead of the top.  Interesting, to say the least.