14 JAN 2018 · Nick’s podcast series, Digital Works Radio, is focused on strategic, but practical, digital insights for your business. This show is broadcast on the Digital Works Radio network and the podcast is distributed in 148 countries worldwide. Nick Choat is the international best-selling author of Online or Flatline, public speaker, and business consultant. His passion is helping business owners and executives respond to the growing pressure to improve the digital aspects of their business. Nick’s work answers questions such as: How do I understand this rapid pace of digital change in order to meet the needs of my customers? He has over three decades of professional experience beginning as a software engineer and evolving to become a digital strategist. He has held executive positions with highly respected brands such as the Walt Disney Company, Ernst & Young, the Boeing Company and VeriSign. He is currently CEO and Owner of Sport Clips Haircuts franchises, leading the expansion of the franchise throughout Southwest Florida. Nick's contact info: Website: www.NickChoat.com Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/NickChoat Facebook: www.facebook.com/NickChoatAuthor Twitter: NickChoat Skype: Nick.Choat1 Land Line: 941.922.0626 Cell: 206.265.3130 Information requests: info@nickchoat.com

15 JAN 2018 · Small Business Social Media Challenges If you're a small business owner, do you struggle with social media? Which social media platform should you join? Where do I find the time to manage my social media? What should I be posting? This podcast will give you insight into the answers of these and more questions. Norm Dempsey, Tech MacGyver, is a left and right brain professional. He can transition from digital analytics to Marketing where creativity is useful for websites and social media channels,. Norm has a BA in Information Systems and an MBA in Information Technology & Finance. He’s also been a small business owner, so he helps other small businesses owners solve Digital Media dilemmas. Norm's contact info: email: normdempsey@gmail.com website: www.TechMacGyver.net Blog: bcsrq.com Twitter: DempseyOnline

16 JAN 2018 · "How to Make Your Website Work for You" Our guest, David Grace, will talk about why your website is so important for your business. He’ll also speak about what’s involved in building your website. David will talk about how to build your website so that it works well with mobile devices like cell phones and tablets. David Grace, originally from Glasgow, Scotland, has been working with businesses to build their brand and their bottom line through their website for over 18 years. He has always had a passion for technology and along with his wife and business partner, Fern, continues to enjoy bringing that technology to their client’s websites through Abacus Web Services. David's contact info: email: david@abacuswebservices.com website: www.abacuswebservices.com Twitter: AbacusWS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AbacusWS/ Skype: david@abacuswebservices.com Phone: 941.870.5343

17 JAN 2018 · IT Security is often overlooked by small businesses. Why should a small business owner worry about IT security? What are the security threats a small business should worry about? What more than virus scanning does a small business owner need? You'll hear the answer to these and other questions in this episode. Kevin formed Suncoast Business Technologies (SBT) with two business partners in 2007.. SBT engagements include information technology planning, project management, helpdesk deployment and management, enterprise network design and implementation, enterprise level server deployment, and ERP implementations.. And, most importantly the topic for the interview today: IT security. Kevin's contact info: email: kbaylor@4sbt.com website: www.suncoastbiztech.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/475148/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/suncoastbiztech Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suncoastbiztech/ Skype: kbaylor@4sbt.com

18 JAN 2018 · Disasters take many forms, both natural and man-made Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and fires can impact you both personally and professionally. Having a good plan prior to the disaster happening will help you be best prepared to minimize the impact. Bruno Kapacinskas works for the Manatee County Government, in Bradenton, Florida. Bruno works in the Redevelopment and Economic Opportunity Department as a Business Resource Manager for the Economic Development Division. Bruno recently relocated to Bradenton from Dixon, Illinois. Bruno holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management from Ashford University and a Masters in Recreation, Sports & Tourism from the University of Illinois. As the Business Resource Manager for the business community, Bruno is an advocate for preparedness, especially during the hurricane season. Bruno's contact info: email: : bruno.kapacinskas@mymanatee.org phone: 941-749-3029 Ext 6218 twitter: @bkapacinskas website: www.mymanatee.org/home/businesses/economic-development.html

19 JAN 2018 · Most business leaders want to grow their business, but many times don't know how to turn ideas into profitable growth strategies. Are you interested in learning about the successes of other businesses? Are you open to mentoring? This episode will provide options to help you and your business grow. Dennis Zink is a certified mentor and Chapter Chair of Manasota SCORE leading the number one chapter in the US. He facilitates a CEO Roundtable helping business owners transform their companies to become more successful. A best-read columnist for Sarasota’s Herald-Tribune, Dennis has penned 187 consecutive business articles. His nationally syndicated podcast series - Been There, Done That! with Dennis Zink is the official podcast series for SCORE’s 10,000 volunteer mentors and their clients. He’s a quick study, proven leader, and his high energy and creativity continues to inspire others. He was educated in New York City at Fordham Graduate School of Business. Dennis' contact info: email: centreofinfluence@gmail.com website: centreofinfluence.org skype: @zinkdennis mobile: (407) 948-7818 facebook: facebook.com/zinkdennis twitter:@zinkdennis linkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/zinkdennis

20 JAN 2018 · The software industry is ever changing. New technologies and applications are created on a regular basis. Are you a software engineer that struggles to keep up with the pace of change. Do you want to add another technical skill to your resume? Are you wanting to develop skills that will help you break into the industry? This episode with a award winning author of technical books and training will help you achieve your goals. Eric Freeman is described by Head First series co-creator Kathy Sierra as “one of those rare individuals fluent in the language, practice, and culture of multiple domains from hipster hacker, corporate VP, engineer, think tank.” And his background matches that description well. By training, Eric is a computer scientist, having studied with industry luminary David Gelernter during his Ph.D. work at Yale. Professionally, Eric is a former media company executive—having held the position of CTO of www.disney.com at The Walt Disney Company. Eric’s also held positions at O’Reilly Media, NASA and at several startups, and his IP is licensed and in use on every Mac and PC. And over the last nearly 15 years Eric has been one of the top selling technical authors on the planet across topics from beginning web development to high-level software design. Eric's contact info: email: eric@wickedlysmart.com website: wickedlysmart.com skype: facebook:erictfree mobile: 626-272-2384 facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wickedlysmartcrew/ twitter: @erictfree linkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erictfreeman/

21 JAN 2018 · Chambers of Commerce have been international icons of business for over a hundred years. Some business leaders receive value from Chamber memberships and some don't. What services do the Chambers provide? What are the various ways a business leader can engage with a Chamber? What value should you expect from a Chamber membership. Learn the answer to these questions from an executive from an award wining Chamber of Commerce. Michael Gallen is the Vice President of Public Policy & Small Business at the Manatee Chamber of Commerce. The Public Policy & Small Business division has three major focus areas: government affairs, small business and tourism development, in addition to the following committees/councils: legislative, natural resources, downtown redevelopment, transportation, infill development, and small business council. He graduated from the University of Georgia with a BA degree in Political Science. He was awarded a Juris Doctorate from Nova Southeastern University College of Law in 2002. Michael served as a Manatee County Commissioner and Manatee Port Authority Member from 2010 – 2014. His prior position included teaching American Government at IMG Academy and Lakewood Ranch High School, serving as a staff attorney for the Florida House of Representatives, a legal assistant with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, a legal intern with the Center for Environmental Rights and Natural Resources in San Jose, Costa Rica. He is a native and lifelong resident of Manatee County who was born in Bradenton. Michael and his wife Alexandra have three children. Michael's contact info: email: info@manateechamber.com website: www.manateechamber.com twitter.com/ManateeChamber facebook: www.facebook.com/manateechamber phone: (941) 748-3411

28 JAN 2018 · Buying a franchise business is a big decision. Should you give up a job to start a business? Is franchising right for you? Which franchise will best meet my objectives. You'll hear the answers to these and more questions with this episode. Nick’s podcast series, Digital Works, is focused on strategic, but practical, digital insights for your business. This show is broadcast on the Digital Works Radio network and the podcast is distributed in 148 countries worldwide. Nick Choat is the international best-selling author of Online or Flatlne, public speaker, and business consultant. His passion is helping business owners and executives respond to the growing pressure to improve the digital aspects of their business. Nick’s work answers questions such as: How do I understand this rapid pace of digital change in order to meet the needs of my customers? He has over three decades of professional experience beginning as a software engineer and evolving to become a digital strategist. He has held executive positions with highly respected brands such as the Walt Disney Company, Ernst & Young, the Boeing Company and VeriSign. He is currently CEO and Owner of Sport Clips Haircuts franchises, leading the expansion of the franchise throughout Southwest Florida. Nick's contact info: Website: www.NickChoat.com Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/NickChoat Facebook: www.facebook.com/NickChoatAuthor Twitter: NickChoat Skype: Nick.Choat1 Land Line: 941.922.0626 Cell: 206.264.3130 Information requests: info@nickchoat.com

7 FEB 2018 · Owning a franchise is unique in local markets. While the majority of franchises are locally owned and operated, most consumers feel the franchise is owned by a faceless corporate entity. This episode dispel these misperceptions. How do you overcome the perceived but inaccurate objection of not being locally owned? What strategies should you employ to establish a local face to the business? What's the one thing that can set you apart from both franchise and non-franchise businesses? Justin Phillips is a trusted retail professional with over 25 years of experience and a proven track record in building highly engaged work teams, loyal customer relationships and delivering significant sales and profit growth. He is the owner and operator of Minuteman Press of Bradenton which specializes in Graphic Design, Printing and bulk mailing services. Justin's contact info: Email – pcfiles@minutemanpress.com Website – www.bradenton.minutemanpress.com Landline – Store - 941-739-6602 For this interview 941-201-4951 Mobile – 941-526-6570 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MMPBradenton/?ref=bookmarks Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-phillips-933a22b/