Subscribe to NewsBeing Savvy About Finances - CEO Interview - Cameron Schmidt, VP of Intuit - March 27, 2010 - Segment Three
Interview with Cameron Schmidt, VP of Intuit
Betsy and Renee speak with Cameron about the wide variety of business products and solutions offered by Intuit, including everything from payroll management to their renowned QuickBooks accounting software. Cameron explains that in addition to their payroll services, Intuit has developed an ecosystem of services to help small businesses improve their bottom line and help them navigate through the compliance labyrinth that are federal and state regulations. For example, about 19 million people use TurboTax, a product that guides you methodically through the complexity of the tax code, by having you answer questions online and then feeding those answers through to the proper forms.
It is also essential to recognize that not every small business owner needs a bookkeeper, which is why the Intuit suite of software is designed to complement the flexibility each owner requires. At the end of the day, Cameron notes, the goal is to provide a service that allows owners to do payroll in “just a couple of clicks.” Something else the company has discovered recently with their expanded online presence is that they can give people confidence by harnessing the wisdom and experience of others like them. At www.intuit.com and www.payroll.com, there are entire series of tips, tricks, and guidance currently available, and there’s also a special website and blog for small business owners.
Cameron also discusses how one of Intuit’s specialties is taking the mystery out of terms like “Accounts Receivable” and “Accounts Payable.” In their software, it’s instead listed as “Money Coming In” and “Money Going Out.” As it relates to cash flow, their programs also provide business owners with a “Company Snapshot,” which not only tells owners everything they need to know about their cash flow situation, but also provides them with a series of creative and custom ways to have deep insight into the various dimensions of their business. Recently, the company partnered with a small business expert and are currently offering a free copy of the book Hire Your First Employee. To get a copy of the book, visit their website www.Intuit.com and request your free copy today.
2Minutes&More with Betsy Berkhemer and Renee Fraser airs every Sunday at 1pm on KFWB NEWS TALK 980. Tune in for a full hour of tips for business success.
Reservations About Restaurants - CEO Interview - Keith Sirois, CEO of Big Boy Restaurants International - March 21, 2010 - Segment Three
Reservations About Restaurants - Interview with Keith Sirois, CEO of Big Boy Restaurants International
Betsy and Renee talk with Keith Sirois about the various ways the legendary chain is continuing to innovate and invigorate their products. Keith explains that there is a tendency in the restaurant industry to believe that there is a “silver bullet” in releasing a new product. More than anything, Keith maintains, it is about using a new product only to freshen up the menu, so that the customers who visit you regularly continue to have options. The main focus needs to always be put on quality service to the customer and providing an enjoyable atmosphere.
On the subject of operating a franchise, Keith explains that if you are an entrepreneur, you may not want to own a franchise, as franchises are all about executing a proven system and do not necessarily allow for a great deal of operational freedom. For those interested in possibly getting involved with a franchise, Keith recommends sitting down with the franchise owners to see what their expectations are, as well as getting a list of existing franchisees and talking with them about their experiences with that particular brand.
In 2009, Big Boy opened 7 restaurants in Southern California, and this year, they plan to open another 7 to 8 locations. However, Keith mentions, they would expand by 12 to 15 restaurants this year if people were interested. For anyone looking for more information about getting into Big Boy franchise, go online to www.bigboy.com.
2Minutes&More with Betsy Berkhemer and Renee Fraser airs every Sunday at 1pm on KFWB NEWS TALK 980. Tune in for a full hour of tips for business success.
Social Media Smarts - CEO Interview - Alan Buckelew, CEO of Princess Cruises - March 7, 2010 - Segment Three
Social Media Smarts - CEO of Princess Cruises, Alan Buckelew.
Betsy and Renee speak with Alan about how the cruise industry and specifically Princess Cruises have taken to using Twitter, Facebook and YouTube in very effective and engaging ways. You can follow Princess on Twitter here or on Facebook here or on LinkedIn here. You can learn more about their 2 brand new ships on these channels over the next couple of years as they are built and prepared for launch. The Princess Cruises’ philosophy is “evolution” not “revolution” and they devote themselves to improving products and services with a steady hand.
As media dollars for advertising migrate more and more to the Internet, Alan is a firm believer of insuring that the IT staff is at a adequate number with the expertise to handle the new requirements of constantly being online, engaged and involved on the many social media channels.
Alan’s career with the company has spanned 33 years, and most recently his title was executive vice president of corporate services, responsible for strategic planning, marketing and yield management. In his previous post he also served as chief information officer and chief financial officer. As the line’s president, he is responsible for all aspects of Princess’ business with the exception of fleet operations and Princess Tours.
2Minutes&More with Betsy Berkhemer and Renee Fraser airs every Sunday at 1pm on KFWB NEWS TALK 980. Tune in for a full hour of tips for business success.
Doing Well By Doing Good - CEO Interview - Elise Buik, United Way of Greater Los Angeles - February 7, 2010 - Segment Three
Interview with Elise Buik, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Los Angeles.
Betsy and Renee speak with Elise about the upcoming release of their report, “A Tale of Two Cities,” an in depth analysis of Los Angeles that depicts the disparity between one of the richest regions in the United States and the high levels of poverty right in the same region. For more information on this report and the event launching its release, click here.
In March 2005, Elise Buik made history by becoming the first female president and chief executive officer of United Way of Greater Los Angeles (UWGLA). Under her leadership, UWGLA raised $59.3 million in its 2007-08 campaign year.
A native of Atlanta, Elise was initially attracted to Los Angeles because of its weather but ended up falling in love with the community and the immediate impact she was able to make at UWGLA. Prior to joining UWGLA, Elise spent seven years in the private sector as the marketing manager for a medical software company. She joined UWGLA in 1994 because of her strong belief in the organization and her personal desire and responsibility to improve the quality of life in Los Angeles County. Beginning her tenure in the marketing department, Elise worked her way up through the ranks, dedicating countless hours to help solve the pressing and rapidly growing social and economic issues facing Los Angeles County.
2Minutes&More with Betsy Berkhemer and Renee Fraser airs every Sunday at 1pm on KFWB NEWS TALK 980. Tune in for a full hour of tips for business success.
Business Coaches - CEO Interview - Janet Lamkin, CA State President of Bank of America - January 31, 2010 - Segment Three
Interview with California State President of Bank of America, Janet Lamkin.
Betsy and Renee speak with Janet about Bank of America’s announcement of an additional fund of $5 billion targeted to small businesses that includes technical assistance. For more information go to (http://smallbusinessonlinecommunity.bankofamerica.com/index.jspa). You do not need to be a Bank of America customer to utilize the website.
They also talk about CDFIs (Community Development Financial Institutions) that provide loans for under-served communities. Check out this website to learn more: www.cdfifund.gov or Opportunity Finance Network www.opportunityfinance.net.
Janet Lamkin is responsible for ensuring the integration of the company’s entire operation throughout the state. Lamkin worked for Bank of America in California for more than 10 years, serving in a variety of roles, most recently as the company’s corporate communications and public affairs executive. She left the bank in 2005 to become president and CEO of the California Bankers Association and returned in June 2007 to assume her current role. She began her career as a legislative assistant on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., where she helped draft legislation for Rep. Norm Shumway and also served as the legislative analyst for Sen. Paula Hawkins. She has served on the California Advisory Council of Economic Development and was the president of the Professional Business Women of California. The former president of the State Government Affairs Council, Lamkin sits on the boards of the California Chamber of Commerce, the California Business Roundtable, the Southern California Leadership Council, the Pacific Coast Banking School and the California International Relations Foundation.
2Minutes&More with Betsy Berkhemer and Renee Fraser airs every Sunday at 1pm on KFWB NEWS TALK 980. Tune in for a full hour of tips for business success.
