Optimistic Bear

In this episode of the Optimistic Bear round-table economics discussion our regular panel (Kevan, Elliot & Jeremy) discuss the Federal Reserve’s decision to keep interest rates unchanged, and whether their hands are tied by the direction of the Treasury Bill markets. We also ponder the morality of “walking away” from properties that are worth substantially less than the mortgage, even when a home-owner is able to continue making payments.

NOTE: Tune in to the weekly economics round-table discussions to hear the latest from the Optimistic Bear. You can view the complete list of Practical Economics podcasts to hear conversations with the experts.

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In this episode of “Entrepreneurs Northwest” T.A. McCann explains how his Gist (his latest startup) provides a portal, and filtering mechanism, for all the data streams people have to deal with from their friends and acquaintances. Unlike his previous ventures, Gist has been well endowed with capital by investors, and has been able to take the time necessary to build a good product before taking it to the broader public. The real challenge will be to convince users there is enough value to pay for subscriptions when Gist begins monetizing their service later next year.

You can sign up for the beta at http://www.gist.com/.

NOTE: Check out the complete podcast directory of discussions with entrepreneurs. If you would like to be a guest on Entrepreneurs Northwest, to talk about your business venture, contact Michael Surkan.

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In this episode of “Entrepreneurs Northwest” Tracey De Leeuw talks about how blogging, tweets, and social networks can all be an integral part of a web marketing strategy. Rather than spam their services everywhere, companies should target the groups, and communities, most relevant to their target audiences. Content itself is key, however, since no amount of promotion will help draw interest in content with little value. Tracey also explains that affiliate programs, and referral commissions, are an oft overlooked aspect of web marketing that can make the difference with success or failure for many web businesses.

Check out Tracey’s videos on 40 ways to grow on-line (for less than $40) for more of her great marketing insights.

NOTE: Check out the complete podcast directory of discussions with entrepreneurs. If you would like to be a guest on Entrepreneurs Northwest, to talk about your business venture, contact Michael Surkan.

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In this episode of “Entrepreneurs Northwest” Phyllis Zimbler Miller talks about how Twitter should be an imporant part of any web marketing campaign. The key to using Twitter successfully is to be genuine. Phyllis recommends avoiding the automated tools that rack up followers to focus on building relationships that matter. The new “lists” feature holds a lot of potential, but it’s not clear yet how this will be used by the community, or how to best take advantage of it.

Check out Phyllis’ advide on power marketing at http://www.MillerMosaicLLC.com. Her newest project is http://www.FilmsThatSupportOurTroops.com. You can also follow Phyllis on Twitter.

NOTE: Check out the complete podcast directory of discussions with entrepreneurs. If you would like to be a guest on Entrepreneurs Northwest, to talk about your business venture, contact Michael Surkan.

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In this episode of the Optimistic Bear round-table economics discussion Matt Stiles joins us as a guest, filling in for our regular participants who are unavailable this week. We talk about the paradox of a declining stock market at the same time that the economic news was so positive this week and the financial stresses that local governments are experiencing with pension obligations. If the global economy is indeed about to head to new lows emerging markets that have been seeing some of the largest gains recently could catch the brunt of the decline. McDonald’s recent decision to leave Iceland may be an indicator of things to come as globalization takes a breather.

Check out Matt Stiles’ blog at http://futronomics.blogspot.com/.

NOTE: Tune in to the weekly economics round-table discussions to hear the latest from the Optimistic Bear. You can view the complete list of Practical Economics podcasts to hear conversations with the experts.

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In this episode of “Entrepreneurs Northwest” Eric Goldman explains business to business marketing, and describes how effective inbound marketing can help generate the qualified leads that companies are looking for. Good content, search word optimization, and asking a few questions all play a part in finding customers.

Check out Gossamar’s web site for advice on BtoB in-bound marketing strategies.

NOTE: Check out the complete podcast directory of discussions with entrepreneurs. If you would like to be a guest on Entrepreneurs Northwest, to talk about your business venture, contact Michael Surkan.

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Get your pens ready. In this episode of “Entrepreneurs Northwest” Mary MacKinnon (aka marymac) walks us through a complete web marketing strategy for aspiring web startups. Any web marketing strategy starts by understanding where your money comes from, and will incorporate a variety of tools and activities. There is no single solution (like search advertising) for a successful marketing strategy. It’s all about integrating your various efforts into an effective whole.

You can follow marymac on twitter.

NOTE: Check out the complete podcast directory of discussions with entrepreneurs. If you would like to be a guest on Entrepreneurs Northwest, to talk about your business venture, contact Michael Surkan.

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In this episode of “Entrepreneurs Northwest” Rajeev Goel talks about how necessity is the mother of invention. His efforts to build a web site to manage his own daughter’s science fair inspired him to create a service that any school could use. For now he is going it alone, creating http://oursciencefair.com/Home.aspx as the one-stop solution for managing and promoting science fairs. The challenge now is getting the word out, and Rajeev has been taking advice from fellow entrepreneurs about getting active in communities and reaching out to bloggers.

NOTE: Check out the complete podcast directory of discussions with entrepreneurs. If you would like to be a guest on Entrepreneurs Northwest, to talk about your business venture, contact Michael Surkan.

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In this episode of “Tales from the job search trenches”, John Polhill gives an insiders perspective to the world of corporate recruiting. Amongst many other gems of wisdom, John explains that on-line job applications aren’t a complete waste of time, but you have to know how to game the system and prepare your resume to make it through screenings. He also gives guidance on the questions you need to ask before heading into an interview, and to be very wary when you are applying for a completely new position.

You can ask your job search questions to the renegade tech recruiter at http://askjohnpolhill.com/. John also offers http://www.cgtpa.org/ as a great location that not only provides heaps of advice on job searches, but has feeds from all the best job listing services.

NOTE: Please contact Michael if you are interested in being a guest on “Tales from the job search trenches” podcasts. Michael would like to discuss your job search strategy, and brainstorm ways to improve it with you.

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In this episode of “Tales from the job search trenches”, Mike Hogan talks about how his desire to have more control over his own job search led him to create http://www.ponkabonk.com/, where job seekers can offer to pay commissions for successful placements. Friends and acquaintances have more incentive to take a bigger role in your job search when they stand to get paid for their efforts. Recruiting professionals have even been getting involved with Ponkabonk, using this as a resource to find great candidates (and make a little extra).

NOTE: Please contact Michael if you are interested in being a guest on “Tales from the job search trenches” podcasts. Michael would like to discuss your job search strategy, and brainstorm ways to improve it with you.

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