May 9, 2008 
Jim Lukaszewski, author of “Why Should the Boss Listen to You? The Seven Disciplines of the Trusted Strategic Advisor,”
Just about all of us are faced with this problem: How do you get your boss to listen to you and look at you as a trusted strategic advisor?
Join Dianne Gubin as she interviews Jim Lukaszewski (loo-ka-SHEV-skee). Jim is one of the world’s leading crisis communications experts. He has 30 years of experience as a trusted strategic advisor to major CEOs.
Jim is the author of the new book “WHY SHOULD THE BOSS LISTEN TO YOU?: The 7 Disciplines of the Trusted Strategic Advisor”
Jim discussed the Seven Disciplines of the Trusted Strategic Advisor and offers unparalleled insight into what will make you successful, regardless of industry or discipline.
Jim offers concrete advice on how to Be Trustworthy, Become a Verbal visionary, Develop a Management Perspective, Think Strategically, Be a Window To Tomorrow, Advise Constructively and Show the Boss How to Use Advice.
Jim’s firm, The Lukaszewski Group, provides strategic guidance for senior management during crises and recovery; hands-on management of critical crisis problems; management leadership development during crises; and counsel on prevention, readiness, response, and recovery.
Listen now to this fascinating and insightful interview with one of top business leaders in the country!
Dianne talks business with Jim Lukasewski [38:11m]:
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March 5, 2008 
Shari and Ryan discuss traits and characteristics found in handwriting samples. Their tool, used as part of the JonBenet Ramsey case, is now used by corporations as a part of pre-employment background screenings.
What does your handwriting say about you?
Shari Vener has been a Handwriting Analyst for more than 30 years. In 1991, Shari became an entrepreneur by starting the first mobile notary and loan document signing service in the United States. Shari guided and grew the business as president of the company for next 14 years.
In 1997, Shari founded her second company, Written Inc. Based on her research and expertise in the field of handwriting analysis, the company focused on the creation of a handwriting analysis solution for employers. Shari enlisted the help of her talented software programmer husband Rick. Over the next 10 years, the two development and tested the Candidate Insight Report, a handwriting analysis software program unlike anything ever created.
Ryan Vener, Shari’s youngest son, graduated with a degree in biopsychology from the University of Maryland. He focused his studies on the links between the mind and the body becoming an expert in body language. After a successful 15 year career in high-tech sales, Ryan joined the company full time as Vice President in 2006.
www.writteninc.com
Dianne Talks Bisuness with Shari and Ryan Vener [37:32m]:
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January 26, 2008 
Gordon Basichis is the co-founder of Corra Group, a national service based in Los Angeles that specializes in preemployment background checks and corporate research and investigation. Gordon and his business partner, Nick Gustavson, formed Corra Group after working for the South Bay investigation concern, Aguilera and Associates.
“In today’s business environment it is essential that companies conduct pre-employment background searches,” Gordon said. “It is not only important to review the actual report but to examine how a series of reports can define the behavior patterns of an employment candidate.”
“With different background reports, each contributes to defining the aspects of a candidate’s personality that make up the overall behavior pattern,” he went on to say. “It is often not enough to review the background report on face value. You should be looking how each report relates to an overall picture.”
Gordon discusses the increased significance of international background searches and how they are becoming more prominent with the expanded hiring of skilled foreign workers. He noted the often overlooked need for federal criminal and civil searches when reviewing job candidates in the financial departments.
Gordon is a former marketing executive and has worked in everything from the entertainment, healthcare, financial and technology industries.
He is an author and is the writer of the best selling Beautiful Bad Girl, the Vicki Morgan Story, a non-fiction novel that helped define exotic sexuality in the late twentieth century. He is also the author of The Constant Travellers, a new age fantasy Western. He has been a political speechwriter and journalist. He recently finished a new book Chinese Takeout, a Roman A’Clef detailing Chinese Espionage in the United States.
Gordon’s diverse background, especially in marketing and investigative research, provides him with a comprehensive overview of the economic and employment landscape.
BACKGROUND: Corra operates as Corra Group and specializes in pre-employment and online dating background checks as well as corporate research and marketing. It is one of the few companies that will answer the phone. Contact: Gordon Basichis Corra Group 11740 Wilshire Blvd. Ste. PH 2403 Los Angeles, Ca 90025 (310) 966-1556 gordonb@corragroup.com
www.corragroup.com
Dianne Talks Bisuness with Gordon Basichis [38:12m]:
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January 8, 2008 
Tera McHugh - 4 Steps to Building a Business that Enriches Your Daily Life
Decide what you want in each area of your daily life, then begin to build a life you love. Discover what’s holding you back from your success and you’ll find the time and energy to easily and effortlessly achieve your goals. Here are simple systems for accomplishing more in less time.
Tera McHugh, founded her business, Women Entrepreneurs of Santa Clarita Valley (WE of SCV), to empower women to build a successful business. Events are designed to help attendees increase wealth, gain new skills for success, be surrounded with high-energy women and make a positive difference in the community. In 2008 Tera is taking WE of SCV and expanding the group’s reach throughout California with a new name, Amazing Women Entrepreneurs (AWE). Tera has amazing organizational skills, a natural communication style and is dedicated to inspiring women to live their best life. She has used the best of her abilities to create this unique organization. Her entrepreneurial groups provide an opportunity for women to come together in a supportive environment to learn from each other and from expert speakers on personal and professional topics. Tera can be reached by email: Tera@WeofSCV.com
Dianne Talks Business With Tera McHugh [37:53m]:
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August 23, 2007 
Connie Koch, Chapter Co-President, Keiretsu Forum of Southern California
Considering angel or venture funding? Keiretsu Forum is an investment community of accredited private equity investors, venture capitalists and corporate/institutional investors.
Keiretsu is a Japanese term describing a group of affiliated corporations with broad power and reach. Keiretsu Forum is a global conglomeration of individuals and/or small companies organized around private equity funding for mutual benefit.
Episode Segments:
What types of companies are considered for angel funding?
Connie Koch describes the process companies looking for investment capital go through to qualify for funding. What types of companies are chosen for angel funding? Can start-up tap into this type of investment capital?
Male vs. Female Investors.
Connie Koch and Dianne Gubin discuss the different investment styles of men and women.
What happens after you’re funded?
Following the funding process, businesses are supported by a diverse group of investors who bring experience and expert knowledge to startup companies.
Job opportunities within start up companies funded by Keiretsu Forum
Connie Koch discusses the Keiretsu Forum’s charitable foundation and the money they raise. What are the job opportunities created by funded companies?
Connie Koch is Chapter Co-President, Keiretsu Forum Southern California.
Connie’s unique business sense and creative vision is the blueprint for her proven successes in various industries as both a serial entrepreneur with retail, telecommunications, printing, graphics and forms design, technology, Internet community development and CEO/COO over companies in publications, telecommunications, technology with enterprise management systems, public relations, and fundraising.
With a belief that people and relationships are the most vital part of life, along with her pioneering attitude and insatiable desire for new experiences, Connie partners with Chip Parker in growing chapters of Keiretsu Forum in Southern California.
Contact: connie@keiretsuforum.com
Dianne Talks Business With Connie Koch [36:00m]:
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August 22, 2007 
Have a great idea? Wonder if it’s a viable product or service? Discover how to launch a new product or move into a new market the right way. Market intelligence will save you valuable time money and resources. Find out how!
Episode Segments:
Seena Sharp, Sharp Market Intelligence.
What is market intelligence? Here are the elements to making your business a success.
Competitive Market Intelligence
How does Sharp Market Intelligence find business information? Here’s how to start the research, information you will find initially, and steps to follow.
Why do companies need Competitive Market Intelligence?
Seena discusses examples of successful clients who have used competitive Market Intelligence to launch new business ventures.
Trends in the Market place.
Seena discusses trends in the market place. What are bundled products? How do companies such as McDonalds and Nike use this concept?
Seena Sharp is president of Sharp Market Intelligence, a firm specializing in marketing information for corporate clients.
Seena Sharp’s reputation and passion for marketing have earned her mention in the trade and business press, including Peter Drucker’s Leader to Leader newsletter, Bloomberg Business, The Los Angeles Times, Nation’s Business, Inc, Marketing News, and more. She’s also been quoted in books “Competitive Intelligence by Larry Kahaner, and others.
Seena Sharp earned a Masters Degree from New York University and enjoyed a successful corporate career in New York City prior to launching Sharp Market Intelligence in 1979 in Los Angeles.
For more information visit: www.sharpmarket.com.
Dianne Talks Business With Seena Sharp [35:47m]:
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June 17, 2007 
Brain Food for Business People
Did you ever want to start a business? Where you should you begin? Statistically, most small businesses fail. What does it take to succeed? Ken Keller of Renaissance Forums has coached over 3,000 business owners. How can you create a successful business model today? Find out what it really takes to start a company and achieve success.
Episode Segments:
What does it take to start your own business?
Should you start a home based business or is leasing an office a better alternative? What are the legal requirements? What is the least favorite part of the business that the potential entrepreneur has to do? What about learning the financial and marketing steps of a new business?
How important is it to have a written business plan?
Ken discusses the different steps of a business plan including financial projections, marketing plans, strategic (long-term) plans, and the importance of an exit plan.
What does it take to have a successful business today?
The key to having a successful business today is having relationships with clients and customers, as well as a solid business model. What should you do when you are ready to move a home based business into a business office? For most businesses, staying in business is having focus, funding and everyone on the team working toward common goals.
What is the key to a successful small business?
How to surround yourself with the right people.
Kenneth W. Keller owns the North Los Angeles County franchise of Renaissance EXECUTIVE FORUMS. Mr. Keller held progressive responsibilities in operations, finance and marketing in the consumer products industry, including positions with Nestle, Coca-Cola and Sweet ‘n Low.
Ken brings business leaders together in advisory boards, providing them the opportunity to learn from each other and the challenge of continuous improvement. He has personally assisted over 3,000 business owners to run their businesses better and more profitably.
Each week Ken writes and publishes “Brain Food for Business People” a business- oriented article sent to over 10,000 individuals in government, business and nonprofit organizations around the world. He has authored two books on business; the first book “Breaking Down The Walls” was published in 2004 and “Innovate, Adapt, Overcome” was published in 2006.
Ken has taught graduate marketing and business strategy planning at the University of Phoenix. Since 1996, he has taught more than 90 courses and over 2000 students.
Ken is a recognized business authority, with his work appearing in the Los Angeles Times, the Daily News of Los Angeles, Orange County Register and numerous industry and trade periodicals. He is a sought after public speaker, speaking at trade shows and conferences throughout the western United States.
Ken holds a BA in Political Science and an MBA in Management. He is an avid reader, a writer and enjoys golf and travel.
To reach Ken: Executive Forums of North LA County Tel: (661)295-6892. www.ExecutiveForums.com/KKeller
Dianne Talks Business With Kenneth Keller [35:18m]:
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May 10, 2007 
Richard Rosenberg - Leading Labor Attorney on Sexual Harassment
Sex is everywhere in our culture from billboards to television. What is sexual harassment in the work place? How do you prove it? What happens when you report it? What are management’s responsibilities? Richard Rosenberg, a corporate attorney, deals with sexual harassment issues at his client’s on a regular basis. We discuss how easy it is to file a sexual harassment complaint, but how difficult it is to disprove. Tune in to hear stories and challenges. What should you do as either an employee or an employer should sexual harassment issues arise?
Episode Segments:
How does Sexual Harassment affect both Employers and Employees?
Sexual harassment falls into different areas, including conversations, emails, non-verbal behavior, gestures, etc. Can you be terminated for sexual harassment? You bet. When is your employer responsible? When is management responsible? What are the anti-retaliation laws regarding sexual harassment?
How can an employer prevent Sexual Harassment in the work place?
What policies and procedures do companies need to follow at the time of hiring? If you believe you are a victim of sexual harassment, what government agency should you contact?
What are the challenges for an employer? How can an employer monitor employees to prevent sexual harassment lawsuits? What is gender harassment?
Attorney fees can add up. What type of damages can an employee collect in a sexual harassment lawsuit? What are state and federal laws regarding payment of attorney’s fees? What are the standards the courts at set regarding severe or pervasive harassment in the work place? What is the process an employee should follow when she or he believes that they are being harassed?
Sexual harassment is bad for both employers and employees. Can you date a co-worker?
Mr. Rosenburg explains what a company should do to prevent sexual harassment. What distractions and expenses a sexual harassment case can cause.
Richard S. Rosenberg is a founding partner of the law firm of Ballard, Rosenberg, Golper & Savitt LLP. His background includes 30 years of private practice representing businesses throughout the United States.
Richard has spent his career providing advice and counsel on the entire spectrum of labor relations and employment law matters. Richard’s work includes advice on employment law strategy and compliance, as well as litigation, covering such diverse areas as traditional labor relations matters (union organizing, strikes/picketing, collective bargaining, grievance handling and arbitration and the acquisition/divesture of unionized businesses), employment discrimination, wrongful termination, occupational safety and health, trade secret protection/enforcement, WARN Act compliance, wage and hour, immigration law compliance, FMLA, ADA, COBRA, and HIPAA.
Richard assists clients in developing management oriented employment agreements, personnel policies, trade secret and proprietary information agreements, codes of ethical conduct, non-compete agreements, sexual and other workplace harassment policies, and routine employment forms such as employment applications, formal evaluations, and employee handbooks.
Richard is also especially adept in resolving disputes through the creative use of Alternative Dispute Resolution, having represented many clients in mediation and other ADR procedures. Richard brings a unique perspective to these matters because he is a trained mediator and has served as a neutral. Richard has also served as a court appointed mediator through the Los Angeles and Ventura County Superior Courts’ mediation programs.
Richard’s website is: www.brgslaw.com
Dianne Talks Business With Richard Rosenberg (2) [35:53m]:
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