The Oval Table Tue, 19 May 2026 22:11:12 -0400 https://the-oval-table.sounder.fm en © 2026 The Oval Table yes 62672004-c5dd-43d4-a08e-0f19dc87fff9 OvalTableTeam@gmail.com Douglas Bowers and Carl Walsh episodic false The Oval Table is all about helping you and your business both survive and thrive by bringing you timely information every week and insightful interviews from successful people who have solved the same kinds of problems that you face in your business. Douglas Bowers, CPA, author of WE ARE ALPHA DOGS, Carl Walsh, noted speaker and management coach, discuss with their guests the principles that form The Oval Table approach to achieving success in a closely-held small business.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Douglas Bowers and Carl Walsh OvalTableTeam@gmail.com https://storage.buzzsprout.com/1rwlmx6l6010tgklvg36qa6zvs2i?.jpg The Oval Table https://the-oval-table.sounder.fm Douglas Bowers Susan RoAne - Working A Room or Zoom To Create Lasting Business Relationships Susan RoAne - Working A Room or Zoom To Create Lasting Business Relationships In this week’s episode we welcome Networking Expert and Best-Selling Author Susan RoAne to the Oval Table. We discuss the most effective strategies for working a room and establishing lasting business relationships. Amongst the points are how to start a conversation (spoiler alert, it’s not an elevator pitch), adopting the attitude of host rather than guest (even when you are a guest), learn how to use the OAR method to guide the conversation, and who you should be talking to in the first place. 
#WorkingTheRoom #SusanRoAne #TheOvalTable #ElevatorPitch #BusinessRelationships
1.30 Interview – Susan RoAne –Working A Room or Zoom To Create Lasting Business Relationships?
How do I get my message out to my customers and prospective customers?
When you are there, in person or on zoom, the incidental connection can happen
Prepare for the meeting, have an introduction for yourself first, not an elevator pitch
Key your self-introduction to the meeting you are at, be relevant to the people there
Give people a way to be comfortable with you, it takes the pressure off you
Change your mind set, act like a host, extend a warm welcome to others, help them
Develop the kernel of information about you, deliver with warmth and enthusiasm
When people ask you a question in return, you have a conversation going
Be a conversationalist – O make observations, A ask questions, R reveal something about you
Relationships are key, they do not happen because someone starts with what do you do?
The pandemic is a common bond we all share, it is a conversational gift horse
Civility allows disagreements to be shared and has a chance to be understood
Go to the desert table first, those people are much more friendly and open
Be kind, help others get thru the process of meeting people forming relationships
On zoom, have a light on your face, be alive, use the chat function, learn the program
Who we are is more important than what we do, master the soft skills?
31.01 We Are Alpha Dogs – Take the Dog Quiz
31.32 Post Interview Discussion – Susan RoAne
41.23 We Hope you have a productive and inspirational week!

HOW TO REACH OUR GUEST
Via Search Engines Type in Susan RoAne
Twitter @SusanRoAne
Books
How to Work a Room
Secrets to Savvy Networking
As a Special offer to listeners of the Oval Table
415-461-3915 Mention I listened to you on The Oval Table

If you want to build your business one of the best ways is to empower your people and yourself to think differently. We recommend you look at these resources:
We Are Alpha Dogs – How Seven Dogs Become Business Legends
The book is available on Amazon and directly from us. Also available in bulk.
Also available on Audible

Take the profile quiz and understand yourself more
WWW.WeAreAlphaDogs.com/Quiz

Our purpose is to help the closely held, not always small, business do well. We will all do better if we group together and make our voices heard. That is what we are about. You can help all of us by telling others about our site and encouraging them to listen weekly. It is easy, just send them this link:
www.TheOvalTable.com
If you have a question about your business,
Want to hear our thoughts on something,
Need a speaker for your event,
Want us to cover a topic of interest to you,
The process is simple. Just contact us at:
OvalTableTeam@gmail.com
                        OR
TheAlphaDogGroup@gmail.com

]]> In this week’s episode we welcome Networking Expert and Best-Selling Author Susan RoAne to the Oval Table. We discuss the most effective strategies for working a room and establishing lasting business relationships. Amongst the points are how to start a conversation (spoiler alert, it’s not an elevator pitch), adopting the attitude of host rather than guest (even when you are a guest), learn how to use the OAR method to guide the conversation, and who you should be talking to in the first place. 
#WorkingTheRoom #SusanRoAne #TheOvalTable #ElevatorPitch #BusinessRelationships
1.30 Interview – Susan RoAne –Working A Room or Zoom To Create Lasting Business Relationships?
How do I get my message out to my customers and prospective customers?
When you are there, in person or on zoom, the incidental connection can happen
Prepare for the meeting, have an introduction for yourself first, not an elevator pitch
Key your self-introduction to the meeting you are at, be relevant to the people there
Give people a way to be comfortable with you, it takes the pressure off you
Change your mind set, act like a host, extend a warm welcome to others, help them
Develop the kernel of information about you, deliver with warmth and enthusiasm
When people ask you a question in return, you have a conversation going
Be a conversationalist – O make observations, A ask questions, R reveal something about you
Relationships are key, they do not happen because someone starts with what do you do?
The pandemic is a common bond we all share, it is a conversational gift horse
Civility allows disagreements to be shared and has a chance to be understood
Go to the desert table first, those people are much more friendly and open
Be kind, help others get thru the process of meeting people forming relationships
On zoom, have a light on your face, be alive, use the chat function, learn the program
Who we are is more important than what we do, master the soft skills?
31.01 We Are Alpha Dogs – Take the Dog Quiz
31.32 Post Interview Discussion – Susan RoAne
41.23 We Hope you have a productive and inspirational week!

HOW TO REACH OUR GUEST
Via Search Engines Type in Susan RoAne
Twitter @SusanRoAne
Books
How to Work a Room
Secrets to Savvy Networking
As a Special offer to listeners of the Oval Table
415-461-3915 Mention I listened to you on The Oval Table

If you want to build your business one of the best ways is to empower your people and yourself to think differently. We recommend you look at these resources:
We Are Alpha Dogs – How Seven Dogs Become Business Legends
The book is available on Amazon and directly from us. Also available in bulk.
Also available on Audible

Take the profile quiz and understand yourself more
WWW.WeAreAlphaDogs.com/Quiz

Our purpose is to help the closely held, not always small, business do well. We will all do better if we group together and make our voices heard. That is what we are about. You can help all of us by telling others about our site and encouraging them to listen weekly. It is easy, just send them this link:
www.TheOvalTable.com
If you have a question about your business,
Want to hear our thoughts on something,
Need a speaker for your event,
Want us to cover a topic of interest to you,
The process is simple. Just contact us at:
OvalTableTeam@gmail.com
                        OR
TheAlphaDogGroup@gmail.com

]]> Douglas Bowers and Carl Walsh Buzzsprout-14144204 Wed, 13 Dec 2023 15:00:00 -0800 2510 full false Brian Moran - Scheduling Efficiency with The 12 Week Year Brian Moran - Scheduling Efficiency with The 12 Week Year Brian Moran, CEO of @TheExecutionCompany, discusses how his system of the 12 Week Year can help you accomplish more in those 12 weeks than others do in 12 months.  He is dedicated to improving the performance of leaders and entrepreneurs everywhere.
Join us at @TheOvalTable as we take a deep dive into effective management technique.

]]> Brian Moran, CEO of @TheExecutionCompany, discusses how his system of the 12 Week Year can help you accomplish more in those 12 weeks than others do in 12 months.  He is dedicated to improving the performance of leaders and entrepreneurs everywhere.
Join us at @TheOvalTable as we take a deep dive into effective management technique.

]]> Douglas Bowers and Carl Walsh Buzzsprout-13364192 Mon, 07 Aug 2023 11:00:00 -0700 2944 1 full false Patricia Fripp - Marketing Your Business Patricia Fripp - Marketing Your Business Patricia Fripp, CSP, CPAE

  • Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine says about our guest, “One of best ways to invest in your career is to learn presentation skills from Patricia Fripp.”
  • In 2019 she was named “One of the Top 30 Women in Sales” and “One of the Top 30 Global Gurus.” 
  • A recent business publication called her “One of the 5 Smartest Women in Sales”
  • Companies of all sizes hire her to help them drive more business by perfecting their important conversations and presentations.
  • She is virtually everywhere with her interactive, web-based training… FrippVT on Powerful Persuasive Presentations
  • Our guest is a presentation skills expert and an entrepreneur at heart.
  • At age 20 she arrived in San Francisco from England with $500, no job or contacts.

1.41 Interview – Patricia Fripp – Marketing Your Business
◦I concentrated on being the type of person people would want to do business with
◦Speaking is the best way to promote your business
◦All you have to do is be an interesting presenter who tells a good story
◦You start promoting yourself and you do not stop
◦Proven principles and timeless techniques apply everywhere all the time
◦People are interesting when you give yourself time to listen to them

]]> Patricia Fripp, CSP, CPAE

  • Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine says about our guest, “One of best ways to invest in your career is to learn presentation skills from Patricia Fripp.”
  • In 2019 she was named “One of the Top 30 Women in Sales” and “One of the Top 30 Global Gurus.” 
  • A recent business publication called her “One of the 5 Smartest Women in Sales”
  • Companies of all sizes hire her to help them drive more business by perfecting their important conversations and presentations.
  • She is virtually everywhere with her interactive, web-based training… FrippVT on Powerful Persuasive Presentations
  • Our guest is a presentation skills expert and an entrepreneur at heart.
  • At age 20 she arrived in San Francisco from England with $500, no job or contacts.

1.41 Interview – Patricia Fripp – Marketing Your Business
◦I concentrated on being the type of person people would want to do business with
◦Speaking is the best way to promote your business
◦All you have to do is be an interesting presenter who tells a good story
◦You start promoting yourself and you do not stop
◦Proven principles and timeless techniques apply everywhere all the time
◦People are interesting when you give yourself time to listen to them

]]> Douglas Bowers and Carl Walsh Buzzsprout-13354153 Sat, 05 Aug 2023 11:00:00 -0700 2432 1 9 full false David Allessandri - Surviving Major Events You Can't Control David Allessandri - Surviving Major Events You Can't Control This week, we go to the oil patch. David Alessandri, entrepreneur, and ultimate survivor joins us at The Oval Table. David manufactures and sells a product to oil drillers that serves as a low-cost solution to a common and expensive problem. Over the past 8 years, he has survived a major life threatening health event , foreign trade wars, the pandemic and knock-off competitors. All in a days work in the oil patch.


We discuss how he survives while others go under, how he innovates, how coming through these precarious business environments actually makes him and his business stronger.

Contact us and get more episodes at TheAlphaDogGroup@gmail.com
You can also take the "Dog Test" to see what your business mindset profile might be.  You may be surprised.
And don't forget Doug's book, "We Are Alpha Dogs" - available on Amazon and Audible.

]]> This week, we go to the oil patch. David Alessandri, entrepreneur, and ultimate survivor joins us at The Oval Table. David manufactures and sells a product to oil drillers that serves as a low-cost solution to a common and expensive problem. Over the past 8 years, he has survived a major life threatening health event , foreign trade wars, the pandemic and knock-off competitors. All in a days work in the oil patch.


We discuss how he survives while others go under, how he innovates, how coming through these precarious business environments actually makes him and his business stronger.

Contact us and get more episodes at TheAlphaDogGroup@gmail.com
You can also take the "Dog Test" to see what your business mindset profile might be.  You may be surprised.
And don't forget Doug's book, "We Are Alpha Dogs" - available on Amazon and Audible.

]]> Douglas Bowers and Carl Walsh Buzzsprout-13185576 Sat, 08 Jul 2023 14:00:00 -0700 2775 1 30 full false David Noor - Business Relationships That Work For You David Noor - Business Relationships That Work For You This week, we have a high energy conversation with master business guru and author David Nour about what makes business relationships work for you and your business. Are you doing all the work? Is your team firing on all cylinders? Are you getting repeat business? Is your business bleeding money? Are you finding the best people for your business? All of these critical issues and more are on the table. Join us.

David's most recent book, "Curve Benders", explores how strategic relationships can power explosive growth, especially in the post pandemic world.
HOW TO REACH OUR GUEST
NourGroup.com/forum

If you want to build your business one of the best ways is to empower your people and yourself to think differently. We recommend you look at these resources:

We Are Alpha Dogs – How Seven Dogs Become Business Legends

The book is available on Amazon and directly from us. Also available in bulk.
Also available on Audible

Take the profile quiz and understand yourself more
WWW.WeAreAlphaDogs.com/Quiz

Our purpose is to help the closely held, not always small, business do well. We will all do better if we group together and make our voices heard. That is what we are about. You can help all of us by telling others about our site and encouraging them to listen weekly. It is easy, just send them this link:
www.TheAlphaDogGroup.com

If you have a question about your business,
Want to hear our thoughts on something,
Need a speaker for your event,
Want us to cover a topic of interest to you,
The process is simple. Just contact us at

www.TTheAlphaDogGroup.com 
or
TheOvalTableTeam@gmail.com

]]> This week, we have a high energy conversation with master business guru and author David Nour about what makes business relationships work for you and your business. Are you doing all the work? Is your team firing on all cylinders? Are you getting repeat business? Is your business bleeding money? Are you finding the best people for your business? All of these critical issues and more are on the table. Join us.

David's most recent book, "Curve Benders", explores how strategic relationships can power explosive growth, especially in the post pandemic world.
HOW TO REACH OUR GUEST
NourGroup.com/forum

If you want to build your business one of the best ways is to empower your people and yourself to think differently. We recommend you look at these resources:

We Are Alpha Dogs – How Seven Dogs Become Business Legends

The book is available on Amazon and directly from us. Also available in bulk.
Also available on Audible

Take the profile quiz and understand yourself more
WWW.WeAreAlphaDogs.com/Quiz

Our purpose is to help the closely held, not always small, business do well. We will all do better if we group together and make our voices heard. That is what we are about. You can help all of us by telling others about our site and encouraging them to listen weekly. It is easy, just send them this link:
www.TheAlphaDogGroup.com

If you have a question about your business,
Want to hear our thoughts on something,
Need a speaker for your event,
Want us to cover a topic of interest to you,
The process is simple. Just contact us at

www.TTheAlphaDogGroup.com 
or
TheOvalTableTeam@gmail.com

]]> Douglas Bowers and Carl Walsh Buzzsprout-12935012 Sun, 28 May 2023 14:00:00 -0700 2823 1 21 full false Mark Hunter: The Sale Hunter - Has The Pandemic Created A "Hog's Heaven" of Sales Opportunities? Mark Hunter: The Sale Hunter - Has The Pandemic Created A "Hog's Heaven" of Sales Opportunities? Narrow down your goals. I’m a firm believer in singular focus. Too many goals lack clarity.
When we simplify the process, everybody in the organization can get behind it.
Every person has one goal for the year and three actions. If we do that we will achieve.
A salesperson can’t spend Mondays getting organized. Makes 20% of the week nonproductive.
For a business owner, just because you hire a salesperson, doesn’t mean you are not in sales.
The owner’s job is to build relationships with customers, help the sales process.
The first thing you need to know is the ICP, your ideal customer profile. Who is it?
If you know you can help someone in a business, you have an obligation to tell them 
The best salespeople are incredibly respectful and courteous of other people.
One of the best ways for salespeople to learn their craft is record their calls to customers.
Asking great questions of the customer gets great answers and creates conversation.
If you want to create a new product, it has to serve a niche you can reach, or someone can.
Marketing reps are primarily responsible to their customer not to your business. You can’t give up your margin as a business just to have volume. It will not pay.
An operating partner with your vendor is a dual relationship that should benefit both.
The supply chain problems has blown up the whole idea of just in time manufacturing.
Businesses don’t fail for lack of financial capital. They fail for the lack of intellectual capital.
When we have a conversation with others, we are really creating an Oval Table for all.

 HOW TO REACH OUR GUEST

Mark Hunter : TheSalesHunter.com                                   

Books Written by Mark
High Profit Selling
High Profit Prospecting
 A Mind for Sales 

]]> Narrow down your goals. I’m a firm believer in singular focus. Too many goals lack clarity.
When we simplify the process, everybody in the organization can get behind it.
Every person has one goal for the year and three actions. If we do that we will achieve.
A salesperson can’t spend Mondays getting organized. Makes 20% of the week nonproductive.
For a business owner, just because you hire a salesperson, doesn’t mean you are not in sales.
The owner’s job is to build relationships with customers, help the sales process.
The first thing you need to know is the ICP, your ideal customer profile. Who is it?
If you know you can help someone in a business, you have an obligation to tell them 
The best salespeople are incredibly respectful and courteous of other people.
One of the best ways for salespeople to learn their craft is record their calls to customers.
Asking great questions of the customer gets great answers and creates conversation.
If you want to create a new product, it has to serve a niche you can reach, or someone can.
Marketing reps are primarily responsible to their customer not to your business. You can’t give up your margin as a business just to have volume. It will not pay.
An operating partner with your vendor is a dual relationship that should benefit both.
The supply chain problems has blown up the whole idea of just in time manufacturing.
Businesses don’t fail for lack of financial capital. They fail for the lack of intellectual capital.
When we have a conversation with others, we are really creating an Oval Table for all.

 HOW TO REACH OUR GUEST

Mark Hunter : TheSalesHunter.com                                   

Books Written by Mark
High Profit Selling
High Profit Prospecting
 A Mind for Sales 

]]> Douglas Bowers and Carl Walsh Buzzsprout-12934958 Sun, 28 May 2023 14:00:00 -0700 3365 1 22 full false Scott McKain Pt 2 - Create Distinction and Make Your Business Iconic Scott McKain Pt 2 - Create Distinction and Make Your Business Iconic We continue our discussion with Author, and Business Consultant Scott McKain. Last week we covered 3 of his Cornerstones of Distinction: Clarity, Creativity and Communication. This week we tackle the 4th: Customer Experience and how to achieve Iconic performance.


As an added bonus, we end with a discussion between the hosts on the major issues we feel businesses are having to cope with now, and for the rest of the year. Topics include Diversity, the Pandemic, the Chip Shortage, Inflation, and the Supply Chain crisis.

]]> We continue our discussion with Author, and Business Consultant Scott McKain. Last week we covered 3 of his Cornerstones of Distinction: Clarity, Creativity and Communication. This week we tackle the 4th: Customer Experience and how to achieve Iconic performance.


As an added bonus, we end with a discussion between the hosts on the major issues we feel businesses are having to cope with now, and for the rest of the year. Topics include Diversity, the Pandemic, the Chip Shortage, Inflation, and the Supply Chain crisis.

]]> Douglas Bowers and Carl Walsh Buzzsprout-12934913 Sun, 28 May 2023 14:00:00 -0700 3628 1 25 full false Scott McKain Pt1 - Create Distinction and Make Your Business Iconic Scott McKain Pt1 - Create Distinction and Make Your Business Iconic We continue our discussion with Author, and Business Consultant Scott McKain. Last week we covered 3 of his Cornerstones of Distinction: Clarity, Creativity and Communication. This week we tackle the 4th: Customer Experience and how to achieve Iconic performance.


As an added bonus, we end with a discussion between the hosts on the major issues we feel businesses are having to cope with now, and for the rest of the year. Topics include Diversity, the Pandemic, the Chip Shortage, Inflation, and the Supply Chain crisis.

]]> We continue our discussion with Author, and Business Consultant Scott McKain. Last week we covered 3 of his Cornerstones of Distinction: Clarity, Creativity and Communication. This week we tackle the 4th: Customer Experience and how to achieve Iconic performance.


As an added bonus, we end with a discussion between the hosts on the major issues we feel businesses are having to cope with now, and for the rest of the year. Topics include Diversity, the Pandemic, the Chip Shortage, Inflation, and the Supply Chain crisis.

]]> Douglas Bowers and Carl Walsh Buzzsprout-12934888 Sun, 28 May 2023 14:00:00 -0700 2764 1 24 full false Jim Cathcart - Create Your High Performance Team Jim Cathcart - Create Your High Performance Team Do you really know how you operate? How your team operates? Business legend Jim Cathcart joins Carl Walsh and Douglas Bowers at The Oval Table for a discussion of his seminal work, "The Acorn Principle" and much more. He brings with him 45 years as a trainer, speaker, author of 23 books, and consultant. He has guided companies to prosperity and high performance through the understanding of people and what drives them.


#bandwidth #velocity #highperformanceteam #focus #acornprinciple #business #team #work

]]> Do you really know how you operate? How your team operates? Business legend Jim Cathcart joins Carl Walsh and Douglas Bowers at The Oval Table for a discussion of his seminal work, "The Acorn Principle" and much more. He brings with him 45 years as a trainer, speaker, author of 23 books, and consultant. He has guided companies to prosperity and high performance through the understanding of people and what drives them.


#bandwidth #velocity #highperformanceteam #focus #acornprinciple #business #team #work

]]> Douglas Bowers and Carl Walsh Buzzsprout-12934859 Sun, 28 May 2023 14:00:00 -0700 2760 1 30 full false Joel Block - The State of The Economy and How To Survive It Joel Block - The State of The Economy and How To Survive It Joel Block, Hedge Fund Manager and Venture Capitalist at Bullseye Capital joins us again to discuss what's happening in the economy. In less than 50 minutes we cover: Inflation, Supply Chain Issues, Energy Supply and Costs and The Impact On National Security, Lagging US Technologies, The Real Estate Market, The New Workforce and Their Expectations, Leveraging The Knowledge Within The Workforce, Working Remote, Metrics To Measure Business By, How To Stay Afloat In These Challenging Times... and more.

To reach Joel, just go to JoelBlock.com

]]> Joel Block, Hedge Fund Manager and Venture Capitalist at Bullseye Capital joins us again to discuss what's happening in the economy. In less than 50 minutes we cover: Inflation, Supply Chain Issues, Energy Supply and Costs and The Impact On National Security, Lagging US Technologies, The Real Estate Market, The New Workforce and Their Expectations, Leveraging The Knowledge Within The Workforce, Working Remote, Metrics To Measure Business By, How To Stay Afloat In These Challenging Times... and more.

To reach Joel, just go to JoelBlock.com

]]> Douglas Bowers and Carl Walsh Buzzsprout-12934825 Sun, 28 May 2023 14:00:00 -0700 2987 1 37 full false Joel Block - Are You Prepared For The Greatest Transfer of Wealth In Human History? Joel Block - Are You Prepared For The Greatest Transfer of Wealth In Human History? 41% of all Small Businesses are owned by people ready for retirement. We truly are in the middle of the greatest transfer of wealth in human history. Are you ready to take advantage of it... either as a seller or buyer?

This week, Investor Joel Block joins us at The Oval Table to discuss preparing your business for transition. Who are the different types of buyers, and what motivates them? This is critical in knowing the true value of your business. Know the difference between a financial buyer and a strategic buyer. This difference can have tremendous impact on that value. It's also essential to running your business on all cylinders even if you aren't interested in selling... yet.

]]> 41% of all Small Businesses are owned by people ready for retirement. We truly are in the middle of the greatest transfer of wealth in human history. Are you ready to take advantage of it... either as a seller or buyer?

This week, Investor Joel Block joins us at The Oval Table to discuss preparing your business for transition. Who are the different types of buyers, and what motivates them? This is critical in knowing the true value of your business. Know the difference between a financial buyer and a strategic buyer. This difference can have tremendous impact on that value. It's also essential to running your business on all cylinders even if you aren't interested in selling... yet.

]]> Douglas Bowers and Carl Walsh Buzzsprout-12934797 Sun, 28 May 2023 14:00:00 -0700 2606 1 26 full false Joel Block - How Small Businesses Can Navigate Economic Currents Joel Block - How Small Businesses Can Navigate Economic Currents Joel Block, Venture Capitalist and CEO of Bullseye Capital sits with us at The Table to discuss the business climate for 2022. There are many headwinds, but those who recognize them and plan ahead, are the ones who can actually benefit. Joel sees Small Business as the Innovators of the American economy and the ones who can pivot and execute quickly in these troubled times.

Join us for a fascinating and in-depth look at where we're heading, the obstacles and the opportunities.

HOW TO REACH OUR GUEST

Joel Block Bullseye Capital

For Joel’s free report : Navigating Disruptive Business Trends For 2022

Text the number 72000 and then Text trend

If you want to build your business one of the best ways is to empower your people and yourself to think differently. We recommend you look at these resources:

We Are Alpha Dogs – How Seven Dogs Become Business Legends

The book is available on Amazon and directly from us. Also available in bulk.


Take the profile quiz and understand yourself more


WWW.WeAreAlphaDogs.com/Quiz

Our purpose is to help the closely held, not always small, business do well. We will all do better if we group together and make our voices heard. That is what we are about. You can help all of us by telling others about our site and encouraging them to listen weekly. It is easy, just send them this link:

www.TheOvalTable.com

If you have a question about your business,

Want to hear our thoughts on something,

Need a speaker for your event,

Want us to cover a topic of interest to you,

The process is simple. Just contact us at

www.TheOvalTable.com or By phone

 626-471-5650

]]> Joel Block, Venture Capitalist and CEO of Bullseye Capital sits with us at The Table to discuss the business climate for 2022. There are many headwinds, but those who recognize them and plan ahead, are the ones who can actually benefit. Joel sees Small Business as the Innovators of the American economy and the ones who can pivot and execute quickly in these troubled times.

Join us for a fascinating and in-depth look at where we're heading, the obstacles and the opportunities.

HOW TO REACH OUR GUEST

Joel Block Bullseye Capital

For Joel’s free report : Navigating Disruptive Business Trends For 2022

Text the number 72000 and then Text trend

If you want to build your business one of the best ways is to empower your people and yourself to think differently. We recommend you look at these resources:

We Are Alpha Dogs – How Seven Dogs Become Business Legends

The book is available on Amazon and directly from us. Also available in bulk.


Take the profile quiz and understand yourself more


WWW.WeAreAlphaDogs.com/Quiz

Our purpose is to help the closely held, not always small, business do well. We will all do better if we group together and make our voices heard. That is what we are about. You can help all of us by telling others about our site and encouraging them to listen weekly. It is easy, just send them this link:

www.TheOvalTable.com

If you have a question about your business,

Want to hear our thoughts on something,

Need a speaker for your event,

Want us to cover a topic of interest to you,

The process is simple. Just contact us at

www.TheOvalTable.com or By phone

 626-471-5650

]]> Douglas Bowers and Carl Walsh Buzzsprout-12934731 Sun, 28 May 2023 13:00:00 -0700 2856 1 23 full false Gary McKinsey - Infuencing Legislation Gary McKinsey - Infuencing Legislation In 1995, Gary was appointed to the White House Conference on Small Business and continues to this day in that capacity as the Associate Tax Chair for California.
He also has served on the Small-Business Tax Advisory Council of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
He has chaired the Northern California Leadership Council of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). NFIB is recognized as one of the most effective small business lobbying organizations in Washington, D.C.
In 2008, Governor Schwarzenegger appointed Gary to chair the Tax Committee for the Governor's Small Business and EntrepreneurConference.
After chairing the Governor's conference he realized he needed to add Marketing and Public Speaking to his consulting and coaching tool kit.
In 2008, he earned the Guerilla Marketing Certification.
In 2009, he earned the designation as a Certified World Class Speaking Coach. In January 2010, he launched a new business focused on working with Business owners and Entrepreneur.
He presents workshops for business owners designed to guide them in creating 7 step marketing plan. The goal:for attendee to leave the session with a plan to accelerate their Business Growth and Achievement.
Gary frequently speaks and presents workshop on how to increase your business and your influence through personal networking.
Contact information:
Phone: 209-345-4230 E-mail: gary@GaryMcKinsey.com www.garymckinsey.com

]]> In 1995, Gary was appointed to the White House Conference on Small Business and continues to this day in that capacity as the Associate Tax Chair for California.
He also has served on the Small-Business Tax Advisory Council of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
He has chaired the Northern California Leadership Council of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). NFIB is recognized as one of the most effective small business lobbying organizations in Washington, D.C.
In 2008, Governor Schwarzenegger appointed Gary to chair the Tax Committee for the Governor's Small Business and EntrepreneurConference.
After chairing the Governor's conference he realized he needed to add Marketing and Public Speaking to his consulting and coaching tool kit.
In 2008, he earned the Guerilla Marketing Certification.
In 2009, he earned the designation as a Certified World Class Speaking Coach. In January 2010, he launched a new business focused on working with Business owners and Entrepreneur.
He presents workshops for business owners designed to guide them in creating 7 step marketing plan. The goal:for attendee to leave the session with a plan to accelerate their Business Growth and Achievement.
Gary frequently speaks and presents workshop on how to increase your business and your influence through personal networking.
Contact information:
Phone: 209-345-4230 E-mail: gary@GaryMcKinsey.com www.garymckinsey.com

]]> Douglas Bowers and Carl Walsh Buzzsprout-12882763 Fri, 19 May 2023 13:00:00 -0700 2542 6 full false Antonio White - How To Make Others Want To Invest In You Antonio White - How To Make Others Want To Invest In You Antonio White, a.k.a. The Pitchfreak, is the Author of "Close With Your Open" and specializes in training business pros how to create "Instant Desire" for their products and services. Frequent CH Pitch Practice Panelist. Join us for a fun, high-energy clinic on how to have immediate impact with prospective customers/clients and vendors.

 Don't miss this. It could change your business in meaningful ways.

]]> Antonio White, a.k.a. The Pitchfreak, is the Author of "Close With Your Open" and specializes in training business pros how to create "Instant Desire" for their products and services. Frequent CH Pitch Practice Panelist. Join us for a fun, high-energy clinic on how to have immediate impact with prospective customers/clients and vendors.

 Don't miss this. It could change your business in meaningful ways.

]]> Douglas Bowers and Carl Walsh Buzzsprout-12882685 Fri, 19 May 2023 13:00:00 -0700 3257 28 full false Jon Baker - Introverts or Extroverts: Mining The Gold of Distinct Qualities Jon Baker - Introverts or Extroverts: Mining The Gold of Distinct Qualities Introverts or Extroverts: Which are more valuable to your business?  

Author and Leadership Consultant Jon Baker joins us at the Table from Swanage, UK for a far-ranging discussion of how to effectively use introverts in business and how introverts can effectively contribute to business.  How do you identify your introverts – there are probably more than you think – and if you are one, how can you make sure your unique skills and talents are recognized?  Do you talk to think, or do you think to talk?  Both are valuable.  Discover how, and which one are you? 

We also discuss generational differences.  What motivates Baby Boomers, Millennials and Gen Z?  How are they different?  How do their values differ?  How do we use that knowledge to supercharge their performance?

Other topics include: How do you best use your time at a Trade Show or Conference, especially introverts?  How do you lay the groundwork for a productive decision-making meeting?

#introvert #extrovert #values #OvalTable #conference #networking

Contact Jon at:
IntrovertsInBusiness.co.uk
LinkedIn: Jon Baker

Contact us at:
OvalTableTeam@gmail.com

]]> Introverts or Extroverts: Which are more valuable to your business?  

Author and Leadership Consultant Jon Baker joins us at the Table from Swanage, UK for a far-ranging discussion of how to effectively use introverts in business and how introverts can effectively contribute to business.  How do you identify your introverts – there are probably more than you think – and if you are one, how can you make sure your unique skills and talents are recognized?  Do you talk to think, or do you think to talk?  Both are valuable.  Discover how, and which one are you? 

We also discuss generational differences.  What motivates Baby Boomers, Millennials and Gen Z?  How are they different?  How do their values differ?  How do we use that knowledge to supercharge their performance?

Other topics include: How do you best use your time at a Trade Show or Conference, especially introverts?  How do you lay the groundwork for a productive decision-making meeting?

#introvert #extrovert #values #OvalTable #conference #networking

Contact Jon at:
IntrovertsInBusiness.co.uk
LinkedIn: Jon Baker

Contact us at:
OvalTableTeam@gmail.com

]]> Douglas Bowers and Carl Walsh Buzzsprout-12878857 Thu, 18 May 2023 22:00:00 -0700 3027 39 full false Hilmon Sorey - Seeking The Business Stars of Tomorrow Hilmon Sorey - Seeking The Business Stars of Tomorrow Hilmon Sorey joins us at the table this week.  He is co-founder of several companies including ClozeLoop, a consultancy firm, 12 Angels, a early stage seed money venture capital company, and has helped many startups get on their feet and grow to profitability.

We discuss the new demographics of in the business world, the need for familiarity with past economic shocks, what kinds of startups his companies invest in, the dangers AND opportunities within the current environment, and how to position your business to become a strong performer.

We also discuss some of the principles that The Oval Table is built on.

Hilmon can be contacted directly on LinkedIn.

]]> Hilmon Sorey joins us at the table this week.  He is co-founder of several companies including ClozeLoop, a consultancy firm, 12 Angels, a early stage seed money venture capital company, and has helped many startups get on their feet and grow to profitability.

We discuss the new demographics of in the business world, the need for familiarity with past economic shocks, what kinds of startups his companies invest in, the dangers AND opportunities within the current environment, and how to position your business to become a strong performer.

We also discuss some of the principles that The Oval Table is built on.

Hilmon can be contacted directly on LinkedIn.

]]> Douglas Bowers and Carl Walsh Buzzsprout-12878841 Thu, 18 May 2023 22:00:00 -0700 3314 38 full false Rusty Gaillard - What Does Success Look Like To You? Rusty Gaillard - What Does Success Look Like To You? Our guest today may very well challenge your definition of success.

Stanford MBA and Apple executive who held the Worldwide Director of Finance position, achieved a level of success that many would envy.

He had everything he thought he wanted. He held his dream job at Apple, had a home, a family, had graduated from one of the top colleges in the world.

He expected that this path would fulfill him but, ironically, he felt like a failure.

Constantly dreaming about retirement or fantasizing about becoming a mailman, Rusty had “checked all the boxes” but felt locked in the trap of being a success.

For years, Rusty struggled to escape the trap of success. Like so many A Players, he created meaning from pursuit and progress, but he had already accomplished everything he thought he would and it wasn’t enough. 

He says, “Staying at Apple until retirement felt like selling my life for a paycheck.” 

He knew that he wanted his work to have meaning and purpose, but it took years to find the path to happiness - but did so by becoming a coach. 

Now he is sharing the process with others.

Today, Rusty helps other A-Players escape the trap that chasing success has locked them in.

]]> Our guest today may very well challenge your definition of success.

Stanford MBA and Apple executive who held the Worldwide Director of Finance position, achieved a level of success that many would envy.

He had everything he thought he wanted. He held his dream job at Apple, had a home, a family, had graduated from one of the top colleges in the world.

He expected that this path would fulfill him but, ironically, he felt like a failure.

Constantly dreaming about retirement or fantasizing about becoming a mailman, Rusty had “checked all the boxes” but felt locked in the trap of being a success.

For years, Rusty struggled to escape the trap of success. Like so many A Players, he created meaning from pursuit and progress, but he had already accomplished everything he thought he would and it wasn’t enough. 

He says, “Staying at Apple until retirement felt like selling my life for a paycheck.” 

He knew that he wanted his work to have meaning and purpose, but it took years to find the path to happiness - but did so by becoming a coach. 

Now he is sharing the process with others.

Today, Rusty helps other A-Players escape the trap that chasing success has locked them in.

]]> Douglas Bowers and Carl Walsh Buzzsprout-12878823 Thu, 18 May 2023 21:00:00 -0700 2834 31 full false Derek Arden - The Principles of Win-Win Negotiation Derek Arden - The Principles of Win-Win Negotiation Derek is an International negotiating advisor / expert, bestselling author, professional speaker.  He held a senior position in the International Bank Barclays for a number of years, studied negotiation at Harvard and is an avid student of psychology.
Derek has written 10 books including:
Win-Win Negotiating – how to get a winning result from persuasive negotiations, Power Negotiating, 
Body language - the secret language of success. 
The books have been published throughout the English-speaking world and in Arabic, Chinese and also Bulgarian

Derek has consulted, advised and spoken in 33 countries.  Derek has been voted the number one negotiating speaker in UK, he is known in some European countries as Mr Negotiator and “Doing a Derek” is a phrase used by many clients who follow him and use tips from his negotiating system

Sit back relax with your pen and pad at the ready to soak up some of Derek’s Golden Nuggets which will help your profits, your relationships and your success.

If you would like to use Derek in your business, he can be contacted at Derek@derekarden.co.uk

His website is www.derekarden.com

]]> Derek is an International negotiating advisor / expert, bestselling author, professional speaker.  He held a senior position in the International Bank Barclays for a number of years, studied negotiation at Harvard and is an avid student of psychology.
Derek has written 10 books including:
Win-Win Negotiating – how to get a winning result from persuasive negotiations, Power Negotiating, 
Body language - the secret language of success. 
The books have been published throughout the English-speaking world and in Arabic, Chinese and also Bulgarian

Derek has consulted, advised and spoken in 33 countries.  Derek has been voted the number one negotiating speaker in UK, he is known in some European countries as Mr Negotiator and “Doing a Derek” is a phrase used by many clients who follow him and use tips from his negotiating system

Sit back relax with your pen and pad at the ready to soak up some of Derek’s Golden Nuggets which will help your profits, your relationships and your success.

If you would like to use Derek in your business, he can be contacted at Derek@derekarden.co.uk

His website is www.derekarden.com

]]> Douglas Bowers and Carl Walsh Buzzsprout-12878810 Thu, 18 May 2023 21:00:00 -0700 2693 14 full true Dr. Jim Hearn - Leading In a Crisis Dr. Jim Hearn - Leading In a Crisis Dr. Jim Hearn worked for over 48 years in a variety of professions that span active Vietnam Era Army, Academe and Federal Service with the Department of the Army.  Most of his time was spent in leadership positions.  As a member of the Senior Executive Service, Dr. Hearn was a Director Regional Business with the Army Corps of Engineers, overseeing the internal operating budget, technical experts in engineering and construction, strategic planning, organizational governance and a $5B military, interagency and international construction program.

Dr. Hearn brings his vast and varied experience to The Oval Table to discuss how to lead when things go wrong.

]]> Dr. Jim Hearn worked for over 48 years in a variety of professions that span active Vietnam Era Army, Academe and Federal Service with the Department of the Army.  Most of his time was spent in leadership positions.  As a member of the Senior Executive Service, Dr. Hearn was a Director Regional Business with the Army Corps of Engineers, overseeing the internal operating budget, technical experts in engineering and construction, strategic planning, organizational governance and a $5B military, interagency and international construction program.

Dr. Hearn brings his vast and varied experience to The Oval Table to discuss how to lead when things go wrong.

]]> Douglas Bowers and Carl Walsh Buzzsprout-12878799 Thu, 18 May 2023 21:00:00 -0700 2434 7 full false Mike Hansborough - Managing a Virtual Business Mike Hansborough - Managing a Virtual Business Mike tells us how he decided to turn his business virtual when he found himself stuck in morning traffic and calculating the time he and his staff were spending commuting.  This was before the pandemic.  He found how he could save time and money, recruit talent globally, work more closely with international vendors and better serve the customer's needs.

]]> Mike tells us how he decided to turn his business virtual when he found himself stuck in morning traffic and calculating the time he and his staff were spending commuting.  This was before the pandemic.  He found how he could save time and money, recruit talent globally, work more closely with international vendors and better serve the customer's needs.

]]> Douglas Bowers and Carl Walsh Buzzsprout-12878748 Thu, 18 May 2023 21:00:00 -0700 2714 9 full false Bill Macfarlane - Understanding Business Growth Bill Macfarlane - Understanding Business Growth Bill Macfarlane discusses how to have what you need in place to grow your business.  The people - the owner can't be the smartest person in the room - the products, infrastructure, supply, a five-year strategic plan and people with the talent to drive the business.

]]> Bill Macfarlane discusses how to have what you need in place to grow your business.  The people - the owner can't be the smartest person in the room - the products, infrastructure, supply, a five-year strategic plan and people with the talent to drive the business.

]]> Douglas Bowers and Carl Walsh Buzzsprout-12878712 Thu, 18 May 2023 21:00:00 -0700 2554 10 full false Curt Vincent - Cyber Warrior Pt 2 - Are Your Home and Business Safe? Curt Vincent - Cyber Warrior Pt 2 - Are Your Home and Business Safe? After the last discussion with Cyber Security Warrior, Curt Vincent at #theOvalTable, we have seen one of his predictions come true as Russia is taking out most of the Ukraine power grid. Curt has been involved with the cyber wars since 1985. Spending 20 years in the regular Army and 16 more in the Reserve Army, he was a pioneer in establishing cyber security protocols and procedures and in identifying attackers, including hostile Nation States and Criminal Organizations. After 9/11, he was called back into uniform for two years to serve as the Operations Officer for the entire Army Operations Network and Security Center. He has held high level cyber security positions at Bank of America, Morgan Stanley and several Cyber Security Consulting organizations.

This is Part 2 of a two-part discussion.

Issues discussed: Vulnerabilities from the #Internet_of_Things (refrigerators, lights and other appliances and #devices in your home and cars), the speed of development, sleeper bots, the speed of development, the lack of national cyber borders, combating #ransomeware, taking maintaining operations into consideration with your backup strategy (how fast can you recover from an event), the move back to centralized systems from distributed systems, and the value of VPN’s.

]]> After the last discussion with Cyber Security Warrior, Curt Vincent at #theOvalTable, we have seen one of his predictions come true as Russia is taking out most of the Ukraine power grid. Curt has been involved with the cyber wars since 1985. Spending 20 years in the regular Army and 16 more in the Reserve Army, he was a pioneer in establishing cyber security protocols and procedures and in identifying attackers, including hostile Nation States and Criminal Organizations. After 9/11, he was called back into uniform for two years to serve as the Operations Officer for the entire Army Operations Network and Security Center. He has held high level cyber security positions at Bank of America, Morgan Stanley and several Cyber Security Consulting organizations.

This is Part 2 of a two-part discussion.

Issues discussed: Vulnerabilities from the #Internet_of_Things (refrigerators, lights and other appliances and #devices in your home and cars), the speed of development, sleeper bots, the speed of development, the lack of national cyber borders, combating #ransomeware, taking maintaining operations into consideration with your backup strategy (how fast can you recover from an event), the move back to centralized systems from distributed systems, and the value of VPN’s.

]]> Douglas Bowers and Carl Walsh migration-https://cdn2.sounder.fm/653975/audio--485401--15194--36161--7fb9d03b-caa0-48c2-94aa-466cd4aee244.mp3?v=1666340006 Fri, 21 Oct 2022 01:04:56 -0700 3253 41 false Curt Vincent - Cyber Security-Is Your Business Safe? Curt Vincent - Cyber Security-Is Your Business Safe? Cyber Security Warrior, Curt Vincent joins us at the Table. Curt has been involved with the cyber wars since 1985: you know, before you ever heard of the internet and about 30 years before it was called Cyber Security. Spending 20 years in the regular Army and 16 more in the Reserve Army, he was a pioneer in establishing cyber security protocols and procedures and in identifying attackers, including hostile Nation States and Criminal Organizations. After 9/11, he was called back into uniform for two years to serve as the Operations Officer for the entire Army Operations Network and Security Center.

This is Part 1 of a two-part discussion.

Issues discussed: Password Vault, Trojan Horses, Bots, Slaves serving Crypto Currencies, Credit Cards and the fact that all your business needs is 1 person not following protocols and procedures, to cause a cyber catastrophe.

Contact Curt at: Cyber Assurance Associates

Curt@cyberassoc.com

]]> Cyber Security Warrior, Curt Vincent joins us at the Table. Curt has been involved with the cyber wars since 1985: you know, before you ever heard of the internet and about 30 years before it was called Cyber Security. Spending 20 years in the regular Army and 16 more in the Reserve Army, he was a pioneer in establishing cyber security protocols and procedures and in identifying attackers, including hostile Nation States and Criminal Organizations. After 9/11, he was called back into uniform for two years to serve as the Operations Officer for the entire Army Operations Network and Security Center.

This is Part 1 of a two-part discussion.

Issues discussed: Password Vault, Trojan Horses, Bots, Slaves serving Crypto Currencies, Credit Cards and the fact that all your business needs is 1 person not following protocols and procedures, to cause a cyber catastrophe.

Contact Curt at: Cyber Assurance Associates

Curt@cyberassoc.com

]]> Douglas Bowers and Carl Walsh migration-https://cdn2.sounder.fm/645264/audio--479181--15194--36161--8e717e3e-d9ee-4758-8082-13bd02db96ae.mp3?v=1664509790 Thu, 29 Sep 2022 20:44:42 -0700 2798 40 false