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Amid the chaos of current tariff policies, international law expert John Tulac provides crucial insights on how small businesses can navigate trade uncertainty and supply chain challenges. His straightforward analysis cuts through political noise to offer practical strategies for survival in a rapidly changing global trade landscape.

• Current tariff policies have created "pure chaos" in global trade, making risk assessment nearly impossible for businesses
• Small businesses face disproportionate harm from high tariffs as they lack the financial cushion of larger corporations
• "Pivoting" supply chains away from heavily tariffed regions requires substantial capital that many small businesses cannot access
• Trade deficits aren't inherently negative—they reflect America's economic strength and purchasing power
• Case studies show various industries facing unique challenges, from cosmetics to specialized audio equipment
• Regular supply chain reviews and resilience testing are essential for business survival
• Businesses should negotiate with suppliers to share the burden of increased costs
• Contract reviews and proper product classification for tariff purposes can prevent costly mistakes
• Developing backup plans for supply chain disruptions is crucial in today's uncertain environment

Hunker down, don't panic, and don't do something you will regret later. Try to figure out how to ride this out in the short term. Don't be afraid to negotiate with your suppliers and say we're both getting hurt. We've got to share some of the hurt.

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The digital landscape has transformed dramatically, and with it the threats facing your business. In this eye-opening conversation with IT security veteran Ryan Kincer, we uncover the harsh reality that small businesses aren't just vulnerable to cyber attacks—they're the primary targets.

Ryan pulls back the curtain on the modern cybercriminal: no longer limited to physical break-ins, today's digital thieves operate remotely in their sweatpants, purchasing criminal software from the dark web to cast wide nets for vulnerable businesses. The statistics are sobering—over 60% of cyber attacks target small businesses, and of those attacked, more than 60% close their doors within a year.

We explore practical, budget-conscious security measures every business should implement, from multi-factor authentication to regular software updates and comprehensive staff training. Ryan shares a particularly chilling story about a local business crippled by ransomware for weeks, losing hundreds of thousands of dollars despite having cybersecurity insurance.

The conversation takes an intriguing turn when we discuss artificial intelligence—both as a productivity booster for legitimate businesses and as a powerful new weapon for cybercriminals. Ryan offers crucial guidance on using AI safely in your business while protecting intellectual property through proper "siloing" of information.

Perhaps most valuable is our dissection of emerging threats like "fake receipt" scams that bypass traditional security red flags by containing no suspicious links or attachments—instead manipulating victims into calling fake customer service numbers where their financial information is harvested.

Whether you're a tech novice or savvy business leader, this episode delivers essential knowledge to protect your company's future. Listen now to arm yourself against the invisible threats that could determine whether your business thrives or becomes another cybercrime statistic.

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Knowledge management transforms business outcomes by organizing critical data into actionable insights. Women business owners are leveraging these systems to fuel incredible growth, with women-owned businesses growing at twice the rate of male-owned businesses from 2019-2023.

• 14 million women-owned businesses in the US (39% of privately owned businesses)
• These businesses employ 12.2 million people with combined revenue of $2.7 trillion
• California hosts 23% of all women-owned businesses in America (1.5 million)
• Knowledge management combines data, information systems, and analysis
• Effective systems deliver the right data to the right person at the right time
• Create a plan identifying key knowledge points about your business
• Implement systems consolidating internal and external data
• Establish quality control procedures to ensure accurate data
• Experiment with data to find hidden opportunities
• Dedicate 2-3 hours weekly to analyzing business data
• Look for unexpected patterns like unusual customer demographics
• Use technology including AI tools to gain insights

Find this podcast on all major podcast directories or watch the video version on YouTube.

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