As entrepreneurs, we often focus on landing our dream clients. But what happens when we land a client and they don’t respect our payment deadlines? In today's episode, I discuss why corporations and government agencies should offer minority and

Opportunities And JKA Business Announcement

May 25th, 2021 23m 10s

On today’s episode, I discuss the direction and rebranding I am taking JKA in and why I have decided to make this change. I also share some great opportunities for minority women-owned businesses in the northeast region (that can transform the

Top Tips for Time Management

Dec 2nd, 2020 17m 17s

In today’s world, our to-do lists are never ending. We are wearing multiple hats while trying to be the best at everything. Many of us are finding ourselves stretched thin while working from home, surrounded by distractions. On today’s episode,

Outsourced Bookkeeping with Dan Luthi

Nov 18th, 2020 47m 49s

On today's episode, my guest is Dan Luthi, COO of Ignite Spot Outsourced Accounting. We discuss the importance of keeping your business' finances in order, focusing on the particular needs and struggles small businesses have faced this year. Da

Strategic Planning

Nov 4th, 2020 24m 52s

In this episode, I wanted to share some information that MWBEs should keep in mind about strategic planning over the remainder of 2020 and leading into 2021. I didn't want to leave anything out, so there is a lot to cover here, which I break do

Top Tips for Running a Successful Business

Oct 15th, 2020 17m 21s

Just because how we do business today is different from a year ago doesn't mean we shouldn't still strive to be successful—it's just that the way we get there is different. In this episode, I share my top tips for running a successful business

Procurement Readiness

Sep 9th, 2020 16m 22s

Today I'll be talking to you about procurement readiness. Many small businesses—especially those dealing with the government— may be in a slow period right now, which is an optimal time to make sure you and your business are in a good place to

Identifying and Managing Secondary Traumatic Stress with Taryn Hughes

Aug 6th, 2020 46m 29s

This week my guest is Taryn Hughes, a certified Compassion Fatigue Therapist (CFT) and CEO of Forest Hughes & Associates. We have a lengthy conversation about Secondary Traumatic Stress and Compassion Fatigue and the challenges that business ow

Tips on Conducting a Productive Virtual Meeting

Jul 30th, 2020 14m 11s

By now, most of us have adjusted to having or attending virtual meetings, but not all meetings are equal in terms of efficiency. Today I will talk about standards, best practices, and guidelines for virtual meetings – including deciding whether

Selling to the Government

Jul 22nd, 2020 12m 46s

In this episode, I cover some critical steps to get you started selling your services to the government. The process begins by understanding that city, state, and the federal government release procurement forecasts, an annual list of what they

Running a Small Business with Mildred Tolentino

Jul 1st, 2020 22m 44s

My guest in this episode is Mildred Tolentino, President and CEO of MTO-PROS, a construction management company in New York. We discuss several topics, from tactics on adapting to COVID-19's effects on our businesses, finding opportunities, and

Managing Your Business and Finances with Lynn Karam

Jun 15th, 2020 33m 54s

My guest in this episode is Lynn Karam, founder of LEK Management. Lynn shares what she has learned during her many years in business about getting certified and what expectations that small business owners have with the process. We go on to di

Discovering the Management Team You Need

Jun 8th, 2020 22m 4s

In this episode, I discuss the importance of finding the right management for your organization and reveal some facets of that process that I had to learn through trial and error. As it turns out, you need to discover more about yourself and wh

Moving Forward Purposefully with Fran Biderman-Gross

May 25th, 2020 45m 19s

In today's episode, I sit down with Fran Biderman-Gross, CEO of Advantages. She talks about pivoting your business and strategies to adapt to market changes by sharing her journey since founding her company in 2002. We also talk about the criti

Responding to RFPs

May 18th, 2020 9m 59s

This episode is a quick look at some best practices for RFPs (Requests for Proposal). These meticulously-structured documents are key in landing contracts with government agencies and large corporations. I'll explain the importance of outlining

Basics of Subcontracting

May 11th, 2020 16m 54s

Is subcontracting right for you? I discuss the importance of partnering with other MWBEs to augment each others' strengths, increase profits, and how this allows both sides to add value to their own clients. I'll also share advice about how and

Light at the End of the Tunnel

Apr 20th, 2020 18m 39s

In this second episode, I discuss the importance of heeding (proper) advice, and what we as business owners can and should be doing to guide our businesses and team members through the current climate. Finally, I talk about health, wellness, an

Introduction

Mar 18th, 2020 15m 2s

I'm Jean Kristensen, and I help minority- and women-owned businesses connect to opportunities with government agencies and large corporations. I am passionate about this work because I understand the impact that receiving a large contract can h

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