One of my favorite things to do is talk with real small business owners and get them to reveal the things they do to grow their businesses, especially in a challenging economic environment.  Recently, on my radio program, The Small Business Advocate Show, I talked with entrepreneur and inventor, Debbie Meyer, and asked her to offer a few words of wisdom. Debbie is unique in a couple of ways:

1. Unlike many entrepreneurs, who are great at creating but not so much at managing, Debbie has proven to be both a visionary and a great manager.

2.  Stereotypical inventors are good at inventing, but not so much at taking their product to market successfully. Debbie has overcome that baggage with a very successful market penetration.

So when Debbie talks about how to get your business ready for the challenges ahead, people listen. Debbie’s message this day is about focusing: Pay attention to the really important elements of your business, identify the ones that work and modify or get rid of the ones that don’t.

Debbie is co-CEO and co-founder of Housewares America, Inc. as well as a member of my Brain Trust. Take a few minutes to listen to my conversation with Debbie and, as always, leave your own thoughts. Listen Live! Download, Too!