David and Goliath on the Credit Front

I just received word that the Bank of America had a devastating quarter with a 77 percent drop in profits. It, of course, reminded me of Calvin Brown's recent interview on the Houston Business Show on the subject of the worst companies with whom to have open accounts. Here's a quick list of those banks:

* Bank of America

* Capital One

* Discover Financial

* Verizon Wireless

* WFNNB

* Washington Mutual/Providian

* Americredit

* Diamond Shamrock

* Best Buy

* Citibank

You can read the list with details here.

It appears to be a "David and Goliath" story, with Calvin taking focus on the banking giant. It may be mere coincidence, but we can't help but think people are getting the Credit Restore message.

Above is a recent video interview of Calvin Brown on the credit situation in the United States. Click the video and click "Movers and Shakers" to view this program.

For a copy of the free report, "Why Your Marketing Isn't Working," email Info@HoustonBusinessShow.com and put "marketing" in the subject line.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Boomers and Retirement

I was reading the Houston Chronicle this morning and there was an article from the Associated Press about how Baby Boomers (the first in that group reaching 62 this year) being anxious to retire. Increasingly, the article states, Americans are forgoing the desire to retire because they simply can't afford to do so.

There is no doubt that Americans are terrible savers. Most are not placing enough aside for a rainy day, let alone for long term time off. Furthermore, the Social Security system is a shrinking and shaky long term source of retirement dollars. In spite of these realities, I believe the paper is misleading readers when it comes to the status of Boomers.

Now my retort will be anecdotal, so I will warn you of such in advance. But I know very few in their early 60s who are even interested in retiring. When Social Security was established, very few Americans lived much longer than to 65. It was a system that would stay solvent because few would be on it very long. In the 1930s when the system was established. 65 was old.

That isn't the case any more. It is true, most people in their 60s want to do things that are different, but few are looking death and the face and few are even thinking about not working. What most are considering is a different type of work. They are thinking about retiring from one job and creating a new business. Or doing another job in addition to their primary vocation. But few are thinking about being through with work, in my experience. Baby Boomers are living longer and better than previous generations, retirement isn't an even common expression among this group.

Click the image above for a discussion from the Movers and Shakers segment of the HoustonManufacturers.com TV show on Baby Boomers.

For a copy of the free report, "Why Your Marketing Isn't Working," email Info@HoustonBusinessShow.com and put "marketing" in the subject line.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

On the Show: Kent Batman of Hardin Fuels

With the stock market often looking like a bad roller coaster ride, people are looking for a sound alternative. No, people shouldn't get out of the market entirely. In fact, this is bargain basement time for stock buyers. On the other hand, it also makes sense to make sure you don't have all your eggs in one basket.

One investment area that is exploding is alternative fuels and an area that is leading the pack in Texas is biodiesel. The climate in Texas is excellent for numerous agriculture products and there is a growing interest among companies with a fleet of trucks in having their own resource to keep their vehicles rolling.

Kent Batman, President of Hardin Fuels and a frequent contributor to the Houston Business Show was recently on my show discussing how companies with a demand for diesel, or an interest in an attractive investment, or want to see their investments fight the war on terror (since every aspect of biodiesel is made by and benefits the USA). It was an interesting interview that you might like to hear. Also, click the image above to see a Movers and Shakers video featuring Batman and Robert Martin. The possibilities for such a business seem unlimited.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

What About the Economy?

I was listening to the radio just before my show began today and noted that it was reported that consumer spending was up over the last month. This came as a surprise to the "sky is falling" crowd that dominates the media today.

According to CNNMoney:

Retail sales unexpectedly rose 0.3% last month after a dismal December, the Commerce

Department said Wednesday, easing concerns that the U.S. already has fallen into a recession.
Wall Street cheered the report. The Nasdaq rose 2.3% while the S&P 500 and Dow climbed 1.4%.

Analysts had expected a 0.3% fall following December's 0.4% drop.

Consumer spending, which accounts for 70% of economic activity, is being eyed closely for signs the U.S. is sliding into a recession.

"As the consumer goes, so goes the economy," said Joel Naroff. chief economist at Naroff Economic Advisors. "The good news is that the consumer is not dramatically cutting back on spending, but the bad news is the consumer is not spending at any great pace."

The 1.4 percent increase in the Dow translated into 178.83 points. This is a significant increase for a single day.

The media is now trying to figure out what happened, considering the economy was suppose to be in a total melt down. I have been a contrarian for quite some time. The reality is, last month was the first one in which we actually showed the slightest sign of weakness outside of the subprime crisis. In spite of how great the passion to declare the end of the world, we might be seeing the end of a very short "recession." We will have to wait a while and see.

On a recent Movers and Shakers segment, I interviewed several Advisors from the Houston Business Show about the economy. I found the conversation most informative (click here and then click, Movers and Shakers).

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

New Way to Buy and Sell Real Estate

Andy Valadez of Marketing Dynamics likes to say -- "For Sale By Realtor, What a Novel Idea!" He's right, Realtors have taken a beating in recent years due to the rise of the "for sale by owner" concept. It blows my mind. I can't imagine anyone taking the risk of buying or selling a home without the help of an expert. Expertise is exactly what Realtors provide. Unfortunately all they tend to convey is selling information.

It is because of this situation that I have developed, with Andy, "HoustonsNeighborhoods.com." This innovative program replaces sales rhetoric with authoritative information. Moves the Realtor from mere promoter to expert. And provides information and serious opinion where one could only find propaganda.


On today's Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM at CNN 650), Jason Higham of Veritas Mortgage, Donald Leonard of ReMax Northwest, Andy Valadez and I discussed this exciting new paradigm that will change the way Real Estate is sold. Multimedia in scope (video, photos, audios, radio, articles, and more), we believe it will become the first place Houstonians will go for information.

Expect more information on this innovative concept in the weeks and months to come.

The above video includes Andy Valadez, Donald Leonard and Cisco Dowdell (also of Marketing Dynamics) on the HoustonsNeighborhoods.com concept. Just click the photo above and then click the "Movers and Shakers" segment. Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650). To get the best in business news and information subscribe to the weekly HoustonBusinessReview.com newsletter, which is available at no charge.

Beckhamania: You Have to Be Kidding

I just got home and turned on my computer and went to my favorite background noise, the TV. I glanced at the guide and found out that the program I was watching on NBC was "Victoria Beckham: Coming to America." The program was described as "Reality. (2007) From London to Los Angeles. CC, Special, Repeat." Beckham (photo) is attractive, but the fuss is really unnecessary.

There was nothing "real" about the show and I hope the London to Los Angeles includes a round trip. A few observations from the program:

* I think there may actually be too many channels. I mean, I expect stuff like this on the Reality TV Network, E, or even Bravo, but NBC? The garbage has gotten so excessive that it has now flowed over on "legitimate" TV networks.

* Recently I have noticed multi-hour car chases on all news networks. Some followed with even more scrutiny because of the low speeds they are driving, "isn't it interesting he/she is going so slow?" No, it isn't. It eventually has me looking for sharp objects.

* Television is in a desperate state, in my opinion. I am beginning to find myself longing for the era of rabbit ears and only a handful of channels. Only a few channels put a mandate on quality in the good old days, at least compared to modern standards.

* No wonder people are turning to the web for their video entertainment. True, they only add to the many options that are available, but people can essentially customize the type of video or whatever content they are seeking.

Any way, I'm depressed. I'm going to go watch one of my Movers and Shakers interviews found at HoustonBusinessShow.com. At least there I like the host!