Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.0.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Business Navigators Helping Business Chart the Course to Success ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://www.busnav.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Don's Thoughts](https://www.busnav.com/dons-blog/) - Well, maybe not so ‘Random’. You will see periodic updates of my critical observations from the ‘real- everyday’ world of business - [Don’s Thursday Thoughts“A Paradigm Shift”This video lasts 1 minute and 38 seconds.](https://www.busnav.com/dons-thursday-thoughtsa-paradigm-shiftthis-video-lasts-1-minute-and-38-seconds/) - [The Ask Part #4](https://www.busnav.com/the-ask-part-4/) - I’m asking for your assistance to find groups and companies Business Navigators can help. Please let me know when you have identified prospective clients that Business Navigator can help. In order for you to know what to look for, you should understand that Business Navigators offers three types of support. Last week we introduced the - [Reflections / Take-A-ways.](https://www.busnav.com/reflections-take-a-ways-3/) - From Those Who Know me Planning Retreat PK Wadsworth Solon, OH - [How to prioritize your group’s ideas and move toward action.](https://www.busnav.com/how-to-prioritize-your-groups-ideas-and-move-toward-action/) - The process Business Navigators uses for issue prioritization is “Prioritization by Horse Race.” We work with storyboards. Participants print their issues on 3”X5” cards. All the issues are pinned to the bottom of a 4’X4’ storyboard. Every issue is open to discussion. The person who created the issue card can choose to lobby the group - [I’ve read a lot of books.](https://www.busnav.com/ive-read-a-lot-of-books/) - Some with interesting methods for improvement in business or self. When I find a book that you should read, I’ll share. Here is one. The Servant Leader James A. Autry Regarding life itself and business philosophy I have always advocated an inverted organizational chart with the head of a company at the bottom of the - [Don’s Thursday Thoughts“The Enemy Of Great”This video lasts 1 minute and 28 seconds.](https://www.busnav.com/dons-thursday-thoughtsthe-enemy-of-greatthis-video-lasts-1-minute-and-28-seconds/) - [The Ask Part #3](https://www.busnav.com/the-ask-part-3/) - I’m asking for your assistance to find groups and companies Business Navigators can help. Please let me know when you have identified prospective clients that Business Navigator can help. In order for you to know what to look for, you should understand that Business Navigators offers three types of support. Last week we introduced the - [Reflections / Take-A-ways.](https://www.busnav.com/reflections-take-a-ways-2/) - From Those Who Know me Focused Retreat “Servant Leadership” Goodwill Ashtabula, OH - [Reverse Flow meeting philosophy](https://www.busnav.com/reverse-flow-meeting-philosophy-2/) - In companies promoting a top-down approach, employees that can or even do identify problems typically do not offer solutions. This may happen for several reasons, the employees might not have the skills, or there may be an “Us vs. Them” mentality. When employees are not involved in identifying problems or offering solutions, it falls upon - [Reflections / Take-A-ways.](https://www.busnav.com/reflections-take-a-ways/) - From Those Who Know me Monthly meetings Stack Heating Cooling Plumbing Electric Avon,OH - [Some guys have all the luck!](https://www.busnav.com/some-guys-have-all-the-luck/) - Tom was part of our sales group and would say, “I thrive on rejection because every ‘no’ I receive is one step closer to a ‘yes’. Every time he was told ‘no’ he thanked the person. In the early 90’s we would go to a drinking establishment with a dance floor. The bar was on - [Look at everything first.](https://www.busnav.com/look-at-everything-first/) - Before you start to act. - [Marketing is….](https://www.busnav.com/marketing-is/) - One snowman at a time - [‘Shoot the mule!”](https://www.busnav.com/shoot-the-mule/) - Patton, WWII Mule on Bridge wouldn’t move. - [I’ve read a lot of books.](https://www.busnav.com/ive-read-a-lot-of-books-21/) - Some with interesting methods for improvement in business or self. When I find a book that you should read, I’ll share. Here is one. The Great Game of Business Jack Stack The world is full of mushroom managers. They believe you should treat company employees like mushrooms. Keep them in the dark and feed them - [Being authentic!](https://www.busnav.com/being-authentic/) - A reflection - Sugar on Business Navigators ‘Servant Leader’ retreat - [I thought yesterday was great!!](https://www.busnav.com/i-thought-yesterday-was-great/) - I like to know how to talk to people with different strengths. A reflection on a Business Navigators “Strength Based Retreat.” - [She learned an important lesson about conflict!](https://www.busnav.com/she-learned-an-important-lesson-about-conflict/) - Scottsdale retreat focused on “Now Discover your Strengths”. - [300 to 400 successful positive changes because of our “Reverse Flow” process](https://www.busnav.com/300-to-400-successful-positive-changes-because-of-our-reverse-flow-process/) - [I’ve read a lot of books.](https://www.busnav.com/ive-read-a-lot-of-books-20/) - Some with interesting methods for improvement in business or self. When I find a book that you should read, I’ll share. Here is one. Now Discover Your Strengths Marcus Buckingham Of all the tools I use to help those in organizations, for and not for profit, this book and the test are the most useful. - [Brian Stack reflects on Reverse-Flow meetings.](https://www.busnav.com/brian-stack-reflects-on-reverse-flow-meetings/) - [I’ve read a lot of books.](https://www.busnav.com/ive-read-a-lot-of-books-19/) - Some with interesting methods for improvement in business or self. When I find a book that you should read, I’ll share. Here is one. Good to Great Jim Collins Shortly after Jim Collins published this book in 2001, I read it. Since then, I have used it as a guide for over Fifty companies with - [Don’s Thursday Thoughts“Tracking Sales”This video lasts 1 minute 32 seconds.](https://www.busnav.com/dons-thursday-thoughtstracking-salesthis-video-lasts-1-minute-32-seconds/) - [ A SPOSA is an acronym for a Seven Point On-site Analysis.](https://www.busnav.com/a-sposa-is-an-acronym-for-a-seven-point-on-site-analysis-2/) - It’s one of the few processes I use that I don’t charge for my time. I’d be glad to visit you or someone you recommend and spend time on a SPOSA. I look at: The Office Accounting Marketing Sales Production Physical Plant Management The assessment usually is completed within a 1–2-hour timeframe. At the end - [Reflections / Take-A-ways.](https://www.busnav.com/reflections-take-a-ways-22/) - From Those Who Know me Monthly meetings Stack Heating, Cooling, Plumbing Electric Avon, OH - [A “Strength’s” Based Retreat](https://www.busnav.com/a-strengths-based-retreat/) - Some years ago, in the mountains above Scottsdale, Arizona Air Conditioning By Jay held a three day retreat designed and implemented by Business Navigators. All 40+ members of the ACBYJ team were invited by President Bryce Johnson to attend. All they had to do was to prove they had read Marcus Buckingham’s book, Now, Discover Your - [I’ve read a lot of books.](https://www.busnav.com/ive-read-a-lot-of-books-18/) - Some with interesting methods for improvement in business or self. When I find a book that you should read, I’ll share. Here is one. First Break All The Rules Marcus Buckingham Curt Coffman It was about eleven years after I started Business Navigators that I read chapter five and suddenly it all made sense. It's - [Don’s Thursday Thoughts“Job cost Meetings”This video lasts 1 minute 24 seconds.](https://www.busnav.com/dons-thursday-thoughtsjob-cost-meetingsthis-video-lasts-1-minute-24-seconds/) - [ A SPOSA is an acronym for a Seven Point On-site Analysis.](https://www.busnav.com/a-sposa-is-an-acronym-for-a-seven-point-on-site-analysis/) - It’s one of the few processes I use that I don’t charge for my time. I’d be glad to visit you or someone you recommend and spend time on a SPOSA. I look at: The Office Accounting Marketing Sales Production Physical Plant Management The assessment usually is completed within a 1–2-hour timeframe. At the end - [Specialized Meeting types](https://www.busnav.com/specialized-meeting-types/) - Business Navigators facilitates several meeting types that meet the needs of our clients. Reverse - Flow – Changes the direction of the top-down information flow regarding issues. We start with employees first then work our way up toward managers and then owners. This process moves the company from good to great. Job Cost – After - [I’ve read a lot of books.](https://www.busnav.com/ive-read-a-lot-of-books-17/) - Some with interesting methods for improvement in business or self. When I find a book that you should read, I’ll share. Here is one. Lead or Be Led Bill Munn Bill Munn is a graduate of OI’s corporate world. He rose through the ranks from Sales Rep in 1971 to VP Division General Manager with - [Don’s Thursday Thoughts“Counting Production”This video lasts 1 minute 31 seconds.](https://www.busnav.com/dons-thursday-thoughtscounting-productionthis-video-lasts-1-minute-31-seconds/) - [Reflections / Take-A-ways.](https://www.busnav.com/reflections-take-a-ways-21/) - From Those Who Know me Monthly meetings Atlas Butler Columbus, OH - [Reflections / Take-A-ways.](https://www.busnav.com/reflections-take-a-ways-20/) - From Those Who Know me Monthly meetings arronco Comfort Air Burlington, KY - [Reverse Flow meetings – the Benefits](https://www.busnav.com/reverse-flow-meetings-the-benefits/) - The Reverse-Flow meeting format is the key process we use to help all company members to create strategies that will result in improvement. Enhances communication by providing employees with a safe environment where they can be heard, openly and honestly. Having and supporting such an environment is essential for management to identify organizational problems and - [I’ve read a lot of books.](https://www.busnav.com/ive-read-a-lot-of-books-16/) - Some with interesting methods for improvement in business or self. When I find a book that you should read, I’ll share. Here is one. The 17 Essential Qualities of a Team Player John C. Maxwell This past July I reported on a book by Patrick Lencioni, which focused on Teamwork it was titled ‘The Five - [Don’s Thursday Thoughts“Physical Plant”This video lasts 1 minute 14 seconds.](https://www.busnav.com/dons-thursday-thoughtsphysical-plantthis-video-lasts-1-minute-14-seconds/) - [The Offer](https://www.busnav.com/the-offer/) - A SPOSA is an acronym for a Seven Point On-site Analysis. It’s one of the few processes I use that I don’t charge for my time. I’d be glad to visit you or someone you recommend and spend time on a SPOSA. I look at: The Office Accounting Marketing Sales Production Physical Plant Management The - [Reflections / Take-A-ways.](https://www.busnav.com/reflections-take-a-ways-19/) - From Those Who Know me Planning Retreat PK Wadsworth Solon, OH - [I’ve read a lot of books.](https://www.busnav.com/ive-read-a-lot-of-books-15/) - Some with interesting methods for improvement in business or self. When I find a book that you should read, I’ll share. Here is one. The 4 Disciplines of Execution By, Chris MccChesney, Sean Covey and Jim Huling. As part of my Debby Peters influenced "Elevator Speech" I mention that Business Navigators does two things to - [Don’s Thursday Thoughts“Measuring Marketing!”This video lasts 1 minute 14 seconds.](https://www.busnav.com/dons-thursday-thoughtsmeasuring-marketingthis-video-lasts-1-minute-14-seconds/) - [](https://www.busnav.com/923-2/) - A SPOSA is an acronym for a Seven Point On-site Analysis. It’s one of the few processes I use that I don’t charge for my time. I’d be glad to visit you or someone you recommend and spend time on a SPOSA. I look at: The Office Accounting Marketing Sales Production Physical Plant Management The - [Don’s Thursday Thoughts“I Involve Everyone!”This video lasts 1 minute 33 seconds.](https://www.busnav.com/dons-thursday-thoughtsi-involve-everyonethis-video-lasts-1-minute-33-seconds/) - [Reflections / Take-A-ways.](https://www.busnav.com/reflections-take-a-ways-18/) - From Those Who Know me Monthly meetings Cottingham Paper Company Columbus, OH - [Three frogs](https://www.busnav.com/three-frogs/) - Planning to Plan – The ‘Reverse-Flow’ meetings. Part I While our IBS (Issues, Barriers, Strategies) process identifies and prioritizes, the truth is, deciding to do something without accountability and consistent monitoring is useless. Three frogs sitting on a lily pad. One decides to jump off. How many are left on the lily pad. Lots of - [I’ve read a lot of books.](https://www.busnav.com/ive-read-a-lot-of-books-14/) - Some with interesting methods for improvement in business or self. When I find a book that you should read, I’ll share. Here is one. The Speed of Trust The One Thing That Changes Everything Stephen M.R. Covey Stephen M.R. Covey is the son of Stephen M. Covey, of 'Seven Habits Of Highly Effective People' fame, - [Don’s Thursday Thoughts“I don’t have enough time!”This video lasts 50 seconds.](https://www.busnav.com/dons-thursday-thoughtsi-dont-have-enough-timethis-video-lasts-50-seconds/) - [Reflections / Take-A-ways.](https://www.busnav.com/reflections-take-a-ways-17/) - From Those Who Know me Focused Retreat “Servant Leadership” Goodwill Ashtabula, OH - [How to Counter Non – Compliance Part Two.](https://www.busnav.com/how-to-counter-non-compliance-part-two/) - Step Two. Use an informal setting as you did in step one. First remind them that this is the second time you are addressing this issue and there has not been much change in behavior. Then repeat Step One i.e., you identify the behavior that you want to change and explain why it is important. You - [I’ve read a lot of books.](https://www.busnav.com/ive-read-a-lot-of-books-13/) - Some with interesting methods for improvement in business or self. When I find a book that you should read, I’ll share. Here is one. The Goal By Eliyahu M. Goldratt I like Tom Clancy and Clive Cussler novels. Spy thrillers are good books for me and easy to digest. That’s a metaphor I use to - [Don’s Thursday Thoughts“You’ve Already Hired the Solutions to most of your problems”This video lasts 1 minute.](https://www.busnav.com/dons-thursday-thoughtsyouve-already-hired-the-solutions-to-most-of-your-problemsthis-video-lasts-1-minute/) - [](https://www.busnav.com/891-2/) - A SPOSA is an acronym for a Seven Point On-site Analysis. It’s one of the few processes I use that I don’t charge for my time. I’d be glad to visit you or someone you recommend and spend time on a SPOSA. I look at: The Office Accounting Marketing Sales Production Physical Plant Management The - [Reflections / Take-A-ways.](https://www.busnav.com/reflections-take-a-ways-16/) - From Those Who Know me Focused Retreat “Now, Discover Your Strengths” ACBYJ Scottsdale, AZ - [How to Counter Non – Compliance Part One.](https://www.busnav.com/how-to-counter-non-compliance-part-one/) - “I like the five-step to behavior modification. This method is aimed at helping the employee to stay with the company and is not attempt only to get rid of ‘the bad ones.” However, the old expression is valid. First try to ‘change the employee and if you can’t do that then you need to ‘change - [I’ve read a lot of books.](https://www.busnav.com/ive-read-a-lot-of-books-12/) - Some with interesting methods for improvement in business or self. When I find a book that you should read, I’ll share. Here is one. The Great Game Of Business By Jack Stack The world is full of mushroom managers. They believe you should treat company employees like mushrooms. Keep them in the dark and feed - [Don’s Thursday Thoughts“Andrew Carnegie”This video lasts 1 minute and 27 seconds.](https://www.busnav.com/dons-thursday-thoughtsandrew-carnegiethis-video-lasts-1-minute-and-27-seconds/) - [](https://www.busnav.com/879-2/) - A SPOSA is an acronym for a Seven Point On-site Analysis. It’s one of the few processes I use that I don’t charge for my time. I’d be glad to visit you or someone you recommend and spend time on a SPOSA. I look at: The Office Accounting Marketing Sales Production Physical Plant Management The - [Reflections / Take-A-ways.](https://www.busnav.com/reflections-take-a-ways-15/) - From Those Who Know me Monthly meetings aaronco Comfort Air Burlington, KY - [“Ready Fire”](https://www.busnav.com/ready-fire/) - “Ready, Fire, Aim” It’s the reverse of a cliché. And like most cliche’s there’s some truth to it. There’s a tendency in business and in life not to plan, but to take whatever moves and shoot at it without even understanding what it is. And it’s not necessary because the truth in life and in - [I’ve read a lot of books.](https://www.busnav.com/ive-read-a-lot-of-books-11/) - Some with interesting methods for improvement in business or self. When I find a book that you should read, I’ll share. Here is one. Our Iceberg Is Melting Changing and Succeeding Under any Conditions By John Kotter Nope, neither Climate Change Alarmists nor Climate Change Deniers are the focus of this book. See, this book - [Don’s Thursday Thoughts“Ask For Help”This video lasts 1 minute and 28 seconds.](https://www.busnav.com/dons-thursday-thoughtsask-for-helpthis-video-lasts-1-minute-and-28-seconds/) - [](https://www.busnav.com/865-2/) - A SPOSA is an acronym for a Seven Point On-site Analysis. It’s one of the few processes I use that I don’t charge for my time. I’d be glad to visit you or someone you recommend and spend time on a SPOSA. I look at: The Office Accounting Marketing Sales Production Physical Plant Management The - [Reflections / Take-A-ways.](https://www.busnav.com/reflections-take-a-ways-14/) - From Those Who Know me Planning Retreat PK Wadsworth Solon, OH - [The Profit and Loss Statement – An Explanation Part Two](https://www.busnav.com/the-profit-and-loss-statement-an-explanation-part-two/) - The usual divisions in ‘Cost of Sale’ are: Labor (the hourly rate you pay and does not include benefits) Equipment (the stuff you install that has a serial number) Material (the stuff you install without a serial number) Sub-contractors (sometimes it is better to hire someone, who is not a full-time employee, to do part of the work. They - [I’ve read a lot of books.](https://www.busnav.com/ive-read-a-lot-of-books-10/) - Some with interesting methods for improvement in business or self. When I find a book that you should read, I’ll share. Here is one. Gung Ho! By Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowels Earlier this year I reviewed Ken and Sheldon’s book “Raving Fans” which focused on helping customers turn into full fledged fans of a - [Don’s Thursday Thoughts“Vision, Mission, Code of Values”This video lasts 1 minute and 29 seconds.](https://www.busnav.com/dons-thursday-thoughtsvision-mission-code-of-valuesthis-video-lasts-1-minute-and-29-seconds/) - [](https://www.busnav.com/853-2/) - A SPOSA is an acronym for a Seven Point On-site Analysis. It’s one of the few processes I use that I don’t charge for my time. I’d be glad to visit you or someone you recommend and spend time on a SPOSA. I look at: The Office Accounting Marketing Sales Production Physical Plant Management The - [Reflections / Take-A-ways.](https://www.busnav.com/reflections-take-a-ways-13/) - From Those Who Know me Monthly meetings Stack Heating, Cooling, Plumbing Electric Avon, OH - [The Profit and Loss Statement – An Explanation Part one](https://www.busnav.com/the-profit-and-loss-statement-an-explanation-part-one/) - This is my take on things, there are those that may disagree. I am also including the only accounting joke I have created “What is the difference between Russian profit and American profit? A Profit and Loss Statement is one of three important financial measurement tools. It captures five areas of financial measurement. There are - [I’ve read a lot of books.](https://www.busnav.com/ive-read-a-lot-of-books-9/) - Some with interesting methods for improvement in business or self. When I find a book that you should read, I’ll share. Here is one. The little Golden Book of YES! Attitude. By Jeffrey Gitomer In less than 200 pages Jeffrey Gitomer blasts the reader with positive affirmations. This book does not build chapter to chapter. - [](https://www.busnav.com/840-2/) - A SPOSA is an acronym for a Seven Point On-site Analysis. It’s one of the few processes I use that I don’t charge for my time. I’d be glad to visit you or someone you recommend and spend time on a SPOSA. I look at: The Office Accounting Marketing Sales Production Physical Plant Management The - [Reflections / Take-A-ways.](https://www.busnav.com/reflections-take-a-ways-12/) - From Those Who Know me Monthly meetings Frank Millard Co. Burlington, IA - [Counting #4 – Tracking Sales](https://www.busnav.com/counting-4-tracking-sales-3/) - It has been said, “Nothing happens in America until first something is sold.” There is a lot of truth in that statement. But often I see that many sales are unconscious and not on purpose. We all know those, on both sides of the sales equation, who are confused about value and cost. Many salespeople - [I’ve read a lot of books.](https://www.busnav.com/ive-read-a-lot-of-books-8/) - Some with interesting methods for improvement in business or self. When I find a book that you should read, I’ll share. Here is one. Raving Fans A Revolutionary Approach to Customer Service By Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles Three years after Business Navigators was born Ken Blanchard wrote a book and ever since that time, - [Don’s Thursday Thoughts“Inventory”This video lasts 1 minute and 15 seconds.](https://www.busnav.com/dons-thursday-thoughtsinventorythis-video-lasts-1-minute-and-15-seconds/) - [](https://www.busnav.com/826-2/) - A SPOSA is an acronym for a Seven Point On-site Analysis. It’s one of the few processes I use that I don’t charge for my time. I’d be glad to visit you or someone you recommend and spend time on a SPOSA. I look at: The Office Accounting Marketing Sales Production Physical Plant Management The - [Reflections / Take-A-ways.](https://www.busnav.com/reflections-take-a-ways-11/) - From Those Who Know me Monthly meetings Cottingham Paper Company Columbus, OH - [Counting 3 Measuring Marketing](https://www.busnav.com/counting-3-measuring-marketing-3/) - When I speak about marketing, I have a simple definition. Marketing is anything that a company does, intentionally, to create leads to give to the sales department, whose job is to convert those leads into work for the company. Included in marketing are both free public relations and paid advertising. There are many things a - [I’ve read a lot of books.](https://www.busnav.com/ive-read-a-lot-of-books-7/) - Some with interesting methods for improvement in business or self. When I find a book that you should read, I’ll share. Here is one. Eat That Frog Get More of the Important Things Done Today Brian Tracy Wikipedia tells us that Brian Tracy has worked in more than 100 countries on six continents and speaks - [Don’s Thursday Thoughts“It’s So Simple”This video lasts 1 minute and 21 seconds.](https://www.busnav.com/dons-thursday-thoughtsits-so-simplethis-video-lasts-1-minute-and-21-seconds/) - [Reflections / Take-A-ways.](https://www.busnav.com/reflections-take-a-ways-10/) - From Those Who Know me Focused Retreat “Now, Discover Your Strengths” ACBYJ Scottsdale, AZ - [Reflections / Take-A-ways.](https://www.busnav.com/reflections-take-a-ways-9/) - From Those Who Know me Monthly meetings aaronco Comfort Air Burlington, KY - [Counting # 6 – Physical Plant also counts](https://www.busnav.com/counting-6-physical-plant-also-counts-2/) - Let’s consider two perspectives when analyzing the physical plant that contains your business. Those two perspectives are location and contents. LOCATION The old real estate maxim has a lot of weight when considering your business. The three most important elements to consider are Location, Location and Location. Is the location of your building(s) best suited - [I’ve read a lot of books.](https://www.busnav.com/ive-read-a-lot-of-books-6/) - Some with interesting methods for improvement in business or self. When I find a book that you should read, I’ll share. Here is one. Over 20 years ago, Larry Bossidy and Ram Charam teamed up to create an approach to “Getting Things Done” in the world of Business. The book is titled “EXECUTION”. The subtitle - [Don’s Thursday Thoughts“The Invisible Paycheck”This video lasts 1 minute and 26 seconds.](https://www.busnav.com/dons-thursday-thoughtsthe-invisible-paycheckthis-video-lasts-1-minute-and-26-seconds/) - [Reflections / Take-A-ways.](https://www.busnav.com/reflections-take-a-ways-8/) - From Those Who Know me Focused Retreat “Servant Leadership” Goodwill Ashtabula, OH - [Reflections / Take-A-ways.](https://www.busnav.com/reflections-take-a-ways-7/) - From Those Who Know me Monthly meetings Stack Heating, Cooling, Plumbing Electric Avon, OH - [Counting #5 – Counting Production](https://www.busnav.com/counting-5-counting-production-3/) - In the past 33 years Business Navigators has worked in over 37 different industries and while the first four divisions of business do have very strong similarities at the first blush the fifth division, Production, would seem to be radically different. The product that a governmental agency “Children’s Services” provides would seem to be quite - [I’ve read a lot of books.](https://www.busnav.com/ive-read-a-lot-of-books-5/) - Some with interesting methods for improvement in business or self. When I find a book that you should read, I’ll share. Here is one. QBQ The Question Behind The Question John G. Miller So, I’m driving back from Cleveland and listening to John G. Miller reading his book to me. In less than an hour - [Don’s Thursday Thoughts“Two Useful Lies”This video lasts 1 minute and 9 seconds.](https://www.busnav.com/dons-thursday-thoughtstwo-useful-liesthis-video-lasts-1-minute-and-9-seconds/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sh-YjlDHGVk - [The Ask Part #8](https://www.busnav.com/the-ask-part-8/) - I’m asking for your assistance to help me find groups and companies that Business Navigators can help. Please let me know when you have identified prospective clients that Business Navigators can help. In the past 7 “ASKS” we’ve focused on: Three areas the ASKS will cover.What services does Business Navigators offer?What does a group or - [Reflections / Take-A-ways.](https://www.busnav.com/reflections-take-a-ways-6/) - From Those Who Know me Planning Retreat PK Wadsworth Solon, OH - [ Management – the Final Accountability](https://www.busnav.com/management-the-final-accountability/) - In the past we have looked at counting. We focused on – The Productivity of Support Staff, Counting Money, Measuring Marketing, Tracking Sales, Counting Production, and The Physical Plant Also Counts. The final count goes to Management which is “The Final Accountability Good Management is about bringing all seven areas together. In a small business, the - [Sharing – Within your management team, it’s a good idea.](https://www.busnav.com/sharing-within-your-management-team-its-a-good-idea/) - Successful companies create a culture that fosters creativity and cooperation. It’s not unusual within a company to have some spirit of competition between departments and many owners believe that this is an excellent method to increase productivity and profits. My observation is that while this approach can have some positive effects there are some dangers - [I’ve read a lot of books.](https://www.busnav.com/ive-read-a-lot-of-books-4/) - Some with interesting methods for improvement in business or self. When I find a book that you should read, I’ll share. Here is one. Who Cares? Creating A Culture of Service In Your Business Scott A. Brown To misquote Portia, "The quality of customer service, in American Business, is strained" so much so that when - [Don’s Thursday Thoughts“Planning Retreat.”This video lasts 1 minute and 29 seconds.](https://www.busnav.com/dons-thursday-thoughtsplanning-retreat-this-video-lasts-1-minute-and-29-seconds/) - [The Ask Part #7](https://www.busnav.com/the-ask-part-7/) - I’m asking for your assistance to help me find groups and companies like the following that Business Navigators can help. Business Navigators has worked with over 25 industry segments including… Contractors Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning Refrigeration Plumbing Electrical Painting General Contractors Health care Manufactures Government Services Retail stores Technical and vocational schools Trade associations Newspapers - [Reflections / Take-A-ways.](https://www.busnav.com/reflections-take-a-ways-5/) - From Those Who Know me Monthly meetings Frank Millard Co. Burlington, IA - [The Last Three of six principles for successful Reverse-Flow meetings](https://www.busnav.com/the-last-three-of-six-principles-for-successful-reverse-flow-meetings/) - 4. The meeting should have a format and a facilitator A simple format gently followed can have a positive effect on the productivity of any meeting. The key is to select a person with everyone’s agreement, to facilitate the meeting. The facilitator is the leader in helping the group stay on task. While holding to - [The Five Dysfunctions of a Team](https://www.busnav.com/the-five-dysfunctions-of-a-team/) - Patrick Lencioni Over, 20 years ago Patrick Lencioni wrote a most useful and magnificent book about Leadership. It’s in the form of a short novel. It is a leadership fable and the story of Kathryn Petersen’s struggle with the management team from hell and her final positive resolution is instructive. The five dysfunctions are: Absence - [Don’s Thursday Thoughts“The Red Check”This video lasts 1 minute and 13 seconds.](https://www.busnav.com/dons-thursday-thoughtsthe-red-checkthis-video-lasts-1-minute-and-13-seconds/) - [The Ask Part #6](https://www.busnav.com/the-ask-part-6/) - People start a business every day, and they are good at providing the product or service. They have some success and hire someone to help them. After a while they look around and see they have hired ten to twelve people and then they realize never went to school to learn about business. Now they - [The first three of six principle for successful ‘Reverse-Flow’ meetings](https://www.busnav.com/the-first-three-of-six-principle-for-successful-reverse-flow-meetings-2/) - Putting together an effective employee input program is not as simple as it may appear. Here are a few principles that successful companies have followed. 1. Hold regularly scheduled meeting for the express purpose of company improvement After about four weeks, people begin to lose focus on a task. That’s why I recommend scheduling employee - [I’ve read a lot of books.](https://www.busnav.com/ive-read-a-lot-of-books-3/) - Some with interesting methods for improvement in business or self. When I find a book that you should read, I’ll share. Here is one. The Manager’s Coaching Handbook David Cotrell and Mark Layton This wonderful book has been a part of my life and many of my client’s life since it was written in 2002. - [Don’s Thursday Thoughts“S.W.O.T.”This video lasts 1 minute and 20 seconds.](https://www.busnav.com/dons-thursday-thoughtss-w-o-t-this-video-lasts-1-minute-and-20-seconds/) - [The Ask Part #5](https://www.busnav.com/the-ask-part-5/) - I’m asking for your assistance to find groups and companies Business Navigators can help. Please let me know when you have identified prospective clients that Business Navigators can help. For you to know what to look for, you should understand that Business Navigators offers three types of support. Last week we introduced the third type - [Reflections / Take-A-ways.](https://www.busnav.com/reflections-take-a-ways-4/) - From Those Who Know me Monthly meetings Cottingham Paper Company Columbus, OH - [What are the Consequences for Non-Compliance?](https://www.busnav.com/what-are-the-consequences-for-non-compliance/) - Out of all the management approaches which contribute to company morale it seems to me that dealing with behaviors which run counter to what we want done is the most significant. When any member of an organization doesn’t do what they are expected to do or conversely performs an action that is against the company - [I’ve read a lot of books.](https://www.busnav.com/ive-read-a-lot-of-books-2/) - Some with interesting methods for improvement in business or self. When I find a book that you should read, I’ll share. Here is one. A Simple Choice Mark Matteson While I’ve worked with over 36 different industries, most of my clients have been HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) companies. So, in addition to a - [#26 “Stuff” Flows Downhill – Reverse-Flow Meetings Help](https://www.busnav.com/26-stuff-flows-downhill-reverse-flow-meetings-help/) - [#2 What Andrew Carnegie Discovered!](https://www.busnav.com/2-what-andrew-carnegie-discovered/) - [The Plate Spinner – That’s Me!](https://www.busnav.com/the-plate-spinner-thats-me-2/) - [# 8 Involve Everyone – A Temporary Advisory Board Story!](https://www.busnav.com/8-involve-everyone-a-temporary-advisory-board-story/) - [#12 Sugar And Salt - A meeting feedback Technique](https://www.busnav.com/12-sugar-and-salt-a-meeting-feedback-technique/) - [# 7 Get To Change! 4 Steps.](https://www.busnav.com/7-get-to-change-4-steps/) - [#16 This Is A Business Navigator – My Favorite Metaphor!](https://www.busnav.com/16-this-is-a-business-navigator-my-favorite-metaphor/) - [#13 The Water Wheel At The Old Mill Stream – Look At Everything!](https://www.busnav.com/13-the-water-wheel-at-the-old-mill-stream-look-at-everything/) - [#69 It’s My Company Too!](https://www.busnav.com/69-its-my-company-too/) - [#68 No Consequences!](https://www.busnav.com/68-no-consequences/) - [#67 Involve Everyone If You Want To Make Things Better!](https://www.busnav.com/67-involve-everyone-if-you-want-to-make-things-better/) - [#66 Carrot Or Stick Just Don’t Work Anymore!](https://www.busnav.com/66-carrot-or-stick-just-dont-work-anymore/) - [#65 A Paradigm Shift!](https://www.busnav.com/65-a-paradigm-shift/) - [#64 Quit or Don't Quit](https://www.busnav.com/64-quit-or-dont-quit/) - [Marketing - One Snowman!](https://www.busnav.com/marketing-one-snowman/) - [Don't Inspect - Don't Expect!](https://www.busnav.com/dont-inspect-dont-expect/) - [Doing Things On Purpose!](https://www.busnav.com/doing-things-on-purpose/) - [Discover, Then Share Your Strengths!](https://www.busnav.com/discover-then-share-your-strengths/) - [You Can Predict The Future!](https://www.busnav.com/you-can-predict-the-future/) - [I’d Like To Do It Myself!](https://www.busnav.com/id-like-to-do-it-myself/) - [We Have To Assassinate Rod!](https://www.busnav.com/we-have-to-assassinate-rod/) - [Adam Should Focus On His Strengths not weakness!](https://www.busnav.com/adam-should-focus-on-his-strengths-not-weakness/) - [If You Think There Are More, Contact Me!](https://www.busnav.com/if-you-think-there-are-more-contact-me/) - [Little Things Mean A Lot!](https://www.busnav.com/little-things-mean-a-lot/) - [You May Lose The Opportunity!](https://www.busnav.com/you-may-lose-the-opportunity/) - [One Level Too Far!](https://www.busnav.com/one-level-too-far/) - [Working With Losers!](https://www.busnav.com/working-with-losers/) - [Attitude Wins Every Time!](https://www.busnav.com/attitude-wins-every-time/) - [A Great Way To Create Great Behavior In A Company!](https://www.busnav.com/a-great-way-to-create-great-behavior-in-a-company/) - [The Absence Of Pain Is Not Pleasure!](https://www.busnav.com/the-absence-of-pain-is-not-pleasure/) - [They Feel Free To Tell The Truth!](https://www.busnav.com/they-feel-free-to-tell-the-truth/) - [The Bookkeeper In The Middle Of Tremendous Chaos!](https://www.busnav.com/the-bookkeeper-in-the-middle-of-tremendous-chaos/) - [If You Don’t Value Me, What Value are you… to me?](https://www.busnav.com/if-you-dont-value-me-what-value-are-you-to-me/) - [Here Is One Way To Save $30,000](https://www.busnav.com/here-is-one-way-to-save-30000/) - [Sit Down And Talk With Them!](https://www.busnav.com/sit-down-and-talk-with-them/) - [Business Is Not, Nor Should Ever Be, - A Democracy!](https://www.busnav.com/business-is-not-nor-should-ever-be-a-democracy/) - [It’s So Simple!](https://www.busnav.com/its-so-simple/) - [Harvard Business Schools Rules For Managers Are Not Valid!](https://www.busnav.com/harvard-business-schools-rules-for-managers-are-not-valid/) - [Mushroom Management!](https://www.busnav.com/mushroom-management/) - [Fish! 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And Then You Can Decide Where To Go!](https://www.busnav.com/get-the-right-people-on-the-bus-first-and-then-you-can-decide-where-to-go/) - [The Most Powerful Motivational Tool I Have Ever Used!](https://www.busnav.com/the-most-powerful-motivational-tool-i-have-ever-used/) - [The Plate Spinner – That’s Me!](https://www.busnav.com/the-plate-spinner-thats-me/) - [Financial Transparency Really Works!](https://www.busnav.com/financial-transparency-really-works/) - [If You Know Where You Are You Can Figure Out A Way To Get Better!](https://www.busnav.com/if-you-know-where-you-are-you-can-figure-out-a-way-to-get-better/) - [Counting Is A Waste Of Time! – Unless…](https://www.busnav.com/counting-is-a-waste-of-time-unless/) - [SWOT A Fly! No! It’s Better To SWOT A Business](https://www.busnav.com/swot-a-fly-no-its-better-to-swot-a-business/) - [If You Don’t Use it. You Will Lose it!](https://www.busnav.com/if-you-dont-use-it-you-will-lose-it/) - [“Stuff” Flows Downhill – Reverse-Flow Meetings Help](https://www.busnav.com/stuff-flows-downhill-reverse-flow-meetings-help/) - [Planning For Low Profit Makes You Look Like A Loser!](https://www.busnav.com/planning-for-low-profit-makes-you-look-like-a-loser/) - [SPOSA We Talk!](https://www.busnav.com/sposa-we-talk/) - [Give Yourself A 30% Bonus – Control Your Inventory!](https://www.busnav.com/give-yourself-a-30-bonus-control-your-inventory/) - [What Could We Have Done Differently To Get The Results We Want? Group Job Cost Meeting](https://www.busnav.com/what-could-we-do-differently-to-get-the-results-we-want-group-job-cost-meeting/) - [What Do You Do If An Employee Doesn’t Meet Your Expectations? Fire Them? Or … Look In The Mirror!](https://www.busnav.com/what-do-you-do-if-an-employee-doesnt-meet-your-expectations-fire-them-or-look-in-the-mirror/) - [The Sharing Gene - The Biological Heart of Entrepreneurial success](https://www.busnav.com/the-sharing-gene-the-biological-heart-of-entrepreneurial-success/) - [The Seven Critical Areas Of Your Business](https://www.busnav.com/the-seven-critical-areas-of-your-business/) - [Two Useful Lies That Tell The Truth](https://www.busnav.com/two-useful-lies-that-expose-the-truth/) - [Just Because You Don't Like To Read Doesn't Mean You're Not Smart!](https://www.busnav.com/just-because-you-dont-like-to-read-doesnt-mean-youre-not-smart/) - [This is Business Navigators- My Favorite Metaphor](https://www.busnav.com/this-is-business-navigators-my-favorite-metaphor/) - [Ready! Fire! Air - Plan To Plan](https://www.busnav.com/ready-fire-air-plan-to-plan/) - [The Water Wheel By The Old Mill Stream - Look At Everything!](https://www.busnav.com/the-water-wheel-by-the-old-mill-stream-look-at-everything/) - [Sugar and Salt - A Meeting Feedback Technique](https://www.busnav.com/sugar-and-salt-a-meeting-feedback-technique/) - [Last chance, Don's webinar is today](https://www.busnav.com/last-chance-dons-webinar-is-today/) - [Wouldn't it be great if you could discover the best strategy](https://www.busnav.com/wouldnt-it-be-great-if-you-could-discover-the-best-strategy/) - [2 more days to our webinar registration link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7564229171446975235](https://www.busnav.com/2-more-days-to-our-webinar-registration-link-https-attendee-gotowebinar-com-register-7564229171446975235/) - [Get to change! 4 steps](https://www.busnav.com/get-to-change-4-steps/) - [What Andrew Carnegi discovered!](https://www.busnav.com/what-andrew-carnegi-discovered/) - [The people doing the work are best suited to figure out how to make things better](https://www.busnav.com/the-people-doing-the-work-are-best-suited-to-figure-out-how-to-make-things-better/) - [My first webinar- "What I have learned from my clients, in the past 30 years](https://www.busnav.com/my-first-webinar-what-i-have-learned-from-my-clients-in-the-past-30-years/) - [Meeting shouldn't last any longer than they take](https://www.busnav.com/meeting-shouldnt-last-any-longer-than-they-take/) - [I need more time](https://www.busnav.com/i-need-more-time/) - [What I plan to do](https://www.busnav.com/what-i-plan-to-do/) - [Counting # 5 - Counting Production](https://www.busnav.com/counting-5-counting-production-2/) - In the past 28 years Business Navigators has worked in over 37 different industries and while the first four divisions of business do have very strong similarities at the first blush the fifth division, Production, would seem to be radically different The product that a governmental agency “Children’s Services” provides would seem to be quite - [Leaders Open Doors](https://www.busnav.com/leaders-open-doors/) - "I've probably read over two hundred management and leadership books in the past thirty years. Too many were overblown and overly complex. Or as Bill Treasurer, (who is - a real Treasure) says, "The complexification of leadership."' By the way, don't look for the correct spelling. I think Bill coined the word. So when Bill - [Counting # 4 - Tracking Sales](https://www.busnav.com/counting-4-tracking-sales-2/) - It has been said, “Nothing happens in America until first something is sold.” There is a lot of truth in that statement. But, often I see that many sales are unconscious and not on purpose. We all know those, on both sides of the sales equation, who are confused about value and cost. Many - [Raving Fans](https://www.busnav.com/raving-fans/) - Three years after Business Navigators was born Ken Blanchard wrote a book and ever since that time I have used the concept when I talk to clients, workshop participants and people on elevators. I ask, “If you believe in the goal of having Satisfied Customers please raise your hand”. Usually everyone in the room raises - [Counting #3 Measuring Marketing](https://www.busnav.com/counting-3-measuring-marketing-2/) - When I speak about marketing I have a pretty simple definition. Marketing is anything that a company does, intentionally, to create leads to give to the sales department, whose job is to convert those leads into work for the company. Included in marketing are both free public relations and paid advertising. There are many things - [The Heart of Counting and Sharing-Open Book Management](https://www.busnav.com/the-heart-of-counting-and-sharing-open-book-management/) - The world is full of mushroom managers. They believe you should treat company employees like mushrooms. Keep them in the dark and feed them shit! But, Jack Stack doesn't believe that works very well. He believes in "Open Book Management". In fact, he started the concept in February 1982 when he and twelve other - [Counting #2 Counting Money](https://www.busnav.com/counting-2-counting-money-2/) - We started this series with a general introduction regarding the importance of counting in your business and focused on the first area… office support This time let’s focus on the Counting of Money. A most valuable tool is the Profit and Loss statement. Based on a useful myth the P & L pretends that two - [Focus on your strengths and life is better!!](https://www.busnav.com/focus-on-your-strengths-and-life-is-better/) - It naturally follows that because last time I focused on Marcus Buckingham's book "First, Break all the Rules" I should this month focus on Buckingham's "Now, Discover Your Strengths". And I will. Of all the tools I use to help those in organizations, for and not for profit, this book and the test are - [Counting Intro and Division #1 - The Navigator Metaphor](https://www.busnav.com/counting-intro-and-division-1-the-navigator-metaphor/) - Looking at a business as a ship is one of my favorite metaphors and one of my thoughts has been centered on the collection of information” Current position? Does the ship leak? Quantity of fuel? How far could we travel? What are possible destinations? It is my belief that gathering information and then counting is - [First Break All The Rules](https://www.busnav.com/first-break-all-the-rules/) - It was about eleven years after I started Business Navigators that I read chapter five and suddenly it all made sense. It's the third key. And that focus has more power than almost anything else. One day Marcus Buckingham said to his boss, "I wonder if the Harvard Business School's rules for Managers - [The Profit and Loss Statement – An Simple Explanation](https://www.busnav.com/the-profit-and-loss-statement-an-simple-explanation/) - I am including the only accounting joke I have created “What is the difference between Russian profit and American profit? A Profit and Loss Statement is one of three important financial measurement tools. It captures five areas of financial measurement. There are two methods of recognizing income and expense. Cash Based Accounting will only recognize income - [To unlock Talent you need "The Code"](https://www.busnav.com/to-unlock-talent-you-need-the-code/) - Dick and Sandy Pirwitz are two of our dearest friends. Some think that Dick and I look like ' brothers from a different mother'. In fact, a few years ago a beautiful little four year old looked up at Dick and said, 'Bubba Don, pick me up' and her mother said, "Stella, that isn't your - [It Took Four Failures And Finally The Fifth Success and it Changed my Life](https://www.busnav.com/it-took-four-failures-and-finally-the-fifth-success-and-it-changed-my-life/) - How Richard Boone influenced Business Navigators philosophy. It was the summer of 69 and we were coming home after three years teaching in the Republic of China (Taiwan). We were leaving Tel Aviv to go to Greece. There in the line ahead of us was the actor, Richard Boone of ‘Have Gun Will Travel’ fame. - [Leaders Open Doors is worth the read - A review](https://www.busnav.com/leaders-open-doors-is-worth-the-read-a-review/) - "I've probably read over two hundred management and leadership books in the past thirty years. Too many were overblown and overly complex. Or as Bill Treasurer, (who is - a real Treasure) says, "The complexification of leadership."' By the way, don't look for the correct spelling. I think Bill coined the word. So when - [I've been doing book reviews](https://www.busnav.com/ive-been-doing-book-reviews/) - I've been doing book reviews for the Connextnation group for over two years. I'm going to start posting these as a continuation of my "Random Thoughts" I’m lucky because many of my clients know I like to read ‘stuff’ and so many of them act as my librarians. Domnick Guarino, founder of the Cleveland based, - [What are the Consequences for Non-Compliance? – Part two How to Counter Non - Compliance](https://www.busnav.com/what-are-the-consequences-for-non-compliance-–-part-two-how-to-counter-non-compliance/) - I ended part one with this statement: "I like the five-step to behavior modification. This method is aimed at helping the employee to stay with the company and is not attempt only to get rid of ‘the bad ones’.” However, the old expression is valid. First try to ‘change the employee and if you can’t - [What are the Consequences for Non-Compliance? – Part one of two ](https://www.busnav.com/what-are-the-consequences-for-non-compliance-–-part-one-of-two/) - Out of all the management approaches which contribute to company morale it seems to me that dealing with behaviors which run counter to what we want done is the most significant. When any member of an organization doesn’t do what they are expected to do or conversely performs an action that is against the company - [Reverse Flow meetings – the Benefits](https://www.busnav.com/reverse-flow-meetings-–-the-benefits/) - Enhances communication by providing employees with a safe environment where they can be heard, openly and honestly. Having and supporting such an environment is essential for management to identify organizational problems and build trust with their employees Involves employees in creating improvements. Employees have the right to ask for change and to participate in creating - [Reverse Flow meeting philosophy](https://www.busnav.com/reverse-flow-meeting-philosophy/) - Reverse Flow meeting philosophy In companies promoting a top-down approach, employees that can or even do identify problems typically do not offer solutions. This may happen for a number of reasons, the employees might not have the skills, or there may be an “Us vs. Them” mentality. When employees are not involved in identifying problems - [You should hold successful “Reverse – Flow” meetings](https://www.busnav.com/you-should-hold-successful-“reverse-–-flow”-meetings/) - In companies that decide to communicate using the top-down approach, employees that can or even do identify problems typically do not offer solutions. This may happen for two reasons: The employees might not have the skills or there may be an ‘us vs. them’ mentality. When employees are not involved in identifying problems or offering - [“Shared” marketing experiment results](https://www.busnav.com/“shared”-marketing-experiment-results/) - I wondered what would be the result if, an organized group of my Face book Friends and my Linked In Contacts “shared” with their Friends and Contacts one of my blogs. So I invited 45 friends and contacts to participate and on April 30, 2013, 29 people participated. The potential ‘Reach’ was 12,844 shares. My - [Business Navigators is a powerful force for positive change!](https://www.busnav.com/business-navigators-is-a-powerful-force-for-positive-change/) - 23 years has resulted in: 200 clients who are raving fans 36 different industries served Over $7,000,000 in combined annual savings 4,500+ action plans implemented successfully To learn more please wander our web site after you click on this video link http://youtu.be/bEgGiIlR0DE Thank you for your time - [Don’s “Share” Marketing Experiment](https://www.busnav.com/don’s-“share”-marketing-experiment/) - Don’s “Share” Marketing Experiment Next Tuesday, April 30th at 5:30 A M I’m going to kick off an internet marketing experiment and I would like you to participate. I’m focusing on getting clients for Business Navigators So I’m asking my Linked In referral partners and my facebook friends to “Share” that 5:30 post. It would - [BNI members this is not the marketing test](https://www.busnav.com/bni-members-this-is-not-the-marketing-test-2/) - If you check out this post and the video and then share it with your friends and contacts I can track how it does http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tu-Uyum20Yo - [A.R.M.S. the plan. The Four Responses.](https://www.busnav.com/a-r-m-s-the-plan-the-four-responses/) - A.R.M.S. the plan. The Four Responses. We ended last time with this statement. “The purpose of using the four elements of an improvement suggestion is to give the decision- maker the information he or she needs.” The following are the four types of response a decision-maker might make after reviewing the response form. The decision - [The four critical elements.](https://www.busnav.com/the-four-critical-elements/) - The four critical elements. We ended last time with this statement. There are four elements to offering suggestions for improvement. When these elements are included in each submission, it allows the decision-maker to do his or her job make a decision! Why is this issue a barrier which stops us from doing as good as - [How to prioritize your group’s ideas and move toward action.](https://www.busnav.com/how-to-prioritize-your-group’s-ideas-and-move-toward-action/) - How to prioritize your group’s ideas and move toward action. The process Business Navigators uses for issue prioritization is “Prioritization by Horse Race” We work with storyboards. Participants print their issues on 3”X5” cards. All of the issues are pinned to the bottom of a 4’X4’ storyboard. Every issue is open to discussion. The person - [The Last Three of six principles for succesful Reverse-Flow meetings](https://www.busnav.com/the-last-three-of-six-principles-for-succesful-reverse-flow-meetings/) - The last Three of Six principles for successful Reverse-Flow meetings 4. The meeting should have a format and a facilitator A simple format gently followed can have a positive effect on the productivity of any meeting. The key is to select a person with everyone’s agreement, to facilitate the meeting. The facilitator is the leader - [The first three of six principle for successful 'Reverse-Flow' meetings](https://www.busnav.com/the-first-three-of-six-principle-for-successful-reverse-flow-meetings/) - The first three of six principles for successful ‘Reverse-Flow’ meetings Putting together an effective employee input program is not as simple as it may appear. Here are a few principles that successful companies have followed. 1. Hold regularly scheduled meeting for the express purpose of company improvement After about four weeks, people begin to lose - [Ask Your Employees - The 'Reverse-Flow' Meeting](https://www.busnav.com/ask-your-employees-the-reverse-flow-meeting/) - Ask your employees – The Reverse-Flow meeting. A few weeks ago I had an interesting conversation with a gentleman at a large (Un-named) University in Toledo. He said he was really interested in creating “Self Directed Work Teams” in some of the areas with which he worked. Since, I really wasn’t familiar with the term - [A "Strength's" Based Retreat](https://www.busnav.com/a-strengths-based-retreat-3/) - A “Strength’s” Based Retreat. Some years ago in the mountains above Scottsdale, Arizona Air Conditioning By Jay held a three day retreat designed and implemented by Business Navigators. All 40+ members of the ACBYJ team were invited by President Bryce Johnson to attend. All they had to do was to prove they had read Marcus - [Sharing #3 Part Two- Between Management and Employees](https://www.busnav.com/sharing-3-part-two-between-management-and-employees/) - Sharing # 3 Part two Between Management and Employees. The third area of resistance to sharing for employers is… 3. “They don’t have the ability to understand the complexities of the numbers.” That argument is demonstratively not true! My experience has shown me That given thirty minutes a month for “Numbers training” it takes about - [Sharing # 3 Part One Sharing between Management and Employees](https://www.busnav.com/sharing-3-part-one-sharing-between-management-and-employees/) - Sharing # 3 Part one Sharing between management and employees. The more people know what their part is in the “complete picture” and the more they are clear about what is expected of them the more productive they will become. We used to believe in “Mushroom Management” by keeping employees in the dark and feeding - [Sharing # 2 Part Two - Sharing among employees, The Coaching Culture](https://www.busnav.com/sharing-2-part-two-sharing-among-employees-the-coaching-culture/) - Sharing # 2 part two Sharing among employees, the Coaching Culture. The Second video I love follows the “Fish” video by a few years. While “Fish” focused on four cultural behaviors this second video explores how this culture stays alive. The name of this video “Fish Sticks” There are three techniques used to keep their - [Sharing # 2 Part One - Sharing among employee's, it's a cultural thing](https://www.busnav.com/sharing-2-part-one-sharing-among-employees-its-a-cultural-thing/) - Sharing # 2 part one Sharing among employees, it’s a cultural thing. The sharing culture includes creating the opportunity for employees to share with each other. At first blush, our reaction might be: “That’s going on already and it’s one of our major problems, our employees talk too much to each other!” My response is - [Sharing # 1 - Within your management team, it's a good idea.](https://www.busnav.com/sharing-1-within-your-management-team-its-a-good-idea/) - Successful companies create a culture that fosters creativity and cooperation. It’s not unusual within a company to have some spirit of competition between departments and many owners believe that this is an excellent method to increase productivity and profits. My observation is that while this approach can have some positive effects there are some dangers - [Counting # 7 - Management - the Final Accountability](https://www.busnav.com/counting-7-management-the-final-accountability/) - Over the last six blogs we have looked at counting. We focused on – The Productivity of Support Staff, Counting Money, Measuring Marketing, Tracking Sales, Counting Production, and The Physical Plant Also Counts. The final count goes to Management which is “The Final Accountability Good Management is about bringing all seven areas together. In a - [Counting # 6 - Physical Plant also counts ](https://www.busnav.com/counting-6-physical-plant-also-counts/) - Let’s consider two perspectives when analyzing the physical plant that contains your business. Those two perspectives are location and contents. LOCATION The old real estate maxim has a lot of weight when considering your business. The three most important elements to consider are Location, Location and Location. Is the location of your building(s) best suited - [Counting #5 - Counting Production](https://www.busnav.com/counting-5-counting-production/) - In the past 21 years Business Navigators has worked in over 37 different industries and while the first four divisions of business do have very strong similarities at the first blush the fifth division, Production, would seem to be radically different The product that a governmental agency “Children’s Services” provides would seem to be quite - [Counting #4 - Tracking Sales](https://www.busnav.com/counting-4-tracking-sales/) - It has been said, “Nothing happens in America until first something is sold.” There is a lot of truth in that statement. But, often I see that many sales are unconscious and not on purpose. We all know those, on both sides of the sales equation, who are confused about value and cost. Many salespeople - [Counting #3 Measuring Marketing](https://www.busnav.com/counting-3-measuring-marketing/) - When I speak about marketing I have a pretty simple definition. Marketing is anything that a company does, intentionally, to create leads to give to the sales department, whose job is to convert those leads into work for the company. Included in marketing are both free public relations and paid advertising. There are many things - [Counting #2 Counting Money](https://www.busnav.com/counting-2-counting-money/) - We started this series with a general introduction regarding the importance of counting in your business and focused on the first area… office support This time let’s focus on the Counting of Money. A most valuable tool is the Profit and Loss statement. Based on a useful myth the P & L pretends that two - [Counting #1 Intro and Office](https://www.busnav.com/counting/) - Looking at a business as a ship is one of my favorite metaphors and one of my thoughts has been centered on the collection of information” Current position? Does the ship leak? Quantity of fuel? How far could we travel? What are possible destinations? It is my belief that gathering information and then counting is - [The Profit and Loss Statement - An Explanation](https://www.busnav.com/the-profit-and-loss-statement-an-explaination/) - This is my take on things, there are those that may disagree. I am also including the only accounting joke I have created “What is the difference between Russian profit and American profit? A Profit and Loss Statement is one of three important financial measurement tools. It captures five areas of financial measurement. There are - [Three Steps To and Six Traits of Success - Part 4](https://www.busnav.com/three-steps-to-and-six-traits-of-success-part-4/) - Planning to Plan - The 'Reverse-Flow' meetings. While our IBS ( Issues, Barriers, Strategies) process identifies and prioritizes, the truth is, deciding to do something without accountability and consistent monitoring is useless. Three frogs sitting on a lily pad. One decides to jump off. How many are left on the lily pad. Lots of different - [Reports From The Front Lines # 9](https://www.busnav.com/reports-from-the-front-lines-9/) - BUSINESS NAVIGATORS CLIENTS SHATTER!! Recently a prospect asked me to provide more definitive information on our employee focused ‘Reverse-Flow’ process. The eighty/twenty rule as been a standard accepted measure of anticipated success. Out of one hundred issues that a company identifies as possible focus for positive change twenty will give you measurable results. But, when - [Reports From The Front Lines # 8](https://www.busnav.com/reports-from-the-front-lines-8/) - = Michelangelo was asked, “How can you carve that statue out of that block of marble?”. Michelangelo replied, “The statue was already in the stone. I merely chipped away the unnecessary parts.” I just graduated from Connext Nation’s program “Referral Pursuit” facilitated by Debby Peters. At the graduation ceremony I quoted the Michelangelo story and - [Reports From The Front Lines # 7](https://www.busnav.com/reports-from-the-front-lines-7/) - How Richard Boone influenced Business Navigators philosophy. Coming after from three years teaching in the Republic of China (Taiwan) we were leaving Tel Aviv to go to Greece. There in the line ahead of us was the actor, Richard Boone of ‘Have Gun Will Travel’ fame. I said to my dad, ‘That looks like Richard - [Reports From The Front Lines # 6](https://www.busnav.com/reports-from-the-front-lines-6/) - Reports from the front lines # 6 This past week Friday I met with the team at National Comfort Institute for our monthly Reverse-Flow meeting. http://www.nationalcomfortinstitute.com/images/Top_banner_bar.jpg NCI is, in my opinion, the premier training and certification organization for the HVAC and Plumbing industry. It was founded in 1994 by Dominick Guarino and Rob Falke, two - [Reports From The Front Lines # 5](https://www.busnav.com/reports-from-the-front-lines-5/) - Reports From The Front Lines #5 3/27/2011 In early January my good friend and past Business Navigator client, Tom Rechtin, gave me an assignment to deal with a dilemma he and his employees faced. In these economic times many will not be able to retire at 65 and according to a Wells Fargo study the - [Reports From The Front Lines #4](https://www.busnav.com/reports-from-the-front-lines-4-2/) - Reports From The Front Lines #4 3/21/2011 This week I’m headed to Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Toledo and Cleveland. I’m really excited about my Friday in Cleveland and my client, National Comfort Institute, They just finished their annual “Summit Conference” in Scottsdale, Arizona with several hundred in attendance and on this visit I’ll get many stories about - [Reports From The Front Lines #3](https://www.busnav.com/reports-from-the-front-lines-3/) - 3/14/2011 Clients of Business Navigators are classified in a number of ways. • Active- We are still meeting on a continuing basis either monthly or quarterly. • Graduated – We are no longer meeting but the inactivity is caused by the realization they no longer need my visits to continue the processes we created together. - [Three Steps and 6 Traits of Success - Part 3](https://www.busnav.com/three-steps-and-6-traits-of-success-part-3/) - [Reports From The Front Lines #2](https://www.busnav.com/reports-from-the-front-lines-2/) - Reports From The Front Lines #2 3/6/2011 The “Open Book Management Meeting” in Detroit was quite eventful. The first meeting, last month, introduced the actual Profit & Loss figures for 2010. While the general reaction in most groups was great, there was one group, service plumbers, who were quite negative in their view of the - [Reports From The Front Lines #1](https://www.busnav.com/reports-from-the-front-lines-1/) - Reports From the Front Lines #1 2/18/11 I'm off to Cincinnati. An old friend and Business Navigator graduated client is receiving a National award next month and has asked me to participate in video which will be shown at the presentation. .He's one of three to be recognized. Pretty cool! I think he expects me - [Three Steps To and Six Traits Of Business Success-Part Three](https://www.busnav.com/three-steps-to-and-six-traits-of-business-success/) - Imagine the water wheel by the old mill stream. As the water from the diverted stream hits the paddles the wheel turns. The turning wheel creates the power to grind grain or saw lumber. I think it’s a good metaphor for the way things work in our businesses. Sometimes the wheel stops and we can - [Three Steps to and Six Traits of Business Success Part Two - video](https://www.busnav.com/three-steps-to-and-six-traits-of-business-success-part-two-video-2/) - [Three Steps To and Six Traits of Business Success Part Two - Written](https://www.busnav.com/three-steps-to-and-six-traits-of-business-success-part-two-written/) - After you have tackled the three steps leading to the six traits of success you are ready to implement. The first trait of success Richard one of the owners of Cottingham paper co. in Columbus, Ohio acted on was to.. ASK FOR HELP . Unlike many he decided to not go in a room alone - [Three steps to and six traits of Business Success Part one -written](https://www.busnav.com/three-steps-to-and-six-traits-of-business-success-part-one-written/) - Three Steps to and six traits of business success Part one I’ve observed that many of the successful entrepreneurs I have worked with have similar behaviors. First, there seem to be three steps, three realizations which lead to the practice of the six “Traits of Success”. For many the problem of ‘staying where they are’ - [Three steps to and six traits of business success part 1 video](https://www.busnav.com/three-steps-to-and-six-traits-of-business-success-part-1-video/) - [Business Navigators retreat part 1](https://www.busnav.com/business-navigators-retreat-part-1/) - [The IBS System](https://www.busnav.com/the-ibs-system/) - [Thoughts From Don Kardux](https://www.busnav.com/thoughts-from-don-kardux/) ## Pages - [Home](https://www.busnav.com/) - Business Navigators of Toledo, Ohio helps businesses tap into their most valuable resources; their employees. - [Contact Us](https://www.busnav.com/contact-us/) - We can’t be of help unless we know who you are and how we can help - [No 800#](https://www.busnav.com/book/) - Business Navigators, Toledo, Ohio, the Book , what works and doesn’t, client input - [Our Processes](https://www.busnav.com/our-processes/) - We offer help in meeting facilitation, time management, strategic planning, open book management, prioritization techniques and employee involvement programs - [I’ve read a lot of books.](https://www.busnav.com/ive-read-a-lot-of-books/) - Some with interesting methods for improvement in business or self. When I find a book that you should read, I’ll share. Here is one. The One Thing You Need To Know …About Great Managing, Great Leading, and Sustained Individual Success Marcus Buckingham It all started with ‘First Break All The Rules’ in my opinion the - [](https://www.busnav.com/915-2/) - A SPOSA is an acronym for a Seven Point On-site Analysis. It’s one of the few processes I use that I don’t charge for my time. I’d be glad to visit you or someone you recommend and spend time on a SPOSA. I look at: The Office Accounting Marketing Sales Production Physical Plant Management The - [Bios](https://www.busnav.com/bios/) - I am a consultant who is serious about his clients but not about himself._ - [How do we do it?](https://www.busnav.com/how-do-we-do-it/) - We help you to hold yourself and others accountable.We use monthly meetings, 3 day strategic retreats, one to one meetings and seminars - [What are the results?](https://www.busnav.com/what-are-the-results/) - We help increase profit and delegation, improved inventory control, enhanced accountability, management teams that really work together and positive cultural change - [Who we have helped.](https://www.busnav.com/who-we-have-helped/) - We have helped: HVAC, Plumbers and Electrical contractors, manufactures, health care facilities, retail stores, accountants, government agencies - [What do we do?](https://www.busnav.com/what-do-we-do/) - We teach people to fish for increased profit, employee involvement, accountability systems that work, shared decision making with clearly defined goals. - [Testimonials](https://www.busnav.com/testimonials/) - Lot’s of different industries and clients but, one thing in common. They all have specific reasons they like the results of working with Business Navigators ## Categories - [Uncategorized](https://www.busnav.com/category/uncategorized/)