Construction Genius

Is an executive or leader in your company struggling? Reach out to Eric to discuss how his transformative executive coaching approach can help. Schedule a 10 minute call with Eric today to learn more: 10minuteswitheric.youcanbook.me

There are distinct opportunities and problems when working with a multicultural workforce, particularly on large projects. When teams come together from different backgrounds with different perspectives, talents, and experiences, harnessing this diversity can boost creativity and problem-solving abilities. However, successful collaboration necessitates a deliberate commitment to communication and trust-building. Setting common goals and encouraging open conversation is critical for managing the complications that result from different cultural norms and expectations.

Our guest today is Bisrat Degefa, CEO & Co-Founder of TruBuild, an AI-powered construction software designed to simplify construction projects. He is a construction expert with vast worldwide expertise. His career began in the UK on rail projects before transferring to Qatar for the Doha Metro Gold Line project. He later managed digital engineering in Kenya and worked on major projects in India, North America, and South America. His team at TrustBuild is pioneering breakthrough AI solutions to reinvent project planning and execution, moving the industry forward. He joined us today to talk about the art of managing large-scale projects in multicultural teams.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

[02:18] Bisrat's journey through the construction industry. [05:15] The willingness to adapt new technologies: the difference between the Middle East and the USA. [08:22] Bisrat's professional journey through Kenya, India, North America, Canada, and the Middle East. [12:29] A journey influenced by specific goals and opportunities. [16:28] Navigation through a shared mindset between different races, ethnicities, and cultures. [17:10] Consistent issues on large-scale projects. [20:26] Federation from a design and project management perspective. [25:04] Why the UK is best at handling conflict. [27:08] Building trust in different cultures. [30:40] Handling the failures of entrepreneurship. [37:00] Addressing pain points of owners.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. It's important to foster a shared mindset in diverse teams.

2. Prioritize effective communication within large teams to minimize rework.

3. Ensure the communication of the potential impacts on quality and processes clearly to stakeholders.

4. Focus on establishing clear communication and aligning on common goals.

5. If a mistake is identified, act quickly to rectify it and communicate transparently with stakeholders about the issue.

RESOURCES

Connect with Bisrat

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/bisrat-s-degefa/

Website - trubuild.io/

Is an executive or leader in your company struggling? Reach out to Eric to discuss how his transformative executive coaching approach can help. Schedule a 10 minute call with Eric today to learn more: 10minuteswitheric.youcanbook.me

In a fast-paced world, a healthy work-life balance is essential for sustaining mental health and productivity. As people handle the responsibilities of their professional lives, they frequently face problems that can contribute to stress and burnout. It is crucial to surround oneself with supportive networks, embrace adaptability, and practice effective communication. Individuals who prioritize mental health and meaningful connections can live a more rewarding and balanced life, increasing their productivity in both personal and professional realms.

Bryce Wuori is an MPM, Asphalt Scientist, and the CEO at Pavewise, a web-based software to maximize productivity and improve project quality. He specializes in asphalt paving and believes that technology will be the key to future success in the infrastructure industry. Bryce has been acknowledged nationwide as an asphalt expert who is currently achieving significant success by incorporating project variables into asphalt pave quality methods to boost project income. He joined us today to talk about the entrepreneurial highs and lows in the construction industry.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

[02:27] Bryce's Construction Roots

[06:58] The two factors people need to be a good business person.

[10:08] Mental Health in Construction

[14:10] How communicating and sharing emotions help to reduce stress.

[19:22] Bryce's first construction company.

[24:20] Understanding Pavewise and the technology behind it.

[26:34] Recognizing business opportunities

[30:30] The process of selling a business.

[33:02] Shifting into a venture-backed software company.

[35:40] Adjusting to a new role in software.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Surround Yourself with Learners

2. Master Communication

3. Accept What You Can't Control

4. Talk About Your Feelings

5. Choose the Right Partners

6. Embrace Guidance and Collaboration

RESOURCES

Connect with Bryce

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/bryce-w-89818b237/

Website - pavewisepro.com/

Is an executive or leader in your company struggling? Reach out to Eric to discuss how his transformative executive coaching approach can help. Schedule a 10 minute call with Eric today to learn more: 10minuteswitheric.youcanbook.me

In this week's episode of the "Construction Genius" podcast, we discuss productivity tips relevant to the construction industry based on Elon Musk's 2018 email to Tesla employees.

Eric starts the discussion with what Elon Musk considers the blight of larger organizations: excessive meetings. He explains why it's important only to hold large meetings if they provide value to all present. He then shows why it is acceptable to leave a meeting if you are not contributing. Prioritizing your time effectively is important in the workplace. Next, he talks about two major factors regarding communication in the workplace: avoiding acronyms and jargon and direct communication. Avoiding acronyms is important because not everybody has the knowledge of them that differs to specific fields, and it's important to build a culture where team members can communicate directly across levels, bypassing unnecessary chains of command. The next important tip is to prioritize common sense in decision-making. Be willing to adapt or change outdated company rules when they no longer serve a purpose and encourage a culture where employees feel empowered to challenge and improve practices for better outcomes.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

[01:57] Excessive Meetings - The blight of big organizations.

[02:58] Leaving a meeting if not adding value.

[03:29] Reduce using acronyms.

[04:20] Direct communication.

[06:04] Interdepartmental communication.

[07:02] Common sense as the guide.

[07:34] Build a culture open to change and make a better place for employees.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Only hold large meetings if they provide value to everyone involved.

2. If you're not adding value to a meeting, it's acceptable to leave.

3. Avoid acronyms and jargon to ensure everyone understands.

4. Promote a culture where team members can communicate directly across levels.

5. Ensure that communication flows freely between departments.

6. Be open to changing company rules that no longer make sense.

Are people problems eroding your company's profits? Discover proven strategies to lead, strategize, and sell effectively, ensuring your projects stay profitable. Elevate your construction business by purchasing Construction Genius: Effective, Hands-On, Practical, Simple, No-BS Leadership, Strategy, Sales, and Marketing Advice for Construction Companies today and turn your people problems into profit!: https://www.amazon.com/Construction-Genius-Effective-Hands-Leadership/dp/B0BHTRDY1T/

Is an executive or leader in your company struggling? Reach out to Eric to discuss how his transformative executive coaching approach can help. Schedule a 10 minute call with Eric today to learn more: 10minuteswitheric.youcanbook.me

RESOURCES

Kickass Business Meetings Ebook: www.constructiongenius.com/kam

Is an executive or leader in your company struggling? Reach out to Eric to discuss how his transformative executive coaching approach can help. Schedule a 10 minute call with Eric today to learn more: 10minuteswitheric.youcanbook.me

An 831(b) plan, commonly known as captive or microcaptive insurance, is intended to help business owners reduce unfunded liabilities. SRA utilizes the 831(b) Tax Code to create tax-deferred risk mitigation and give business owners greater peace of mind.

Van Carlson is the founder and CEO of SRA 831(b), with 25 years of experience in the risk management industry. His goal is to continue SRA's upward growth while also developing novel products for the market. He joined us today to discuss how to fund uninsured risks without hurting cash flow.

We start the conversation with Van explaining the 831(b) risk management strategy along with the benefits businesses can gain from it. Then we talk about the significance of motivation in financial advice. Risk management should be the primary focus rather than merely seeking tax advantages to avoid potential scrutiny from the IRS. Van then kindly explains the common mistakes people make when setting up an 831(b), especially in the construction industry: proper ownership structure and motivation. We then pay attention to the challenges of exiting an 831(b) plan, where Van explains how they make a simple exiting process.

Further down to the conversation, we discuss the following topics regarding 831(B) risk management strategy: solvency testing, the services 831(b) provides and are unavailable through traditional insurance options, alternatives for 831(b), and the type of businesses that might not be suitable for an 831(b).

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

[02:13] What is 831(b) risk management strategy?

[04:43] What 831(b) provides for construction companies

[08:52] The importance of the motivations behind financial advice

[10:35] The common mistakes

[14:33] Solvency testing

[18:41] Challenges of exiting an 831(b) plan

[20:31] What unique services do 831(b) offer that aren't available through conventional insurance options?

[26:23] The types of companies aren't suitable for the 831(b)

[27:17] Alternative risk management strategies

[28.48] The red flags

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Evaluate Motivations

2. Clarify Ownership Structures

3. Prioritize Risk Management

4. Participate in Solvency Testing

5. Choose the Right Insurance Agent

Are people problems eroding your company's profits? Discover proven strategies to lead, strategize, and sell effectively, ensuring your projects stay profitable. Elevate your construction business by purchasing Construction Genius: Effective, Hands-On, Practical, Simple, No-BS Leadership, Strategy, Sales, and Marketing Advice for Construction Companies today and turn your people problems into profit!: https://www.amazon.com/Construction-Genius-Effective-Hands-Leadership/dp/B0BHTRDY1T/

Is an executive or leader in your company struggling? Reach out to Eric to discuss how his transformative executive coaching approach can help. Schedule a 10 minute call with Eric today to learn more: 10minuteswitheric.youcanbook.me

RESOURCES

Connect with Van

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/vancarlson/ Website - 831b.com/

Is an executive or leader in your company struggling? Reach out to Eric to discuss how his transformative executive coaching approach can help. Schedule a 10 minute call with Eric today to learn more: 10minuteswitheric.youcanbook.me

Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) are a topic many construction companies consider when planning their business transitions. ESOPs are a proven strategy that allows owners to leverage the wealth they've built through hard work and dedication.

Kelly Finnell, J.D., CLU, AIF, is one of the nation's premier Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) consultants. For over four decades, he has been assisting business owners in creating and implementing ESOPs. He has spent decades discussing ESOPs with corporations and groups, giving presentations at over 300 conferences and meetings in the United States and internationally in London and Sydney. His company, Executive Financial Services, is a national ESOP consulting firm founded in 1981 and headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. Their diverse team of experienced professionals is focused on utilizing Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) for Ownership Succession Planning and possesses deep expertise in this specialized area. He joined us today to talk about the process of building a successful ESOP.

We start the conversation with Kelly explaining the biggest challenge in ESOPs: understanding what an ESOP is. Kelly further shares that business owners, especially in the construction industry, need to be patient and prepared for a steep learning curve. An ESOP serves both as a qualified retirement plan and as a liquidity strategy for current owners. Kelly then explains who would best fit ESOPS, saying that it is typically best suited for business owners seeking a gradual exit over five to eight years. For owners wanting to walk away and not look back, a third-party sale would be more appropriate. We then pay attention to the cultural transition that comes with an ESOP. Kelly shares that companies that prioritize maintaining their culture after a sale are ideal candidates for an employee stock ownership plan. Unlike third-party sales, which often lead to cultural shifts that can alienate both employees and customers, an ESOP facilitates an internal transition that helps preserve the existing culture.

Further into the conversation, we cover the following topics regarding building a successful foundation for ESOP: ESOP failures and how to avoid them, the initial steps of getting familiar with ESOP, how to address the challenges that come with active and inactive children in a family-owned business, how to navigate personal guarantees.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

[02.01] Understanding what an ESOP is.

[06.21] Risks to be aware of when building a foundation for ESOP.

[08.39] The standard time frame for exiting a company.

[10.50] The importance of effective communication when implementing an ESOP.

[15.15] How to keep employees engaged in the ESOP process during the early years?

[18.03] Cultural transition and ESOP.

[25.08] Avoiding ESOP failure.

[27.26] The first steps of getting familiar with ESOP.

[31.11] Retirement planning.

[33.48] Addressing challenges regarding active and inactive children in a family-owned business.

[38.17] Navigating personal guarantees.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Consider your desired level of involvement post-sale when choosing an exit strategy.

2. Effective communication and education are crucial when implementing an ESOP.

3. Celebrate and Educate

4. Prioritize Company Culture

5. Start with Education and Expert Guidance

Are people problems eroding your company's profits? Discover proven strategies to lead, strategize, and sell effectively, ensuring your projects stay profitable. Elevate your construction business by purchasing Construction Genius: Effective, Hands-On, Practical, Simple, No-BS Leadership, Strategy, Sales, and Marketing Advice for Construction Companies today and turn your people problems into profit!: https://www.amazon.com/Construction-Genius-Effective-Hands-Leadership/dp/B0BHTRDY1T/

Is an executive or leader in your company struggling? Reach out to Eric to discuss how his transformative executive coaching approach can help. Schedule a 10 minute call with Eric today to learn more: 10minuteswitheric.youcanbook.me

RESOURCES

Connect with Kelly

LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/esopcoach/

Website - execfin.com/

Book: The ESOP Coach - Using ESOPs in Ownership Succession Planning

National Center for Employee Ownership

Is an executive or leader in your company struggling? Reach out to Eric to discuss how his transformative executive coaching approach can help. Schedule a 10 minute call with Eric today to learn more: 10minuteswitheric.youcanbook.me

It's a common misconception that pre-construction consists solely of estimating costs based on drawings and coordinating subcontractor bids. Pre-construction might begin with feasibility studies and initial concepts, which help determine what is financially viable. It comprises a wide range of tasks until building begins, with designs finalized and budgets secured. The pre-construction phase involves a large amount of work.

Today, we are joined by Steve Dell'Orto, the founder & CEO of ConCntric, a cloud-based construction software platform for pre-construction and construction cost estimating. With 26 years of experience in the construction industry, Steve is well-equipped to drive digital transformation in this field. He is dedicated to using his expertise to enhance innovation and technology in real estate and construction. Together with his team, Steve aims to make the built world more affordable, predictable, and sustainable, positioning them to significantly impact the future of the industry. He joined us today to discuss ways to maximize pre-construction success while also improving collaboration, affordability, and outcome certainty.

Steve starts the conversation by explaining what pre-construction is and how people mistakenly view pre-construction as merely estimating costs. Steve then kindly shares the importance of the alignment of all stakeholders around common objectives, saying that successful project delivery relies on effective communication and collaboration, ensuring that everyone understands the value being provided and works towards the shared goal of a high-quality outcome. We also talk about the role of technology in renovating the construction industry. By integrating workflows and automating procedures, you may improve communication, save time, and allow skilled workers to focus on their strengths. Collaboration and transparency in gathering ideas from many stakeholders can result in substantial advancements and innovation throughout the industry.

As we continue our conversation, we focus on the following aspects of the pre-construction process: the primary problem, the non-linear nature of pre-construction, risk mitigation prior to construction, the black-box approach, and the role of AI in the construction industry.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

[01.56] Steve's career journey at Clark Construction Group.

[05.12] What is pre-construction?

[08.07] Impact of the lack of financial commitment.

[12.31] The impact of a good pre-construction process.

[16.08] The importance of aligning all stakeholders around common objectives.

[20.52] Careful selection of partners and clear communication.

[23.40] The importance of leveraging technology to modernize the construction industry.

[27.00] Augmenting existing expertise.

[31.04] The main pain problem in the pre-construction process.

[36.15] How the non-linear nature of pre-construction influences data quality and decision-making.

[39.30] Mitigating risks before construction.

[42.07] The black-box approach.

[44.00] The difference between information and data.

[45.13] The role of AI in construction.

[48.32] The biggest shift in construction regarding technological application.

TIPS & TOOLS TO IMPLEMENT TODAY

1. Always put yourself in the client's shoes

2. Focus on the Total Cost of Ownership

3. Prioritize Transparency and Structure

4. Embrace Technology for Efficiency

5. Gradual Integration of Technology

Are people problems eroding your company's profits? Discover proven strategies to lead, strategize, and sell effectively, ensuring your projects stay profitable. Elevate your construction business by purchasing Construction Genius: Effective, Hands-On, Practical, Simple, No-BS Leadership, Strategy, Sales, and Marketing Advice for Construction Companies today and turn your people problems into profit!: https://www.amazon.com/Construction-Genius-Effective-Hands-Leadership/dp/B0BHTRDY1T/

Is an executive or leader in your company struggling? Reach out to Eric to discuss how his transformative executive coaching approach can help. Schedule a 10 minute call with Eric today to learn more: 10minuteswitheric.youcanbook.me

RESOURCES

Connect with Steve

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/stevedellorto/

Website - concntric.com/

Health is not something that can be achieved with mere thought. It takes patience, consistency, and the ability to figure out what's good for you and be brave enough to adjust. Some may think achieving health is following some difficult daily routines, but in truth, it's the continuation of the simplest things that will make you healthy eventually.

Kevin Dahlstrom is a husband, father, CMO, and climber. Raised in a small Texas town, Kevin navigated a challenging childhood before rising through the corporate ranks to become a Chief Marketing Officer at multiple public companies and a successful entrepreneur with several exits. Despite achieving financial success, Kevin found their work-life balance lacking and transitioned to a focus on health in their mid-40s. He now advocates for an 80% clean diet and emphasizes that health improvements come from consistent, small changes over time rather than quick fixes. His approach is informed by a lifetime of learning and personal experience, aiming to guide others toward a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Starting the conversation, Kevin shares his childhood and career journey along with the health habits he adapted to lead a fulfilling life. Out of all the exercises you can do to maintain health, walking is one of the best and most underrated of them all. Kevin kindly explains some of the impact walking has on creativity and changing brain chemicals. Kevin and Eric also discuss the importance of disconnecting when walking and allowing your mind to be free and focused. We then pay attention to the impacts of heavy weightlifting, which may lead to chronic injuries over time, especially for younger individuals who often focus on lifting large weights. Kevin then explains how you can use lighter loads with proper form can be more sustainable and still provide effective results.

We also talk about why alcohol is bad for maintaining your health. Kevin here explains that alcohol is a toxin that can significantly degrade performance and overall well-being. While occasional moderate drinking might be manageable, it generally impacts optimal performance and becomes more noticeable with age. Additionally, he explains how small habits, like regular alcohol consumption or eating ice cream frequently, can accumulate over time, leading to significant long-term effects on health. Kevin also talks about the limitations of mainstream healthcare, where they usually fail to address the root causes of chronic illnesses, making them worse over time. Further down to the conversation, we discussed the following topics related to maintaining health: food tracking, a good sleeping schedule, finding your community, and planning for retirement.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

[04:19] Kevin's story and his health habits.

[09:35] Baby steps for beginners.

[11:19] The benefits of walking.

[13.05] The importance of disconnecting during walking.

[19:22] The negative effects of heavy weight lifting.

[20:48] Walking carrying weight.

[25:58] Food, alcohol and health.

[33:15] The impact of avoiding decisions that will make life miserable.

[38:49] Why sleep is the absolute foundational pillar of maintaining health.

[43:43] Finding your tribe, retirement and health.

[52:09] Does all your wealth bring you joy?

[55:54] The true meaning of minimalism.

[59:39] Choosing your own path.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Consistency Over Intensity

2. Prioritize Health and Set Boundaries

3. Disconnect During Walks

4. Focus on Clean Eating

5. Limit Alcohol Consumption

6. Reduce Light and Screen Exposure

Are people problems eroding your company's profits? Discover proven strategies to lead, strategize, and sell effectively, ensuring your projects stay profitable. Elevate your construction business by purchasing Construction Genius: Effective, Hands-On, Practical, Simple, No-BS Leadership, Strategy, Sales, and Marketing Advice for Construction Companies today and turn your people problems into profit!: https://www.amazon.com/Construction-Genius-Effective-Hands-Leadership/dp/B0BHTRDY1T/

Is an executive or leader in your company struggling? Reach out to Eric to discuss how his transformative executive approach can help. Schedule a 10 minute call with Eric today to learn more: 10minuteswitheric.youcanbook.me

RESOURCES

Connect with Kevin

LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/kevind/

Website - camp4.wordpress.com/

Are you looking to build an aesthetic workplace with a calm environment, pleasing background, and radiation of good vibes? Mass timber can bring that vision to life.

Today, our guest is Ricardo Brites, Director of Engineering & VDC at Mercer Mass Timber, a wood product manufacturing company in British Columbia. He is a committed structural engineer who is passionate about sustainability and innovation. He specializes in solid and mass timber structures. He brings a lot of scholarly rigor and real-world experience to every project. He holds a PhD in structural engineering from Universidade do Minho, Portugal. Join us as we dive into the world of mass timber and learn how mass timber can change the aesthetic of your workplace.

We start the conversation by comparing the cost of other materials to mass timber, where Ricardo explains how it depends on the area. Then Ricardo describes the benefits of using mass timber, including being much lighter than concrete, as fast to assemble as steel frames due to its prefabricated nature, and requiring a smaller installation crew. We then pay attention to the two biggest mistakes of mass timber: the high possibility of burning and moisture and the degradation that can happen to the wood.

In this phase, we talk about the reason for the low adaptation of mass timber in the USA and the role the technological revolution plays in that regard. We also talk about the aesthetic benefits of mass timber, such as a calm environment, a beautiful background, and the radiation of a good vibe. Furthermore, we dive into the limitations of mass timber and what the future will look like for Mercer Mass Timber.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

[05.13] Cost of mass timber in comparison to other materials.

[07.36] Benefits of mass timber.

[10.03] Quality of mass timber in comparison to the quality of steel.

[11.06] The longevity of a wood panel.

[12.27] The biggest misconception about mass timber.

[15.13] Geographic variations and the usage of mass timber.

[16.19] The reasons for lower adaptation of mass timber in the USA than in other countries.

[21.15] Esthetic benefits of mass timber.

[22.15] Limitations of mass timber.

[24.13] Expanding mass timber.

[28.06] Mass timber in mainstream and commercial construction.

[28.47] Mercer mass timber.

TIPS & TOOLS TO IMPLEMENT TODAY

1. Be aware of the misconceptions about mass timber.

2. Geographic variations don't affect the mass timer usage.

3. There's a psychological effect to mass timber.

4. Explore Hybrid Solutions.

5. Mass Timber Increases Efficiency.

Are people problems eroding your company's profits? Discover proven strategies to lead, strategize, and sell effectively, ensuring your projects stay profitable. Elevate your construction business by purchasing Construction Genius: Effective, Hands-On, Practical, Simple, No-BS Leadership, Strategy, Sales, and Marketing Advice for Construction Companies today and turn your people problems into profit!: https://www.amazon.com/Construction-Genius-Effective-Hands-Leadership/dp/B0BHTRDY1T/

Is an executive or leader in your company struggling? Reach out to Eric to discuss how his transformative executive approach can help. Schedule a 10 minute call with Eric today to learn more: 10minuteswitheric.youcanbook.me

RESOURCES

Connect with Ricardo

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/ricardobrites/

Website - mercermasstimber.com/

Are you struggling with finding the desired outcome of your technical writing? You might've been overlooking some crucial details that make your writing doesn't deliver the message to your audience properly.

Pam Hurley is the founder of Hurley Write, which provides customized writing and reviewing workshops for world-class companies. Pam started her career in higher education, teaching students in technical subjects who were frequently irritated by their "inability" to write. Pam wanted these gifted, intelligent kids to know they could write; they just lacked the necessary resources. With over 125 years of combined experience working with professionals in a number of areas, including energy, engineering, biotech/pharma, government, and aerospace, Hurley Write's team of experts is made up of seasoned writers, teachers, and writing coaches. Hurley Write contends that critical thinking and problem-solving skills are the cornerstones of excellent document writing, which extends far beyond syntax. Pam joined us today to talk about some strategies to achieve better readability and response from your technical writing.

We start the conversation with Pam defining technical writing and how writing strategies can solve the problem of writing. Pam then educates us on the importance of knowing the audience that you are writing for, along with the three types of readers: primary, secondary, and tertiary. We then talk about the role critical thinking plays in technical writing, along with how it helps to figure out the needs of your audience. We also hear Pam's take on using generative AI for writing and why writing on your own is important as a skill.

In this phase of the conversation, Pam explains how assessing feedback can help you to improve the quality of your writing. Then we pay attention to the synchronization of headings and sub-headings of a writing and how you can use it to get the attention of the reader. Furthermore, Pam talks about finding the balance between what the writer wants and what the reader wants.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

[02.14] What is technical writing?

[03.08] Technical writing strategy.

[05.10] The importance of knowing your audience when writing.

[07.10] Structure of the documents.

[08.55] Critical thinking.

[11.13] The role of generative AI in writing.

[15.22] How to improve the quality of your writing.

[19.26] Headings and sub-headings.

[21.21] How to craft a sub-heading?

[20.20] Finding the balance between what you want and what the reader wants.

[25.53] PowerPoint presentations.

[28.11] SOP and process mapping.

[31.05] The first steps to get better at your technical writing.

TIPS & TOOLS TO IMPLEMENT TODAY

1. Know your audience.

2. A strategy that works for everyone might not work for you.

3. Give the employees the time and space to write.

4. Have the courage to try different things especially, if what you've been doing has no positive impact.

5. Look for keywords that portray the gist of your writing to create a sub-heading.

Are people problems eroding your company's profits? Discover proven strategies to lead, strategize, and sell effectively, ensuring your projects stay profitable. Elevate your construction business by purchasing Construction Genius: Effective, Hands-On, Practical, Simple, No-BS Leadership, Strategy, Sales, and Marketing Advice for Construction Companies today and turn your people problems into profit!: https://www.amazon.com/Construction-Genius-Effective-Hands-Leadership/dp/B0BHTRDY1T/

Is an executive or leader in your company struggling? Reach out to Eric to discuss how his transformative executive approach can help. Schedule a 10 minute call with Eric today to learn more: 10minuteswitheric.youcanbook.me

RESOURCES

Connect with Pam Hurley

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/hurleywrite/

Website - hurleywrite.com/

Family or business first? Have you ever wondered? There's no right or wrong answer for that. It depends on what people believe or how they've been taught to believe. While some people implement the family-first business, others believe in the business-first family. Both may seem right from different perspectives, but there's more to it than just being right or wrong.

In this week's episode, we've had the pleasure of having a conversation with another industry expert, specializing in family business advocacy. Rob Ferguson is the founder and president of Ferguson Alliance, a family business strategic advisory service. Having led middle-market family-owned businesses for more than ten years, he uses his qualifications as a Certified Exit Planning Advisor and NACD Board Leadership Fellowship to help CEOs and boards navigate generational changes. His goal is to modify the statistics so that family companies last longer. He believes that with the correct foundation in place, family businesses may build an infinite legacy. He joined us today to talk about the essential question for any family business: family needs or business priorities first.

Starting the conversation, Rob defines the two terms' family first business' and 'business first family' along with how they help business owners build their long-term strategy. If you choose the family-first business, then you are choosing a family member, whether they are qualified or not, and if you choose the business-first family, you put the right people in the right position. We then talk about the importance of deciding how a family member joins the business and what requirements they need to fulfill. It makes them understand that they have to earn it if they want to join the business. Rob also explains the procedure for firing a family member, especially if they are a shareholder.

In the next phase of the conversation, Rob kindly shares some crucial details on the essential elements of a succession plan, structuring a succession plan, and the transition of business ownership. Furthermore, Rob explains the advantage of tying family values into a business culture and how it helps to continue the legacy. We also hear Rob explain how he educates people from younger generations who become business owners.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

[04.43] Family first business or business first family.

[08.30] How does the performance of a family member affect the non-family members in a business?

[09.28] The mentality shift.

[13.20] The importance of setting requirements.

[17.46] Finding the prime zone.

[22.23] Firing a family member.

[24.11] Structuring a succession plan.

[25.40] Essential elements of a succession plan.

[28.10] The transition of business ownership.

[34.15] Integrating family values into the business culture.

[37.01] Handling biases as a mediator.

[44.15] Educating young people who become business owners.

[47.11] Out of the shadow.

[51.33] Generational differences.

TIPS & TOOLS TO IMPLEMENT TODAY

1. Asking yourself 'Are you a family-first business or business-first family' is important as a business owner.

2. Set requirements that must be fulfilled to earn a position at your organization, especially for family members.

3. Find the prime zone in your business.

4. Keep the business ownership in your blood family.

5. Build a succession plan that will choose the best replacement as the next business owner.

6. Listen for intense. Not how it's being said, but what is being said.

Are people problems eroding your company's profits? Discover proven strategies to lead, strategize, and sell effectively, ensuring your projects stay profitable. Elevate your construction business by purchasing Construction Genius: Effective, Hands-On, Practical, Simple, No-BS Leadership, Strategy, Sales, and Marketing Advice for Construction Companies today and turn your people problems into profit!: https://www.amazon.com/Construction-Genius-Effective-Hands-Leadership/dp/B0BHTRDY1T/

Is an executive or leader in your company struggling? Reach out to Eric to discuss how his transformative executive approach can help. Schedule a 10 minute call with Eric today to learn more: 10minuteswitheric.youcanbook.me

RESOURCES

Connect with Rob Ferguson

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/robertaferguson/

Website - ferguson-alliance.com/