Everyday Business Problems

In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler dives into the fundamentals of assessing an organization’s readiness for change. Through practical insights and examples, Dave discusses the crucial elements of successful change management, from understanding why the change is needed to effectively engaging stakeholders across all levels. He explores how leadership can build a culture that supports continuous improvement, mitigate potential risks, and establish communication strategies that keep everyone aligned. If you're a leader seeking to drive sustainable change within your organization, this episode is packed with valuable guidance.

What You'll Discover:

• Key indicators that reveal an organization’s readiness for change.
• The importance of defining and communicating the “why” and “what” of a change before the “how.”
• Practical strategies to identify and engage both direct and indirect stakeholders.
• How to create a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
• The role of effective communication in managing change across all organizational levels.
• Risk management tips to anticipate and address potential challenges in change initiatives.
• Real-world examples of aligning organizational culture with change readiness.

In this episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler welcomes Casey Winans, founder and CEO of Full Stride, a consulting firm focused on helping growth-stage businesses scale their warehouse operations. With over 20 years of experience in designing and deploying warehouse management systems (WMS), Casey shares his insights on how preparation is key to avoiding costly mistakes during implementation. They explore the challenges businesses face when scaling operations, the difference between WMS and ERP systems, and how to select the right technology for your business. Casey also highlights the importance of clarity in processes before introducing technology as a solution.

What You'll Discover:

• Key indicators that signal your business is ready for a warehouse management system (WMS).
• The differences between WMS and ERP systems and when each is appropriate.
• How to ensure clarity in your processes before deploying new technology.
• Tips for selecting the right vendor for your WMS and avoiding common pitfalls.
• The role of continuous improvement in warehouse operations and technology integration.
• Real-life examples of businesses that successfully scaled their operations by focusing on preparation and clarity.

In this solo episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler dives into the fundamentals of change management. He breaks down what change management is, why it's more about helping people through transitions rather than just implementing new processes, and how leaders can successfully guide their teams through change initiatives. Drawing from real-world examples and personal leadership experiences, Dave shares practical advice on how to prioritize initiatives, the importance of clear communication, and why trust is key to achieving long-lasting change in any organization.

What You'll Discover:

• The difference between managing change in processes vs. managing the people impacted by those changes.
• Why explaining the "why" and the "what" before the "how" is critical to successful change management.
• How to keep communication open throughout change initiatives to build trust and drive success.
• Insights from a case study of a mid-sized manufacturer navigating leadership changes and operational challenges.
• Tips on how to upskill your team and keep them engaged in the change process.
• The importance of regularly updating your team, even when there’s no immediate progress.

In this episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler welcomes Kevin Swango, founder and designer at KS Outdoor Lighting, for a second time. Kevin shares his journey of growth in the outdoor lighting industry, emphasizing the importance of consistency and selling the experience over the product itself. He discusses how he leverages social media to build connections and the value of networking with other contractors. The conversation covers the challenges and successes he’s faced over the past few years, including how to grow his business and maintain quality while outsourcing certain tasks.

What You'll Discover:

• How Kevin has grown KS Outdoor Lighting through consistency and process development.
• The importance of selling experiences rather than just products.
• How social media, especially Instagram and Facebook, has helped Kevin expand his reach and find clients outside his immediate network.
• Networking strategies and how Kevin collaborates with other contractors to share leads and expertise.
• The value of customer reviews and how they help shape and improve the business.
• Tips on outsourcing tasks and maintaining quality control while scaling operations.

In this episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler welcomes Chris Lokken from the Christiansen Group, an expert with over 25 years of experience in employee benefits and risk management. They dive into the complex world of fiduciary rule changes and how these regulations impact employer-sponsored health benefit plans. Chris breaks down the legal and financial risks businesses face and highlights the importance of staying informed about fiduciary responsibilities to avoid costly liabilities. This episode is a must-listen for business leaders navigating the evolving landscape of employee benefits, compliance, and risk management.

What You'll Discover:

• The significance of fiduciary rule changes and how they affect health benefit plans.
• Common risks employers face in managing health benefits and fiduciary responsibilities.
• How fiduciary liability lawsuits are reshaping the landscape for businesses.
• Practical steps employers can take to mitigate fiduciary risks and ensure compliance.
• Why understanding your health benefit plan contracts is crucial for risk management.
• Tips for business leaders on how to stay ahead of fiduciary rule changes and protect their organizations.

In this episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler welcomes back Angela Thurman, founder and CEO of Thurman Co, a management consulting firm based in Houston, Texas. Angela, a certified project management professional, shares her insights on the critical role of project management in digital transformation. They delve into the distinctions between digitization, digitalization, and digital transformation, providing clarity on these often-confused terms. Angela offers practical advice on managing the complexities of digital transformation projects, the importance of risk management, and how to engage stakeholders effectively to ensure long-term success.

What You'll Discover:

• The differences between digitization, digitalization, and digital transformation.
• How project management plays a pivotal role in the success of digital transformation initiatives.
• The importance of a risk register in anticipating and mitigating potential challenges in projects.
• Real-life examples of how digital transformation can streamline processes and improve business outcomes.
• Strategies for managing stakeholder expectations and promoting successful adoption of new digital tools.
• How to measure the success of digital transformation projects using KPIs and other metrics.
• The value of transparent communication and building trust within project teams to drive project success.
• Insights from Angela’s blog post on digital transformation.

In this episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler is joined by Sam Klaidman of Middlesex Consulting, a seasoned expert in customer service and aftermarket strategies. Sam brings a wealth of experience from his roles as VP of Customer Service and as a consultant for companies like Corning, Honeywell, and Pfizer. Together, they delve into the often-overlooked aspects of why people buy, focusing on the importance of brand experience, customer satisfaction, and the critical role of aftermarket service. Sam shares practical insights into how companies can align their offerings with customer expectations to create lasting value and strong brand loyalty.

What You'll Discover:

• The key factors that influence why customers choose your brand over others.
• How the concepts of brand, customer service, and aftermarket support interconnect to drive buying decisions.
• The role of customer expectations and how they shape brand perceptions.
• Real-life examples of how companies like Disney optimize customer experiences by understanding what truly matters to their audience.
• The importance of collecting customer feedback through surveys to identify and address service gaps.
• How businesses, regardless of size, can implement effective customer journey mapping to enhance user satisfaction.
• Tips on how to start gathering actionable insights even with limited budgets and resources.
• The significance of addressing both emotional and functional needs of customers to build strong brand loyalty.

In this episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler welcomes Roy Waterhouse, a seasoned professional with 34 years of experience in the commercial printing industry at Hopkins Printing. Roy shares his journey into lean manufacturing, discussing how lean principles have been integrated into every aspect of his work and life. From simplifying processes to improving customer relationships, Roy provides valuable insights into how continuous improvement methodologies like PDCA and the Toyota Production System can transform an organization. He also touches on the importance of leadership support, the challenges of sustaining lean initiatives, and how making lean personal can enhance both professional and personal life.

What You'll Discover:

• How Hopkins Printing has integrated lean manufacturing principles since 1993.
• The benefits of simplifying processes and making lean principles accessible to everyone in the organization.
• Insights into how lean thinking can reduce waste and improve efficiency, even in complex manufacturing environments.
• The importance of leadership support in driving and sustaining continuous improvement efforts.
• Practical examples of how visual management and standardization can make daily operations smoother and more efficient.
• How making lean principles personal can improve both work and home life.
• The challenges of maintaining a lean culture over the long term and strategies to overcome them.

In this episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler is joined by Liz Capants, president and founder of Global Executive Search, EBC Associates, and the Erudites Networking Group. Liz shares her insights into the evolving landscape of hiring and onboarding in the post-pandemic world. They discuss the challenges of matching candidates with the right roles, the importance of networking, and the role of personal branding in today's job market. Liz also offers practical advice on how to navigate the complexities of remote work, technology's impact on hiring processes, and the critical importance of post-hire support for long-term success.

What You'll Discover:

• The state of the hiring and onboarding process as businesses have emerged from the pandemic.
• Why networking and personal branding are more important than ever in today's job market.
• The evolving skill requirements and how virtual work has accelerated changes in the workplace.
• Strategies for building and maintaining a professional network, even when you're not actively looking for a job.
• Insights into Liz's unique approach to post-hire support, ensuring successful integration and long-term success for new hires.
• The impact of remote work on company culture and the increasing demand for in-office presence.
• How technology, including AI and automation, is reshaping the recruitment landscape.
• Tips for staying focused and motivated during challenging economic times.

In this episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler welcomes back Matt Seltzer, SVP of Marketing and Research at Intuify, to explore the often-overlooked power of market research in driving business growth. Matt shares his insights on the transformative role of market research in creative marketing. The conversation delves into how businesses can leverage research to make informed decisions, enhance creativity, and optimize marketing strategies. Matt also discusses his journey merging his original business with Intuify and how they are revolutionizing the survey experience.

What You'll Discover:

• The journey behind the merger of Matt's company with Intuify and the creation of innovative survey experiences.
• How market research can transform creative marketing strategies and drive business growth.
• The importance of culture and collaboration in successful mergers and business growth.
• Why big brands use market research to maintain their competitive edge and how smaller companies can do the same.
• The role of interactive dashboards and gamified surveys in enhancing user engagement and data quality.
• How businesses can start implementing market research, regardless of size, to gain valuable insights.
• Insights from Matt's book, "The Creative Catalyst," on the intersection of research and creativity.
• Practical advice on asking better questions to move your business forward.