It's time to think inside the box

The education moment delivered to the BNI Boundless Business networking group on July 26, 2018.

By Aaron S. Robertson

The author is pursuing a Ph.D. in leadership from Cardinal Stritch University, where he also holds a master's degree in management. His dissertation is in the realm of workplace culture. Learn more about him here.

A month ago, I discussed with you this concept of quantity over quality when it comes to generating ideas for your business, something I picked up and reflected on from my summer school program last month.

Today, I'd like to share with you another interesting paradigm - another concept to serve as food for thought - from that same summer school program.

As I said last month, this annual summer program - we call it the Summer Institute - has a different overarching theme to it each year, and the theme for it this year was "Creativity." Well, on the opening night of the Institute, one of my research professors, Dr. Tony Frontier, took to the microphone to address us. He said something interesting that really stood out for me, and that's what I want to share with you today.

Tony was talking about that old saying that we're very familiar with, "Think outside the box." In a nutshell, he explained to us that, all too often, we're so focused on thinking outside the box, that we forget or lose sight of what we already have to work with inside of the box. This point pairs well with my discussion last month, in the sense that, we're so busy waiting for, or trying to formulate, that perfect, mind-blowing idea that's supposed to come along and forever change our businesses and our lives and our financial situations, that we end up ignoring, consciously or unconsciously, what we already have at our disposal right in front of us to work with. And so, based on this concept of working within the confines of the box for a change, I have some questions here for us to reflect on and get our minds going this morning:

Are there business cards sitting in our desks that we picked up along the way from networking events or meetings, but haven't done anything with them? Untapped potential - it's time to pick up the phone and schedule a one-on-one.

Are there notes from conferences, seminars, or training workshops that we haven't looked at in a while, maybe not at all since we attended the event? Might be a good time to take them out for a review.

Are there books or articles sitting on our shelves that we read a while back, or ones that we never fully finished for whatever reason - they could be on leadership, or financial management, or on a particular technical or trade skill that caught our eye at one time? Again, might be a good time to take them out for a review - or to finally finish.

Look around this room - anyone you haven't had a good, solid one-on-one with in quite a while? How about within your own organization - are there colleagues that you'd like to get to know better? Time for lunch or a drink after work. Untapped potential and synergies are hanging in the balance.

Are there ways we can tap into our networks to provide value-added products, services, discounts, gifts, or bits of helpful information to our customers from other businesses that we’re allied with?

When we think of our own experiences as consumers and customers, what stands out in our minds? What do we really like and appreciate? Can we incorporate the same or something similar for our own customers?

So, to sum this up, it's important now and then to reflect on and take stock of what's in the box. What - or who - do we already have at our disposal in our offices, in our networks, in our day-to-day lives, and in our interactions with others that we're forgetting about? See, we're usually searching so far out, that it's very easy to forget about all the potential, and synergies, and ideas, and creative solutions that are right there in front of us. Think inside the box for a change. Thank you!  

Rhythm of Life Chiropractic Grand Opening

 Rhythm of Life Chiropractic, 7133 S. 76th St., Franklin, WI 53132

Grand Opening Celebration 

Thursday, July 26, 2018, 5pm-7pm

Join Rhythm of Life Chiropractic & the South Suburban Chamber of Commerce for the Grand Opening of our New Location!

Enjoy Free Entertainment, Wellness Screenings, Raffle Prizes, Appetizers, Beer, Wine & Smoothies!

Rhythm of Life Chiropractic is the area’s cutting-edge Chiropractic clinic for high-touch/high-tech care. Come find out how you can regain and maintain good health with the services available in this unique, natural, relaxing space!

Unique Services we offer:

➢ Drug-free relief from musculoskeletal pain or injury.

➢ Surgery-free solutions to back pain, neck pain, poor posture, as well as other issues that can be treated with chiropractic care like asthma, sinus issues, tingling in arms, legs, feet or hands, digestive issues.

➢ Help with Supplements that can get your system in balance, so you feel great.

➢ Cold Laser treatments to target the source of pain and heal faster.

➢ Friendly, compassionate care for the whole family.

The value proposition in your business

Face it – no matter what you do for a living or what your business offers, you’re a dime a dozen, and there are countless others that do the same thing you do who are ready to take customers and fill the void. But fortunately, there’s a major differentiator you can leverage to keep the odds in your favor – value.

By Aaron S. Robertson

The author is pursuing a Ph.D. in leadership from Cardinal Stritch University, where he also holds a master's degree in management. His dissertation is in the realm of workplace culture. Learn more about him here.

In the world of business, it’s important to remember that we operate in an open marketplace where the consumer wins. When it comes to our craft – what we went to school for, or what we trained to become – we’re just a dime a dozen in this marketplace. There are already a billion other insurance agents, home inspectors, carpenters, realtors, automotive technicians, restaurants, photographers, bankers, mortgage lenders, dentists, plumbers, chiropractors, printers, etc., etc. out there. And when it comes to pricing our products and services, we’re all within the same ballpark, generally speaking, because of the intense competition we’re up against. Sounds like it’s hard to get noticed, right?

With that said, there are two very important, interrelated questions that we in business should constantly have on our minds: “Why should consumers come to our business for their needs or goals instead of going somewhere else?” and, “What do we need to do to stand out from the rest of the pack?”

Essentially, what we’re talking about here, is this notion of added value – the value proposition. Let’s explore several concrete examples. Before we do that, though, I wish to point out that I’m not being compensated in any way for mentioning these businesses. These are genuine, thoughtful examples based on my ongoing experiences over many years with these businesses. And I could offer you many, many more here, but then this article will never end. Here they are:

Matty’s Bar & Grille / M Catering – We’re talking award-winning food here. Major accolades in area newspapers. Rave reviews by customers. But it’s not the food and beverages that make it a favorite place of mine. In this open marketplace, I know I can go to any one of a million other places in the area for a decent meal and a couple of drinks at a relatively comparable price and level of quality. So it’s not the food and beverage menu alone that makes this place stand out for me. It’s the phenomenal customer service and personalized attention, what the Matty’s team calls “incomparable hospitality.” It’s the live music that’s brought in on a regular basis. It’s the party bus trips up to Lambeau Field, Camp Randall, and down to Miller Park. It’s all the meaningful charitable work the business is doing in the community. It’s the regular games and contests that you can get in on at the bar. It’s the event-planning expertise of the staff and the beautiful spaces, both indoor and outdoor, that are available to hold a memorable party. It’s the vendors and distributors that are brought in for incredible sampling and tasting events. You see, Matty’s takes a mundane, everyday concept like food and dining, and makes it incredibly fun. You want to be there. You think that you’re missing out on something big by not being there. It’s the atmosphere and the overall experience built up around an otherwise no-frills, everyday thing that we usually take for granted and don’t think about much. That’s the added value we’re talking about here.

Richlonn’s Tire & Service Centers – ASE certification is incredibly valuable, and there’s certainly an ongoing need for it in the automotive repair and service industry. But you know something? ASE (among other types of professional development programs for the industry) certified technicians are a dime a dozen these days. Like Matty’s, I know I can go to any one of a million other auto repair and service garages around the area for my needs at a relatively comparable price and level of quality. But I’m going to Richlonn’s. For me, it’s the comfortable and clean waiting room. It’s the television and wi-fi. It’s the Keurig coffee and freshly-made popcorn. It’s the level of communication, integrity, personalized attention, and friendliness of all the techs and service advisors. All these things add up to position Richlonn’s as a cut above the rest. That’s the value proposition we’re talking about here.

Legacy Salon & Day Spa – Salons, hairstylists, massage therapists, makeup artists, estheticians, etc. are all a dime a dozen, too. But I choose Legacy Salon & Day Spa for all my needs (let’s clarify here, though, that I do not have any makeup needs). I started going to Legacy some years back for color treatments and haircuts. My hairstylist, Emily, is very friendly and awesome to work with, and front desk staff are always quick to greet me by name and offer me something to drink. The environment is inviting and relaxing. The level of customer service and attention to detail by Emily and the desk staff, along with the environment, made it a no-brainer for me to eventually try out some of the salon’s other offerings, and I now get occasional facial and massage treatments there, as well.

Here are some questions and ideas to help you start thinking more about what you can do to take your business to the next level and really help it stand out from the endless sea that is your competition:

Are there additional processes that can be implemented, or steps taken, to improve our overall levels of communication with our customers?

What can we do to create a stronger learning environment in our business so that we can construct new knowledge and understandings and hence build further expertise?

Similar to the previous question, are there silos in our business that we can tear down so that we get team members from other departments talking and sharing ideas and insights with one another?

Are there ways we can tap into our networks to provide value-added products, services, discounts, gifts, or bits of helpful information to our customers from other businesses that we’re allied with?

What can we do to make the overall customer experience more fun, engaging, and ultimately, memorable?

When we think of our own experiences as consumers and customers, what stands out in our minds? What do we really like and appreciate? Can we incorporate the same or something similar for our own customers?

Still struggling with generating ideas for your business? You may find this other blog post I recently authored helpful: How to generate more and better business ideas. This other post explains what is perhaps the only time where quantity should come before quality.

How to generate more and better business ideas

The education moment delivered to the BNI Boundless Business networking group on June 28, 2018.

By Aaron S. Robertson

The author is pursuing a Ph.D. in leadership from Cardinal Stritch University, where he also holds a master's degree in management. His dissertation is in the realm of workplace culture. Learn more about him here.

So yesterday, I just ended a brief summer school program as part of my doctoral studies at Cardinal Stritch University. We call it the Summer Institute, and it runs just shy of two weeks, including the weekends, and it’s pretty intense, so much so that I rent a dorm room on campus and spend most of my nights there. There’s a lot of – you name it – writing, speakers, workshops, group work, personal reflection time, etc. Every year, the Summer Institute has a designated theme to it, and this year’s was “Creativity”. Now, we’re not art students – we’re studying leadership – but a lot of the books, articles, talks, and activities we went through tied into the art world in some way. We even took a trip down to the Art Museum on one of our days. But what I’m going to talk with you about here, though there’s some connection to art, certainly applies to business and leadership, so bear with me. I’d like to share with you some food for thought when it comes to generating ideas for your business or work.

One of the books we read and dissected is called, Art & Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking, authored by David Bayles and Ted Orland in 1993. The book addresses the challenges that are holding artists back from achieving their full potential and leading the kind of meaningful, fullfilling lives and careers that they seek – that we all seek, really, regardless of what we do for work or hope to accomplish in life. Though written for the artist community by two artists, the book is undoubtedly universal in its prescription for getting more out of our work and the potential that we all have to share.

Perhaps one of the main takeaways of the book, at least for me, is the concept of quantity over quality. On the surface, being in business, this concept was totally foreign and even somewhat alarming to me. Our minds are always trained to think quality over quantity, right? A quality customer experience, quality leads and referrals, a quality product, delivering value, right? So quantity over quality. Case in point: the authors describe an experiment in which a ceramics teacher divided his class into two groups. One of these groups was tasked with producing as many pieces of finished pottery as it could within a certain timeframe. For this group, 50 pounds or more of pottery produced would be worth an A grade. The other group, meanwhile, was charged with focusing solely on quality. Only one pot had to be produced, but it had to be of exceptional quality – essentially, it had to be perfect. In the end, the group tasked with the focus on quality produced nothing. The group only had to produce one piece, yet its members found themselves tied up in debate and discussion over what the perfect piece looks like. On the other hand, the team with the focus on quantity not only produced a significant number of finished pieces within the timeframe given, but the level of quality was noteworthy, as well.

The lesson here is that, in order to create anything worthwhile – art, written works, ideas, products and inventions, etc. – we can’t be afraid to bring those concepts into the physical realm in an imperfect state. Yet, all too often, we are afraid, and we might not even realize it. We want the concept to come into reality perfect the first time around. And because we allow ourselves to be paralyzed by that fear and indecision and eternal debate going on in our heads, we’re often left with nothing actualized. I can’t begin to imagine how many would-be thought-provoking literary works, useful inventions or improvements, fun songs, breathtaking works of art, and engaging ideas are either sitting in the minds of the living, or are forever lost with the passing of the departed, because improving and perfecting along the way does not, for whatever reason, seem good enough to us. We have to overcome this fear if we want to stop cheating ourselves and one another.

Certainly, this advice is pointed at me, as well. Now, I enjoy reading, writing on, thinking about, and discussing a wide range of non-fiction topics, including business and entrepreneurship, history, biography, philosophy, sociology, politics, and current events. Never much of a fiction fan, but always having had a love for writing, I’ve been entertaining the idea of writing a novel for several months now. I envision this novel being highly thought-provoking and philosophical, yet easily accessible and universal in its life lessons and portrayal of the human condition in these turbulent times that we find ourselves in. Like most people with ideas, I have not yet brought this concept into reality. I’ve been hung up on details and I’m still trying to figure out the overarching storyline that will bring everything together. Perhaps if I merely started writing down my thoughts so far, the rest will begin to fall into place much easier, and I would have something to share with the world.

Beyond the potential for creative works, though, I’ve also, in reflecting more deeply on this subject, certainly allowed business ideas that have entered my mind over the years to go to the wayside, as well, merely because I haven’t written them down. And if they’re not written down – kind of like goals, right? See a connection here? – if they’re not written down – if they’re not brought into physical existence – they can’t be debated, refined, enhanced, and perfected over time, either by myself, or by others, or with the help of others. I can’t begin to imagine how many others today – and through the ages – have done the same, consciously or unconsciously. There are certainly big implications to all of this, because we’re talking about wasted potential and opportunity that could improve the lives of others and strengthen entire societies and economies.

In order to begin to correct this problem, we ultimately need to arrive at the ability to begin to think and accept quantity over quality, at least where it concerns initial idea generation. This is no easy task, and it will take some time and struggle for many people to begin to think this way, including me. Like I said earlier, I’m used to thinking the opposite in my everyday business and work affairs – quality over quantity. But as see in the pottery example, the group tasked with focusing solely on quality could not produce one pot in the end, because its members were too tangled up in debate over what quality looks like. The group focusing solely on quantity, meanwhile, not only produced 50 pounds of pottery, but the quality of their products also happened to be significant, as well. See, once the quantity group really got going with its production, the quality managed to take care of itself as group members continuously honed their craft through natural practice and repetition.

I’m out of time, but I’ll leave you with one more, quick anecdote from another book we read called, Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World, written by Adam Grant, a world-class business and management professor and researcher at The Wharton School: For us to be able to name, or at least identify, one, two, three, maybe four paintings by Picasso, he had to create approximately 1,800 of them. That’s just what he produced in the painting world. He also created some 12,000 drawings, 1,200 sculptures, and 2,800 ceramics. Think quantity over quality. The handout that you received – a number of resources and activities to help you and your work teams translate these concepts into action. Thank you!

Handout:

Books

Bayles, D., & Orland, T. (1993). Art & fear: Observations on the perils (and rewards) of artmaking. Minneapolis: Image Continuum Press.

Grant, A. (2017). Originals: How non-conformists move the world. New York: Penguin Books.

TED Talk videos online

TED. (2016, February). Adam Grant: The surprising habits of original thinkers. Retrieved from https://www.ted.com/talks/adam_grant_the_surprising_habits_of_original_thinkers

TED. (2010, June). Brene Brown: The power of vulnerability. Retrieved from https://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_on_vulnerability

Activities for boosting generative thinking and idea production

1) Spend 20 minutes per day, by yourself, in a quiet place, writing down ideas about your business – improving processes, marketing ideas, new product or service offerings, how to better serve customers, what you wish you could change and how, new skills you’d like to develop, etc., etc., etc. Don’t debate in your mind whether the ideas are good or not. Don’t judge yourself. Just write freely. Think quantity over quality. Now that you’ve brought these ideas into existence, you can revisit them at any time to determine if there’s something there worth taking a closer look at. You can’t research, debate, refine, enhance, and perfect something that doesn’t exist!

2) Take the first activity, but modify it for use in a small group setting with your work teams, business partners, staff, etc. More than five participants at a time starts to be too many. If 20 minutes per day is not feasible, then try once or twice per week. Same concept – together, jot down ideas about your business. Since you’re working with others, you can piggyback off of one another’s ideas, and perhaps even ask clarifying questions to dig a little deeper. Absolutely no judgment. No hesitation. Just write and talk freely. Quantity over quality. Revisit another time as a group to figure out what’s worth taking a second look at and refining.

Jetz Introduces E15 Fuel to Milwaukee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 14, 2016

MILWAUKEE — Jetz Convenience Centers in Milwaukee is hosting a Nov. 18 grand opening of its new ethanol blender gasoline pumps with special fuel pricing and gift card giveaways, representatives announced Thursday.

New E15 and E85 ethanol blender pumps were made possible in part by a Biofuels Retail Advancement in Wisconsin Transportation (BRAWT) grant. E15 is gasoline blended with up to 15 percent ethanol and E85 is gasoline blended with up to 85 percent ethanol. These new ethanol-blended gasolines offer clean energy options and new fuel price points for consumers.

Jetz is the first in Milwaukee and among the first in the nation to utilize new blender pump technology to offer a new and greater choice of gasoline blends.

“I think the story of ethanol is a great story,” Jetz President Bob O’Connor said. “It’s a Wisconsin story and an American story. Using Wisconsin resources and the forces of nature, we can produce an advanced fuel that is typically less expensive than conventional gasolines while providing more power to qualifying vehicles. At the same time, tailpipe emissions are reduced, leading to better air quality and improved health.”

E15 has been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for all model year 2001 and newer passenger gasoline vehicles. E85 is for use only in flex fuel vehicles. Drivers can check the inside of the fuel door or fuel cap to see if their vehicles are eligible or the American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest’s Web site at http://www.cleanairchoice.org .

“Air pollution from vehicle exhaust is a serious health concern,” said Danielle Clark, spokesperson for the American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest. “Ethanol fuels are cleaner-burning than traditional gasoline, and they can also help reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions.”

The new blender pumps were made possible by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s award of $3.7 million to the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, Office of Energy Innovation through the Biofuels Infrastructure Program to expand and support the installation of ethanol blending equipment at retail gas stations throughout the state in the form of grant funds. The BRAWT program aims to increase consumption and availability of ethanol throughout Wisconsin, provide retail ethanol fueling outlets near major fleets and travel corridors and increase and promote public awareness of the benefits of ethanol.

The goal is to increase clean energy options throughout the state.

“Governor Walker brought together the resources of Office of Energy Innovation at the Public Service Commission (PSC) to improve energy options and availability for Wisconsin,” Said PSC Chair Ellen Nowak. “Allowing consumers more choices at the pump and giving the United States more energy options just make sense.”

Wisconsin Clean Cities partnered with the Wisconsin Office of Energy Innovation to assist in management of the program, including education and outreach.

“Wisconsin Clean Cities supports the use of ethanol in our mission to lessen our dependence on foreign oil and improve air quality,” Wisconsin Clean Cities Executive Director Lorrie Lisek said. “We’re thrilled to assist Jetz in their efforts to bring cleaner air and blender pump technology offering E15 and E85 to Milwaukee.”

The grand opening of the Jetz Milwaukee blender pumps will take place from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18 at Jetz Milwaukee, 607 S. 70th St.

The station is offering E15 for $1.15 a gallon and E85 for 85 cents a gallon during the grand opening hours only.

Anyone attending the event will be eligible to win one of three $100 Jetz gift cards to be given away each hour between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. City and state officials will be on hand to meet with constituents during the event as well.

The BRAWT grant funding remains available for interested fuel retailers. For more information, visit the Wisconsin Clean Cities BRAWT Web page at http://bit.ly/2fDritX or contact Lorrie Lisek at Wisconsin Clean Cities at lorrie.lisek@wicleancities.org or (414) 221-4958.

About Jetz Convenience Centers

Jetz Convenience Centers is a fourth-generation company that has been serving customers in and around Milwaukee since 1957. Beginning as O’Connor Petroleum Co., Inc. the company changed its name to Jetz Convenience Centers in 2003. Jetz remains family owned and operates two locations in the Milwaukee, one in Hales Corners and one in Muskego. For more information about Jetz visit www.JetzRewards.com.

About Wisconsin Clean Cities

The U.S. Department of Energy Clean Cities coalitions are nonprofit organizations designed to reduce petroleum consumption in the transportation sector by advancing the use of alternative fuels and vehicles, idle reduction technologies, hybrid electric vehicles, fuel blends and fuel economy. Wisconsin Clean Cities is a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1994 serving the entire state of Wisconsin with the goal of improving air quality, strengthening the economy and reducing dependence on foreign oil. For more information about new ethanol blended gasolines visit www.FuelingWisconsinForward.com.

Genesis Networking Group

Looking to make new connections and build meaningful relationships to help you grow your business or career? Join us for the next Genesis Networking Group meeting!

We meet on the first and third Monday over breakfast. Open networking runs from 7:30am-8am, with the meeting beginning at 8am. We meet at Genesis Restaurant, located at 3740 S. 108th Street, in Greenfield (Hwy. 100 and Beloit).

No membership dues. Simply pay for your breakfast. Not as rigid as many other networking groups out there. In addition to sharing referrals, there is a unique emphasis on quality business and career education and worthwhile discussions on relevant topics.

What a great way to start the week! Lock in your spot today!

If interested in joining in on the next meeting, please e-mail Aaron at: therobertsonholdingsco@yahoo.com .

Leadership Workshop in New Berlin on 5/3/16

Based on a combination of John Maxwell’s 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, Law #2 - Influence and Judith Glaser’s latest book, Conversational Intelligence, this workshop explores trust as it relates to a leader’s influence. We will also explore I-centric vs We-centric leadership and how to move from I to We.

You will have practical tools for creating conversations that raise & sustain the trust needed for "leaderly" influence when you leave this 90 minute experiential workshop. Our facilitator uses simple yet effective tools and is the only certified Points of You coach in the Midwest. Come experience a bit of magic as you enhance your leadership skills.

Logistics

Date: Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Time: 6:00 - 6:30 PM open networking, Prompt 6:30 PM program start, 8:00 PM Program concludes, 8:00 - 8:20 PM networking and open discussion.
Location: Citizen’s Bank, 5450 S. Mooreland Road, New Berlin
Cost: Free

For more info, and to RSVP, please see this Facebook event page.

Grandma's House movie premiere

Overflow Entertainment and MzK!m Product!on’s true story of a Milwaukee inner-city matriarch hits AMC Theaters nationwide in the feature film ‘Grandma’s House’; Premiere will be held on April 2, 2016 at Milwaukee's Marcus South Shores Cinema, Oak Creek.

Full trailer, event press release, and itinerary for the evening: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2016/03/prweb13281850.htm

A Series on Leadership in New Berlin

A Series on Leadership

Offered by Tina Boyle Whyte (Milwaukee Global Leaders) and Carol Schlintz (Me First!), 6:30 to 8:00 PM on Tuesdays: 3/15, 3/22, 4/5, 4/19, 5/7, 5/21 (and more) at Citizens Bank on Mooreland Road in New Berlin. To learn more, and to register, please visit this Facebook event page.

Mastermind groups are designed to help you navigate through challenges using the collective intelligence of others. This mastermind group will focus on developing the leadership within of members in the group. The group will utilize John Maxwell’s, a global leadership expert book: 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership.

Reasons this mastermind is right for you:

• Accountability and support within the community 
• Group advice around proven concepts 
• Extended network 
• Growth and learning from different perspectives 
• Answers and new ideas 
• Elimination of tunnel vision and stuck on the wheel 
• Exposure to new methods

Mastermind Session 1 Students will

-Participate in an Experiential Encounter
-Explore their leadership qualities and those in leaders they follow
-Identify a leadership skill/trait (or a few) that they will invite into their leadership toolbox

Mastermind Session 2 Students will

-Learn The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership as written by Global Leadership Expert – John Maxwell
-Raise the lid on their leadership
-Master Influence
-Discover the keys to effectiveness over time

Executive Women International® 2015 Spring Conference

MILWAUKEE, WI-- EWI of Milwaukee will host its 2015 Spring Conference April 23rd to April 25th at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center. All area professionals are encouraged to attend and enjoy this year’s impressive line-up of guest speakers starting with Thursday night’s Opening Gala & Dinner kick-off speaker, Justin L. Mortara, Ph.D. Chief Executive Officer of Mortara Instrument, Inc.

Other speakers at the conference include: Eliz Greene of Embrace Your Heart Wellness Initiative, Facilitator and Coach Beth Harwood, Academy of Leadership Speaker Kristi Emmons and a panel discussion focusing on “Connecting Literacy to Work.”

The theme of this year’s conference is, “Leadership by the Lake: Spread Your Wings and Mind.” Non-members of EWI are welcome, and attendees can purchase a Friday-only pass to attend the Academy of Leadership.

EWI membership ranges from entrepreneurs to small businesses to large corporations. We have a vast range of talented professionals in our network with a real commitment to civic responsibility. This event provides an excellent learning and networking opportunity for professionals of all ages.

EWI of Milwaukee will celebrate its 50th year as a chapter of the international organization. The chapter has 39 member firms with 42 individual representatives from those firms. EWI is a nonprofit that strives to connect diverse companies to promote business, enhance personal and professional development, and encourage community involvement.

The conference is open to the public. For more information, please contact Kathy Marchant at ewimilwaukeeconnect@gmail.com. You may also register for the event online at www.ewimilwaukee.org.

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GENIUS@WORK® OFFERS NEW CO-WORKING SPACE FOR MILWAUKEE’S GROWING ENTREPRENUER BASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                     MEDIA CONTACT:

January 26, 2015                                                                              Ashley Christophersen, (414) 390-5500                                          achristophersen@muellercommunications.com

GENIUS@WORK® OFFERS NEW CO-WORKING SPACE FOR

 MILWAUKEE’S GROWING ENTREPRENUER BASE

Membership-based co-working space will provide modern amenities for individuals and groups

MILWAUKEE – Rosemont, Ill.-based First Hospitality Group Inc. (FHG) unveiled Genius@Work®, a new shared, membership-based office space with a conference room attached to the Hilton Garden Inn Milwaukee Downtown Hotel.  January 21^st was the first day of operations.

Genius@Work provides users with a comfortable, flexible and modern co-working space with all of the amenities of a traditional office setting including high-speed Wi-Fi, AV equipment,printing/scanning/fax/copy machine, as well as complimentary coffee, tea and snacks. The new workspace includes the Genius Lounge, an open office environment suitable for individual and collaborative work; the Genius Studios, comprised of two private rooms for individual focus or small meetings; and the Genius Conference room, which has flexible seating arrangements for up to 10 people.

“Genius@Work is coming to the Milwaukee marketplace at a pivotal time,” said Robert Habeeb, FHG president and COO. “With a surge in new business and start ups in the city, Genius@Work provides an inspirational space and all the resources necessary for those individuals and groups to gather, share ideas and collaborate.”

In the midst of a revitalization, the City of Milwaukee is seeing entrepreneurs and businesses from across the Midwest relocate, expand and  launch businesses in the city and they are looking for a flexible, collaborative space from which to operate.

Genius@Work is located in the Loyalty Building, which is an iconic National Historic Landmark built in 1886, and is designed to cater to the needs and interests of a wide range of professionals , including free lancers, business travelers, graduate students, work-from-home professionals, innovative and independent thinkers of Milwaukee.

This innovative space is open 365 days a year and includes exclusive member amenities given its partnership with the Hilton Garden Inn Milwaukee Downtown, catering is available, ability to book the entire office space, access to valet services, the Garden Grill Restaurant and Bar and additional meeting spaces within the hotel to accommodate larger groups, as well as the option for members’ clients to stay overnight at the hotel as needed and the opportunity to network with business travelers in the space.

Membership options include the following passes: day, weekly, monthly, corporate/group, annual and conference room-specific. The Genius@Work space is located in the Hilton Garden Inn - Downtown Milwaukee with access through the Michigan St. entrance. Bookings are also available thru liquidspace.com.

The Genius@Work space was built and designed with general contractor Venture Development and the interior design firm Interior Investments, both based in Milwaukee.

For more information on Genius@Work to or learn more about membership packages, visit www.GeniusAtWork.net.

About First Hospitality Group

First Hospitality Group, Inc. is a national, experienced, and established hospitality management, and development company serving the investment and real estate industries.  Since 1985, FHG has been an award-winning pioneer in the hospitality industry.  FHG has successfully developed, marketed and managed over 16 brands and 62 properties throughout the Midwest. Visit www.fhginc.com.

Jeff Percival's Job Search Survival Kit

PRESS RELEASE

Contact:

Jeffrey Percival

(414) 322–2001

survivalkitbooks@gmail.com

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW RESOURCE for JOB SEEKERS

MILWAUKEE, WI, October 17, 2014

While a resume and pre-approach letter are critical to the application process, Jeff Percival will tell you that finding employment and surviving the job search process is much more involved.

Unlike the many employment books that focus on the resumes, letters of introduction and interviewing, this eworkbook directs the candidate’s focus to the five main elements (Shelter, Fire, Nutrition, Attention and Direction) used to create a survival kit. This helps candidates to deal with all the additional things that come into their lives while they are doing their job search.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that there are 13,000,000 unemployed workers in the United States. It is also noted that there is an equal number of workers who are either underemployed or have given up their search.

Through his workbook, Percival shows us that we are our own guides when it comes to obtaining desired employment; it is about attitude, action and focus. This Job Search Survival Kit provides proven exercises outlining how to find shelter, maintain daily nutrition, attract attention from the right people and keep your fire (of desire) burning while moving in the right direction. Many of these exercises have proven themselves throughout the years.

 Job Search Survival Kit is also important for individuals who are currently unsatisfied with their positions.

Jeff Percival has been assisting job seekers for over 25 years. He has spoken at 40 plus of SE WI, Crossroads, PONG, and other support programs for unemployed workers throughout Wisconsin. Personally, Percival has also facilitated 20 Master Mind job networking groups using his book, 8 Weeks to Successful Employment, with a 90+% success rate. Percival has also authored “Your Combination for Success” and co-authored “Work Makes Me Sick! (Prescribe Something Quick!)”

Jeffrey Percival, with 30 years of experience as a Job Coach, is proud to announce his new ebook, “Job Search Survival Kit”.

Gallery Nights Blends Local Art and Music in an Exciting Six Month Lineup

News Release

Contact:
Laura Lawrence
President
Destinati Agency
Phone: 920.650.1835
E-Mail: laural@destinatiagency.com

January 5, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Gallery Nights Blends Local Art and Music in an Exciting Six Month Lineup

(Milwaukee, WI)- Prodigal Gastro pub, located in Walker’s Point, is excited to announce the opening night of their Gallery Nights series, which will begin on Friday, January 8 at 8 pm. The Gallery Night series continues throughout the year with a new artist being featured in an opening reception on the second Friday of each month beginning at 8 pm. Admission is free and the artist will be on site to answer questions and to discuss their art work.

The upcoming schedule includes the following artists and musical acts:

January 9
Featuring prominent artist Ari Rosenthal, who will be displaying a number of multi-media pieces, including one of a kind and collaboration pieces. Keanen Kopplin, of The Toys, will be performing an acoustic set of pop, rock, country and indie songs.

February 13
Artist Jason Richard, featuring a series of contemporary paintings that focus on the human portrait in a contemplative and dark format. Musician Jay Matthes, will be performing an acoustic set of cover and original songs.

March 13
Photographer TH Taylor, featuring a stunning display of his photography with a range of subject matter. TH Taylor is a well-known fixture in photography circles, particularly with his model and fashion series. A musical dynamo on the piano and vocals, Kris Crow will be performing a lively set of favorites, and crowd requests.

April 10
Artist Rachel Hughes, is a talented painter who has gained recognition for her bold and unique pieces featuring the female form, graphic design and the day of the dead. New on the Milwaukee scene, folk duo We & I, comprised of Hayden Skaggs and Marco Jaimez, will be performing a set of hauntingly beautiful original songs.

May 8
Artist KAB, will be showcasing a series of abstract realism multi-media paintings that focus on the female form. Her paintings are expressive and fluid in their creativity and blending of emotions. Nate Moralez of Ol’ Style Skratch will be performing an acoustic set featuring a variety of blues, rock and country.

June 12
Artist Elias Vallejo, featuring a variety of mixed-media paintings with subject matter varying from celebrity portrait art to more contemporary work. Marr’Lo Prada Hollowell of Run Carolina, will be performing an acoustic set of country and rock tunes.

Additional information about the show and the venue are available on the website www.prodigal240.com. Free parking is available in the parking lot for Prodigal Gastro pub, which is located at 240 E. Pittsburgh Ave. A full dining and bar menu will be available for patrons to enjoy.

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Happy New Year!

My New Year's Resolution for the last several years now. This one says it all:

"This year I will be more thoughtful of my fellow man, exert more effort in each of my endeavors professionally as well as personally, take love wherever I find it, and offer it to everyone who will take it. In this coming year I will seek knowledge from those wiser than me and try to teach those who wish to learn from me. I love being alive and I will be the best man I possibly can." - Duane Allman

Wishing you and yours a safe, enjoyable, and prosperous Happy New Year!

All the Best,

Aaron Robertson

Intrapreneurship

Just what is intrapreneurship, you may be asking? The term looks very similar to entrepreneurship, you're thinking. Well, it is. Only intrapreneurship is applied to an already well-established organization.

The Web site, Investopedia, defines the term as, “Acting like an entrepreneur within a larger organization…[intrapreneurs are] usually highly self-motivated, proactive and action-oriented people who are comfortable with taking the initiative, even within the boundaries of an organization, in pursuit of an innovative product or service” (n.d.). Investopedia goes on to note:

The major difference between entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs is that the fruits of success default to the organization rather than to the intrapreneur. On the other hand, the intrapreneur also has the comfort of knowing that failure will not have a personal cost - as it would for an entrepreneur - since the organization would absorb losses arising from failure (Investopedia, n.d.).

Shabana (2010), in an academic piece, goes into further detail on what intrapreneurship is, noting that those who practice the art, “…can help established companies implement innovative policies and procedures or introduce innovative products or services. Intrapreneurs, however, must have a fair amount of latitude within a company in order to effect any significant changes” (p. 32). The author continues, “Workers who earn the title ‘intrapreneur’ usually go well beyond their narrow job descriptions, providing valuable help in innovating some aspect of their companies” (Shabana, 2010, p. 32).

There are essentially two basic types of intrapreneurial organizations: the incremental innovator, and the radical one. Incremental innovators tend to take smaller, more gradual and cautious steps toward achieving innovation, while radical innovators approach innovation in a far riskier, bolder way.

But intrapreneurship does not only apply to commercially-viable end products or services, or to technology. Equally important is improving an overall business model. As Davila, Epstein, & Shelton (2006) points out, “Typically, when people think about innovation, they think of technological innovation. However, business model innovation is just as important and just as powerful in driving business success and revolutionizing industries” (p.14). The authors go on to note that, “Business models describe how the company creates, sells, and delivers value to customers, and it includes in the description the supply chain, targeted customer segments, and the customers’ perception of the delivered value” (Davila, Epstein, & Shelton, 2006, p. 14).

In any case, though, whether an organization is deemed to be an incremental or radical innovator, or whether it has greatly enhanced a product/service offering or a business model/process, Eesley & Longenecker (2006) calls intrapreneurship, “… a key component to organizational success, especially in organizations that operate in rapidly changing industries” (p. 19).

How does your organization promote and foster a culture of intrapreneurship? What processes and systems are in place to achieve this? Share your thoughts and insights in the Comments section.

Reference

Davila, T., Epstein, M. J., & Shelton, R. (2006). Making innovation work: How to manage it, measure it, and profit from it. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Wharton School Publishing.

Eesley, D. T., & Longenecker, C. O. (2006). Gateways to Intrapreneurship. Industrial Management, 48(1), 18-23.

Intrapreneurship. (n.d.). In Investopedia. Retrieved May 23, 2013, from http://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/intrapreneurship.asp

Shabana, A. (2010). Focusing on Intrapreneurship: An Employee-Centered Approach. Advances In Management, 3(12), 32-37.