Tripodcast.com

Tripodcast Episode 61 - Who Are YOU Working For?

2010-03-15T02:17:00Z

Who ARE you working for? Dick Ollek challenges each of us to answer that question. It doesn't matter what kind of company you work at or what your position is - the answer is the same. Dick uses some interesting stories to help us understand that the answer to this question is very important. The answer might surprise you or you might say - "of course." In either case, think about what that answer REALLY means.

We're getting closer to the launch of The Inner Circle. Next week I will share the titles and a bit about some of the first episodes we have on tap. I am also excited to tell you that we have a new CD that contains the 1st year of Tripodcasts. All 50 of the first year episodes have been collected on one CD and is available at http://www.consultantsincleaning.com/index.html.

Be sure to check back next week for an update of the progress toward the launch of The Inner Circle and another informative Tripodcast.

Tripodcast Episode 60 - Training the Trainer

2010-03-07T14:48:00Z

Ron Segura starts this Tripodcast with a comment that it is for distributors. Don't let that fool you! The tips, techniques and ideas he discusses are relevant whether you are a distributor, manager of an in-house cleaning operation or a BSC. And they are timely. Too often in a slow economy we tend to neglect important activities like training as we try to "do more with less." In this Tripodcast, Ron offers solid advice for improving your training program in any economy and in any operation.

Last week I mentioned that Tripod Learning Associates would be introducing an exciting new product in the near future. I can tell you a bit more this week. We have created a new podcast called The Inner Circle. This is a subscription base podcast that will explore topics in greater depth. We've had a great response to the free Tripodcasts every week (and they WILL continue to be free) but have had requests for a series of podcasts with more "meat".

The inner circle will be delivered once a month. The topic for the month will be explored in greater depth and detail - Inner Circle Tripodcasts will average 15 - 20 minutes in length. We may use video or other tools from time to time as well. And we will have special offers for Inner Circle Members on a frequent basis.

We are anticipating an April launch, so stay tuned for more details by checking back here.

Tripodcast Episode 59 - Looking at the Future

2010-03-01T06:19:00Z

Dick Ollek has been doing some research about the future of the cleaning business. In this episode, he shares his learning and predicts a very positive outlook for our industry.

We are also excited about the future for Tripodcast and Tripod Learning Associates. In fact, we are about to introduce a brand new.... Well, actually, you'll have to listen to next week's Tripodcast to learn all about it. "See" you then!

Tripodcast Episode 58 - Sink or Swim

2010-02-22T04:36:00Z

Do you have a system for bringing on a new manager? Do they have the support and tools to get off to a good start? As the executive of an in-house organization or a BSC, you are responsible for making sure this new manager has the best chance for success. In this Tripodcast, Ron Segura explains how to help the new manager swim and avoid being shark bait.

Tripodcast Episode 57 - Digging for Buried Treasure

2010-02-14T15:33:00Z

Contractors typically look to new sales to generate new profits. However, as Dick Ollek explains, that isn't the only way to find profits. By looking at current operations in a new way, he demonstrates how to create significant new profit potential in your operation. If you are running an in-house operation, profits aren't what you are looking for, but by using these techniques, you will find increased flexibility when your budgets are frozen or cut. Whether we are in a difficult, normal or booming economy, these tips can make your operation even stronger.

Tripodcast Episode 56 - Are You on the Right Train?

2010-02-07T00:36:00Z

Training - we talk about it, you talk about it, everyone talks about it. You may have invested in some of the industry's best new training programs. You may have created state of the art training facilities... But, WHO is doing the training? Listen in as Ron Segura explains how to choose the right trainer. Who does your training may be one of the most important questions you should be asking...

Tripodcast Episode 55 - Inspect the Best

2010-02-01T01:04:00Z

Ron Segura asks the question - do your inspections motivate or demoralize your employees? Inspections as a motivational tool? They are meant to uncover problems and find out whose responsible - right? Well, maybe not.

In this episode, Ron looks at inspections in a different way. He suggests you use inspections as a tool to help train and motivate your employees and offers some specific examples to support this point of view along with tips to get you going.

Oh, and by the way - you'll still be able to ensure that your facility is being cleaned properly - in fact maybe even better...

Tripodcast Episode 54 - Motivating without Money

2010-01-24T23:35:00Z

Well, it's pretty clear that no one has made a New Year's resolution to raise maintenance budgets. In fact, they are likely to be squeezed tighter if the economy doesn't improve soon. As a manager or department head, how do you motivate your employees in this environment? Raises and bonuses aren't available, prizes and dinners are probably not in the budget either. So how do you keep your people interested in doing their best?

Listen in as Dick Ollek explains the oldest and maybe the best way to provide positive motivation to your employees. Here's a hint - interest plays a big part of this tip...

Tripodcast Episode 53 - Seeing is Believing

2010-01-10T15:34:00Z

You know image is important, but when was the last time you really looked at yours? Maybe as we start a new year this would be a good time to take a new look at your uniforms, vehicles, equipment and more. In this Tripodcast Ron Segura reminds us of the importance of image to our companies, employees and ourselves. He also offers some good advice for how to evaluate the impression we make and how to make sure our image is saying what we want it to.

Tripodcast Episode 52 - The Challenge of Change

2010-01-10T07:45:00Z

Sometimes the only constant in life seems to BE change. We've all talked about the difficulties of change. In this Tripodcast Dick Ollek encourages us to seek out change and make it our ally. Dick is no stranger to change - successfully inventing and re-inventing his company and his career several times. Here's a chance to learn how to use change from an expert.

Tripodcast Episode 51 - Power to the People!

2010-01-04T06:41:00Z

Happy New Year! Welcome to the first Tripodcast of the new year and the new decade. Have you made your New Year's Resolutions yet? Have you slipped yet? Was one of those resolutions to do a better job of delegating? To get out of the way, let your employees take some more responsibilities?

In this Tripodcast, Ron Segura explains why this is such a good idea - for your employees, for your organization, and for you.

Tripodcast Episode 50 - What is the Real Cost of Quality?

2009-12-25T07:51:00Z

In this Tripodcast Dick Ollek tackles a difficult question - what IS the cost of quality? If we hit 85% or 90% is the cost to reach 100% too high? Or is the cost of NOT pursuing 100% too high? Listen in as Dick Ollek explains what the real cost of quality is all about.

This is our last Tripodcast for 2009. Dick, Ron and I want to thank you for your support for these past 50 episodes. When we started out we really weren't sure what would happen. But the journey has been exciting and far exceeded our expectations. We are looking forward to 2010, and have several exciting new things planned. The free Tripodcasts will continue each week, and we hope you will continue to listen to us and that you will tell your friends and colleagues about the program.

We are putting together a CD with all 50 Tripodcasts so that you can take us with you. This will be available in late January - watch for an announcement at www.tripodcast.com. There will be a lot more coming in the next few months. Please be sure to subscribe to these free Tripodcasts so you don't miss any of it!

From all of us to you and your families - Have a safe, joyous, and wonderful holiday season. We look forward to seeing you again in 2010!
Dick Ollek, Ron Segura, David Holly

Tripodcast Episode 49 - It's all in the Numbers

2009-12-21T05:21:00Z

Have you ever lost a competitive proposal and said, "There's no way they can do it for that price..."? Are you sure? Maybe you ran the numbers through your workloading program - computerized or manual - and it just didn't work. But what numbers did you put in the program? ISSA averages, something you heard on the street? Or did you use REAL numbers - yours?

In this Tripodcast Ron Segura explains why the numbers you put into your workloading program are so important. And by paying more attention to what goes in might make what comes out AND you more competitive.

Tripodcast Episode 48 - But, It's Only 5 Minutes...

2009-12-14T07:15:00Z

I am a procrastinator. Always have been and in spite of my best efforts, will likely be one to some degree in the future. But, as New Years Day begins to draw closer, I seriously think about those resolutions and changing my habits. When I procrastinate, it usually means I end up working some extra hours on the other end of the day, an inconvenience to be sure.

However, what happens when your employees start their shift "just 5 minutes" late? There is a real cost attached to that. And you are paying it directly from your projected profits. Or if you manage an in-house operation, this comes right from that already stretched labor budget.

What DOES it cost you when 5 minutes are wasted here or there? In this Tripodcast, Dick Ollek not only helps you understand the real cost, but also offers some tips for getting things back in control.

As New Years Day approaches, maybe we ALL should make a resolution to get those 5 minutes back.

Episode 47 - Is Your Train on the Right Track?

2009-12-07T05:19:00Z

Sure, you know training is important, you've read that, heard that, lived that whether you manage an in-house operation or a building service contractor. But, is your training program up to date? Has it kept up with new technology, procedures, expectations? Are you sure? When was the last time you actually participated in the entire program?

In this Tripodcast, Ron Segura explains why knowing that your training program is complete and up to date is as important as having one. He also offers some tips to help you check on yours and get it back on the right track...

Episode 46 - It's all About Attitude

2009-11-30T01:35:00Z

Have you heard that a positive attitude makes good things happen? Well, in today's Tripodcast, Dick Ollek takes that even further. According to Dick your attitude determines your altitude. Is your attitude making you fly or holding you back? Take Dick's ten question quiz to learn something about yourself and how you might be able to improve your relationships at work and home and maybe even jump start your career growth.

Episode 45 - Did You Hear the One About the Sponge, the Spectator and the Camel...?

2009-11-22T19:41:00Z

According to Dick Ollek, author of Finding, Training and Keeping GREAT Service Employees 101, says there are three types of employees - sponges, spectators and camels. In this Tripodcast Dick explains what these types of employees are and what they mean to your organization. He also stresses the importance of the right kind of training program to develop and retain the type of employee that will help your organization meet its mission.

You can find Dick's book (along with his CD's and first book) at http://www.consultantsincleaning.com. You can also find Dick's books, CD's and Ron Segura's CD's. at the Janitorial Store.

Episode 44 - Is There Something in the Water?

2009-11-17T05:17:00Z

There is an emerging category of cleaning products - Chemical-Free cleaning solutions. These range from mechanical processes for removing soil and contaminants to chemical-free cleaning products. Dick and Ron twisted my arm to come out from behind the mixing board to talk about something Green. Well this new category of products is not only Green it represents some truly new technology in our industry.

For almost two decades we have been the recipients of "marketing breakthroughs" - new products that were little more than repackaged versions of existing technologies. These new chemical-free solutions offer some actual new technologies for our industry. That in itself is exciting. But, even better - they work!

In this Tripodcast I will talk about why you might be interested in exploring these new technologies (and point out that you are likely using at least one of them already!) I'll also give you a brief introduction to how they work. At the end, you may have more questions than answers - but that's ok. Talk with your supplier, get a demo, try them out. After all, they are only useful if they help solve your problems at your facilities.

The episode runs a little longer than normal - I hope after they see this, Ron and Dick will let me come back and make a few more.

Special Message November 15, 2009

2009-11-16T02:27:00Z

To all of our loyal Tripodcast followers: because of a situation beyond our control, this week's Tripodcast will be delayed by one day. Instead of being delivered on Monday morning November 16th, it will be delivered on Tuesday the 17th. We are sorry for this inconvenience and appreciate your patience and understanding.

Best regards,

David Holly
Ron Segura
Dick Ollek

Episode 43 - Buyer Beware

2009-11-09T03:36:00Z

What kind of buyer are you? In our rush to cut costs we often look at supplies as a quick opportunity. But, we may be focusing on the wrong part of the equation. In this Tripodcast Ron Segura explains that the TYPE of buyer we are may have a big impact on our total supply cost. He looks at several types of buyers, the impact their style has on costs and offers suggestions for reducing the overall cost of supplies by modifying HOW we buy.