Fight Brain Drain

Can you hear me now? Fight Brain Drain Sometimes you gotta wonder... if your message is being heard. If anyone is really paying any attention. Or, is everyone too busy? Or worse. I have promoted Jon's book on numerous occasions. Yet, I do not recall anyone calling or writing to say, "Man, SKI, that book is outstanding!" Not even a flame calling me names for recommending it. Why? Well, the truth would have to be different for each person that has read any of my posts of 'enlightenment' over the years. One comes to mind:

"What have you done for me lately?"

Great question. How about this: A free seat in my next workshop? Sure, there are conditions. Such is life. But again this morning over coffee, reading chapters seven and eight (again!) in Jon's Marketing Outrageously, the solution to a challenge surfaced. In fact, Jon put up chapter seven on his web site. See if it causes your synapses to fire differently. Cut to the Chase... If you are a resident of Tuscarawas, Holmes, Carroll or Stark county, you may be entitled to a free seat at the March 30th Purple Curve Workshop. Featuring keynote by Buzz Marketing Guru, Ron McDaniel. As a member of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, I want to do my part to fight "brain drain" -- of course, I am having trouble finding a link on the chamber web site to link, but I have attended an after hours event that focused on fighting the greater Canton area's loss of talent. So I know that the Chamber is aware of the problem. Maybe if nothing else, I may draw attention to the need for a link to this effort. On their home page. But I digress... My book, Purple Curve Effect, is about personal leadership in business. Or government. Or life. The workshop at the end of March is simply a case of the material coming alive in the form of a workshop. To help make the principles come to life in a more profound way. Normally, a $99 event. Free. If you qualify. If you are not happy with your job, or lack of meaningful employment, then this workshop is for you. Again, if you are a resident of one of the four target counties. Proof will be required! I want to hear from YOU if, and only if, you qualify. By email. And email only. Once we start a dialog via email, we most likely will talk on the phone. I will personally call each 'winning' applicant (consider this my version of an apprenticeship, where all participants may in fact advance!) to ensure that there are no misunderstandings. Event Details: www.PurpleCurve.com So, the ball is now in your court: ski@throughputpress.com Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey, Jonah www.ThroughputPress.com P.S. Did I mention that there are only 50 seats? P.P.S. I am also looking for an event co-sponsor. tag: Brain Drain (c)Copyright 2007, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey. All rights reserved.

Better Process Podcast

The Better Process Podcast

This is a great episode if I say so myself! Ken did an amazing job of dragging out the important information. There is always more one would like to say, but for a ten minute chat, methinks we hit the nail on the head.

Special thanks to Trish at Blink Ready for connecting me with Ken Rayment at the Better Process Podcast. As always Trish, your enthusiasm is appreciated.

Give a listen and do let me know what you think. In fact, please digg it if you like it. The link is right there on Ken's page.

Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey, Jonah
www.ThroughputPress.com

P.S. If you have a message for Ken's show, I would love to introduce you!

tag: Better Process Podcast
(c)Copyright 2007, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey.
All rights reserved.

John F. Kennedy

"First, I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to the Earth." -May 25, 1961. JFK

I started reading Made to Stick by the brothers Heath today. One of the best business books that I have read in some time. It tackles the concept of "stickiness" as introduced by Gladwell in The Tipping Point. Combined with my re-reading of Marketing Outrageously by Spoelstra, I am ready to tackle some even larger projects! It is almost as good as Purple Curve Effect. Almost. If you don't own either book (mine or the Heath's), buy mine first. You can get the PDF within 8 to 24 hours (via the internet and email) for just two bucks. Then buy Made to Stick. Then, change the world. Like JFK. Or, after your own fashion. Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey, Jonah www.ThroughputPress.com P.S. Not sure why they quoted it as "put a man on the moon," but otherwise, impressive! P.P.S. Found a good sound byte for Made to Stick on youTube. tag: Made to Stick (c)Copyright 2007, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey. All rights reserved.

Janis Joplin

Mercedes Benz
by Janis Joplin

Every few days, this song pops up on my iPod. What a talent. Among the many for which my wife and I disagree. She could wail like few (if any) others. Like on "Cry Baby" or "Piece of my Heart." Life goes on... for most of us.

Purple Curve Insight #6

You will know when you are on the purple curve.
Not sure? You are NOT on the purple curve.
Reread this book!

Of course that assumes that you already own the book. I can't imagine Janis wondering if she had talent. Do I ever doubt if I have talent? Rarely. Sure, like anyone that has been consulting in the business arena for over twenty years, I have had failures. Life happens.

I can only imagine the thrill that comes from singing to thousands of screaming fans. I know the thrill of delivering results beyond all expectations. I was listening to an IndustryWeek web cast the other day on production, and the speaker mentioned that in her 20+ years she has never seen any "silver bullets" for production.

How sad.

Eli Goldratt tells that his Theory of Constraints is nothing, if not a collection of silver bullets! I wrote my book to help introduce the world to some of those solutions. Some days, I wonder if I am making any progress. Then in comes an email of praise for some element of the book.

What a thrill.

Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey, Jonah
www.ThroughputPress.com

P.S. Throughput Press is on that Purple Curve!

tag: Silver Bullets
(c)Copyright 2007, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey.
All rights reserved.

Mind Game

Mind Game

Business, like golf is played on a 5-1/2" course...
"The space between your ears." -Bobby Jones

Years ago, Thayer and I debated using the word karma in an article. Five and one-half years ago, it was not mainstream enough. Today, I doubt we would give it a second thought.

I am suggesting that your opinion concerning karma is important. At least to me. Les Brown tells that "If you think you can, you can. If you think you can't, you can't." It is determined by that playing field between your ears. I suggest Bobby Jones was a legend in his own mind, before the world ever noticed. Like Jack Nicklaus and his power of focus. Mind games.

Ever heard the expression, "Stinkin Thinkin?"

If you fail to recognize how important your mental attitude is, I am telling you that you are leaving a lot of money on the table. Part of my Purple Curve Effect message is that of involving others. Please do not assume that only implies those among the living. Consider Deming.

"Without theory, there is no learning…Theory is a window into the world. Theory leads to prediction. Without prediction, examples and experience teach nothing. To copy an example of success, without understanding it with the aid of theory, may lead to disaster." -W. Edwards Deming

The word "theory" is a slippery word at best (outside the scientific community). To me, it means "thinking stuff up." Like the folks at NASA. Like I do most every morning over coffee. How many of you are old enough to remember the "What if?" HP commercials on TV from the 1980s (as I recall)... where the guy has a thought in the shower, then runs through the house in a towel, dripping on his wife's hardwood floor (as she looks on, unlike my wife, with nothing but a smile) as he heads for the computer?

Allow me to translate Deming: "Without thinking stuff up, there is no learning."

I challenge myself to think more stuff up each day. Then, to get up and test those thoughts.

The "Mind Game" poster, framed under glass, hangs in my office.

Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey, Jonah
www.ThroughputPress.com

P.S. It hangs next to my "Indian Chief 74" motorcycle artwork.

tag: Mind Games
(c)Copyright 2007, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey.
All rights reserved.

Thinking out Loud

Boyd Speakers Bureau
was born while "thinking out loud"

In Purple Curve Effect, I talk about this approach to, as chapter 19 is labeled, "Involve Others." The tool is best used with a little discipline. In fact, here is the framework:

Tenets of “thinking out loud”

• Begin with the awareness that only one weakest link can be present at any one time
• Everyone should feel free to say anything and everything they think is relevant
• Even “stupid” ideas should be shared because they can trigger a productive solution
• The results of thinking out loud are not a plan, promise or contract
• End with the conviction that there is still only one weakest link

So there it is, the roots of the speakers bureau. A couple of conversations with some folks (each will be revealed over the next few days) about the influence of John Boyd, and a new business entity springs forth. For now, it is a component of Throughput Press. My virtual incubator of sorts.

Need help getting your business on the purple curve?

Call me: (330) 432-3533

Need a keynote speaker: Boyd Speakers Bureau

Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey, Jonah
www.ThroughputPress.com

P.S. Event planners: Need world recognized talent? Lets talk.

tag: Boyd Speakers Bureau
(c)Copyright 2007, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey
All rights reserved.

Dr. Lisa Lang on Boyd

I am pleased to report that Dr. Lisa Lang,
President of Science of Business, is
available to give your keynote speech!

I met Dr. Lisa in person in the fall of 2001. But she contributed to TOCreview magazine earlier in the year. Disclaimer: Dr. Lisa is a client of Throughput Press. I have always had nice things to say about her abilitites. And will continue to do so.

In April 2004, I picked up several boxes of books, my book Purple Curve Effect, hot off the press and drove them to Dr. Lisa's Vision Vision Offer event in Denver. From Ohio. I agreed to give a number of copies of the book away to the first so many registered attendees. As a premium.

Later, she recruited me to help on some of the marketing efforts for other Viable Vision Offer events... like Dallas, San Diego, Raleigh and Toronto. I have seen Lisa take charge, and at other times, sit back. A natural leader. Comfortable in most any circumstance or situation.

I have also witnessed numerous first hand reports of the successes that Science of Business is producing for its clients. When she shared the concept of her Mafia Offer Boot Camps, I actually got chills! So the other day while talking of John Boyd's contributions to business, it made sense to ask her to allow me the privilege of offering her speaking services to the world.

Hear now, the fruit of my labor:

www.BoydSpeakers.info

Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey, Jonah
www.ThroughputPress.com

P.S. FYI: Boyd Speakers Bureau is a Throughput Press offering.

tag: Dr. Lisa Lang
(c)Copyright 2007, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey.
All rights reserved.

Fifth Insight

Purple Curve Insight #5:

Goldratt and those contributing to his TOC
methodology are advancing the most
effective planning tool known to man.

One of those contributors, H. William Dettmer (disclaimer: Dettmer is a client of Throughput Press) took the Theory of Constraints, and added John Boyd's OODA Loop to form the Constraints Management Model (CMM).

Add the power of Lean and Six Sigma (to name just two tool sets) as tactics to a CMM based strategy, and there are few (if any!) results that would be impossible. I follow a lot of leadership blogs, and am amazed at the brilliance and yet at times, the ignorance. Kinda like most any other subject!

Few methodologies have the tools to determine (in a holistic, systems oriented fashion) the proper leverage point at which to apply the given tool set. Lean (TPS), TQM, and Six Sigma offer tremendous value to most any business. If, and only if, your efforts are focused on the proper challenge. Lean's muda, mura, muri only make sense when these issues are the weakest link in your business.

If one fails to ensure adequate cash flow, they will run out of money before any one or more tactics eliminate enough waste to make a difference. Apply TOC/CMM's holistic strategic tools in order to focus your tactics. First. There would then be little (if any) bad press about "failed" initiatives. Just tons of success to report.

Get a better understanding of TOC with my book: Purple Curve Effect.

Then buy Dettmer's Strategic Navigation (all but the military buffs can skip the first three chapters, except for pages 27 through 31) to supercharge your strategy.

Finally, share your results with me. I am always looking for articles on business results.

Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey, Jonah
www.ThroughputPress.com

P.S. Don't own an Eli Goldratt book? I suggest Critical Chain for the first time reader.

tag: Goldratt's TOC
(c)Copyright 2007, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey, Jonah
All rights reserved.

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach Bike Week: March 2-10, 2007 I am having trouble sleeping just thinking about it! Less than two weeks away! One of the "must see" biker events each year, Daytona is a great destination for March. Although the weather channel "10 day forecast" does not yet reach, it shows seventy and eighties just prior to our arrival. If you are going to be around, give me a shout. I am trying to figure a way to get my V-Rod out of Ohio without freezing off body parts to make the trek. A couple of years ago, I bought a Buell Lightning in Dallas and rode it over. Much easier. Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey, Jonah www.ThroughputPress.com P.S. If you are in the motorcycle business (builder, dealer or distributor), then be sure to hook up with my good friend, "Joe D." He can put together a marketing plan to help make your 2007, "The year of the BIG Payday!" tag: Daytona Beach Bike Week

Indian Motorcycle

It is almost back: The Indian Chief

At least back enough enough, to start taking deposits on 2008 bikes. This could be another great turnaround, if all goes well. If not, it will be like the third or fourth failed attempt.

Money should not be an issue this time around... in September 2006, Indian Motorcycle Company (IMC) announced a $30,000,000.00USD capital increase. I doubt that in eight years and over 600 motorcycles built, Red Horse Motorworks has yet to spend anywhere near that kind of money! But I digress.

I hope they make it. If for no other reason, than in order for my brother to get his new Chief. Another dream on the verge of fulfillment.

Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey, Jonah
www.ThroughputPress.com

P.S. Then, I guess my other brother will buy a Victory, to complete our American motorcycle collection. I have a Harley, and my one brother and I share an Excelsior-Henderson.

tag: Indian Motorcycle

Visualize Results

Purple Curve Insight #4:

Consider the Tower of Babel See yourself or your business on the purple curve. Always fixing the weakest link. Blasting past your competition.

In chapter 17, I mention Jack Nicklaus and his ability to the see the perfect shot before he addresses the ball. How good is your vision. No, not your eye sight. Vision: the ability to predict the future. One cannot declare success without knowing what it looks like! Common Sense, right? However, it is very much uncommon. I have owned a number of businesses. Started most of them from a vision of what I thought was needed (find a need, and fill it!), and then rolled up my sleeves. Having trouble? Borrow someone else's vision. Buy a franchise. I did. The Tux Shop. I sold out back in 1980. The business still exists today, on the boulevard in Dover, Ohio. Another key to success, is creating the habits necessary to achieve success. This story bears repeating: I always lock my car door. Always. No matter what. I therefore never have to wonder in the middle of an important meeting (even the ones at Starbucks!) if I locked my car. I have a shiny new Harley V-Rod (all back) in my garage. Why? Because I studied them at great length, for months, maybe even years. Had the brochure; had magazine articles featuring the V-Rod. Many a night, before "calling it a night," I would take one last look at that brochure. I could see myself blasting down the road on my V-Rod. Every chance that arose, I was test riding the V-Rod. My vision created the reality. You must get yourself into a position from which you can succeed. Life is that simple. That difficult. Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey, Jonah www.ThroughputPress.com P.S. Hope to see you at Daytona Beach Bike Week! tag: Success (c)Copyright 2007, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey. All rights reserved.

Success Tip

I ran across this quote in a LinkedIn "Answers" post.

Love it.

Been there.

Done that.

I call it focus. Laser-like focus on the leverage point. Does reality ever come in to play? Sure, just don't give it too much room to "talk" you out of your mission.

Guy Kawasaki was talking about (as almost always) entrepreneurs, and how just before they accomplish something great, that "something" seems impossible. It is! Right up to the moment that they break through. Take the four-minute mile. Or boot-strapping a new business.

Guy went on to state, "How do you start a business without any cash? You just do. That is what defines an entrepreneur!"

I have yet to meet Alan Cline. But I am looking forward to it. A gentleman after my own heart.

Alan gets it.

Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey, Jonah
www.ThroughputPress.com

P.S. Have a great story of success? I would love to publish it.

tag: Success
(c)Copyright 2007, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey.
All rights reserved.

Sun Microsystems on ODF

My Family Photos - and ODF

Jonathon Schwartz
CEO Sun Microsystems

A great post. Valuable insight. Interesting use of story telling.

Great pitch on your OpenOffice tools also... which I use on my PC, just have not got around to loading it on my new mac mini. It has come a long ways in a few short years. I was hosting an event, and my PC was being used by the presenter, Eli Goldratt. At a point well into his session, he asks me to load a [brand name deleted] presentation that he had on a memory stick.

It worked flawlessly.

But I digress.

Please ask everyone to be on guard for the idiots that want to reinvent the wheel (in such a fashion, that the wheels would only work, or work somehow differently, on their own wagon). I remember the first time I tried sharing a document among folks with a variety of word processors. RTF (rich text format) used to work just find. Until someone 'enhanced' their version of the standard to only play well among their own products.

The point: ODF has promise. How can Jonathan and Sun keep the playing field level this time?

Given the list of "would be" supporters.

Given the failure to preserve Java from the harsh elements of competition.

At some point in this whole technology game, is there anyway to get cheaters booted out of such a consortium?

Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey, Jonah
www.ThroughputPress.com

P.S. Why Jonathan, why, is Vista in this blog's link path?

tag: ODF
(c)Copyright 2007, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey.
All rights reserved.

Throughput Accounting

This is a great spoof on an entertaining movie

Throughput Accounting (TA) talks about about things like revenue and expenses. But more than just talking about debits and credits, TA stresses that managerial decisions need to be made on a different set of calculations. Different from the ones used to report tax liabilities. Common sense, right?

Just not all that common.

As Zig Ziglar and I have been saying for years, everyone is in sales. Regardless the title on your card. Now that would make a great movie!

-ski

Uncommon

Purple Curve Insight #3:



As you will recall, the talk about curves, is based on the chart also used as the cover of the book, Purple Curve Effect.




In Chapter 16, I was talking about how successful people often are willing to do things that the less successful will not. Like make a list. Or pickup the phone and makes some phone calls. It only makes sense that if you are in sales, you will make more sales if you call more people.

Hence, it is common sense.

However, people actually making those extra calls is quite uncommon.

This chapter also touches (again) on dreambuilding. Perhaps one of the most misunderstood and least practiced short cuts to success to which I have been exposed. How does one have a dream come true, if they have no dream?

If you have been in consulting more than about a week, you have experienced this challenge:

"Thanks for the call Mr. Prospect. How may I help?"
Your approach may differ slightly.

"Well," starts the prospect, "I would like to take my business to the next level."
A worthy goal. Not uncommon in the business world.

After you research the status quo, present three scenarios, win the contract, and start actually implementing your plan, "it" raises its head.

"Mr. Client, we need to make this change to [fill in the blank] in order to jump to that next level." Almost regardless of the evidence presented, the client (formally the prospect) will have a number of reasons why your changes are not possible.

It takes uncommon effort to move organizations from status quo to the "next" level. Among those efforts, may I suggest that you have the goals (in the form of dreams, perhaps) at the ready?

"Well Mr. Client, as you will recall, we defined a goal of improving 'due date performance' from the present 64% to 92% by our fiscal year end. This change is required in order to allow the shipping department the ability to respond as needed. These spreadsheets that you and I created, show how we can attack the market and win valuable market share, if, and only if, as we factored in, our due date performance significantly improves."

Now, for the punchline.

"I trust Mr. Client, that you recall the plan to upgrade the company's fleet of vehicles to those manufactured in this century was based on winning a mere 5 points of market share?" Then a big grin crosses your face, "And isn't your new car going to be a Cadillac CTS?"

Over simplied? Sure. Buy my book for the details.

Disappointed in the use of material things to motivate performance? Too bad. May I suggest you investigate Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

It is simply a matter of getting yourself to create the positive behaviors (habits) that will cause one to do the uncommon. In the U.S. Marine Corps, every enlisted man must complete the same three month boot camp. Regardless of the occupation. It is my understanding this is unique to the Corps. Why is this required? Every Marine must understand they are first and foremost, a combat soldier. This concept must become ingrained in one's thought processes, in order to function as a highly effective team. One's actions must become habit. Without hesitation.

Set yourself up to succeed. Do what others are unwilling to do.

Go test drive that new Cadillac CTS today!

Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey, Jonah
www.ThroughputPress.com

P.S. Be sure to get the sun roof!

tag: Uncommon Common Sense
(c)Copyright 2007, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey.
All rights reserved.

Carrie Underwood

Reuters recounts string of awards
for American Idol contestants

I would suggest that the TV program is nothing more (or less) than a system. With goals and measurable results. Grammys are a great indication of success for those in the music business. Ratings are another.

Congratulations Carrie.

-ski

CEO Schedule

A great post over at businesspundit...

Reminded me of my dad, Sonny The Big Cat. He helped a number of CEOs get their act together. Me included.

This is one off my favorite photos of us together. You can tell this is Ohio, taken in April 1958. I was three years old. The motorcycle is a 1944 Harley-Davidson "Army Bike" owned by my grandfather (dad's father-in-law), Harley W. Buss... whose dad, Geo E. Buss was one of the first 200 Harley dealers. Ever. With a shop in downtown New Philadelphia circa 1911 (when his son was born, and named, yep, Harley).

I remember grandpa coming to get me on his various Harley's over the years, and riding with him up and down and all around the country roads (before interstates!). As I recall, he owned at least one other "suicide shift" bike (note the gear shift on the tank in the photo). My first real motorcycle was a Harley 65cc. If that two-stroke powerhouse counts! My cousins had mopeds, so I thought I was hot. But I digress.

The businesspundit post reminded me of a habit that I acquired from dad: the morning "think session" over coffee at an area restaurant. Starbucks is 30 miles away, so I rarely make that trek in the morning.

I take my iPod, a book, at least one magazine, small tablet and pen. As Harry S. Stamper (Bruce Willis) says in the movie Armageddon, for all my "thinking $#!& up", I should work for NASA. I have had some real breakthroughs. For myself and my clients.

I remember during my Red Horse custom motorcycles days (as a consultant and acting Director of Manufacturing), doing the coffee break thing in the mornings at Jitters in Clear Lake, Iowa (where the "Music died" and no Starbucks exist). I was applying Schragenheim and Dettmer's sDBR and I needed more bikes in the production schedule during the slower winter season. I came up with a great idea: any dealer for Red Horse that had a bike in stock for display, would be added to our American Iron magazine advertisement. No bike meant no mention in the national magazine. It worked. We had a number of dealers order bikes in order to be included in the marketing effort.

I cannot place too much emphasis on getting away at the start of the day, to "think stuff up," and determine the focal point for one's efforts.

Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey, Jonah
www.ThroughputPress.com

P.S. Need help "thinking stuff up?" Call me: (330) 432-3533

tag: Red Horse Motorcycles
(c)Copyright 2007, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey.
All rights reserved.

Americans

Teddy Roosevelt on being an American A friend recently sent me a disgusting post about a high school flying a foreign country's flag atop our American Flag, and concluded with a great quote from a hero of mine, Teddy Roosevelt. As I always do, I check the "urban legend" web sites for the facts. True enough. It happened in March 2006. But the Roosevelt quote was mis-quoted as being from a speech in 1907.

"In the first place we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the man's becoming in very fact an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag, and this excludes the red flag, which symbolizes all wars against liberty and civilization, just as much as it excludes any foreign flag of a nation to which we are hostile...We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language...and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people." -Teddy Roosevelt 1919

From my Urban Legend source: Theodore Roosevelt indeed wrote these words, but not in 1907 while he was still President of the United States. The passages were culled from a letter he wrote to the president of the American Defense Society on January 3, 1919, three days before Roosevelt died. I would that I am as passionate about America on my death bed. Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey, Jonah www.ThroughputPress.com P.S. If you have not already done so, please rent The Wind and the Lion. A mostly fictional account, but extremely entertaining with great reverence for Teddy and my U.S. Marine Corps. tag: Teddy Roosevelt

Valentines Day

THIS VALENTINE'S DAY, SEND YOUR LOVE WITH (RED) Besides being a great idea and helping make the world a better place, here is a neat calculator to track your contributions and the positive impact that your purchases will make. Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey, Jonah www.ThroughputPress.com P.S. What charities are you passionate about? tag: (red)

Boyd Speakers Bureau

Throughput Press Launches Boyd Speakers Bureau

I am excited to report that a lot has been happening "back stage" at Throughput Press as Thayer and I ramp up for 2007: "The year of the BIG Payday" for our clients.

Soon, some internationally known speakers will appear, for hire, on the John Boyd-inspired speakers bureau web site. That Boyd OODA Loop makes so much sense on so many levels. But I digress...

If you use the brilliance of Boyd's work to produce amazing results, then you need to contact me. Let's see if you have what it takes to keynote a convention or workshop.

Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey, Jonah
www.ThroughputPress.com

P.S. Obviously if your next event needs a results oriented, proven speaker, I would love to hear from you as well.

tag: Boyd Speakers Bureau

Upgrading? Go Mac

What a great email

This just in (in my mailbox, that is). What a great idea for a marketing piece. Of course they already know I have at least one mac (three actually, counting the new mac mini)... guess they expect me to share it.

Apple: Consider it done.

-ski

P.S. In case the text is too small to read in the clip:

"It's time to get a Mac. If you're thinking of upgrading to Vista, you'll probably need a new computer. Why not get a Mac? It's simpler, more secure, and way more fun. And it works with the stuff you already have, like printers and cameras. So before you upgrade anything, you owe it to yourself to check out a Mac."

Amen.

Eli Goldratt's P&Q

The infamous "P&Q Example"
from the mind of Eli Goldratt

Want to increase your throughput?

Read and complete this exercise: P&Q Example (PDF)

Nothing too difficult. Simple and basic math skills will suffice.

No cheating. No guessing. No approximations. No modifying the example (at least not yet). You must read the example and work out the math. Pen and paper are fine. No fancy spreadsheet required. However, I will email everyone who asks, a copy of the one I created to help explain the P&Q challenge.

Ever heard the expression, "There is more to it, than face value?" Or, "It looks too good to be true?"

These are light-hearted attempts to explain why solutions that seem to make good sense often result in disaster.

I have witnessed numerous "tests" by Goldratt of the P&Q Example in live audiences. He gives them plenty of time to work it out. My first time, I got $1500, along with about 80% of the attendees. In fact, almost every time, with rooms full of managers and often "C" level executives, the majority arrive at $1500 for the weekly profit.

Wrong.

Why is it wrong? Inattention to detail. In real life, there are constraints. Why am I not driving that new Chrysler Pacifica that "calls to me?" It was either a new Harley V-Rod or the Pacifica. Life is full of constraints. Businesses too.

Remember the movie, Colossus: The Forbin Project?

Once the United States supercomputer discovers the Soviet version, they get connected and started communicating. Building on simple math concepts, until the dialog evolves into a new computer language.

Start working the P&Q Example based on simple addition, subtraction and multiplication. Calculate the assumptions. Find the constraint. Then solve based on the constraint. Now what is your answer?

Once we understand these basics, we can proceed to fixing your throughput issues.

Not one minute sooner.

Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey, Jonah
www.ThroughputPress.com

Chicago Bears by 6

Prediction: Chicago Bears win SuperBowl XLI by 6

When my son was growing up, we were Bears fans. What's not to love about a team with talent like Mike Ditka, Head Coach; Buddy Ryan, Defensive Coordinator; Ed Hughes, Offensive Coordinator?

Not to mention Jim McMahon, Walter Payton, Richard Dent and 'Refrigerator' Perry!

"The Bears won Super Bowl 20 (1985) by a score
of 46-10, by far the largest margin of victory in a
super bowl to that point."

I look forward a defensive battle of epic proportions.

Bears to win SuperBowl XLI by 6.

Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey, Jonah
www.ThroughputPress.com

P.S. Moments after the Bears won their place of honor this year, I received a text message from my son, "R U Ready for the Bears in the Superbowl!" My reply: Yes!

P.P.S. I am also watching for the next "GoDaddy" success story, as outrageous SuperBowl ads have launched a number of icons... like the 1984 Apple MacIntosh.

tag: Chicago Bears

VTwin Expo

I love to tell Ben Franklin "for want of a nail" stories

The picture of me on the right (for the last week or so) is me at Sturgis in 2005. I just got back tonight from a quick run to Cincinnati, Ohio to the 7th annual VTwin Expo. Mecca for VTwin dealers and bike builders. Always a good time to grab some Skyline Chili too...

The story

So, back a few years ago, I see this Red Horse motorcycle in American Iron magazine. Write in Purple Curve Effect about my desire to build one or more customs. Mention my love of the Red Horse brand. That their salesman, Brad, is on top of his game. End up meeting the owner and going to work for Red Horse as the Director of Manufacturing. Apply Constraints Management and reduce inventory by 50% while doubling throughput of completed bikes. In 90 days.

Which leads me to meeting Joe D. Who puts together a wheel program for me and Red Horse that allows us in part to hit those breakthroughs mentioned above. When I left Red Horse, I opened a dealership, and had that black beauty built to my specs. Pro Street with Harley Twin Cam 88" with a fat front tire (only 19", not the standand 21"), right side drive with hydraulic clutch and chrome V-Rod hand controls, 250mm rear tire. To mention a few of the highlights.

Through Joe, I end up working a booth at Sturgis, and had the bike shipped out for sale. Got to cruise downtown Sturgis on it, and the photo was taken. Another dream, come true. Well today, again in large part due to Joe's efforts, I helped man a booth in Cincy.

Joe is the absolute "go to guy" for the bike builder or dealer in this industry. His marketing group, Pro Riders Marketing based in Lee's Summit, Missouri represents a number of top shelf vendors. In fact, I got to chat with a number of them today:

• Forge – Tec Motorcycle Wheels – Booth# 270
• 
  Kerr Leathers (Leather Apparel & Helmets) – Booth# 2440
• ACCEL Motorcycle Products – Booth# 913
• 
  B’ Cool Products (Fenders & Rollers) – Booth# 377
• 
  Maximum Metal Works (Frames & Rollers) – Booth# 2325

The show runs through Monday, so if you are a dealer or builder, there is still time to make the trek. Questions? Call Joe: (319) 389-0798. Tell'm "SKI sent me!"

Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey, Jonah
www.ThroughputPress.com

P.S. Speaking of wheels, Forge-Tec introduced a number of new styles today.

P.P.S. Disclaimer: I actually consult with Joe on a number of projects. So although 100% accurate, my praise for these vendors might be coloured by my relationship with Pro Riders Marketing. I do not think so. I tend to favor the facts. For example, a large number of custom builders were sporting Forge-Tec wheels and Maximum Metal Works frames... again, my reason for this post was to encourage any "local" builders or dealers to make the trek. There are 100s of vendors on display.

tag: VTwin Expo, Joe Distefano