Smart friends

Smarts friends may lead one to new wisdom

As discussed before, I love to tell Ben Franklin "for want of a nail" stories. Buzz guru Ron McDaniel posted a note about another's post on multi-tasking (mostly bad for 80% of the human race, and yes, there really are exceptions; plus, we need a better definition {but I digress...}) which also touched on listening to music while working.

That works for me. Methinks that I also commented on this fact some time ago. Right now, it is Dylan (again). "Things have changed." Perhaps his best effort. Ever.

But my point: in one of the comments, I discovered a note from Rick Cockrum on the music thing. Turns out that Rick is also into "changing the world." Small world. Love his posts on goals and even enjoy the Haiku (go figure!).

What are you doing to make the world a better place?

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

P.S. Wonder if Rick was considering authoring a book... ?

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

Research and Development

Research and Development Mapped

These are neat maps, to show on a global basis, where the chips fall. A great computer application generates the maps (I hope).

I never would have known Finland was in the top five, but I should have... I have sold copies of the Purple Curve Effect to a number of thought leaders in Finland.

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

P.S. How many of us expected that America was not number one?

tag: Finland Research and Development
(c)Copyright 2007, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey.
All rights reserved.

Survivor Tools

Is your list of executive references turning into a list of early retirees? Does your best friend from college -- the one who used to be an engineer -- want to help, but the burger joint where he works doesn't need any more employees? Are your colleagues planning a move to Jacksonville, Florida or one of the other two American cities where companies are still hiring? Do the words "golden handshake" sound like someone just said, "kiss of death"? More than a book about business, you need a survival tool. As big industry in the United States shrinks, there's no where to go except small business and often, that means you must decide to work for yourself. But how? Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey, Publisher www.ThroughputPress.com P.S. Details available for the serious seeker... write me: SKI tag: Survivor Tools (c)Copyright 2007, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey. All rights reserved.

Mark Woeppel

Mark Woeppel on Implementation

In what some might call an unusual dialog (at best), Woeppel shares the adventures of one his business ventures on his bulletin board. From the sounds of it, it is a lot like any number of adventures that I have participated in: you hit some home runs, and then the rest of the team wants to go back to the old way of doing things.

As Dylan said, "Things have changed."

For the last 90 days, Thayer and I have been at work on some new and exciting tools... "survivor tools" for the executive facing the realization that their "fall back position" is taking on water!

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

P.S. Want a sneak peek? Drop me a note.

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

Jonathan Schwartz on Focus

Focus. In fact, nine times...

Jonathan used the word "focus" or a variation of it, nine times in his latest post. And lays out for the world to see, his reorg for Sun Microsystems.

Impressive. It is recommended reading for most any business leader. IMNSHO.

Yet the close was even more powerful: "Pace matters." I must assume that Mr. Schwartz is a John Boyd fan. Welcome to the club.

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

P.S. For those inquiring minds: Boyd Speakers Bureau.

P.P.S. Found this interesting post on Jonathan's recent appearance at a MashUp from the comments section. However Steven, I disagree about Six Sigma.

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

John Caspari

John A. Caspari
Co-Author of Management Dynamics

"John A. Caspari, a well known TOCICO member certified at the Implementer level in Financial Management, Thinking Processes and Business Strategy died March 16^th, 2007 age 64, from cancer in Grand Rapid, Michigan , USA . John was an independent educator and researcher in accounting measures who authored Management Dynamics: Merging Constraints Accounting to Drive Improvements, authored with his wife Pamela who survives him. ISBN: 0471672319."
--News Release from the TOCICO

John will be missed.

His book is a "must read" for those leaders making financial decisions.

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

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

Boot Strap Me

BootStrapMe asks: "What's your business Mantra?"

"Finally—a publisher just for authors seeking to change the world."

I tell myself that most every morning. Along with, "It's Relationships, stupid." Talking to one's self is a little weird. At first. But I find it allows me to focus. My clients deserve that. Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey, Publisher www.ThroughputPress.com (330) 432-3533 P.S. Thinking about self publishing? Don't. Call me. tag: BootStrapMe (c)Copyright 2007, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey. All rights reserved.

Jack Vinson

Knowledge Management

Most every time Jack posts, it deals with KM. And every time that he does, my mind races to Marketing in College. One of the few "B" grades on my report card. My definition of marketing is, let me be kind and say, unusual. I do not understand KM, at least not as Jack and most of bloggers on the subject that I follow, understand it.

I consider Jack a friend, although we have never met. That I know of. Our involvement (on different levels) with Eli Goldratt's Viable Vision Offer events might have put us together, without our knowledge. But I digress...

Yesterday, he paid me a compliment by including a link to my Purple Curve Effect in a post. Many years ago I heard Eli describe his Red and Green curves. Not sure if he still makes this statement today, but he remarked that he called the "red" curve as such, because he had a red marker in his hand the first time he drew that curve.

That may work for a physicist. But not for an accountant. I created the "purple" curve for several reasons including the desire to brand my own application of Goldratt's TOC and to put the red curve where it belongs: as a loss. That left the green curve as Eli indicated, so I needed another color for the upward, never ending curve that comes from repeatedly identifying, exploiting and subordinating your weakest link. Enter "purple."

Thought you might like to know.

And, yes, it is possible (with proper focus) to create continued growth.

Someday, I will explain why lay-offs are stupid. Not to mention, unnecessary.

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

P.S. Still time if you are in Northeast Ohio to attend my workshop.

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

Results Available

Time is running out

Fight Brain Drain
Purple Curve Workshop
March 30th :: Canton, Ohio

At Throughput Press, if Einstein is correct, time is flat out flying! The stuff in the works would blow your mind. What if lay-offs in America were a thing of the past? But I digress...

I am running an ad (paying, to run that ad!) in the Canton Repository to give away free tickets to an event that could eliminate "Brain Drain." No one from the press has bothered to call in response to my News Releases. No emails. Nothing.

If I waited on others for my successes, I probably would not have any!

My book, Purple Curve Effect, will come to life in the form a great "hands on" workshop on Friday, March 30th, at the Kent Stark campus Professional Education and Conference Center. This world class facility is a huge reason I selected Canton to roll this workshop out to the public. But I digress.

Who should try to acquire one of the free tickets?

• The entrepreneur seeking market share
• The business owner seeking breakthroughs in ROI
• The Sales Manager needing more results QUICKLY
  
• The under-employed seeking better wages
• The talented but unemployed
  
• The dreamer looking to make a difference in the world
• That job candidate faced with leaving the Tuscarawas valley

If you need to accomplish something (not just anything, but something of value or worthy of your efforts), you need to be at this event.

Enough said?

www.PurpleCurve.com

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

P.S. Seating is limited. There will be NO tickets available at the door.

P.P.S. Advanced registration is required.

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

Marketing Think

Marketing Think within Systems Thinking

Talking yesterday about batch sizes, reminded that I rarely talk of sDBR (Simplified Drum-Buffer-Rope, aka DBR-II). Eli Schragenheim and William Dettmer's great book, Manufacturing at Warp Speed, is always on top (or very near the top) of my desk.

While serving as Director of Manufacturing for a custom OEM motorcycle company implementing sDBR, I had a thought. I was driving in to work after my morning "think session" over coffee wondering where we could get more orders for bikes to build in the dead of winter.

Long story short, I pitched the owner on adding our dealers to our national magazine ads, if and only if, the dealer had a bike on the floor. Most dealers did not, as well, these were custom bikes built to the customer's tastes. Yet, it was a good idea to have one or more floor models to highlight the quality and that great look and sound of an American VTwin.

It worked. We ended up with enough orders to get us through a slow winter. Then it was time to build bikes for Daytona Beach Bike Week. Next thing we knew, the riding season was ready to break.

Marketing Think

For me, this is a simple exercise. Put one's self into the shoes of the customer. Our customer was the bike dealer. They could not afford to run full color, full page ads in American Iron Magazine. Many of them had talked themselves out of stocking one or more bikes, trying to save their way to success. Not going to happen.

What are you telling yourself?

Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey, Jonah
www.ThroughputPress.com
(330) 432-3533

P.S. Need help? Call. In the motorcycle business? Then you need to talk with "Joe D." at Pro Riders Marketing. A significant part and parcel of my success with the OEM was due to Joe's dedication to his customer (me!)... Marketing Think to the Max! Thanks Joe.

tag: sDBR
Disclaimer: Joe D. is a client of Throughput Press.
(c)Copyright 2007, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey.
All rights reserved.

Batch Size

James La Trobe-Bateman asks:
When Should You Live with Your Batch Size?

Having just discovered James and his writings today, I am not sure what to think. But I will investigate further. He credits Eli Goldratt and the Theory of Constraints (TOC). That is refreshing. And very welcome.

This article covers a lot of the thought process that one should undertake when approaching the concept of batch sizing. Allow me to add two more trains of thought:

• Systems Thinking
• Marketing Think

Systems Thinking

It is important to start any evaluation with the end in mind. In business, that requires a closer look at the goals and/or mission statement for the entity in question. James touches on this fact. I however, stand up and shout about it. Often (too often) someone will post a query to a newsgroup or blog seeking wisdom from the elders or "keepers of the faith" on a particular subject matter. Most often, members of the group will respond. That is great, but rarely helpful.

Until one understands the goals for which the entity strives to meet, there are no answers. Good or bad. Just random (well meaning) advice. Maybe that is why we oft hear the expression, "you get what you pay for." Systems Thinking starts with an appreciation for the goal.

Marketing Think

As good as TOC is, and it provides the "missing link" for most business analysis, as it provides a series of tools to determine the leverage point (or, as I like to say, the weakest link) in a system where effort must be applied in order to produce breakthroughs. I recall in TQM how we empowered teams to set about improving everything, hence valuable resources were wasted and often, few tangible bottom line results could be documented. But I digress...

Enter stage right: Col. John Boyd and his OODA Loop. Observe, Orient, Decide and Act. Faster than the competition. Repeat. Get inside your competitor's loop. Bounce between the four pillars as needed. As Chet Richards points out, there is no need to cycle through the loop "in order." Business seldom offers order. Marketing plans drafted in a vacuum rarely change the rules... but it is he that makes the rules, that wins.

In conclusion

Take Goldratt's three pillars of "What to change; What to change to; How to cause the change" and add Boyd's OODA Loop to execute your strategy and tactics faster than anyone else to arrive at what some might call, "and unfair advantage!"

That would be my additional thoughts on determining the proper batch size.

Knowing that conditions will change. Quickly.

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

P.S. To fully appreciate the Logical Thinking Processes, consider this Jonah link.

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

GoDaddys Bob

Bob Parsons of GoDaddy talks publishing

On a recent "What would Bob do?" radio show question of the day, Bob gave some great advice to an author. The mp3 is listed in my "Podcasts of Value" link on my consulting site (hosted by, of course, GoDaddy).

Short of sending listeners to Throughput Press for a good olde fashion printed book "to read in front of the fireplace," Bob makes it clear that 'print' still has a lot of miles left in its biz model.

I could not agree more.

Thanks Bob.

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

P.S. FYI: Parsons is a fellow Marine Corps veteran.

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

Smoke on the Water

Marketing Question

Do great oldies like "Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple sell cars? It sells music. I had to buy the song when the TV commercial kept coming on, and on, and on. Bought the Led Zeppelin song, "Rock and Roll" when Cadillac started using it as theme. Added "Like a Rock" to my iPod when Chevy started using the Bob Seger song.

I do not own any of these hawked products.

Marketing 101 or just filler?

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

tag: Marketing 101
(c)Copyright 2007, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey.
All rights reserved.

Super X For Sale

For Sale :: One Great American VTwin Cruiser

Time to share the experience with others... a true legend, built by Excelsior-Henderson. A Black 1999 Super X (vin# 847). Only 4400 miles. Buy Now at $8500.

-ski

P.S. Some of my posts over the last year on the Super X.

Busy People

"If you need something done..."

The expression goes on to talk about giving even more work, to the already busy person. They understand how to manage their time and produce results.

Yep.

Dr Lisa Lang is one such person. Of course her COO deserves a lot of credit for the smooth operating machine known as the Science of Business. Brad is a master problem solver. But I digress...

I mentioned recently that Dr Lisa started blogging.

However, I was unprepared for the exact nature of the content: Throughput Secrets!

Yes, she is giving away the farm, so to speak. Her recent post on factoring AR is a small glimpse into some of the secrets featured in her Mafia Offer Boot Camp. I worked for a company that had to factor AR for a short period of time. They also borrowed money at 25% interest, which most accountants should call stupid. It would be if your understanding of accounting is based on FASB standards. Rather than managerial accounting practices. Or a true understanding of Throughput Accounting.

Conclusion: Need to produce significant cash flow, quickly?

Visit: www.Sales101.info

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

P.S. Not sure? Call me: (330) 432-3533

tag: Sales 101
Disclaimer: Dr Lisa Lang is a client of Throughput Press.
(c)Copyright 2007, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey.
All rights reserved.

The Secret

My Secret: The Purple Curve Confession: I have yet to read or see the movie. But the traditional press coverage (plus the blog action on it) has been impressive. There are laws at work in the universe whether we know about them, or not. What is the shortest explanation of my purple curve: "The successful warrior is the average man, with laser-like focus." —Bruce Lee Are you average? Over 85% of Americans say they are in fact, above average. Focus. On your weakest link. And only your weakest link. Until it is no longer the weakest link. Too simplistic? So is gravity. But it works. If you are in Northeast Ohio, and have yet to register for the Purple Curve Workshop, I have to ask: "What are you waiting for, a personal invitation?" Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey, Publisher www.ThroughputPress.com P.S. Normally $99 a seat, free tickets are available. If you wait for the video version, expect to pay more. Like $249. So, why wait? tag: Purple Curve Workshop (c)Copyright 2007, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey. All rights reserved.

Daylight Savings

I am one happy camper Well, that is not exactly true. My idea of "roughing it" is the Holiday Inn Express. But starting this year, daylight savings time starts earlier (much earlier) and ends later. All the better for my personal throughput. It is just that much more enjoyable to have the extra light at the end of the day. Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey, Publisher www.ThroughputPress.com P.S. Yes, I am one that would vote to stay on it, year round. (c)Copyright 2007, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey. All rights reserved.

Tag Cloud

Technology is grand What are you blogging about? This cloud represents my last thirty days. A great acid test for focus. It is obvious that I have missed the mark on my beloved throughput. -ski

Sales 411

Ever been at the right place? At exactly the right time? I have on several occasions. Once, in a workshop with a lot of high priced talent, I overheard this conversation... "The problem with almost all of these startups, is that they have no understanding of the sales process." Amen. Guess what? The world's greatest gizmo or gadget is not going to sell itself! Regardless of how many times you tell yourself it will. Five years ago, I worked with a client that was brilliant in a lot ways, but failed to grasp the simple equation: no sales = no business. I served as CTO, DBA and the sole programmer... helped the client and his team build a world class 'workforce procurement" app... with a killer UI... only to see the sales fail to materialize. But I digress... One of the biggest failures leading up to the "dot com meltdown" was the confusion surrounding raising capital versus the actual sale of a good or service to a real (and paying) customer. I have heard numerous accounts of conversations where the "dot com" founder would respond with answers about rounds of funding when asked about sales. Now, there is help. sales101 dot com The "411" on producing results, and where the funnel is your new, best friend. On the Throughput Press version of the Solar System, consider this new subsidiary "Mars." Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey, Jonah www.ThroughputPress.com (330) 432-3533 P.S. If you have just invented the world's greatest "mouse trap" and would like to see your efforts pay off in cash rather than stock options, call me. tag: Sales 101 (c)Copyright 2007, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey. All rights reserved.

Solar System

Pluto still counts

The Planet. Not the Pluto (Nash) movie.

I grew up, as did a lot of folks, memorizing the nine planets in our solar system. Today, we understand that we have better intel, and Pluto may no longer truly consist of enough properties to make it a planet in the traditional sense. Too bad.

And yet, how great is that?

A new truth, based on more information. Like my beloved Throughput Press.

Consider the solar system methaphor. With Throughput Press (TpP) on the inner track, where Mercury hangs out on our chart. On a single mission:

"Finally—a publisher just for authors seeking to change the world."

Were you expecting me to Put TpP at the center? The first couple of times that I shared this analogy, I did... but it was wrong. That is what I love about thinking out loud. The more I shared, the more I thought about the construct, the more it seemed off; just not quite right. So, what is the center of our system:

Your Results

Makes perfect sense. Now that I say it out loud. Throughput Press, and the business units that today are part and parcel of efforts, exist for one grand purpose: to produce results. Results that you want and need to succeed.

Some publishers have great explanations on their web site of all the "rules of engagement." We have none. Why? Until you share your definition of success, who are we to limit our relationship. As you will recall, I tell myself every day, "It's relationships, stupid."

When I focus on your success, then work towards producing results to achieve that success, life becomes very simple. Decisions become easy: "Does this possible action step that I am about to make on your behalf, take us closer to, or further away, from the results you demand?"

Let me highlight some of the other heavenly bodies in our line up: Venus? Purple Curve Events. A showcase for the live presentation of the materials our clients write. Like the up coming Purple Curve Workshop on March 30th, based on my book, Purple Curve Effect.

Earth? The Boyd Speakers Bureau. An elite offering of world renowned speakers.

Mars? Tune in tomorrow...

Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey, Publisher
www.ThroughputPress.com
(330) 432-3533

P.S. Need help changing the world? Call me.

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

P Q and R

Eli Goldratt offers us the P & Q Example

I am working on the PQ & R Example. For distribution folks. On several occasions I have worked with distributors, one case was a home run... another was stuck in status quo. For me, working with a client, only to have them choose status quo over one my solutions for their unique requirements, is a failure. But I digress...

It is important to work out the P & Q example, on paper (show your work) to help analyze what is actually happening in the real world. Why do I say "real world?" Because constraints exist. Every business has one "weakest link" no matter how successful. At our Financial Analysis Workshop in June 2005, a number of participants were in distribution organizations, and were asking for an example (like P &Q) tailored to their issues.

It is coming.

As Spock would say, "I have started the calculations."

Some assumptions:

The setting is a health food distributor located in Columbia, South Carolina. The fairly modern facility is basically an air-conditioned warehouse, were shipments arrive and are broken down into skids for shipment to each retail outlet.

The client is toying with regional warehouses, to offset delays in the product arriving in time at the various retail locations. They bought a truck and hired two drivers to handle both incoming and out-going transfers of goods. In fact, by going to a seven-day per week trucking schedule, sales have improved noticeably.

More to come... and if you have your own unique twists you wish to have incorporated in this exercise, please let me know.

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

P.S. As you may have quickly noticed, there will be more "moving parts" than the P & Q example.

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

Ducati 999

Lamborgini Gallardo vs. Ducati 999 My money's on the Duc... -ski

Dr Lisa Blogs

Dr. Lisa Lang starts blogging

Just a quick note to alert our readers that our own (Boyd Speakers Bureau, that is) Dr. Lisa Lang has started blogging on throughput issues, like maximizing one's profits. Her "Max Profit Zone" should prove enlightening for us all. Yours truly included.

Dr. Lisa knows how to make cash flow!

Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey, Publisher
www.ThroughputPress.com
(330) 432-3533

P.S. Need a keynote speaker for that next conference? Call me to see if Dr. Lisa is available!

tag: Dr Lisa Lang
Disclaimer: Dr. Lisa Lang is a client of Throughput Press.
(c)Copyright 2007, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey.
All rights reserved.

Dan Hanlon

Entrepreneur Dan Hanlon joins Boyd Speakers Bureau

Those that attended our Financial Analysis Workshop in June 2005, heard Dan speak. Now, the rest of the world has a chance to book this dynamic leader.

I could go on and on (and on some more!) about his genuine love of business. Or of his love for motorcycles. But over the last two years, I have come to know Dan as true master of results. So much so, I had to buy one of his Excelsior-Henderson Super X (vin #847) motorcycles for myself! In fact, I had the privilege of riding with Dan one day this past summer. Both of us on 'his' dream. Two jet black American VTwin's tearing up the peaceful back country roads of Minnesota.

His business thinking is on a level almost unmatched. When I left Red Horse in '05, I had lunch with Dan before leaving the Iowa/Minnesota area, to seek his counsel on some business ideas. He pierced my bubble with numerous issues and challenges that I had yet to consider. I have recommended his book, Riding the American Dream, to anyone needing to raise funds for any type business venture. It is not a motorcycle book. It is a business book.

It is a pleasure to share his talents with those needing a keynote speaker.

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

P.S. Dan joins another friend, Dr. Lisa Lang, making themselves available to help your business achieve greatness. Visit www.BoydSpeakers.info

tag: Dan Hanlon
Disclaimer: Dan Hanlon is a client of Throughput Press.
(c)Copyright 2007, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey.
All rights reserved.

Employment Firm Wanted

Wanted: An Employment Firm in Canton, Ohio

To co-sponsor the Purple Curve Workshop with Throughput Press:

• Purple Curve Workshop for Changing the World
  
• Friday, March 30, 2007
• 7:45am to 12noon
• Keynote by Ron McDaniel, Buzz Guru
  
• Workshop led by Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey, Jonah

FREE ATTENDANCE*
* For those that qualify from Tuscarawas, Holmes, Carroll or Stark County, Ohio.

Details online: www.PurpleCurve.com


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

P.S. Please email this post to your favorite employment service!

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

Bugatti Veyron

I watched the Top Gear show last year, and was amazed. Now, more than ever! Kids, do not try this at home. 253mph. Yes. You read that correctly. 407km/h is 253mph. Over 1000 horsepower. For the guy or gal that has everything else... -ski P.S. Why talk about the Veyron? It took systems thinking to the Max! tag: Bugatti Yeyron

Think Different

Purple Curve Insight #12

There are no free lunches.
You must think it through!
Apple’s “Think Different”
slogan was brilliant.

Dr. Roger Rhoades now comes to mind, when "think different" is mentioned. We just produced the paperback of this exciting book. It is now available for purchase from his home on the internet at www.greatstuff.com -- an amazing site full of neat ideas. But I digress...

Yesterday, after my blast on the Vrod, we taped an interview for an up and coming podcast about the book. As sort of a sneak peak, we talked about "Ah ha" moments and thinking differently.

Readers of Purple Curve Effect know that I took the expression, "Is the glass of water half full or half empty," and took our readers through an exercise to determine the glass of water's true state. It is my hope that our readers no longer use that exercise without thinking.

In Dr. Rhoades' book, Living in the Moment, he takes famous quotes from recognizable people, and shares a personal "Ah ha" insight, and concludes each chapter with a quote of his own. Good stuff. Consider buying two copies. One to keep and one to give away.

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

P.S. The PDF of the book is also available.

tag: Living in the Moment
(c)Copyright 2007, Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey.
All rights reserved.

Friday and Fifty

Friday, March 2nd and Fifty degrees...

Yesterday, the weather man promised 50+ which in Ohio this time of the year, means bike riding weather! He lied. However, he atoned. Today it hit fifty and the sun was out.

Put about fifty miles on today, before the cold overtook me. What a blast. At times, I thought the wind chill was more like 36 degrees... of course, my friend Joe D. is at the 66th Daytona Beach Bike Week facing high 60s and low 70s. Could not happen to a nicer guy.

"I just love it when a plan comes together!"
--Colonel Hannibal Smith

I recently put a battery tender pig tail on to insure that the Vrod was "charged" and ready to crank. And it was. And it did. Mission accomplished. If every project turned out so well... according to the weather man, it will be another week before we break fifty.

Back to work.

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

P.S. I did see a few other bikers out today...

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

Wasting Time and Money

There are a lot of smart people in the world...

I do not consider myself one. My key to success? Simple. Really. I am simply willing to outwork anyone and everyone that comes between me and my goal.

Now that is not to imply that I am not interested in working 'smart' as they say, because I consider myself a pretty fast study. Its like my locking the car door example. Form habits that produce success. Not sure who said that first, but its mine now!

"Its relationships, stupid!"

I tell myself that message every morning. Its the "honey verses vinegar" approach to interacting with people. People that you may not consider 'important' in the short term. Like a receptionist. I tell in Purple Curve Effect how my assistant in Personnel was the company receptionist... and she was quick to pass along the short-comings (as well as any praise) of those seeking an audience with me.

Which makes me think of a person that I had to fire. They just did not have the skill set required. They were upset. Obviously. I tried to make my case. But also tried to explain that the person had skills that would be appreciated in other organizations. A couple months later, they stopped in to thank me for firing them! They had found a job they loved and were well suited to perform.

I have been unable to lay my hands on an article in which a master of Lean manufacturing (TPS) was explaining that they (Lean practitioners) have perhaps been focusing too much on waste. In a letter of rebuttal, another practitioner suggests the focus on waste is still valid.

Few tools (Lean and Six Sigma come to mind) have the ability to approach business from the holistic "systems" orientation required to produce the desired results. Results that align with the corporate mission statement. Like return on investment. Or earnings per share. Once the proper leverage point is determined with Eli Goldratt's Theory of Constraints (TOC), tools like Lean and Six Sigma may be perfect. Of course, to turbocharge your TOC, get your hands on William Dettmer's Strategic Navigation in order to apply John Boyd's OODA Loop (thus creating strategy and tactics that produce remarkable results faster than your competition!).

My simple formula for avoiding the waste of time or money:

Find a Working Model and Adapt It!


Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey, Jonah
www.ThroughputPress.com
(330) 432-3533

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tag: Strategic Navigation
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