With nearly 30 years of experience as a software developer and a licensed workflow master, Paul Konieczny, President of Method Automation Services, shares valuable insights on the importance of success in business growth, the evolving role of QA, and the impact of AI in business processes. He also discusses the significance of integrating seamless workflow processes within companies to enhance productivity and employee satisfaction. Paul also highlights some key products and innovative projects by Method Automation Services, including their work with Pennsylvania school districts and mobile applications for construction management. Check out the conversation to learn about the challenges and solutions in the world of workflow automation.

Takeaways:

• Embrace the Importance of Success: Focus on achieving success in every project, regardless of the client's size. Success breeds further success, leading to more client referrals and additional projects.
• Update QA Processes: Integrate automated testing and continuous integration into your QA processes to increase efficiency and accuracy.
• Leverage AI for Business Efficiency: Utilize AI to solve business problems and automate workflows, thereby reducing the need for human intervention and speeding up processes.
• Focus on Employee Satisfaction: Consider the cost of high employee turnover and invest in robust internal processes to retain talent.
• Seek External Expertise: Consider partnering with technical experts or seeking funding to accelerate growth and bring new products to market faster. Learn from those who have successfully navigated similar growth stages to avoid common pitfalls.
• Assess Technical Debt: Be proactive in addressing technical debt to avoid increased costs and inefficiencies over time.

Quote of the Show:

“Success breeds success.” - Paul Konieczny

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-konieczny-24b3244/
• Website: https://www.method-automation.com/

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth

It’s all in the process! Sarah Halperin DiPerna joins Bill on the show today to share her journey to Co-Founding Process Works with her father. She highlights the importance of setting clear goals and explains how her company helps businesses by documenting core processes and aligning organizational values. She also delves into the benefits of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and shares personal anecdotes, including her travels. This episode offers valuable lessons for business owners looking to streamline operations and drive sustainable growth.

Takeaways:

• Define Your Core Processes: Identify and document the core processes that are vital to your business.
• Create a Methodology for Improvement: Develop a simple and fast process improvement methodology tailored for small and mid-size businesses.
• Leverage Resources Like EOS: Consider following frameworks like the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to manage and grow your business with intent. Utilize tools and methodologies that keep your business focused and aligned.
• Involve the Right People: For process documentation and improvement, involve both leadership and subject matter experts who understand the nitty-gritty of your operations.
• Prepare for Challenges: Understand that starting and growing a business involves ups and downs. Stay resilient and learn to ride the waves of business challenges.
• Focus on Values: Develop and maintain core values that guide the company’s decisions and actions. Communicate these values clearly throughout the organization.
• Set Clear Goals: Establish clear short-term and long-term goals for the company, breaking them down into manageable steps. Regularly reassess these goals, perhaps quarterly, to ensure you’re on track.

Quote of the Show:

“  We are there with you for as much or as little as you want us for. We will give you the tools, and what you wanna do with it is up to you.” - Sarah Halperin DiPerna

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-halperin-diperna-99859869/
• Website: https://www.process-works.com/

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth

What tools do YOU need to build? That’s one of the questions Doogie Levine, Chief Executive Officer at IAS Business Coaching and Consulting, asks his clients. He emphasizes the importance of strategic maps when running a business and planning with the end in mind. They discuss key strategies for business growth, including the importance of understanding how to integrate people into a business and having detailed exit and financial plans. The conversation also explores the role of AI in business, specifically how medium-sized companies can leverage AI for improved efficiency and competitive advantage. Doogie shares his entrepreneurial journey, from his early aspirations to becoming a camp director to navigating through the pandemic and founding multiple companies. The episode offers valuable advice on planning for business transitions, operational improvements, and the ethical adoption of AI.

Takeaways:

• Develop Clear Business Maps: Ensure you have an exit plan, a financial map, and a strategic plan in place to guide the growth and direction of your business.
• Emphasize the 'How' in Business Operations: Focus on understanding and answering the 'how' questions in your business to effectively integrate people, systems, and operations.
• Prepare for Exits Early: Start planning for the exit phase of your business well ahead of time to ensure a smoother transition and better valuation.
• Invest in AI and Automation: Consider integrating AI to handle repetitive tasks like documentation, proposal writing, and data analysis, thus freeing up time for more strategic activities.
• Networking is Crucial: Participate in networking events to grow your business connections, gain insights, and explore new opportunities.
• Use AI for Customer Interaction: Employ AI tools to improve customer interaction by providing timely and well-informed responses, and by personalizing customer experiences.

Quote of the Show:

“ How do you do what you do? How do you want to do what you do? If you can answer the how, you can grow.” - Doogie Levine

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doogie14/
• Website: https://www.ideasactionsuccess.com/

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth