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

Do you know the real value of your business? George Welmer, an expert in SBA lending and Founder of Tupelo, joins Bill today to dive into business value. George shares his journey from aspiring baseball player to successful entrepreneur, discusses strategies for business growth, the importance of business valuations, and how AI is revolutionizing various business operations. The conversation covers pricing strategies, customer-centric product development, and insights on acquiring businesses. You won’t want to miss out on what George has to say!

Takeaways:

• Understand Your Business's Value: Regularly assess the worth of your business using key metrics like revenue, margins, and growth prospects to identify growth opportunities and build a strategy for scaling.
• Utilize Valuation Tools: Take advantage of available free valuation tools to understand the value of your business. This knowledge is crucial for making informed decisions about growth and potential sales.
• Stay Customer-Centric: Continuously engage with your customers to understand their needs and preferences. This feedback should drive your product and service development.
• Focus on Recurring Revenue: Strive to increase recurring revenue streams as they provide stability and are highly attractive to potential buyers.
• Prioritize Customer Service: Superior customer service can justify higher prices and create strong, long-term customer relationships.
• Engage the Community: Contribute to industry reports and share insights as these platforms can help in building your network and showcasing your expertise.

Quote of the Show:

“ There's a reason why premium products can charge a premium price, and a lot of time it's because of the service and your relationships that you have with that customer.” - George Wellmer

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgewellmer/
• Website: https://www.tupelosmb.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

There is power behind local businesses! Today, we welcome Joel Burstein, CEO and Co-Founder of Beam Collaborative. Joel, who has over 25 years of strategic leadership experience, emphasizes the importance of automation and AI in today's business landscape. He talks about how Beam Collaborative uses AI tools to support local small businesses. Joel also shares insights into economic development, the significance of local spending, and how small businesses can thrive through strategic planning and acquisitions. The discussion highlights the challenges and opportunities for small businesses, the role of partnerships, and practical advice for those looking to buy or grow a business.

Takeaways:

• Explore AI and Automation for Business Growth: Consider integrating AI and automation tools in your business to enhance efficiency.
• Utilize AI Tools like Chatbots: Implement AI-driven chatbots tailored to your business to assist with answering operational questions and generating specific strategies.
• Look into Economic Development Strategies: Understand the impact of the local economy on your business and vice versa. Engage in measures that can keep economic activity within your local community.
• Consider Strategic Partnerships: Form strategic partnerships to leverage collective resources and expertise. Build connections that can facilitate business transitions and growth.
• Evaluate Business Readiness: Work on aspects like reducing owner dependency, improving operational efficiency, and formalizing business processes.
• Leverage Expertise from Consultants: Don’t hesitate to seek professional help from business consultants and advisors.
• Focus on Strategic Scaling: Aim to strategically scale your business by employing more people and expanding operations methodically. Balance between organic and inorganic growth strategies.

Quote of the Show:

“ That's how you make impact. You provide a service to your neighborhoods, to your communities, to your people, and you employ people to do that work.” - Joel Burstein

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelburstein/
• Website: https://beamcollaborative.org/

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

Welcome to Steel City Growth! Our first episode features an amazing guest, Craig Peterson, CEO and Founder of Transparent Financial Solutions. Craig shares his entrepreneurial journey and provides actionable advice to fellow business owners. He emphasizes the importance of clarity in business goals, the value of mentorship, and the necessity of systems and processes for scalable growth. He also discusses the significance of personal fulfillment in entrepreneurship and offers advice for achieving both business success and personal satisfaction. This conversation is packed with practical tips for entrepreneurs aiming to simplify their finances and make strategic decisions, while also finding time to embrace life outside of work.

Takeaways:

• Define Clear Long-Term Goals: Establish definite clarity regarding your business objectives and vision for the future. Think about where you want your business to be in the next 5, 10, or 15 years.
• Find a Mentor: Seek out a mentor who has successfully navigated similar challenges. Learning from others’ experiences can save you time and prevent costly mistakes.
• Leverage Your Strengths and Delegate: Identify your strengths and find team members who excel in areas where you are less proficient. This allows you to focus on what you do best while others handle tasks they are more suited for.
• Develop Reliable Systems and Processes: Ensure that your business has well-defined systems and processes in place. This helps maintain clarity, reduce miscommunication, and enables scalable growth.
• Invest in Personal Development: Continuously invest in improving your skills and mindset. This personal growth will directly benefit your business.
• Utilize Energy and Time Management: Understand your energy patterns and optimize your schedule accordingly. Align tasks with the times of day when you are most productive and energized.
• Consistently Show Up: Persistence and consistency are key. Commit to showing up and putting in the work every day, regardless of challenges or setbacks.

Quote of the Show:

“ What I always push on is getting really clear on what they want out of life and how they want their business to serve them cause at the end of the day, that's what our business should be doing.” - Craig Peterson

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigpeterson20/
• Website: https://www.transparentfs.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

Welcome to Steel City Growth! Each week, we’ll explore the passions, expertise, and experiences of business owners and founders in the greater Pittsburgh area. Steel City Growth is proudly sponsored by Murphy Business—committed to providing exceptional services to meet all your business needs.