Grow For It!

Episode 28:  It’s my pleasure to welcome Michael Hall, Executive Advisor with Hall & Associates to discuss the topic of Human Analytics.  As Mike describes it, think of this as Moneyball for companies.  He uses analytics to help business leaders to gain valuable insights when it comes to managing, leading and inspiring employees and managers. Human Analytics Mike begins with a definition, from Google, that captures the essence of Human Analytics.  “The systematic identification and quantification of the human drivers of business outcomes.”  Similar to the move Moneyball, this approach focuses heavily on analytic data, rather than the more subjective evaluations of a person’s innate wiring and likely performance in a particular role.  Mike quotes Jim Collins from his book Good to Great, the objective is to “Get the right people on the bus, get the wrong people off the bus and the right people in the right seats.” Could You and Your Organization Benefit from a Conversation with Mike? Contact Mike Hall for a

Episode 27:  I’m happy to welcome Rita Ernst to the studio to discuss the launch of her new Show Up Positive book.  You may remember Rita from Episode 22.  She is an industrial/organizational psychologist, who became a business consultant and now, a published author.  She’s appeared in the local news, on radio and to a book signing with 70 people.  Let’s learn about how her approach to helping individuals to have a positive impact. To order a copy of the Show Up Positive book, click one of the links on this page:  https://jimrayconsultingservices.com/podcast/the-show-up-positive-book-by-rita-ernst/ I want to thank you for taking the time to listen to this episode.  From more information on business-related issues, visit my website at www.JimRayConsultingServices.com. Got Podcast? Finally, if you’re interested in developing and launching a podcast for your business or organization, I’d be happy to help.  I provide this service on a regional basis.  Visit my podcast production services page for more information

Episode 26:  I’m happy to welcome Marcy Young to the studio for today’s episode.  Marcy is the Founder and CEO of HR Alliance LLC, in Louisville, Kentucky.  She’s developed a business model enabling companies to contract with her and her team of HR specialists, without having to hire them in-house.  It’s an ideal way to get the HR expertise a business needs for ongoing help, project-based initiatives or a hybrid plan customized to meet specific needs and/or situations. Does Your Company Need Help with an HR Issue? Contact Marcy Young and her team of HR Professionals for a confidential discussion. Website:         https://yourhralliance.com/ Phone:             (502) 689-6009 Thank you for taking the time to listen to this episode.  From more information on business-related issues, visit my website at www.JimRayConsultingServices.com. Got Podcast? Finally, if you’re interested in developing and launching a podcast for your business or organization, I’d be happy to help.  I provide this service on a regional ba

Episode 25:  Cyber security and cyber theft are real issues for small business owners.  There are now cyber liability insurance policies available to cover you, should you fall victim.  In this episode, I interview Beth Combs and David Goheen from Gallagher, a large insurance company providing multi-line insurance, risk management and consulting services. Thank you for taking the time to listen to this episode.  From more information on business-related issues, visit my website at www.JimRayConsultingServices.com. Got Podcast? Finally, if you’re interested in developing and launching a podcast for your business or organization, I’d be happy to help.  I provide this service on a regional basis.  Visit my podcast production services page for more information. Until next time, remember, if you need help with your small business, Let’s Grow For It!

Episode 24:  Ever think about writing a book?  In this episode, I interview Cathy Fyock who’s a professional book writing coach.  We’ll discuss how she works with her authors, why you should consider writing book and part of the process involved in accomplishing it. Cathy began coaching after writing her own books.  She had been consulting, but wasn’t as happy in this role, as she’d hoped.  She had managed to write 4 of her 5 books in less than 6 weeks.  A colleague asked her about her process for accomplishing this so efficiently.  That’s when it actually dawned on her that her process did, in fact, exist.  She was invited to give a program on it and engage in a coaching role.  That’s where it all began. Many people want to write a book.  They recognize the need, but they don’t understand where to get started or how to stay on course to complete it.  Cathy has the solution to these and many other challenges. What Types of Clients Does Cathy Fyock Help? Cathy works with professional speakers, consultants, coa

Episode 23:  I invited my friend and colleague Andrew Aebersold to join me to discuss mental health marketing.  He’s the Founder/CEO of Mediaura, a digital marketing company in Jeffersonville, IN.  Today’s discussion will focus on issues related to effectively marketing a solo practitioner (e.g. therapist), a practice group or a larger company, such as a behavioral health facility.  Both of us have experience in this healthcare segment. Marketing a mental health practice requires an understanding of the unique issues both practitioners and prospective patients/clients have regarding treatment.  One of the realities we deal with is the fact that often, really good practitioners are not typically good marketers.  It requires a different skill set. This can create some significant challenges for the practice, especially in the digital marketing space. There are universal issues most businesses face: Competition is strong Conveying the specific area(s) of mental health you serve Differentiating your practice’s s

Episode 22:  The business assumptions, rules and paradigms you used to guide your business through 2020 and previous years won’t necessarily apply in 2021.  Join me for a discussion with Industrial psychologist and business coach Rita Ernst and photographer/brand & image consultant Coral Abood.  If 2020 was the year of pivot, 2021 will be the year of flex. Rita discusses how her background as an industrial and organizational psychologist gives her a unique perspective in how she approaches her client issues.  She works with small businesses who have achieved significant earnings, but now realize that the tools and approaches the business leader relied upon during start-up may no longer be the right tools, as the business evolves. Rita can assist with defining the organization structure, roles and responsibilities, culture, etc.  She works to bring clarity to business challenges and to empower the leaders to resolve issues and continue making solid progress. As a small business owner, do you feel as if you

Episode 21:  Louisville attorney Parker Wornall joins Jim to discuss the work he does for healthcare providers.  His focus includes dental offices, foot and ankle practitioners, APRN practices, chiropractors, mental health practioners, adult day-care practices and others. There are legal aspects to establishing a practice, developing the internal forms and processes, HR-related policies, regulatory compliance issues, planning for growth and eventually a sale or wind-down of the practice.  Parker handles both transactional and litigation matters.  Ideally, he enjoys getting involved in the early stages to protect the healthcare provider and the practice.  He works to help avoid potential legal exposure.  Entity Startup There are both strategic and practical considerations for the entity structure.  This could include PLLCs, LLCs, PSCs and others.  There are issues surrounding non-provider members (e.g. investors, directors, practice business manager).  Due diligence for the proper structuring of shares may als

Episode 20:  My good friends Wendy and Alan Hall joined me in the studio for a discussion about the Alan Hall Agency.  They work with various types of insurance.  In June of 2018, they appeared on my small business radio show, Let’s Get It Started.  Their business recently went through some changes, so I thought it would be a good idea to ask them to walk us through the process. Their business was founded in 2013.  Today, they primarily focus on Medicare, health, home and automobile insurance.  Earlier this year, they relocated their office, just before the COVID crisis.  All things considered, the business is still doing well. One of the drivers behind the relocation was the opportunity to expand their lines of business insurance policies.  However, that area if far more complicated and takes much longer to process.  The other types of insurance they provide are much more efficient to quote and process, based on their years of experience. The learning here is that they noticed the strain on their productivi

Episode 19:  I’m proud to welcome Dr. Frank Raymond to today’s podcast.  He’s Bellarmine University’s Interim Dean of the Rubel School of Business, the MBA Director and my former professor.  In this episode, we’ll discuss how business owners are making sense of the 2020 economy.  There’s a surprise announcement toward the end of the episode, so I hope you’ll listen in for that exciting news. The economy is dealing with a number of important issues, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including a virtual lockdown of the economy.  At the same time the country is dealing with extreme social unrest and an upcoming presidential election.  The June and July economic performance reports are encouraging.  While business owners are looking for certainty, we’re not out of the woods; far from it.  The Stock Market Isn’t a Complete Indicator of the Economy There are a lot of speculators in the modern market.  This increases the sensitivity to the news cycle.  Information moves more rapidly.  The reporting is m

Episode 18:  There’s a lot of negative news with COVID-19, protests, riots and other factors.  Jim and Dr. Tony Sheppard will discuss some useful perspectives and tips for filtering out that negativity so you can maintain positive mental health as you manage your business and protect your family. Dr. Sheppard is the owner of Groupworks Psychological Services in Louisville, KY.  He’s a certified group psychotherapist.  The practice provides various types of psychological services for children, adults and families.  During the COVID-19 crisis, his practice has successfully transitioned to a tele-health format. Many of Dr. Sheppard’s 2020 business goals have been delayed or sidetracked.  This is a common theme for many business owners, entrepreneurs and managers.  In fact, Tony actually contracted the coronavirus at a conference in New York, earlier this year.  Luckily, he’s made a full recovery. Business owners are struggling with financial pressures, increased stress and anxiety, feelings of helplessness and m

Episode 17: In this episode I interview Jason Hawkins, First United Bank’s CEO and President. We discuss a regional view of the economic crisis related to the COVID-19 lock down and its impact on small businesses throughout Kentucky. Jason’s Background Jason and I are very good friends. We went to college together at Murray State University and are brothers in the Sigma Chi fraternity. Jason has an undergraduate degree in Finance and an MBA. While in college, he worked at a community bank. He took a job in the trust department for Old National Bank, in Evansville, Indiana, after graduation. He worked in corporate trust doing bond issues and escrow arrangements. In 2005, he moved to First United Bank and Trust, based in Madisonville, Kentucky. He eventually became the CFO. In 2017, he assumed his current role as President/CEO. Community Banks vs. Large National Banks First United Bank focuses on what is best for the communities they serve. They currently have loans in more than 40 Kentucky counties. They are s

Episode 16:  Louisville Attorney Parker Wornall and I discuss small business guidelines and considerations for getting started, now that small businesses are reopening during the COVID-19 crisis.  Crisis Funding The government and the SBA are providing funds to help small businesses.  There were initial questions about whether companies qualified for the funds. Now, the focus in on how the funds need to be used.  New details are coming out and this is adding confusion and frustration.  An initial step is to deposit the funds in a separate account to isolate them and provide an easier way to track how the specific funds were used. Protecting Employees and Customers As small businesses reopen, it’s important to be mindful of the CDC guidelines.  Start with the basics.  Consider hiring a cleaning service to ensure you’re actively taking measures to keep the environment and surfaces clean.  You may need to consider appointment scheduling to ensure adequate spacing is provided. Convert your plans into a policy an

Episode 15: There’s no doubt the COVID-19 crisis has negatively impacted small businesses.  Now the initial $349 Billion in relief has been depleted.  In today’s episode, my guests will discuss what business owners should do now, and how they may be able to help. I’m joined in the studio by two, local contacts.  First, Tommie L. Causey, Lead Economic Development Specialist, Kentucky District Office, U.S. Small Business Administration.  With over 20 years of experience in federal contracting, lending, and economic development, Tommie is responsible for accessing, researching and identifying market national and local trends to develop or adjust value propositions tailored to fit customer needs.  He collaborates with community leaders to help start and/or grow existing small businesses. Second, I’m joined by Dave Oetken, the Director of the Louisville Small Business Development Center which provides free consulting, market research and debt capital sourcing to businesses in the Greater Louisville region.  He has

Episode 14:  As we discuss topics related to new business start-up, marketing and other important topics, this episode features a conversation with husband and wife team who launched the Dogwood Veterinary Clinic in Norton Commons.  They offer some innovative procedures and services, combined with a strong focus on building relationships with their clients.  We’re going discuss their vision, their journey (so far) and a few comments on facts you need to know about your pet and the corona virus (Covid-19). Dr. Katie Franklin and Dr. Chris Franklin met while attending the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine.  Katie earner her undergraduate degree at the University of Kentucky.  Chris earn his undergraduate degree at Murray State University, where he was also a quarterback for 5 years. After an extensive search, they decided to build their new practice in Louisville’s Norton Commons, rather than buying an existing, veterinary practice.  The risk is that they started off without a client base, but we

Episode 13:  Today, Louisville estate planning attorney Kelli Brown joins me to discuss important topics, including the March 20, 2020 launch of her 2nd book, Estate Planning When You Have Pets.  Kelli has over 20 years of experience in helping individuals and families. Kelli graduated from the University of Dayton.  She earned her law degree from the Northern Kentucky Chase College of Law and her Masters of Laws in Estate Planning from the University of Miami.  She’s licensed to practice in Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee. Estate Planning Basics The primary objective is to decide and document who should be in charge in the event of your incapacity or death.  Your estate plan should include directions for medical care, finances and how your assets should be distributed. If you don’t plan, the government plans for you. While we don’t want to think about it, it could come into play more quickly that we think.  You could be injured or killed in a traffic accident or while traveling.  Once your child turns 18, he/sh

Welcome to Episode 12 of the Grow For It small business podcast.  As we wrap up 2019, I'd like to take a few minutes to share a few thoughts and perspectives for 2020. There are so many opportunities at your finger tips.  We've never had so many advantages, compared to previous generations.  One of the advantages is the experience we gained during this past year.  We're another year smarter.  Both mistakes and successes can lead to learning opportunities. Take time to think about your dreams.  What's holding you back?  What are you willing to do in pursuit of them? With 2020 knocking at our doors here are a few key thoughts: Dream Big.  There's so much out there to learn, to accomplish and to achieve.  That process begins with allowing yourself to dream. Set Audacious Goals.  Don't worry if they seem impossible.  The best long-term goals are supposed to feel that way.  The important point is to commit to your success by taking steps toward them. Become Your Biggest Cheerleader.  Your progress, and happiness,

Welcome to Episode 11 of Grow For It! This is a podcast for small business owners, managers and professionals. I’m Jim, and my goal is to work in the space between your ears - you know on your mindset – to help you move closer towards your Vision. Today’s topic deals with Income Tax for Business Owners. My guest CPA Steve King offers advice on some of the impacts and changes to tax laws.  We wrap up the episode with 5 End of Year Tax Moves. Steve is a partner at Meyerowitz & King, CPAs in Louisville, Kentucky.  His phone number is (502) 587-9833.  You can visit his website at www.TheLouisvilleOffice.com Today's discussion covers Qualified Business Income Deductions, Qualified Opportunity Zones, New Equipment Depreciation, Changes to the Deductibility of Alimony, the Loss of Entertainment Deductions, the Loss of Moving Expense Deductions and a brief point about the new Secure Act which was recently passed, but has not been signed into law as of this recording. 5 End of Year Tax Moves Max out your HSA cont

Welcome to Episode 10 of Grow For It! This is a podcast for small business owners, managers and professionals. I’m Jim, and my goal is to work in the space between your ears - you know on your mindset – to help you move closer towards your Vision. Today’s topic is Leading with Gratitude. It’s the art of inspiring loyalty and performance through a simple, but important, action. Before we get started, let’s review where we’ve been. In Episode 9, we discussed Avoiding Negative Influences. I shared a personal story about how I had to rebound from a negative influence in my own life. I recommended several tips anyone can use to prevent negative influences from derailing your career and having a lasting impact on your life. In the next few minutes, we’re going to discuss how you can have an impact as a leader, if you’ll add a simple activity to your week. So, if you’re ready, Let’s Grow For It! Have you ever met or worked with someone who just seem to make you feel better about yourself? There was probably a reaso

Welcome to Episode 9 of Grow For It!  This is a podcast for small business owners, managers and other professionals.  I’m Jim, and my goal is to work in the space between your ears – you know, on your mindset – to help you move closer toward your Vision. Today’s episode focuses on Avoiding Negative Influences.  These are the things with the power not only to limit your progress, but to potentially derail your ability to reach your full potential.  Stick with me as I’m about to give you some insight in to a very personal part of my life.  I hope you’ll be able to feel empowered, afterwards. By the way, I want you to know I recently launched a radio show focused on small business and entrepreneurship.  It’s called, “Let’s Get It Started!”  You can listen to it Wednesdays at 7pmEST in the Louisville area, stream it live via the iHeartRadio app, or find the recorded broadcasts also available on my website. If you’re an iTunes fan, go to the podcast section and type Jim Ray Consulting Services into the search bar.