Speech Language Network 6 week – Professional Communication Training ProgramWhat does diaphragmatic breathing, body language, voice and understanding the art and science behind personalities and connecting with others have in common? EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION.
Communication is a powerful force in our social age. From career opportunities to social circles, strong communication skills can mark the difference between struggles and success, self-consciousness and confidence.I am beyond proud of the progress this awesome group made over the past six weeks and am excited to hear about their continued successes academically and professionally.A big shout out to;
Roger Grona, CEO of Firebird Business Consulting and Business Ventures, Ltd for bringing industry and communication skills full circle for our group.
I also want to thank, Jana Danielson –Founder of Lead Pilates Integrated Health and Fitness Center for coaching our diaphragmatic breathing class, the foundation for all speech related tasks.
Our next program launches October 2018. To register, please call 306 933 3222 and/or visit our website at www.thesln.com
Greg – RFP’s, Grant and Business Plan Writer. He’s a little shy, by does amazing work! Greg is a Senior Business Plan Writer for Firebird Business Consulting Ltd.. Greg likes to be behind the scenes and enjoys working with all clients from all over Saskatchewan and Canada. Greg has worked over 20 years in the corporate industry involved in business planning and project management. Over the past 4 years he has written over 70 business plans for Entrepreneurs across multiple industry sectors. His academic background is in Marketing and Business Administration.
Greg takes pride in his work and a satisfied client is top priority. He spends the right amount of time consulting our clients through the business plan writing process, research time, development and revisions to the business plan, a finally he walks a client through the plan and a one month warranty for follow up consultation or minor changes to plan.
The business plans Greg create are personalized and quite detailed.
Business plan outline is as follows;
Cover page
Executive Summary
Business Environment & Operations
Human Resource Plan
Marketing Plan
Finance Plan
Risk Assessment Plan
Regulations, Licensing and Permit Summary
Conclusions
Appendixes including 3 year Financial Forecasting and supporting documentation most often required by Lenders.
Starting off in media (on-air), working his way into management in construction in his early twenties and shortly after that he partnered with his brother Keith in Buffalo Bill’s Food Products Ltd. Roger was the CEO and was in charge of sales and business development. He grew Buffalo Bill’s Food Products substantially and in a short period of time, the product went from making a few pounds of formed buffalo jerky to making hundreds of pounds in a week and being carried in 180 stores.
Well, let’s just say they learned a hard lesson in product consistency. Their clients supported them throughout and even when they stopped operating. Roger and his brother went around to all the stores and offered a full refund. They wanted to know that they closed down on the best of terms. Roger closed down Buffalo Bill’s Food Products Ltd., not because he had to but because he needed to. He said he was burnt out. He learned a hard lesson in business, you can do all the right things in growing your sales but focusing on your top line isn’t good enough. In hind sight that was a good move as knowing what Roger knows now he would not have shut down. He didn’t have the fight in him. Now he has learned those are just obstacles, not deal breakers. After they closed down Buffalo Bill’s – Roger became infatuated with sustainability and growing businesses. He is proud of what they did and accomplished with Buffalo Bill’s and gave him the determination to become focused on operating good business models.
Roger went on and worked in Saskatchewan and Alberta oilfields (while living in Saskatchewan) working on Service Rigs, Drilling Rigs and as an Oilfield Battery Operator. As much as he enjoyed the many years on the oilfield, it was time to leave and pursue his dream of becoming a business consultant and entrepreneur.
Roger then spent 8 years Senior Media Marketing/Sales in Saskatchewan radio industry (CJWW, 92-9 the Bull, Rock 102, 104.9 the Wolf). For each station he developed a small list into a Senior Account list in a short period of time. In advertising he had the chance to work with almost every kind of business and industry, consulting on advertising, brand development, recruiting, and business growth.
After leaving radio Roger was recruited on many occasions to grow businesses for a few companies. 7 years Senior Sales Management (executive) experience that involved setting/planning profit based sales targets (writing and executing), set and met large sales quotas. He developed excellent media marketing plans that positioned different brands as the industry leaders. His other Senior Sales Management experience: recruited, mentored, and motivated sales teams and other departments. He prepared reports by collecting, analyzing and summarizing relevant market information. He has experience when companies go through growth and knows what to do to go the next stage of the business.
Firebird Business Consulting Ltd. was created as result of Roger consulting for businesses part time, finally his case load was demanding him to consult full time. He left his job and stepped into full time consulting and never looked back. Firebird Business Consulting Ltd.’s consulting expertise involves consulting on marketing, sales and business sustainability. Today, Firebird has successfully completed well over 100 projects ranging from Business Plans to Business Consulting resulting in happy clients reaching and achieving their desired goals (check out their reviews on Facebook and Google).
The team has grown to 6 business consultants. Services ranging from Business Plans, RFP’s, Grant Writing, Business Growth (Revenue and Sales Consulting), Marketing, Branding, Social Media Management, Social Media Training and Social Media Consulting, Process Improvement and Development, Online Strategies and SEO. The mission statement for Firebird Business Consulting Ltd. is to “commit and provide business owners a strategy to dominate and lead their industry for profitable growth”. Firebird Business Consulting Ltd. has an excellent track record business consulting (coaching) with business of all sizes from start-ups to 100+ million plus annual revenue.
Firebird Business Ventures Ltd. was created by 6 successful business owners that partnered together due to entrepreneurs requesting for their involvement in business opportunities. FBV (Firebird Business Ventures Ltd.) works with businesses to accelerate their growth and implement sound sustainability. They have a vast network that ranges from investors, business experts and other entrepreneurs in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and beyond. For FBV it’s about partnering with the right people that desire growth for their business. FBV brings a vast knowledge of marketing, sales, business structuring, driving profits, raising capital, business strategies, business processes and all other aspects of business.
On a community level, Roger believes in giving back. He volunteers and has volunteered for quite a few organizations. In the past he has been on Warman Chamber of Commerce as a Director, Mentor for InBusiness (National Mentorship Program for Aboriginal Youth), Community and Referral Partner for Futurpreneur Canada, Guest Adviser for Square One and is currently President for the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce Saskatchewan as well as volunteering for other organizations. He believes in giving back as much as possible to these three areas of community involvement 1) Business 2) Youth 3) Aboriginal, First Nations and Metis.
Roger is always looking for opportunities that he can help with at a consulting level, investment or even a sweat equity stake. It’s really about partnering and investing with people and seeing if there’s a fit. Please contact Roger at 306-241-6215 or email roger@firebirdbusinessconsulting.ca for further information or to set up an appointment.
Specialties: Taking new, junior ,senior salespeople to the next level, branding and imaging, new and existing business development, team building, business consulting, negotiating, marketing, coaching, leadership, expert in rapport building and communications.
Roger says “nothing is better than having a good laugh, joking around and still getting things done.”
It has taken me some time and discipline to learn to focus on the right things that will get me closer to my goal(s), dreams and aspirations.
About 20 years ago I made a conscious decision to change my life and do all the things I’ve wanted to do. I can tell you I have definitely had set backs, road blocks and I have had to adjust my strategy in going on my journey. At times I’ve had to brush myself off and refocus and I will continue to do so.
About 5 years ago I set new goals and now I am on to another chapter. I am expecting more challenges, but many rewards. It also makes it easier to persevere ahead when you love what you do!
As the saying goes, “If it was easy everyone would do it.”
Thank you to everyone who has and continues to support me on this journey.
Firebird Business Consulting Ltd. has an excellent track record business consulting (coaching) with business of all sizes from start-ups to 100+ million plus annual revenue.
Our 1-on-1 personal interview style helps us to understand your goals and concerns. We help in sales and business development acting as your business consultant. Identifying your opportunities and risks going forward.
We consult and help you create a plan to meet your short and long term goals for your business. The key to your success is the execution of our/your plan.
Firebird Business Consulting Ltd is pleased to feature Wayne’s Driveline in this month’s blog – Amazing people and company. Keep up the great work!!
Wayne’s Driveline – Saskatoon – About Us
FULL AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES
Driveline Specialist, Owner/Operator Wayne Chittick offers over 40 years experience in the Driveline Industry. For all your Driveline needs big or small you can count on Wayne’s to get you back on the road with minimum downtime . As a member of the Better Business Bureau, they know how important customer service is.
After more that three decades working for others Wayne Chittick opened Wayne’s Driveline Ltd. At the time he opened his shop in 2005, Wayne indicated that he wanted to supply customers with quality parts, quality work and great service.
With over 40 years experience in the Driveline Industry, Wayne has experience with cars and trucks and equipment of all types. Wayne is known as the “Perfectionist” in the Driveline Industry.
Wayne said, ” I figured that, if I was going to do this, I was going to do it right. So far I haven’t been disappointed.”
Today Wayne and the team of expert staff can custom build your driveshaft to suit any application from Agricultural and Heavy Trucks and Equipment to cars and everything in between. Wayne’s Driveline Limited provides high speed balancing for automotive applications. They can rebuild your existing shaft or exchange your shaft for a refurbished one.
Wayne’s Driveline Limited carries a wide selection of driveline parts, accessories and shafts, for custom work or for the ‘do it yourselfer”
RACING
Whether you have a race car, street rod, muscle car or classic car Wayne’s Driveline is the place to come for your custom made Drive shafts.
Since most Drive Shafts are custom built we will ensure that all the right material is used to match your car’s performance.
Products, Repairs and Services
Driveshaft straightening & high speed balance on all types of vehicles including heavy equipment & agricultural. Custom built driveshafts, large inventory of new – used driveshafts and parts. Including our 4×4 driveshaft exchange program. Minimum downtime GUARANTEED. Wayne’s Driveline – Saskatoon will meet all your driveline and automotive needs “customer satisfaction” is their trademark.
Oil Change
Tire Rotation
Battery Replacement
Suspensions
Struts
Shocks
Steering
Axles
Drive Shafts
Drive Line
Front Ends
Full Diagnostic Services
Tuneups
Vehicle Maintenance
Wheel Balancing
Wheel Alignments
Tires
Brake Pads
Wayne’s Driveline Full Services
Automotive
Wayne’s Driveline services include full automotive services, including wheel alignments, suspensions, struts, shocks, steering, axles, drive shafts, drive line, front ends, full diagnostic services and tuneups. In addition we are able to handle all your maintenance requirements, including tires and wheel balancing.
Agricultural
PTO & Agricultural Shafts – Wayne’s Driveline carries an extensive line of agricultural drive shafts and components to allow for quick repairs and little downtime for his customers. Common applications for PTO shafts include farm implements, lawn and turf equipment and much more. Wayne’s Driveline stocks a full line of parts including quick disconnect yokes, implement yokes, U-joints, telescoping shafting and sleeves and safety shields.
Industrial
Industrial Equipment – Wayne’s Driveline can work with you to repair or replace your existing Drive Shafts. For those Drive Shafts that parts are no longer available, Wayne’s can modify the Driveshaft with readily available parts to get you back to work with as little downtime as possible. When needed Wayne’s Driveline can custom build any Driveshaft to suit your specific application.
Truck
Trucks – Light duty, medium duty or heavy duty trucks can take a lot of abuse whether they are privately owned or used for commercial purposes. The heavy loads and varied driving conditions can impact your Driveline and the overall performance of your vehicle. At Wayne’s Driveline special attention to detail is his top priority. Wayne’s Driveline has an extensive parts department to ensure quick turnover. 4X4 Shafts, C/V Shafts, one piece or two all Shafts are Straightened and High Speed Balanced to perfection. FULL AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES: LIFT KITS NOW AVAILABLE FOR INSTALL
For you snowbirds Wayne’s Driveline Ltd. can service most makes and models of Motor homes to ensure a safe and happy holiday down south.
Semi Truck
When your Driveline is causing you problems, Wayne’s Driveline is here to help when you need them the most. Wayne’s Driveline knows trucking isn’t a 9 to 5 job. We’ll look after your Driveshaft issues and have you back on the road in no time, he knows that time is money. Driveshaft Straightening and High Speed Balance will rid you of any driveline vibrations that you may be experiencing.
Wayne’s Driveline carries a large inventory of parts specific to the Trucking Industry to minimize your downtime. With Hoist capacity of 27,000 lbs, and 250″ wheel base he’s more than equipped to service all your needs.
Wayne’s Driveline – Saskatoon
201-418b 50 Street East, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7K 6L7, Canada
Blog by Roger Grona – CEO – Firebird Business Consulting Ltd – One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned to date is to surround yourself with the right people. It’s critical to have the right people around you when asking for advice and support.
In my day I’ve had to filter through advice where people tried to discourage me from my dreams and aspirations.
Whenever I receive any form of advice I ask myself…..
1) Do they know what they are talking about? Are they experts? How much experience do they have?
2) Do they have my best intentions at heart? Are they truly trying to help me?
3) Is the advice constructive or destructive?
Answering these questions has helped me in determining what they were saying is good advice, bad advice, negativity or jealousy.
Advice can be so productive as well as negative. It can truly motivate you or stop you in your tracks. If it’s good advice, listen as it might stop you from making a mistake or on the other hand it could create an opportunity.
I have had great support and that is what has helped me achieve the things I have wanted to do in my life. I pride myself on having the right people around me in my personal and business. I’ve had great people around me from tonnes of industries and they have given me loads of experience and expertise. For that I am forever grateful.
——-
Firebird Business Consulting Ltd. has an excellent track record business consulting (coaching) with business of all sizes from start-ups to 100+ million plus annual revenue.
Our 1-on-1 personal interview style helps us to understand your goals and concerns. We help in sales and business development acting as your business consultant. Identifying your opportunities and risks going forward.
We consult and help you create a plan to meet your short and long term goals for your business. The key to your success is the execution of our/your plan.
What is your competitive advantage? Would you say it is your “great service”? Service is an expectation not an advantage. Your competitive advantage gives you an edge above your competitors and will translate into higher sales and profits. Customer experience on the other hand is an advantage. Sometimes your competitive advantage comes naturally, while other times business owners have to work very hard to create it, maintain it or even find it.
Creating and understanding your competitive advantage takes work. Making sure that your business maintains that competitive edge is critical as it affects your overall sales, profits and perception in the market. Businesses that have a competitive edge lead their industry or market. It’s important to understand how long your competitive advantage will exist and what you need to do to maintain an edge over your competition. Always understanding and validating your market position and your competitive advantage is a necessity if you want to be competitive within your industry.
1) Who is your market? Age, demographics and psychographics are super important. Knowing who and why they buy your product or service helps determine your competitive advantage.
2) Size of your market? It’s important to know the overall size of your market. It could be larger or smaller than you think.
3) Competitors – Who are all your competitors? What services do they offer and at what price point? Where is your business in relation to that information? High, low or same?
4) How strong is your competitive advantage?
5) Price – are your products or services the cheapest or most expensive? If so, does the market understand why your business is at that price point? Are you at price point by choice? What action items does your business need to do to go in the direction of changing your price point?
6) Is your services and/or product(s) your competitive advantage? If the answer is yes, how so? Are you able to hold on to this position or is it easy for your competitors to simulate or duplicate?
7) People – do you have the right processes in place to keep, train and retain your people?
8) Customer Experience – what do customers experience when purchasing your products or services? Are they willing to refer or recommend your business? Or even come back as a customer again?
9) Does the market understand your competitive advantage? Is it clearly defined within your organization?
10) Do you have strategies and processes in place to deliver your competitive advantage? Do economies of scale exist? Do you have efficient internal systems?
11) Location – is it an advantage or disadvantage?
12) Your Brand? – Competitive advantage or disadvantage?
13) Does your marketing communicate your advantage in the/your market? What is the difference?
14) Value and Benefit? What is the real value or benefit that your product or service offers? Does the market perceive this as true value?
Contact Firebird Business Consulting Ltd. to discuss analyzing your competitive edge. Our philosophies are about growing business. Not having a competitive advantage leaves your company vulnerable.
We consult and help you create a plan to meet your short and long term goals for your business. The key to your success is the execution of our/your plan.
