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Dynasty Leadership Podcast

It's great if you can pick when you hand over the reins, but what if that time picks you? “Does your company consistently meet or beat the targets you set?" “Do you have the right team rowing in the right direction?" “Is there something going on in your market or company that threatens your growth? "Are you considering transitioning the leadership of the company?" “Is there a clearly articulated long-term strategy?" We specialize in guiding Family-owned businesses with 50-500 employees to become Succession ready.
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Now displaying: 2018
Dec 11, 2018

Craige Thompson is an Entrepreneurial Patent Attorney at Thompson Patent Law as well as an author and a speaker. On today’s show, Craige gives insider knowledge on why someone should pursue a patent and when it’s not a good idea to do so. He also explains what the patent process looks like and things to be prepared for if you did decide to patent your invention!

 

Key Takeaways:

[2:20] Craige explains what a typical patent process looks like.

[3:10] Are patents a big deal? Do we really need one?

[4:15] When does it make sense to patent a product?

[5:50] What does Craige mean by ‘invention harvesting’?

[8:00] You can also check out Craige’s book as well, Patent Offense, for more info.

[10:25] “I have checked everything and there’s nothing like my product out there!” Chances are, Craige can find it.

[11:05] What is considered ‘prior art’?

[13:15] What is a ‘point of novelty’?

[15:50] Rejection of your patent is a good thing. That’s when the negotiation starts!

[17:15] Craige shares an example of what a ‘point of novelty’ looks like.

[19:15] Once you have your ‘point of novelty’ answers, it begins to unlock all the business questions you need to determine whether this patent makes sense to pursue.

[21:25] What kind of profit are you looking at if you do patent this product?

[23:00] Thinking of an exit strategy? A patent could increase the value of your company.

[26:25] Craige explains how someone can prioritize their claim strategy.

[29:00] Are patent really only for the big guys?

[31:55] How much would it cost to get a quick assessment of whether a patent is worth it or not?

[33:45] What kinds of mistakes do people usually make?

 

Mentioned in This Episode:

Dynastylc.com

Thompsonpatentlaw.com

Craige on LinkedIn

Nov 13, 2018

Jim Stelten is the Twin Cities Market Leader for BerganKDV, a professional services firm that solves problems and creates new opportunities for their clients in finance, HR, IT, and the C-Suite. On today’s show, Jim shares why he started his very own peer group, how it has helped him excel in his career, and how you can create an engaged peer group with lots of participation, as well.

 

Key Takeaways:

[1:40] Jim is a master networker and shares how he keeps track of it all.

[2:45] What does BerganKDV do?

[4:05] What did Jim do before working with BerganKDV?

[4:50] How did Jim get started utilizing peer groups?

[7:20] Jim explains some of the benefits of attending a peer group.

[8:45] These peer groups can become really vulnerable places where leaders can share what their day-to-day looks like.

[9:55] Todd shares an overview of how to create/start your own peer group.

[13:35] If you’re in a peer group, you have to participate! But don’t worry, there are facilitators there to help shy people get out of their shell.

[16:25] What does it take to make a peer group work well?

[20:45] Jim explains what a ‘debriefing’ situation looks like.

[23:35] What does Jim do in between meetups to keep everyone prepared and set for the next group meeting?

[26:00] Jim shares why he values peer groups so much.

[28:40] What kinds of lessons has Jim learned along the way?

[31:10] At the end of the day, you feel like a family.

 

Mentioned in This Episode:

Dynastylc.com

Bergankdv.com

Jim on LinkedIn

Oct 9, 2018

Rich Kelley is the co-founder of Search Fund Partners; his company has participated in over 125 acquisitions in the last 15 years since its creation and they’ve backed 170 different deal searchers. On today’s show, Rich takes you through the process from finding the right deal and finding the right leader for the company, to the end-game plan once the company has been acquired.

 

Key Takeaways:

[2:10] What did Rich start Search Fund?

[4:10] A lot of pairings and transactions are quite emotional for the founder and Search Fund helps navigate through that in a logical way.

[6:00] Todd does a quick overview of Rich’s process.

[8:20] What does Rich look for in a new CEO?

[11:10] Sometimes Rich will hire more than one person to fill in positions within the company and get them to work as a team. This allows for a more robust company.

[15:55] Rich gives a two-year budget to have his searchers find a deal and if they can’t get it done in two years, it’s best that they move on.

[17:10] Rich’s team looks at hundreds of deals a month; it’s really intensive and by the end, they will talk to roughly 200 perspective sellers on the phone.

[17:30] What kind of people are considered ‘sellers’?

[22:30] It’s way better to fully vet a deal and not get it done than to get into a bad deal.

[24:00] What is the transition process like between the new CEO and old CEO?

[24:40] What kind of challenges does a new CEO have in the beginning?

[31:05] After acquiring a company, what’s the end goal for Search Fund?

[34:55] What kinds of speed bumps do sellers experience along the way?

[36:40] Curious to know about Search Funds? Please visit the website!

 

Mentioned in This Episode:

Dynastylc.com

Searchfunds.net

Sep 17, 2018

Tony Biel is the Founder at Criterion Business Development, a company that helps businesses define and attract better business prospects and clients. On the show, Tony outlines his 5-step process on how he helps companies discover who their A-list clients are and shares ways you can attract more of those clients into your company!

 

Key Takeaways:

[1:20] How can we find more great and amazing customers to work with?

[2:05] Tony helps companies bring in more new business that looks like their top 5% of their best clients.

[3:45] What kinds of companies has Tony helped in the past?

[5:15] Tony breaks down his 5-step process on how he leads companies through the discovery process and helps them find amazing clients to work with.

[9:45] How does Tony help companies discover who their A-list clients are?

[16:05] Tony has a scorecard for companies to help prioritize and systematize what’s really important to the company when it comes to finding their best client.

[18:30] Change is hard and it can be difficult to help people move into this new direction.

[21:40] What are some of the common mistakes people make?

[26:15] Make sure your new strategy can withstand the ‘mom test.’

 

Mentioned in This Episode:

Dynastylc.com

Call Tony: 612-845-2323

Email Tony: Tony@Criterionbd.com

Criterionbd.com

Tony on LinkedIn

Aug 12, 2018

A specialist in career planning and development, George Dow has helped over 1,500 executives improve their career transition effectiveness, to ensure “fit” in their future position, and to review and help shape the strategic alignment of their chosen career path. On today’s show, George shares the Portfolio Life philosophy and how retirees can find a ‘new meaning’ after an important life chapter has closed in their life.

 

Key Takeaways:

[2:00] How did George get started in this line of work?

[3:45] There are four different types of retirees.

[4:25] So many retirees want to do more with themselves after the ‘honeymoon’ phase has worn off.

[5:35] George does a quick recap of what a Portfolio Life means.

[7:45] When executives and business owners finally retire, they have to let go of a huge work identity. It’s tough to navigate through.

[9:40] What kinds of baby steps can retirees do to dip their toes into something new and interesting?

[13:15] Ask yourself, “What are my top eight life achievements?”

[16:05] Don’t get analysis paralysis on your next new adventure. Get out and do things!

[17:15] George shares some personal stories of people who have really lived after retirement.

[25:10] Todd does a quick recap of the steps to achieving the Portfolio Life.

[27:55] What are some of the common mistakes people make while trying to achieve the Portfolio Life?

[30:50] George shares some quick tips you can implement today to get started.

 

Mentioned in This Episode:

Dynastylc.com

Georgedow.com

Georgedow.com “Will a Portfolio Life Become Your Second Half Story?”

Georgedow.com “Bridging to a Portfolio Life”

Portfolio Life: The New Path to Work, Purpose, and Passion After 50,
by David D. Corbett

Working Identity: Unconventional Strategies for Reinventing Your Career,
by Herminia Ibarra

Jul 9, 2018

Michael O’Halloran is the President of Michael & Gabriel and helps his clients improve their Search Engine Optimization (SEO) rankings, website design, and more. Michael shares his expertise on today’s show about why SEO is so important for new customers to find your business and offers simple tips any business owner can use today.

 

Key Takeaways:

[2:35] How did Michael get into SEO?

[6:25] How does Michael help his clients with SEO?

[11:00] Michael explains how a mom-and-pop business can get a leg up from a massive chain in the search engines.

[15:15] Google rewards sites that are active.

[18:40] Google doesn’t like it when you try to keyword stuff your blog article. They take that as you trying to trick their system and will punish you.

[19:35] What’s the difference between ‘on-page’ and ‘off-page’ SEO?

[26:05] Michael shares an example of what a competitor did to one of his SEO clients to force them off Google’s front page.

[31:10] Everybody sees the need for a website, but not everyone knows how to boost themselves up in the search engines.

[33:10] Not a lot of people go beyond the first page all that often.

[34:35] If you’re practicing ‘black hat’ techniques, you will get caught by Google. Don’t take shortcuts!

[36:55] What can business owners do to improve their search rankings?

 

Mentioned in This Episode:

Dynastylc.com

Mikeandgabe.com

Call Mike: 651-278-2099

Email Mike: MikeOH42@Gmail.com

Sportsfeelgoodstories.com

Google.com/analytics

Google.com/webmasters

Jun 11, 2018

Tyler Olson is an award-winning serial entrepreneur in several technology fields as well as the Founder of Modern Foundation, an analytics-first marketing social & search consultancy. Tyler is also a keynote speaker and frequently speaks for organizations such as IBM, 3M, Target, and more. On today’s episode, Tyler shares his experience on what it takes to build an engaging and fun work environment for his team, what Millennials in the workforce crave from their leaders, and how he weeds out toxic and damaging individuals from entering his company culture.

 

Key Takeaways:

[2:00] A quick introduction about Tyler.

[2:55] Tyler is currently exploring the digital nomad lifestyle.

[4:05] Who is Tyler and how did he get started as an entrepreneur?

[8:10] How does Tyler recruit through inspiration?

[13:50] What does Tyler mean by having a ‘bad cop’ filter?

[17:55] Tyler is honest with his employees. His company is not going to pay the highest salary, but they make up for that by having flexible hours and a healthy/fun work environment.

[21:00] What kind of misconceptions do people have about Millennials?

[24:20] How does Tyler define what a ‘life-long learner’ means?

[28:00] Tyler shares his core values for his company.

[35:20] A bad hire cost Tyler around $250,000.

[37:55] How can business owners run a better, and happier, business for the younger workforce?

 

Mentioned in This Episode:

Dynastylc.com

Modern.foundation

Tylerolson.net

Tyler on LinkedIn

Email: TOlson@Modern.Foundation

May 8, 2018

Sarah Sladek is the CEO of XYZ University, an organization that helps equip worldwide companies with valuable tools and information to engage Generations X, Y, and Z as executives, employees, members, leaders, and volunteers. Sarah is also the author of several books including, Talent Generation: How Visionary Organizations Are Redefining Work and Achieving Greater Success, which she discusses further in today’s episode!

 

Key Takeaways:

[2:05] Who is Sarah and how did she get started?

[3:20] Where are all the young professionals?

[5:20] Organizations are struggling to keep talent.

[6:15] Are Millennials really that ‘lazy’?

[7:30] What does Sarah do at XYZ University?

[8:40] What does Sarah mean by ‘Talent Generation’?

[10:55] Less than a 3rd of U.S. employees are engaged in the workplace and worldwide only 13% of employees are engaged.

[12:25] We can’t just manage anymore. We have to lead.

[16:25] Successful companies have stayed relevant because they’ve let experienced leaders collaborate with entry-level workers.

[19:00] Sarah shares a case study of how a workforce can thrive with a diverse set of talent and age ranges.

[21:05] Sounds obvious, but you have to put your people first, not the profit first.

[23:55] Very few companies carve out time to be up-to-date on trends.

[28:00] How can companies get better at collaborating with their younger employees?

[32:10] What are some of the most common mistakes companies make when it comes to retaining talent?

[35:00] What advice does Sarah have for business owners out there who want to keep more of their talent?

 

Mentioned in This Episode:

Dynastylc.com

Xyzuniversity.com

Sarah on LinkedIn

Talent Generation

Apr 10, 2018

Jerry Clark is the Founding and Managing Officer for SealedBid, a merger and acquisitions firm that was founded in 1993. Over the 25+ years since starting SealedBid, Jerry has worked with hundreds of individual owners on exit and succession strategies and successfully marketing their companies to qualified buyers. On the show, Jerry explains his company’s transaction process, how a company can exit successfully, and the steps buyers go through to purchase a company.

 

Key Takeaways:

[2:45] Jerry discusses his company’s structured transaction process.

[6:20] You need a couple of years to set your company up for a successful exit plan. You will not get the full value if you tried to sell it within one year.

[8:05] Similar to how you get your house ready for sale, you want to put essentially a fresh coat of paint and clean out the cobwebs in your company.

[12:05] How do companies exit successfully without letting their competitors know?

[15:30] Jerry discusses the steps involved on how to execute the exit strategy.

[22:05] What do buyers need to go through when they’re looking to buy a company?

[25:10] What’s the difference between a binding and a non-binding letter of intent?

[30:35] Jerry lists some common mistakes that can derail the succession process.

[33:45] Jerry offers some key advice for owners who are interested in creating a succession plan.

 

Mentioned in This Episode:

Dynastylc.com

Sealedbid.com

Jerry on LinkedIn

Mar 13, 2018

Today’s special episode features three guests instead of one! They’re a family-owned company featuring father, daughter, and son. In less than 4 years, the company has seen amazing growth with over 100 employees currently being employed. Todd sits down with Richard (Dick) Ward, the CEO; Ally Delagado, the CMO; and Andrew Ward, the COO of Merchology. The family discusses their unique target audience, why their company has seen such successful growth in such a short amount of time, and so much more!

 

Key Takeaways:

[2:15] Who is Dick and what does he do at Merchology?

[2:35] Who is Ally and what does she do at Merchology?

[2:50] Who is Andrew and what does he do at Merchology?

[3:15] What is Merchology about?

[5:00] Why did Dick intentionally hire his daughter, Ally, and his son, Andrew, into the company?

[7:05] How big is Merchology?

[8:15] Ally does a quick highlight on their target audience.

[10:40] What are millennials doing differently compared to the older generation?

[14:55] How does Merchology make it easy for customers to interact with the company?

[17:50] Merchology has a dedicated staff member oversee a customer’s order. Customers love it because they don’t feel like just a number.

[20:20] How does Merchology have absolutely no salespeople?

[23:05] How did Dick structure the company’s financing when he first started the company?

[25:35] Dick talks about one of Merchology’s core values.

[29:15] Why does Merchology say no to potential customers?

[32:25] Todd does a quick recap of the company’s 7 steps.

[33:40] What kind of challenges has Merchology experienced along the way?

[35:15] What goes into Merchology’s hiring process?

[39:45] What’s it like working with family?

 

Mentioned in This Episode:

Dynastylc.com

Merchology.com

Dick on LinkedIn

Ally on LinkedIn

Andrew on LinkedIn

Feb 13, 2018

Robert McDowell is the Founder and President of McDowell Agency, a full-service firm that offers private investigation and background checks. The firm completes over 50,000 background checks a year for various companies, both on the national and international level. On today’s show, Robert offers advice to business owners and discusses the very important reasons why a business, small or big, should get background checks on a potential hire.

 

Key Takeaways:

[1:45] How did Robert get into private investigation and this industry?

[2:25] Why would someone need a private investigator?

[3:20] Is being a private detective as glamorous as the TV shows make it out to be?

[5:40] How much does it cost to do a background check?

[6:40] If you want to hire somebody for your leadership team, typically that consists of a criminal check, verification of any licenses and degrees, and verifying prior employers.

[7:55] How does this process work?

[9:40] Do employers really need to do a background check?

[11:35] What kind of businesses should do a background check?

[16:35] Get your forms and business processes reviewed regularly so that you can make it easy to get a background check done.

[20:00] When was the last time you heard of a treasurer cooking the books? It happens regularly and the worst part is it could have been prevented.

[22:55] Do not lie on your application form. If you’ve been convicted of a crime, tick the box yes. Lying on it will lead to an immediate disqualification.

[24:50] There is no universal standard as to where criminal records are held. This is why it really does pay to have an expert check multiple sources.

[26:05] What kind of mistakes do business owners tend to make when it comes to doing a background check?

[29:10] What can business owners do today to get started?

 

Mentioned in This Episode:

Dynastylc.com

Mcdowellagency.com

Toll-Free Number: 877-644-3880

Local Minnesota Number: 651-644-3880

Jan 9, 2018

Kevin St.Clergy is a Partner and Chief Practice Development Officer at MedPB as well as the Co-founder of Online Review Builder. On today’s show, Kevin discusses how to build social proof in your business and why reviews are a gateway to building trust online. Too many business owners underestimate the value of social proof and it’s costing them business!

 

Key Takeaways:

[1:50] Who is Kevin and what does he do at MedPB?

[2:30] How does Kevin define social proof?

[3:50] Don’t think online reviews are important to your business? Think again.

[6:25] Kevin has data that proves if you have more Google reviews than your competition, you will see growth as much as 50-100% a year.

[7:05] What do businesses owners have to do to create social proof?

[9:00] Most businesses don’t have a process to help happy customers leave a review.

[12:15] Kevin has created software so that people who rate your business 3 stars or less receive a form for them to fill out, giving businesses a second chance to fix a problem.

[13:30] You have to see a complaint as a gift. If you find out your customer is unhappy, give them a call!

[15:00] What are some of the best ways to get reviews from your customers? Kevin offers three easy steps.

[20:00] What kinds of mistakes do business owners typically make when it comes to generating social proof?

[21:15] Some businesses owners hate to ask for reviews, it feels too salesy. Here’s why you need to overcome this.

[23:15] Google is beginning to look at how many reviews you’re responding to online and uses it toward their rankings. Reply to your reviewers! A quick thank you back can make a ton of difference.

 

Mentioned in This Episode:

Dynastylc.com

Medpb.com

Brightlocal.com — Local Consumer Review Survey 2016

Brightlocal.com — Local Consumer Review Survey 2017

A Complaint Is a Gift: Using Customer Feedback as a Strategic Tool, by Claus Møller and Janelle Barlow

Kevin on LinkedIn

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