NEWS - May 2004
Titles:
If you are reading this on the Internet mail good for you - if not please help us out by providing your e-mail address to Jane at the Electric League office. It is still our goal to put out the newsletter by e-mail to all member firms by the end of 2004-we are serious about meeting this objective.
Now some thoughts on the electrical industry in our area. New projects are still very scarce and remodels/upgrades are very slow. Business has not gotten back on its feet (yet) in this area. So as we have all been told now is the time to tighten down the hatches. Don’t let competition get your existing business, find new business (your competitors are best), and cut costs.
Remember, though costs are cut going with the less expensive employee the experience level is also less. Lets’s not throw the people into new jobs/positions with the “sink or swim” theory. I see it happening too often. Too often we promote someone to replace retirees or hire someone to fill a new position without providing them the training they require. In our industry it is important to have technical and sales or management training for these individuals. But in reality we don’t have the luxury of the training costs or the time for them to attend the training. The result unfortunately is frequent frustration, inefficiencies and in some cases short careers.
My daughter recently became the manager at an assisted living center and after six months she was frustrated because her college education did not prepare her for many of the particulars of the job. She kept asking for training but they “could not afford it at this time.” So she started looking elsewhere and found an assistant job at slightly more income. When she presented this offer to her present employee they reiterated that they could not pay her more. She asked about the training (now) and they were able to provide it within the month. She stayed with her present employer, got the training, is doing a better job and is much happier (and not looking for another job anymore).
Do you have employess that need training? Can the Electric League help in providing this service? Remember the EL can provide technical, sales, motivation, and management seminars. Just let us know what your company needs, give us some time to determine the best way to provide it, and then follow through by scheduling the training so that the maximum number of your employees can take advantage of this opportunity.
There are a couple of occasions coming up to take advantage of what the League has to offer. In June, Casey Coffman of The Coffman Group will be speaking at our June meeting on Strategic Business Development and Growth - Understanding Your Business Beliefs: “Why Sales Strategies Fail.” Coffman blends his own experiences with nationally proven training and evaluation tools from The Sandler Sales Institute, Objective Management Group, and TTI International, to teach a unique brand of sales training and personal development.
Another excellent opportunity is the League’s newest program, “The 3Rs: The Roles, Responsibility and Relationships in the Electrical Industry.” This program debuted in February, and was a big success. It’s a great program for those new to the industry, moving into a new position or just needing a refresher. This program will be offered in the fall – so watch your newsletter for the details.
Remember, training is a benefit that the Electric League can provide its membership but we need your input to make it happen.
John Kelble,
President
Casey Coffman blends his own experiences with nationally proven training and evaluation tools from The Sandler Sales Institute, Objective Management Group, and TTI International, to teach a unique brand of sales training and personal development. It’s so unique - and so engaging - that Coffman closes his own prospects at a rate that would make most salespeople green with envy. To him, it’s just living proof that the techniques he teaches work.
His expertise and knowledge of why companies don’t hit their goals has also led to a rapidly growing management training an executive coaching component of Coffman Groups business, where he helps CEOs and executives clarify strategies and “get out their own way.” His motto is “if you’re not growing, your company isn’t growing.”
In just seven short years, Casey Coffman has led the Coffman Group from a one-person operation serving a handful of clients, to a team of six professionals in two locations serving a “Who’s Who” of local, regional, and national clients of all sizes and industries.
Before starting The Coffman Group in 1996, Coffman spent 14 years in upper management sales and marketing positions with companies like Epson, Zenith Data Systems, and Datastorm Technologies. There he sold products, led sales teams and conducted training. He was a rising star, but discovered his real passion was in understanding how and why sales teams failed, how sales processes were effective, and what it really took to create a superstar sales force.
Reserve breakfast on June 25 to spend with the Electric League and hear this dynamic speaker! Complete the enclosed registration form and send it back to the League today! See you at breakfast in June..
The 2nd Annual Thomas Edison Awards, "The Eddys" were presented at the annual Electric League Safety Luncheon, April 23 at the Kansas City Marriott - Plaza.
Electric League President, John Kelble, introduced Chris Hedges, Safety Committee Chairman and Lori Hanson, Time Warner/Cable in the Classroom Representative.
Elementary/Middle School winners:
- 1st Place - Our Lady of Peace, "The Science Dudes"
- 2nd Place - Patton Jr. High, "Lightning"
- 3rd Place - St. James Elementary, "Electricity Dangers"
High School Division winners:
- 1st Place - Smithville High School, "Maximum Science with Archibald Brinkman"
- 2nd Place - Patton Jr. High, "Extension Cord Man"
- 3rd Place - Patton Jr. High, "Lightning Safety"
Special Thanks to These Sponsors:
- Aquila
- Kansas City Power & Light
- Time Warner/Cable in the Classroom
- Western Extralite
Safety Committee
- Chris Hedges, Chairman, Christopher Hedges Co.
- Bob Herzig, Bob Herzig & Associates
- Tom Isenberg, Western Extralite
- George Powell, BPU
- Vern Skripsky, KCPL
- Steve Tiesing, Aquila
Happy birthday to Scott Bailey (C&O Electric Sales). Congratulations to Dan Roemer (MWE) on the college graduation of his daughter in Tampa, Floradia.
Wedding bells rang out on May 1st for John Dougherty (French-Gerleman) and his new bride Terry ... best wishes to both of you.
New Faces - New Places: Jim Talbot is taking over the helm at French-Gerleman this month. Speeds recovery wishes go to Phil Barker (Rexel/Glasco), Don Wren (Shaw Supply) and Chris Dix (Rains Electrical Sales).
Until next time, keep those items coming in, this is your column, we'll print what you send us.
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