Saturday September 04, 2010

News Articles

Young Professionals

What Do They Really Want?

By Donna Stewart, Consultant LJS & Associates Consulting Inc.

What do young professionals, otherwise known as "Millennials", really want from their workplace, careers and life? The answers may surprise you.

LJS & Associates Consulting Inc. recently hosted two professional development and networking symposiums for Young Professionals (Individuals in the workplace who are less than 30 years old) at Rendezvous Fine Dining in downtown Brantford.

We believe this to be the first event of its kind to combine a professional development workshop with a networking opportunity geared specifically to this demographic. Our motive was two-fold; the first being in response to our clients who tell us it is very hard to find quality employees today. Employers often comment that this younger generation doesn't have the same work ethic that Baby boomers have. A recent segment from the news show 60 Minutes called "Managing the Millennials" made us wonder if what we were hearing was actually true for this age group in and around Brantford. The second motivator was to offer a valuable professional development opportunity that could have an immediate and positive impact on the participant's ability to communicate in the workplace.

45 young professionals registered for the programs. Most were there at the request of their employers but several came of their own accord and on their own dime. Coming from a variety of professions, including banking, legal, retail, consulting, and small business, they were prepared to participate at several levels. As they tentatively began to network, you could feel the excitement in the air.

The first half of the evening involved a self-discovery analysis using a personality assessment tool to determine individual preferences, traits and characteristics and discussion around how to implement this knowledge in the workplace and to improve communications.

The second half of the evening was devoted to round table discussions on what motivates these participants in the workplace. During these discussions individuals identified issues in the workplace that cause disengagement and the potential for job jumping.

Some of what we learned:

Leadership
This generation looks for strong leadership that is knowledgeable, accessible and open to constructive criticism.

Plan to Succeed
This group expects to become very successful, and truly believes it should be a team effort to achieve goals, and all should be rewarded equally.

Expect and Respect Diversity
They also expect to work in a culturally diverse team and would see that as an advantage in the job.

Need to Know Why?
This generation also has a strong need to know why they are doing what they are doing and desire to do work that makes a difference.

Money is the Motivator
What motivates this group isn't that different from the generations that preceded them - it's money! Salary ranked highest in order of importance on the survey, followed by current technology and vacation time, with the fringe benefit of a nap room coming in dead last.

Parental Influence
As presented in a CBS documentary, parents are still playing a fairly strong roll in their lives and have in many cases, intervened on their behalf at work or at post-secondary school.

One of the most interesting things we learned was that the group included a high number of participants with the temperament toward sensitivity to others, concern about the environment, and need to find purpose in their work.

A report from the event has been completed and will be circulated to the participants and their employers who registered them. Evaluations identified learning that included a better understanding of self and others and many noted they were pleased to discover so many other young professionals to network with in Brantford. Most loved the venue, and felt the time spent was of great value. At LJS we are looking forward to further developing this current issue in the workplace and will be hosting other symposiums over the next year covering a variety of topics identified by the participants including Effective Communication, Conflict Management, Personal Excellence, and Team Building. For further information contact Leigh Sherry at 519.752.5527.

This article also appears on The Business Link in the July 2008 Brantford Edition.

Symposium offers insight into what Generation Y really wants!

One of the hottest topics being covered by news media today is the challenge of managing the "Millennials" or Generation Y employees (those born in 1977 or later) "With many of the managers coming from the Baby Boomer generation, we are hearing from supervisors and business owners that this new generation doesn't have the same values or work ethic," says Leigh Sherry, President of LJS & Associates Consulting Inc. (LJS) and Symposium Facilitator.

LJS decided to find out from the "Millennials" themselves, what they really want, and expect from their employers and careers. Late last spring they hosted two pilot symposiums to determine if the media was right and if it was a reality with local Generation Y employees. Both sessions were a huge success, and as a result of that LJS will be hosting one more symposium for the Millennials to share their goals.

The session will run Oct. 22 from 5:30 - 8:30 PM with dinner and include a Personality Dimensions workshop followed by an independent survey and round table discussion. Participants will discover their own personal temperaments and preferences and learn about how to communicate more effectively with others. They will also have the opportunity to give input about their expectations as employees and future goals in a survey and Round Table discussion.

Any employer who has staff born in 1977 or later, or any individual that fits this category, are encouraged to send their staff or (if age appropriate) attend this training opportunity as they will reap the benefits in their workplace with increased productivity and improved communications. All participants and their employers will receive a summary report of the survey and discussion notes to use as future reference for motivating the Millennials.

Interested parties can call LJS & Associates Consulting for more information at 519.752.5527 or email info@ljs.ca. Seating is limited.

This article also appears on The Brantford Expositor Website

LJS Answers Business Planning Question in The Business Link

Question: Why re-write your business plan?

Answer: So often we hear business owners plead that they really don't need to write a business plan. Reasons cited include, things may change, they know the plan so why pay to have it written, and the changing economic times are too unstable to develop a plan that will last. The changing economy is exactly the reason that a plan is essential. For those of us who need to re-write the plan, it is critical to develop a plan that is realistic, given our new economic reality in Ontario.

When re-writing a plan you only need to adjust the original. Consider looking at what has changed in your locale, your industry, and your company. Of particular importance will be customers, suppliers, and competitors. If you have any involvement in other countries remember to look at the effect of currency exchange rates. Although we only deal with Canadian customers and suppliers our business can still be affected by currency rates that impact our suppliers or customers.

Specific concepts or ideas that need to form a part of the basis of your plan are; sales volume, labour needs, demand for products or services, possible changes in the make up of your product or service. Market advantage will often come from innovation so look to possible new ways of delivering what you are already delivering.

As business owners part of our success will come from the support of employees and I encourage you to ask your employees about current or pending changes and how they might impact your organizations. Many banks have programs that are designed to help with this process. If you include your banker in the process they are more apt to become part of the solution and they will have current information that can be used to assist you in your cash management process.

LJS Answers Viable Success Question in The Business Link

Question: How do I create a viable succession plan?

Answer: Looking after the income tax aspect of transferring your business from one generation to the next or from one owner to the next is a critical aspect of succession planning but it is not everything. The success rate of family business is dismal and in part we believe this is due to business owners only considering part of the issue at hand. What drives an individual to be a great entrepreneur limits the same person from being able to successfully transfer management to the next generation. Typically we are asked about income tax freezes and family trusts but rarely are we asked about who in the family will be the next owner or manager. Remember that the ownership and management do not have to be identical. We see business succession as an intertwining of the distinct circles. Consider these circles to be 1. Family, 2. Ownership, and 3. Management. The demographics of a family are critical to obtaining the best expertise through diverse thinking to arrive at the best succession plan. So, if you are feeling overwhelmed by the process, seek professional help and effectively plan the map to take your family business organization to the next generation.

LJS Answers Workplace Personalities Question in The Business Link

Question: Why do we have to worry about Personalities when we hire?

Answer: When building a strong workplace team it is important to look for job specific skills and epertise, and you should consider personalities as well. It is possible to have one or more highly skilled team members, that simply do not communicate effectively due to a difference in preferences, values or temperament. Having your team members complete a Personality Analysis can help to build appreciation for and consideration of others on your team. Individuals at LJS & Associates Consulting Inc. are certified to train in Personality Dimensions and True Colors. These tools are often used as a foundation to develop programs such as, team building, effective communication, stress management or setting and achieving goals. The assessment process assists management and individuals in identifying their strengths and challenges to further develop themselves into a stronger more effective team. So these tools can be integrated into your hiring process or they can become part of a program to increase the effectiveness of an existing team. Better interpersonal understanding equates to stronger communication. Stronger communication equals higher productivity.

LJS Answers "Millennials" Management Question in The Business Link

Question: How do you manage "The Millennials" - those people in the workplace born after 1980?

Answer: LJS has conducted research into what some people refer to as the Millennial group to understand workplace drivers and preferences. This grouping of our society demonstrate the ability to multi-task, be technological savvy, and work with a passion to get the job done. They do ask for clarification and reasoning behind what many business owners feel are well intentioned practices. This group in a recent survey indicated they placed wages and salary highest in priority in terms of compensation packages and the majority placed a nap room in last place.

What is important for managers and business owners to understand is that we need to encorage and motivate this group of individuals. They all understand and value Team. This group of employees want managers to walk the walk and not just talk the talk. Millennials know their skills are in high demand and are not afraid to act on their beliefs.

Therefore, if you are challenged by these processes and types of issues you may need to reconsider your approach or strategy.

LJS Answers Growth Management Question in The Business Link

Question: How do I manage the growth opportunity that my company is experiencing?

Answer: Company owners often ask why the strategy that has worked so well for their past growth does not seem to be working for current operations.

Growth in an organization occurs through opportunity, ability and passion. Companies are like buildings in that they do not go from one level to the next without providing a stairway. The structure that worked so well for a one-story building does not usually work well for a six-story building.

As your organization changes in volume of business and number of employees your operational strategies must adjust to allow for a smooth transition to the next level of business. As well, as an entrepreneur you must adjust the way you approach your operations. Individuals who can lead an organization off the ground often falter when they have to manage twenty employees. General Managers who are comfortable with $5 million in sales struggle understanding what changes need to be made to reach a sales volume of $10 million.

Therefore, if you are challenged by these processes and types of issues you may need to reconsider your approach or strategy.

LJS Answers Board Operation Question in The Business Link

Question: How do I know my board is operating effectively?

Answer: We are often asked by either Executive Directors(E.D.) or Board Chairs how they will know when their board is operating effectively. The operations of a Board are dependant upon the size and complexity of the Not-For-Profit organization. Typically we see either Operating Boards or Governing Boards. If you have an Executive Director or operations personnel your Board should lean toward the governing model. Board members should be your strategists. They approve operations through the budgeting process and then allow executive directors to manage operations. The demographics of a board are critical to obtaining the best expertise through diverse thinking. When looking for board members look for passion, commitment, and expertise in equal doses. Yearly strategic planning sessions allow directors time away from their busy life/work schedules to plan creatively for the future direction of the organization. Simply put directors draw the map and Executive Director's dive the process. So, if you are challenging the process and effectively planning the map, your organization is probably on the right path.

LJS Conducts Employer Survey on Hiring Practices

There were 21 questions in the survey, covering a comprehensive overview of the hiring reality for employers in Brantford and Brant County.

By Leigh Sherry and Donna Stewart

LJS & Associates Consulting Inc.(LJS) conducted a survey in late summer 2007 of local employers to better understand hiring practices. Survey responses came from a wide variety of sectors with the highest percentage of 21.6% identified as Not-for-Profits that did not include Government or healthcare. The next largest sectors were evenly split 3 ways at 16.2% each between Business Services/Consulting, Education/Training and Manufacturing/Food Processing. Other sectors included, Financial Services/Banking, Agriculture, Hospitality, Retail/Customer Service and Trades.

There were 21 questions in the survey, covering a comprehensive overview of the hiring reality for employers in Brantford and Brant County. They included everything from number of full and part-time employees to hiring history and future plans, as well as percentages of temporary workers and preferred hiring practices. On average, the companies who responded showed a 70-30 split on full time to part time positions.

Some key findings include that less than 30% of respondents said they use temporary workers and those who do use them say they make up less than 20% of their workforce. This would indicate that the common assumption that "everybody's moving towards temporary workers" may not be the reality. Another interesting discovery was that hiring has increased since 2006 by 45% and in spite of recent plant closures and downsizing trends in the Brantford area, more than half(54%) of the respondents plan to hire more people in 2008.

When asked to rank Attitude, Experience and Education in the selection process, respondents made it clear that Attitude is most important (60%), followed by eperience as important while just under half (45%) said education was important. This would indicate that if one has the right attitude with some related experience companies may be willing to train or put less emphasis on one's skill set.

In regards to formal training, 63.9% of respondents said their company requires a Grade 12 Diploma or higher, with only 13.9% indicating they did not require one. 67.6% said they consider a GED to be equal to a diploma. This affirms our teachings, that not having a grade 12 diploma or equivalent can be a barrier to employment with many companies. This is important to those in transition who have been out of school for a very long time or who are economically challenged as there are some government funds available to assist eligible candidates to attend these programs.

The results of the survey confirm our teachings and beliefs that a comprehensive approach to job search should be taken by anyone in transition paying special attention to skills, presentation and attitude. To compete efffectively in the Brantford-Brant job market today, one must be prepared to expend the same energy into their job search as they would at their job, and then success will be had as employers are looking to add quality employees to their staff.

LJS & Associates Consulting Inc. is a progressive consulting group located in Royal Victoria Place in downtown Brantford. Operating since 2000 the group is a leader in teaching efficiency and productivity through team building processes. LJS is planning an Executive Training Experience in Prince Edward Island in the spring of 2008.

This article also appears on The Business Link in the January 2008 Brantford Edition.

Chamber Conducts Strategic Planning Session

Members of the Chamber board and staff met recently for the annual strategic planning session. Each year the group meets offsite to look at achievements and challenges over the past year and to design a path for the year ahead. This years session was facilitated and sponsored by the LJS & Associates Consulting team. LJS, founded by Leigh Sherry in 2000, has accociates from a wide variety of professional backgrounds providing a full complement of services. In 2005, Steve Wood joined Leigh, bringing a strong background in manufacturing and international business. Their offices are located in the prestigious Royal Victoria Place Building in downtown Brantford.

As published in In Touch Magazine, January 2008 Issue, Chamber of Commerce Brantford - Brant.

Charitable contribution LJS & Associates made on behalf of Clients for Christmas

Every year LJS makes a contribution to a charitable organization on befalf of the clients they work with. This year the contribution will assist landless farmers in Brazil.

This is the season for giving and remembering those less fortunate.
A charitable donation has been made on your behalf to Our Lady's Missionaries to assist in their co-operative efforts with Landless Farmers in Fortaleza, Brazil.

LJS & Associates Consulting Inc. Announcement

The title of "Fellow of The Society of Management Accountants of Canada" has been conferred on Stephen M. Wood, BA, FCMA in recognition of service to the Society, to the profession, and to the community. The distinguishing qualities of an FCMA are a demonstrated excellence in management accounting, commitment to and pride in the Society and the CMA designation, and a civic-mindedness which brings a community's respect to the member and, through the member, to the CMA designation.

Steve became a partner with LJS & Associates Consulting Inc. in January 2005. LJS is a full service consulting organization serving companies across all industry sectors since 2000. Congratulations Steve, we are proud of your accomplishments and wish to continued success.

From the staff of LJS & Associates Consulting Inc.

PRIME Pilot Project a Success!

By Donna Stewart

Performance-Ready, Integrated and Motivated to Excel! Who wouldn't want to hire someone with those attributes? In fact, who wouldn't be interested in having their current employees be described that way? PRIME Training, is the brainchild of LJS & Associates Consulting Inc. (LJS) in partnership with Emidio Melara, owner of E & M Copper Products Ltd. in Brantford, ON. The six part program was piloted recently, onsite near the factory floor at E&M. "The program was designed as a result of many employers complaining how hard it is to find people with a good work ethic," says Leigh Sherry, founding partner in LJS. Emidio, was more than happy to oblige by allowing the participants to come onsite for 6 consecutive Tuesday evenings, so they could relate the materials to a job site, instead of a training or board room.

Jill Halyk, Executive Director of Grand Erie Training and Adjustment Board, (GETAB) attended the early planning meetings and consulted with the team, to determine what the course content might include and to research possible funding. None was available. Not to be dissuaded, LJS and E&M decided to forge ahead, and cover the cost of the program for a pilot project.

Employment Assistance Agencies were contacted for referrals of clients interested and willing to participate in the project (at no cost to them). Karen Williamson, Director of Immigrant Settlement Services, referred clients as well. It was decided not to limit participation by age or other criteria, and as it happened, the original group included recent immigrants with several years experience but underemployed in their fields, and some young men, seeking permanent employment, as well as one employee of E&M interested in advancing his knowledge.

All but one of the original 6 participants completed the program which began with a Personality Analysis, and understanding of self and others, followed by topics that included; Great Expectations - "What do Employers really want?", $ and Sense - "Understanding Business From the Inside Out", You are Your Own Business - "Self Management and Promotion", Communications and Conflict Resolution - "Tools You Can Use!", and Commitment to Excellence - "You are PRIME because..." All agreed to complete evaluation forms and participate in a one year follow up study to evaluate the outcomes.

During the sessions, participants had the opportunity to do hands on work on the factory floor, when learning about effective communication. Emidio instructed participants how to bend copper for an air conditioner piece, and each had a turn to follow the directions. There were some great laughs, as they soon discovered following instructions wasn't as easy as they thought. This and many other interactive exercises including role play where the company owner played an employee and participants got to be the boss were also included. In addition to a variety of facilitators, Gary Nelson, Manager of Personal Banking from The Bank of Scotia, presented a segment on how to manage your money which the participants found very helpful. Some local politicians have had the opportunity to review the program material and were impressed enough to forward a letter to the Ministry of Colleges, Training and Universities about it. Each participant expressed great satisfaction with the course, and one has landed a job in her field a few weeks afterward. LJS is conducting longitudinal research to understand the impact of this program. All data will be recorded and reported in a final document that will form part of a proposal to employers and government agencies that may find it useful. For more information, call LJS & Associates Consulting Inc. at 519-752-5527 or email lsherry@ljs.ca.

Donna Stewart, is a Facilitator/Trainer with LJS & Associates Consulting Inc. Donna and Leigh Sherry, develop and present energetic, informative and inspiring workshops in a variety of topics dealing with Business Excellence and Career Development.

Chamber of Commerce Brantford/Brant
Message From the President - Stephen Wood

As President of the Board of the Chamber of Commerce Brantford - Brant, I am pleased and honoured to take on this challenging volunteer position for 2006! I look forward to working with my fellow Board members, staff, as well as the dedicated committee volunteers to promote and serve the needs of our large and growing membership.

It is such a wonderful and exciting time to be in Brant County and the City of Brantford! We are attracting a variety of industries in a multitude of shapes and sizes, all of which have or hopefully will soon become members. We are witnessing exciting changes to our communities, such as our new civic square. As well, over the last several years, the excellent work of the Chamber and the City / County Councils has made for a wonderful relationship that enables all of us to go forward as one team.

At the time of writing, The Chamber is working on a number of initiatives on a variety of fronts.

First and foremost, on the business tax front, we are continuing to be actively involved with both the City and the County Councils to have business taxes reduced to levels that are consistent with Provincial legislation. The "range of fairness" definitions formally request a commitment from the Municipalities to reduce the tax ratios for all commercial and industrial categories to 1.10 times the residential rate. Current rates in both the City and County continue to be well in excess of this maximum range.

With the workforce and education challenges, the Chamber recognizes the serious shortage of skilled labourers in our market as well as the high drop out ratios in our community. We are working with local Government officials, agencies, School Boards and our Provincial and National Chambers to address this growing need for skilled labour that exists. As well, trying to educate our youth to the job and career opportunities that exist for them is of great strategic importance to the Chamber.

These are just two of the many issues that the Chamber is pursuing. As the voice of business for Brantford and Brant, we encourage everyone to be a part of that voice!

Joint Chamber
Business After Hours Event

Brought to you by Best Western Brant Park Inn and the Chamber of Commerce Brantford * Brant

This is our Great Networking Opportunity of the Year where members from area Chambers can get together in a social and relaxing atmosphere.

Network with members from Burlington, Flamborough, Hamilton, Oakville, Stoney Creek and Brantford * Brant Chambers.

Meet Cast Members from Star Dust Follies

Mini Trade Show
Wednesday, August 17th, 2005
5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Formal Program will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Best Western Brant Park Inn
19 Holiday Drive, Brantford

PRESS RELEASE

Brantford, ON – May 31, 2005, George Torok will appear in Brantford, Ontario on Wednesday, June 1, 2005 for a breakfast seminar sponsored by LJS & Associates Consulting Inc.

"This communication seminar has been designed for local businesses to examine their communication skills in the workplace", said Leigh Sherry, founder of LJS & Associates Consulting Inc. Wilfrid Laurier's Schlegal Centre for Entrepreneurship has co-sponsored this event to benefit local entrepreneurs.

The Schlegel Centre for Entrepreneurship supports and develops students' education in entrepreneurship through a broad curriculum and alliances with the business community, which allows students to experience entrepreneurship.

Imagine if your staff, associates, clients and suppliers worked with you more often. You can help make that happen when you convey your messages more effectively.

Guest Speaker GeorgeTorok is the "Speech Coach for Executives". He coaches CEOs and executives to communicate more effectively. Recently, Torok helped a CEO deliver a deal-making presentation. That CEO won the deal for $10M. Torok is co-author of the best-selling book, “Secrets of Power Marketing” – now sold in seven countries. He has interviewed hundreds of business leaders on his weekly radio show, “Business in Motion”. George Torok delivers keynote speeches, practical seminars and executive coaching across North America.

LJS & Associates Consulting Inc. has been providing assistance, training and workshops for local businesses, senior management and sales professionals for over five years in Brantford and south western Ontario.

To learn more about LJS & Associates Consulting Inc. call 752-5527 or visit us at www.ljs.ca

Copeland Canada
Meeting the Needs of the Canadian Marketplace

For more than four decades, Emerson Climate Technologies Canada has been working hard to meet the unique needs of its marketplace. Since it began operations in Brantford, Ontario, in July of 1960, our Canadian facility has been providing Copeland products to the Canadian HVACR market.

In 1992, the operation took on the Canadian distribution for Alco Controls Canada (now Flow Controls). The facility also now provides administrative support for the Computer Process Control division in Canada. In addition to its production capabilities, the operation’s ongoing customer support (accounting, information technology, technical service, sales and marketing) is housed in Brantford.

"This ability to offer "one face, one solution" to the Canadian customer through one purchase order/one invoice capability has been the basis for continued growth in the operation," says Steve Wood, general manager.

The Brantford facility has been assembling new and remanufactured semi-hermetic compressors for all ¼ hp to 40 hp models (except tandem and eight cylinder).

For condensing units, the operation assembles all models in the ¼ hp to 40 hp range (excluding G and T line), semi-hermetic and hermetic style units. Recent volume growth has occurred in the wholesaler value-add units (M-line and F-line). These units have a factory-installed EK filter drier and HMI sight glass.

"We have received 100 percent participation from our PrimeSource wholesalers."

In addition to those product offerings, the Brantford operation distributes all scrolls, hermetics, screw compressors and Flow Controls products to all Canadian OEM and wholesale customers.

STEPHEN WOOD

Leigh Sherry, BBA, CGA, MBA, President of LJS & Associates Consulting Inc. is pleased to announce that Stephen Wood, BA, CMA will be joining LJS as a partner on January 3, 2005.

Steve brings over 25 years of senior executive and management experience in manufacturing operations and finance. As well, Steve has worked on numerous plant start-ups and reorganizations in Canada, the United States and China. Steve’s leadership and community minded spirit will be a welcome addition to the LJS team!

LJS is a consulting group serving small and mid-sized companies. They offer a number of value-added services to profit and non-profit organizations. A full list on the range of these services can be viewed at www.ljs.ca.

PRESS RELEASE

Brantford, ON, May 25, 2004, Brent Barr and Brad McBain will appear in Brantford, Ontario on Tuesday, June 1, 2004 for a training workshop sponsored by LJS & Associates Consulting Inc..

“This sales and marketing workshop has been designed for local businesses to examine their marketing plans and determine their competitive advantage in the market place”, said Leigh Sherry, founder of LJS Associates & Consulting Inc.. Wilfrid Laurier’s Schlegel Centre for Entrepreneurship has co-sponsored this event to benefit local entrepreneurs.

The Schlegel Centre for Entrepreneurship supports and develops students’ education in entrepreneurship through a broad curriculum and alliances with the business community, which allows students to experience entrepreneurship.

“Your Competitive Advantage” breakfast workshop starts with understanding what differentiates your business from your competition. Attendees will learn how to deliver their competitive advantage both internally and externally.

Brent Barr, a professor at Wilfrid Laurier University’s MBA program and entrepreneur of a marketing and strategic business development firm will give insight into developing a competitive advantage. Brad McBain, a top producing sales professional, will give the attendees practical ways to have your employees understand and deliver your competitive advantage. Also, McBain will demonstrate ways your business can grow by marketing your competitive advantage to your customers.

LJS & Associates Consulting Inc. has been providing assistance, training and workshops for local businesses, senior management and sales professionals for over three years in the Brantford area.

To learn more about LJS & Associates Consulting Inc. and the upcoming workshop call 752-5527 or e-mail info@ljs.ca.

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