Culture of Convenience: Recent Episodes
Jeff Kahler
Business, like life, moves fast. It’s hard to keep up with the changing needs of both customers and employees. In the Culture of Convenience™ podcast, host Jeff Kahler talks with experts from a variety of industries to discuss issues related to people, processes, technology, and operations.
The Culture of Convenience podcast that has been exploring the balance between people and performance since 2020. Same mission. Sharper focus. Every episode digs into where multi-unit leaders are stuck, what is causing it, and what to actually do about it.
RTO is turning 20! Jeff and Kelly go through the history books to remember some of RTO's biggest moments, what was happening in the world during that time, and how the company became what it is today.
There's a lot going on under your feet! On this episode, Jeff and Kelly talk to Ben Thomas from UST Training to find out just what's going on with underground storage tanks: how they've changed over the years, Ben's evolving role in the industry, and what happens when things go wrong.
About Ben: Ben Thomas brings to the UST industry over three decades of experience, networking and ideas to help owners and inspectors solve complex technical problems in the management of UST systems. Ben’s experience goes back to 1986, when he supervised UST removals in Vermont. Between 1989 and 1995, Ben oversaw cleanup of leaking UST sites in northern Alaska. From 1995 to 2002, he ran Alaska’s UST leak prevention program. Ben gained national attention for his innovative work in web page development, outreach material, financial responsibility compliance, and most notably the Alaska third party inspection program. Since leaving Alaska in 2002, Ben’s principal focus has been education, training, and outreach to the nation’s UST owners, operators, inspectors and technicians.
How can a company use today’s digital world to their advantage? Luckily for Jeff and Kelly, they have just the expert to ask: Abbey Karel from Bounteous! In their chat with Abbey, they talk digital strategies, automation, AI and more. Plus, just how long until the tucked in sweater goes out of fashion? Listen to find out!
About Abbey: As VP of Growth at Bounteous, Abbey Karel helps Consumer Brands drive digital transformation and create meaningful customer experiences that maximize growth and ROI. By aligning business goals with digital innovation, she enables brands to unlock new opportunities through strategic partnerships and co-innovation while optimizing spend.
With a background in global client leadership, digital strategy, and in-store innovation, Abbey has worked with some of the world’s most recognized brands to elevate customer engagement and drive measurable business impact. Prior to Bounteous, she led high-impact client relationships at Ogilvy, earning recognition as a Top-25 Global Client Leader, and played a key role in pioneering native apps and in-store digital experiences for Kohl’s and JCPenney. Abbey is also a frequent speaker and thought leader, sharing insights on digital transformation, customer experience, and data-driven growth at industry events.
Do you know who the ‘Missing 33%’ are? In this episode, Kelly finds out in a conversation with a committee co-chair within C-Store Women and RTO’s own Client Success Manager, Breeze Savage. They also discuss empowering women in the convenience industry, the secret sauce to client support and how she inspires her team on the daily. Are there any jokes made at Jeff’s expense during his absence? Listen to find out!
Jeff and Kelly step into the CoC studio for one final podcast in 2024. Together, they wax nostalgic about all the great topics they’ve covered this year, such as AI, job perks, foodservice, coupons, and more. They also touch on what sort of convenience trends they see on the horizon in 2025.
On the latest Culture of Convenience episode, Jeff and Kelly talk with Mason Cowan, Chief Customer Officer at BandyWorks Solutions. Mason discusses how BandyWorks combines real-time data with store operations to provide feedback and recommendations to improve c-stores. Together, they discuss the who, what, why, and how of that process!
Dallas Wells, VP of Food Services and Training at High's of Baltimore, was in the studio with Jeff to talk about running a successful food service in his stores. How he rolls out LTOs, the leadership he looks for to make stores successful, and his philosophy on when you should try new things are all in this episode of the Culture of Convenience!
The NACS Show is vast - how can you properly take advantage of it? Look no further than this episode for answers, as Jeff Lenard breaks down how to make the most of the NACS Show. Who to visit, what to look out for, and how to benefit from the personnel are all covered in Episode 135!
About Our Guest: Jeff Lenard is the VP of Strategic Industry Initiatives for the National Association of Convenience Stores. He also hosts the Convenience Matters Podcast. Jeff is passionate about retail and all things convenience.
On this episode, PFMA President Alex Baloga brings insights on the Medical Nutrition Act, how "zero food waste" really works, and where retail's headed in the next 5 years in his interview with Jeff Kahler. PFMA is a supportive network of retailers in PA advocating together to achieve goals and make the whole industry stronger.
About Our Guest: Alex Baloga has been serving as President and CEO of PFMA since 2017, after serving as Vice President of External Relations. He has experience in politics, serving US Senator Bob Casey in a past campaign and in his Government Office. He currently sits on the Food Industry Association Executives (FIAE) Board of Directors, the Pennsylvania Dairymen's Association Board of Directors, and the NACS Legislative Committee. At PFMA, he leads government relation efforts at local, state, and federal levels.
Using aboveground tanks for fuel storage is a polarizing topic, but for guests Ethan Henderson and Cameron Hogan from Major Oil, it's what they do best. Portable convenience stores, saving communities, and bringing convenience to the outer regions of the world are just some of the topics we get into today on the Culture of Convenience.
About Our Guest: Headquartered in Birmingham, AL, Major Oil LLC is marked by innovation, unwavering commitment, and a forward-thinking vision for a smarter energy climate. In response to the demand for fuel, real estate limitations in growing communities, alternative energy, and the increased demand for automated and seamless shopping experiences, Major Oil LLC will deploy its Hybrid Energy Stations throughout the United States to meet these demands and challenges.
In Episode 132, Jeff Kahler sits down with Eric Bolduc from Holmes Murphy Insurance to discuss keeping your store safe and saving money in the long run.
About Our Guest: For over 30 years, Eric has specialized in working with business owners to help them reduce their overall exposure to risk. He's passionate about helping companies have the most comprehensive risk management program that best protects their investment.
With over 550 stores, RaceTrac is leading the charge with learning strategies and asset protection. Jeff Kahler sits down with Kelly Harrington, Director of Asset Protection, and the learning design team, Jackie Keaton and Brandon Christopher Bass, to discuss how the large chain operators overcome obstacles and maintain strong safety culture.
About Our Guest: Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, RaceTrac is a third-generation, family-owned company that is comprised of four operating divisions: RaceTrac, RaceWay, Energy Dispatch, and Metroplex Energy. RaceTrac owns and operates more than 550 RaceTrac convenience store locations across seven southern states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas. RaceTrac also owns more than 200 RaceWay stores in 12 states across the Southeast.
Until 2019 coupons were made from paper. With digital coupons entering the scene things are about to change - even in convenience stores. What impact will this have on the industry? Producer Kelly sits down with the Coupon Bureau's Brett Watson to get to the info.
About Our Guest: At The Coupon Bureau, Brett Watson is leading the charge, with the support of an incredible team, to revolutionize the coupon industry with Universal Coupons. As CEO, she drives both strategic direction and tactical execution, ensuring our vision becomes reality. Working closely with industry stakeholders, Brett helps to shape Universal Coupons to meet the ever-evolving needs of the market. Partner communication and management are key, and she's delighted have the opportunity to develop and nurture relationships critical to our success.
But it's not just about the product; it's about our culture. Brett fosters an environment of collaboration and empowerment. Having an empowered team is critical to the daily work it takes to make fast and effective decisions to drive the adoption of Universal Coupons. And yes, being a start-up CEO means do more than lead. From strategic planning to occasionally taking out the trash, Brett Watson is dedicated to propelling The Coupon Bureau forward in their mission to transform the coupon industry.
Bob Duprey is no stranger to creating consistent training systems. In this interview, Jeff Kahler explores how shift leaders can really elevate restaurant service, especially in quick service restaurants (QSRs)! Bob and Jeff also dive into Shift Leader Playbook, the newest course from Restaurant Playbooks.
About Our Guest: For the last 20 years, Bob Duprey has worked with Fortune 500 clients to develop custom eLearning solutions. As the founder of Restaurant Playbooks, he formed a team of passionate pros with proven expertise in the restaurant industry, and Learning & Development. Bob's goal is to create engaging eLearning experiences that develop behaviors and deliver results.
Besides bringing her family business out of the red, Stephanie Stuckey has built a team and marketed her brand, all while completely re-inventing herself in a matter of a couple years. Hear her secrets and strategies in this episode!
About Our Guest: Stephanie Stuckey, CEO and Chair of Stuckey's Corporation, has been on a path to revive her family's company and brand since purchasing it in 2019. Stephanie is the author of UnStuck: Rebirth of an American Icon, coming out April 2, 2024, where she details her experiences with the business and shares insights and strategies she has used along the way.
Recruiting and Retaining advice abounds in our interview with Steve Seymour, author of 100 Ideas to Improve the Workplace. Steve lays out practical - and some out of the box ideas - to not only create a winning team but keep them in your organization. Hint: Treat people the way you want to be treated, but also do this one thing ... Find out more in this episode!
About Our Guest:
Steve Seymour is the Director of Personnel Training & Development at Country Fair, Inc., a chain of 72 convenience stores throughout Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio. In 2019 and 2021, Country Fair, Inc. was named one of America's Best-In-State Employers by Forbes Magazine. Steve has 30+ years of experience in HR and is passionate about creating a positive work culture that improves employee morale and retention. He is the author of 100 Ideas to Improve the Workplace: An HR Nerd’s Guide to Creating Excellent Culture, which was published in 2023. All proceeds of the book will be donated to Transplants.org, a charity that Steve actively supports.
AI is all the rage these days, but how exactly will it benefit c-stores? On this week's podcast we talk to Susan Sly, CEO of The Pause Technologies and Top Women in AI Finalist, to get her take on how AI can help businesses, employees, and the customer.
What's your take on AI? Did this episode change your mind? We'd love to know! Share your thoughts on this episode in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ or email Producer@CultureofConvenience.com.
It's time for another end-of-season recap! This week Jeff Kahler is tackling the burning questions our listeners sent in during Season 11. Airplane etiquette, "beige flags" in business, working with family; all these and more discussed in this episode.
What was your favorite moment from Season 11? We'd love to know! Share your thoughts on this episode in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ or email Producer@CultureofConvenience.com.
In 2016, Frank Beard spent 30 days eating exclusively at convenience stores – breakfast lunch and dinner. Ever since then, Frank has been extremely passionate about convenience stores. In this info-packed episode, Jeff Kahler speaks with Frank about his cstore diet, EV charging stations, autonomous check-out, and measuring success.
What is your go-to convenience store food order? We want to know! Share your thoughts on this episode in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ or email Producer@CultureofConvenience.com.
Jeff Kahler is a champion for single store operators – he not only relates to them, but he loves to support their businesses. In this episode one of those operators, Lonnie McQuirter, breaks down what separates him from big competition and provides a sneak peek at what advice he'll be giving suppliers at the NACS Show!
We love hearing from our listeners! Share your thoughts on this episode in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ or email Producer@CultureofConvenience.com.
In this episode of the Culture of Convenience, Jeff Kahler interviews Lisa Dell Alba, President and CEO of Square One Markets! Lisa shares her insights on family businesses, supplier relations, and overcoming anything that stands in her way.
We love hearing from our listeners! Share your thoughts on this episode in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ or email Producer@CultureofConvenience.com.
We're counting down to the NACS Show, one of the biggest events in convenience retailing! In this episode, Jeff Kahler shares the top ten reasons—plus a few extras—why you should stop by and visit Ready Training Online at booth B3749! (And some of these may be pretty shocking!)
Have you ever attended the NACS Show? What do you usually look forward to the most? We want to know! Visit https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ or email Producer@CultureofConvenience.com.
Everyone has some part of their life that's mediocre, but their career doesn't need to be! In this week's episode, Jeff Kahler explains how the concept of “Gears to Your Career” can be used to energize and inspire people in the workplace by providing their very own career path.
How do you avoid workplace complacency? Share your thoughts in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ or email Producer@CultureofConvenience.com.
AI has been in the news a lot lately, but what does that mean for you professionally? In this episode, Jeff Kahler discusses the top 10 jobs he believes could be displaced by AI, along with options on how to either embrace it, or work around it.
How do you think AI will be used in the workplace? Share your thoughts in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ or email Producer@CultureofConvenience.com.
No person on this planet is exempt from insecurities; but how do we show up at work without bringing them along? In this episode, Jeff Kahler speaks candidly about his insecurities and offers advice on how you can overcome your own insecurities to make an impact on the job.
How do you deal with insecurities? Share your thoughts in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ or email Producer@CultureofConvenience.com.
This week, we're spotlighting Angel Bui, RTO's UX/UI designer! Listen as she shares how dedication has helped her through life as well as how her parents, Vietnamese immigrants, inspired her to be successful in not only in programming, but everything she does.
What does dedication look like to you? Share your thoughts in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ or email Producer@CultureofConvenience.com.
"Data is important. But data, just like anything else, can be overwhelming if there is too much to sort through. Jeff Kahler had his own vision for building the best data reporting features in his software platform; unfortunately he was not listening to what his customers were saying they needed. He finally started listening, and HUBS was born. In this episode, find out what can be accomplished when you stop doing and start listening.
How has listening to customers helped improve your business? Share your thoughts in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ or email Producer@CultureofConvenience.com."
Going broke, becoming servants to AI, and rage cleaning are all topics that YOU, our listeners, wanted to discuss. Don't miss this episode, where Jeff Kahler shares his wisdom and wit on these situations and more!
Think you have better advice? Share your thoughts in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ or email Producer@CultureofConvenience.com.
Curiosity requires you to seek out answers beyond yourself. Sandy Williams-Brown's curiosity sets her ahead when it comes to social media and content marketing at RTO. She's curious on the job and with her various roles in life, making her a good advocate, partner and mother.
What does curiosity look like to you? Share your thoughts in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ or email Producer@CultureofConvenience.com.
It's important to communicate and get along with people, but you also have to know how to adapt to truly get the best out of your audience. In this episode, Flavia Chiquita, Senior Content Supervisor at MotionGlass Studios, discusses her career path and how that brought her to where she is now.
What does adaptability look like to you? Share your thoughts in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ or email Producer@CultureofConvenience.com.
Courage, resolve, and strength of character is how we define Grit. But what does it look like lived out? In Episode 112, Video Specialist Steve Witmer discusses how that word shaped his life and career, along with how he brings grit to his video production skills at MotionGlass Studios.
What does grit look like to you? Share your thoughts in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ or email Producer@CultureofConvenience.com.
Can you spot trends and tell how long they'll last? Understanding the life cycle of design trends is not always an easy task, but this week's special guest knows a little about creating websites that get attention. In this episode Producer Kelly sits down with Ready Training Online's Web Designer, Justin Watson, to discuss how noticing trends has always been a part of his life, and how he utilizes that strength at RTO.
How does your business utilize trends? We want to know! Share in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ or email Producer@CultureofConvenience.com.
With advances in technology, the business landscape is constantly evolving. While we can't completely predict the future, we can look at trends to estimate the direction of change, and knowing where the future is headed is the best way to determine what you should be focusing on now. In this episode, Jeff Kahler discusses AI, human employees, technology, and how to up your game for the future so your organization stays relevant.
How is your organization preparing for the future? Share in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ or email Producer@CultureofConvenience.com.
Are you feeling underutilized at work? Do you have talents that aren't being noticed? Do you feel like you could be doing more, but no one is giving you the responsibility? If so, you could be experiencing "rust out." In this week's episode, Jeff Kahler discusses the symptoms of rust out, and what you can do about it, because after rust out comes drop out, and we don't want that! Have you successfully combatted rust out in your organization? Share your story in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ or email Producer@CultureofConvenience.com.
Toxic workplaces will literally destroy your mood, your productivity, and even your life. In this week's episode, Jeff Kahler and Producer Kelly take an in-depth look at toxic workplaces – how to identify the source of the toxicity and what you can do about it.
Have you had experience with a toxic workplace? We want to hear it! Share your story in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ or email Producer@CultureofConvenience.com.
When it comes to hiring, how do you judge whether a candidate has a stellar work ethic and integrity? In this week's episode, Jeff Kahler asks his friend, mentor, and coach, Steve Goble, to discuss how to find these people - and better yet, how to be one.
How do you determine work ethic and integrity in your new hires? We want to know! Discuss in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/.
Introducing Sidekick! trainingGrid® will soon have their very own support dog to assist users. Customer support is the backbone of any organization who values the customer experience, and this week, Support Manager Mike Singer joins Jeff and Producer Kelly to explain how Sidekick can help users within the LMS. And just because we love dogs, Jeff also interviews Lori and Jennifer, who help train "sidekicks" in the community--because support can come in all shapes and sizes!
Do you have a best or worst experience in customer service you would like to share? We want to hear it! Discuss in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/.
It's already time for our season 9 recap and our listeners have sent in some of their most interesting work situations. From accusations of being too happy at work, to missing floor squeegees, to Darth Vader entering a meeting, Jeff Kahler is offering his best advice for each scenario. Do you agree with Jeff? What would you do in these situations? We want to know! Email us at Producer@CultureofConvenience.com or discuss in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/.
What does it take to be a power employee? This week Producer Kelly puts Tom Hart, RTO's Director of Business Development and convenience industry whiz kid, into the hot seat. In this episode they discuss the amazing job opportunities available convenience and Tom gives a lot of credit to the role mentorship plays in becoming a power employee.
What qualities make up a power employee? Discuss in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/.
trainingGrid® is launching their very own app! This couldn't happen without a lot of planning and careful consideration. In this episode, Jeff Kahler discusses everything that had to be taken into account while developing the app. Just because something is a good idea, that doesn't mean it's a good idea for everyone - and just because you CAN do something to help your customers, doesn't mean it WILL. Find out all the details in this episode.
How do you feel about using apps for training employees? Discuss in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/.
Scammers work hard – but RTO is working even harder to keep your organization safe from Bitcoin fraud. In this week's episode, Jeff Kahler shares how a call from a client made him rethink how to protect you and your team from Bitcoin scams.
Does your organization have a plan for training and dealing with scammers? Discuss in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/.
These days it seems like everyone wants a piece of the convenience pie. Restaurants, grocery chains, movie theaters - everyone wants to find new ways to increase convenience for their customers. How can you up your game and ensure you're truly building a culture of convenience? Find out in this week's episode!
How has your business adapted to be more convenient? Discuss in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/.
Welcome to our 100th episode!! This week we're talking celebrations. Often when an organization doesn't know how to do something well, they just don't do it. In this episode, Jeff Kahler discusses how to recognize and celebrate the people in your company. He also shares his reservations about recognition and discovers he is not alone! Learn how to better acknowledge a job well done. Thank you all for listening and here's to another 100 episodes!
How do you recognize your employees? Let us know! Discuss in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/.
Much like the fabled Fountain of Youth or the quest for the holy grail, achieving work-life balance often seems like a never-ending journey. Everyone is pursuing it, but the real question is: what do you do with it once you find it? This week Jeff Kahler breaks down the psychology behind work-life balance and shares some great ideas on how to achieve it.
Do you believe you have a good grasp on work-life balance? Let us know! Discuss in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/.
Loyalty programs pop up in a variety of ways - but how effective are they when it comes to ROI? This week Jeff Kahler discusses 2023 trends for loyalty clubs and shares best practices for getting the most out of your program.
How do you make a loyalty program work? And what causes people to be loyal to you? We want to hear your thoughts! Discuss in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/.
A loss leader is a strategy typically found in the retail space, but you can create one for any business. This week Jeff Kahler shares his very unconventional use of a loss leader and provides 4 important tips on how to avoid undervaluing yourself or your business.
How have you utilized loss leaders to create value for your organization? Share in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/.
Younger generations often look down on the older generations for being inept with technology. However, Jeff Kahler has decided it's time to end to this false stereotype. In this week's episode, Jeff and Kelly discuss what each generation brings to the table with technology and inventions. Each generation's progress stands on top of the previous generation's creativity.
Do you have a story about how different generations use technology? Share in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/.
From baby boomers to Generation Z, lately it seems like a lot of people are really focused on the differences between generations. In this week's episode, Jeff Kahler is breaking down what each generation brings to your organization and unpacks the differences and similarities between us all.
How have you promoted teamwork between generations? We want to hear your story! Share in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/.
What do irrational fears, uncomfortable truths, and Jeff Kahler reading minds have in common? It's all happening in the Season 8 Recap! Don't miss this week's episode, where tensions are running high and the emails from listeners just keep rolling in…
We want to know: what was your favorite moment from season 8? Share in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/.
What are the new trends in hiring and recruiting since the Great Resignation? This week, Jeff Kahler invites Jessica Blake-Dean from High's Stores, based in Baltimore, onto the show to discuss her strategy for recruiting and hiring talent in 2023.
How has your recruiting strategy evolved? We want to know! Share in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/.
Do you find compliance laws confusing? You're not alone. The laws for maintaining compliance within an organization are numerous, varied, and can sometimes be complicated. This week, Jeff Kahler interviews RTO's very own Laura Wentling, Director of Government Affairs, to truly understand the complexities of staying compliant.
Do have a story about maintaining compliance within your organization? We want to hear it! Share in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/.
Producer Kelly has decided to kick off the new year by focusing on conflict management, and she puts Jeff Kahler to the test - literally. How do his soft skills hold up in in a situation of conflict? Find out in this episode, and test your own skills along with us! Did your soft skills pass the test? We want to know! Share in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/.
Intellectual property is a very real, tangible thing - but what about the intangible intellectual capital? This week, Jeff Kahler discusses the three pillars of intellectual capital. Your organization may be worth more than you think!
How do you rank in intellectual capital? We want to know! Listen to this week’s podcast and share your response in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/.
Did you know nearly 3 in 10 households consist of just one person? With more and more American households being made up of singles, it's time to start shifting focus to this growing demographic. This week, Jeff Kahler provides some quick tips and ideas on how you can take marketing to singles to the next level - even in the convenience world!
Do you have any marketing tips to share? Leave them in the comments at https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/.
Robots are becoming more and more prevalent in our day-to-day lives. This week, Jeff Kahler discusses the highs and lows of robotics as well as the fears people (and Kelly) have as we adapt to the increasing role robots have in our lives. How do you feel about robots? Share your thoughts in the comments at https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/.
Did you know that 95% of buying decisions made by convenience store shoppers are not based on conscious thought? This week, Jeff Kahler breaks down how buying decisions are really made. Listen to this week’s episode to find out how can you effectively market to your customers. Has your business had success with subliminal advertising? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments at https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/.
Did you know that 95% of buying decisions made by convenience store shoppers are not based on conscious thought? This week, Jeff Kahler breaks down how buying decisions are really made. Listen to this week’s episode to find out how can you effectively market to your customers.
Has your business had success with subliminal advertising? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments at https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/.
Few companies are truly able to stand out among their competitors, and even fewer are able to change the game completely - enter industry disrupters! This week, Jeff and Kelly discuss companies that “changed the game” not just for their industries but for our culture at large. Find out how they did it and consider: what strategies can you adopt to make your business stand out from the rest?
How can you become an industry disrupter? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments at https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/.
In the 80s, quality circles were viewed as over-reaching, but now they’re having a massive comeback giving companies some of the best ideas they ever had! You may be asking: What are quality circles? Why should I use them? And how can I implement them in my team ASAP? Check out this week's episode to see what Jeff and Kelly have to say about them and how they can positively impact your business.
Have you tried implementing quality circles in your organization? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments at https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/.
We're wrapping up season 7 with the return of Jeff Kahler! This week, Producer Kelly and Jeff review listener emails and comments from this season. What are your thoughts? Post a comment on our Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, or Twitter - we love hearing from you!
You can also share your thoughts in the comments at https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/.
This week, MotionGlass Studios' very own Production Manager, Spence, is put in the hot seat to discuss one of his favorite things: creativity. What is it? How do you get it? And what’s the secret behind it? Spence dispels the myth that only artists can be creative and opens up the possibility of an equal playing field - you just have to want it!
When have you been most creative in your organization? Listen to the episode and share your thoughts in the comments at https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/.
We're continuing our Convenient Leadership series with a discussion of soft skills–tools you definitely need in your tool belt if you want to be a successful leader. This week's guest literally wrote the book on soft skills. Carrie Luxem is the author of Soft Skills Playbook, and she's joined Producer Kelly this week to talk about how to overcome a world of automation and improve on soft skills. Which skills are the most touted and which are actually the most needed?
Listen to the episode and share your thoughts in the comments at https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/.
We've all seen those whiteboard videos where someone is illustrating what the narration describes. What goes into creating these videos and why are they so effective? This week, Producer Kelly interviews Andrew Herkert, Vice President of TruScribe -- a narrated, hand-drawn, whiteboard video production company. They’ll explain why these videos pack a punch when it comes to learning, how to acquaint yourself with your audience quickly, and why TruScribe stands out from the competition.
Listen to the episode and share your thoughts in the comments at https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/.
When an aptitude test reveals unexpected results, how do you pivot your mindset to still make yourself marketable? This week, Kelly interviews Glenn Gautier of 2PLUS Communications, who shares first-hand experience with facing "bad news," how he reframed it, and how it changed his outlook on business.
What bad news have you received in your career? Listen to the episode and share your story in the comments at https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/.
We're continuing our Convenient Leadership series this week with special guest Mike Edwards. Mike is a 14-time Emmy award-winning filmmaker – but that success didn't just happen overnight. In this episode, Mike shares how he assembles his team to create amazing work and about facing roadblocks along the way. If you love film, production, and amazing stories, don't miss this episode!
Listen to episode and comment at https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/.
Eventually, there will come a day when you have to train or lead someone who may actually have more credentials than you. How do you react? Cave? Fall over? Let insecurity ruin the opportunity? This week, Kelly interviews Ben Brown, who trains some of the country's top marksmen at the nation's largest outdoor gun range. Learn how Ben overcomes doubts and steps up to get the job done.
How do you overcome insecurity? Listen to the episode and comment at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/.
We're kicking off a brand-new series called Convenient Leadership, where Producer Kelly interviews leaders on specific topics they're either battling now or that they’ve already overcome. This week, we're talking about comparison - something everyone deals with on an almost-daily basis. Our special guest, Lisa Kahler (who happens to be married to Jeff), gives practical advice on overcoming the comparison mindset.
How has a comparison mindset affected you? Listen to the episode and comment at https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/.
It's time for the Season 6 recap, and, as always, the questions and comments from our listeners never disappoint. This week, we put Jeff Kahler in the hot seat as he tries to answer life's biggest questions, such as: "If a robot you built becomes smarter than you, should you kill it with fire?" Ok, maybe not that exact question, but pretty close!
We love hearing from our listeners! Email Producer Kelly at Producer@cultureofconvenience.com or listen to the episode and comment at https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/.
Does fashion make or break your career? Does it even matter? In this week's episode, Jeff Kahler discusses the clothes you wear and how it affects all areas of your career. Plus, he divulges which article of clothing has to be custom-made for him.
How do you feel about the impact of clothing on your career? We want to hear your opinions! Listen to episode and comment at https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/.
Sometimes, the only way to deal with a bad boss is by quitting a job altogether. But before you write your resignation letter, listen to Jeff Kahler share some great ideas about how to deal with a bad boss or bad leadership. By learning to manage a bad boss, you'll be putting yourself in the driver's seat of your career.
Share your bad boss story! Listen to episode and comment at https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/.
Bad bosses are hard to describe, but you know it when you have one. This week, Jeff Kahler talks about the real-life bad boss stories you submitted. Leadership skills don't always come as second nature to everyone, and today we have some real doozies.
Do you have your own bad boss experience? We want to hear about it! Listen to the episode and comment at https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ or email producer@cultureofconvenience.com.
This week, we're rounding out this chapter on feedback with Jeff Kahler and Producer Kelly sharing stories from this podcast, Culture of Convenience. People will tell you all kinds of things because they think you need to hear it. Sometimes, it's helpful—other times, not so much. Regardless, feedback should be welcomed either way.
Got some feedback for us? We want to hear it! Listen and comment at https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ or email us at Producer@cultureofconvenience.com.
This week, we continue our focus on the strategic element of feedback. In this episode, Jeff Kahler shares some of the feedback he’s received while building trainingGrid™, Ready Training Online’s learning management system, or LMS. Software’s always evolving, and RTO had to go back to the drawing board a few times before the LMS became what it is today.
We want to hear YOUR feedback! Visit https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ to listen to this week's episode and share your thoughts in the comments!
Compared to building a software training company, video production is a completely different animal. However, in business, you occasionally have to branch out and acquire new divisions in order to support your common goals. This week Jeff Kahler, with input from one of RTO's founding partners Michael Finlayson, unpacks the ins and outs of starting a production company and the feedback it took to make that endeavor a success.
We want to hear your feedback! Visit https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ to listen to this week's episode, and share your thoughts in the comments!
An essential aspect of running an organization is having the ability to obtain feedback, process it, and take action. This week, Jeff Kahler talks about times in RTO's history where he’s had to listen to feedback, then pivot and make changes to how the software company was running. From cold calling, to preparing content, to just hearing tough words from clients - it's all in this episode. We want to hear your feedback! Visit https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ to listen to this week's episode and share your thoughts in the comments!
This week, we're kicking off the discussion of our tenth and final element of building a culture of convenience: the Feedback Loop. The Feedback Loop takes everything you’ve learned from your clients and employees and uses it to make a better - and more convenient – business; however, obtaining that feedback can be difficult, and being receptive to it can be even harder. In this episode, Jeff Kahler breaks it down so you can use this business asset to its fullest potential. Speaking of feedback, we value yours! Visit https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ to listen to this week's episode and share your thoughts in the comments!
Throughout our "Short Change" mini-series, Jeff Kahler has been breaking down "simple" financial principles that will promote growth for you and your business. This week, we continue the series focusing on reporting and financials with a topic that may not be acknowledged but that is still very important: the heart of expectancy - how to foster it and how to share the vision with your team. We discuss it all this episode.
What does having a heart of expectancy mean to you? Visit https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ to listen to this week's episode and share your thoughts in the comments!
As you may know, hard work is the key to starting your own business. Hard work grows your business, but there’s more to it than that. This week, we continue our "Short Change" series with a discussion on hard work, and Jeff Kahler unpacks the concept of balancing hard work with contentment. How do you maintain balance in your business? Visit https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ to listen to this week's episode and share your thoughts in the comments!
Throughout our "Short Change" mini series, Jeff Kahler is breaking down "simple" financial principles that will promote growth for you and your business. This week, we're focusing on stewardship - because what you don't do with your money is just as important as what you do with it!
What does stewardship mean to you? Visit https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ to listen to this week's episode and share your thoughts in the comments!
Welcome to season 6 of the Culture of Convenience! We're kicking off the season with a series of mini episodes called "Short Change," each with tips about money that could bring change to your business when applied. This week, Jeff Kahler talks about giving. What does giving look like in business, and what if you can't afford to give? What's your best story about giving? Visit https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ to listen to this week's episode, and share your thoughts in the comments!
Season 5 was filled with so many twists and turns! We had some amazing guests, remote broadcasts, and we even had the opportunity to hear directly from our amazing listeners. Naturally, we have to follow up on some of these topics. This week, Jeff Kahler responds to your questions and comments, and Kelly has her feet held to the fire about her bed—wait, what?!? You'll just have to listen to find out! Visit https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ to listen to this week's episode and share your thoughts in the comments!
Self-checkout kiosks often get a bad rap because they’re machines performing a job that’s traditionally been done by a human employee. NCR Corporation is an expert in self-checkout, having provided electronics and point-of-sale terminals for retail locations for nearly 40 years. This week, Jeff Kahler sits down with NCR's Marc Haberkorn and Amit Acharya to set the record straight and dive into the real reasons self-checkout is so successful. In this interview: new technology, theft, and what's coming to a store near you! Visit https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ to listen to this week's episode and share your thoughts in the comments!
Do you know the difference between coaching and mentoring? These two terms are often lumped together, but they’re actually very different. Today, mentoring is intentionally sought out more than in the past, and it should be an important component of your hiring strategy. This week, Jeff Kahler and our special guest, Myra Kressner, share their experiences with mentoring and talk about mentoring’s significance and benefits. They’ll tell you how to find a mentor and—get this—how you might be mentoring someone without even knowing it!
What's your mentorship story? Visit https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ to listen to this week's episode, and share your story in the comments?
Investing time and money into training your employees often feels like just another expense, however training should be viewed not only as an investment in your people, but also an investment in the success of your business. This week Jeff Kahler breaks down the reasons why building a culture of learning and training is so important, and the first steps to make it happen.
Visit https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ to listen to this week's episode, and in the comments share your thoughts on investing in your employees through training!
Gamification sounds fun, looks engaging, and appears to be an effective tool for training, but how well does it actually work? When it comes to employee training, Jeff Kahler knows a lot about what works and what doesn't. This week, Jeff and Kelly dive into this increasingly popular training methodology. You may think you want it for your training program, but is it really right for your employees? What are your thoughts on incorporating gamification into employee training? Visit https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ to listen to this week's episode and share your thoughts in the comments!
Inflation is here, and it's real. Everyone is talking about it, and many are complaining about it. Is raising minimum wage really the answer? This week, Jeff Kahler dives into the impact the economy has on us, offering advice and hope - something we all need right now! How do you deal with inflation? Visit https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ to listen to this week's episode and share your thoughts in the comments!
Cryptocurrency is on the rise, and you may be too afraid to ask what it is or how it might affect your life, but Jeff Kahler isn't. This week, Jeff sits down with Mike Beaman, owner of a crypto mining business, to discuss cryptocurrency, block chains, and even the metaverse. If you ever had questions about cryptocurrency, we’ve got answers.
Have you invested in cryptocurrency? Visit https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ to listen to this week's episode and share your thoughts in the comments!
What do Betty White and this week's episode have in common? Passwords. At Ready Training Online, password issues make up the majority of phone calls our support team receives. Passwords are great for security until they stop working or someone hacks your account. As time goes by, passwords seem to become more high maintenance, and the requirements more technical. This week, Jeff Kahler dissects passwords and discusses how to keep yourself safe online. Plus, where are passwords headed in the future? What are your thoughts on passwords and security? Visit https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ to listen to this week's episode, and share your thoughts in the comments!
These days, employers are pulling out all the stops when it comes to recruiting, even offering next day pay benefits. This week, Jeff Kahler interviews Jeanniey Walden, Chief Information Marketing Officer for DailyPay, a platform that gives employees access to earnings in real-time. Jeanniey fills us in on the benefits of enrolling in this new concept and answers questions like: How does it differ from payday loans? Is there a downside? Who pays for this benefit: the employee or the company? Jeanniey also explains why this option isn’t just for part-time employees. How do you feel about next day pay? Visit https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ to listen to this week's episode, and share your thoughts in the comments!
We’re always excited to accept voice recordings from our listeners! In this week's episode, we compiled listener voice recordings sharing the convenient technology they're using. Some are new, some are older, and some are just downright surprising. Would you like to hear your voice on our show? Feel free to send your own voice recording to producer@cultureofconvenience.com. What is the most convenient piece of technology in your life? Visit https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ to listen to this week's episode, and share your thoughts in the comments!
Every day, more and more people are searching for information about what is still a relatively new technology: the LMS, or learning management system. Not only do these searchers want to know what an LMS is, but they’re also wondering how to implement one at their organizations. This week, Jeff Kahler shares his knowledge about the usage and implementation of an LMS and also details the evolution of his company, Ready Training Online, and its LMS, trainingGrid™. How can RTO serve your LMS needs? Let us know! Visit https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ to listen to this week's episode, and share your thoughts in the comments!
In this week's episode, we're taking you back in time to October 2021 and the NACS Show in Chicago, where Jeff Kahler and Producer Kelly interviewed John Flood of ESS. John was at NACS introducing his newest product, the MyVideo ROAD Case, an all-in-one video and production solution. The ROAD Case keeps people working, trained, and connected. Check out our interview to find out how and to see if this is the right solution for you! Visit https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ to listen to this week's episode, and share your thoughts in the comments!
We're now fifty episodes in, and it's that time again—this week, we're recapping season four. Jeff Kahler really gets his feet held to the fire in this episode as we tackle emails questioning his politics, his inventions, and even his marriage and family life! Recap episodes are our favorites, because we love to hear what you're thinking. Visit https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ to listen to this week's episode and share your thoughts in the comments. And special thanks to all of our faithful listeners out there!
Culture of Convenience is one year old! To celebrate, host Jeff Kahler looks back on the journey, describing the good, the bad, and the ugly of starting a podcast. We’ll also discover what our dearest mothers know about the show. Transitioning into a new year in the podcast, in life, and in your business, we ask the question: Do you choose your fate? Or does something else pave the way for you? Weigh in on the conversation on our Facebook page! Visit https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ to listen to this week's episode and share your thoughts in the comments!
Running businesses and interacting with people every day are two of Jeff Kahler's favorite things, but what he loves most is making the business run as smoothly as possible. How? Through automation. Join us this week as Jeff discusses some really great automation ideas…and some really not-so-great ones. It takes creativity, ingenuity, and grit - and you have to have them if you're going to get the pizza - and the software - to the people.
Do you have any good (or bad) automation experiences to share? Visit https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ and send us a message!
Running low on cash is never fun—even less so when you’re in the middle of trying to get a business off the ground or trying to find a job. In today's episode, we share the top 5 entries from our “Broke As a Joke Challenge”: real-life stories submitted by listeners who went through it. You’ll hear how these people picked themselves up and got out of that mess. The most important part of our hard experiences are the lessons learned.
Do you have your own story? We'd love to hear it! Visit https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ and send us a message!
There's no doubt we're all experiencing the effects of labor shortages and delays with the supply chain. But don't lose hope! How can the average Joe help? What small changes could the government make? This week, Jeff Kahler discusses practical steps consumers can take to get back to what's really important this holiday season. This isn't a problem that will be solved overnight, but something needs to be done! Do you have better ideas? Visit https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ to share your thoughts!
Are you an energy giver or an energy taker? It's usually easy to be nice to a perfect stranger, but how often do we remember to pause, reflect, and manage our tone when speaking to those closest to us? This week, Producer Kelly puts Jeff Kahler to the test with random scenarios - can he successfully infuse energy into the situation instead of taking it? It may not always be easy to remember, but like anything else, it will become habit with practice.
How well would you react in these scenarios? Email producer@cultureofconvenience.com or visit https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ to share your thoughts! And don't forget to enter our "Broke as a Joke" contest by December 3rd.
For many organizations, working from home has become the solution for keeping employees through the pandemic, and many companies plan to continue with a work-from-home or hybrid schedule. Chances are, you or someone in your household is currently working from home. While working from home may sound good, it requires self-discipline, which is a lifelong learning experience (we aren't born this way!). This week, Jeff Kahler shares some successful work-from-home practices. He also self-evaluates to see how he measures up! What are your best work-from-home tips?
Email producer@cultureofconvenience.com or visit https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ to share! And don't forget to enter our "Broke as a Joke" contest by December 3rd.
The time of paper applications is over. In this week's episode, Jeff Kahler discusses navigating a virtual workplace and the best ways companies can now recruit, interview, hire, and train employees. Jeff also decides to put his money where his mouth is with our first ever contest, and a $150 Amazon gift card is up for grabs! We want to hear from you! Enter our "Broke as a Joke" contest by telling us how you hustled to make money or get a job. Listen for more details.
Then email producer@cultureofconvenience.com or visit https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ to send us your story!
COVID has been used as an excuse for a lot of things. To punish someone in the name of COVID is downright appalling - however, it IS happening. This week, Jeff Kahler describes his daughter's experience with a manager who took his anger out on her. This is a potential HR nightmare! To identify where this situation went wrong, we invited Janna Arnold, RTO's Human Resources Administrator, onto the show, where she’ll also explain how companies can effectively establish relevant policies that address this kind of behavior. What would you do in this situation? Visit us and send an email or comment: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/
There’s currently a mass exodus of employees leaving their jobs to find their dream job, begging the question: why is there unemployment everywhere you look? This week, Jeff Kahler breaks down the issues with this new search for “greener pastures" mentality. How can business owners up their game to attract great new talent? The "Great Resignation" is happening, and the question is this: is your organization one that candidates will consider as "preferred?"
We want to hear your best recruitment stories and strategies! Visit us and send an email or comment: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/
Poor communication is at the core of many dysfunctional organizations. A breakdown in communication can wreck productivity, ruin trust, and keep employees guessing about the direction of the company. This week, Jeff Kahler fesses up to where he falls short with communication and provides sound tactical advice to make you a better leader and a more effective communicator while maintaining the trust of your team. How is your organization's communication?
Share your experience with us! Visit us and send an email or comment: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/
There are two general schools of thought when it comes to starting a new business: the "boot-strap" method or venture capitalism. However, no matter which way you go there will be a period where you just have to wait. Waiting is a part of business just like anything else, but what you choose to do while you are waiting for your business to take off is what will make or break you. This week, Jeff Kahler discusses his struggles with waiting, shares how he makes the process "easier," and explains what you shouldn't do during the wait. Plus, Jeff and Producer Kelly start a brand-new business… will it be successful?
Share your thoughts and experiences! Email us at producer@cultureofconvenience.com.
Let’s face it: everyone has insecurities. But what happens when those insecurities manifest at work? These “scarecrows” often make your most valuable team members want to leave! In this episode, Jeff Kahler interviews a friend of the show who was dealing with a scarecrow. Find out how this scarecrow situation resolved and learn some simple solutions for dealing with scarecrows in your organization.
Have you had a scarecrow in your organization? We'd love to hear how you handled it! Visit us at cultureofconvenience.com and send us an email or comment.
Our episode recaps are some of our personal favorites, and this episode's questions are pretty scandalous! Topics include team member incentives, drug abuse in the workplace, tattoos, moving out of state, and the list goes on. This show's success relies heavily on our listener participation, and we are so grateful for all of you!
Got beef with one of our opinions? We’d love to hear you out and debate it on the show! Please visit us at cultureofconvenience.com and send us an email or comment.
What better way to celebrate International Podcast Day than trying new foods and making a game out of it? The clock is counting down and Nick, our mute sound engineer, even makes a guest appearance in this episode!
Thanks to everyone for your support and for listening! Please visit us at cultureofconvenience.com and send an email or comment - we love to hear from you!
Who likes hearing the word "no?" Rejection is one of the most common fears we face on a daily basis - but do we even know why that is? This week Jeff Kahler cracks open the word "no" and unpacks why the word is so terrifying to hear AND say. This fear of the word "no" is one of the reason people have so much trouble suggestive selling, and why customers aren't buying. Also in this episode, find out how tweaking your sales pitch just a tiny bit could get you hearing more yeses in business and in life!
How do you overcome the fear of "no?" We want to hear from you! Visit us at CultureofConvenience.com and send us an email or comment.
E-commerce, though still relatively new to the business world, has become a multibillion-dollar industry that is extremely convenient for your consumers. This week, Jeff Kahler discusses the most important aspects of a successful e-commerce business model strategy. He also takes a look at why upselling and suggestive selling are far easier and more successful online than in person. Plus, put yourself to the test with our suggestive selling exercise that is sure to keep you guessing!
How are you making e-commerce work for you? Share your thoughts and experiences with us! Visit us at cultureofconvenience.com and send us an email or comment.
Your business model is your company's core strategy for profitable business. Some companies spend billions of dollars enticing people to buy their goods and services - it's calculated and perfectly timed. Some would even say it borders on conspiracy. In this week's episode, Jeff Kahler takes a look at this business model and explains how it compels you to spend money over and over again - as if you’ve entered the twilight zone. Intrigued? Take a listen and then send us your thoughts.
We want to hear from you! Visit us at cultureofconvenience.com and send us an email or comment.
Innovation must be at the forefront of your business model strategy, but evolution shouldn’t be far behind. This week, Jeff Kahler talks about some practical ways to encourage innovation in your organization and how to have an innovative mindset. Added bonus: Jeff shares the innovation that was a defining factor in the success of his training company, Ready Training Online!
How have you used innovation in your business? Visit us at cultureofconvenience.com, and send us an email or comment.
What is the difference between responding and reacting? They may seem very similar, but rest assured they’re two very different things. This week, we discuss the psychology of reacting and the long-term effects it can have on your health and your business. Lisa from Big Fat Skinny Dish returns to explain how this revelation has had a profound effect on her health journey and encourages listeners to empower themselves with some minor tweaks to their approach to stressful situations.
We want to hear your story about reacting or responding! Visit us at cultureofconvenience.com and send us an email or comment.
This week, we’re taking a deep dive into the ten strategic elements that build a culture of convenience. Jeff Kahler goes into rapid-fire mode to explain the meaning of every element and how you can effectively implement each into your business. If you’re serious about taking action and taking charge of your business, you can't miss this episode!
We want to hear your thoughts on the strategic elements! Visit us at cultureofconvenience.com and send us an email or comment.
Studies show that nearly 85% of college graduates with an autism spectrum disorder are unemployed. This week, Jeff Kahler asks: “Who?” “What?” and “How to do you employ this untapped talent pool and bring their diverse assets to your team?” This is where it begins: with asking the right questions. Neurodiversity has recently become a popular topic of discussion, but it’s nothing new. It's time to stop the stigma and start normalizing thinking differently.
Do you have feedback or a story to share? Visit us at cultureofconvenience.com and send us an email or comment!
What makes an outstanding leader? It’s a topic that has been debated at length. This week, Jeff Kahler breaks down three types of leaders - bosses, visionaries, and coaches - discussing the positive and negative characteristics of each while asking the question, “Should a good leader have qualities of each?” Jeff also talks about the hardest part of running a company and a provides a method for overcoming that struggle. Do you want to develop as a leader, or are you happy where you are right now? We'd love to hear what's working for you!
Visit us at www.cultureofconvenience.com and send us an email or comment!
Leadership begins with you, but your own thoughts could be hindering your success. What are you telling yourself about how you lead? Your negative thoughts could mean you're setting yourself up for failure before you even begin. This week, Jeff Kahler is joined by special guest Lisa from BigFatSkinnyDish.com, who shares the story of her incredible weight loss journey and her experience as a health coach - and it all began with changing her thoughts. Think you don't struggle with negative thoughts? There are four types of thoughts, and any one of them could be what is “yucking your yum”.
How do you overcome your negative thoughts? Visit us at cultureofconvenience.com and share your experience with us!
Earning customer loyalty means more than just getting customers to place a plastic barcode on their key ring; it begins before the customer even arrives at your business. At Ready Training Online, Jeff Kahler has kept his churn rate below 4%, and in this episode he shares the secret to that success. He also discusses some great ways to ease customers into your product or service. Don't forget - a customer's "NO" now doesn't necessarily mean "NEVER."
How do you handle a customer leaving your business? Be sure to check out our newly redesigned website and share your story at CultureofConvenience.com!
Ensuring client success goes beyond providing good customer service and managing accounts. This week, Jeff Kahler speaks with Ready Training Online's very own Client Success Manager, Julie Givens, who shares the highs and lows of being responsible for a client's success. Jeff also discusses the evolution of the software business and how it costs nothing to blow peoples' minds.
Be sure to check out our newly redesigned website and share your thoughts on this episode at CultureofConvenience.com!
Casting a wide net might seem like a great way to generate cash flow when starting a new business, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Niching down is a skill that pays large dividends if done correctly and with patience, but what does "niching down" mean? And how can you risk doing it correctly when your instincts are telling you to "cater to everyone?" Jeff Kahler has walked this road a time or two and shares best practices for finding your niche in the marketplace.
Be sure to check out our newly revamped website and share your thoughts on this episode at CultureofConvenience.com!
Anyone can be hired to fill a position and retain a job, but the question is always: will they remain a loyal employee in times of discomfort or adversity? The answer is yes, you can have loyal employees who are faithful to the business and passionate about your goals, but it comes down a critical first step - and no, it's not about money or getting a raise. In our premiere episode of season 3, Jeff Kahler breaks down the simple, yet complicated, task of earning employees' loyalty.
Be sure to check out our newly revamped website, and share your thoughts on this episode at www.cultureofconvenience.com!
Season 2 is drawing to a close, and we have been collecting your listener emails for another question and answer session with Jeff Kahler! This week, we’ll address the following questions and more: How do you create a culture of problem solvers? What do you do about self-sabotagers in your organization? How does one operate a debt-free business?
For more from Culture of Convenience, visit us on our website at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/episode0023
What does your decision-making process look like? There are logical steps to making wise decisions - but occasionally things still don't work out. Is there a way to still feel confident while making decisions about your business? The answer is yes! Check out this week's episode, where we discuss how to make up your mind without looking back in regret. Making decisions without second-guessing might be easier than you think.
For more from Culture of Convenience, visit us on our website at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/episode0022
Whether you like it or not, conflict - and therefore conflict management - is a part of life. You have the choice to either work through it or run from it. This week, Jeff Kahler breaks down the difference between "peacemaking" and "peacekeeping." Which category do you fall into? Do you believe you can cross over? As always, we would love to hear your thoughts! Do you have an experience with conflict management you'd like to share? Please message us! For more from Culture of Convenience, visit us on our website at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/episode0021
Mirror mirror on the wall - what is the most common conflict of all? We manage multiple forms of conflict throughout our lives, but the most typical conflict we experience is internal conflict. What can you do when the heart and brain are fighting one another? This week, we explore three kinds of internal conflict as Jeff Kahler shares his own personal internal battle and how he overcame it. Do you have a story about overcoming internal conflict? We'd love to hear it! For more from Culture of Convenience, visit us on our website at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/episode0020
Your people are essential to your business, but do some of them seem too "difficult" to deal with? This week, Jeff Kahler dissects this issue, addressing the fact that many people within an organization should be labeled as "difficult." So what is the underlying problem that makes them difficult, and how can you deal with them moving forward? As always, we'd love to hear your feedback! If you have a story about working with difficult people, please feel free to share it with us along with how you navigated the issue within your own team.
For more from Culture of Convenience, visit us on our website at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/episode0019/
Coaching and Feedback are great buzzwords; but when you stop think about it, aren’t they often a little easier said than done? Receiving feedback in a way that is helpful to your organization and yourself is critical to the success of your business, as is coaching and being coachable. So how do you bring people into your organization that not only enjoy coaching but also being coached themselves? It’s all about getting those ducks in a row. This week Jeff Kahler explores the ways leaders can receive honest feedback without any bias.
For more from Culture of Convenience, visit us on our website at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/episode0018/
The COVID pandemic has plagued us for over a year now, and as people begin to get vaccinated and cases decline, businesses and schools are asking, "If things are ever to resume normalcy again, how can we actively ensure the safety of our guests and employees?" Enter CovidSafe™. This week, Jeff Kahler interviews Joe Rovinsky and Thom Greco, together exploring the certification behind getting businesses and schools up and running again. We'll talk about what it takes to obtain certification and identify the one thing we have to overcome to get back to normal. CovidSafe™ just may be the answer to filling seats in spas, schools, bars and restaurants. Find out more about CovidSafe™ at https://covidsafe.us/
If you budget your money, why don’t you budget your time? To know how to spend your time, you have to know where it’s going in the first place. This week, Jeff Kahler discusses the difference between the urgent and the important. IS there a difference? More importantly, will it make a difference in your business? What are the biggest time wasters, and how can you use your time to build your reputation, your leadership skills, and your self-esteem? For more from Culture of Convenience, visit us on our website at https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/episode0016
In-house solution sales guru Mike Fish joins us today, exploring the three components of what Jeff Kahler believes are the foundation of successful solution sales. We'll address: What is the easiest thing to sell on the planet? How can you go from slimy salesperson to valuable asset in your target market? How can underselling a client actually pay big in the long run? The answers go far beyond selling software; these are tools just about anyone can (and should!) implement. For more from Culture of Convenience, visit us on our website at https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/episode0015
Great communication doesn’t just mean speeches, debates and closing the deal; it's a lot more than that. Consider: What are you saying when you interrupt? How can you keep your mind from wandering during conversations? What can you do to really show people they are being heard? This week, Jeff Kahler is put to the test with three quick drills you can use with your own team to boost communication skills. It all starts with Listening (to this episode): https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/episode0014
In this episode, Jeff Kahler unwraps the reason why so many executives and business owners are rating themselves poor when it comes to problem solving. What are the common pitfalls when it comes to solving problems? Are you getting caught up in those pitfalls? Problems can range from nosey employees to complaining customers to unhappy team members to passing judgment on financial decisions and more. When you view problems as challenges to be conquered, the outcome just may surprise you. For more from Culture of Convenience, visit us online at https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/episode0013
Abuse should never be tolerated in the workplace. Jeff Kahler breaks down the four types of offenders you may run into and how to handle them. Maybe you need to have a tough conversation with a co-worker; who else should be involved? What can you expect when you confront a bully? And is worth it to stick up for someone? We'll answer these questions and more in this episode, looking at harassment and discrimination from a perspective you may not have heard before. For more from Culture of Convenience, visit us online at https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/episode0012
Culture of Convenience has officially launched ten episodes, and the train keeps chugging along. This episode, Jeff Kahler addresses questions and comments submitted by you--our listeners. We'll go more in depth on topics like core values, payroll, business advancement, and career development. How you can take your Culture of Convenience to the next level? We'll also pose a challenge: will you take Jeff up on it? Listen now and tell us your thoughts at https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/episode0011
If 50% of HR managers think doing a performance review is pointless and even more employees think they get nothing out of it, why waste the time? To the contrary, when done well, performance reviews can be incredibly valuable. Learning to give proper feedback takes time, and learning to accept feedback can take a lifetime. In this episode, Jeff Kahler shares what does and doesn't work in a review. He'll also tell you how tying one specific thing to those reviews could be your biggest mistake. We'd love to hear from you! Tell us what you think of this episode and be sure to share your solid performance review techniques as well. View this episode on our website and then reach out to us at https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/episode0010
In life and in travel, you must know where you're headed before you can begin your adventure. The same is true in your career and the careers of your employees. Planning a manageable career path can be the key between just hiring another employee and watching employees thrive within your organization. Consider: what is the one thing employees need? What is it that keeps them going? Could a convenience store clerk have a career path? The answer is a resounding, "Yes!" In this episode, Jeff Kahler provides the tools you need to help your employees develop a plan for career growth. When you plan your work and work your plan, you have something that employees can sink their teeth into and get excited about. For resources, visit our website at http://www.cultureofconvenience.com/episode0009
This week, Jeff Kahler takes a deep dive into building a culture of trust in your organization. We'll talk about how trust is built over time and also what can be done today to bolster it. When we give up doing this one thing--building trust--the government and other groups have to step in and do it for us. Your "trust factor" could be the difference between building a long-lasting team and losing your best employees at a mind boggling rate. This episode will help you strengthen your organization's foundation as a culture of trust for clients, employees, and peers. For more, visit us at https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/episode0008
Sure, developing core values sounds like a given when starting a business, but did you know that sharing them can be dangerous? This episode, Jeff Kahler explains that core values should not be taken lightly. Find out what you can buy with core values when executed correctly and the consequences for not upholding them. Intrigued? Take a listen and let us know what you think at https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/episode0007
What’s standing in between a thriving team and constant turnover? And why are managers to blame for this? This episode of Culture of Convenience addresses the importance of training in employee retention. Jeff Kahler not only breaks down the importance of training new employees but also addresses the elements that are missing from the process. This episode might touch a nerve, and we'd love to hear your feedback. Just send us an email at producer@cultureofconvenience.com or visit us on the web at https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/episode0006
As leaders should there be specific time carved out to recharge? Of course! Then why do we feel guilty when we do take that time? Jeff Kahler and SACE Consulting's Kristi Thompson discuss the types of self care and the ways in which business leaders can fold those practices into their lives and make it a priority with their teams. Visit our website at https://cultureofconvenience.com/episode0005. For more on self-care and other valuable business services, visit Kristi's website at https://www.saceconsulting.com/...
Onboarding a new employee is more than hours of boring orientation and filling out forms. What do you show your new hires with the act of onboarding? And how does that shape how they contribute to the company in the future? Listen as Jeff Kahler explains the three benefits of effective onboarding and how they help you build your Culture of Convenience. Visit the episode on our website at https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/episode0004/
How can you avoid last minute negotiations when making a job offer? Can you use your instincts to hire someone? Who else can you rely on during this process? Selecting the best candidate and making the offer can be a challenge. In this episode, you'll find out what motto Jeff Kahler lives by when selecting an employee and making the offer. He'll also provide honest, up-front tips for getting the right employee in the right position for the right amount of money.
Visit the episode on our website at https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/episode0003/ for related bonus content.
The quality of an interview can ultimately influence employee retention and turnover rates. Believe it or not, there's an art to interviewing, and a successful interview will support a culture of convenience. In this episode, Jeff Kahler will walk you through the entire process of setting up and conducting an interview--even seating arrangements matter! Avoid hiring challenging employees by implementing these interviewing best practices.
Visit the episode on our website at https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/episode0002/
Recruiting: does it really matter?! Is there a technique to attracting the right people to your business? Are you asking the right questions, and are you looking for the right qualifications? Attracting quality job applicants means engaging with excellent candidates, which translates to hiring the best employees. In this episode, Jeff Kahler provides valuable insight for recruiting applicants who will have a positive impact on your culture of convenience.
Visit our website at https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/episode0001/
The Culture of Convenience podcast steps onto the scene! What does pizza have to do with software? What’s non-negotiable when you’re aiming for success? Is profit always the biggest focus or can you tweak your mindset to get the results you’re really looking for in your company? Learn the answers to these questions as host Jeff Kahler tells his story of evolving from a pizza shop owner at age 18 to the CEO of a training and technology company today. This premiere episode explains how adopting a Culture of Convenience can shape your business and your life.
Stop what you’re doing and listen right now. Please.