President Lenexa Manufacturing Company Lenexa, KS, United States
Description: Stephen Bastasch has grown a successful business from the ground up by being unafraid to tinker with engineering, hiring, sales models, products, and more. In this talk, he will share his story -- from a family heritage in the baking industry to stints in finance to door-to-door cold calling -- that highlights the mindset, methodology, and benefits of being a professional tinkerer, and how those same attributes and practices can grow business and retain employees
Classroom Engagement: I will employ an "ask and answer" technique to highlight how challenges in life and career form leaders, and how the lessons learned therein are essential to growing a successful business. The audience will share their answers. I will share mine. We will discuss.
Topics will include: Starting a business or new business extension How to identify ideal business opportunities in terms of market need, potential growth, and existing capabilities within a company How to create a clear and sustainable competitive advantage (What's your moat? What problems can you solve for customers? Should the new business focus on small things or large things?) The "crawl, walk, run" approach to new business ventures How to lead through calmness, ambition, and incentives Ensuring your service is as good as your product How to create a truly "listen first" sales strategy How to turn customers into loyalists How to pivot business without losing your bearings or your strengths
