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Editor's note: This is the first in a series of three stories featuring speakers at the 2007 Kaysinger Business Conference "Pursuit of Profits" on Sept. 27 at the Haidee and Allen Wild Center for the Arts at Cottey College in Nevada, Mo. Look for the additional stories in upcoming editions of the Sunday Herald-Tribune.
NEVADA, Mo. -- Creating an Oscar-winning movie requires the right ingredients. -- a solid vision, a talented cast and crew, motivation and knowledge to stick to a production strategy, and capital to pull through production.
Bob Ingle believes that running a successful business is no different.
Ingle, founder of the Business Initiative Group, or BIG, in Excelsior Springs, Mo., knows the ingredients to running a successful business of any size; a logical business model, trusted friends and advisors, adhering to a business strategy, and capital. He uses this model to run BIG, a select team of professionals providing consultation in the core disciplines vital to the success of any business. He has made it his life work to ensure that businesses obtain the right ingredients to move up to the next level.
Having worked as a consultant most of his life, Ingle founded BIG in 2003 for one simple reason.
"Small companies need big help," he said. "I love small businesses, and I want to see them work. Really great things happen from small companies."
Ingle planted the seed for his company by asking his pastor if there was anyone in their congregation who had a small company that needed help. His pastor told him of a church member who had started a company and was struggling. Ingle's consultation with that first business laid the foundation of BIG and affects his clientele to this day.
"Almost all of the business I've done, I can take back to within two degrees to that company," Ingle said.
Despite the entrepreneurial spirit of most small business owners, Ingle noted that 80 percent of small businesses that start in the United States will not exist in five years.
"There are primary reasons that small companies don't work," Ingle said. "They either start for the wrong reasons, they don't have a solid business model, they don't have trusted friends and advisors, they don't have a strategy, or they don't stay on their strategy."
Ingle believes that people should go into business with something they have a passion for, something they can do as well or better than others and with good reason to believe it will make money. When starting to work with a start-up or existing business, Ingle looks for one fundamental aspect.
"The common denominator for me is when they say we want to take it to the next level," he said. "That's what I do."
Ingle acts as a sounding board for his clients, walking them through BIG's methodology of P.A.C.E. (Purpose, Analysis, Concepts and Execution).
"We help people clarify their vision," he said. "I can say it's OK to think this way or that. I look for people's gifts. A lot of times I help people get a perspective. I've done that with three companies this past year, and they've all reached a whole new level."
Ingle and his staff can show businesses how to operate with the impact of a full staff of various disciplines. This is important for smaller companies that may not have the ability to fund a human resource officer or an information technology department.
Ingle works with a team of a dozen members who have varying areas of expertise.
These include accountants, consultants, engineers, safety experts, and team building, resolution and conflict coaches. At any given time, Ingle can have several projects in the works. Each client is different. Ingle may work with a client individually, or he may call on various members of his team to cater to the client's needs.
Ingle has a list of success stories, but he noted that companies can only move to the next level if they are willing to change.
"Any time I take on a client, I look for a repentant spirit in the company," he said. "The company has to want to change for it to work."
Ingle helps his clients measure their success by setting a standard of expectations.
"Does it exceed their expectations? You have to expect high expectations and meet or exceed them," he said.
Although it may take up to three years for changes to take effect and show results within a business, Ingle knows he has made a positive impact by the lasting relationships he enjoys with his clients.
"I know I'm successful when they call me next year and invite me to the Christmas party," he said.
And he does receive invitations to Christmas parties, lunches and phone calls from clients simply to say thank you or to seek further advice.
"Anyone that has ever been a client of mine knows they can call me and visit with me," Ingle said.
Ingle uses BIG's concepts and methodology to ensure his own business is staying on track and growing to the next level. Ingle constantly runs ideas by the people around him, including his wife, Flo, his pastor, friends and clients.
"I seek the counsel of wise people," he said. "The consultant needs consultants. I don't care how good you get at something, you better be accountable to people who you respect and admire."
Ingle will give his presentation, "How to Make It Work," at the Kaysinger Business Seminar "Pursuit of Profits" on Thursday, Sept. 27 at the Haidee and Allen Wild Center for the Arts located on the Cottey College campus in Nevada, Mo. Ingle hopes to relay concepts that help people see their businesses work.
"Work doesn't mean effort, it means results," he said. "I hope to share with them concepts that will help them start thinking of ways to take their business to the next level."
Kaysinger Business Seminar tickets are still available, but seating is limited. Register at www.kaysinger.org
For more information on Ingle and BIG, or to view samples of his book "The BIG little book," full of bizisms, or sound business advice, visit www.bizinit.com.