Innovative Learning

Lisa Toenniges graduated from Michigan State University with a major in music and graduated in 3 1/2 years. Prior to opening Innovative Learning, Lisa worked with a company of the same business concept that failed in the start-up phase. After the company closed for business. Lisa had three days to determine what to do with the former business, so she took action. Lisa thought of a business plan and a unique selling proposition to make the company more profitable and sustainable. Innovative learning targets large companies who need training for their executives. She focuses on a wide range of customers ranging from Automotive to Graphic Designs. Lisa does 60-70% of work out of southeast michigan. They also focus on local businesses such as Lasalle Bank and other local enterprises.

I respect Innovative learning for their leverage of employees. They only have 6 employees and have independant contractors come in to do work where the employees can not. Innovative learning has a long list of contractors who specialize in specific areas that Innovative teaches. The first thing the company performs is an analysis on the company which generally takes a month to complete. One of the advantages of this company is that they already had clients from the former business which made it easier to complete analysis on the companies and to do repeat business. One of the advantages of this company is that they work on relationships and word of mouth, which limits their cost of advertisments and PR. Using this technique the company is now a 3 million dollar company.

Overall, the Innovative Learning Group is a well-rounded, highly focused, structured business. An approach of strategic planning and extreme efficiency has made the Innovative Learning Group an idea company for entrepreneurs with start-up businesses, such as myself, to model after. This was a great opportunity to be able to hear Mrs. Toenniges speak, and I am extremely greatful. 

Micheal Melfi, The small magazine

       

 

                   Micheal Melfi is a passionate business man who has found his passion and his “niche” and i s taking advantage of the opportunity. Micheal Melfi has created something that has revolutionized the way society thinks of magazines. He has created a small portable pocket sized magazine that is serving Detroit, Atlanta and Miami. Micheal does not sell the magazines to the public but passes them out at functions, luxury hotels, and many other locations. His goal is to create connections in the form of experiences. He does not want the reader to just read the magazine, but to also experience the magazine. The three pointers that Micheal taught our class were Integrity, Humility and responsiveness. These are the three keys that lead Micheal to his success. My favorite key is Humility, which means to be humble and listen to those around you. There is a reason why god gave us two ears and one mouth.

             6 degrees wants to truly define what culture and style really means by offering compelling images the best pictures and fashion at its greatest. Micheal Melfi loves colors and makes sure that the schemes are eye catching and compelling to the audience. He also had a great idea by making the magazine pocket sized so the reader can actually focus on the ad, which will increase sells from the advertiser. When I looked at the magazine I actually remembered some of the ads in the magazine which proved to me that the magazine has a unique way of locking in the advertisement into the readers mind.

            

                 One of the biggest features of the magazine is that it serves the local market. Micheal does complete marketing for the customer( advertiser), he will provide a total package, not just a page in the magazine to local businesses. If the business is not ready for the advertisement he will not follow through with the sale of the marketing package. The thing i like most about Micheal is that he truly cares about the consumer and not just the money. He is an overall great person and a great business man. Micheal is also thinking of franchising the opportunity to individuals with the same passion and drive that he has. I will support 6 degrees magazine in the future by having the magazine in my place of business.

John Ferchill, Confidence is the key

                               John Ferchill was one of my favorite speakers because of his confidence and his power. John started with only twenty five thousand in his bank and account and developed ”The Ferchill Group” .The Ferchill group was found in 1978 and grew fast from the start. John Ferchill’s technique was to find locations that had high traffic and put some type of real estate in the area.  He also looked for ball parks, if there was a ball park,  John would put some Real Estate up. John currently nets over 250 million dollars per year

                     One thing that Ferchill talked to us about was finding your ”niche”. John found his niche and his passion and turned it into profits. He has always had a passion for real estate, so he took that and added a unique selling proposition and is highly successful from doing such. I noticed that he doesn’t do everything under the sun. He specializes in Real Estate and since he focuses on Real Estate he became a master of his craft and became very successful. John Ferchill even sold 40 units with an average unit price of five hundred thousand per unit. To break it down, he sold 20 million in 4 hours.

                   “There’s a lot of money in Detroit”, says John. I do believe that there is money simply because the economy is down and buying real estate is the smart way to go and starting a business. This is because the value is low in a lot of property and once the market goes up, those who have taken advantage of the opportunity will be greatly rewarded. John also says that he built his empires off of loyalty. To hear that come out of his mouth made me really realize that he didn’t need big advertisement or some fancy commercial, he built his business of of pure loyalty and faith.

The most fascinating thing about John was that he only has 9 employees that work for him. I really think its interesting and motivating to see someone making 250 million per year with only 9 employees. He is using leverage by not hiring 100 employees but hiring 9 people who can serve as or better then the 100 people.

I really appreciate John Ferchill coming to speak to our class. He was a very confident and strong entrepreneur and I really am grateful to have been in the presence of John Ferchill.