A Not So Important Blog About Nothing

mtb International Consulting is a consulting firm that specializes in Business Development and Business Performance Improvement through Operational Excellence applying LEAN and Six Sigma principles enhancing your business’ customer satisfaction, efficiency and effectiveness and ultimately your bottom line. All our consultants are Certified Six Sigma Black Belts with over 20 years of experience in a variety of industries.

In addition, we help you grow your top line by developing innovative Sales & Marketing strategies for your business or organization.

Our firm also offers assistance to manufacturing start-up companies or to companies planning on transferring partial or whole operations within Texas, U.S. and from and to Mexcio.

Here are just a few remarkable facts:

• A company operating at the 3 Sigma level spends approximately 25%-30% of the annual revenue on inefficiencies; a 6 Sigma level company spends less than 1%!
• A company working at 2.8 Sigma level means that 200,000 wrong drug prescriptions will be written compared to only 68 per year at a 6 Sigma level.
• Similarly, operating at 2.8 Sigma level, 5000 incorrect surgical operation will be carried out weekly as compared to 6 Sigma level, when rate of wrong operations will be 1.7.
• Delnor Hospital in Geneva, IL reduced the average length of stay by 10 hours by improving the patient discharging process applying Lean principles, making a planned $80 Mio. expansion unnecessary.
• Rojee Tasha Stampings Ltd. In India achieved a 80% reduction of press changeover times, a 50% lead time reduction and a production floor space increase of 43% within 6 months and without any capital investments. Similar results are reported from U.S. manufacturers.

Interested? Ask yourself the following questions:

Is your company operating in the manufacturing field or part of the healthcare industry or are you doing business in the retail arena? Yes? Then keep on reading!

• Are your customers unhappy with your company’s product or service lead time performance?
• Has your company or business lost or is losing customers and market share due to lacking customer service or defective products or service?
• Are your internal costs negatively affecting your product or service prices compared to your competitor?
• Are your machine setups, change-overs and breakdowns killing your productivity and driving up your inventory levels?
• Are you wasting your time looking for supplies, tools and other items at your workplace resulting in lost productivity and employee frustration?
• Can your practice, clinic or hospital only handle a limited number of patients due to capacity constraints and equipment utilization?
• Would you like to increase your B2B or B2C sales in order to continue to grow your company, business or organization?
• Or after all, would you just like to get the ultimate advantage over your competition by eliminating all non-value added activities and focusing on what your customers are willing to pay for?

If you answered one or more questions with yes, then don’t look any further, mtb International Consulting is your one-stop solution to your top and bottom line improvement efforts.

Call today 817-719-0303 and ask for our detailed Multi-Step Program!

mtb International Consulting
2580 Camp Wisdom Rd, Suite 100-121
Grand Prairie, TX 75052
Phone: 817-719-0303
http://www.mtbinternationalconsulting.com

Before I go into this story, let me preface this with some history about me.  This is going to be a very personal post revealing something that I’ve told very few people in the last 15 years.  Why am I spreading this online now instead of keeping it a secret? Well, I had a good talk with Pastor Steve about this and made a few realizations about it.

1. What I was seeing wasn’t dreams, but memories.
2. Not my memories, but someone else’s begging to be heard.
3. When I figured out I was suppose to tell the stories, I had a huge feeling of relief.

For the past 15 years, ever since dating an “adventurous” girl named Tiffany (last name withheld to protect the guilty. ), I started noticing things around me.  Not items things, but spiritual things.  Yes, actual ghosts and demons.  I found that if I meditated a bit and concentrated, I could sense what they were saying.  How do I know I wasn’t crazy? Well, I’ve described what people look like to other.  Not people I’ve met, but people that passed many years before. Even passed on a few personal messages.  There was even a time when I was dropping off my friend Elric, and while talking to him about it, sensed hundreds of sprits who have died various ways.  Shootings, old age, fires, collapses, diseases, etc.  Some were hundreds of years old begging just to be recognized.  That same night, I also quoted Revelations completely in graphic detail…with never having read it even once.

Can I do this on demand? Not really.  Although it does explain why I haven’t dreamt in a long while.

Now for the story.

This one is about 12 years old and just now being told.  I only ever had it once and it’s only gotten clearer as time progressed.

A solider is patrolling with his platoon in Vietnam. It’s raining, dark, and otherwise just not a place he wants to be.  He keeps thinking about how much he wants to be home with his girl.  As they are patrolling, he spots movement in the distance, but they doesn’t hear the noise the creature is making.  He points his gun into the distance and takes the best aim he can.  As the movement gets closer to an clear opening, and a clean shot), he preps to shoot.  He sees what looks like a body, shoots, and the bullet makes contact.  A split second later he sees a woman falling down with a surprised look on her face.  He approaches the her to get a better idea of what was going on.  Upon investigating, he realized he killed an innocent village woman.

The soldier in question has been asking for forgiveness since that day, even after his death.

At this point, the dream flashes white and repeats in the view point of the mother.  Although I don’t know what she is saying, she is searching for her son. She knows their are patrols coming and doesn’t want her son to be captured.  As she moves through the trees and brush quietly calling for her son, she doesn’t realize she is near a patrol.  Upon passing the clearing, she hears a shot.  By the time she can turn her head in the direction, she feels what feels like a punch on her chest and a burning sensation.  She trips and falls. The last few seconds before she passes on, she feels the warmth of blood exiting her chest as she grows cold and is thinking “Why?”

At this point, the dream flashes once more and this time, I see an overview of what happened.  However, in this case, I also see the little boy, hiding not but 100ft away, witnessing his mother being killed and scared to move for fear of being killed himself.

As mentioned above, the soldier in question died of guilt, begging to be forgiven for killing an innocent mother. As I write this, I sense his regret, and relief that his story has been told.  At the same time, I sense the anger from the mother as to why she had to die.

I will end this with a message to both spirits, if you don’t forgive, you won’t move on.

To my readers, as I have more of these, I will post them.  That is the only reason I can think of as to why I have them.

Arlington Independence Day Parade is Saturday, July 3

State’s Largest 4th of July Celebration begins at 9 a.m. in downtown Arlington.

WHO: Arlington, Texas
WHAT: 44th Annual Independence Day Parade
WHEN: 9 a.m. Saturday, July 3
WHERE: Downtown Arlington

The 2-mile parade route begins at the intersection of Mitchell and Pecan streets, proceeds north on Pecan Street, west on UTA Boulevard, north on West Street, east on Abram Street, south on Center Street and west on Mitchell Street. The parade ends at the point of origin at the Mitchell and Pecan Street intersection. Note: Parking is not allowed on any street along the parade route.

WHY: Independence Day honors the birthday of the United States of America and the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It is a day of picnics and patriotic parades and a night of concerts and fireworks. It is a reason to fly the American flag.

About the Parade

This year’s theme is “America: Yesterday; Today; and Forever” and is dedicated to The Youth of America. More than 50,000 spectators are expected to attend. The parade has more than 3,000 participants and 130 entries, which include marching bands, drill teams, antique automobiles, unicycle-riding clowns and more. Civic leader Ruthe Jackson is the parade grand marshal.

The Arlington Independence Day Parade will be re-brodacast on AISD-TV Cable Channel 98 on July 5 and 6 at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and July 9, 12 and 13 at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Watch the live webcast.

The parade is organized by the Arlington Fourth of July Association, a nonprofit organization staffed by community volunteers. The directors are Robert Miles and Dee Shilling.

For more information about the Arlington Independence Day Parade, see the attached Fact Sheet or visit the Arlington Fourth of July Parade Association

“America: Yesterday; Today; and Forever”

45th Annual Arlington Independence Day Parade

By The Numbers

• 45 - The Arlington Independence Day Parade is in its 45th year of celebrating the birthday of the United States of America and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The parade start time is 9 a.m. Saturday, July 3, in downtown Arlington. The theme is “America: Yesterday; Today; and Forever” In case of rain, the start time will be delayed one hour.
• 50,000 - The Arlington parade is the largest in the state. The annual event attracts an estimated 50,000 spectators. Spectators are encouraged to bring folding chairs, drinking water, arrive early and wear sunscreen. The two-mile parade route begins at the intersection of Mitchell and Pecan streets, proceeds north on Pecan Street, west on UTA Boulevard, north on West Street, east on Abram Street, south on Center Street, west on Mitchell Street and ends at the point of origin at the Mitchell and Pecan Street intersection.
• 15,000 - Prior to the start of the parade, 15,000 U.S. flags will be distributed to children along the route.
• 3,000 - The parade has more 3,000 participates and 130 entries, which include area high school bands, drill teams, antique vehicles and decorative floats.

Other Interesting Facts

• The parade grand marshal is Ruthe Jackson, a long-time Arlington Independence Day Parade volunteer and judge. She served Grand Prairie and neighboring communities as city council member, business leader, PTA leader, church member, school board member, historian, and member of more than 30 philanthropic organizations.
• No parking will be allowed along streets on the parade route. Additional parking will be available at UT-Arlington Maverick Stadium at 1307 W. Mitchell St with shuttle transportation into downtown Arlington.
• The Arlington Independence Day Parade will be re-brodacast on AISD-TV Cable Channel 98 on July 5 and 6 at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and July 9, 12 and 13 at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Watch the live webcast.
• For more information about the Arlington Independence Day Parade, visit City Of Arlington, TX or Arlington’s 4th Of July Association websites.

What a great close for the year.  We just had our last meeting of the year, and even with a small turnout, we still were able to help local businesses with their questions.  We made some big plans for next year and look forward to working with even more local businesses to help them build while building our own.

We are looking to start other similar groups all across the DFW area to help even more businesses grow.  For those that haven’t read yet, we are a group of small business and entrepreneurs that got together to help other likes us, start, build, and grow their business.

In the coming months, look for seminars about various topics to help you grow, new members, monthly featured businesses, and much more.  We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting and joining us for lunch as well.

Have a safe and happy holiday.

We would like to welcome Mr. Willie Heath (Heath International Enterprise Inc) and Ms. Boma Feisal, CPA (Abbey Services, LLC) to our team.

This has been an exciting first season for the BGSG.  With your generous participation, attendance is growing.  In just a few short months, BGSG is achieving its goal of giving back to the business community in unique and profitable ways.  Feedback from members has been positive and encouraging.

To continue our journey, BGSG will offer in 2010 a continuous series of free training classes each month, directed towards small businesses and entrepreneurial pursuits.

Location and times are to be determined.  Some classes may require a small materials fee.

2010 Training Classes

• Power Negotiations 1 – Getting To What You Want
• How to Pay Less Tax
• How to Write Your Own Contract
• Using LinkedIn, Facebook, Google, and other Internet engines
• Power Negotiations 2 – How To Play Hardball
• How to Create a Powerful Website
• Insurance: Is it really necessary?
• How to Franchise Your Business
• How to Manage Multiple Projects

More classes may be added as time permits and suggestions looked at.  Please check back often to find out times and locations.

If you have any requests, suggestions, or would like to know more, please contact Ralph Jackson.

On behalf of the Business Growth & Solutions Group, we would like to first welcome you to our web site.  In the near future we will have guests posts on various subjects, updates on meetings we have, and special posts about businesses we interview.  Come back often as we update.  We look forward to seeing you at one of our group meetings.

This is a bit of a weird post.  First, it’s dedicated to all of use nerds who play BattleTech.  Second, it’s a 2 page sheet a friend of mine gave me many a years ago and I’d figure I’d immortalize it online.

1. Leather Upholstery
2. Fuzzy Dice
3. Ice chest next to heat sinks filled with Old English 800
4. Radar detector on dashboard
5. Flame decals on sides
6. Tinted windows
7. CD Player w/ Dolby Surround-Sound
8. Satellite TV with “Premium” access
9. Gun rack
10. Spoilers
11. Custom exhaust manifold
12. Luggage rack over Tactical Targeting Module
13. 3 year or 30,000 mile service contract
14. Plays the “Might Mouse” theme if you honk the horn
15. Bored out cylinders increase horsepower by 24%
16. Hotplate over fusion reactor
17. Glowing neon blue lights illuminate feet for cruising at night
18. Really big glove compartment
19. PSP option under Fire-Control system
20. Clapper hooked up to ejection system
21. Targeting computer that critiques battle performance
22. Neon-green windshield wipers
23. Client Eastwood sample can be played over loudspeakers (“Do you feel lucky punk?”)
24. “Flight of the Valkyries” played when Jump Jets are engaged
25. “The Four Horsemen” by Metallica played when going full throttle
26. Friendly message that informs pilot “Radiation seal has been broken.  Your children will have 4 arms.”
27. 68″ Bose Speakers for the proper bass. (Medium Laser only does 3 points and cabin lights dim while on)
28. Cell phone link directly to closest ComStar HyperPulse Generator station.  25% discount for call between 11 and 8
29. Cruise Control
30. Zebra skin roof covering
31. Strobe lights mounted on feet
32. 500Watt CB with an echo mic and sound effects
33. Ceiling mounted licorice dispenser
34. A direct com-link to Pizza Hut
35. Rad hatch marks on side to give impression that it is a ’96 Camaro
36. Liquor cabinet behind the command couch
37. King sized bumper sticker “Get any closer, and I’ll eat you.”
38. Pair of Nike’s painted on feet of ‘Mech
39. Hood ornament of a ram head from an old Dodge Ram
40. Yosamite Sam mud flaps.
41. Special voice added to scanners when pickup up enemy units – “Danger! Danger!” in Robby the Robot’s voice
42. Trailer hitch to pull around all that extra ordinance
43. Authentic wood paneling
44. A little hula dance on the dashboard
45. Three stooges sound effects when you score a kill
46. Offensive language written on weapons
47. James Brown security alarm
48. Dirt Devil Car Vac (modified for ‘mech use) stored under command couch
49. Automatic seatbelts
50. Internal rollcage (for offroading)
51. “Have a nice day” with a happy face painted on the back
52. Disco ball hanging in cockpit
53. Big Screen TV
54. Cargo compartment for the Harley you wish you owned
55. Waterbed located underneath command couch
56. Off-road KC Halogen lamps with the little happy face covers
57. Sunglass shaped window covers (for sunny days)
58. Rear window defogger
59. 2 words – Air Conditioning

Ok, so it’s only 59 ways.  Whom ever wrote it up put an extra return at the bottom of the page that split one line.  Look for some of these in upcoming games.

This was originally an Email that was sent to me by my cousin.  I decided to turn this into a blog post to make it more widespread.  To all the soldiers and veterans out there, I dedicate this post to you.

When A Soldier Comes Home…

When a soldier comes home, he finds it hard...

...to listen to his son whine about being bored.

... to keep a straight face when people complain about potholes.

To be tolerant of people who complain about the hassle of getting ready for work.

To be understanding when a co-worker complains about a bad night's sleep.

To be silent when people pray to God for a new car.

To control his panic when his wife tells him he needs to drive slower.

To keep from ridiculing someone who complains about hot weather.

To control his frustration when a colleague gripes about his coffee being cold.

To remain calm when his daughter complains about having to walk the dog.

To be civil to people who complain about their jobs.

To just walk away when someone says they only get two weeks of vacation a year.

The only thing harder than being a soldier…

Is loving one.

Reminder To Show Compassion and Tolerance

I just received an invite for Google Voice and got it setup.  To the right is the widget Google provides for websites to allow people to call it.  By all means use it to get in touch with me.  Just please respect times (Only call between 8a and 8p central).

I may send some of you to voicemail just to see how the transcribing works, just don’t take offense if I do.  Either way, I will still get in touch with you.

If you want the direct line, it’s (682) 478-5088. I may change the number later once business expands to other areas (such as CO, AR, CA, or any other state).  I still have my GoSolo number (866) 887-1060.  I may cancel that if Google adds 800 support and fax support.

Stay tuned, I do have more posts coming including one to start a 90 day challenge.