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The Violand Institute – Time For Your Greatest Asset
Online, on-demand education for the restoration and cleaning industries offered through interactive, adult learning courses covering subjects you need to master to advance your performance and service and to increase profitability.
The Violand Institute offers three distinct tracks for Executives, Managers, and Frontline employees. Each track provides courses and material appropriate for advancing at that level. Each track has challenging courses, ensuring education of essential subjects and the ability to customize learning based on your needs and experience. Companies may purchase one of the following subscriptions.
Pricing
A user interested in viewing a single course to better understand a specific topic may choose the Silver Package. One user will have unlimited access to one course for seven calendar days. $199
A company looking to add The Violand Institute to their employee development plan may choose the Platinum Package. Companies will receive unlimited access to all courses for twelve months, allowing for continuous, on-demand education. Cost is based on the number of full-time employees within the registered company.
- 1-14 employees……$3,125
- 15-29 employees….$3,750
- 30-45 employees….$5,000
- 46+ employees……..$6,250
To register for courses call +1 800 360 3513
The Management Track
Time Management for Managers
Facilitated by Scott Tackett – Violand Business Development Advisor
Course Description
Time management is not about doing too many things in less time. It’s about doing the right things, at the right time, in the right way. In this course we cover the important keys to time management. We look at how different personality types view activity, stress, and time management. We discuss how to change behaviors and prioritize tasks. We review different available time management systems and the positives and negatives of each to get better organized for your individual style and preference. Finally, we show you how to conduct important daily business planning sessions to get a firmer control on your day to improve your output and efficiency so you can go to bed each night with more confidence you completed what you needed to do.
Learning Objectives
- To understand what managing time really means
- What are the keys to time management and realizing it’s really about managing your behavior not your time
- Become aware of and recognize the Five (5) personality types that can sabotage your time management skills
- To learn the difference between being “busy” and “productive”
- How to plan ahead, how to handle interruptions and finally how to maximize your personal effectiveness by deciding what is working and what is not and then making better choices
- The importance of using tools and resources as a time-management system to assist in your organization and then develop your personal effectiveness to get more done in the same amount of time.
- Develop a positive mental attitude and use ambition as the motivator rather than fear.
- Develop your own individualized plan of action.
The Fundamentals of Management
Facilitated by Scott Tackett – Violand Business Development Advisor
Course Description
In the first module we will explore the growing dominance of innovation, define management and its role in an organization, learn the four most crucial management functions, and how to use them to achieve organizational goals. The second module studies organizational performance through effectiveness and efficiency. We then cover three unique types of management skills and what to do when they fail. We discuss how to manage at different levels in an organization and in different roles. We learn about unique challenges in small businesses and non-profits. The course concludes with an in depth look at state-of-the-art management competencies.
Learning Objectives
After completing this course, the student will be able to:
- Understand the four management functions and the types of management activities associated with each.
- Recognize the difference between efficiency and effectiveness and their importance for organizational performance.
- Learn three skills that are critically important for managers in the restoration and cleaning industries.
- Understand the key roles that managers in the 21st century workplace must perform well in order to be successful.
- Understand the personal and professional challenges involved in becoming a successful manager.
- Recognize the innovative and creative competencies needed to be an effective manager in today’s environment.
Business Numbers for Managers
Facilitated by Timothy E. Hull, CR – Violand Director of Operations
Course Description
Module 1 outlines the importance of managers understanding numbers as they pertain to both the business and taxes. It shows in detail accounting basics and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). We will then discuss Cash vs. Accrual Basis Accounting and the pros and cons of each. Also covered is tax accounting, types of accounts, general ledgers and chart of accounts, and learn the intricacies of assets, expenses, liabilities, and capital and how they affect financial performance. Module 2 covers the 3 basic financial reports: balance sheet, income statement, and statement of cash flow. Learn how to conduct a cash flow forecast and interpret financial statements through benchmarking and KPI’s. Also learn multiple types of analysis you can perform to better understand your financial health. Module 3 covers sales vs. revenue, earned revenue calculations, financial adjustments, and over/under billings. There is also a full summary of all three modules.
Learning Objectives
- Learn the difference between cash and accrual accounting methods.
- Learn the difference between tax accounting and managerial accounting.
- Understand the basic components of a business’ income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow report.
- Interpret a business’ basic financial reports are they relate to operational performance.
- Identify Key Performance Indicators which can be developed and tracked from business financials.
- Understand how to calculate Work in Progress and over-/under-billings adjustments
Resolving Conflict
Facilitated by Tim Kraft – President and Founder of WordKraft Business Writing
Course Description
Module one defines conflict and helps participants understand why conflict, when managed correctly, is normal, natural, and healthy. Go in depth into different types of conflict and understanding the unique challenges of each. Study conflict resolution options and learn your role in resolving conflicts including when to get involved and avoiding getting in the way. Module 2 covers the intricacies of conflict management and resolution. Learn the six steps to effective conflict resolution and creating positive employee interactions. Master the difficult skill of active listening and understand it’s role in conflict resolution. The module concludes with a full summary of the course.
Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate, by providing examples, his/her awareness of what constitutes a conflict.
- Explain both the negative and positives aspects of conflict in the workplace.
- Discriminate between issue- and behavior-based conflicts.
- Describe four options for addressing conflict, with benefits and drawbacks of each.
- Explain when to attempt to resolve conflict, and when to ignore conflict.
- Give the six steps in the conflict-resolution process, and describe the appropriate actions for each step.
- Describe the importance of each of the four tools for creating positive employee interactions: Focus on performance, assume positive intent, Consider the consequences, and Actively listen.
- Provide active listening responses to employee comments.
Conducting More-Effective Meetings
Facilitated by Tim Kraft – President and Founder of WordKraft Business Writing
Course Description
Module 1 focuses on how to plan and prepare for meetings. It begins with why do we have meetings and really what should we be trying to accomplish. Learn the essentials of good meetings. Identify when you should and should not have a meetings and how to define the real cost in dollars of having a meeting. Understand how to build effective and clear meeting agendas and when to distribute them. Module 2 covers managing an running an effective meeting. Learn what goes into meeting preparation and the leadership involved. Master balancing the conversation and staying on track and on time as well as who and when to take notes. The module concludes with steps to take after a meeting and a full summary of the course.
Learning Objectives
- Learn how to be productive, efficient, and conduct effective follow-up for any meeting.
- Discuss the different types of meetings, how to outline and structure each, and who should attend?
- Identify the true cost of every meeting in terms of not only time but dollars.
- Review sample agendas and download customizable ones for your company.
- Learn how to balance the conversation, keep to the agenda, avoid distractions, and accomplish the meeting goals.
The Fundamentals of Key Performance Indicators
Facilitated by Timothy E. Hull, CR – Violand Director of Operations
Course Description
This four-module course takes an in depth look at the world of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Module 1 defines KPIs and how they are used. Learn how they should be included in your company’s strategic plan to provide accountability and accurate reporting. Learn SMART criteria and the difference between Lagging and Leading Indicators. Module 2 defines the multiple different categories of KPIs and how and when to use them. Module 3 shows you how to create Key Performance Indicators and specifically learn how to identify the ones most important to your company. It also shows you how to use KPIs to perform vital Benchmarking to evaluate performance. Module 4 instructs on how to interpret data through reporting, analyzing, and identifying results. It also covers weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly metrics you must perform. The course concludes with comprehensive summary of all four modules.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the four management functions and the types of management activities associated with each.
- Recognize the difference between efficiency and effectiveness and their importance for organizational performance.
- Learn three skills that are critically important for managers in the restoration and cleaning industries.
- Understand the key roles that managers in the 21st century workplace must perform well in order to be successful.
- Understand the personal and professional challenges involved in becoming a successful manager.
- Recognize the innovative and creative competencies needed to be an effective manager in today’s environment.
The Basics of Business Strategy
Facilitated by Tom Cline – Violand Business Development Advisor
Course Description
Module 1 is an introduction to business strategy. It explains what it is and why it is so important. We will explore how to use your company’s mission and vision and how to conduct an effective SWOT analysis. Finally, we will learn the difference between a business plan and a strategic plan and how they work together. Module 2 covers Michael Porter’s Five Forces Model and how it affects your business and begins a introduction into differentiation. Module 3 discusses strategic options and expands on differentiation and how to use it to separate your company from your competitors in the minds of your customers. We also cover using a growth matrix and the benefits of an outside-in model. Module 4 provides a framework for crafting a successful strategic plan and shows not only how to “play the game” but how to “win the game”. We also define the role of owners and managers in executing the plan and provide a full course summary.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the importance of business strategy and how it differs from a Business Plan
- Recognize the 5 forces that constitute competition within an industry, how they impact the restoration industry and affect business strategy.
- Be able to apply the Growth matrix and ‘Outside In’ model to development of strategy for your business.
- Know the 5 questions that drive the essential steps in developing an effective strategy for your business
Developing Your Sales Plan
Facilitated by Tom Cline – Violand Business Development Advisor
Course Description
In module one Tom helps you understand the need and importance of a well-defined sales plan and how to go about creating one. We will show you how to set sales objectives and goals. Learn how to identify and analyze target markets and create sales activities and inputs. In the second module, we’ll first talk about outputs from the sales plan. Then we will focus on what you need to do to manage the plan, track progress toward your goals, and adjust or adapt your sales plan over time.
Learning Objectives
- The learner will understand all of the information that must be included in an effective annual Sales Plan
- When the course is completed the student will understand how to translate revenue (dollar figures) goals into targets for number of restoration jobs, number of referral sources and number of sales calls.
- The learner will come away from the program with an understanding of the sales process, how to track progress of individual prospects through the steps and what metrics to use to capture account ‘close’.
- At the end of the course the learner will understand the structure of, and how to conduct, an effective Sales Meeting
- Draw from their business plan to create sales plan objectives.
- Identify specific tactics to accomplish each sales plan objective.
- Identify appropriate target markets related to the sales tactics.
- Explain how and why to track sales-related activities and performance.
The Executive Track
Content coming soon
The Frontline Track
Business Communication 101
Facilitated by Tim Kraft – President and Founder of WordKraft Business Writing
Course Description
The ability to communicate well is an essential, and many experts believe the most important, skill for business success. Business Communication 101, designed and presented by Tim Kraft, provides practical insights into a range of written and face-to-face communication skills. You will learn how to express yourself more concisely, clearly, and correctly, ensuring that employees, co-workers, customers, suppliers, and others better understand what you’re trying to communicate.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the basic elements that make up every communication interaction.
- Provide two benefits of writing more simply.
- List three ways to simplify your writing.
- Describe how to more-effectively use an email’s To: line, Subject: line, and signature block.
- Describe the importance of non-verbal communication in face-to-face interactions.
- Describe the value of adapting communication to different people/audiences.
Business Etiquette
Facilitated by Timothy E. Hull, CR – Violand Director of Operations
Course Description
Business etiquette is much more than just being polite. As course developer Timothy E. Hull, CR explains, it includes a wide range of professional behaviors. Practicing appropriate etiquette in business situations will encourage more positive, productive, and profitable interactions, while setting you apart as a true business professional. Business Etiquette includes practical advice on how to properly interact with customers, co-workers, and others in person, on the phone, and digitally.
Learning Objectives
- Explain the connection between good business etiquette and both personal and company success.
- Describe at least three essential elements of making a good impression when meeting someone.
- List five aspects of presenting a positive professional appearance (apparel and appearance).
- List three aspects of professional behavior when meeting a prospect or customer in their home.
- List three aspects of professional behavior when meeting a business associate after hours.
- Describe three elements of proper etiquette regarding the use of digital devices and digital communication.
Delivering Outstanding Customer Service
Facilitated by Steve Toburen – SFS Director of Training for Jon-Don
Course Description
Delivering Outstanding Customer Service, developed by Steve Toburen, reveals that the quality of the services you provide is, in many cases, not as important as how you treat your customers. Many services have become commodities, so what more often separates suppliers today is their level of customer service. The course includes practical, checklist-backed skills needed to deliver outstanding customer service, while including guidance on the most-effective way to deal with angry, rude, and unrealistic customers.
Learning Objectives
- Explain the 80% principle related to customer service.
- Name three skills for superior customer service.
- Name three of the steps/traits of good telephone skills.
- Describe the importance of good listening skills in dealing with difficult clients.
- Define the term “Cheerleader Customer” and describing the importance of having these types of customers.
- Describe how and why to develop a service system script.
Personal Management
Facilitated by Patty Beard – Managing Partner of Infinite Purpose, LLC
Course Description
Personal Management, developed by Patty Beard, will help you maximize the three dimensions of your personal resources: money, time, and energy. Each module provides descriptions of common positive and negative habits, followed by guidance on how you can capitalize on these limited, personal resources. The course includes a number of worksheets to help you assess your current behaviors and then make improvements that can make the most of the money, time, and energy in your life.
Learning Objectives
- Name habits and tendencies that are helpful and harmful to how you manage your money, time, and energy.
- Identify these helpful and harmful habits and tendencies in your life.
- Identify steps to take to overcome unproductive or harmful tendencies and capitalize on the helpful tendencies.
- Create an individual improvement plan that will enable you to better manage your money, time, and energy, and optimize these resources.
Working Effectively With Others
Facilitated by Scott Tackett – Violand Business Development Advisor
Course Description
In Working Effectively With Others, course developer Scott Tackett delivers useful guidance on how to improve your interactions with business associates. Whether engaging with co-workers, customers, suppliers, or others you will able to apply the skills described in the course to develop stronger, more-productive working relationships. The content and checklists in the course address critical skills that include how to best provide feedback, deal with angry and difficult people, and resolve conflicts.
Learning Objectives
- List three benefits of working in a team environment.
- Using the Tips for Giving Positive Feedback checklist, successfully prepare for and conduct an interaction involving providing positive feedback to a coworker.
- Using the Tips for Giving Constructive Feedback checklist, successfully prepare for and conduct interaction involving providing constructive feedback to a coworker.
- Explain the difference between behavior-based and issue-based conflict and identify which to address first (and why) when attempting to resolve a conflict.
- List and describe the pros and cons of each of the four approaches or options to resolving a conflict.
