Scaling UP! H2O scalinguph2o.com

We’re excited to bring you insights from a recent interview with Tim Fulton, President of Small Business Matters, Vistage Chair Emeritus, and Executive Coach. Tim is a returning podcast guest and a favorite among our listeners, bringing his wealth of knowledge to help you attract and retain top talent in today’s evolving job market.
Labor Market Insights: Navigating the New Normal
Tim starts by addressing a common observation: “Most business owners would tell you the labor market has improved over the past 12 months.” This improvement is particularly notable for small and mid-sized companies. Businesses have adapted post-COVID, finding innovative ways to attract candidates from diverse backgrounds, different markets, and varying levels of education and skills.
Flexibility is Key: Adapting to Workforce Needs
A critical trend highlighted by Tim is the increasing need for flexibility. Companies are shifting from rigid work schedules to more adaptable models, such as offering hybrid work options and flexible hours. Tim emphasizes that the question shouldn’t just be about remote vs. in-office work but rather, “Do I trust my employees?” This trust-based approach focuses on outcomes rather than the specific logistics of where and when the work is done.
Embracing Modern Work Policies: Unlimited PTO and Remote Work
Pre-COVID, concepts like unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO) and remote work were often dismissed. However, Tim believes that with the right employees, processes, and procedures, these policies can be effective across various businesses. The modern workforce, especially younger employees, highly values remote work options, making it a crucial aspect of job listings today. As Tim puts it, “Today ⅔ of employees are knowledge workers and work from home. The train has left the station, we are not going backward to office life as we knew it.”
Crafting Compelling Job Listings
Job listings must reflect the current job market's demands. Tim suggests including clear expectations regarding work location, flexibility, and growth opportunities in the description and the job results in the job heading. Additionally, platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, your own company’s website, and local colleges/universities are excellent for reaching a diverse pool of candidates.
Effective Interview Strategies: Finding the Right Fit
During interviews, it’s essential to assess if the candidate can perform the job, fit within your company culture, and work well with you. Tim advises using behavior assessments and post-hire evaluations to ensure you’re making the right choice. Group interviews can be beneficial when you have multiple strong candidates, and using a scorecard can help in making objective decisions.
Ensuring the Right Hire: Comprehensive Evaluation
To confirm you’ve made the right hiring decision, involve various stakeholders in the hiring process, conduct thorough reference checks, and use behavioral assessments to gauge the candidate’s fit within your team.
Conclusion: Prepare to Transform Your Hiring Process
Tune in to the latest episode of Scaling UP! H2O to dive deeper into these insights and more from Tim Fulton. This episode is packed with practical advice and actionable strategies that can transform your hiring process and help you secure top performers for your team.
 
Timestamps
01:00 - Trace Blackmore asks you to submit your show ideas
04:00 - Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals 
08:15 - Interview with Tim Fulton
59:00 - Closing thoughts with Trace
1:06:25 - Drop by Drop With James McDonald 
 
Quotes
“Most business owners would tell you the labor market has improved over the past 12 months.” - Tim Fulton
“When interviewing someone ask yourself: “Can they do the job, can they do it here, can they do the job with me?” - Tim Fulton
“As a manager, you need to ask yourself: Do I want to manage someone's time or their work? Do I want to manage compliance or

Looking to maximize efficiency while minimizing shipping costs? Keen on shrinking your company's and clients' carbon footprint? Concerned about the complexities of transporting hazardous liquid materials? Picture this: You're tasked with moving a three-hundred-gallon tote of corrosives to the twelfth floor of an office building. Or perhaps you've encountered the challenge of maneuvering a two-hundred-pound tote across pristine mahogany floors, all while hoping against leaks on the way to the cooling tower. If these scenarios resonate with you, our latest episode is a must-listen!
Join us as Blaine Nagao, CWT, Senior Director of Smart Release Technology at Dober, answers a multitude of questions about how solid technology works and how it differs from liquid technology. Blaine debunks old misconceptions about solid technologies. Learn how to match the right equipment with the products you’re using and gain insight into controlling as many variables as possible upfront by adopting solid technology.
Discover how solid technology can eliminate the need for hefty shipping fees, significantly reduce your carbon footprint, and save money for both your company and your clients.
Tune in for an educational, insightful, and positive discussion that could revolutionize your bottom line.
Understanding the Formula for Cost Savings with Solid Chemistry Technology
Blaine explains that the cost savings from using solid chemistry technology come from several key areas:
Reduced Shipping Costs Decreased Storage Space Requirements Lower Risk of Spills and Accidents Let's break these down:
Reduced Shipping Costs
Solid chemistry products are more concentrated than their liquid counterparts. This means you can ship smaller quantities, which reduces the overall shipping cost. For example:
 - Liquid product: 100 gallons (heavy, requires special handling)
-  Solid product: Equivalent treatment power in a smaller, lighter package Decreased Storage Space Requirements
Solid products take up less space than liquid ones, meaning you can store more product in the same amount of space. This can lead to lower storage costs, especially in facilities where space is at a premium. Lower Risk of Spills and Accidents
Handling liquids, especially hazardous ones, carries a significant risk of spills and accidents, which can be costly. Solids minimize this risk, leading to fewer incidents and lower associated costs. Blaine's Formula
Blaine suggests considering the total cost of ownership rather than just the upfront cost. The formula he uses involves calculating the savings in the following areas:
Total Savings = Savings in Shipping + Savings in Storage + Savings in Risk Management
Let's put some hypothetical numbers into this formula to illustrate:
Savings in Shipping: $500 per shipment Savings in Storage: $100 per month Savings in Risk Management: $150 per month Assuming these savings over a year:
Annual Savings = ($500 \times 12) + ($100 \times 12) + ($150 \times 12)
Annual Savings = $6,000 + $1,200 + $1,800
Annual Savings = $9,000
By switching to solid chemistry technology, the company could potentially save $9,000 annually. This example illustrates how the cumulative savings in different areas add up to significant cost reductions.
 
Summary
Solid chemistry technology offers significant cost savings by reducing shipping costs, storage space requirements, and risks associated with spills and accidents. By focusing on the total cost of ownership, as Blaine suggests, companies can see the broader financial benefits of transitioning to solid chemistry solutions.
 
Timestamps
01:00 - Trace Blackmore asks you to share your future podcast show ideas with us by filling out the Submit a Show Idea form
03:15 - Come to The Hang on July 11th, a free online opportunity to connect with other water professionals
10:10 - Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals 
12:30 - Get to know Blaine Nagao, CWT

Get ready to dive headfirst into the dynamic world of Produced Water as we kick off our inaugural episode dedicated to this captivating topic on the Scaling UP! H2O podcast. Join us on this thrilling expedition as we journey alongside our esteemed guest, Ivan Morales—a seasoned expert in water treatment and a beacon of innovation. With a passion for practical solutions and a knack for making complex concepts relatable, Ivan is here to guide us through the ins and outs of Produced Water management, making it accessible to all.
In this groundbreaking episode, Ivan Morales, known for his contributions to Nalco Water, the International Water Conference (IWC), and the Produced Water Society, takes center stage to share his knowledge about Produced Water with a global audience of water professionals. Drawing from years of hands-on experience and a natural intuition for problem-solving, Ivan breaks down the barriers to understanding, offering practical insights and real-world examples. From navigating EPA regulations to tackling challenges in coal mining and fracking, we're in for an engaging and enlightening ride through the fascinating landscape of water treatment.
 
What You'll Discover:
Navigating EPA Regulations and Produced Water:
Dive into the intricate realm of EPA guidelines governing the measurement and treatment of Produced Water. By understanding these regulations, we empower ourselves to ensure compliance and uphold environmental stewardship.
Confronting Challenges in Coal Mines:
Explore the unique hurdles faced by water professionals in coal mines, where the recycling and treatment of water are pivotal for maintaining safety standards and safeguarding downstream communities. Ivan underscores the imperative of returning water to the environment in an improved state.
Embracing Innovation and Technological Advancements:
Embark on a journey of discovery as we uncover cutting-edge technologies and collaborative initiatives revolutionizing Produced Water treatment. Ivan sheds light on the promising prospects of element extraction, such as lithium, and the ongoing innovations propelling our industry toward greater efficiency and sustainability.
 
Episode Highlights:
Empowerment through EPA Compliance:
Gain actionable insights into navigating EPA regulations, fostering compliance, and contributing to environmental preservation through responsible water management practices.
Community-Centric Water Stewardship:
Learn how our efforts in coal mines directly impact downstream communities, and discover strategies for enhancing water quality to create a ripple effect of positive change.
Innovative Solutions Driving Sustainability:
Embark on a journey of innovation as we explore the transformative potential of emerging technologies and collaborative endeavors, propelling us toward a future of sustainable water management practices.
Ivan delves into crucial topics such as managing PFAS contaminants, harnessing the potential of recycled water for sustainable practices, and the imperative of accurate measurement in water discharge. His insights into the challenges of treating water from fracking operations and the avenues for technological innovation are both enlightening and empowering.
Join us as we embark on this enlightening exploration of Produced Water management, where knowledge is our compass, innovation is our vehicle, and positive change is our destination.
Tune in to the latest episode of Scaling UP! H2O now, and let's journey together toward a future of sustainable water stewardship!
 
Timestamps
01:00 - Trace Blackmore thanks you for participating in the Global 6K For Water this year. Thank you for helping to solve the global water crisis. 
6:30 - Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals 
8:30 - Interview with Ivan Morales about Produced Water 
48:00 - Drop by Drop With James McDonald 
49:30 - Please leave a review of this podcast on your favorite podcast player
 
Quotes
"P

AI won't take your job but knowing how to use it will give you an edge over others who don't.  - Beth Ziesenis
Hello Scaling UP! H2O community!
We have a treat for you in this episode! Our favorite nerdy friend, Beth Ziesenis (a.k.a. Your Nerdy Best Friend), is back on the podcast to sprinkle her magic tech dust on all things AI! 🎉
You might have spent hours Googling tech tips or demoing tools to find the perfect solution for your needs—but now you can skip the headache and just ask Beth! She's here to break down complex AI concepts into bite-sized tips that can help you personally and professionally.
AI in Action:
In this episode, Beth shares:
Her favorite AI tools for work and personal use. How to harness AI for meeting summaries and transcriptions  Insights into AI integration in office software  The magic of AI for data analysis in water treatment and scientific research. Tips for Building AI Guardrails:
Beth knows AI can seem daunting, so she provides guidance on creating a strong AI policy for your workplace. She touches on essential training, data usage guidelines, and the importance of checks and balances to ensure AI serves you effectively and ethically.
Beth's Takeaway:
AI isn't here to take your job; it's here to give you an edge over those who don't adapt. Whether you're an AI skeptic or an enthusiastic early adopter, understanding how AI can enhance your work will give you a leg up!
Ready to Scale UP your AI knowledge? Tune in to this lively episode and let Beth guide you through the exciting world of AI with humor and insight.
Don't miss out—your AI journey starts here!
Cheers,
The Scaling UP! H2O Team
 
Timestamps
01:00 - Trace Blackmore extends his gratitude to you, our listeners, for helping us reach the top 2.5% of all podcasts worldwide
06:30 - Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals 
10:00 - Interview with Your Nerdy Best Friend, Beth Ziesenis
1:00:00 - Drop by Drop with James McDonald 
 
Quotes
“On November 30, 2022, a company called Open AI released ChatGPT. It was the fastest growing platform and sometimes it lies and breaks down because y'all broke it.” - Beth Ziesenis
 
Connect with Beth Ziesenis  
Phone: 619.231.9225
Email: beth@yournerdybestfriend.com
Website: yournerdybestfriend.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nerdybff
linkedin.com/company/nerdybff
Your Nerdy Best Friend Blog
Read or Download Beth Ziesenis’ Press Release HERE
 
Links Mentioned
318 Boilers: Handling the Heat and Pressure Like Pros
041 The One with Your Nerdy Best Friend
AI Cheatsheet: Guidelines for AI Use at Work
A to Z AI Tools for Associations and Their Members
The Tackle Your Tech To-Do List Card Deck
Hattie B’s Nashville Hot Chicken
James McDonald’s Star Trek episodes, VSF Blessings - A Star Trek Fan Production
The Rising Tide Mastermind
Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses
Submit a Show Idea
AWT (Association of Water Technologies)
 
Books Mentioned
Futureproof: 9 Rules for Surviving in the Age of AI by Kevin Roose
Future Proof: Reinventing Work in the Age of Acceleration by Diana Wu David
 
Drop By Drop with James 
In today’s segment, we are thinking, “What if?” What if you sneak into your customer account, quietly do your service, and sneak out without seeing anyone? What if? You were quick, efficient, got the job done, and got out so you can rush off to your next account. What could be wrong with that? Hmmm. Think about that for just a moment. First, what about safety? If no one knew you were there, what if something happened in the facility. Would they know to look for you? What if you got hurt? Second, does the customer see value in NOT seeing you? I hope not. How does the customer know you actually performed the service instead of just making the report up out of thin air? There are so many positives that come from making your face seen and showing the value of you being there. Visit with the operators and buying infl

We have the technology to treat any type of water, so instead of focusing on 'water scarcity,' let's talk about 'water abundance'. - Walid Khoury
In the latest episode of the Scaling UP! H2O podcast, we explore how to shift the narrative from "Water Scarcity" to "Water Abundance" with returning guest Walid Khoury, President and CEO of Desalytics. Walid’s global perspective on water technology and treatment options provides invaluable insights for water professionals, industry owners, policymakers, and anyone interested in addressing global water challenges.
Here are five strategies Walid provides to guide your thinking from the challenges of water scarcity toward the possibilities of water abundance:
Embrace Long-Term Thinking and Planning: When addressing water issues or exploring new opportunities, consider both the mid- and long-term impacts. This approach is especially crucial in developing markets where sustainable growth and solutions are essential. Collaborate with Private Industry, Politicians, and Individuals to Achieve SDG 6: While one person cannot change the world, thousands working toward a shared goal can. Walid discusses the vital role these groups play in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which aims to ensure safe and affordable drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene for all. Integrate Innovative Technologies: Embrace the innovative aspects of the water industry by implementing modern technologies and techniques. For instance, Hong Kong began using saltwater in toilets in the 1950s due to a scarcity of freshwater. Today, around 80% of toilets in Hong Kong use saltwater for flushing, which conserves fresh drinking water. Industrial water treaters can harness these advancements to enhance their practices and assist clients in achieving a "water positive" status, surpassing the goal of being "water-neutral." Advocate and Communicate Effectively: Promote water positivity by using language that raises awareness of the options available. Building connections and collaborating with local partners can help address local water challenges more effectively. Expand Your Global Understanding: Walid encourages industrial water treaters to expand their knowledge and experience beyond familiar markets by attending international water conferences and exploring global opportunities. By tuning in to this one-hour episode, you will gain actionable insights and practical knowledge on how to contribute to water abundance, reshape water management strategies, and make a positive impact on both local and global scales. Walid’s involvement in the Water Positive Think Tank and his dedication to SDG 6 offers a roadmap for those looking to advance their careers and make a meaningful difference in the water industry.
Listen to "364 Water Abundance: A Global Perspective on Water Technology and Treatment Options" and discover how you can be part of the change toward a more sustainable and water-efficient future. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from one of the industry's most innovative and influential voices!
 
Timestamps
01:00 - Trace Blackmore invites you to participate in the Global 6K for Water
05:00 - Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals 
7:30 - Get to know Walid Khoury of Desalytics
22:00 - Interview with Walid Khoury on Water Abundance
57:40 - Drop by Drop with James McDonald 
 
Quotes with interview timestamps:
“My biggest frustration in our industry is that we use the word ‘water scarcity’, but in today's age we have the technology to treat any type of water, so instead of water scarcity we should be talking about ‘water abundance’.” - Walid Khoury
"We need to shift the narrative: We have an abundance of water. The question is, how can we effectively use and consume it locally rather than sourcing it from afar?" - Walid Khoury
"We have access to a wealth of technologies; the key is in applying them effectively. This makes it an exceptio

“Dogs and prospects can smell fear.” - Casey Brown
Are you struggling with pricing your products and services confidently? Do you fear presenting proposals to clients and dealing with objections? Are you unsure how to have effective conversations around price increases?
If these questions sound familiar, you’re going to love today’s episode featuring Casey Brown, founder of Boost Pricing. Boost Pricing has the singular goal of helping organizations get paid well for their excellence, and in this informative conversation, Casey shares invaluable insights on how to elevate your pricing game and communicate your value effectively to your customers.
Sales is challenging, and as someone who’s been in the industry, you know how tough it can be. There’s pressure to be personable, negotiate well, and ask the right questions, yet proposals still get rejected. So, how do you get paid well for your company's superior products and services?
In this episode, Casey provides practical tips, strategies, and tactics to boost your pricing confidence and navigate price negotiations successfully. Learn how to deal with customers who focus solely on price and how to differentiate your value proposition effectively.
Casey emphasizes the importance of handling client objections well, sharing “The best answer to an objection isn't an answer at all, it's a question. I think questions are a salesperson's superpower and they are largely underused in the price portion and the negotiation process.” She goes on to say “The root of confidence is value. You need to truly understand how your products and service are of value to your customer.” 
By tuning in, you'll gain insights on:
Approaching conversations about pricing with confidence and clarity. Understanding when and how to offer tiered packages to customers. Communicating the value of your offerings to clients to justify your prices. Navigating tricky situations like price match requests and objections. Casey’s wisdom on pricing and negotiation will empower you to become more confident in your sales approach. Don’t miss out on this educational discussion!
 
Timestamps
01:00 - Trace Blackmore invites you to participate in the Global 6K
07:00 - Interview with Casey Brown founder of Pricing Boost
1:01:30 - Lightning round questions
1:10:00 - Drop by Drop With James McDonald 
 
Key Quotes from Casey Brown
“I think sales is the hardest job in a company. Selling is an incredibly hard profession.” - Casey Brown
“Dogs and prospects can smell fear.” - Casey Brown
“The root of confidence is value. You need to truly understand how your products and services are of value to your customer.” - Casey Brown
“‘No’ is the most powerful word in a sales person's vocabulary, and often the most underused.” -  Casey Brown
“A price match request is an objective statement of preference from the customer for your company.” - Casey Brown
 
Connect with Casey Brown
Phone: 614.679.7999
Email: casey@boostpricing.com
Website: boostpricing.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/caseybrownboost/
linkedin.com/company/boostpricing/
Read or Download Casey Brown’s Press Release HERE
 
Links Mentioned
The Rising Tide Mastermind
Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses
Submit a Show Idea
AWT (Association of Water Technologies)
 
Books Mentioned
Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia MD
Make The Noise Go Away: The Power Of An Effective Second-In-Command by Larry G. Linne
10x Is Easier Than 2x by Dan Sullivan 
 
Drop By Drop with James 
In today’s segment, we’re thinking about a line I read in an article called “AWT Recommendations and Guidelines for Corrosion Coupons in Cooling Systems” found under Resources in the Members-Only section of the Association of Water Technologies website.  This section of the article was discussing the proper order of installation for corrosion coupons.  The line said, “In real