OUR LATEST INSIGHTS

Up to date, high-level business information that is relevant to our clients and contacts, helping keep up to date on the ver-changing business world of today.

Cal Wilson / August 10, 2022

Companies Weigh Fresh Cuts as Operating Costs Go Up

According the Wall Street Journal, “Businesses are reducing office space, scaling back on consulting and opting for cheaper packaging of goods as they look to stay ahead of the downturn.

Although companies already were leaning more on cost savings to combat higher inflation, the threat of a recession has prompted a harder look at the finances for some firms.”

You can read more of of what they have to say, here.

 

Schooley Mitchell helps businesses reduce operational expenses and grow their bottom lines, keeping them strong even in the midst of economic hardships.

 

 

 

Cal Wilson / August 10, 2022

Is your school district overpaying for telecom services?

For school districts, increasing costs are stretching budgets significantly. And while federal funding has been helpful as we emerge from the pandemic, those special funds might not be eligible to pay for day-to-day operating costs such as telecom—which is more important, and more complex, than ever.

Rapidly improving technology for telecom (phones, videoconferencing, internet connectivity, and related services) is allowing school districts to streamline systems and potentially realize cost efficiencies. But effective management requires monitoring numerous phone lines and devices, various rate plans which are often changing, and a host of other variables.

Many school districts don’t have the time or the tools necessary to keep track of those variables especially on a line-by-line and a device-by-device basis.  So, they end up overpaying for telecom—sometimes by 40% or more—without even realizing it.

How can you make sure your school district isn’t one of them?

Understanding where you are now

Getting a handle on your telecom environment can be eye-opening. At a minimum, here are the things you need to know to determine whether your district is paying too much:

  • All current systems and vendors (regular phones, cell phones, videoconferencing, internet services, etc.)
  • Rate plans for those systems
  • All lines being used and for what purpose (regular phones, fax lines, elevator lines, alarms, fire, etc.)
  • Differing needs by school, if any
  • External support costs
  • Any available special rate programs
  • Your vendor’s customer service performance
  • The time your staff spends on managing telecom, including reviewing invoices

Answering the key questions

Ultimately, that information will allow you to answer three vital questions:

  • Are our existing telecom services delivering what our schools and students need?
  • Are we paying only for the services we need and use?
  • Are we paying the right amount for those services?

Getting on the right path

This isn’t a one-time task: Even if you’re paying the right amount today, that’s no guarantee you will be tomorrow. Your district must go through this process regularly, because technology, pricing, and your needs all change. The upside, though, is immense—the more your district saves, the more it has to put toward other expenses or enhancements for students.

And the good news is you don’t have to do it alone.

Michael Salazar is a Strategic Partner at Schooley Mitchell, which has been helping school districts and other organizations reduce costs for more than 20 years. Most clients don’t need to change vendors, and only pay fees if savings are found. To learn more about Michael and Schooley Mitchell, please visit his website.

Cal Wilson / July 26, 2022

Check out Lubrication Station!

I recently got my vehicle’s oil changed at locally owned Lubrication Station for the first time. What a great experience! The attendant checked my cabin air filter – no other quick lube shop has ever taken the time to do that. The friendly staff provided valuable insight and did not upsell. I have found my new go to spot!

Cal Wilson / July 14, 2022

Recommendation Letter for Fiber Dynamics

To whom it may concern,

Recently, we have added Fiber Dynamics to our client list at Schooley Mitchell. Instead of struggling with rising costs, they engaged Schooley Mitchell to attack the challenge head on.

During the process, we have found the team at Fiber Dynamics to be very professional and a pleasure to work with. PJ Tos, the General Manager, is eager to grow the business and has made noticeable improvements to the business.

During the tour of the factory, the workforce was very engaged, and the housekeeping was best in class. Both of these attributes are key in assuring they product they build will meet or exceed their customers’ expectations in both quality and delivery.

If you are looking for a best-in-class composite business to supplement your supplier base, I would be sure to give Fiber Dynamics a close look.

Sincerely,

Rod Holter

Strategic-Partner, Schooley Mitchell

Download as PDF.

Cal Wilson / June 14, 2022

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