Business #2…Straightline Professional Development: Wes Jankowski

Business #2…Straightline Professional Development: Wes Jankowski

Denver, Colorado
303.791.1732

www.straightlineprodev.com

Wes Jankowski owns Straightline Professional Development; a business strategy company that help dentists develop a vision for their practice and implement the plan to achieve short and long term results. In 2007, Wes decided to branch out on his own after learning about practice management from a family friend. With his business background, he learned that most dentists are technicians, and don’t realize that they are business owners. Teaching doctors this fundamental truth is what allows him to stay focused on his vision to: serve and inspire people to serve and inspire others.

When asked what separates him form other consultants, Wes explained that most consultants try to fix problems, while he strives to create a vision for the team for where they want to go and to help them figure out the steps to get there. Because it is such a personalized program for each office, Wes’ largest problem is bandwidth: he personally takes each office through his system. His system consists of a thought process rather than just using a route set of systems and programs; truly teaching the doctor and his/her staff to be reliant on themselves…eventually.

Straightline relies in large part on word of mouth advertising. Wes did explain that he does use an informational seminar for dentists and their team. Teams are encouraged to attend the low cost seminar together. When they learn something valuable, they see the value in working with Wes and sign up for a monthly commitment.

For Wes, it is more than a job, it is a vision that extends into who he is, and what he represents. He loves to be the teacher and show individuals that they can make the impossible, possible. He is constantly striping people of their self imposed limits and boundaries, and to do this, he must communicate. Which when asked, he admitted was his greatest business strength. And while his seminars are producing new clients, he admitted that marketing was his biggest weakness. His desire is to get in front of more dentists to communicate his message. In reality, this is what most small business owners stuggle with. How to get the word out.

Wes would like to see a future Straighline consist of partners, or co-owners that have a vested interest in the company. They would need to catch the big picture and be like-minded in his vision to serve and inspire people to serve and inspire others. He also has a desire to expand into other areas of the health care field such as veterinary clinics, chiropractic care centers, etc. In order to get there, he recognizes that he needs to do three things:
1.) Document and package his program so it can be delivered by other individuals
2.) Acquire additional team members that are like minded to teach his system
3.) Effectively market the program to his identified target client

I asked Wes what advice he would give to a new or aspiring entrepreneur. He responded: “Be passionate about what you do. You have to be excited and believe in it when no one else does.” This is especially true when one considers the daily hardships that every small business owner must endure.

Wes' recommendation as the best business book he has ever read was: It’s not about the Coffee, by Howard Behar.

Businesses come in all shapes and sizes. Selling knowledge and experience to a highly educated client must present several difficult situations. Wes was clear that communication is a critical component of his service offering. This is a critical piece for any business owner. It helps set expectations, relay information, and can cause a fabulous or disastrous outcome for any business transaction.

I want to thank Wes for his time and willingness to share his knowledge with us. I loved his vision to serve and inspire others to serve and inspire. If we all did that, I am sure it would translate into better businesses, and a better world.

Until next time, enjoy the adventure and Belay On!