The Industry’s Talent Gap: Is It A Crisis Or An Opportunity?
Have you taken a look around our industry lately and made the same observation that I have? We are getting pretty old. From the parts house counterman to the shop owner, we are seeing a lot more grey hair and maybe a few more comb overs. In fact, statistics indicate that the average age of a shop owner is 55!
Tax Strategies For Auto Repair Shops
Shop owners who are focused on serving their customers and operating efficiently are taking a little extra time to also get their financial house in order. They realize the value of the ABCs of a well-managed business: A for attorney, B for banker and C for CPA. These trusted advisers could help you focus on your customers and your business, while also ensuring you operate legally, effectively and profitably.
Workplace Safety Protects Your Employees And Your Business
While the subject of safety in an automotive repair shop is not nearly as sexy as a new marketing program or the latest on SEO, it goes a long way toward ensuring your technicians and company remain a vital component of your community, and you remain a profitable entity.
Guide Your Actions With Reflection; The Past Can Be A Springboard For The Future
At the end of every year, I reflect on the events that transpired over the past 12 months that pertain to my business and personal life. Reflection can have a powerful impact on how you act in a similar situation you may encounter in the future.
Managers Set The Tone For Employee Morale
Morale as defined in Merriam-Webster is the mental and emotional condition (as of enthusiasm, confidence or loyalty) of an individual or group with regard to the function or task at hand. As independent repair shop owners, we all strive to have a successful, profitable business that secures a great lifestyle for us and our family.
The Challenges And Opportunities Of ‘Family’ In A Family-Owned Business
The phrase “Family Owned and Operated” creates a warm flow of positive emotions when you talk about your company to your customers, especially your female customers. But having family as a part of your business creates a whole new dynamic of which most people are unaware.
Time Stealers: Identifying And Averting Barriers To Productive Use Of Your Precious Time
Whether it’s silver, gold, platinum, diamonds, rubies or even cold, hard cash, we take numerous measures each day to protect our valuable items, some more drastic than others. We use locks, banks, safes and alarms to ensure their safe protection. We lock our homes, cars and businesses in order to safeguard our personal possessions and the things that are important to us.
Tips To Make Customers Feel Like A ‘King’
Excellent customer service is delivering a service experience that exceeds the customer’s expectation, while being remarkable at the same time. It’s easy to forget a so-so experience, even one that meets our needs. But it’s hard to forget when you receive top-flight service.
Time Management And Achieving Balance
A few months ago, my mom passed away. She lived a long and fruitful life working hard as a single mother to ensure her three children had food on the table, a roof over their head and clothes on their back. Not an easy feat in the early 1960s in a small, western NY town. Looking back at my upbringing, I recall we didn’t have as much “stuff” as my friends in school, but one thing she always had for us was her time and love.
Signage And Projecting A Professional Image: A Cohesive Message Ensures Optimal Impact Of Your Shop’s Brand
This article is the first of a multi-part series where we will discuss shop signage and image. We’ll talk about what message you’re communicating without even uttering a word to your customer. We will look at ways for you to improve on the message you’re sending and help you set your shop apart from your competition.
Goal Setting For 2012: Combine A Well-Cast Vision With A Charted Course
On June 6, 1944, the Allied Invasion Forces landed across 60 miles of French coastline beginning one of the bloodiest battles in history, and resulting in the liberation of Europe that ultimately occurred on May 8, 1945, also known as V.E. Day. As Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces, Dwight D. Eisenhower had to set the objective first – European liberation from Nazi Germany.
Leading By Example: Focus On Core Strengths To Build A Stronger Team
Admiral Richard E. Byrd, one of the world’s greatest explorers, once said, “Few men during their lifetime come anywhere near exhausting the resources dwelling within them. There are deep wells of strength that are never used.”