10 Building Blocks To Ensure Your Shop’s Success In The New Year
Whether you’re looking back on last year’s challenges and opportunities, or looking ahead to what the new year might hold, the value of working on your business to achieve bigger and better results never changes. Every facet of your business should be continuously refined to support your shop’s customer value proposition.
A Winning Workplace
Having difficulty finding talented employees? Take a good hard look at the engagement level of your existing employees first. Spending the last 20+ years in business consulting, the past 10 in my own practice, I have too often heard the plea “we can’t find good people” from business owners and/or management personnel. In fact, if you’re a shop owner or manager, there’s a very good chance you’ve said this yourself at one point or another.
The Right Way To Measure Customer Satisfaction In Your Auto Repair Shop
Far too many shop owners don’t measure Customer Satisfaction in their auto repair shops. It’s not that they’re not interested in the results, it’s just that they’re not exactly sure how to do it. Unfortunately, the price they pay for not measuring their customer satisfaction is often staggering.
Thwarting Cyber Attacks In The Digital Age
No company of any size is truly safe from those seeking to access customer and company data. And, if a large, multi-billion dollar corporation’s systems are vulnerable to attack, then surely a local retailer – like an auto repair shop – can easily fall victim. Luckily, there are many ways to protect your business against data breaches and hacking, from computer security tactics and software programs to employee education and even insurance policies.
Repair One Automotive: Team Atmosphere Bolsters Shop’s Success
Creating a team atmosphere is sometimes easier said than done in a repair shop setting. Not so with Repair One Automotive. Since opening in January 2003, owners Brent and Brenda O’Neal have made every effort to build not only a team atmosphere, but a positive environment where “employees know their ideas are both listened to and valued.”
Preferred Automotive: Business Growth Through Education, Customer Service
Preferred Automotive Specialists, Inc. is proof positive that business growth doesn’t have to mean sacrificing customer service. Tom Palermo, who serves as the general manager of the Jenkintown, PA, shop, has been able to expand his fleet customer base while continuing to maintain the personal, one-on-one relationship with regular customers.
Army Of Advocates
By now, you’ve been in the business long enough to know what it takes to earn a customer’s trust. Through top-notch employees, honest and thorough vehicle service, clean and comfortable waiting rooms – and of course, impeccable customer service – your business likely is reaping the rewards of hard work and focus.
Case Study: Overcoming Daunting Challenges Selling An Automotive Aftermarket Business
While every transfer of business ownership is unique, unforeseen challenges – in this case, a national business recession that resulted in decreased sales and complicated by environmental and family ownership issues – can cause the selling process to drag on for what seems like forever, to the frustration of all parties involved.
Knowing Your Numbers Helps Boost Shop Profitability
Over the last 22 years, I’ve been amazed to discover just how many shop owners are lost when it comes to knowing and understanding “the numbers.” In order to build a successful auto repair shop, you are going to need to know two sets of numbers: your “financial” benchmarks, and your “operational” benchmarks.
What Are the Biggest Safety Risks for Automotive Businesses?
Automotive businesses are faced daily with potential risks that can threaten and result in a loss. Slips and falls, employee discrimination, accidental spills and faulty work are just a few examples. As an owner, operator or employee of an automotive business, how do you know which to focus on?