As we begin another new year, I'm sure most, if not all of us, have made at least a token resolution and begun the year with
new hopes, possibly along with a new strategy and strong conviction to make it happen. These resolutions might be to lose
weight, quit smoking, make more time for the family, etc. Unfortunately, often with resolutions, we quickly slip back into
our daily routines while the new plan fades in our minds and actions. We are soon again at the end of the year looking back
to what we should have done but didn't.
Too much of the time this happens with resolutions to make our businesses better. Being a small business owner, often you
are accountable to no one but yourself. However, the only way to make progress in your plans is to make sure you hold yourself
accountable, just as you do with your employees. To succeed, any resolution must include accountability and commitment.
Too often, I've talked with shop owners (small and large) that simply do not have the understanding or the business training
to be responsible for running a business. It is fairly easy to open a business. How it operates is the primary factor to its
long-term success, and this is the responsibility of the owner. A great commitment by the business owner and managers is necessary
to make the correct decisions for the future of the business.
Just a few days ago, I was contacted by a shop owner who asked me if he was allowed to make a profit on paint and materials.
He had been told by a local field adjuster that these were not to be profit centers and that even I-CAR stated as much. This
is the type of misinformation many isolated shop owners and managers are fed on a daily basis. Perhaps all of us need to make
a resolution to end this kind of isolation.The first step to doing this is simply getting involved with others. Don't put your business on an island. Take a new look
at your business. Think of running a business in this industry like going to war (the two are similar in many ways). The first
order in most wars is to "divide and conquer," which has been done to us. In warfare, you need to know your allies because
no one can be expected to win a war all alone. As I have stated in many previous columns, you need to get involved and support
your local, state and national associations. The only way we can take back control of our industry is by working together
in an ethical and lawful manner, making a stance that protects the vehicle owner and ensuring the vehicle is properly repaired
and that we are paid for what we do within reasonable market pricing.
At the end of every year, I think back at what I set out to accomplish in January. This allows me to reflect on what positive
changes were made, but I also see areas where little or no progress occurred. This seems to always be the case, but it does
not deter my commitment and it shouldn't deter yours either.
So who needs New Year's resolutions? We all do. But we need to understand we must be accountable to ourselves, our employees,
our customers, our businesses and our industry. If you want to make sure this year's resolution(s) have a greater chance for
success than in prior years, you must officially commit to them. Ask yourself these questions: What really are your plans?
Do you share them with others in your company, your family or even with a consultant/coach? Do you ask for support by those
that can assist you? Have you thought about getting involved in a business development group for 2009? The bottom line is
that you need to take the time to work on your business and improve your position in the industry. Good luck in 2009.
Contact info:
Tony.Passwater@aeii.net
Posted 2009-02-04 11:52:54.0
