Everyone in this industry has heard it over and over from various shop owners and industry personnel...
"Boy does that guy have all the luck; look at the beautiful operation he has. What luck he must have to attract and keep that kind of staff in place. He must of been in the right place at the right time".
Is it not amazing how so many in the Aftermarket justify their circumstances? They always have an excuse seemingly for everything and especially why their shop is not in the top 3 of their community. They just can't seem to find the "luck" they need to make it happen.
A good friend of mine, Mr. Rui Martins from Nova Scotia, brought it all home for me by sharing this; "Bob, you have always said they just don't get it. You push them because you know that they can be so much better at what they do and enjoy a much higher quality of life. You see it in them so you try to slow them down and ask them to take the time to experience and learn how. Then you ask them to implement with self discipline what they were exposed to. You shared the knowledge with me and then you pushed me. Bob I got it figured out. Thank you. I now have all the right relationships in place to ensure I will have all the "luck" I need to succeed in my business and enjoy a better personal lifestyle. Bob, I Labour Under Correct Knowledge."
The nail was hit on the head. Oh it makes all the sense in the world. Working with the correct knowledge will bring all the luck anyone needs; however, consider how many are labouring with out of date knowledge required to run and manage a business in today's challenging climate. They still live in an environment which contain rules that don't work any more. They now don't believe their circumstances or quality of life can get any better. "It is what it is" being the common phrase.
I only wish that they could find the confidence from within to take a chance on him/herself. They don't need a fire under their behind to get them going, they have lost the fire in their gut that gave them desire. If they could muster up a little gut desire and take one more chance on them self, they would then discover how much luck is truly available to them..........luck that can dramatically change their business and quality of life,......... however, they must take the first step. Nothing can happen until that is achieved.
If you know anyone like that why not share this message with them and hopefully they will take a look in the mirror and embrace the meaning of LUCK.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Continuing to Say "No" or "Not Now" is Not The Right Answer
Let's face it, the times are different than what you are accustomed to. You have been in business in excess of 10 years and you do not "trust" the industry. Let's consider the new realities:
1). Jobbers and WD's have always said they have an important message for you and they even labeled it under the topic of "Business Management" criteria. You went to their presentation on your valuable time and found out it was nothing more than a sales pitch to move more product that they sell. They even called you an "Installer", of which you are nothing close to being in this new era. You interpret, you diagnose, and you complete a detailed full service which is now customized to your clients needs. You truly are a Professional "Service Provider" in today's realities.
It's time to look for and pay attention to the better Jobbers who have invested in knowledge of your business and now understand that education,...... they now get it. They have taken the time and made the investment to "step outside of the box" and deal with the aftermarket reality and especially it's past history which created nothing but stress and mistrust between the shop owner and the parts supplier. For the supplier, times have dramatically changed and they truly realize the struggle you, as a shop owner, are in, and now, finally, understand the role they must play to ensure your business succeeds. They need you more than ever. You need a great parts supplier more than ever. They will now play a pivotal role in your business, but you also must understand that you play a pivotal role in the future of their business. They want YOU as a client of their parts business. They finally get it. It is time to secure this type of relationship and put the supplier to the test however before fingers are pointed, you too must come to the table for them as they require parts volume paid in full each month. That is their business. He/she either gets it, or he/she does not. YOU either "get it" or you do not!! I believe YOU will know on both fronts! How negative are you in your thinking?
2). Are you, the shop owner, truly the problem? Have times changed so rapidly that you have a tough time to address change yourself especially when it comes to business relationships? Today's business is all about relationships. You are in an industry where "change" is now the norm. You have to understand this and the new era of business relationships and must not bury your head in the sand. That result could end up killing you with stress which in turn affects your personal life and your business life. Change your attitude and embrace change. It isn't easy but you are not alone. You now have key opportunities where you can meet and get together with other shop owners experiencing the same reality and address the future together. Seek these opportunities out. The future is very bright, but you have to be willing to address it. You can not shoot any idea or concept down without proper due diligence. Investigate all the parameters properly. Stop "prejudging" when you have not looked at or tested the facts. Emotions are not reality. That is your past haunting you!
3). We have too many shop owners in the industry who have a huge inferiority complex. They are afraid to enter business courses or address the new reality for fear they will not understand it, OR, "feel" stupid, OR, "look" stupid in class in their mind. Any instructor who does that, take to task immediately..........as you are far from stupid.........you own a shop and you understand complex vehicle technology. That instructor is NOT professional. Get your money back. It is now time to get on with the new learning curve that must be taken BUT you as as shop owner must take the FIRST step. Procrastination is not the answer, it is only an excuse for you to embrace. Why can you go "hunting" for a week to 10 days but you won't address your business for 3 or 4 days??? Come on...admit the facts.
4). Do you feel guilty about being financially successful? I think many shop owners do as their past, since high school, beat them down so much that they can not visualize themselves earning $150K to $200K a year (in 2010 dollars) for their families income out of their business, plus a shop business bottom line, coupled with 6 to 8 weeks holidays per year. They "think" they have to "rip people off" to accomplish that standard or could never happen in my marketplace. WAKE UP.....PLEASE... this is the era of "knowledge" in the aftermarket and you have the opportunity to embrace it and enjoy the outcome as a true "Profession", BUT nothing will happen for you and your family until YOU take the plunge and embrace the change that is here and in front of us today.
Do not use the excuse "sounds great but will not fit in my market"..........stop this excuse driven reason for your circumstances..........people are people and once we address everyone with scincerity, one on one, mountains can be moved.
Please join the new reality and embrace the culture of re-learning the business over again to ensure you can change the quality of your families life and set your business up for a proper sale when it comes to the time to let it go ........it's called succession.
Want proof? Watch the video on my home page www.aaec.ca as Rob Brouwer operating in Ottawa Ontario, unscripted, discusses his experiences.
Got a question? Please do not hesitate to contact me at 1-800-267-5497. This number comes directly to me.
1). Jobbers and WD's have always said they have an important message for you and they even labeled it under the topic of "Business Management" criteria. You went to their presentation on your valuable time and found out it was nothing more than a sales pitch to move more product that they sell. They even called you an "Installer", of which you are nothing close to being in this new era. You interpret, you diagnose, and you complete a detailed full service which is now customized to your clients needs. You truly are a Professional "Service Provider" in today's realities.
It's time to look for and pay attention to the better Jobbers who have invested in knowledge of your business and now understand that education,...... they now get it. They have taken the time and made the investment to "step outside of the box" and deal with the aftermarket reality and especially it's past history which created nothing but stress and mistrust between the shop owner and the parts supplier. For the supplier, times have dramatically changed and they truly realize the struggle you, as a shop owner, are in, and now, finally, understand the role they must play to ensure your business succeeds. They need you more than ever. You need a great parts supplier more than ever. They will now play a pivotal role in your business, but you also must understand that you play a pivotal role in the future of their business. They want YOU as a client of their parts business. They finally get it. It is time to secure this type of relationship and put the supplier to the test however before fingers are pointed, you too must come to the table for them as they require parts volume paid in full each month. That is their business. He/she either gets it, or he/she does not. YOU either "get it" or you do not!! I believe YOU will know on both fronts! How negative are you in your thinking?
2). Are you, the shop owner, truly the problem? Have times changed so rapidly that you have a tough time to address change yourself especially when it comes to business relationships? Today's business is all about relationships. You are in an industry where "change" is now the norm. You have to understand this and the new era of business relationships and must not bury your head in the sand. That result could end up killing you with stress which in turn affects your personal life and your business life. Change your attitude and embrace change. It isn't easy but you are not alone. You now have key opportunities where you can meet and get together with other shop owners experiencing the same reality and address the future together. Seek these opportunities out. The future is very bright, but you have to be willing to address it. You can not shoot any idea or concept down without proper due diligence. Investigate all the parameters properly. Stop "prejudging" when you have not looked at or tested the facts. Emotions are not reality. That is your past haunting you!
3). We have too many shop owners in the industry who have a huge inferiority complex. They are afraid to enter business courses or address the new reality for fear they will not understand it, OR, "feel" stupid, OR, "look" stupid in class in their mind. Any instructor who does that, take to task immediately..........as you are far from stupid.........you own a shop and you understand complex vehicle technology. That instructor is NOT professional. Get your money back. It is now time to get on with the new learning curve that must be taken BUT you as as shop owner must take the FIRST step. Procrastination is not the answer, it is only an excuse for you to embrace. Why can you go "hunting" for a week to 10 days but you won't address your business for 3 or 4 days??? Come on...admit the facts.
4). Do you feel guilty about being financially successful? I think many shop owners do as their past, since high school, beat them down so much that they can not visualize themselves earning $150K to $200K a year (in 2010 dollars) for their families income out of their business, plus a shop business bottom line, coupled with 6 to 8 weeks holidays per year. They "think" they have to "rip people off" to accomplish that standard or could never happen in my marketplace. WAKE UP.....PLEASE... this is the era of "knowledge" in the aftermarket and you have the opportunity to embrace it and enjoy the outcome as a true "Profession", BUT nothing will happen for you and your family until YOU take the plunge and embrace the change that is here and in front of us today.
Do not use the excuse "sounds great but will not fit in my market"..........stop this excuse driven reason for your circumstances..........people are people and once we address everyone with scincerity, one on one, mountains can be moved.
Please join the new reality and embrace the culture of re-learning the business over again to ensure you can change the quality of your families life and set your business up for a proper sale when it comes to the time to let it go ........it's called succession.
Want proof? Watch the video on my home page www.aaec.ca as Rob Brouwer operating in Ottawa Ontario, unscripted, discusses his experiences.
Got a question? Please do not hesitate to contact me at 1-800-267-5497. This number comes directly to me.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Times Are Different...Why Are You Comparing to Last Year?
Shop owners know that things are different this year and in fact so much has changed that measuring the business results against last year or even the year before doesn't make much sense any more.
These are new and very modern times in our sector. Management must relearn the business all over again and coupled with that challenge must also instill new self disciplines to execute differently.
The next 10 years will be a journey, not a trip, as no one can even predict how this Fall and next Winter will play out. Get use to this uneasiness. The new reality is now here.
When you understand the new intricate measurement fundamentals and what is required to be executed on a daily basis today throughout the shop, your stress can come down substantially. The results will fall into place but it will be a much different time frame than what everyone was accustomed to over the past 20 years. Today the old saying concentrate on "getting back to the basics" means so much more than it did even 5 years ago. The basics have changed.
It is when Management and the staff do not understand how to deal with this reality that panic and stress come to the foreground. Everyone is trying to figure out how to redefine themselves. I see this in the Jobber business as well.
There is no silver bullet to fix your business and create instant sustainable profitability. Any one who says they have the quick fix solution does not understand the complexity of running a shop business today.
Take a good look as to where you are today. Take a good look as to where you will be 5 years from now based on your current Management methods. Are your methods proven and will they guarantee your financial future or are you saying to yourself "I hope they work, I'm just not sure"?
The solutions for a sustainable future are available to you but you must make the time, put in the effort to experience them........... and oh yes.....learn them. Seek them out and make the effort, I'm confident you will not be disappointed.
These are new and very modern times in our sector. Management must relearn the business all over again and coupled with that challenge must also instill new self disciplines to execute differently.
The next 10 years will be a journey, not a trip, as no one can even predict how this Fall and next Winter will play out. Get use to this uneasiness. The new reality is now here.
When you understand the new intricate measurement fundamentals and what is required to be executed on a daily basis today throughout the shop, your stress can come down substantially. The results will fall into place but it will be a much different time frame than what everyone was accustomed to over the past 20 years. Today the old saying concentrate on "getting back to the basics" means so much more than it did even 5 years ago. The basics have changed.
It is when Management and the staff do not understand how to deal with this reality that panic and stress come to the foreground. Everyone is trying to figure out how to redefine themselves. I see this in the Jobber business as well.
There is no silver bullet to fix your business and create instant sustainable profitability. Any one who says they have the quick fix solution does not understand the complexity of running a shop business today.
Take a good look as to where you are today. Take a good look as to where you will be 5 years from now based on your current Management methods. Are your methods proven and will they guarantee your financial future or are you saying to yourself "I hope they work, I'm just not sure"?
The solutions for a sustainable future are available to you but you must make the time, put in the effort to experience them........... and oh yes.....learn them. Seek them out and make the effort, I'm confident you will not be disappointed.
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