In this tight labor market, it’s getting harder to find good help. But that doesn’t mean you should hire every Tom, Dick and Harry with a pulse and a driver’s license.
If you’re a procrastinator, there’s a really good chance you’ll bookmark this article to read later. That would defeat the purpose. Sort of like that book “How to Improve Your Memory” that I can’t seem to find. It’s been over two hundred years since Benjamin Franklin famously said, “never leave that ’till tomorrow which you can do today.” One would think that’s ample time for that success tip to catch on with the human race!
We’ve all been there. Customers keep coming in waves and your shop is crazier than it’s ever been. The bays and parking lot are completely full, your waiting room has guests who are waiting to speak with a service writer and you can’t catch your breath trying to keep it all organized. In other words, your policies and procedures broke down. The systems that worked when business was slower fell apart as you grew, and now you’re left trying to pick up the pieces or the shop morale will take a dive and your customers’ trust will fall right along with it.
Curiosity is a key element in the evolution of both people and businesses. Often, however, the structures we surround ourselves with don’t lend themselves to exploring new ideas or new ways of doing things. Many of us cling to processes that have worked in the past – and we depend on them to work for us in the future.
Automotive repair facilities often say their business would fail without their employees. But do their employees know that?
How many of you use annual performance reviews? And how many of you think that there must be a better way to manage your employees? If so, read on.
We have all felt that empty feeling in our gut when a client walks back in the door with the “look” shortly after installing that new set of tires on their BMW. They uncomfortably begin to describe some rim damage that didn’t exist when the car was dropped off. Yes, you have policies in place to address such situations, but, for whatever reason, the training on quality control has failed and now you are left to deal with the fallout. What’s next?
Clinging to “that’s the way it’s always been done” mindset is a sure-fire path to inefficiency, irrelevance and, eventually, the demise of our organization. The world doesn’t stand still for anyone – including us – and healthy curiosity is key to maintaining and strengthening our place in that world.
Specializing in training for independent tire/auto service businesses, I normally steer clear of new vehicle dealerships for tires or service work for my personal vehicles. The exception to this rule occurred recently when I brought in my 2016 Chrysler 300, a company car I lease through my business, into my local Jeep-Chrysler dealership in response to a safety recall notice.
Customers have more choices than ever when it comes to automotive service, so the service experience you provide needs to be remarkable and memorable. Mary DellaValle presents three ways to do that in this Management Minute. Sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.
If you’re a procrastinator, there’s a really good chance you’ll bookmark this article to read later. That would defeat the purpose. If you, your business and/or your employees are postponing something that should be done today until tomorrow, you’re not maximizing your time and your results will suffer.
Navigating the resources available to you when it comes to finding, hiring and training veterans can be confusing. The Department of Labor’s VETS has a team of Regional Veterans’ Employer Coordinators (RVECs) to connect people with federal, state and local resources, including on-the-job training and apprenticeship programs to help reduce employer costs and facilitate veterans’ employment.
