Celebration and recognition are at the very core of our beings. We appreciate it when those who care about us wish us a happy birthday or a kind word after we performed a job well done.
So you’ve applied for or received your money from the government's PPP program in order to keep you afloat as a result of the Pandemic. I’ll share a few tips to help you stay out of trouble.
Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1492! Many of us remember that rhyme from our grade school days and at that time we didn't quite understand the significance of what that really meant.
Columbus was looking for new trade routes that would take him into uncertain waters when he embarked on his first exploration; he had no idea what lay ahead! But He anticipated a huge return from the risks he was undertaking.
So what do you and Columbus have in common? A lot actually.
First, he was headed into uncertain and uncharted waters. So are you, COVID-19 has had a highly adverse impact on our economy. What will the economic recovery look like over the next few months and years? At this point, we can count on one thing, uncertainty. Being prepared for it certainly makes it easier to work through.
Second, he had a vision of what he wanted to accomplish. He used that vision to recruit new crew members and secure financial backing for his journey. Do you have a vision and what does that vision look like for the near future? Are you intent on just keeping the lights on, or are you looking past the impact that COVID-19 had on your shop? I suggest that if you are only looking to survive, you will not come out of this strong. Not having a clear vision will also cause you to miss the opportunities that will come as a result of the pandemic.
Third, his ships were sound. He had the rigging in order, the sails in tip-top shape and his vessel as a whole was ready for whatever the seas could throw at it. Is your shop prepared for your journey? What improvements could you make now that will pay huge dividends in the near future?
Do you have your Shi(_) together and are you ready for the upcoming journey? Need help drop us a line at vic@ShopOwnerCoach.com and request a complimentary 30-minute coaching appointment.
I’ve been a shop owner and coach for 34 years. I was around for the days of handwritten ROs, and I’ve witnessed the shift to today’s cloud-based systems. I’ve experienced the pain of selecting a new system only to regret the decision and the setbacks it caused. While we won’t discuss any specific management systems here, I will lay out some things to think about as you look to improve your shop’s operations. A shop management system is simply a tool for you to be productive, efficient and profitable. If your current system fits that bill, then wisely consider the decision to change.
I’ve NEVER heard of an employee quitting because their boss shared too much information with them. On the contrary, I’ve heard of many employees that have gotten restless and quit because their boss didn’t bother to let them know what was going on, and that there was a plan in place to ensure the survival of the business and their employment.
You will get more accomplished, hit higher highs and have a greater sense of satisfaction when you embrace, understand and practice the process. Setting goals can be daunting for some, easy for others and for some people, just a new challenge to overcome. Some people, like myself, don't know how to set realistic goals, and tend to aim too low, or too high, which can lead to more problems! (That was me years ago :)
Have you ever hesitated to start something new because you were concerned that you would falter or crash and burn? Everyone has! It seems our aversion to “not getting it right” can be a stumbling block to success, and who knows, the success not achieved might be outrageous!
To make someone feel good about working for you, just say Thank You. These simple words are often underutilized in and around our shops today. Want to amp it up a little? Then along with the words, offer a small gesture of thanks like giving your techs their favorite soda/pop or candy bar after a job well done. Don’t know their favorite candy bar or pop? I can help you with that, just click the link at the end of this blog.