The June 2018 issue of CarCare Business is now available online. You can flip through it here, but first, a few words from the Associate Publisher of CarCare Business, Shirley Brown.
Are You a Leader?
The repair sector is going to change drastically.
Things are heating up in the repair section of the automotive aftermarket… things that were never thought of or heard of 10 to 15 years ago. It’s a lot to take in and a lot to handle, especially if you or your shop lack leadership ability or the necessary training!
How are your leadership skills? You’re the owner of the business, but does your team consider you ‘their leader’? Do you have all the good ideas or is it someone else? Do you ask your team for ideas? Do you have a business plan for the future and are you going to be able to implement it? Do you have the commitment of your staff?
Up to date?
Are you up to date on all the issues arising in the industry, such as connected cars? Are you fully aware of telematics and how the vehicle can ‘talk’ to the consumer telling them what’s wrong and should be fixed? The car dealers are! You need to get on top of this, or you could lose customers if they think they can only get this work done at the dealer! In my mind, the industry has not done a great job of informing consumers about the manufacturers’ warranty and that they can take care of their needs just as well as the dealer and not ‘break’ the warranty. That message is still not strong enough.
And how about CASIS (Right to Repair)? It’s a touchy subject with some and needs to be clarified. Some manufacturers are still not allowing information for independent ASPs to service their make of vehicles.
Communication
Leadership skills are definitely needed. You need some strengths to do this. You need to communicate, not turn people against you, be sure your team works well together… and that’s only a few. You can’t be weak and get your business where you want it—ahead, part of the future.
I just read what Jim Clemmer, Clemmer Automotive Group said about Leadership. He said, “You should make coaching a priority. You (the coachee) are engaged in problem-solving. You own the action and you follow through!” Wise words.
Click here to read the June 2018 edition of CarCare Business
