I believe everyone is doing their best to work their way through these trying times with COVID-19 playing into your life and business world on a daily basis. We must take all precautions, of course, but let us not forget about the important details that must be looked after in our business.
It is time to get focused with the correct mindset. It is easy to be lazy and fall into the same old routines of the past. Heading into 2021 let us ensure it is different.
Do a basic site critique and make sure all items have been addressed completely within your operation. Review the overall business attitude throughout the building as you know people can “feel” the attitude of the business when they enter it. Do you have the right number of personnel on your team in order to deliver a high-quality service to your clientele? Is your equipment up to date for dealing with today’s vehicle realities? Do you stock the right inventory used frequently by your clientele and are you measuring the right earn turn index by line to ensure your money is being used wisely in the inventory category? Is your balance sheet in a strong position to move forward into 2021? If they have not been addressed, get it done now and always “delegate” a team member where possible to get their input as well.
Review the apps used in your business and ensure all staff members understand these new tools and are using them fully.
Review all time clock procedures to ensure time is being tracked properly to ensure accurate billing at the front counter and concentrate on capturing diagnostic time and billing it accurately for the next 21 days to get this habit set within the business culture.
Review your training plan for the next 1 year period and get all staff registered NOW into the courses that provide the right education to bring the shop team together so they understand why the business must operate this way and how to serve the client in a very Professional manner.
Review the administration procedures to capture the business numbers in a precise format so the trend lines of the business can be measured accurately and in a timely manner.
Ensure the communication lines with every staff member are open in a positive way. Give each staff member at least 1 verbal positive compliment each day. Look them in the eye when you do it. This is important in building their confidence that they are moving forward in their own development with this team.
Finally, I will end with this personal thought: “Having a negative person in your life or on your team is a choice, not a necessity. You do not have to have negative people in your life or business; you just must have the strength to confront their behavior and let them know it is unacceptable or let them go. That means any person who is negative; there are no exceptions. Do not ever forget the agenda of negative people is always about them and control. Their behavior is designed to move you toward their negative space and away from your positive thinking. When you give them this entrance into your world, they will not only take advantage of it, they will use it to wear you down and take control of your life and your business. Do not give them permission to do that.
