Opportunities and Optimism.
06/01/09 01:45 PM
I am certain that many of think the topic for this month's Rants and Raves sounds a little far reaching judging by the news we hear everyday: GM and Chrysler in Bankruptcy, Thousands of dealers being shut down, thousands of people laid off. But the reality is that there are opportunities for all of us in this type of market.
First, every dealer that is still in business is trying to sell cars. They need all the help they can get. This has traditionally been the job of the professional restyler. Dressing up their vehicles helps them sell a more desirable product. But more importantly, accessories help them boost their profits. We all know they need that. Your opportunity lies in conveying this exact message to your customer base. If you can SHOW them how they can add to their bottom-line with the services and accessories you sell you become an invaluable resource to them in these trying times.
Furthermore, as the number of dealers decreases, the stronger ones left standing will only get stronger. It is a classic example of "Survival of the fittest," and you need to be getting your piece of that remaining pie. You may have never done business with these dealers, but you need to be. You need to go out and sell your company, products, services, and even more importantly; yourself. Keep in mind that the guy who was servicing them may not be around anymore, or he has his head buried so far in the sand that he isn't out helping his dealers make money. He may be so dejected he is not even calling on these customers. You need to seize these opportunities.
The biggest thing you need is optimism. If you keep your outlook optimistic you will convey this to your customers. We get enough negativity in the news everyday, the dealers are getting from their customers, and the manufactures. IF you come in with a brighter attitude you can help them be positive. If your customer has that extra bit of positivity it just may turn into business for you.
I agree this isn't the best time to be in an automotive related business, but we all need to seize the opportunities to maintain and secure our businesses. Imagine if you can survive in this market what kind of position you are going to be in when the market returns to post-recession levels! Trust me, it will be worth all the effort you put in now. Think of this as an investment in the future of your business.
Doug Jacobs
First, every dealer that is still in business is trying to sell cars. They need all the help they can get. This has traditionally been the job of the professional restyler. Dressing up their vehicles helps them sell a more desirable product. But more importantly, accessories help them boost their profits. We all know they need that. Your opportunity lies in conveying this exact message to your customer base. If you can SHOW them how they can add to their bottom-line with the services and accessories you sell you become an invaluable resource to them in these trying times.
Furthermore, as the number of dealers decreases, the stronger ones left standing will only get stronger. It is a classic example of "Survival of the fittest," and you need to be getting your piece of that remaining pie. You may have never done business with these dealers, but you need to be. You need to go out and sell your company, products, services, and even more importantly; yourself. Keep in mind that the guy who was servicing them may not be around anymore, or he has his head buried so far in the sand that he isn't out helping his dealers make money. He may be so dejected he is not even calling on these customers. You need to seize these opportunities.
The biggest thing you need is optimism. If you keep your outlook optimistic you will convey this to your customers. We get enough negativity in the news everyday, the dealers are getting from their customers, and the manufactures. IF you come in with a brighter attitude you can help them be positive. If your customer has that extra bit of positivity it just may turn into business for you.
I agree this isn't the best time to be in an automotive related business, but we all need to seize the opportunities to maintain and secure our businesses. Imagine if you can survive in this market what kind of position you are going to be in when the market returns to post-recession levels! Trust me, it will be worth all the effort you put in now. Think of this as an investment in the future of your business.
Doug Jacobs