Ten resolutions for 2008! 40 more in the December issue of BRAKE & FRONT END!
1. Increase the labor rate. Chances are your customers will not notice.
2. Secretly shop the competition.
3. Take down all the old, dirty or out-of-date “push/pull” or “we install” stickers off your front door.
4. Use your shop management system more effectively. Explore all menus and options. Nobody ever broke a computer by scrolling.
5. Update your “in case of emergency” phone number list. It is amazing how an out-of-date phone list can induce panic during a real emergency.
6. Buy new fender covers.
7. Help a local shop that everyone is complaining about. Be part of the solution, not the problem. It will help everyone in the long term.
8. Log onto OE repair information websites and become familiar with how they work before you have to stumble through during a repair.
9. Attend at least one city council or local government meeting and introduce yourself to everyone that attends. You will be amazed at the business it will drum up.
10. If you are a small shop where customers are often transferred into voice mail, update the message everyday. Also, update your “on hold” message as often as possible.