Animal Massage

What is the relationship between an Animal Massage & your Quick Lube, Fast Lube, or Oil Change Center? Well, neither the Animal nor the Vehicle can "really" talk to the paying customer about their "Service" experience.

Step away from your business, get out of your comfort zone and look at other business's that directly or indirectly affect what you do. Taking your Dog for a Massage is $35 (I checked - no, I don't do it). Does the Dog get the massage? Is the beast simply thrown into a closet until I return to pick the beast up? I REALLY don't know. We have to be able to TRUST the business.

Seeing is Believing!

When an animal is groomed or a vehicle is washed, we can see the results. When purchasing a new set of tires, tune-up, alignment, etc. we can see and/or feel the results from our purchase. Consumers are programmed to see results!

How many times have you been with a family member that was purchasing a car? I would have to say (and I don't understand it) that the decision to buy usually comes down to the feel of the Drivers Seat, Lights on the Dash Board, the Radio, and the personality of the sales person.

How many times have you frequented a fast food place, purchased a burger & fries, and found MORE fries in the bottom of the bag? For me, 100% of the time.

My vehicles have been serviced hundreds of times. For some reason, one of the vehicles always seems to have one of the Valve Stem Caps missing. Not Once, has a replacement cap been put on when having service done. Why? How much are they? How much time does it really take to put one on? Guess what, I cannot see or feel the difference in an Oil Change, but I do notice the tires every time I get into or out of my vehicle. For many consumers, it's the small things (radio, extra fries, valve stem cap, etc.) that generate feelings of satisfaction.

Seeing is believing, and the more a customer can see, the more they learn to trust you and recommend you to others.

Make It Happen - Coffee Shops

Early morning coffee at a coffee shop can accomplish many things. Don't you know the "Worlds Problems" are solved by the daily early morning "Brain Trust" in small coffee shops throughout the country? Every morning, you have an opportunity to weigh (and weigh in) on that which is on the minds of fellow locals.

Further, just listening or contributing to early morning conversations will:

• Show you exist outside of your business
• Allow others to see you being yourself
• Provide an avenue to educate your "audience"
• Provide an avenue for YOU to learn (the wit of a waitress - shop owner - patrons ...)
• Provide an avenue to learn what your "audience" is concerned about
• Clarifies the local news (it's what people think about the news - not just the news)
• Puts you in direct contact with customers and potential customers!

Sometimes, you just have to Make It Happen. Sitting around wondering if business is going to "Dry Up" accomplishes nothing. Quick Lubes and other Auto Care facilities have plenty of opportunities to go into the public and get business.

We are all paid to Solve Problems. How can we even begin to solve problems if we do not know what Local people want or need? I realize a small coffee shop is not entirely the answer, but it could be a start. After all, an early morning visit to your local coffee shop is both a small investment of time and money.

Make It Happen!

Make It Happen - HR Directors

Sometimes, you just have to Make It Happen. Sitting around wondering if business is going to "Dry Up" accomplishes nothing. Quick Lubes and other Auto Care facilities have plenty of opportunities to go into the public and get business.

How many Human Resource Directors of local companies do you know? Human Resource Directors are usually responsible for:

• recruiting and staffing
• organizational and space planning
• performance management and improvement systems
• organization development
• employment and compliance to regulatory concerns
• employee orientation, development, and training
• policy development and documentation
• employee relations
• company-wide committee facilitation
• company employee and community communication
• compensation and benefits administration
• employee safety, welfare, wellness and health
• charitable giving
• employee services and counseling

(Note: Depending on the organization, the Human Resources Director often directs administration, including reception, and may even be responsible for facility security and upkeep in addition to space planning.)

Compile a list, get to know these people, stay in contact with them. HR Directors want to keep the employees happy, plain and simple. As a Quick Lube or Auto Care facility owner, what can you bring to the HR Directors table that will be "value added"? Get involved, contact the Medical Centers, Hotels, Apartment Complexes and all Corporations. Make It Happen!