Paul’s Tips for Business Pt. 2

If you’re just starting out opening your own business, chances are that you’re going to have questions and you’re going to need help. As an experienced businessman with more than 35 years in the automotive industry, I thought it was time that I passed on some of my expertise to help guide and encourage others follow the same passion for business that consumed me many years ago. While these tips may not apply to everyone, they’ve truly proven valuable to me throughout my career.

Now, without further ado, here is the second installment of Paul’s Tips for Business.

Realize that the problem is probably you.

• Especially true when you first open a business, this one can be hard to accept. You spent so long nurturing and fostering the idea of your business that the idea of you being at fault feels unimaginable. However, just because you’ve perfected your idea on paper doesn’t mean that your execution is flawless. A lot changes between the idea stage and the implementation, not to mention that you’re brand new at running a business. Learn to accept criticisms as critiques on how to do better, and stop taking them personally.

Follow your gut.

• What people talk about as “gut feelings” and intuition is hard to put into words, but when you feel it, you’ll know it. Often we recall these gut instincts in hindsight as we review the aftermath of something we knew we shouldn’t have done in the first place. If you’re having a difficult time making a decision, sit quietly on your own and listen to what your “gut” is telling you.

Don’t get bogged down and distracted trying to match prices.

• If you’re running a small auto body shop that also sells tires, there’s no way that you can offer pricing that’s comparable and expect to ever turn a profit. Instead of wasting your time trying to match what your competitors can offer in price, showcase the one asset you have with which big corporations will never be able to compete: exceptional and personalized customer assistance. Learn the names of your regulars, and become familiar with each new client you encounter.

Put a face to the name.

• It’s all too easy for customers to see your business as a logo rather than a vast network of high-quality customer service and individualized care. Take the time to show your customers that you’re more than just a company, you’re people who are running a company. Greet customers regularly and never let a patron leave unsatisfied.