It's quite easy these days to rely on some form of electronic communication to reach someone. Most offices are equipped with electronic voice mail; many also have fax machines and e-mail. Without a doubt, these electronic forms of communication are efficient and convenient, especially in today's fast-paced society. However, from my recent visits with various Automotive Service Association (ASA) groups, I'm convinced that no form of communication -- regardless of how sophisticated -- will ever replace the benefits of face-to-face communication.

Face-to-face interaction isn't always economically feasible. When it is, though, it has great rewards. Recently, I met many ASA members at the grassroots level while attending ASA meetings in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. When I attend these meetings, I try to meet as many people as possible and do a lot of listening. It's at these meetings that I hear the grassroots concerns and the issues ASA members face in their businesses.

I'm not alone in my travels. ASA board member Johnny Mock from Pennsylvania was recently at an ASA meeting in Maine; Howard Lewis, an ASA board member from Washington, was at the ASA-Texas meeting in Houston, as were members of the ASA national staff. All board members are also faithful attendees at their local and state meetings, primarily to stay in touch with members' needs and issues through face-to-face communication.

The two ASA divisions -- mechanical and collision -- are also set up with operations committees whose members are shop owners from around the country. This is another way ASA uses this type of communication to gather information from the grassroots and deliver it to the national level.

Along the way, we get a lot of very helpful and valuable information. We also get the pleasure of being part of a network of top-notch shop owners and managers, and building lasting relationships with these people. An ASA staff member who attended the ASA-Texas convention reported that it was one of the best he'd ever attended. The reasons: attendance was very good, everybody was involved, you could feel the camaraderie among attendees and, overall, people had fun.

The handshakes, eye-contact, putting a face with a name and hearing the communication among shop owners firsthand remain the most rewarding forms of communication to me. When I'm among this audience, I can feel the entrepreneurial spirit and I can feel the issues. (I can also hear and see why so often we're referred to as independents!)

As we continue to embrace new technologies, we'll have to work hard to keep the human touch in our lives. It's the element that I know helps ASA stay in touch with members, and one that ultimately needs to remain part of our service businesses.

RATE THIS ARTICLE What do you think of this article? Your input will help AutoInc. develop additional articles on this subject. Share your thoughts! Your name Your e-mail address

MOST ACCESSED ARTICLES Fuel Injection Service, Not Just Cleaning The Art of Extraction EGR Systems: Operation and Diagnosis Proactive Target Marketing:_Rethinking Your Business Strategy Engine Performance: HO2S Diagnostics MOST E-MAILED ARTICLES Developing Employee Potential How Critical Thinking Can Help Your Business How to Diagnose the Ford Glow Plug What to Look for When Shopping for the Right Shop Management Software Putting a Price Tag on Complaints

AutoInc. Web Site | ASA Web Site | The Right Time for OSHA Review | Computerizing Your Business Can Be Easy | How to Schedule Vacations | Guest Editorial | Tech to Tech | Tech Tips | Shop Profile | Net Worth | Chairman's Message