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One of the Biggest BenefitsPosted 10/12/2003By Kevin Caldwell, Chairman
It seems archaic, but I pulled out my printed 2003 Membership Directory, looked up several ASA shops in his area, and confidently referred him to them. You see, as ASA members, we form an awesome network of quality repair facilities across the United States and in several other countries. I've been a member of this association for more than 15 years, and have participated in many of the 30-plus benefits ASA offers its members. But perhaps being a part of this network becomes the greatest benefit of all - a benefit we sometimes take for granted. ASA is backed by a 52-year history. And the legacy of the association can be traced back to members like you and me who share ideas about the automotive service industry with fellow shop owners in a noncompetitive way. Our association provides us with essential networking opportunities; and I wouldn't trade that for anything. In the overall scheme of things it's this learning from each other and exchanging ideas and practices that has raised our industry's overall professionalism. It's difficult to learn new ideas when you go to the same place every day. We're inundated with phone calls, customer inquiries and the daily operation of our shops. I encourage you to take one day out of your schedule and attend an ASA event. Events like the Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS), to be held during Industry Week next month in Las Vegas, or the International Autobody Congress and Exposition (NACE), to be held in December in Orlando, Fla., provide excellent networking opportunities. I've attended almost every NACE since its inception, and still touch base with the many contacts I've made over the years. I received my Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) from the Automotive Management Institute almost 10 years ago. And during that time, I met a lot of innovative people who shared their ideas and business practices. My close circle of friends has grown exponentially, and each of them brings to the table new and refreshing ideas every time I talk to them. During these economic times we're all encountering, face-to-face interaction isn't always economically feasible. But when it is, it reaps great rewards. If you want to stay competitive, you must get out of your shop and share ideas and listen to suggestions from fellow professionals. ASA has opportunities at the local and national levels. You can't afford not to take advantage of this valuable tool. You see, the networking and exchange of ideas between ASA members is still, and will continue to be, one of the biggest benefits of our association.
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Copyright (c) 1996-2008. Automotive Service Association. All rights reserved.
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A few weeks ago, a good friend of mine, who also happens to be a customer, called me in a panic from Pennsylvania. While he was driving to his destination, a deer darted in front of him. Although he tried to avoid it, the deer became a casualty to his car. And his vehicle didn't look too good either. He needed a quality shop - and quick!
