I've been listening to shop owners complain about spotty work for several years now. Many say it's temporary; while others say a slowdown does not exist and they have never been busier. Regardless, most independents continue doing what they do. Kind of a "there's always been work and there will always be work - someday" thing.

It reminds me of scientists who argue about global warming. "Hmmm, do ya think it's getting warmer?" "Nah, that piece of Antarctica the size of Texas has been dying to break away and melt since the last ice age! I am getting pretty thirsty though; let's go get a cold one."

Whether your shop is booming or is affected by a temporary, localized or industrywide slowdown, your business should be evolving. Adapting. Changing. For some it could mean huge profits, for others it could mean survival.

Change doesn't come easy. We spend our lives creating zones of familiarity that make us comfortable. We resist change. However, just because you're comfortable doesn't mean your business is healthy!

Five Simple Steps for Change

A profitable, "well-oiled" shop does a lot of little things right. By looking at what you do and how you could possibly do everything better you create a work culture that is accepting of - and fosters - change. I was looking through the bookstore for some advice on change several years ago. There was plenty to read but nothing that boiled down the process to a few easy steps. After some trial and error I developed the following process during my shop's transformation. Note: Each step doesn't need to be distinct from the next. For instance, ideas for the brainstorming phase may naturally arise during discussions with staff during the assessment phase.

Assess: You won't know what changes you want and - more importantly, what has worked - until you accurately know where you stand in this moment. Look at all aspects of your business from accounting and workflow to appearance. Be open to honest input from your staff.

Brainstorm: List all of the areas ripe for change in your business. Look for bottlenecks in your workflow processes. Your best ideas can come from within your facility. Listen. Learn. Take management classes.

Plan and Prioritize: Analyze your ideas. Determine which will give you the most "bang for the buck." Do these first. For instance: Move the printer closer to your service writing station or add voicemail to your phone system.

Integrate: This is where the tire hits the road. Ideas become innovations when new ways of doing things are actually introduced. Some stuff is going to work great. Other ideas won't go as planned or may prove to be impossible. That's OK because with some flexibility and awareness you are going to realize benefits you didn't know were possible before starting the change process.

Evaluate: What's working and what's not? Why? Re-prioritize and continue the process. Enjoy the inevitable fact that just by looking at change something good is going to occur in your business and may be more than you planned on!

By the way, a successful operation starts from the top down. You're the one at the top. So consider starting this process by taking a good hard look at yourself. What are your strengths, weaknesses? For better or worse, most shops are an extension of the owner. Your strengths are magnified in the business - chatting it up with customers and working the counter or perhaps diagnosing difficult driveability problems. Your weaknesses are also represented in your operation - procrastination, poor accounting and excessive golfing.

Just remember: You have choices. Reach out and turn the dials in your business. Take a chance on making things better for yourself and, consequently, for all of those who surround you. Live each day with vision, soul and sense of purpose. Embrace change and make it an ally.

John Peake, AAM, is the owner of Peak Performance Inc., an ASA member business in Salt Lake City. Peake is also the founder of Cartrak Online, Cartrak.com, an ASA member benefit provider that offers Internet services specifically designed for independent automotive shops.

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 California BAR Report | Environmental, Health and Safety Issues | Direct-to-Metal Products Offer Many Benefits | Dealing with Difficult People | Guest Editorial | Tech to Tech | Tech Tips | Shop Profile | Net Worth | Stat Corner | Chairman's Message