Looking through the stories in today's Update it brings it home just what a caring, fun and generous industry this can be to work in.
Firstly, we all here at Service Dealer once again want to say get well soon to Ron Miller who's currently recovering in hospital following a major operation. I've been told that many of Ron's friends across the industry had heard about Ron though the ever-reliable grapevine and had already sent him their best wishes. I don't know how common it is in other sectors for word to get around like that and for people from many different - and let's not forget competitor companies - to express their concern? It does make one think this industry can be pretty special on occasions.
I guess that could be one of the reasons which encourages many people once they become involved, to stay working in our sector for the duration of their working life. There's a great story illustrating this today with Terry Flynn being congratulated by his colleges at Celtic Mowers on the occasion of his 30th anniversary. Well played Terry!
We've also feature news about dealers and manufacturers choosing to interact with their customers in a social and fun way. Dealers AL Agri held a successful open evening to celebrate their first year in business recently and T& H Power Products have a fun display of Father Christmas riding a lawnmower at their premises to give customers a spot of festive cheer. Kubota meanwhile are once again running again a social media campaign, giving away prizes each day in the run up to Christmas.
Events like these engender good feelings between both the businesses and their customers which is so valuable these days when social media and word-of-mouth have such significance. Also it can't be underestimated how much value fun events like these can have on team morale internally - certainly at this time of the year.
That was one of the great aspects of Lister Wilder's incredible Movember effort which Phill Hughes tells us about today. At the same time as raising a phenomenal £18,000 for a very worthwhile cause, Phill says the staff had a great time doing it. "As well as providing a bit of fun and laughter," he says, "a bit of friendly competition is healthy. By offering prizes for various categories it generates a friendly competition amongst different departments, depots and offices."
Phill goes on to explain, "With many participating and others providing encouragement it offers a great opportunity for the whole company to come together for a common cause. And doing something good for others adds the feel good factor and creates a bonding experience along the way."
Other benefits which experts will say small businesses can gain as a result of charitable exercises include getting some great local PR. Local traditional media (and your own social channels) love stories about local companies supporting charitable causes. It shows your community how you are willing to give something back and think about more than just profit.
It is also said that engaging in charitable activities as a small business actually helps you with employee retention. Employees are said to feel proud to work for a company that supports philanthropic programs - and therefore choose to remain loyal.
Of course like any industry, this one experiences its fair share of ups and downs plus bad days. Those are well documented and discussed. However, on days like today where there are reasons to be cheerful and feel good about ourselves and each other, let's be unapologetic about it!
And it's nearly Christmas!
