Have you made any positive changes to your business over these past 18 months that you might not have considered, had circumstances not dictated that you must?
Or perhaps these changes were not exactly out of necessity reacting to how the world changed, but more due to the fact that you had the opportunity to take a step back and look at how everything was running?
I heard thoughts along these lines from a couple of dealers this week, who have both won major accolades at past editions of the Service Dealer Awards. Chris Gibson of GGM Groundscare and Pete McArthur of Strathbogie Forest & Garden were talking to Chris Biddle on his Inside Agri-Turf podcast, relating how their businesses have coped over these past 18 months.
Chris Gibson says how this period had most definitely prompted them to make more positive changes than perhaps they otherwise would. He talks about keeping all staff more informed and meeting up more frequently which is both inclusive and helpful for all.
He also talks about continuing to 'green up' the business where they could, with more use of solar power for example.
Pete also talks about refinements made to their dealership. He says how they were able to identify processes that needed to change for the betterment of the company. He speaks of having a short breather when initially being forced to close their doors, and then going back at it with a renewed vigour.
It's a fascinating chat and one that I'm sure many readers will relate to - so do check it out today.
Value of awards
The conversation also covers how winning an industry award positively effected their dealership. Speaking of which, that brings me nicely to asking if you have entered your business into the Service Dealer Awards yet?!
As you may have already noticed, time is almost up to get your nominations in. We are keen to hear from as many of our readers as possible, so please do get yourselves involved. You all have a unique story to tell and undoubtedly deserve that recognition that comes with winning.
It was such a shame, but unavoidable, to be forced into canceling the awards and the conference last year. To have them back therefore is such a treat because shining a light on the incredible work achieved by our dealer readers is a genuine thrill and, frankly, what Service Dealer enjoys doing most.
As a news source we sometimes must turn our attention to subjects which can be difficult, uncomfortable or downbeat. But with the awards, and certainly with the set of categories that have been designed specifically for this year, we have the perfect forum to highlight and celebrate the network's incredible efforts.
And going back to what Chris and Pete are talking about on the podcast, these new awards categories are specifically designed to reflect any changes that have been made within the dealership recently.
Take the Best New Initiative award for example. This to me is quite a broad category. I'm sure many reading today will be able to think of something they've changed or started afresh that could apply to this award. Have you for example carried out some renovation work, changed a showroom, or diversified into new markets? Or maybe you've focused on new technology in some way? There will be something that you've developed throughout this period that deserves recognition.
Have a look through the awards categories and I'm sure you'll see something there that you can absolutely relate to. Don't be shy in shouting about it either.
Winning a Service Dealer award is not only a fantastic fillip for you and your team, it's a gold-plated marketing opportunity. The PR you can generate via your social channels and local press, plus the national recognition from the industry and your peers, should not be underestimated.
Chris and Pete also talk about this. Chris for instance, not only mentions the huge pride and boost given to the whole team from winning, but also how the award is something else to add to a company's credibility. This might be especially useful with customers who are discovering you for the first time.
Pete adds that the publicity generated wasn't just confined to within the industry. He said he had customers ringing up and even coming into the premises to congratulate them.
Service Dealer owner, Duncan Murray-Clarke, who is also on the podcast, says it's humbling to think that a Service Dealer Award can have this positive effect and potentially lead to new people entering a dealership or making contact. It is in fact the principal reason why they are run.
So what's the delay? Get entering! You know how good your business is, you know the lengths to which you and your team have gone to not only help the business but also your local community. You also know how smart you have had to work to not just survive, but to thrive. So let us know!
More importantly though, let your customers and potential customers know too.
Good luck and see you for the ceremony in November!
Enter the Awards here.
