GUEST COMMENTARY: A Different Kind Of ACE Mechanic
Think about the factors that influence the success of a company in the automotive industry – be it an auto parts chain, a supplier of OEM or aftermarket components, a national tire or repair chain, fleet service or a sole proprietorship three-bay garage outside of town. One common factor you will recognize is that success has a lot to do with the talent of employees. Many highly regarded companies are very successful because of their people. Those companies have a great deal of “people equity” equity in the financial sense that their employees constitute a valuable asset. Why are their employees such a valuable asset?
GUEST COMMENTARY: Red Shoes In Service & Leadership – Pillar No. 1: Awareness
When your actions are sincerely targeted toward the specific needs of an individual or a unique group, they will stand out. They will make a difference. They will positively influence the life and decisions of others.
GUEST COMMENTARY: Become A Branding Superhero And Make Your Brand Soar
This week, aftermarketNews is pleased to introduce the newest contributor in our rotating series of guest commentaries from noted industry experts. Today, Tom Marx, founder, chief strategist and head of client services for The Marx Group, kicks off his series on Power Branding with the “Five Secrets to a Knockout Bottom Line.”
GUEST COMMENTARY: China Enters Its ‘Aftermarket Era’
Schwartz Advisors (SA) has a team of experienced professionals with extensive industry knowledge. This month, SA partner Steven Ganster, shares his in-depth knowledge of China’s automotive sector and the opportunities and challenges for the aftermarket.
Guest Commentary – Dick Cross: ‘Sledgehammers’ For Loyalty
The two most powerful ways to endear yourself to someone else are: (1) to help them over a fear, or (2) to make them feel better about themselves. Today, more strongly than ever before, these two realities are your highest voltage power tools for driving a continually vibrant top line.
Guest Commentary: Dr. John Passante Examines The Purpose Of Purpose
Recently, I had lunch with a chairman of a very creative communications organization. This gentleman is a true renaissance man. He quotes the Greek philosophies, the Jesuits, and is a focused and inspiring business leader. We discussed how we all work as hard as we do and why we do it. Of course, this is a very thoughtful and introspective quest.
Guest Commentary: Six Technologies That Aftermarket Companies Should Watch
In some manner, shape or form, your future will be electrified, says Derek Kaufman, partner at Schwartz Advisors.
Guest Commentary: Dick Cross On ‘Infecting’ Your Team
So far in this series, we’ve talked about the first framework for thinking like a CEO, The Back of the Envelope, and about the importance of character – yours – as the underpinning for zeal and ‘followership’ in your organization. But how do you actually create that kind of atmosphere? How do you “infect” your entire organization with the spirit to become, and continue to be, something extraordinary?
Guest Commentary: The Sacrifice of Leadership
Dr. John Passante recounts a recent conversation with legendary Northwood University basketball coach Rollie Massimino.
Guest Commentary: Wearing ‘Red Shoes’ In Service And Leadership
This week, AMN is proud to introduce Lonnie Mayne, the newest contributor to our rotating guest commentary series. As a former aftermarket exec, Lonnie’s name will be familiar to many. Lonnie is the chief experience officer (CXO) for Mindshare Technologies, a Utah-based company with more than a decade of practice helping companies deliver a better customer experience through the real-time application of customer feedback. As CXO, Lonnie influences each and every company interaction with its clients – from front desk greetings and spontaneous office visits, to marketing campaigns and everyday sales calls. In 2012, Lonnie created the Red Shoes Experience Blog as a way of spotlighting individuals who embody the attributes of an exceptional customer experience. He is always on the lookout for people whose actions make an experience stand out from the ordinary. Here, in the first of a multi-part series, Lonnie introduces the basic principles behind the Red Shoes Experience and how they can apply to any and every
DICK CROSS: Character Counts … A Lot!
Who you are – your character – underpins the zeal with which everyone else in your organization commits themselves to support you and your intentions.
Positive Trends and Favorable Industry Factors to Drive M&A in 2013
This week, we introduce the newest contributor to our guest commentary series. Over the coming weeks, Richard Schwartz, managing partner at Schwartz Advisors, will present us with his take on the changes taking place in the industry. Today, he kicks off the series with a look at factors influencing mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the aftermarket today.