Most resolutions are broken minutes after they are made! So, skip making a resolution that will last for a month, and let’s pick chaos (the controlled kind) for 2022!
Controlled chaos can be planned, to a degree, by directing your dealership into new practices or territory….and staying there for a while. Starting a new way of doing things, only to pull the plug after 90 days, can give the dealership whiplash. Unless of course, the changed results prove they just don’t serve your bottom line and are starting to show signs of being damaging. Sometimes, it can take a bit of time for the momentum of the program to move you in a new direction.
Take some time to assess all the resources available to you; Materials, labor, community, finances, etc., and determine where you want the controlled chaos to dwell for a while! Think about it. Which areas do you feel can grow and expand? Do you have any areas where you might be overdoing it? Where can controlled chaos best serve your business? If you want to upgrade from 20 notes a month, to 35… what changes need to occur? A few examples would be new goals for the sales teams, changes and improvements to advertising, and adding new programs for your customers like warranties and CPIs.
Implementing the above-mentioned new programs, (Warranty, CPI, Service Contracts, etc.) can be just the boost your business needs to thrive. However, it will require participation from everyone. Give the program an earnest run of at least 180 days with bi-weekly meetings with the team to keep everyone on the same page. During those brief meetings discuss progress, problems, suggestions, and different possible solutions, ultimately, keeping everyone engaged and excited. This is 100% on the shoulders of the owner(s) to get these meetings delegated and done so that real GROWTH can occur within the dealership.
We suggest introducing controlled chaos to one department at a time, based on the needs and resources of the assessment you did. It could take months of fine-tuning before you hit the sweet spot and witness growth from your efforts. It is also important to pay close attention to the needs of your other departments, as changes in one will affect your entire business. The most successful business owners have a plan with short- and long-term goals in place to keep them prepared for the next step (as well as the unexpected chaos life deals us all). Whatever your goal, the results of controlled chaos are worth the work. You may spend days filled with frustration, agitation, and feeling like you are reaching impossible situations to resolve. Such is the nature of the beast. If you keep pushing, (again, do not push your business over the edge. The goal is to be uncomfortable and inspire change), those days traditionally work out to be replaced with days that are rewarding, fun, and filled with excitement and joy. Breathe. You are doing the best you can.
In short- without controlled chaos and working outside our comfort zones in businesses, there would absolutely be no successes, no change, no learning, and very little growth. Look at how much we all changed and grew from the chaos of 2020; Opportunities can come wrapped up in the strangest packages at times!
New processes, new programs, new procedures; Which is it to be? Tom Hampton Agency is here to help you figure it out. Schedule your consultation today and kickstart your 2022!
Create-A-Bright-Future,
Tom Hampton
