Get off the sideline and into the game
When Dave Keckler, MRT’s technical editor, asked if I’d be interested in contributing the first entry for this new MRT column, I said “Sure, why not? What a great opportunity. I’m sure I have lots to say that your readers will find interesting.”
Little did I realize the challenge before me.
But then I got to thinking about “challenge” and the challenge that all of us face in our respective businesses. And, more important than thinking about it, what are we doing about it?
Quickly, before I get started, I want to tell you about an article I just finished for our company newsletter and how it relates to what we’re doing here. It was titled “Tamales 101.” Now, that’s not some kind of “Texas thing,” even though Texas does have some of the best tamales in the world. The article was actually a challenge to our employees to commit themselves to self-improvement and/or continuing education. Let me know if you want a copy, and I’ll email it to you.
Now, back to business. What are we doing about our businesses and ourselves? Just as we need our employees and associates to take the initiative and make the commitment to improve, we as owners and managers have an even larger responsibility. We have to chart the course for our business, and we have to lead by example. It’s not enough that we all face the “New Millennium.” (I never thought the “New Millennium” started in 2000 – I mean, who starts counting at “0”?) We all face changes in technology and regulation.
Well, we will all improve our chances of survival and success if we invest time in our businesses and ourselves. So where do we start? We start with planning. That’s right, planning! When is the last time you sat down and revised your business plan? Maybe the better question is “Have you ever formalized your business plan?” Yeah, you know: think about what you’re doing, what you’re going to do and then write it down. Then, use it as a road map. Refer back to it. Change it. Challenge it. Revise it. Share it. Commit yourself and your organization to it.
Next, get involved in the industry. Get into the game and off of the sidelines. I have found that my involvement in the Council of Independent Communications Suppliers has been a worthwhile investment of my time and money. The things I have learned, and the people I have met: sooooooo worthwhile and valuable. By the way, if you think CICS is for you (and I certainly think it is a meaningful and purposeful organization), please drop me an email and we’ll visit.
And yes, don’t forget “Tamales 101.” It’s all about self-improvement and continuing education. Yes, I know we are all getting the educations of our lives just running a business, but don’t forget to take some time out for yourself. A class at a community college, a seminar sponsored by your Chamber of Commerce or even just a good business book or business audio tape is a start. These kinds of things will mean a lot to you in the long run, and they will have an immediate impact on your peers, associates and/or employees.
Self-improvement, continuing education, planning and involvement – great things to do in preparation for the “New Millennium.”
This month MRT debuts a new, rotating, guest editorial column: “Point-of Sale Perspective.” This space will be a soapbox for opinions and editorials contributed from our dealer audience.
Each month, a different radio equipment dealer will discuss the business issue he or she is most encouraged by, or the one that really gets under his or her skin. Unlike “Letters to the Editor,” MRT will pay a writer’s fee for each “POS Perspective” column accepted for publication.
Commentaries should be about about 500-700 words long. There is no restriction on the business topic, and there will be no “Sacred Cows.” Although we will print complaints, we also hope to unearth points for optimism about being a two-way dealer and ways to improve one’s business model or practices. We encourage our dealer readers to feel that they “own” this column.
Because MRT is prepared about 45 to 60 days ahead of the cover date, comments on general trends may also be more timely than reactions to specific news or events that are current at the time the contributor is writing. Submissions for consideration for the March issue, for example, need be received by mid-January.
Dealers interested in contributing to this column should contact David Keckler, technical editor, by email at [email protected].