IF YOU KNOW THE TECHNICAL WORK of a BUSINESS THAT DOES TECHNICAL WORK.....
- Thread starter buda
- Start date
Richard Grasa
New member
Operating a business and doing the work are two different things.
David Fermani
Forza Auto Salon
buda said:
Knowing the technical piece can sure come in handy, but doesn't mean technically proficient detailers have any clue how to run a business. It's usually the opposite in this industry. I do feel an operator should have a good understanding of what is needed to accomplish a desired result. Otherwise, they'll be too dependent on the technician for instruction. It all depends on the situation, the environment and the person.
I'd be willing to say that there isn't too many detailing operations that exist where the leader/owner/operator hasn't detailed extensively. I actually sold my business to a person who didn't know anything about reconditioning/detailing and he ended up running it into the ground most likely because of his inabilty to understand detailing because his pure focus was on hording money.
Is there any statistics that anyone has done to make heads or tails out of this?
WAS
Driven
buda said:
You have to know SOMETHING about the technical aspect of the business. You can be the greatest business owner in history, but if you can't tell if your employees took the swirls out of a vehicle, then you have no idea what your end product result is. Without at least some knowledge of the technical aspect, you will most likely fail. On the flip side, if you know the technical in and out but don't know a thing about business, you can equally fail. Ideally, you would know both aspects in and out, but in reality, you need a healthy balance.
C. Charles Hahn
CCH Auto Appearance, LLC
David Fermani said:
:werd: That is 100% correct.
According to management consultant, Michael Gerber in his very famous and well-read book, "The E Myth" written especially for small business persons in technical businesses it is this way:
"The "FATAL" mistake that many, too many, small business people make is that they believe that if you know the technical work of a business, you can operate a business that does technical work."
The reason that it is fatal he goes on to say and prove in this 1/2" fast reading book is that "it is not true," and the reason that most technicians who open a business end in the dumpster of failure (bankrupt) or struggle until they just give up.
Why is it not true?
Because the "technician" when faced with business problems such as marketing; advertising; financial accountability; proper hiring and training of employees, do not have these knoweldge and skills to handle these problems and the best they can do is try to throw what they know, "technical solutions" to the problem. Does not work and before long they are out of business.
Every detailer on this forum owes it to themselves to buy this book on Amazon.com under books. You can probably purchased a used version for less than the cost of the postage.
If you buy it and do not like it I will give you a credit for what you paid for it against a purchase from my company, that is how convinced I am it will help you.
Think of the truth of the premise: body shop techs that open a body shop; bakers that open a bakery; a chef that opens a resturant; a mechanic that opens a repair shop; even a dentist who opens a practice, they are all technicians and are best at performing tehcnical tasks not the other business related things.
Either they are lucky and have more business than they can handle and succeed or they fail or they struggle, or they get someone to take care of the business side of the business.
Where do you stand?
Bud ABraham
"The "FATAL" mistake that many, too many, small business people make is that they believe that if you know the technical work of a business, you can operate a business that does technical work."
The reason that it is fatal he goes on to say and prove in this 1/2" fast reading book is that "it is not true," and the reason that most technicians who open a business end in the dumpster of failure (bankrupt) or struggle until they just give up.
Why is it not true?
Because the "technician" when faced with business problems such as marketing; advertising; financial accountability; proper hiring and training of employees, do not have these knoweldge and skills to handle these problems and the best they can do is try to throw what they know, "technical solutions" to the problem. Does not work and before long they are out of business.
Every detailer on this forum owes it to themselves to buy this book on Amazon.com under books. You can probably purchased a used version for less than the cost of the postage.
If you buy it and do not like it I will give you a credit for what you paid for it against a purchase from my company, that is how convinced I am it will help you.
Think of the truth of the premise: body shop techs that open a body shop; bakers that open a bakery; a chef that opens a resturant; a mechanic that opens a repair shop; even a dentist who opens a practice, they are all technicians and are best at performing tehcnical tasks not the other business related things.
Either they are lucky and have more business than they can handle and succeed or they fail or they struggle, or they get someone to take care of the business side of the business.
Where do you stand?
Bud ABraham
Barry Theal
New member
Where do I stand?
Bud this is a great post. I'm the technical guy who isn't a business man. I looked at this business strickly to be "The Man" I was very good at what I did, but wasn't being profitable. I was to wrapped up in forums, and trying to be the next big thing. I actually forgot I own and operate a business. Until I looked at it as a business and not as being cool, I wasn't making money. I was grossing a lot, but not profitting fm it. Today is a lot different. Now Im a decent business man, " still learning" with a strong technical advantage. The hardest part for me was to be able to turn work over to others, because If I wasn't doing it, it wasn't getting done right. I had to redo my thoughts and educate and train my staff. Now that I run a business and not operate it, I sure love going to the bank! One of the things I find disapointing about forums is the lack of use on the Marketing and Management sections! One would think this sections helps make money, why shouldn't it be used more.
Buda another great post.
Bud this is a great post. I'm the technical guy who isn't a business man. I looked at this business strickly to be "The Man" I was very good at what I did, but wasn't being profitable. I was to wrapped up in forums, and trying to be the next big thing. I actually forgot I own and operate a business. Until I looked at it as a business and not as being cool, I wasn't making money. I was grossing a lot, but not profitting fm it. Today is a lot different. Now Im a decent business man, " still learning" with a strong technical advantage. The hardest part for me was to be able to turn work over to others, because If I wasn't doing it, it wasn't getting done right. I had to redo my thoughts and educate and train my staff. Now that I run a business and not operate it, I sure love going to the bank! One of the things I find disapointing about forums is the lack of use on the Marketing and Management sections! One would think this sections helps make money, why shouldn't it be used more.
Buda another great post.
Envious Eric
New member
Barry Theal said:
Well said Barry as I am in the same boat! I am learning though! trying to let go of the OCD and let others clean for me while I tell them what to do, where to go, etc
Barry you are a very smart man, who set aside his ego and admitted he did not know everything and have been successful in business because of that.
Too bad our industry does not have more people who can move from the technician to the businessman, or at least recognize they are not a businessman and hire someone to operate the business side of their operation.
Keep up the good work.
Bud ABraham
Too bad our industry does not have more people who can move from the technician to the businessman, or at least recognize they are not a businessman and hire someone to operate the business side of their operation.
Keep up the good work.
Bud ABraham
Barry
The Marketing and Management sections of this forum and posts on other forums dealing with these topics are little read as you say. Why?
As indicated the participants on the forums are technicians and that is where their interest in the technical aspects of detailing, not the business side.
If the truth were known most do not have a clue about how to set up and operate a business and are intimidated by these topics.
It is too bad because it is the business side of detailing that will make them money in the long run and your post is testimony to that.
That is why I suggest that every detailer read "The E Myth" by Michael Gerber because they will see themselves in those pages, and if they are honest as you were, will admit they have a problem and attempt to work their way out of it.
Regards
Bud Abraham
The Marketing and Management sections of this forum and posts on other forums dealing with these topics are little read as you say. Why?
As indicated the participants on the forums are technicians and that is where their interest in the technical aspects of detailing, not the business side.
If the truth were known most do not have a clue about how to set up and operate a business and are intimidated by these topics.
It is too bad because it is the business side of detailing that will make them money in the long run and your post is testimony to that.
That is why I suggest that every detailer read "The E Myth" by Michael Gerber because they will see themselves in those pages, and if they are honest as you were, will admit they have a problem and attempt to work their way out of it.
Regards
Bud Abraham
It depends on the SIZE of the business, and the TYPE of business.
Most detailing businesses are not terribly big.
Customers still look for YOU for everything.
Therefore, you are still hands-on with the daily "technical" matters.
So, it's mandatory for you to be technically-proficient.
But, if the detailing business becomes huge, perhaps involving more than a few huge outlets, with loads of employees, and spending huge amounts on advertising.....the situation will change. Then, it'll be common to hire outlet managers who're technical experts on detailing, while we....the actual bosses, remain in the background and look at things from a bird's eye strategic point of view, and charting new directions.
Tech stuff can be learnt.
As a detailer, I can train the technical stuff to my people. It can be taught and learnt.
Hell.....I can even hire technically-proficient detailers! Just spend some money!
BUT......business acumen/savviness largely cannot be studied/learnt.
It's something innate and intrinsic within that individual.
Some people just don't hv that knack when it comes to business-building.
Look at the UK company that mftrs Range Rovers. Previous bosses were mostly Brits. Technical-men from tech backgrounds. Look what happened.....it collapsed.
And taken over by an Indian who has very little technical/automotive engineering knowledge, BUT.....Ratan Tata is a very hardcore $$$$ person, and this kind of person can save a company and build it up again. Look at Nissan who had to hire a non-Jap (Carlos) to rescue Nissan.
When I meet up with other detailers for a beer, I noticed that our conversation always revolved around "anything detailing"......but very little on $$$ management. Sometimes, we're just too caught up on the technical side, and as long as business is coming in, what's there to worry, right???:drool:
To me, the $$$$ is even more critical because any business's main objective is to make $$$. Raison d'etre.
But without the $$$$......nothing moves.
Most detailing businesses are not terribly big.
Customers still look for YOU for everything.
Therefore, you are still hands-on with the daily "technical" matters.
So, it's mandatory for you to be technically-proficient.
But, if the detailing business becomes huge, perhaps involving more than a few huge outlets, with loads of employees, and spending huge amounts on advertising.....the situation will change. Then, it'll be common to hire outlet managers who're technical experts on detailing, while we....the actual bosses, remain in the background and look at things from a bird's eye strategic point of view, and charting new directions.
Tech stuff can be learnt.
As a detailer, I can train the technical stuff to my people. It can be taught and learnt.
Hell.....I can even hire technically-proficient detailers! Just spend some money!
BUT......business acumen/savviness largely cannot be studied/learnt.
It's something innate and intrinsic within that individual.
Some people just don't hv that knack when it comes to business-building.
Look at the UK company that mftrs Range Rovers. Previous bosses were mostly Brits. Technical-men from tech backgrounds. Look what happened.....it collapsed.
And taken over by an Indian who has very little technical/automotive engineering knowledge, BUT.....Ratan Tata is a very hardcore $$$$ person, and this kind of person can save a company and build it up again. Look at Nissan who had to hire a non-Jap (Carlos) to rescue Nissan.
When I meet up with other detailers for a beer, I noticed that our conversation always revolved around "anything detailing"......but very little on $$$ management. Sometimes, we're just too caught up on the technical side, and as long as business is coming in, what's there to worry, right???:drool:
To me, the $$$$ is even more critical because any business's main objective is to make $$$. Raison d'etre.
But without the $$$$......nothing moves.
togwt
The Old Grey Whistle Test
Great topic...
Being good at what you do is 25% the balance is business acumen, client relationships and marketing yourself and your services and product. Strive to offer customer-focused services that differentiate your company from the competition. Ensure that your marketing focuses on customer’s needs as opposed to what you think they want. Making the other person think that they’ve got a good deal; and always try to exceed customer expectations
Being good at what you do is 25% the balance is business acumen, client relationships and marketing yourself and your services and product. Strive to offer customer-focused services that differentiate your company from the competition. Ensure that your marketing focuses on customer’s needs as opposed to what you think they want. Making the other person think that they’ve got a good deal; and always try to exceed customer expectations
Paul Sparks
New member
Bud - Had the wife search kindle for the E Myth and it seems Michael Gerber has a multiple of books by that title. E Myth Revisited , Enterprise , Contractor etc. Which is the one that you are recommending ?
Paul Sparks
New member
No answer ? Must be my being on a shoestring budget or something .
hotrod66paul said:
Yes, there is an answer for you. And, if you are interested in reading the E Myth then you have have to be a detailer looking to legitimately "grown" his business and "improve" himself as a businessman.
Sorry, I forgot that Gerber did write a number of sequels to his succesful book. Do get the "E Myth Revisited." That is actually the one that I read and refer to in my detailing persentations.
Great information that can really help a technician become a better businessman.
Any other questions? I will promptly answer.
Bud Abraham
DETAIL PLUS SYSTEMS
Paul Sparks
New member
Thank you for your reply. I now have it on the wives kindle. Paul S
tuscarora dave
"Luck" Residue of design
I just ordered this book. Thanks Bud. I've read many of your articles in pursuit of the knowledge of the business side of this industry, something that I can definitely improve upon.
Glad you liked it, I have found it invaluable in my consulting with small business owners in the car wash and detailing business.
If you want to talk about anything related to operating a detail business feel free to call me 800 284 0123 Ext 4, always available to help out.
Regards
Bud Abraham
If you want to talk about anything related to operating a detail business feel free to call me 800 284 0123 Ext 4, always available to help out.
Regards
Bud Abraham