While there are many consultants and experts in this industry who may be able to provide solid guidelines and best practices for success in this market, there is no one solution that fits all. There are too many variables involved. Management issues, service levels, labor performance results … the list goes on and on.
Even competition in your local market operates in different ways. No two water treatment dealerships are the same.
In many ways, these differences are what make our industry interesting. This competitive nature and drive for leader status is what drives many people to our industry. Just as locals boast about a hometown’s popular restaurant, people should also know about the area’s preferred dealer for quality water.
Our publication and website, along with our multitude of electronic content offerings, often elaborate on methodologies that water treatment dealers can use to find success in this business. We regularly highlight industry leaders who have implemented tools, knowledge and work ethic to build strong, lasting foundations for profitability.
It is wise to take advice from consultants as needed, read industry trade magazines, business books and literature and study your peers — what worked and what did not. In the end, however, since each dealer is unique, it is your duty to dissect this information as well as your own business’ trends and issues.
In this Age of Information, ignorance is no longer a recipe for success. Water treatment manufacturers are continuously striving to produce the best offerings that will increase results and customer satisfaction. Technology is at the forefront of this movement and your equipment and tools should be working smarter so your employees do not have to work harder.
As you begin 2013, you should have been taking these past few months (maybe while the competition was taking time off) to study your business’ successes and setbacks. Evaluate your business’ SWOT analysis — strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats. What changes can be made this year to capitalize further on the positives, while minimizing the setbacks? Change can often put employees and owners outside of their typical comfort zone, but change also can signify growth and hope.
