Grow Your Business On Child’s Play
By Tom Kline, Controller RK Auto Group (RK Buick, RK Chevrolet, RK Subaru, RK Scion, RK Toyota)
As children, we are encouraged to do our chores, use our imaginations, and play well with others. How can we as adults (and business owners) learn from the same lessons? The rules of our youth still hold true in today’s business environment—no matter where in the world we live:
- In the U.S., we learn the “Golden Rule.” You can’t go wrong by treating your customers well.
- The Chinese tell you to “Beat your gong and sell your candies.” Successful enterprises focus on customer needs—then go the extra mile.
- The Italians say “If you scatter thorns, don’t go barefoot.” You’ll have a healthier business if your clients are delighted with your products and services.
How eight childhood lessons spell grown-up success
Does going the extra mile pay off? I believe so. For example, the service department at RK Buick focuses on helping clients maximize vehicle life and performance. We meet and exceed their needs, thus ensuring happy and loyal customers. How do you translate this to your own business? Consider some lessons from childhood:
1. Play by the rules of the game. When we were very young, we frolicked and sported our way though all kinds of games. We played even when we didn’t understand all the rules. As you get older, you learn to play by the rules. Many fledgling businesses start like the kid on the playground—flying by the seat of their pants until the game changes. Then they realize it’s time to establish rules of order. This prevents problems on the playing field.
2. Arrange your priorities. Learn the difference between make-believe and real problems. We run across all manner of diversions every day. Determine what problems can be temporarily shelved. Aggressively attack those that need immediate attention.
3. Do your homework—and seek extra credit. Learn what your customers want and then be diligent in meeting their needs. For example, RK Auto Group focuses on providing superior customer service during every phase of the car-buying experience (browsing, purchasing, taking possession, and service appointments). That extra effort is nearly always rewarded.
Learn how other lessons of youth lead to real-world success. Continue to Part 2: Apply Childhood Lessons to Your Business and Watch It Grow
Tom Kline is Controller of RK Auto Group (RK Buick, RK Chevrolet, RK Subaru, RK Scion, and RK Toyota). RK Chevrolet is the recipient of Chevrolet Motor Division’s coveted Service Supremacy Award four years in a row. This is an award, which less than 400 of the nation's 5,000 Chevrolet dealers have won. RK Auto Group has been included in the Ward’s Auto list of top 500 U.S. car dealers; and has received the prestigious "Genuine Leaders Award" for excellence in sales, service, and customer satisfaction. The dedication of each employee at RK Chevrolet, RK Buick, RK Subaru, RK Scion and RK Toyota made these awards possible.
