“It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, its’ a new life…” Michael Bublé
Spring has sprung! At least I hope it has for you by this point. We had a brutal winter down here in South Florida as well and it went on for what seemed like forever… at LEAST 36 hours!
Remember those New Year resolutions? How are you doing with yours? There are a select few that really do well with them. Most, however, will make a few promises, stick to them for a week or so, then revert to doing what’s comfortable for them. Their intentions are honorable enough; lose a few pounds, give more to charity, spend more time with the family. Who hasn’t told themselves, “this is the year I finally do_____________!” I think we’re all guilty to some extent. It’s human nature.
Complacency is also a trait of humans and one that can destroy your business hundreds of times faster than it took you to build it. Do you need to reboot your resolutions?
Are you still doing the things that made you successful or are you resting on your laurels?
“I never wanted to be the biggest, I simply wanted to be the best”.
These are the words of a very successful friend of mine who, by the way, dominates his industry. How does this friend start most of his days? In his office, doing what has made him the dominate player that he is. He hasn’t forgotten what got him to this position and he knows that getting to be # 1 was much easier than staying there. He knows complacency can destroy a business and that it begins at the top. He leads by example
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“Where are my pants?”
These are the words of another friend of mine. A very wise philosopher who notes that one day a CEO or owner-operator, who has become complacent ,will wake up only to discover he has lost his pants (business) without even realizing they had been removed. Hopefully for the pantless one, it’s not too late.
“To the victor go the spoils!”
If you have become a success in our industry, I salute you as I know personally how difficult it can be. Your success should be celebrated! Enjoy the fruits of your labor! Take vacations, drink fancy wine if that’s what you’re into or, play the finest golf courses (call me if you need a 4th). Do what makes you happy, you’ve earned it! I just implore you to not forget what got you there or the people that helped you along the way.
Success can be fleeting. It doesn’t have to be. Work hard-play hard. I think that’s a resolution we can all keep.
Bob Fox is an instructor at CarWash College™. Bob can be reached at BFox@sonnysdirect.com. For more information about CarWash College™ certification programs, visit www.carwashcollege.com or call the registrar’s office at 1-866-492-7422.