A Sharp Focus On Key Issues

It’s a safe bet that despite all the doomsday prognostications, the vast majority of us have made it safely to the fresh New Year 2000.

At SSGM, we have prepared a series of bright, new editorial features that focus with sharp clarity on the key issues that face Canadian auto service professionals. There is no doubt that it takes concerted effort to achieve success in virtually all fields at this time. Auto service is no exception.

Challenges come from all directions. Customers have greater expectations; technology is more sophisticated and requires consummate training and skill to master; competition can be relentless and seemingly overwhelming; business skills need to be sharp and analytical.

It’s a take-no-prisoners world.

But take heart. SSGM has answers, and it’s definitely here to help you, the auto service professional, in successfully meeting all the challenges in this New Year 2000. The computer is not only a valuable, multipurpose tool; it has become totally indispensable; as if you need to be reminded.

Many, I would say most of you, are already using the computer for diagnostic and business purposes, something which SSGM has long covered and will continue to do in a variety of new and innovative ways this year.

But beyond that, there are many more useful directions for harnessing the computer to improve your bottom line. One important and still emerging tool is the internet, which is why SSGM has launched a new feature in which web sites specifically related to the auto service business will be examined and profiled in a concise, no-nonsense format.

On the topic of profiles, it’s more important now than ever to spotlight leading auto service practitioners to give auto service professionals examples of ‘best practices’; genuine, field-proven methods of operation, advice and tips. SSGM will uncover the details about what works, why and what it takes to achieve the results. And also, what does not work.

Today, results are practically all anyone is interested in. What it’s all about is finding the technical fixes, utilizing profitable business practices and being prepared to meet the challenges today and in the future.

Top business minds in the industry will disclose their detailed ideas and advice, which will be incorporated within the pages of SSGM, to provide efficient and proven strategies that business managers can implement to achieve success. Industry news coverage, both provincial and national, will receive the attention it deserves, as will coverage of legislative issues as they become apparent and relevant.

Last month SSGM spotlighted the new Ontario Auto Tech Group (OATG), a group of leading edge technicians from different businesses who have joined together to share knowledge and learn from each other.

This group is but one example of what the industry must essentially do to stay abreast of the evolution of business and technical practices.