Let me tell you about my van.
It’s a 2008 Chrysler Town & Country. It’s van #2 in our family. Just crossed the 100k mile mark. It’s been good to our family of 6.
Earlier in the year the back wiper stopped working. Hangs there limp.
If it sits out in the driveway during a big rain (it’s summer time and there are bikes, toys and a ping pong table in the garage – the van’s aren’t getting in there) – the driver’s side door gets water in it (you can hear it when you open and close the door) – that ain’t good.
Back driver’s side tire keeps getting low. It’s obvious it needs to be replaced.
For some reason the key has been getting stuck when you try to turn the car off for the last three weeks. Wiggle it. Fiddle with it. 6-7 tries later it does what it’s supposed to and comes out. Other times it comes right out as it should. Annoying, but not the end of the world.
The engine is fine. Transmission is good. Doors and windows work. It’s getting the job done.
But what happens if I keep neglecting it?
“Ah, I’ll put off that oil change for a few more weeks.” – that’s not healthy.
“That water in the door doesn’t seem to be causing any troubles – I’ll just let it be.” – there’s wires in there Kyle – you big dummy.
Text from my wife from the parking lot at church last night: “Kyle, I can’t get this key out!! It’s stuck! I’ve been trying for 5 minutes – get out here and help me!” – that ain’t helping me with the Mrs.
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Here’s where I’m going with this…
Your remodeling business is doing ok. It’s getting the job done.
(The engine is fine. Transmission is good. Doors and windows work. It’s getting the job done.)
Your sales pipeline isn’t organized, but you mostly remember who you need to follow-up with. Not too much is slipping through the cracks.
(Just checked the oil change sticker – I’m 1,200 miles over. That’s not healthy or sustainable.)
You did that nice kitchen remodel for Mr. & Mrs. Smith two year’s ago and they haven’t heard from you once since then. You’re not staying in touch with your previous clients.
(Earlier in the year the back wiper stopped working. Hangs there limp. It could be helping you – but you refuse to fix the problem.)
You’re not getting out that professional appointment confirmation email. Your whole sales process is just shooting from the hip and is not systematic/consistent/solid.
(“That water in the door doesn’t seem to be causing any troubles – I’ll just let it be. It’ll be fine”)
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Here’s what I’m driving (no pun intended) at here:
My van is still getting me from point A to point B.
But I’d be a fool to just keep neglecting all of the things wrong with it.
Sooner or later those wet wires are going to short out. The tire is going to blow. The engine isn’t going to like the old oil. The key is going to break.
Are you following my analogy and logic here?
Keep maintaining (and improving!) your business. Don’t let it get stale. Fix things.
Get rid of nagging problems. Make it a priority. Stop going through the motions or looking the other way. Make it better.
A good place to start is with Remodelers AutoPilot.
