How to establish S.M.A.R.T. goals and go from an average dealer to a top performer

Are you committed to change?

On the latest episode of Service Drive, host Don Reed discusses the enemy called average. This comes from one of Reed’s favorite books by John Mason, titled An Enemy Called Average. The purpose of the book is to get you from where you are currently to where you dream to be.

John Mason says, “break the chains of mediocrity, then live the life that you dream of.” This can apply to your personal or professional life. Reed says, many in the auto industry measure themselves in terms of, how the average dealer is performing. Average is a reference point. The worst of the best, or the best of the worst.

Related: Why it’s important to build a personal brand in the automotive industry

To go from an average dealer to a top dealer starts with commitment. Reed asks the question, are you committed to change? After commitment, establish S.M.A.R.T. goals. S.M.A.R.T stands for specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-based. Long-term success is a journey, not a destination. Do not allow yourself to become complacent, because you will then gravitate back towards mediocrity.

Reed says every department in your dealership must be a profit center, for the dealer who wants to thrive and not just survive. Aftermarket service providers get about 75% of the U.S. parts and service business. Reed says it’s time to start taking it back.


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