Hopefully, you’re reading this on your journey to Las Vegas for this year’s International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE). As I write these words, we at BodyShop Business are busy planning for the upcoming event and looking forward to seeing many of you there. This type of face-to-face event provides all of us with an efficient and enjoyable way to stay connected to our industry and apprised of the changes going on within it.
Looking back over the last 12 months, there are certainly plenty of reasons to reflect on happenings in the industry and plan for next year based on these market changes. What are your plans for 2010? It’s no secret that many of us in this industry are struggling with how to improve or reinvent our businesses. Today’s economic challenges are certainly testing our ability to sustain a vibrant and growing business. NACE provides us with the opportunity to gather, learn and prospect new ideas for our individual businesses.
Visit the NACE Web site at www.naceexpo.com for a complete listing of all the events that are scheduled for the show. Also, make sure to read our annual NACE preview story on pg. 90 of this issue. You’ll find a long list of seminars and classes on how to improve your existing business or add new ones.
The show floor is an excellent way to look for different ways to revitalize your brand. Remember, your shop is a brand and it needs to be built like any other product. Adding a service or capability raises the value of your shop and gives you something to tell your customers about. It also gives your customers something to tell their friends and family about your shop. The word of mouth or recommendation factor is a large one in today’s market.
If you have plans to attend this year’s Industry Week, I hope that you make the best of it. Plan your time on the floor wisely and be sure to take in some of the classes and seminars that are being offered. If you’re not planning to attend, be sure to keep track of the happenings on www.bodyshopbusiness.com. We’ll be there to report to you any breaking news as it unfolds.
Please stop by the BodyShop Business booth (N2758) and say hello. We enjoy spending time with you, our readers, and learning what you’re doing in your shops as well as discovering how we can better serve your needs.
