Advertise | Subscribe | Contact Us | Connect with us    
 
Currently viewing 1 to 20 of 34
Why They Stay, Why They Leave
March 09, 2010
It was about 10 years ago that USA Today ran an article titled "High-Tech Skills Give Auto Mechanics More Power." In the article was a reference to a graduate from the automotive maintenance program of a technical college who was hoping to find a job for $25,000 to $30,000 after a worrisome search. Wasn’t he surprised when more than one dealer offered him a signing bonus along with... read more
 
Terminating Employment: Six Steps to Help in the Process
August 03, 2009
The decision to terminate an employee is never easy and is usually a last-resort measure. But unfortunately, termination may be inevitable. To avoid legal problems down the road, you should establish a set approach to employee management that includes procedures for firing an employee. The following six steps can help you effectively handle terminations. First: Document Set out reaso... read more
 
Signs of a Misplaced Employee
July 01, 2009
Do you have an employee who possesses all the attributes you want in your staff, but just doesn't do his or her job that well? Instead of letting that person go, reassign them to another role. You probably have very specific roles that each employee must fill and don't have the resources to cover that staff member until he/she starts performing better. That being said, some employees are... read more
 
Family Leave Options
June 01, 2009
Are you sure you’re up-to-date on family leave in your business? This has become a hot topic everywhere in our country as federal and state lawmakers push employers to provide leave benefits for their employees. Whether you’re obligated to provide time off or simply wish to provide it to your employees as a benefit, consider the following before implementing a time-off policy... read more
 
Success Starts at the Top
May 14, 2009
Even in ancient times the notion of teamwork was a difficult process. Take, for example, "The Iliad," Homer's story about the ancient Greek King Agamemnon and Achilles, his best warrior. In the story, Agamemnon cares more about proving his power than he does about motivating Achilles to capture Troy, and nearly loses the Trojan War because the two men can’t get along. As business... read more
 
Do You Know Rest Rules?
May 01, 2009
When do your employees get a lunch break? Did you know the federal government doesn’t have a law requiring business owners to give adult employees rest periods or meal breaks during the workday? In fact, only l9 states specifically require rest or meal breaks for adults. Interestingly, the Fair Labor Standards Act states that if employers choose to provide employees with rest periods, they... read more
 
Smooth-Running Family Business
April 01, 2009
Running a family business can get messy at times. Following are a few tips that will help you avoid arguments and resulting business disruption: • Senior family members should work closely with others in the family to ensure they have the chance to assume responsibilities that interest and challenge them. • Family members should become involved in the family business at the... read more
 
Controlling Absenteeism
March 01, 2009
When a service manager, technician or front-desk employee is absent, it costs you money. That’s not all it costs. Absenteeism also inconveniences customers and other employees, potentially leading to bad word of mouth externally or low morale internally. Absenteeism will never go away completely, but tire dealers can minimize it by following a few simple steps. Start by advising... read more
 
Drug-Free Zone
February 01, 2009
Did you know that small, independent businesses are twice as likely as larger businesses to employ drug users? That’s because small businesses frequently lack drug education or drug-testing policies. In fact, statistics show that only 50% of businesses with fewer than 25 employees offer drug education or policies. Why should tire dealers care? Because compared to non-drug users... read more
 
Getting the Most Out of Reviews
January 01, 2009
A well-conducted performance review benefits both employer and employee. First, performance reviews provide an opportunity to assess the employee’s contribution to the organization and identify his or her strengths and weaknesses. It’s a great time to discuss poor performance as well as congratulate strong performance. Remember the following tips when conducting reviews: ... read more
 
Importance of Training
December 01, 2008
Educating your employees is not only extremely important for your dealership’s regular business operations, it’s also expected by customers, who are paying for knowledgeable service. Remember, as an independent tire dealer competing with the big-box stores, your advantage is in your knowledge and expertise. And study after study has shown that consumers rely on tire dealers for ... read more
 
Five Retail-Employee Musts
November 01, 2008
According to management consultants, there are five basic skills and traits that all retail employees need. If you take the time to develop these five traits in your employees, you’ll be richer for it, as your dealership will attract and keep more customers. 1. Familiarity with store layout. Employees should know everything about the contents and location of tires and other merchandise... read more
 
Turning Over Turnover
October 01, 2008
For any business, employee turnover wastes time and costs both money and customers. But tire dealers and store managers don’t have to stand by powerless watching employees come and go. There are several things you can do to reduce turnover rates. • Use care during the hiring process. When interviewing a candidate, think of your best past and present employees. Consider the qualities... read more
 
Mightier Than the Sword
September 01, 2008
As a manager or business owner, your words are more powerful than you may think. Words can be weapons, delivering psychological blows to their targets. And wounded employees tend to dwell on their injuries rather than put effort into doing a good job. On the other hand, words can also cheer the spirits and lighten the load of employees as they work, ultimately creating a successful, profitable... read more
 
Five Affordable Employee Perks
August 01, 2008
Do you need to improve morale in your tire shop but can’t afford to spend much? Consider these five simple, inexpensive ways to retain employees and increase their productivity: • Recognize major life events, such as marriage or the birth or adoption of a child. • Give employees a paid day off on their birthdays. • Offer employees $100 a year for personal... read more
 
When Employees Leave
July 01, 2008
The real cost of employee turnover is much higher than you might expect, since only 10% to 15% of turnover expense is immediately visible. In addition to direct costs associated with recruiting and unemployment compensation, reduced productivity and efficiency and the need for orientation and training contribute to hidden costs. In fact, some personnel experts estimate the total cost of turnover... read more
 
Online Learning
June 01, 2008
Online learning isn’t only for large, high-tech corporations. In fact, the Internet can offer relatively low-cost learning opportunities for businesses with only a handful of employees. By taking online courses yourself or offering them to your employees, you don’t have to order CDs or pay for the printing of training materials. Other reasons for considering online learning... read more
 
Playing For Keeps: Incentive Programs Make Finding, Keeping Employees Simpler
May 22, 2008
Retaining Good Employees is Hard. Finding New Ones is Harder. Creating Incentives Can Make It All a Lot Easier. In attracting and training qualified new employees, you may be overlooking a valuable resource that you already have in your arsenal: your current staff. In today’s competitive marketplace, retaining current employees is key to the success of any tire dealer... read more
 
Curbing Absenteeism
April 01, 2008
To avoid the potential for decreased productivity, customer dissatisfaction, overtime costs and reduced morale, independent tire dealers should consider including an absence policy in their employee manuals. An absence policy should contain at least the following components: • Valid reasons for absence (medical conditions, doctor’s visits, emergencies, severe weather con... read more
 
Background Checks
March 01, 2008
Doing a background check on potential employees can be a wise and cost-efficient policy. New hires who have misrepresented their skills or experience can result in increased training time, dissatisfied customers, and/or inefficiency – all of which can seriously impact business. Replacing unsatisfactory employees is usually more expensive than the cost of a background check. Establish... read more
 
  
Tire Review on Facebook