First, let me tell you a little bit about me, my job and my boss. I started working for the company in 2009 when I first moved to SC. I started in an entry level position, with entry level pay and entry level tasks. I had never worked in the automotive industry before and found myself thrust into a completely new atmosphere with different types of people, aggressive monthly goals, and co workers I could have sworn slept in their offices because they were here so much. But all of this didn't scare me (well, maybe it did at first). I saw an opportunity. I noticed there were things that could be improved on, that would benefit both the sales and service side of the business, that someone with my personality and quirky obsessiveness could do.
So I formulated a plan. I spent days, weeks, even months researching how to develop and operate a successful Business Development Center (BDC) for a large automotive group. I joined forums, called other dealers, read countless articles, sat through webinars... and I put together a proposal. I'll never forget the day I walked into my boss's office with it in my hand (I had emailed him a pdf of the PowerPoint and printed it out for good measure- quirky obsessiveness). At the time I reported to a man named Bobby, the VP of our company. Bobby and I had a good working relationship. He said jump, I said how high, so he trusted me and enjoyed my work ethic. He was a business man and felt strongly that if you benefit the company the company will benefit you. When I came to him with the idea of a centralized business development center I could tell he felt proud and excited. We were about to do something big.
Naturally the plans for the BDC went through a lot of critiquing and revising. We've grown into a 13 person team (with 2 more starting next week), with room for even more. As a matter of fact, the BDC I developed is featured in a magazine this month- Automotive Dealer Monthly (see page 22). Still to this day we are always evaluating and changing our processes to ensure we are doing the best we possibly can. Which leads me to the point of this post: Change is a catalyst for growth.
Bobby is no longer with our company, he had a great opportunity in Orlando and left us last year, so I now report directly to our President and CEO, Warner. The same qualities I loved so much about working for Bobby are also present in Warner, which only reiterates to me the strong foundation of the company I work for. Warner is a self-made successful business person, and I respect that more than I can explain. He may not know it, but he is entirely my mentor. I often joke with my husband that one day I'll get enough guts to say to Warner, "what do I need to do to be as successful as you." The crazy things is I truly believe he'd tell me. This is why I look up to him so much. I listen to what he says, pay attention to the way he manages, make sure I understand the motivation behind his decisions and learn from him everyday. He makes it easy because he is honest, transparent, and truly a pleasure to work for. When you respect the person you work for it motivates you to work harder. That's a fact.
So yesterday we were discussing some changes we wanted to try in my department. As I said above, I'm flexible with trying new things to generate more business. The goal here is to sell cars and make money. Warner responded to one of my emails with two quotes:
"When you are though changing you are through"
and
"Change always comes bearing gifts."
Had I not been open to change the last 3 years of my life I wouldn't be in the position I am in today. I may still have that entry level job, entry level pay....heck I might not have even moved to South Carolina. The point I'm making here is that in order to grow you need to be willing to push your boundaries and try new things....even if they seem a little scary at first. Don't pass up an opportunity because you're afraid. And if you don't see an opportunity staring you in the face, dig a little deeper and find one. Make your own opportunities.
Are there any doors you can open for yourself today?
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