Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM FEBRUARY 2019 80 W hile every entrepreneur is a small business owner, not every small business owner is an entrepreneur. We think of entrepreneurs as people who have a talent for seizing opportunities and the ability to develop those opportunities into profit- making ventures. At his museum, P.T. Barnum placed signs stating, "This Way to the Egress!" Excited visitors followed the signs and ended up outdoors, which meant they had to return to the front of the museum and pay another entrance fee if they wanted to continue their tour! Entrepreneurs don't just open businesses, they dream big and refuse to accept the status quo. A common misperception about entrepreneurs is that they are risk-takers. Most of the time, entrepreneurs do take risks, but calculated ones. A common trait of successful entrepreneurs is that before plunging in they carefully evaluate strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT). Amazon founder Jeff Bezos said, "If you decide that you're going to do only the things you know are going to work, you're going to leave a lot of opportunity on the table." I'm talking about opportunities because I believe there are always plenty of them just waiting to be explored. If you're a visionary, why limit yourself to depending on appliance repair? Why not expand your horizons and look at health care and exercise? Did you know that there's a huge demand for technicians who can service and repair hospital beds and medical equipment? In sports, the demand for qualified technicians to repair sport bikes and other electronic equipment is growing every day. And the requirements are about the same as for appliance technicians. Examples of these job requirements follow: APPLIANCE TECHNICIAN REQUIREMENTS • Expert knowledge in the field of appliance service • Two years field experience • Industry certifications • Strong analytical skills • Excellent customer relations skills • Ability to lift 50-75 lbs • Willing to work and be a team player • Sharp and clean appearance • Reliable • Ability to pass background screen and drug test • Bilingual a plus (English/Spanish) HOSPITAL BED TECHNICIAN REQUIREMENTS • 5+ years' experience troubleshooting and planned maintenance of electromechanical equipment following current standards, codes and procedures to ensure safe and effective operation of those devices • Strong mechanical aptitude necessary to repair and maintain hospital beds and stretchers • Extensive experience working with a variety of models of hospital, operating, birthing and patient specialty beds and stretchers for a variety of manufacturers such as Hill-Rom, Stryker, and similar preferred • Communicate professionally and effectively with hospital biomed and management staff • Read and interpret technical instructions, safety manuals, service manuals, policies, and procedures • Prioritize and plan activities and use time efficiently • Work independently with little direct supervision • Valid driver's license and reliable transportation • Possess basic computer skills SPORTS EQUIPMENT TECHNICIAN REQUIREMENTS • Strong communicator, works effectively with customers, co-workers, and company management. Represents the company, conducts self in a professional manner. Capable of working in a team environment. • Mechanical devices: Strong aptitude for analyzing, assembling and trouble-shooting installation problems • Electrical and electronic devices: Strong aptitude for analyzing, assembling, and trouble-shooting installation problems • Possess significant physical strength in order to perform the tasks of loading, delivering, and installing equipment which often require lifting and moving heavy objects • Demonstrate planning and organizational skills in order to assist in the task of scheduling deliveries • Conduct self in a professional manner, dependable and responsible, careful and attentive to detail Using all the training and talents you have now, why not consider expanding. Don't leave these opportunities on the table. PSA will look to bring training for these opportunities to NASC 2019 in Chicago this year. ENTREPRENEUR OR SMALL BUSINESS OWNER– WHICH ONE ARE YOU? S E R V I C E D E P A R T M E N T RO Ralph Wolff, Industry Relations, PSA

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