Retail Observer

December 2022

The Retail Observer is an industry leading magazine for INDEPENDENT RETAILERS in Major Appliances, Consumer Electronics and Home Furnishings

Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1486070

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 61 of 67

RETAILOBSERVER.COM DECEMBER 2022 62 W ithin the first seven seconds after we see someone, our brains make over a thousand computations. What this means for your business is that within seven seconds of seeing your company's storefront, truck, or employee, your potential customers, vendors and future employees are assessing whether you're likeable, trustworthy and competent – possibly before you've even said a word. Every business has an image that it presents to the public. What's the first impression your customers, employees, peers and partners are getting of your company? What's their takeaway when the service is completed? For your sake, let's hope it's positive, because you won't get a second chance to make a first impression, and you'll have to work incredibly hard to correct any negative first impressions. We're all busy running our businesses, and it's all too easy to overlook the small details that will influence others' opinions of us. It's important to stand back from time to time and look at everything your business does and the appearance it projects to an outsider. Remember, you're constantly projecting an image to everyone who's in the market for your professional services. Are your service trucks professionally wrapped, lettered and CLEAN? How do your technicians look? These days, customers expect a technician to show up in a clean uniform and overall present a professional appearance. Step back and look at your business objectively, the way the public does. What do you see? What do you notice when you stand outside looking in? Check your website and social media – make them a priority, because they're often where people will get a first impression of your company – and it's way too easy to neglect them and let them get outdated. Don't let the rush of your day-to-day operations make you overlook the impression you're making on others. If your company's already projecting a professional image – congratulations! Your potential customers will know that you take pride in your business and that you've put a lot of time and energy into making it professional. That said, United Appliance Servicers Association (UASA) has an opportunity for you to be recognized for all your hard work in making your business stand out above the rest! The 2023 Most Professional Servicer Contest is now open for entries from the "Best of the Best" service companies in North America. UASA hosts the annual contest with a goal of improving the professional image not only of independent service companies but our industry as a whole. Service companies that exhibit the ultimate professional image and are making a great first impression can enter the contest with a chance to win this prestigious award. Finalists are chosen in several company categories by judges who are leaders in the appliance service industry. This year there are four categories you can enter: 1-2 technician shops, 3-7 technician shops, 8+ technician shops and appliance sales and servicing dealers. The judges will score each entrant on the professional image of their website, social media, work trucks and technicians. The top three scorers in each category will be voted on by their peers at the ASTI2023 (Annual Service Training Institute) convention in San Antonio, TX, February 1-5, 2023. All appliance service departments can enter to win great prizes, get excellent marketing exposure, and shine before their peers and our industry. In the process, you'll improve your company's image and promote the image of our industry – and you'll inspire others to improve themselves. To enter, visit the Most Professional Servicer Contest Page on the United Appliance Servicers Association website at www.unitedservicers.com/mps. It only takes a few minutes to enter – complete contest rules and details are available on the site. Good luck to all who enter! Sarah Brown, Executive Director United Appliance Servicers Association S E R V I C E D E P A R T M E N T RO THE 2023 MOST PROFESSIONAL SERVICER CONTEST

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of Retail Observer - December 2022