INTER-INDUSTRY INTERACTIONS

The value of face-to-face communication

By ALLISON ROGERS

I could start with a thousand analogies about the pace of change in the collision industry, but we all know how quickly things move around here.

It’s no secret collision centres have faced unprecedented challenges in the last few years. Parts shortages, labour woes, increased operating costs and the pressure of adapting to the needs of modern vehicle technology. That’s not even mentioning the players taking on the electric vehicle market, who tackle specialized training and high-voltage compliant procedures. Sometimes businesses can feel like it’s a fight to keep the doors open and the lights on.

But a rising tide lifts all boats. One of the best ways to rise up together as an industry is provided through events, where you can actively engage with peers, regardless of what vertical of the industry you operate in. When was the last time you had a true, face-to-face conversation with a fellow industry professional? A competitor, to simply exchange perspectives in the hopes you may learn something? We’re not talking about a quick “how d’you do you?”—but a real, substantive discussion about the challenges we face, as an industry, and solutions to be explored.

It can be far too easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of your daily duties. We can get siloed in our little worlds, mulling away at the jobs we find familiar, but it’s a dangerous trap to fall into.

When it comes down to it, we’re all in similar boats. The challenges you face do not discriminate; they affect businesses of all sizes across all regions. Whatever you are going through, there is almost certainly someone else who has faced, or is facing similar circumstances. This is where industry events are key. Whether it’s a network-organized conference featuring store owners, managers, insurance and vendor partners or an industry week like SEMA, there are opportunities abound. Think of all the chances for collision repair industry members to witness and partake in conversations regarding top-of-mind industry challenges and experience the first demos on brand-new revolutionary products. Perhaps best of all: these events provide a perfect environment for you to share ideas with like-minded professionals. They may be seeking the same solutions as you. It’s not just about learning from others, whether it be the people on the stage or from a conversation during a networking break. Part of attending is also sharing your own experiences.

You never know whose problem you may be able to solve, or what new perspective you may bring to the table. So, I leave you with the same question posed at the outset: when was the last time you had a true, face-to-face conversation with a fellow industry professional? If it’s been a while, I encourage you to seek out the next industry gathering—hosted by a supplier, fellow shop, organization, 20-Group, et cetera—and make a point to attend. Golf tournaments even count. After all, ‘tis the season.