communication is key / rix magazine issue #29

The latest issue of RIX Magazine just hit the stands and my column this month is called “Communication is Key!”, check it!

Communication is Key!

This month I want to touch on a topic that I feel is very important for those who are trying to build a career in the automotive industry.

On a daily basis I get emails or messages on facebook from people asking me how I have made it for so many years in the automotive industry and what I think some of the key things are that go into making it within the industry.

I believe that there are several key ingredients to being successful in anything you do in life starting with honesty, drive, determination, dedication, passion and communication.

All these things are vital for you to succeed, but this month I want to touch on the topic of communication. When I use to write for another publication, I felt like it was my obligation to teach our readers what I had learned through my trials and tribulations.

So I am asking our RIX readers, have you guys ever asked yourselves any of the following – what is this world coming to? Is it really that difficult to communicate with one another? Is it that much work for someone to answer a phone call or to return a phone call or respond to an email?

Over the past few years it has become more and more evident that communication is one of the key ingredients to making things happen and to being successful in this fast pace automotive lifestyle that we live in on a day-to-day basis.

Over the past 13 years I have worked, met with, and communicated with some of the most high profile brands in the world. Even back in my early days I quickly realized who the real players were, and then there are those who were pretending to be part of something bigger.
Coming back from SEMA a few weeks ago, I took notice of the companies and the owners who aren’t afraid to take a chance and step outside the box.

As my staff and I are getting ready for 2010, we have had the opportunity to talk sales and marketing strategies with a lot of awesome brands and to communicate with them about where our industry is headed. It has truly been a blessing.
Some amazing things have come out of these meetings and it all starts with communication. I could not imagine working with someone and not communicating with him or her properly.

What I find amazing is how some companies communicate so well; while others completely lack the common courtesy to answer their phones, return a phone call, or simply return an email.

I am fully aware and understand that not all companies are in a position to make a strategic move to better their company at this time, but that in no way compensates for poor or lack of communication.

I strongly believe that everyone’s goals should be to work together, communicate and help our industry grow in this tough economic climate. What truly baffles my mind is the lack of urgency and communication that some of companies portray at this current time.
One of my good friends once told me “downturns provide an opportunity to capture market share at the expense of cautions rivals”. I could not have said it any better. I feel deeply for those cautious companies and I stand up and applaud the ones that are making moves to separate themselves from the pretenders.

I have lived for this industry for more then a decade now, and I am excited to see what the future has in store for those that are willing to step outside the box and make some serious moves.
I believe that together we can make a serious change for the better and take our industry to a whole new level, which will not only be beneficiary for the brands but also for the builders, designers and consumers.

Make sure to check out next months Tjin Side Scoop as we will be diving head first into where car shows have gone and what is going to happen to “car show builders and designers”!
Until then don’t be afraid to express yourself and let your thoughts be heard. In my humble opinion, it is better to share your thoughts with the world instead of being caught on the sidelines wishing you were part of the game. – NT