Many of our auto repair shop clients have found being part of a 20 group to be extremely valuable for their businesses. A 20 group is a small group of auto industry leaders who come together periodically to share best practices, solve problems, and provide mentorship. Many of our most successful customers attribute their growth to their participation in a 20 group. Curious? Here are five ways joining a 20 group can transform your shop.
You’ll See the Big Picture
It’s easy to get deep in the weeds at your shop. You’re so busy handling the day-to-day challenges of doing business that you often forget to stop and think about your larger goals. Joining a 20 group forces you to pull back and look at your business through the eyes of other members. What do they see when they look at your shop? What do they assume your specialties are? Where do they see room for improvement? Members of your 20 group are not your friends (although you can certainly become quite close to them – keep reading). They will give you honest and unbiased feedback that you can act on right away.
You’ll See the Gaps Clearly
Sometimes it’s hard to see the areas of your shop that could be improved. Sometimes it’s the opposite – you see a problem around every corner and can’t decide what to tackle first. The other members of your 20 group will be able to help you find your weak points and provide advice on how to shore them up quickly. A different perspective is often all you need to make big improvements.
You’ll Find Support
Running an auto shop is hard! You don’t have to go it alone. Being part of a 20 group means you have the support and camaraderie of other business owners who are struggling with the same things you are. Hearing how other owners have solved similar problems will help you see yours in a new light, and you’ll be able to help them with things they’re going through as well.
You’ll Improve Your Leadership Skills
They say that if you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room. In a 20 group setting, there’s certainly value in listening to and learning from other business owners with different experiences and skill sets. You might be extremely knowledgeable about cars but know comparatively little about running a business. If so, talk to the members of your 20 group who have been running successful shops for a while and learn their tips and tricks. Each of you knows something you can teach the others.
You’ll Have Fun!
Who says a 20 group has to be all business? Many shop owners say that the relationships they’ve built with other members of their group are some of their most treasured. Whether your 20 group meets in person or conducts video calls, there’s always room for a social aspect. You’re not in this alone. Rely on your 20 group members to help pick you up when you’re going through a rough patch.
I’m Sold – What Now?
There are many different 20 group and training academy options, so do your research to learn which is right for you. 360 Payments is partnered with and recommends several different groups and training providers like Automotive Training Institute and Shop Fix Academy, and we’d be happy to talk with you more about the benefits of joining a 20 group. Give us a call at 1-855-360-0360 or drop us a line on our website. We’re ready to help take your shop to the next level.
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