In my last column, I talked about how keeping up with the latest training is just as important for those responsible for managing fleet service operations as it is for technicians. I covered the training opportunities available during Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week. This time, I’ll bring you up to speed on another training event specifically geared for management. It’s also in Las Vegas, and next year is being held in conjunction with the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Feb. 3-6, 2012, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
The American Truck Dealers (ATD) division of NADA was established to provide programs and services to this highly specialized segment of its membership. The training workshops available this year through NADA University offer something for every level of management, from service to sales to executive leadership. It doesn’t matter if your fleet business is a member of ATD or not, the training experience is worth the trip.
As I said, these are management workshops, with the service segment covering topics ranging from learning how to set and achieve daily objectives to what’s next for service shop profitability. The parts segments offer tips for selling online, Internet solutions and digital marketing strategies. The senior management track covers resource management, with an executive workshop on the Art of Leadership. There’s also a 2012 Update on Federal Regulations. Top all of this off with a keynote address by George W. Bush, 43rd President of the United States, and you have the makings for a compelling training experience.
The workshops offer content geared to help your operation succeed, and the lessons learned will help any fleet service operation improve performance. Supplementing these learning sessions is one of the largest trade shows in the industry.
Also, you’ll see the latest in vehicle and management technology and solutions for business management challenges big and small. Again, although it’s aimed primarily at dealership operations, the concepts and techniques presented will offer nuggets applicable to any service, parts and sales organization.
Taking the time to sharpen the saw is an old business adage that simply means you occasionally have to step back and take a look at what’s happening around you. Training is a great way of doing that, regardless of whether it’s teaching you about the latest in heavy-duty truck technology, or how to be a better leader. Remember, it’s not just about keeping your technicians sharp. Learning is something we do throughout our career, no matter what hat we’re wearing.
If you want to know more about the ATD Convention, visit the website at www.nada.org. There you’ll find everything you need to know, along with a more detailed description of the management training available.
ASE will be there to show you how technician certification can help improve your service operation performance, as well. If you go to the show, stop by the ASE booth and say hi! Until next time, have a safe and happy Holiday Season and all the best for the New Year from the ASE family to yours.
