Continuing iFLEX Education: Three Ways to Boost Your BusinessBy Emily Schmitt For many small business owners, the process of just keeping your business running can be all-consuming, making it difficult to think about the big picture. During AOCA's iFLEX 2015, AJ Rassamni, CEO of Great American Car Wash and Money Maker Academy, shared tips and advice for small business owners who want to ensure their business survives - and thrives - in the future. The State of Small Businesses According to the Small Business Administration, about half all new businesses survive five years or more, and about one-third survive 10 years or more. This begs the question: Why do some small businesses fail? Registration is now open for the 2015 AOCA Management Courses! The AOCA Management Certification Courses will provide one-of-a-kind information and training geared specifically toward fast lube professionals. Effective management is crucial to your success, and AOCA offers the best management training in the fast-lube industry. Two days of extensive instruction will benefit new and experienced managers, as well as owners. September 22-23, 2015
October 6-7, 2015
November 3-4, 2015 Registration opening soon Employee Engagement and YouBy Claudia St. John Recently, a client asked how to get his employees more engaged and energized. His assessment was that they were not motivated, were not "giving it their all," and his recent efforts to put in place a bonus incentive program had done little to change any of that. Sound familiar? Keeping employees engaged and motivated is a challenge that all businesses face. And, unfortunately, most of us do not do a great job of it. According to ongoing research by the Gallup Organization, which has been tracking and measuring employee engagement for decades, as of March 2015 only 31.7% of employees are actively engaged at their jobs.Did you know that your AOCA membership gives you access to Technical Support -- 24 hours, 7 days a week? AOCA Talk is an email-based Q&A system where members can post a question that is then sent to all of our other participants. They, in turn, can post an answer that is also sent to the entire group, day or night. AOCA Talk is THE PLACE to find answers and support from your peers. Save time and money with this valuable tool. With a membership in AOCA, the solutions to your problems are right at your fingertips. Not a member? Become a member today and join the AOCA Talk conversation!Federated Insurance Introduces New Mission Statement During its Annual Meeting of Policyholders on April 21, 2015, Federated Insurance unveiled a newly rewritten corporate Mission Statement. The Mission Statement reads: As a mutual insurance company, we believe our value is measured by the success of our clients. It's our business to protect yours. "This Mission Statement serves as a moral compass for all employees and all decision making," Chairman, President and CEO Jeff Fetters explained. "Federated Insurance exists to enhance client success. We are here to serve them." |
