In 2011, our association developed the original Trailer Manufacturers Buyers Guide. With 72 listings, it was the beginning of a
process that we’ve long looked to fine-tune. Boy, how times have changed. Just last year, we introduced the NATDA Online
Trailer Buyer’s Guide, a brand-new website designed specifically to make your inventory purchasing that much easier. With
100 brands listed, the directory allowed instant access to sales teams, websites, social media accounts and dealer networks to
manufacturing NATDA-members across the country.
In 2018, we’re hoping for a bigger and better 2018 NATDA Trailer Buyer’s Guide. We’ve already begun reaching out to
manufacturers with the goal to create the most comprehensive publication for your trailer needs, including some new
developments for the print edition.
Now that the industry’s slow season is starting to fade away, I thought it might be pertinent to give you a few ideas on
managing employees and their expectations. These suggestions, while easy to incorporate, could be the lifeblood in creating a
strong team around your business.
First and foremost, it’s always important to set forth your expectations for each level of your business. From the overall
department goal to individual sales statistics, your employees won’t know where they should be headed if you don’t know
yourself. When they exceed your expectations, though, it’s important to praise them for it. At the end of the day, we want
our teams to know that they are valued within the organization. If that feeling isn’t received, you could wind up with some of
your best people looking elsewhere for work.
However, these expectations shouldn’t be so rigid that it stifles creativity within the department. Innovation isn’t something
that pops up out of nowhere. It takes trial and error. If a team member comes up with an idea that leads to something like
increased sales or a more efficient process, they should be rewarded! They don’t necessarily need a new car, but they do need
to be valued for their contribution. Employees need encouragement to try new things, otherwise stagnation will set.
At the end of the day, your team should feel as though their part of the ownership group. Their opinion matters to what
ultimately happens within your dealership’s four walls.
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NATDA Magazine
www.natda.org