"Driving Through Adversity: Lessons from F1 for Business Success"
Ariel Velazquez
Area Sales Director at Solera- TN - MS - AR - Puerto Rico - AutoMate DMS | DealerSocket CRM | Inventory+ | AutoPoint: Empowering the automotive industry through purpose and metrics. - Vehicle Life Cycle Expert
No one likes rain on a racetrack. It disrupts the flow of the race, creates uncertainty, and challenges even the most skilled drivers. But just like in business, we can't control the weather. We can only control how we respond to it.
In Formula 1, a winning team comprises a great driver, a team of mechanics, engineers, designers, and many other leaders and players. It requires a good vehicle and the financial backing to support it all. Winning is the combination of people, technology, machines, and good management. However, there is always one factor that no one can control - the weather.
Take the recent British Grand Prix as an example.
The AMG Petronas team dominated the race until the rain started. Suddenly, positions shifted, tire strategies had to be adjusted, and cars struggled to stay on track. Even the race leader at the time, George Russel, had to retire due to mechanical issues. But with a great strategy in the pits and excellent driving, Lewis Hamilton from AMG Petronas emerged as the victor. In Formula 1, there are contingency plans for rain, especially in races like the British Grand Prix, where the weather can change rapidly. However, when there are sporadic showers, short and confined to specific parts of the track, it becomes extremely challenging to make decisions on engine maps, power distribution, tires, and strategies.
Dealerships have recently faced a similar situation where they had no access to their main tools. While some had contingency plans in place and were able to survive, surviving is not the same as winning. This serves as a lesson for those who are content with the status quo. Just because something has worked in the past doesn't mean it will continue to work in the face of unexpected challenges.
Think about that superuser in your dealership who seems to know everything about the tools you use. What if one day they're no longer there? Whether they retire, get a better offer elsewhere, or unfortunately are no longer with us, relying too heavily on a single individual can be risky. It's important to consider if having all your tools in one platform is the right approach. Are you using the best and most effective tools? Do you have a tool that can help you achieve your goals? And perhaps most importantly, how easy is it for a new employee to learn and adapt to your tools? These are the questions that dealerships should be asking themselves and preparing for.
Fortunately, many experts out there can help provide answers. Most of them work for solutions providers, and while it's understandable to be wary of the dreaded sales pitch, it's worth taking the time to hear what they have to say. Don't be afraid to express your concerns if it feels too sales-oriented. Dealerships need a strategy for unexpected challenges, just like racetracks have one for when it rains.
领英推荐
We never know exactly when or where they will arise, but by assembling a strong team, focusing on driving towards our goals, and seeking out experts for support, we can navigate through any storm that comes our way. Remember, winning in business is not just about surviving, it's about thriving and achieving success even in the face of adversity. So, let's be prepared, let's be proactive, and let's keep moving forward towards victory.
"Keep selling, my friends." – AV
Like, comment, share and subscribe.
If you would like more information on how to learn more about this, reach out.
You can check out all my articles at www.velazquezauto.com
Founder | Video, AI, & CRM Strategist I Husband I Father I Chef I Basketball Coach ??
8 个月This is great, Ariel. What I really enjoyed is your take on tools in the dealership. I heard a stat recently that dealerships use less than 40% of the tech and tools they have available to them. So if I’m a dealer reading this right now, the first thing I’m doing is surveying my employees and seeing how much they use their current tools. What training do they need? Etc. Great insights and love the perspective you used with F1 here.
Great read AV. Well done!