All You Have to Do Is Act Naturally

Dear Editor:

I have complimented Wayne Williams many times on his Counter Intelligence columns. He is a good writer, and not to be a bragger myself, he reinforces everything that I believe in and practice. His article in the February issue of MTD, “5 tips to improve your likability,” was excellent. The realistic part is that people need to be warm and positive — and do it naturally, from their heart. That is the tough part.

I have said to our crew many times, it’s OK to call a person when you hear that someone in their family has passed away, or send a card to them for their major achievements, such as a son graduating law school.

But I also tell them do not do this unless it feels natural to them. I have gambled when I’m on the phone with strangers. Sometimes at the end of a conversation, if it feels right I’ll actually say, “I love you, man.”

Nice work, Wayne, and I am a very hard grader.

Billy Eordekian, President

1-800EveryRim.com

Pico Rivera, Calif.

Question of the month

Each month we ask members of our National Advisory Council a question or questions on a current hot topic. This month we asked, “Are tire disposal costs a concern? What do you pay to have your scrap tires removed? Have costs increased in the last year? Is so, by how much? Have you been able to find a reliable vendor to remove scrap tires?” Here are some of their responses.

1. It’s not a big issue for wholesale distributors as we do not accumulate many, other than possibly adjustment tires. In the marketplace though, it would seem there’s a demand as reliability and consistency are some of the concerns from dealers. Some of the smaller players in the scrap tire removal market seem to have exited the market.
2. No concerns. We pay by the ton and there has been no change. It’s been the same for 15 years.
3. We pay approximately $1,000 for a filled 45-foot trailer.
4. We have used the same scrap tire removal company the last 10 years. Pricing has remained the same, although it did drop about two years ago.

Last month we asked, “What is the best business advice you have ever received? Was it from a book (which book?) or from a mentor, friend or co-worker?” Here are some responses.

1. A mentor told me, “Sales are great, but sales do not pay the expenses, profits do.”
2. I was quite lucky finding my wife of 48 years. Her father was a fantastic person, an Italian, who always told me to be patient — especially when negotiating with bankers and suppliers. I’ve done well by heeding that advice in my business career. My favorite business books are “The One Minute Manager” by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson, “Putting the One Minute Manager to Work” by Blanchard and Robert Lorber, and “The One Minute Sales Person” by Johnson. I also recommend Ayn Rand’s “The Fountainhead” and, of course, “Atlas Shrugged.” You may find it unusual that I would consider her works as books on business, but I think her writings about capitalism and free enterprise are always worth holding onto as part of my own business and government belief system.
3. Being a former Army officer, the Army holds a special place in my heart. The Army has been the premier leadership training organization in our country for the last couple of centuries. Its model is simply this: BE – this is all about your character as a leader and is the foundation to your ability to lead. It gives you the courage to do what is right regardless of the circumstances or the consequences. KNOW – This is about the knowledge and skill sets you need to be competent as a leader. DO – leaders act. They bring together everything they are, everything they believe, and everything they know how to do to provide purpose, direction and motivation.
4. The best advice I ever received was do not react quickly to email or correspondence or feedback that may be negative or disparaging. Instead, step back, use logic and not emotion and respond accordingly.
5. Do not try to sell someone, create in someone the desire to buy.

We also asked our National Advisory Council what was on their mind. One response was:

Since our business is located in south Louisiana, we hate these low fuel prices. We need the rest of the country to do what they can to get the prices up so we can “drill, baby, drill.”

Charley Gowland, Manager/Owner

Chabill’s Tire Service LLC

Morgan City, La.

Join Modern Tire Dealer’s National Advisory Council
Each month, Modern Tire Dealer is guided and influenced by a select group of readers — members of our National Advisory Council. These members’ opinions are the heart of the monthly Your Marketplace column, compiled by industry analyst Nick Mitchell. If you’d like to join this prestigious group, please let us know. We’d love to hear from you. Contact Editor Bob Ulrich at [email protected] or call (330) 899-2200, ext. 11.