Out of the Crisis.Org

[Louis Altazan]

Life can be fickle and business certainly reflects life. Most responsible people tend to plan for the unexpected. Certainly this is why we buy different types of insurance, make contingency plans and have back-up systems in place. Most people hope for the best and plan for the worst.

Unexpected occurrence need not always be negative, in fact many can produce positive results. For instance a large local competitor going out of business. A sudden turnaround of the local economy. Even a catastrophic event producing a large influx of new potential clients.

A huge influx of new clients can also mean a need for greatly increased staff, increased work space and increased support services. Not having these available means an inability to capitalize on the opportunity. Too much staff for the work available is not desirable. Insufficient staff to capitalize on opportunity is as bad, in my opinion. It is not practical to have people standing around in case they’re needed, but is there a compromise?

Is their a way to learn about and keep in touch with potential employees? Perhaps a way to familiarize potential staff with a company’s procedures and philosophy? As I see it this might take the form of an enhanced recruitment system. A pool of talented people that might be recruited and that are largely ready to fit into our system. I have been guilty of not exploring this further and feel a formal plan is past due.

I would be very interested in hearing of things others have done along these lines, ideas or comments on the concept.

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Louis Altazan
Owner/Manager AGCO Automotive Corporation
Baton Rouge, LA

[Dave]

[Louis Altazan]

Hi Dave,

I like both of those ideas, thanks. I think recruiting and retention of the best personnel is going to become a larger and larger factor in the future. At least if a shop intends to grow. Thanks Dave

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Louis Altazan
Owner/Manager AGCO Automotive Corporation
Baton Rouge, LA

[slimmv]

Hi Louis,

I once knew a guy, named Ace (not his real name), who was extremely good at having people waiting to come to work. It was unbelievable because working for this man wasn't a picnic.

1-He was not involved in the day-to-day operation of his business. This enable him to spend time making contact with potential employees.
2-He made frequent contact with people he was interested, using spaced repetition. If he didn't need the potential employee this could go on for more than a year.
3-He would ask their opinions, concerning different matters.
4-He knew their personal circumstances. He knew all about their wives and or girlfriends, their children, their hobbies and their enemies.
5-He would occasionally offer sporting tickets, hunting trips, invitations to breakfast, lunch or dinner.
6-Ace was probably continuously checking out the persons.
When the time was right, Ace made the call and he had the employee he had been courting.

I think much of Ace's actions were less than genuine, although there is much to be said for Ace's approach, especially the personal interest in the person.

A true story, the names have been changed to protect the guilty!

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God Bless You!
Mike Viator

[Louis Altazan]

Hi Mike,

Thanks for your reply. I feel there are many ideas here that could be put to good use. Do you know how Ace initially came to know about the people that would eventually become of interest to him?

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Louis Altazan
Owner/Manager AGCO Automotive Corporation
Baton Rouge, LA

[slimmv]

Hi Louis,

Ace is always asking questions of his suppliers, fellow business owners, and most importantly from the prospect's customers and clients. Ace wants to know, who is doing a great job? Who is respected in the fields he thought he might need an employee for the future? There are many more instruments such as clubs of all sorts, church, gathering, mutual friends and relatives.

For example, if he needed a bookkeeper, he might ask a few accountants who in their opinion is doing a great job. He might also ask them personal information concerning the prospects, which gives him instant repore with the person when contact is made.

Ace might call the prospect initially to mention that an accountant had been speaking well of him. After making a number of positive statements concerning the prospects reputation, Ace might ask if he new anybody with the prospect’s skills looking to make a change, because he might be in the market for a bookkeeper in the not too distant future. After building a little repore over common interest, Ace would leave a next step contact out there, and away they would go!

All very comfortable and natural, no pressure, just positive with an opening for the prospect to began thinking.

For instance, if the prospect mentioned the name of a person that would qualify, Ace wouldn't hesitate to gather as much information on the recommendation as possible. Then he would ask, "Mr. prospect what do you think it would take to interest your recommendation in coming to work with me"? At this point Ace has given the prospect a chance to throw out his own requirements without ever creating the impression that he would be interested in moving. And on and on!

I'm sure Ace uses many different approaches of which I have no knowledge. The examples and the impressions of Ace's methods are just that my examples and my impressions. Ace of course is a real life person.

Hope this sheds light.

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God Bless You!
Mike Viator

[Louis Altazan]

Hi Mike,

Ace sounds like a very pro-active guy, I am going to give his methods a lot of thought. Many times I find, rather than looking to the auto repair trade, I find better examples looking to other fields.

For example, I think one of the better examples of recruiting might be found in college football. A consistently winning team seems to greatly increases the number of athletes that wish to be affiliated with the team. I have also noticed, a great coach seems to attract better players. I'm not sure if this is skill in recruiting or if players realize better leadership improves their prospects?

I hope other will please share their thoughts on these concepts. Thanks Mike, I appreciate your time and your thorough replies.

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Louis Altazan
Owner/Manager AGCO Automotive Corporation
Baton Rouge, LA