I was searching for some information on social collaboration, that's kind of what this is all about.  I ran across the post and thought I would share it with our community.  I have also attached the URL if you are interested i learning how we will behave in the future.  I believe this to be true, we are in a transformative age and we are just seeing the tip of the movement. 

Within a social network, you'd got to listen to learn.  This entails treating everyone as a legitimate participant.  Listening taps into the flow of knowledge through the social system.  To show others you're listening is to show them you understand them.  Openness, collaboration, knowledge, and innovation result from this mutual understanding (which Maturana would call love.)  HP's explosive ink-jet cartridge business brought Maturana in for a two day tete-a-tete with several hundred.

 

If collaborative social systems are the natual way to go (as is the case everywhere but at work) and they also foster innovation, why isn't more of this stuff in evidence?  Because we're in the midst of a "transformational period in the history of our perception."  We['re chucking the model that likened organizations to machines: never changing.  In its place, we see organizations that are continually growing.  (They're alive!)

Management used to focus almost exclusively on change; now we must look at conservation, too.  It was once assumed that performance came from individuals; now we see that it takes a village.

The bottom line is to focus on value creation, something that's accomplished by the collaboration of groups of people in soccial networks.  Reflect on that one!

Perception= what we can do, not what we can see.

To view article

Best Regards -- Bill Park

    Is anyone having trouble with Keystone not willing to sell you parts anymore?  We were recently told that we cannot buy parts because we have too many returns and labor claims.  Apparently we are not a profitable account to them.

Every part return and labor claim that we have submitted has been approved ty the outside sales representative for Keystone but I was told by the inside manager that the problem is an "Unwillingness" to use the parts, not a part quality problem.   I was told that the parts are as good as the OEM parts and that I might have technicians who simply refuse to use A/M parts.

I went to one of our insurance DRP managers here locally and to my surprise they are backing us up on the issue.  They are taking the matter up with the upper executives and feel that something has to be done about the situation.  I didn't think I would besaying thank you to Progressive Insurance for backing the repair shops up on an issue like this, but I am.  as you may know, Progressive actually delivers the car to the customer and apparently, they can't deliver the cars with these parts on either.  It's amazing what happens when they "walk a mile' in our shoes.

If you are in, or feel that you may be in this position, speak up.  Maybe we can get some help from the other carriers on this as well.

Please give us your comments on the Presentation. -- Luz

I want to live n a vacuum for a moment, so bare with me.  I'm going to quote my middle son Trysten, who is 9 "What if.."

I'm sure that you all have run many "what if" scenarios, but it's amazing how children can filter out all the rasons not to do or have something.  I have been reading Marcus Buckingham, who is a strength based coach and his work tells us to focus on the highs not the lows.  In other words, don't give credit where credit isn't due.  I recently did a mini experiment with my oldest son Tannor, who is 10.  I've always tried to focus him on bettering his lower grades in school and I was not getting any movement; so I told him to not worry about the lower grades and focus on the other studies that he was doing so well in.  He keeps asking me why I don't talk about social studes, because that is his lowest grade, and I tell him that I want him to focus on the areas he loves and the other studies will follow.  Just tonight I saw his report card, and low and behold that social studies grade improved, along with a significant improvement in most of his other studies.  I ask him how did that happen, he said "I just did more of the things I like to do."  Well, I guess the exeriment worked. 

So I'm going to take a stab at a few "what ifs" myself:  What if you just did more work with those you like doing business with?  What if you chose not to do work for those you don't like to do work for?  What if you focus your thoughts on those you like doing work for and give credit where credit is due?  This is the vacuum I talkd about, I know this may not be enteirely realistic, however, it's not far from reality either.  People want to be a part of something good, so lets have some good news.  Lets talk about how the average employee in our industry has the ability to make a better than average wage, how we provide a valuable service to our community, how well we make vehicle looks after the repair, how we make people feel safe in their vehicle again, and how the customer really mans something in our business.

Happy New Year and be safe!!! LOVE YOUR BUSINESS.

By Bill Park

Luz forwarded an article about "What is the Prevailing Rate" which appeared in a past "Hammer & Dolly" (August 2008) issue. She solicited comments so here goes.

Although the author made some excellent points I don't fully agree with the concept that we should "legislate" changes. Legislation merely fills the pockets of all the lobbyists and the insurers will throw tons of money to get the final bill watered down. We would be spinning our wheels. Shops need to know their cost of doing business and charge accordingly. We need to get out of the "bid" mentality and charge what we need to fix the vehicle. Shops also need the nerve to ask for fair payment from the owner and in addition they should be filling out the State Farm survey and encouraging others to do the same. I would also strongly recommend funding an independent survey to keep the bean counters honest. The State Farm survey is really somewhat of a joke but right now it's the only thing we have. If enough people filled it out and put down realistic rates, plus doing the independent survey you would see rate movement.

Getting the government involved in our business is not the answer. Sadly I feel the Department of Insurance is almost as corrupt as Chicago/Illinois politics. I am sure California did nothing to the people who submitted a 2008 survey which falsely documented 2004 rates from M2 Collision that failed in that year. The word "fraud" comes to my mind when this sort of thing happens.

Sadly the insurance industry is dealing off the bottom of the deck. They don't really care if you starve to death or even die. Their only goal is making money and they will do anything to make that happen.

Our industry needs to get paid fairly. The average pay increase in the insurance industry is 4% a year for the past 20 years. How many in the collision industry have gotten increases like that? What is really sad is that the insurance industry is pocketing billions of dollars in the soft economy and they still want to "control" labor rates and chisel estimates.

Chasing legislation is what the insurers want us to do. It delays the process and they will simply spend enough money to control the outcome. Even if a law got passed it would not be enforced.

My suggestion is to call your neighbors and competitors and encourage them to fill out the State Farm Survey. You should not talk about how they should fill it out, only that they "should fill it out".

Submitted by Bob Isham

I have good news and bad news.  The good news is that many of your competitors will be out of business next year.  The bad news is that it might be you that is out of business.  You need to get into the game and promote your business.  I'm sure the next question on your mind is How?  Well, the how's arent' always as visible as we might like, but the reality is that we have grown our businessesse from A to B.  Take a look in your rear view mirror and see where you have come from, it might be just the place to start.  However, you have an obligation to your business, to take what you have learned and turn it into something valuable for your customer, employees and community.  I'm sure the next question is:  How am I suppose to pay for it?  Well, you are the only one that can answer that.  I do know that you have been watching your expenses steadily climb to new highs, so the inevitalbe is _____________ (you fill in the blank).  I'm sure anxiety keeps you from pulling the trigger, but keep in mind, the health of your organization relies on you to make relevant decisions for today and tomorrow.  Don't let fear drive your decision making.  If your customers are loyal they will be there tomorrow, and furthermore, they are not concerned about the lowest price either.  Read any business magazine and the data is clear.  LOVE YOUR BUSINESS!!!

Posted by:  Bill Park

Are you seeking to exploit the economic downturn by idetifying emerging customer's needs?  Customers need new types of offerings, it's an ideal time to go on the strategic offensive and innovate.  How are you doing this?  Sharing stimulates action!

Welcome to the ASA of Arizona Collision Division Blog. This is another forum for Collision Industry Professionals to post comments, ideas, and bring up issues on the industry. The 2008 Collision Workgroup will facilitate this blog and post updates on their activities, check regularly and take part by submitting your comments!

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