Maryann Croce from SmallBusinessvantge.com. She and her husband Tony also own Croce Transmission in Norwalk, CT. As a business owner, she can chalk up many a mistake that has turned into wisdom. She has been there and done that and shares 5 key principles to help a startup business person get ahead of the game. She is speaking to resilience, commitment, getting help, being curious and giving. Learn why messaging, relationships and financials are vital no matter what stage you are and your business is currently in. Don’t believe you need to go it alone. Her biggest mistake as a new business owner was thinking she had to do it all. This is one of the reasons why her signature talk “Gain Control by Letting Go” was created. Maryann is also a member of Women in Auto Care and owns smallbizvantage.com. Hear Maryann in her previous episodes HERE. Key Talking Points:

• Technicians turned owner- technicians are do-ers, want to get things accomplished but end up being stuck in comfort zoneOwner different skill set- need plan of action and look at business as separate entity
• MVP: mission, vision, purpose- why are we doing what we do every day? What motivates you besides the financial aspect? What are your core beliefs? What led you to become owner?
• Impact, community, purpose- communicate that to your team, align yourself with employees and customers that want to be part of it
• Maryann’s inner motivation for business- resource for community, gave different perspective looking at business
• How do I ________? Grow sales, close more sales, cut costs, build business culture etcStart with you and 1 problem at a time
• Example: Struggling with sales- what is the process? Who are you marketing to? Is your customer your ideal customer?
• Look at business from the viewpoint of the customer- what is their challenger? Want a vehicle repaired but want convenience, warranty loaner car etc.
• Never unload your problems onto customer- part did not come in, technician out, it negatively affects customer’s experience
• Your business needs to be sustainable long termHabits of not charging for certain things, discounting etc- you are not making impact or helping your business
• Dive into your reviews and feedback- businesses grow when owners grow
• Smallbizvantage.com- free resources

Resources:

• Thanks to Maryann Croce for her contribution to the aftermarket’s premier podcast.
• Link to the ‘BOOKS‘ page highlighting all books discussed in the podcast library HERE. Leaders are readers.
• Love what we do, buy a cup of coffee HERE.

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