Eagerness Of Expressing Uneducated Opinions

Having a healthy indifference to the opinion of others is very therapeutic and necessary for a small business owner.  Especially in a niche, that is not formally regulated with relatively lower barrier to entry!  Embracing the concept that you are not for everyone or even a majority of people is a great attribute for a detailing business owner.  I came to this conclusion very early on and it really helped me in sales, to the point it felt like I was not even selling a service.  I cared less about the perception of providing a luxury offering in an industry that the average consumer frowned upon.  I wanted to provide high quality experiences for high quality people.  Ironically as I became more unapologetic, I received less hate for my pricing and the hurdles I made new clients jump through.  People who did not fit, did not try.  My ideal avatar knew what they were getting before picking up the phone.  Not only saying but creating a business that communicated the phrase ‘we are not for everyone’ became as valuable as focusing on customer acquisition.

Being Accessible And Personable

Early on I was very subconscious about showing my face.  There was an insecurity about the perception of seeing me and buying what most consider a high-end brand.  I coupled that with being influenced by mainstream pressure to not ‘make it about me’, by people who had a different concept of what a detailing business can be.  I changed on both fronts.  It was a dramatic difference.  The opposite of what I feared came to fruition.  I was often greeted respectfully in person as Rodney (versus “hey how much do you guys charge for a detail”).

Encouraging My Clients To Be My Biggest Supporters

I wish I had pushed reviews harder earlier on.  Granted I do not by the nature of my operation attract as many buyers as a business that needs several vehicles in shop to consider it a good day.  A single car can keep me occupied for long hours for nearly a week.  With that said, there was also a insecurity early on about potentially receiving negative feedback.  That has changed over the years.  And although I will not have the volume of reviews based upon scaling for quality over volume, the quality of reviews has been greatly appreciated.

Finding Harmony Between Other People’s Philosophy And My Core Values

I learned and appreciated over time investing money and time, in being around successful business owners who are ahead of the curve.  With that said, I also learned the value of staying true to myself, even while listening to feedback from more successful and innovative business owners.  That can manifest itself in taking only select parts of the lessons that are applicable to my vision of my business.

Must Be Doing Something Right If I Am Getting Hate

Hate is going to exist within the industry from strangers and some of your competitors.  This industry can demonstrate a brotherhood, but it will often demonstrate a cutthroat nature.  I have experienced this with other detailers in my town, even when it is really not warranted.  But I have also seen this with representatives of ceramic coating brands.

Others (Including Friends) Lack Of Appreciation And Understanding Is a Personal Problem

Clients became closer to me than alleged friends.  If you ask someone who has done this business long enough, they will tell you about the people that claim to be your friends that are only interested in your business with a heavy discount and a excessive free work at their convenience.  There is a caveat to this reality all business owners will experience.  If we are honest with ourselves, what we do and the cost of that are not aligned with a majority of people.  I understood a need for grace in that respect.  I have clients whom I have bonded with more than people who allegedly proclaim to be friends with me for years.  Also, there is an awareness that I have that some people will go to another detailer as a compliment to me.  They are not willing to make that investment and or often also not THAT into their car.  Some of the most understanding and supportive people in my life are people who genuinely cannot budget most of my services and do not have cars they are very fond of.  Often a couple of conversations about what I do, services that numerous people proclaim to be overpriced, led to an immediate understanding of why I charge so much.  Many times they argue, it should cost more.  Logic is often not a factor in how you are treated.  I learned early on, how people perceive you as a detailing business owner is more important than what most people will tell you about running a business.  I learned quickly that rejecting people whose negative perception is set in stone, attracts people I want to align my business with.