An Article By Guest Author Cory Senior
Happy Holidays, everyone! I wanted to take a moment and reflect on the past 12 months of running my own Space Walk branch. To start off, we had to completely revamp and reorganize our inventory and warehouse storage.
After replacing every light, most of the racks, all of our Super Movers, extension cords, and various supplies – as well as painting and tearing down both a hallway and a bathroom – we have come a long way!
As Space Walk of Greater New Orleans branch manager, I have learned a lot over the past year about terms such as customer service, organization, team work, communication and patience. This is one of the largest projects I’ve ever taken on personally, or professionally. However, it has also been an incredibly rewarding experience!
The pros vastly outweighed the cons. The risk of failure, financial insecurity, and long hours, have been worth the satisfaction gained from the business relationships we have built, and re-built, with commercial clients in the New Orleans area. There is not much better than the feeling of earning a new client. However, gaining back someone’s business after a negative break in the relationship is even more rewarding.
I also want to acknowledge all of the employees at the Space Walk Home Office, as well as all of the great feedback and advice from out in Partner Land. I know GNO’s 2018 wouldn’t have been as successful without the support of our talented, hardworking partners.
If I had any advice to give other branches from my experiences this past year, it would be:
1. You can never over-communicate with your customers. Always call them right before their event to re-confirm all set-up details and times. For your larger events, take the time to meet them for an on-site inspection – especially if they are new clients.
2. Always thank each customer for their business at the time of booking. Likewise, a post-rental phone call goes a long way.
3. Don’t overly concern yourself with your competition. It is good to know, in general, how their units are priced, their hours, and inventory selection. Yet don’t try to “keep up with the Joneses” and push yourself into a crazy investment. Rome wasn’t built in a year.
4. And, finally, surround yourself with a great crew of employees and delivery drivers!
See you guys in 2019!! GNO is ready!