I have a friend who bought a new device recently. It’s not important what the device is, but you’ll probably read between the lines.
The device, made by a hot gadget-, computer- and phone-maker, came as a bit of a surprise to consumers. Unlike other gadgets that were announced during previous mega-events, this one kind of snuck in the back door. Besides surprising consumers with very little fanfare, the non-eventful announcement also surprised makers of cases and other accessories that like to time their time-to-market with the unveiling of the gadget.
So, with gadget in-hand on the day it came out, he had nothing to wrap it in. No one, I mean, no one, had a case ready for it. It appears it came as such a surprise that no accessory-maker had a product in the pipeline. So it was an agonizing 48 hours — yes, that’s an eternity anymore — until a halfway suitable case appeared on Amazon.com. So he snagged the first thing. And he snagged it fully knowing he would need to buy a more formidable case — whenever that case was unveiled. So, it’s been more than two weeks now and coverage for this particular device is still lacking — very lacking.
What’s my point? There’s nothing more agonizing than needing or wanting something and you can’t have access to it. Here he was, money ready in-hand, eagerly wanting to spend it but not being able to buy what he wanted.
When my friend relayed his woes, I was reminded of the famous scene from “Glengarry Glen Ross” where a hot-shot salesman played by Alec Baldwin, is brought in to berate a group of salesmen whose numbers were sagging:
“Get out there. You got the prospects coming in. You think they came in to get out of the rain? A guy don’t walk on the lot lest he wants to buy. They’re sitting out there, waiting to give you their money.”
Think Now About Counter Professional of the Year
Having just gotten back recently from AAPEX, and having taken part in several events related to Counterman’s 27th annual Counter Professional of the Year award program, you’d think we’d rest. But we can’t.
We’ve already begun taking submissions for the 2013 Counter Professional of the Year award. You can nominate yourself or someone else. And you’ll need some information, including the nominee’s eight-digit ASE identification number, among other things.
Be prepared to answer a few questions, which include (and take your time. There’s no hurry):
•Why do you feel you (or the nominee) should be the Counter Professional of the Year?
•What strides have you (or the nominee) made in your career to better yourself as a parts professional?
•What are the three biggest issues facing the automotive aftermarket today, in your opinion?
We’re taking submissions until July 1, 2013. Good luck!
