'How's Your Christmas?'

Posted 12/10/2009
By Earl Dohner, AAM, Chairman

In this special edition of AutoInc. - the "How's Your Business?" edition - I'd like to also ask my fellow ASA members, "How's Your Christmas?" Every year Christmas has a deeper meaning for my family and me as we try to look at the real reason for the season. In my years of experience, I've come to appreciate so many things I may have overlooked in my earlier years. Along these lines, I'd like to share a few of my thoughts with you this holiday season.

What Can You Do This Christmas to Help?

What have you done in past years to make Christmas a good one? We try to find a family that is in need and make sure that their needs (and some wants) are met. This could mean providing a nice meal and making sure every member of the family gets a gift. As we see from this year's "How's Your Business?" survey, 94 percent of ASA member-shops are family owned and have been around - on average - 24 years. What that shows me is that our shops have a presence in their communities and share family-based values.

That means we have a ripe opportunity to make a difference this Christmas.

Why Do We Give a Gift to Others?

For our household, we give gifts to others because the free gift that was given to me years ago is also available to you, too. I have found that the more I give, the more that is given to me to give.

Do You Expect Something in Return?

What have you done for others at Christmastime, and what were the results? Without expectations, I always get back more than I give when I put others first. It's amazing to me, but that is always the case.

Where is Christmas in your business plan this year? Only you know the answer to that question.

Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays! I wish each one of you a happy and prosperous new year.