Your car may be the second largest purchase you make in your lifetime. You must take your time and not let it become an impulse decision. Before you go out browsing dealer lots consider the following:

• How will I use my new car, truck or sport utility vehicle? A mini-van will fit fine in a large family but might be out of place in a singles life. Do you go off-road a lot but still like to carry more than 2 passengers, go for the SUV. Trucks have come along way with most comforts available in today’s truck rivaling luxury cars. But do you really need that to carry construction equipment to the job site?

  If you do not go off-road, do not buy a 4 wheel drive truck. The extra weight will only decrease gas mileage and increase maintenance costs. Afraid of the snow? Look to the variety of AWD vehicles on the market which provide excellent traction in the snow and also more economical operation. Take a serious look at your life and find the vehicle that most compliments your lifestyle.

• Color choices. This is a personal preference but rational can come into play. In warmer climates, a lighter colored car will stay cooler. Certain cars are easier to keep clean. White and black are the worst while tan, silver, and brown hide dirt quite well.

• Interior options. Do you need the heated seats? Well that depends on where you live and how much winter driving you do. Leather seats can be unbearable in the summer months and generally harder to maintain. Do you listen to music often? The premium sound system might be a great idea if you do, however if you only listen to talk radio then the standard system will be more than enough.

• Insurance rates. Take into consideration the insurance rates before you start you car buying quest. A Honda may be significantly cheaper to insure than the Ferrari that caught your eye last week. Talk with your insurance agent to find out about how cars are classified. Sports cars generally raise premiums while family cars tend to lower them.

• Who will service the vehicle? Having a dealership close by can be a blessing. If there are no dealerships nearby, buy a domestic car which most mechanics can work on. It is also important to examine the warranty offered before making a decision.

I hope the few comments and suggestions above have given you some things to think about. Never rush into a new or used car purchase. Always take some time to think it over. If it helps, get out a piece of paper and write down the pros and cons of all the vehicle you are considering. Writing down this information is often all you need to get you thinking practically and on your way to making a good selection.

Good luck,

About The Author

Kevin Schappell maintains http://www.autoeducation.com where he gives advice on car maintenance, buying, selling, insurance, and financing. A mechanical engineer and car guy, Kevin has decided to spend his online time helping others learn about automobiles.

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Jim, my now-retired State Farm Insurance agent, was the luckiest guy in the world.

I don’t say this because he had a great wife. Actually, I never met her.

But I did meet his office manager, Shirley, and she is what made Jim the luckiest guy in the world.

She was rock-solid, dependable, and she was a very, very effective communicator. She was especially good over the phone.

Jim gave her complete control of the agency’s day-to-day operations, while he labored away on every golf course he could find.

One of Shirley’s best abilities was in the area of appointment setting. She had no problem getting decision makers on the line, and her earnest and honest tones simply made prospects roll over.

I never asked Jim how much he paid Shirley, but she was worth her weight in platinum.

I can estimate that the average client Jim put on the books could be expected to deliver about $10,000 to him in commissions, over time. He closed about a third of the appointments she set for him, so my guess is that if each appointment cost him about $30 to set, he was getting back about 100 times his investment.

Not bad, right?

The other evening at a dinner at the UCLA faculty center, I was speaking to two colleagues, who double as consultants, about the value of a qualified appointment with a decision maker.

“How much would you willingly pay for one?” I asked.

The more junior of the two blurted out, “$100.”

Shaking his head in disapproval, the second said, “No, no, I’d pay $500that’s what it’s worth.”

All I know is the average appointment setter in Los Angeles is paid twelve to fifteen dollars per hour. Sometimes, they receive bonuses, based on appointments set, or deals that are closed.

That’s far too little money, if they’re good.

Wouldn’t you agree?

Dr. Gary S. Goodman, President of Customersatisfaction.com, is a popular keynote speaker, management consultant, and seminar leader and the best-selling author of 12 books, including Reach Out & Sell Someone

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1. Befriend Your Landlord - If disaster strikes or the economy slows your small business, you may need lease concessions. Cultivate the relationship before you have to ask for help.

2. Keep Numbers Handy - From your insurance agent, to equipment service providers, it’s easier if you have all your essential contact info in one safe place, should you ever need them.

3. Update Your Business Plan - A business plan is a living, breathing documentnot something to stick in a drawer and forget. Make sure you read and adjust yours regularly.

4. Anticipate The Unexpected - “The Worst-Case Scenario” handbook gives examples many of us will never face; however, considering what could happen to your small business is essential.

5. Create Job Descriptions - Each position in your small business needs a description defining expectations. If you don’t have them, let your employees help you develop them.

6. Protect Yourself - Meet annually with your insurance representative(s) to ensure your small business and personal needs are protected at the levels that let you sleep well.

7. Have A Backup Plan - Remote backup of computer files is inexpensive, and you never have to think about it. Hard drives crash, and if yours ever does, you’ll get operating again quickly.

8. Know Where You’ll Go - When a hurricane nears, many people start considering where they’ll head. Planning in advance, and knowing your evacuation route, saves valuable time.

9. Develop A Succession Plan - Warren Buffett keeps the names of the successors for all his businesses in an envelope in his desk. Consider what happens if something happens to you.

10. Establish A Line Of Credit - The time to visit a bank and develop solid relationships is when things are going well, not when you need money. Doing this in advance will make things easier.

11. Cross Train - Make sure your employees understand each other’s roles, and help them learn new skills. They’ll grow professionally, and you’ll be prepared, in case someone leaves.

Copyright © 2005 by Success Handler, LLC. All rights reserved.

The Coach, David Handler, is the founder of Success Handler, (http://www.successhandler.com), and specializes in helping small business leaders find clarity and take action. He understands the challenges of running a business, because he’s been there - as a small business owner, franchisee, franchisor, corporate leader and trainer. Much like sports coaches, his coaching will show you how to compete on a level playing field in your industry.

catastrophe, coaching, disaster, Katrina, management, prepared, Rita, small business, strategic plan

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