For the past two years, I’ve been on a mission to establish our home office in San Antonio. Handling contractors, construction crews, and city planners has been no small feat. Moving our internal offices every few months due to ongoing construction has made it challenging to keep our day-to-day operations smooth. Our staff has had to maneuver through construction zones just to complete their tasks.
As construction goes along you find things that aren’t quit right, or work but not the way it should. So you bring up these concerns and you’re immediately faced with blow back! “It’s not my fault” or “I did what you asked me to do”. Sounds like the “ever since you serviced my transmission my right front tire light comes on”. Believe it or not, construction workers from all facets use the internet for fixes just like most people and shops these days.
This experience has opened my eyes to new insights in the transmission industry. It often feels like we’re in a “guilty until proven innocent” scenario. With the internet amplifying every customer’s voice, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the constant scrutiny.
With the power of social media, we’ve all seen it—scrolling through a feed only to witness heated debates among passionate users. The influence of these platforms is undeniable. Arguments flare up, and if you’re not careful, you might find yourself in “social media jail.”
In our line of work, we strive to serve our customers in the best way possible. However, it’s tough when they approach us with diagnoses based on their own online research. It feels like we’re handcuffed before we even begin. Social forums are great for researching global issues but have overshadowed OEM and aftermarket specialty sites.
Consider these staggering statistics:
- Over half the world (63.7%) now uses social media.
- Out of 7.951 billion people, 5.07 billion are social media users.
- In the past year alone, 259 million new users have joined social media.
- The average daily time spent on social media is 2 hours and 20 minutes.
- Social media users, ages 18-35 number around 37 million, with 93% using the internet daily.
Balancing productivity and online presence, technicians often spend significant time on posts or chats. While this can be beneficial, it also impacts productivity. Time spent online means less time getting the job done, leading to missed opportunities and decreased efficiency.
Attitude also plays a crucial role in online interactions. Without physical and vocal cues, messages can come across as direct and harsh, leading to misunderstandings and hurt feelings. Differing opinions on facts can cause tension and anger, often ending with someone leaving the conversation or getting booted from the platform due to a simple misunderstanding.
Navigating the digital landscape can be tricky, while social media offers valuable insights and connectivity, it also presents challenges. Balancing online interactions with productive work and maintaining a respectful, understanding attitude is crucial for success in any industry.
At ATRA, we thrive on facts and aim to provide honest, professional service. Our commitment to ATRA’s Code of Ethics ensures that every member adheres to high standards, providing polite and professional service.
By understanding the dynamics of social media and finding a balance between online presence and productivity, we can continue to deliver the best service to our customers while navigating the complexities of the digital landscape.
Join the conversation on our ATRA social platforms. Share your experiences, insights, and questions with our community. Together, we can overcome challenges and continue to excel in our field.
