How a Roadside Encounter and a Transformative Workshop Reinforced the Importance of Community and Excellence in My Electrical Business.
As a business owner, my journey is often a blend of professional responsibilities and unexpected personal encounters that remind me why I do what I do. Last week, I attended the "Wired For Success" workshop hosted by the WaterSphere team, designed for members of MyLectricianToolbox. This event focused on helping local electricians like myself enhance our marketing strategies and improve how we present our services to both residential and commercial clients. Before diving into the invaluable lessons from the workshop, I want to share a personal experience that perfectly illustrates the importance of community in our line of work.
The Journey to Huddersfield.
On Thursday, I left Southampton around 3 PM and headed to Huddersfield for the workshop. As I made my way up the motorway, I balanced my time between speaking with customers, catching up with retailers, and enjoying a few podcasts and music. The drive was smooth until I encountered roadworks that led to a diversion about an hour and a half before Huddersfield.
On one of these detours, I noticed an elderly couple stranded in their car, clearly needing help. While many others had driven past, I couldn’t just leave them there. I pulled over and offered assistance. The couple explained that their car had suddenly died and were unsure what to do next. After a quick check under the hood, the battery seemed to be the issue. I adjusted the battery clamps, tested it, and the car started up again. I advised them to visit the nearest service station to have the battery checked and possibly replaced.
They were immensely grateful, but I refused any form of payment or reward for my help. I simply wanted to ensure they were safe. The next day, I received a message through my website that touched my heart:
"Hi Shem, this is not a request for an electrician and I don’t need a callback. I just wanted to say thank you for helping me and my husband when our car broke down yesterday. Lots of people had driven past us, but you were the only person to stop. We managed to make it home to Newcastle without further incident. You were right about the battery, and Peter is taking the car to get a new one today. Once again, I have to say thank you, I’m not sure what we would’ve done if you hadn’t stopped to help. You are a true gentleman."
This message was a powerful reminder that being a local electrician is about more than just fixing wires and installing systems—it’s about being a part of the community and helping others, even when you’re not on the clock.
The "Wired For Success" Workshop Experience.
I was eager to dive into the "Wired For Success" workshop when I finally arrived in Huddersfield. This two-day event was structured around the S.P.A.R.K.S Blueprint, a powerful framework designed to help electricians thrive in their business. Here’s a breakdown of what each day covered:
- Day 1:
- Specialise: James emphasized the importance of niching and how to do it correctly. Understanding your unique value proposition is crucial to standing out in a crowded market.
- Positioning: We explored strategies for positioning ourselves as the go-to electricians in our respective areas, ensuring we are the first choice for potential customers.
- Awareness: The focus here was on making sure our businesses do not go unnoticed, using effective marketing strategies to increase visibility.
- Mindset Mastery: Micheal Colhoun led a session on mindset mastery, providing tools to help us maintain a positive and focused mental approach in our business endeavors.
- Day 2:
- Relationships: James discussed the Know, like, and trust factor, emphasizing the importance of building strong, trustworthy relationships with customers.
- Keep-In-Touch: We learned about the best communication methods to keep customers engaged and informed, which is key to maintaining long-term relationships.
- Systemise: The final component of the blueprint concerned tools and resources that can simplify our business processes and make our operations more efficient.
- Mindset Mastery: Leila Singh took us through another session on mindset, reinforcing the importance of mental resilience and positive thinking.
These sessions were not only educational but also actionable. I left with several strategies I’m eager to implement immediately in my business to improve customer experience and operational efficiency.
Reflecting on Business and Customer Relationships.
Returning to Southampton on Saturday, I had time to reflect on the workshop and my roadside encounter. Both experiences reinforced the importance of clear, compassionate communication with customers. By showing genuine care for their needs and ensuring they understand the value of our services, we can build stronger, more trusting relationships.
At Solid Electrics Limited, I aim to be a reliable electrician and a trusted community member. Whether it's helping a stranded couple on the side of the road or ensuring a safe and efficient electrical installation in their home, I’m committed to making a positive difference.
The "Wired For Success" workshop in Huddersfield was more than just an opportunity to learn and grow professionally—it was a reminder of the importance of kindness and community. The actionable strategies from the S.P.A.R.K.S Blueprint are already being implemented at Solid Electrics Limited, and I’m excited to see how they will enhance our customer experience. If you ever need electrical services, know that Solid Electrics Limited is here for you, not just as your local electrician, but as a neighbour who cares.
Have you experienced a random act of kindness that made a difference in your day? Or perhaps you have questions about how I can help with your electrical needs? I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to reach out via our website's contact form. Let’s continue building a community where trust, quality, and service go hand in hand.
