One of the more interesting aspects of the aftermarket industry is the ubiquity of ecommerce. There are more than a few online automotive repair shops and car service facilities in the greater Chicago area. Some of the more modern offerings are located in high-density suburbs. The city is home to more than 300 dealerships, plus an assortment of franchises and independent service centers. In short, the aftermarket is a highly diverse business with a lot of room for growth. Of course, there are also more than a few pitfalls and hazards. This is why, a few best practices are recommended.
How Small Businesses Can Stay Informed About Industry News
For a small business owner, keeping abreast of industry news is paramount. By staying in the know, you'll be better equipped to make a smart purchase, avoid costly mistakes and stay in the know about the latest trends, policies and technological advances that could have a positive or negative impact on your bottom line. Fortunately, there are a number of sources, including trade magazines, newspapers, websites, and newsletters that keep you in the know.
The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) has a comprehensive industry news site. While you won't find the usual company news, you can expect to find a wide variety of industry-specific content from industry analysts and experts, such as new regulations, emerging technologies, and new businesses to watch out for. Some of the content is free, but you may be required to pay for access to the most exclusive and up to date information.
The ELFA also produces a monthly e-mail newsletter. This publication is a great way to stay up to date on the latest in economic development and corporate relocation. You can also learn a lot from their bi-monthly magazine, which covers everything from site selection to expansion and corporate relocation.
Other ways to keep up with industry news are to attend conferences, such as ELFA's LiveXchange. At this event, you can network with a diverse crowd of industry professionals while listening to a panel of expert panelists. Additionally, you can participate in live demonstrations of new and innovative products and technologies. In fact, this is one of the most rewarding types of events for small businesses, as it's a great way to meet others who share your passion.
The best and most efficient way to get the most out of this type of event is to prepare in advance. A thorough research of the relevant literature and online forums is key. However, if you don't have the time or inclination to pore over every word of every article, don't fret. Using an online search engine to filter through hundreds of results can be just as effective.
Another good way to find industry news is by putting the term into a search engine. Search engines such as Google can be very helpful in locating industry organizations and trade publications. As you narrow down your search, be sure to look for the "best" websites or publications. Often, the best sites will have free or discounted memberships and other resources. Of course, there are many websites that are more ad-focused than other types of publications, so be prepared to wade through the hype to locate the genuinely useful and informative.
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