Everybody’s Business

Time for Rental to THINK

OUTSIDE THE BOX

When was the last time you “thought outside the box?”

If you can’t think of an example, maybe this will help. The Wikipedia official definition describes it as, “a metaphor that means to think differently, unconventionally, or from a new perspective.” And as cliché as it is, putting that simple phrase into motion can pack quite the punch in terms of changing you or your business’ direction.

Take our story, How Telematics Solutions are Aiding Equipment Rental, on page 32. It mentions a report called, “The 2021 State of Connected Operations Report: Customer Insights and Trends,” and highlights how successful implementation of technologies like telematics lead to increased safety, efficiency, productivity, and cost-savings.

This is a perfect example of how thinking outside of the box and getting out of your comfort zone by trying new things can help your business. In fact, the report shared how 90 percent of respondents said telematics has allowed them to focus their time on other tasks to improve their bottom line.

Companies should also consider thinking outside the box when it comes to software and data protection, too. If the past year has taught us anything, it’s the prevalence of digital methods for both communicating and business. What you currently use may work just fine, but thinking outside the box can help you find the right rental software for your needs and help increase your income. Another great example of thinking outside the box is our Renter’s Review (RR) on page 12. When approaching this year’s feature, I came to the conclusion that I was going to have to do something a little bit different than what our readers might be used to. I won’t lie to you; I was nervous about stepping out of the proverbial Rental comfort zone.

But I am not one to shy away from a challenge. A fun fact about me is I love to try new things. Foods, cities, adventures, etc. I enjoy tiptoeing outside my norm because I usually find something amazing in the process. So, with RR, I did just that. I had a story, and I ran with it. The situation itself and the equipment rented were both on the more unconventional side of things, but it afforded me the opportunity to present a fresh perspective that I might not have otherwise been able to.

And that’s what thinking outside of the box does. It challenges you, and creates opportunities, new avenues for success and growth, and changed outlooks. So, fill me in. How have you thought outside of the box recently? What have you done differently? You can shoot me an email at asheprak@ acbusinessmedia.com.

As always, stay safe and stay strong.

PRODUCT ■ NEWS ■ INSIGHT www.ForConstructionPros.com/RENTAL

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Rental (ISSN 2375-9925, Print | ISSN 2471-7657, online | USPS 686-370) is published eight times per year: January/February, March, April, May, June/July, August/September, October/November and December by AC Business Media, 201 N. Main Street, 5th Fl., Fort Atkinson, WI 53538. Periodicals postage paid at Fort Atkinson, WI and additional entry offices. POSTMASTER: Please send change of address to Rental, PO Box 3605, Northbrook, IL 60065-3605. Printed in the USA. Vol. 43, Issue 5, June/July 2021