Editors Forum

ARE YOU A TRAILBLAZER?

if you haven’t already, it’s time to take the lead, bring your vision to reality and use it to help others.

Our industry is made up of amazing people who saw an opportunity to improve the driving experience. Beginning with the first AM radios in automobiles, FM radios in the 50s, and then the addition of formats such as 8-track, cassette, CD in the 80s, the mobile electronics industry sought to innovate with each decade. Today, technologies such as satellite radio, security and convenience and vehicle safety (ADAS) are commonplace. Who knows what we’ll see next. Regardless, we all get to enjoy the fruits of our labor. Especially those of us who seek to improve the sound quality and technology in automobiles, thereby changing the driving experience forever—and for the better.

Bringing our dreams and visions to fruition

Can you say you took a risk and blazed a trail that’s now producing great rewards? If you are a business owner in the mobile electronics industry, this is probably very true for you. Starting a business takes a special talent to turn your dream into reality. In this industry, it can take much more than just a good head for business. It takes vision and tenacity.

Success usually starts with an idea based on a desire to become a leader in a specific area. Many people have dreams, but the true mark of an entrepreneur separates dreamers from those who work to fulfill their vison. Those who’ve called this industry home for many years can attest to the fact that changes in technology have driven many great innovations to keep customers coming back for more year after year.

Enduring a trial by fire

You’ve probably heard the saying that no good deed goes unpunished. Some trials will arise from mistakes made, others unpunished. Some trails will arise from mistakes made, others from outside forces which take you by surprise. When someone discourages you from moving forward, or provides less than sound advice, remember what led you to starting your business in the first place. Never let disappointment stop you from doing what you love.

Taking your lumps and learning lessons

Regardless of lessons learned, mistakes made have surely put a dent in your ego. This can be a good thing because it tends to humble you, forcing you think through issues known to cause problems. Learn from it and move on! Plan for success using what you learned to make your business better.

Standing on your own

Now that you’ve learned from mistakes, you know how to feel more confident in your abilities. You should be proud of everything you’ve accomplished. The feeling you get from knowing you can endure challenges and come through them stronger is a great reward that should manifest as growth. Remember, it’s your vision that makes you the person you are! You don’t need to look to others for your success story.

Telling your story to help others

Because you’ve learned so much, I challenge you to take the next step and share your experience with others. What you’ve learned is valuable. This is how many industry professionals have become teachers at events such as KnowledgeFest. Consider the opportunity to teach. It can be very rewarding. If you decide you want to help others, let me know. I will do my best to get you connected to the best education team in the industry: KnowledgeFest instructors.

CAN YOU SAY YOU TOOK A RISK AND BLAZED A TRAIL THAT’S NOW PRODUCING GREAT REWARDS? IF YOU ARE A BUSINESS OWNER IN THE MOBILE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY, THIS IS PROBABLY VERY TRUE FOR YOU.