Insurance companies, Networks, and Forum Etiquette

[Brent Deines]

This may not be the best thread to post this in, but it does have to do with etiquette on the windshield repair forum.

I received a PM from a new member a couple of days ago, saying that he will no longer be a part of this community due to the way he was received by the long time members.

I can't imagine why, but it seems that this person didn't like being told he was a fool and that he should have done more research, and should have read all the other posts in the windshield repair forum before asking a question, etc. I've got news for you folks, it's not just the newbies that start new threads on topics that have been covered a hundred times already.

The guy came here to get advice from people he thought were here to help, and thought were professional in every aspect of his business, but what he found was a bunch of cynical, self professed experts, who are much more interested in telling people how successful they are than helping others become successful, or at least that is the way he perceived his welcome into this community.

I needed to ponder this a bit before posting, so I went back and read all of his posts and the replies he received, and I have to tell you, I would not have stayed here either, had I been treated the way he was. Have we all forgotten what it was like when we started in the windshield repair business?

When I started in this business I had never seen a windshield repair done, and knew absolutely nothing about sales, starting a business, running a business, or anything other than punching a clock for someone else. I was down on my luck and desperate, so on my dad's advice I ordered a windshield repair system without checking out any other equipment or researching the market. I did everything wrong, except for one thing; I learned to repair windshields quite well, with nothing more than simple instruction manual to guide me for the first year or so (later when I moved to Oregon my dad trained me).

I guess my point is that if I can do it anyone with enough drive and the right attitude can as well, so telling people they have to be great salesmen, or have to do a ton of research to succeed in this business seems a bit overstated to me. Certainly I would recommend those things as well, but to squash someone's dreams because they don't fit the mold that we would like them to fit is counter productive to say the least. I was, and still am to some degree, an introvert, so had I listened to the advice some of you gave I would never have started my windshield repair business, and that would have been a shame as windshield repair has been very good to me.

Worse yet is making someone feel stupid for not doing all the right things in the past. We all make mistakes, so why beat someone up for something that cannot be changed. Do we really think they don't already know they made a mistake. Now I know many of you look at it as tough love. You're trying to help someone make the right decisions to save them some future pain, and maybe even get them battle ready by pushing them around a bit, but from the feedback that I have received from not just one, but several new users, suggests that some of us may need to consider revising our tactics.

I know that the vast majority of the old timers on the windshield repair forum have the best of intentions, and I should point out that a few of you have taken the time to PM new members to apologize for a less than friendly welcome in some cases, so please don't misunderstand what I am saying here.

I am simply saying that maybe if we be a bit more sympathetic to those new to the industry, or those struggling in the industry, maybe we can help more people than we currently are. I can't tell you how many people have contacted me just to say how much help the forum was to them when starting their windshield repair business. To me that is what this forum is all about. All I ask is that all of you old timers give it some thought, and decide for yourselves if you are truly interested in helping others, because you can't help someone if you drive them away, whether you mean to or not.

[Blind Squirrel]

If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. Of course, that's a bit broad but, after going back and reading the thread, "First time on forum", I wouldn't have stayed either.

It's a natural tendency of the ego to get into a state of mind where you arrogantly expect the other guy to know what you know, or, in my case, expect the new guy to do the digging (research) and pay their dues.

My best suggestion is to try and remember that we were all once new at this. Try to avoid making subjective comments that may come across as arrogant.

What would you think, if new to a business, if you found a forum that made you feel that you were standing before "the high council", being looked down on by the "high priests" and judged, condemned?

I would just walk away.

[starstruck]

Thank you Brent. I agree with you. I made much the same case in replies to a thread but it sounds better coming from you!

[Nomad]

Exactly my thoughts Brent. I have also tried in the past to convey such thoughts and only ended up getting shot down a few times. I am glad this came to a head and you commented on it. It not only sounds better than what I probably could write but packs a much bigger punch coming from you

[gt_repair]

The only thing I going to say is: Everyone is born stupid, WE all learn as we go..... That is life as we know it.

The big guns that talk hard to the other member forgot they were stupid also before they learned this TRADE.

We all learn from each other if one is willing to teach.

I do not remember being born with and injector in one hand and resin in the other........

I had to learn it being out of a job 17 years ago. It was worth it to this day. That may have been what the other member was up against also. Out of a job and trying to look for one he could feed his family....

I learned by one person and it was his way only. Now days we have lots of teachers to learn from with the internet.
Normaly asking get you the answer but, He was treated like a total outcast.

I did say in another post: You better be a people person and be able to sell yourself. If you look like you are not sure about your self, how can you sell yourself. You are your best or worst advertizer. I do not regret saying that at all. I would say it to anyone face to face...

I can say I saw that coming. I do hope he comes back to try it again and the hotshots think twice before insalting someone again....

[screenman]

I feel like I have my wrist severly slapped.

[starstruck]

Well it needed to be said and I'm glad it came from Brent. When others on this forum have shared those same sentiments, the experts on this forum seem to ignore it. Maybe now it will have some impact.

Some of the veteran posters were bothered by splitpit and how he butted heads with them on different issues. They didn't like how he came across to them.

It's very much the same for a new guy if you belittle him or make him feel stupid with your replies. He won't like your "better than thou" approach to things and will most likely not continue as an active member of the forum.

Now matter how smart, experienced and knowledgeable you are, it really doesn't give you the right to place yourself on higher ground. As it's been said before by several other forum members, we all had to start somewhere.

[gt_repair]

Can we revoke screenmans award? He just does not sound like the one that received it...

[Brent Deines]

My post was not directed at any one person.

[Glassdoc]

Brent and others, while I do see what your are saying to be "desired".. I also believe that the newbies see both sides of the fence.. Its not a road to the bank out here. There are alot of draw backs.. Sure, you can make a living at it.. But, retire?? I do not know of any windshield repair techs, or owner's that have done that yet. I do think that some of the questions are repetitive and could be found using the search feature. But, I also know, that if they get their feelings hurt here, on an online forum.. They will be in tears at the first dealership that throws them to the curb.. They need to realize, its a business, a dog eat dog, cut throat, survival of the fittest business. Nobody is going to give you anything for nothing and no matter how good you are hearing "your price is too high, theres a windshield guy on every corner" still stings.. Its not reality tv folks, its reality life.. Deal with it.