Would You Share Your Trade Secrets?
Discussion
A few years ago I received a phonecall from a chap in The Highlands. He prefaced his request with, 'I have a 993 needing a new windscreen and figured it would be too far for you to travel,' and continued with, "so I have the wee man from Autoglass here who has removed the broken windscreen. If I put him on the phone would you tell him how to fit the new one so that it doesn't creak?"
I think the line went a bit funny before I could respond.
Over the years I have had similar approaches from the amusing to the brazen. The line between wanting to help someone out of a pickle, and putting business interests first is somewhat blurred but I have put in the time to research what causes Porsche 993 and 996 windscreens to creak. I will always do my best to help in whichever way I can. This willingness has taken me far and wide, but it's a different proposition when the calls come in from overseas: Australia, Belgium, France, Portugal (pre Ukraine trouble Russia) Spain and a few from the USA. The latest has just presented itself from New York City.
The owner of a 993 is having a lot of trouble with their windscreen. They've tried several 'shops' in their attempt to have the 'windshield' installed properly so that it doesn't creak, leak and is breached by wind every time they drive the car. They're offering to pay for my time to talk to an installer and instruct him. What would you do in this instance?
An expenses paid trip to NYC would be amazing, but the easiest - and most cost effective - option for the owner would be to have the original installer remedy the poorly fitted windscreen locally. The second option would be for an experienced specialist to impart with their knowledge in an act of benevolence.
Would you share your trade secrets?
I think the line went a bit funny before I could respond.
Over the years I have had similar approaches from the amusing to the brazen. The line between wanting to help someone out of a pickle, and putting business interests first is somewhat blurred but I have put in the time to research what causes Porsche 993 and 996 windscreens to creak. I will always do my best to help in whichever way I can. This willingness has taken me far and wide, but it's a different proposition when the calls come in from overseas: Australia, Belgium, France, Portugal (pre Ukraine trouble Russia) Spain and a few from the USA. The latest has just presented itself from New York City.
The owner of a 993 is having a lot of trouble with their windscreen. They've tried several 'shops' in their attempt to have the 'windshield' installed properly so that it doesn't creak, leak and is breached by wind every time they drive the car. They're offering to pay for my time to talk to an installer and instruct him. What would you do in this instance?
An expenses paid trip to NYC would be amazing, but the easiest - and most cost effective - option for the owner would be to have the original installer remedy the poorly fitted windscreen locally. The second option would be for an experienced specialist to impart with their knowledge in an act of benevolence.
Would you share your trade secrets?
Glassman said:
A few years ago I received a phonecall from a chap in The Highlands. He prefaced his request with, 'I have a 993 needing a new windscreen and figured it would be too far for you to travel,' and continued with, "so I have the wee man from Autoglass here who has removed the broken windscreen. If I put him on the phone would you tell him how to fit the new one so that it doesn't creak?"
I think the line went a bit funny before I could respond.
Over the years I have had similar approaches from the amusing to the brazen. The line between wanting to help someone out of a pickle, and putting business interests first is somewhat blurred but I have put in the time to research what causes Porsche 993 and 996 windscreens to creak. I will always do my best to help in whichever way I can. This willingness has taken me far and wide, but it's a different proposition when the calls come in from overseas: Australia, Belgium, France, Portugal (pre Ukraine trouble Russia) Spain and a few from the USA. The latest has just presented itself from New York City.
The owner of a 993 is having a lot of trouble with their windscreen. They've tried several 'shops' in their attempt to have the 'windshield' installed properly so that it doesn't creak, leak and is breached by wind every time they drive the car. They're offering to pay for my time to talk to an installer and instruct him. What would you do in this instance?
An expenses paid trip to NYC would be amazing, but the easiest - and most cost effective - option for the owner would be to have the original installer remedy the poorly fitted windscreen locally. The second option would be for an experienced specialist to impart with their knowledge in an act of benevolence.
Would you share your trade secrets?
I think this one is fair enough.I think the line went a bit funny before I could respond.
Over the years I have had similar approaches from the amusing to the brazen. The line between wanting to help someone out of a pickle, and putting business interests first is somewhat blurred but I have put in the time to research what causes Porsche 993 and 996 windscreens to creak. I will always do my best to help in whichever way I can. This willingness has taken me far and wide, but it's a different proposition when the calls come in from overseas: Australia, Belgium, France, Portugal (pre Ukraine trouble Russia) Spain and a few from the USA. The latest has just presented itself from New York City.
The owner of a 993 is having a lot of trouble with their windscreen. They've tried several 'shops' in their attempt to have the 'windshield' installed properly so that it doesn't creak, leak and is breached by wind every time they drive the car. They're offering to pay for my time to talk to an installer and instruct him. What would you do in this instance?
An expenses paid trip to NYC would be amazing, but the easiest - and most cost effective - option for the owner would be to have the original installer remedy the poorly fitted windscreen locally. The second option would be for an experienced specialist to impart with their knowledge in an act of benevolence.
Would you share your trade secrets?
I do quite a lot of work pro bono, because I like helping people and it costs me nothing. But, and I think this is key, I only offer it for people who approach me and are expecting to pay.
Unless you need the one-off consultation fee, I'd keep your trade secrets to yourself for as long as possible. Secrets are impossible to keep in the internet age. If it's a genuine secret that you are making money out of, and you tell someone else how to do it, especially a big company, then the cat's out of the bag. Expect multiple YouTube how-to videos within a year.
I'm my industry keeping secrets is frowned upon. A rising tide raises all boats as they say and a more knowledgeable team benefits us all and makes everyone faster, safter and more efficient. If someone learns something is is very much expected to be shared (in a similar way, owning up to mistakes). It is only the least competent/insecure types who feel sharing knowledge weakens their position. Maybe this has something to do with falling standards these days? Too many people unwilling to pass on what they know as they fear being replaced because 'knowledge is power'.
LimaDelta said:
I'm my industry keeping secrets is frowned upon. A rising tide raises all boats as they say and a more knowledgeable team benefits us all and makes everyone faster, safter and more efficient. If someone learns something is is very much expected to be shared (in a similar way, owning up to mistakes). It is only the least competent/insecure types who feel sharing knowledge weakens their position. Maybe this has something to do with falling standards these days? Too many people unwilling to pass on what they know as they fear being replaced because 'knowledge is power'.
You are a director of Autoglass and I claim my five pounds.Isn't it strange how princes and kings,
and clowns that caper in sawdust rings,
and common people, like you and me,
are builders for eternity?
Each is given a list of rules;
a shapeless mass; a bag of tools.
And each must fashion, ere life is flown,
A stumbling block, or a Stepping-Stone.
Personally I am happy to share.
and clowns that caper in sawdust rings,
and common people, like you and me,
are builders for eternity?
Each is given a list of rules;
a shapeless mass; a bag of tools.
And each must fashion, ere life is flown,
A stumbling block, or a Stepping-Stone.
Personally I am happy to share.
LimaDelta said:
I'm my industry keeping secrets is frowned upon. A rising tide raises all boats as they say and a more knowledgeable team benefits us all and makes everyone faster, safter and more efficient. If someone learns something is is very much expected to be shared (in a similar way, owning up to mistakes). It is only the least competent/insecure types who feel sharing knowledge weakens their position. Maybe this has something to do with falling standards these days? Too many people unwilling to pass on what they know as they fear being replaced because 'knowledge is power'.
An interesting point. The automotive glazing and repair industry is a bit of a mess. The average fitter is lazy, and won't try to work something out.
"Hi, how do you get the door card off of a X?"
"How far have you got with it?"
"I haven't started it yet".
A mindset which comes from not being invested in the profession, never mind the task in hand. Eight out of 10 windscreen repairs are shyte. Poor training, can't be arsed, no money in the job or that it simply takes too long and they want to knock off early.
There is a small percentage who are 'technicians' who will try to the point of getting stuck on a hidden screw.
The big companies are competing for fleet business and insurance contracts thus cutting the average invoice value closer and closer to the bone. They'll take any advantage they can grab (for free) if they feel it will give them the edge. They're all fitting budget brand glass, many will try and get away with not fitting new trims, or not removing all the broken glass out of the door (takes too much time). There very much is an image problem with the trade as nobody wants their car abused by an oik or unskilled fitter.
There is no industry standard (as much as one company in particular might think they are the trailblazers).
Some of us are trying to uphold higher standards.
I guess it depends on how competitive the market is, and whether there's enough work to go around.
My trade is suffering a massive shortage of decent professionals. There's more work out there than we can cope with. We help each other out - trading jobs, offering advice, etc.
I try and help potential customers over the phone (at no cost) or online where I can. I'd rather spend 10 minutes talking them through a DIY fix for a simple problem than do a (paid) house call.
I'm sure it would be different if we were all competing with each other.
My trade is suffering a massive shortage of decent professionals. There's more work out there than we can cope with. We help each other out - trading jobs, offering advice, etc.
I try and help potential customers over the phone (at no cost) or online where I can. I'd rather spend 10 minutes talking them through a DIY fix for a simple problem than do a (paid) house call.
I'm sure it would be different if we were all competing with each other.
I do diagnostics on cars, almost exclusively for trade workshops, so I tend to deal with a lot of the same customers and have known and worked for some of them for well over 20 years.
When they phone me either looking for advice or to book a job in I will usually have a quick chat first and may offer some guidance but generally just with customers who are sensible to work for and if they are asking for help in an area that they are able to understand and follow the advice when it is given.
But I have my secrets and still get surprised how many people try to avoid having to spend and hope that I will just hand them the shortcuts that have taken years to develop………….
When they phone me either looking for advice or to book a job in I will usually have a quick chat first and may offer some guidance but generally just with customers who are sensible to work for and if they are asking for help in an area that they are able to understand and follow the advice when it is given.
But I have my secrets and still get surprised how many people try to avoid having to spend and hope that I will just hand them the shortcuts that have taken years to develop………….
768 said:
If it's a proper secret, I'd keep it. If it's something anyone motivated can figure out with a bit of trial and error, maybe sell it but not at some hourly rate for fitting, sell it as a training course with a large price tag that reflects the value of it.
Secret probably not the right word. It's a technique - or even proven trick - that works for me every time. I have developed it over a long period of time so I have earned myself the right to protect it. That said, there is nothing stopping anyone from researching it themselves. I think there's a difference between Trade Secrets and Specialist Skills.
A Trade Secret, if it is key to the company's success, would normally be protected in some way anyway.
I'd say your situation falls under the category of Specialist Skills. It's not 'secret' as such. Rare, maybe. Others could freely undertake the same research and testing you've done and there are likely others that have.
As to whether you're willing top share this insight is really down to you and the degree with which you believe it might harm your business.
Personally, I regularly host workshops, training sessions and capacity building on how to do the things from which I earn my living (Creative, media comms, photography, film, etc). What I have found is that far from harming my business, it actually benefits it.
Knowing how to do something and actually doing it are two different things. What my training demonstrates is the complexity of things that on the surface seem quite simple. So the people I train end up commissioning me for something because in their eyes, because I trained them, they see me as an expert, not just a provider. This means I can charge a higher rate.
A Trade Secret, if it is key to the company's success, would normally be protected in some way anyway.
I'd say your situation falls under the category of Specialist Skills. It's not 'secret' as such. Rare, maybe. Others could freely undertake the same research and testing you've done and there are likely others that have.
As to whether you're willing top share this insight is really down to you and the degree with which you believe it might harm your business.
Personally, I regularly host workshops, training sessions and capacity building on how to do the things from which I earn my living (Creative, media comms, photography, film, etc). What I have found is that far from harming my business, it actually benefits it.
Knowing how to do something and actually doing it are two different things. What my training demonstrates is the complexity of things that on the surface seem quite simple. So the people I train end up commissioning me for something because in their eyes, because I trained them, they see me as an expert, not just a provider. This means I can charge a higher rate.
Glassman said:
Secret probably not the right word. It's a technique - or even proven trick - that works for me every time. I have developed it over a long period of time so I have earned myself the right to protect it. That said, there is nothing stopping anyone from researching it themselves.
Keep it. f
k them. You've done the work, if others can't be bothered the industry can either suffer or grow up. You don't need to drag it up on your own.StevieBee said:
A Trade Secret, if it is key to the company's success, would normally be protected in some way anyway.
Identified yes, protection can come from non disclosure. StevieBee said:
As to whether you're willing top share this insight is really down to you and the degree with which you believe it might harm your business.
Or benefit you. Not the same thing. The trade might love to know this if it saves them time and produces a better job, but those who really benefit are the end users.And unless you have a massive social media following and want to call it the GlassMan technique and stick it on the tube for everyone to see and all end users to ask their lazy, poorly trained fitter to ensure they use "the GlassMan technique", the benefit to you is minimal.
Hence I'm in the f
k 'em camp.Edited by macron on Sunday 8th September 13:14
If I phoned a random plumber up out of the blue and asked him for advice on why my boiler won't start would he help me? Probably not.
I work in IT on fairly industry wide software package as a consultant. Would I help someone who phoned me up out of the blue asking for advice? Probably not.
My dad is a retired mechanic who used to do a bit of private work on the side. Back in the 80s you would not believe the amount of people who would knock on our door on a Sunday asking if he would look at their car quickly, for free obviously.
Plus the amount of people who used to ask me if I could look at their laptop issue or get them a free copy of office as I work in IT. They obviously thought that I enjoyed it so much I wanted to work on their crappy old laptop in my free time and ignore all the porn I found.
No thank you. Strangely enough not one of these people ever offered to return the favour. Not one of them would have done something for me for free.
I work in IT on fairly industry wide software package as a consultant. Would I help someone who phoned me up out of the blue asking for advice? Probably not.
My dad is a retired mechanic who used to do a bit of private work on the side. Back in the 80s you would not believe the amount of people who would knock on our door on a Sunday asking if he would look at their car quickly, for free obviously.
Plus the amount of people who used to ask me if I could look at their laptop issue or get them a free copy of office as I work in IT. They obviously thought that I enjoyed it so much I wanted to work on their crappy old laptop in my free time and ignore all the porn I found.
No thank you. Strangely enough not one of these people ever offered to return the favour. Not one of them would have done something for me for free.
My reply would be,
It's taken x amount of 993 windscreens fittings/years to perfect my approach to this difficult job
Over this time I've earned the reputation of getting the job done right, first time, every time
Sorry would love to help but I'm not prepared to risk my reputation working with an installer that I don't have any experience of working with as I have no idea of how skilled he is at his job
However, if you would like me to personally fit your screen then I'm very interested in discussing
Or something similar along those lines
It's taken x amount of 993 windscreens fittings/years to perfect my approach to this difficult job
Over this time I've earned the reputation of getting the job done right, first time, every time
Sorry would love to help but I'm not prepared to risk my reputation working with an installer that I don't have any experience of working with as I have no idea of how skilled he is at his job
However, if you would like me to personally fit your screen then I'm very interested in discussing
Or something similar along those lines
Gassing Station | Business | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff