Recently, I saw a charity car wash on a street corner. This is a frequent fundraiser for youth groups or other causes. You get your car washed by a enthusiastic bunch of people and make a tip/donation to the them.
The long tradition of fundraising car washes also includes a common problem. You’ll see people trying to micromanage the car wash. I’m not talking about the adult supervisors. It’s the people who have brought their cars.
Please understand that I have no problem with someone saying, “See if you can get some of the mud off the bumpers.” These requests can give the washers some good direction.
Others take it too far. They micromanage every member of the team, as if they are the car wash CEO. They believe that their small investment gives them total control over the group. You will never please them and you’ll continually have to do more to keep them happy. These people have lost sight of the fact that the event really isn’t about a car wash but rather, helping out a good cause.
You can’t expect amateurs at a car wash, no matter their enthusiasm, to be as good as professionals. They will miss a few spots.
Do you have people in your life or customers who try to micromanage a car wash? They will waste your time, stress you out and contribute very little to your bottom line. Instead, find those who appreciate what you do and place a high value on your time.
It may feel weird to turn your back on potential business but like a car wash, there will always be new customers.
