LET’S LIFT EACH OTHER UP

How might you touch another person’s life?

I once had a mentor tell me, “We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us.” I’ve been fortunate to find myself in supportive circles— whether it’s a church or writing community, or the 12-volt industry. It’s inspirational to see someone take time out of his or her day to offer knowledge and friendship to others.

On October 6, 2023, the industry lost a great mentor in Todd Ramsey. Todd spent much of his career sharing his experience with others through teaching and writing, as well as in the pages of this magazine when he served as editor.

We’ve dedicated this issue to his memory. For me, it’s been an honor to speak with Todd’s friends and his wife, Judy, and learn how he impacted the lives of others. Todd had a willingness to encourage and nurture. He helped lift people up, so they could improve themselves and become better in their chosen field.

We all bring something different to the table. Sometimes, we might find ourselves saying, “I don’t have anything to offer.” But this just isn’t true. We all have some experience or some story that can help another person.

Consider what you might share. Forget, for the moment, how your experiences and the people around you have impacted your life.

Consider, instead, the following:

How might you touch another person’s life?

While researching this issue, I read a few of Todd’s articles. I found his contributions to this very column inspiring. Not only was it enjoyable to read his work as a fellow writer, but I also noticed the timeliness of the pieces. His words still ring true. To end this month’s Editor’s Forum, I invite you to read the following excerpt from one of Todd’s pieces from the October / November 2010 issue of Mobile Electronics magazine.

By Todd Ramsey, Editor • October / November 2010

Retailers are carrying thinner inventories, manufacturers have adjusted their production and sales forecasts, and many people are finding that when business does come their way, it’s not as easy to close as it used to be. One can cite many reasons, but for now a look in the mirror is in order. Plain and simple, we have to ask ourselves if we’re really offering people what they want, or what they find interesting. What do you think?

Of course it’s a broad stroke question with lots of detail in the answers. There’s a unique answer for each retailer, as well as for every manufacturer and distributor. What do customers really want in their cars? Do they even know what they CAN do? How much of an effort, expense and learning curve are they willing to go through to get it? Most importantly, how are they identifying that your company is the go-to supplier/installer for that? How do people know you’re the expert and that you’re technology savvy enough to make the products and technology that we offer easy and fun to use?

…It’s about turning a corner, and I know many retailers, and hopefully some manufacturers, have felt it and are willing to follow the needs of today’s consumer to keep turning those corners. We’ve done the same old thing, more or less, for a really long time. If that sounds a lot like your present situation, I’ll ask you—how’s that working for you? If it isn’t working or it could be working better, then what will help you turn that corner?