Improving FBO Productivity in 2012: Business Strategies for Better Success

(Part 3 of a 3-Part Series: Planning a Successful 2012 FBO Business Strategy)

By John L. Enticknap and Ron R. Jackson, Aviation Business Strategies Group

 Productivity is never an accident. It is always the result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning, and focused effort.          P. J. Meyer 

 

In the first two installments of this three-part series, we discussed “Our FBO Business Outlook for 2012”  and “Decreasing FBO Costs in 2012.” In this third part of our series we discuss ways to improve FBO productivity in 2012.

First of all, the key to executing any business initiative is to set realistic and achievable goals supported by workable strategies to accomplish these goals. As the P.J. Meyer quote suggests, intelligent planning and a focused effort are required. Here are three goals and supporting strategies we recommend to put you on the right productivity track for 2012:

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Coaching Provides Valuable Seasoned Advice

At some point in our lives, we all need a little coaching to get through the task ahead of us.

I remember when my dad took the training wheels off my bike and encouraged me to keep the handlebars straight as he ran alongside on my first solo ride.

High school football and baseball coaches shaped the way I performed on the field and taught me valuable lessons about life along the way.

As a student pilot, my instructor coached me through turns and stalls and built up my confidence for the eventual solo flight.

After a couple of decades of developing marketing plans for companies such as Cessna and Fairchild Aircraft, I had the opportunity in the year 2000 to create a public relations campaign for the grand opening of a Mercury Air Center location in Burbank, Calif. My client was John Enticknap, who served as president of the 21-location FBO chain. 

I didn’t have a lot of experience in the FBO business back then, but under John’s tutelage, I’ve been spending the last 11 years soaking up his vast knowledge of the FBO business.

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