7 Habits of Highly Effective Owner-Operators

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The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, a groundbreaking self-improvement book written by Stephen Covey in 1989. The profound impact on individuals and businesses worldwide is undeniable. 

Covey’s principles have been lauded for their applicability, transforming the lives of readers by helping them become more effective in both their personal and professional lives. 

In the trucking industry, owner-operators face unique challenges in running their businesses. By adopting Covey’s 7 habits and tailoring them to the specific needs of a trucking business, owner-operators can achieve success and growth. In this article, we pay tribute to Stephen Covey’s influential work and explore how these habits can be applied to the world of trucking, providing examples to illustrate their relevance and effectiveness.

Be Proactive in Your Business

Many trucking company owners fall into the trap of “buying a job” or letting their businesses own them. To avoid this, take responsibility for your trucking company’s success by addressing issues and challenges head-on, instead of blaming external factors or waiting for someone else to solve them. For example, proactively manage maintenance and repairs to minimize downtime and prevent costly breakdowns.

Define Your Business Goals

A large majority of owner-operators lack a business plan, which can hinder their growth and success. Start by creating a simple One Page Business Plan that outlines your objectives and vision for the future. Set clear, achievable goals for your trucking business and develop a strategic plan to reach them. This will help you stay focused and motivated, even during challenging times.

Prioritize and Manage Your Time

While driving may take up a significant portion of your time, it is rarely the most important task when it comes to running your trucking business. Use trip planning techniques and prioritize tasks that will drive your business forward, such as finding new clients, negotiating rates, or managing cash flow. Delegate or outsource less critical tasks, like paperwork or bookkeeping, to maintain focus on key business objectives.

This is one of the first business books I read when I was starting out as a sales person almost 40-years ago.  

Many of the lessons still stick with me today.

Highly recommend you get a copy of the book or Audible to listen to while driving.

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