Building Trust and Rapport: The Art of Being a Service Advisor [THA 326]
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By Joe Marconi in Joe's Blog0 commentsIt always amazes me when I hear about a technician who quits one repair shop to go work at another shop for less money. I know you have heard of this too, and you’ve probably asked yourself, “Can this be true? And Why?” The answer rests within the culture of the company. More specifically, the boss, manager, or a toxic work environment literally pushed the technician out the door.
While money and benefits tend to attract people to a company, it won’t keep them there. When a technician begins to look over the fence for greener grass, that is usually a sign that something is wrong within the workplace. It also means that his or her heart is probably already gone. If the issue is not resolved, no amount of money will keep that technician for the long term. The heart is always the first to leave. The last thing that leaves is the technician’s toolbox.
Shop owners: Focus more on employee retention than acquisition. This is not to say that you should not be constantly recruiting. You should. What it does means is that once you hire someone, your job isn’t over, that’s when it begins. Get to know your technicians. Build strong relationships. Have frequent one-on-ones. Engage in meaningful conversation. Find what truly motivates your technicians. You may be surprised that while money is a motivator, it’s usually not the prime motivator.
One last thing; the cost of technician turnover can be financially devastating. It also affects shop morale. Do all you can to create a workplace where technicians feel they are respected, recognized, and know that their work contributes to the overall success of the company. This will lead to improved morale and team spirit. Remember, when you see a technician’s toolbox rolling out of the bay on its way to another shop, the heart was most likely gone long before that.
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By JustTheBest
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By Alex
Automotive Batteries
What is your preferred brand of automotive batteries and why?
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By carmcapriotto
Understand the financial benefits of effective training for Service Advisors and Customer Service Reps and the importance of networking and collaboration. November 9 - 10, 2024 in Detroit/Novi, MI Learn more at serviceadvisortraining.com
Leigh Anne Best, Might Auto Pro, Medina, OH, trainer and co-founder of Brakes for Breasts Bill Hill, Might Auto Pro, Medina, OH, trainer and coach Maverick Shop Owners Laura Frank, former shop owner, trainer and co-founder of Brakes for Breasts Gerry Frank, former shop owner, trainer and coach for Maverick Shop Owners
Show Notes
Importance of Owner Participation (00:03:00) Carm emphasizes the need for shop owners to participate in training alongside their customer service representatives. Networking Benefits (00:04:22) The significance of networking among attendees at the training event for shared learning experiences. Experience of the Trainers (00:05:34) Highlighting the extensive experience of the trainers and their practical knowledge in customer service. Financial Implications of Training (00:06:04) Discussion on the financial benefits of effective customer service and training for shop owners. Technician to Service Advisor Success Story (00:09:01) Bill shares a success story of a technician who transitioned to a service advisor role and excelled. Transparency in Business Practices (00:12:00) Jerry talks about the importance of transparency and ethical practices in customer service. Hiring for Customer Service (00:14:20) Discussion on effective hiring practices for customer service representatives based on personality traits. Upcoming Live Training Event (00:16:34) Announcement of the live service advisor training event scheduled for November 9th and 10th in Detroit. Building Customer Relationships (00:20:22) Emphasizes the importance of educating customers about their vehicle issues for better service. Importance of Follow-up (00:21:20) Highlights the significance of following up with customers to encourage repeat visits. Training for All Staff (00:21:51) Stresses that training should include anyone who interacts with customers, not just CSRs. Tracking Phone Call Success (00:22:31) Discusses the importance of tracking opportunity calls to measure conversion rates effectively. Utilizing Technology for Improvement (00:23:33) Mentions the benefits of using technology to analyze customer interactions and improve service. Identifying Underlying Problems (00:24:52) Explores how phone answering issues can be mistaken for marketing problems. Adapting to Change in Business (00:26:06) Encourages business owners to evolve with industry changes and invest in staff training. Challenges in Leadership (00:27:19) Discusses difficulties in communicating effectively with staff and the importance of peer learning.The Value of Training (00:31:53) Argues that investing in training can sustain or even improve business revenue. Setting Staff Up for Success (00:33:27) Emphasizes the responsibility of leaders to properly train staff for their roles. Motivation for Collaboration (00:34:23) Explains the drive behind the coaches to organize training sessions for struggling clients. Helping Others Succeed (00:35:50) Emphasis on the joy of witnessing others' success and mentorship in the industry. Overcoming Training Paralysis (00:36:27) Addressing confusion in training and providing guidance to help shop owners move forward. Value of Training (00:41:49) Discussion on the impact of trained salespeople on business success and owner satisfaction.
-The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 -Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters -Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on X: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz -Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/ -Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider -All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books -Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom -Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
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By carmcapriotto
Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss, and 360 Payments Brad Updegraff discusses the pressing shortage of skilled technicians in the automotive industry. Brad shares strategies for training and developing technicians, and the importance of creating strong relationships with local schools. Additionally, he emphasizes the significance of flexible compensation plans and support for aspiring technicians. Brad Updegraff, Dave’s Ultimate Automotive, 6 locations, Austin, TX. Brad's previous episodes HERE. Show Notes
Industry Challenges (00:00:34) Discussion on the nationwide technician shortage and the impact of the growing electric vehicle market. Creating a Technician Pipeline (00:01:08) Brad reflects on the long-term strategies dealerships have implemented to develop their technician workforce. Personal Experience as an Intern (00:02:08) Brad shares his early experiences in the automotive industry and the challenges he faced as an intern. Strategies for Training Technicians (00:02:34) Exploration of effective strategies for training technicians, emphasizing building relationships with local schools. NAPA Apprenticeship Program (00:03:11) Overview of the NAPA apprenticeship program and its effectiveness in developing new technicians. Case Study: A Young Trainee (00:04:04) Brad discusses a specific trainee's experience, highlighting the importance of pairing her with a skilled technician. Adapting Training Approaches (00:05:01) Challenges faced during the training program lead to a need for more flexible and adaptable training methods. Identifying Natural Leaders (00:05:47) Importance of recognizing natural leaders among technicians to foster a supportive training environment. Compensation Structures (00:07:30) Discussion on compensation plans and how to ensure they are attractive to both new and experienced technicians. Selecting the Right Trainees (00:08:33) Brad emphasizes the importance of carefully selecting trainees based on their interest and potential. Encouraging Continuous Improvement (00:09:34) Encouraging technicians to seek growth and development opportunities within the company. Value of Training for Students (00:10:17) Highlighting the need for trainees to understand the importance of continuous education and training. Compensation and Incentive Plans (00:11:05) Brad discusses innovative compensation structures to attract and retain skilled technicians. Tool Accessibility for Technicians (00:12:01) Addressing the lack of tools as a barrier for entry-level technicians and proposing solutions. Flag Rate Compensation Model (00:12:58) Explanation of a flag multiplier system designed to support both green and experienced technicians in learning. Compensation Structure for Technicians (00:14:04) Discussion on the importance of a well-structured compensation plan for technicians and foreman roles. Challenges of Foreman Role (00:15:00) Exploring the difficulties faced by foreman roles during poor traffic times in the shop. Impact on Profit Margins (00:15:49) Analyzing how technician training impacts overall shop output and profit margins. Tool Acquisition Programs (00:16:43) Overview of programs designed to help technicians acquire necessary tools through structured payments. Supporting Local High Schools (00:18:25) Strategies for building relationships with high schools to support automotive education programs. Enhancing Automotive Education (00:19:23) Discussing the benefits of donating equipment to schools to improve their automotive programs. Creating a Pipeline of Talent (00:20:14) Importance of engaging high school students to prepare them for careers in the automotive industry. Selling the Automotive Career (00:21:09) Encouraging technicians to share their career stories to attract high school students to the industry. Engagement with Students (00:21:57) The significance of actively participating in career fairs and building relationships with students. Closing Thoughts on Future Technicians (00:22:48) Emphasizing the responsibility of the industry to nurture future technicians and change lives.
Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and 360 Payments Shop Boss – Shop Management Software built by shop owners for shop owners. It works the way you need it to, right out of the box. Find on the web at https://shopboss.net Connect with the Podcast: -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters -Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 -Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz -Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/ -Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider -All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books -Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom -Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections The Aftermarket Radio Network Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
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By carmcapriotto
Join host Kim Walker as she leads a heartwarming and insightful panel discussion with auto repair shop owners who are making a real difference in their communities. In this special episode, our panelists share how they're stepping up during the back-to-school season to support local students and teachers through creative initiatives—from donating school supplies to funding teacher wish lists and organizing community events.
Listen as Tanika Haynes, Christina Grace Beverly, and Nakia and Nate Bailor discuss the challenges they’ve faced, the unexpected rewards of giving back, and how these efforts have strengthened their ties to the community. Whether you’re a shop owner looking for inspiration or simply curious about the power of local engagement, this episode is packed with practical tips and stories that will inspire you to take action.
Hit play now to learn how even small gestures can create lasting impacts, both for your business and your community! 🚗🎒
Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shops
Back to School Marketing Discussion in the FB group
How To Get In Touch
Group - Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind
Website - shopmarketingpros.com
Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros
Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/book
Instagram - @shopmarketingpros
Questions/Ideas - [email protected]
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
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