Code Talkers -- It takes more than reading codes to be a real technician
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Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?
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By Joe Marconi in Joe's BlogI am going to borrow a quote from billionaire, Warren Buffet, “The best investment you can make is in yourself,” This statement, while simplistic, speaks volumes. A shop owner is much more than a boss, a shop owner is a leader. And leaders are solely responsible for the success of their team. This means that you must work hard and commit to a life of continuous learning and improvement. It also means that if the team fails, a leader must always blame himself or herself for that failure and find ways to improve.
For your business to flourish, you must invest your time and energy in understanding what your role is in your company. It also means that you must be committed to continually improving your level of competence. This does not mean that every task is your responsibility. However, it does mean that the buck stops with you. If your business is not where it needs to be, or you are looking for increased growth, then it is your obligation to do the hard work and set goals, have the vision, perform the research, and develop the plan to achieve your overall objectives.
When you invest in yourself to become the best leader and the best businessperson you can be, others around you will feed off your energy and your passion. This sends a strong message to everyone on your team that you have what it takes to bring the company to the next level.
One last thing, another obligation to your company is assembling the right team of people around you. Once you have the right people, you need to invest in them too. Find what truly motivates them, not what you believe inspires them. Be a coach to your employees and always strive to bring out the best in them. Be strong with your convictions and expectations, build strong relationships with your employees, and don’t be afraid of admitting when you drop the ball.
While Warren Buffet is best known for making billions of dollars with his investment strategies, I want to believe that this quote has its basis in something that money cannot buy.
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By carmcapriotto
Our panel discusses the topic of language and terminology changes in the automotive aftermarket service industry. It's important to use clear and professional language with employees and customers, as well as the significance of honesty and trust in communication. They also touch on the distinction between "technician" and "mechanic" and the need for ongoing training and teamwork. We hope that our discussion will inspire you to reflect on your own communication practices and make necessary improvements.
Chris Cloutier is co-owner of Golden Rule Auto Care in Dallas Texas and CEO of Autoflow. Chris’s previous episodes HERE
Shawn Gilfillan, Automotive Magic, Kenvil and Lake Hopatcong, NJ. Shawn’s previous episodes HERE Jon Kloosterman, Director of Operations, WestSide Service, Zeeland, MI. Jon’s previous episodes HERE Show Notes:
Industry Terminology: It’s Time to Change it. Can You Get Behind This? [RR 571] The mindset shift (00:02:07) Discussion on the importance of mindset in implementing changes and improvements in the automotive business. Rock star or not? (00:03:38) Exploration of the language used to describe employees, specifically the term "rock star" and its potential negative connotations. Customers or clients? (00:06:06) The significance of referring to customers as clients and the impact it has on the professionalism and relationship-building within the business. The value of language in communication (00:07:54) Discussion on the importance of language in communication with clients and staff, and the use of terms like service writer, service advisor, and service consultant. The shift from mechanic to technician (00:11:08) Exploration of the evolving role of automotive professionals from mechanics to technicians due to advancements in technology and the need for specialized skills. Developing teamwork and efficiency (00:16:09) The benefits of pairing young technicians with experienced ones to boost efficiency and create a sense of teamwork in the shop. Using inclusive language and emphasizing teamwork (00:17:16) They talk about the importance of using inclusive language like "team members" instead of "employees" and how it fosters a sense of unity and common goals. Being mindful of communication and emotions (00:19:47) The conversation shifts to the significance of being aware of one's emotions and communication style, especially when dealing with employees, and the impact it has on team dynamics and employee retention. The importance of language and communication (00:23:28) Discussion about the need for patience and grace with young employees, the importance of using positive language with customers, and the impact of words on customer experience. Empathy towards customers (00:24:20) Emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding towards customers, recognizing that they may be going through difficult situations, and the role of service teams as counselors. The power of effective communication (00:26:21) Highlighting the art of effective communication, the significance of practicing communication skills, and the introduction of Remarkable Results Toastmasters group for leaders in the automotive aftermarket. Creating an Identity (00:31:16) Discussion on turning actions into identities and empowering employees to take action. Affirmations and Positive Thinking (00:32:05) The importance of affirming ourselves and using positive language to combat negative thoughts. Standardizing Terminology (00:36:39) The need to standardize industry terminology and eliminate confusing acronyms when communicating with customers. The invoice vs. work order discussion (00:38:25) The hosts discuss the terminology used in the automotive industry, specifically the difference between using the terms "invoice" and "work order" when interacting with customers. Understanding AI and big data models (00:40:09) The topic of artificial intelligence (AI) and the role of big data models in shaping AI responses and interpretations. The importance of effective communication (00:44:21) The significance of effective communication within teams and with clients, highlighting the impact of words on professionalism and everyday interactions. Thanks to our Partners Shop-Ware and Delphi Technologies
Shop-Ware: More Time. More Profit. Shop-Ware Shop Management https://getshopware.com/
Delphi Technologies: Keeping current on the latest vehicle systems and how to repair them is a must for today’s technicians. http://DelphiAftermarket.com
Connect with the Podcast
-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
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
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By champtires
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By Transmission Repair
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By carmcapriotto
Rick White discusses the challenges of maintaining focus and avoiding distractions. He explores the negative effects of distractions on productivity and share insights on how to improve focus. Rick White, a business coach, provides tips on creating bubbles of focus, scheduling tasks, and setting boundaries with distractions. He emphasizes the importance of having a clear destination and purpose, as well as the need to overcome obstacles and challenges.
Rick White, President and Lead Coach for 180BIZ, Listen to Rick’s previous episodes HERE.
Show Notes
The importance of focus and distractions (00:00:01) Discussion on distractions in daily life and the negative effects on productivity. Distractions in today's world (00:02:07) Exploration of the various distractions in modern life, including social media and psychological behaviors. Tips for improving focus (00:05:00) Rick White provides insights on improving focus, including creating bubbles of focus, scheduling tasks, and avoiding distractions. Discussion on the importance of staying focused on the goal and not comparing oneself to others.i se Overcoming obstacles and finding success through adversity (00:15:04) Rick White shares examples of successful individuals who faced challenges and overcame them, highlighting the importance of perseverance and resilience. The importance of having a destination (00:19:33) Discussion on the significance of having a clear goal or destination to create focus and avoid distractions. The power of the "why" (00:21:02) Exploration of the emotional aspect of setting goals and understanding the purpose behind them to stay motivated and focused. Creating a distraction-free workplace (00:26:16) Tips on minimizing distractions in the workplace, including setting boundaries. The importance of removing distractions (00:26:20) Discussion on the dangers of distractions in the auto service industry and the need to remove distractions for safety and productivity. Tips for maintaining focus (00:27:49) Insights on how to improve focus and avoid distractions, including writing down tasks and avoiding interruptions. The impact of social media on attention (00:32:18) Discussion on the attention-grabbing tactics used by social media platforms and the importance of using social media intelligently. The importance of focus and avoiding comparisons (00:34:40) The mistake of thinking that life and business are finite games, the negative effects of comparing oneself to others, and the importance of comparing oneself to their potential. The role of comfort zones and downtime (00:36:25) The benefits of the comfort zone as a place to recharge and recover, the importance of having downtime, and enjoying activities that provide comfort and relaxation. Maintaining focus and avoiding self-imposed stress (00:39:38) The importance of finding joy and fun in work, avoiding self-imposed stress, and creating a positive culture in the workplace. The importance of focus (00:43:03) Discussion on the impact of focus using the example of Michael Phelps gold medal. Getting a coach for more focus (00:43:50) The benefits of having a coach to improve focus and accountability. Expecting ups and downs in performance (00:44:30) Understanding that performance will fluctuate but as long as it trends upward, it's considered progress. Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX and NAPA TRACS.
Set your sights on Las Vegas in 2023. Mark your calendar now … October 31 - Nov 2, 2023, AAPEX - Now more than ever. And don’t miss the next free AAPEX webinar. Register now at http://AAPEXSHOW.COM/WEBINAR
NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/
Connect with the Podcast:
-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
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
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By carmcapriotto
"There isn't a technician shortage," Said no one ever.
Please welcome our panel of guests to discuss the topic of recruiting talent with a staffing agency in the automotive industry. Shop owners Kathleen Callahan and Michelle Tansey share their experiences and challenges in finding skilled technicians and how partnering with Promotive, a full-service staffing agency, has been a game-changer for them. Joelle Pollak and Amy Gerardi, Cofounders of Promotive, discuss the process of understanding individual shop needs, sourcing candidates, and the importance of communication and partnership between the agency and shop owners.
Kathleen Callahan, Xpertech Auto Repair, Englewood, FL
Michelle Tansey, Euro Clinic, Santa Clara, CA.
Joelle Pollak, CoFounder, Promotive. Joelle’s previous episodes HERE
Amy Gerardi, CoFound, Promotive.
Show Notes:
The Importance of Outsourcing Recruitment (00:05:19) Kathleen discusses her experience using a staffing agency and the benefits of outsourcing recruitment. Challenges of Finding Skilled Technicians (00:07:16) Michelle talks about the high demand for skilled technicians and the challenges of attracting and retaining talent in the industry. Creating an Attractive Work Environment (00:08:04) The panel discusses the importance of creating an attractive work environment. The recruiting process (00:09:04) Explains how Promotive partners with shops to find the right candidates and the process of understanding the shop's needs and culture. The role of the recruiting team (00:10:09) Promotive writes job descriptions, sources candidates, and maintains a passive network for potential future positions. Partnership and communication (00:16:28) The importance of partnership and communication between the staffing agency and the shop owners to save time and ensure a successful hiring process. Challenges of Finding Good Talent in the Industry (00:18:21) The challenges of finding good talent in the industry and the unfairness of blaming shop owners for employees seeking better opportunities. Constantly Recruiting and the Importance of Always Being Prepared (00:25:25) The importance of constantly recruiting and being prepared for unexpected staff changes in the industry. Benefits of Building Relationships (00:27:33) Exploration of the benefits of building relationships with staffing agencies, such as having access to a pool of skilled candidates and the importance of retention. Responsibility of Shop Owners (00:34:47) Discussion on the role of shop owners in retaining employees and the importance of creating a positive work environment to ensure employee satisfaction and longevity. Recruiting Young Technicians (00:39:20) The importance of recruiting young technicians right out of college and suggests the idea of hiring them as production apprentices. Cost-effectiveness of using a staffing agency (00:45:52) Explains the cost of hiring and recruiting on their own versus using a staffing agency. Hiring and retaining employees (00:47:00) Emphasizes the importance of the shop owner's role in growing the organization and providing benefits to retain employees. Thanks to our Partners Shop-Ware and Delphi Technologies
Shop-Ware: More Time. More Profit. Shop-Ware Shop Management https://getshopware.com/
Delphi Technologies: Keeping current on the latest vehicle systems and how to repair them is a must for today’s technicians. http://DelphiAftermarket.com
Connect with the Podcast
-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
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
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