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Recently we paid to have 10,000 sticky notes attached to the front page of the areas largest newspaper advertising tires with a coupon you had to mention to get the deal. 5x5" you couldn't miss it. I miss my money as nobody called. Sometimes great ideas amount to nothing.



Posted

Newspaper is no longer a viable marketing media in my opinion. I have read the local newspaper for over 40 years and I am about to drop my subscription. The paper is half the size it once was and 90% of what I read in it I have already seen on line. I think digital is where our ad dollars should be going.

Posted

We need to all rethink traditional media (TV, print, radio, yellow page books,etc)

 

We took a survey of our customers and asked,

  • How did you first find us?
  • What form of media do you use to decide on new product purchases?
  • What form of media do you use to decide on; plumber, contractor, new car purchase, car repair, restaurant, etc

 

Over 90% said they came to us because of a referral

Over 90% said the use the internet to research new product purchases

Over 85% they rely on friends or relative when choosing a plumber, contractor, new car dealer,car repair, etc.

Out of that 85% plus, 60% will follow up research on the Internet about those companies

 

This was my survey, with my customers. I can't claim that this is the way it is with everyone else, but I am willing to bet it comes close.

 

I am also willing to bet that we can no longer deny that social media will become a dominate player for us, with regard to promoting our shops and staying in touch with our customers.

 

It will be different, but wasn't TV different? People once claimed that TV was a fad, radio will remain king.

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  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

         0 comments
      It 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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      How To Get In Touch
      Join The Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Group on Facebook
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