Memorial Day - Remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice
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Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?
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By Joe Marconi in Joe's BlogIt 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 carmcapriotto
The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops.
Click here to learn more about Top Tier Marketing by Shop Marketing Pros and schedule a demo: https://shopmarketingpros.com/chris/
Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
If you would like to join their private facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermind
The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops.
I’d like to give another shoutout to our sponsor, Shop Marketing Pros. They are the only marketing company I recommend, and they handle all of the marketing for my own shop as well. If you’re serious about growth, you need strategies that actually work: better websites, higher Google rankings, and ads that bring real customers through your doors.
Visit ShopMarketingPros.com/chris to partner with a team that understands your business. Because every great shop deserves marketing that’s just as great.
In this insightful podcast episode, Coach Chris Cotton delves into the evolving dynamics of auto repair shops by exploring the transition of technicians into service advisor roles. Initially harboring skepticism about this shift, Chris has become a strong advocate, recognizing the distinct advantages that technicians offer when they step into advisory positions. He emphasizes that their deep technical knowledge and adept problem-solving abilities can significantly enhance the customer experience.
Chris underscores the critical role of comprehensive training and mentorship programs in equipping technicians with the necessary communication and interpersonal skills required for their new roles. He acknowledges common concerns, such as the potential depletion of technical talent on the shop floor and the financial implications of such transitions. However, he presents a compelling argument that elevating technicians to service advisor roles can lead to increased customer trust, improved shop efficiency, and ultimately, higher revenue.
The episode, sponsored by Shop Marketing Pros, serves as a call to action for shop owners to prioritize the growth and development of their employees. By investing in their workforce, shop owners can cultivate a more knowledgeable and versatile team, capable of driving the business forward in a competitive market. Chris's insights provide a roadmap for successfully navigating this transition, ensuring that both the shop and its employees thrive.
Introduction to the Episode (00:00:19) Changing Perspectives on Technicians as Advisors (00:01:30) The Role of Technicians in Service (00:02:53) Personal Experience with Technicians (00:03:53) Staffing Challenges in Auto Repair (00:06:10) Understanding the Service Advisor Role (00:08:31) Why Technicians Make Great Advisors (00:09:41) Concerns About Transitioning Technicians (00:12:05) Training and Support for Technicians (00:16:46) Business Case for Promoting Technicians (00:17:42) Future Planning for Service Advisors (00:18:50) Recap and Call to Action (00:19:56)
Connect with Chris:
[email protected]
Phone: 940.400.1008
www.autoshopcoaching.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYoutube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae
#autofixautoshopcoaching #autofixbeautofixing #autoshopprofits #autoshopprofit #autoshopprofitsfirst #autoshopleadership #autoshopmanagement #autorepairshopcoaching #autorepairshopconsulting #autorepairshoptraining #autorepairshop #autorepair #serviceadvisor #serviceadvisorefficiency #autorepairshopmarketing #theweeklyblitz #autofix #shopmarketingpros #autofixautoshopcoachingbook
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
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By carmcapriotto
Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care, NAPA TRACS and Automotive Management Network Explore the profitable opportunity of key cutting and programming for auto repair shops in the automotive aftermarket. With around 25 million keys sold each year, many vehicle owners lose at least one key within the first 15 years of ownership. Matt Fanslow and Scott Gompper highlight the Nitrous AutoProPad G3, simplifying key programming and emphasizing the significant revenue potential within this largely untapped market. Matt Fanslow, Riverside Automotive, Red Wing, MN, Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z Podcast Scott Gompper, Nitrous Keys Show Notes Watch Full Video Episode Introduction to Keys (00:00:00) Nitrous AutoPro ad G3 Features (00:01:07) Key Market Insights (00:02:38) Importance of Key Cutting (00:03:02) Programming Keys for Modules (00:04:30) Integrating Key Cutting Services (00:05:01) Tool Interface Explanation (00:05:22) Calculating ROI for Key Cutting (00:06:41) EV and Hybrid Vehicle Services (00:09:50) Key Cutting Machine Overview (00:11:00) Investment in Key Cutting Services (00:12:47) Marketing Key Cutting Services (00:13:40) Benefits of Attending Trade Shows (00:14:00) Fleet Services and Key Cutting (00:14:39)
Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care, NAPA TRACS and Automotive Management Network Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care 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/ Get ready to grow your business with the Automotive Management Network: Find on the Web at http://AftermarketManagementNetwork.com for information that can help you move your business ahead and for the free and informative http://LaborRateTracker.com 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 -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/ Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/ Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/ 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. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/ The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/ Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/ Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
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By Zenoo
Hi my name is Zenas and I am 26 years old from Alberta, Canada. I started my own automotive repair shop in December 2023. After running it for 1 year I made a little bit of profit. I needed some advice on how I could increase it. Its a 3 bay shop with two 2 post hoists and one 4 post hoist with alignment. I am the only mechanic in the shop as I can't afford to hire anyone at this point. I am charging about $120 per hour for the labor and very minimal mark up on parts. The shop had no customer base when I got it so it took me sometime to build returning customers. If I try to increase the prices on parts the customers run away. Seems like they are calling around the city and going to the cheapest person. My monthly over head cost is about $7000. Whatever I make in a month goes back into next month's rent. Any advices on how to manage this properly from other shop owners?
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By carmcapriotto
Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for providing you this episode. RepairPal’s Certified
Network of shops are trusted by millions of customers each month. Learn more at
RepairPal.com/shops
Are you ready to convert clients to members? App fueled specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for auto repair businesses. Build client loyalty. Get started today with your own customer loyalty app. Visit Appfueled.com
Are your customers getting the right first impression of your shop? In this episode, Brian and Kim Walker explore how to make every touchpoint count, from your website and Google Business Profile to your waiting area and phone calls.
With personal stories and practical tips, they’ll guide you through the customer journey, sharing ways to improve everything from cleanliness to communication. You’ll even hear about Kim’s checklist for first impressions and why small details—like a fresh-smelling lobby or updated photos—make a big impact.
Get ready to see your shop through fresh eyes and take steps to leave a lasting impression. Tune in now!
Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for providing you this episode. RepairPal will help you
grow your auto business and you can learn more at RepairPal.com/shops.
Are you ready to convert clients to members? App fueled specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for auto repair businesses. Build client loyalty. Get started today with your own customer loyalty app. Visit Appfueled.com
Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)
https://www.autoops.com/ - Online Scheduling for Auto Shops
https://shopmarketingpros.com/ep-131-branding-your-shop-as-a-concierge-auto-repair-shop/ - Branding Your Shop As A Concierge Auto Repair Shop
https://shopmarketingpros.com/ep-108-part-4-a-service-advisors-take-on-customer-retention-with-michael-doherty/ - Part 4 – A Service Advisor’s Take on Customer Retention with Michael Doherty
https://remarkable.com/ - Remarkable notebook
Show Notes with Time Stamps
Introduction to the Podcast (00:00:01) The podcast episode begins with an introduction to the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Welcome and Topic Introduction (00:00:10) Brian Walker welcomes listeners and introduces the topic of making great first impressions in auto repair. Secret Shopper Concept (00:01:03) Kim discusses the idea of offering secret shopper services to evaluate first impressions in auto repair shops. Frog in Boiling Water Analogy (00:01:20) Brian uses an analogy about a frog in boiling water to illustrate how business owners can overlook issues. Personal Experience with Shop Cleanliness (00:02:26) Kim shares a personal story about noticing cleanliness issues in her shop after sitting on the floor. Origin of the Episode's Topic (00:03:13) Kim explains that the episode's topic originated from a class she taught about hosting events in auto repair shops. Creating a First Impression Checklist (00:04:08) Kim mentions her intention to create a first impression checklist based on customer journey insights. Importance of Online Presence (00:04:51) Discussion shifts to how potential customers first experience a business online, including websites and Google profiles. The Grunt Test (00:06:39) Brian explains the "grunt test," where a stranger should easily understand what a website is about. Evaluating Website Impressions (00:08:04) Kim emphasizes the importance of assessing what feelings a website evokes in potential clients. Social Media's Role in First Impressions (00:10:12) The conversation covers how social media contributes to first impressions and customer perceptions. Content Strategy and Audience Alignment (00:12:08) Brian shares a client's unconventional marketing strategy and the importance of aligning content with audience expectations. Google Business Profile Importance (00:12:59) Kim highlights the significance of maintaining an accurate and complete Google Business Profile for attracting customers. Customer Experience in a Hurry (00:14:01) Kim discusses how potential customers often search for auto repair services quickly, emphasizing the need for accurate information. Improving Waiting Area Appearance (00:15:02) Discusses the importance of updating photos of the waiting area to enhance customer impressions. The Importance of Phone Etiquette (00:15:38) Emphasizes listening to phone calls to ensure service advisors are friendly and professional. First Impressions Over the Phone (00:16:38) Highlights how the tone and manner of answering calls can significantly impact first impressions. Customer Experience During Calls (00:17:18) Explores the importance of a welcoming greeting and attentive service during phone interactions. Listening to Recorded Calls (00:19:22) Encourages shop owners to review recorded calls to improve customer service quality. Customer Experience in Shops (00:21:36) Discusses a personal anecdote about poor customer service and its impact on first impressions. Evaluating Online Scheduling Experience (00:24:26) Stresses the importance of user-friendly online scheduling systems for customer satisfaction. Drive-By Assessment of Shop Appearance (00:26:23) Encourages shop owners to evaluate their business from a customer's perspective for first impressions. Parking Lot and Vehicle Presentation (00:27:27) Discusses the significance of a tidy parking lot and appropriate vehicles for attracting customers. Signage and Branding Consistency (00:29:03) Highlights the importance of maintaining updated and clear signage to reflect the brand accurately. The Story of the Old Shop (00:29:52) Brian shares a humorous anecdote about visiting an old shop and its rundown appearance. The Importance of Cleanliness (00:30:46) Discussion about how exterior cleanliness impacts first impressions in auto repair shops. Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere (00:31:27) Kim emphasizes the significance of the waiting area’s atmosphere and sensory experiences for customers. Sensory Experiences Matter (00:31:47) Exploration of how smell and touch affect customers' perceptions in an auto repair shop. Comparing Experiences (00:34:29) Kim discusses how customers compare their experiences to other businesses like Chick-fil-A. Details Matter (00:35:28) Highlighting the importance of small details in creating a positive customer experience. Creating a Family-Friendly Environment (00:36:55) Discussion on accommodating families and making kids feel welcome in the shop. Comfort in the Waiting Area (00:38:39) Brian stresses the need for comfortable seating and a welcoming environment for customers. Responsibility for Cleanliness (00:39:23) Discussion on who is responsible for maintaining cleanliness in the shop. Bathroom Cleanliness (00:40:20) A personal story about the poor state of a customer-facing bathroom and its impact. Thoughtful Amenities (00:41:24) Kim talks about providing thoughtful amenities for female customers in the bathroom. Impression of Cleanliness (00:43:19) Discussion on the importance of maintaining high standards of cleanliness in customer-facing areas. Shop Area Cleanliness (00:44:11) Importance of maintaining a bright, clean, and organized shop environment for clients and staff. Efficient Shop Layout (00:45:02) Discusses the necessity of an efficient layout to enhance workflow and client experience. Client Interaction (00:46:05) Emphasizes tailoring conversations with clients based on their vehicle ownership goals. Permission for Inspections (00:47:58) Importance of asking for permission to perform inspections to enhance client trust and experience. Client Follow-Up (00:48:59) Discusses the significance of following up with clients post-service to ensure satisfaction. Team Appearance (00:49:48) Highlights how professional attire of staff can impact first impressions on clients. Importance of First Impressions (00:50:45) Stresses that consistent positive impressions lead to long-term client relationships and referrals. Final Thoughts and Checklist (00:50:46) Introduction of a PDF checklist for staff to enhance awareness of shop cleanliness and organization.
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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By carmcapriotto
The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops.
Click here to learn more about Top Tier Marketing by Shop Marketing Pros and schedule a demo: https://shopmarketingpros.com/chris/
Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
If you would like to join their private facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermind
The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops.
I’d like to give another shoutout to our sponsor, Shop Marketing Pros. They are the only marketing company I recommend, and they handle all of the marketing for my own shop as well. If you’re serious about growth, you need strategies that actually work: better websites, higher Google rankings, and ads that bring real customers through your doors.
Visit ShopMarketingPros.com/chris to partner with a team that understands your business. Because every great shop deserves marketing that’s just as great.
In this episode of "The Weekly Blitz," Coach Chris Cotton from Auto Fix Auto Shop Coaching delves deeply into the critical topic of men's emotional health, shedding light on the often-overlooked societal pressures that inhibit emotional expression among men. Coach Cotton begins by exploring how traditional societal norms and expectations have historically dictated that men should be stoic and unemotional, leading many to suppress their feelings. This suppression, he explains, can result in emotional bottlenecks, where unresolved emotions accumulate and eventually manifest as stress, anxiety, or even depression.
Coach Cotton highlights the unhealthy coping mechanisms that many men resort to as a consequence of this emotional suppression, such as substance abuse, aggression, or withdrawal from social interactions. He stresses the importance of recognizing these patterns and seeking healthier outlets for emotional expression.
A significant portion of the discussion is dedicated to the necessity of building supportive networks. Coach Cotton underscores the value of having a community or a circle of friends and family who provide a safe space for men to express their emotions without judgment. He warns against the dangers of toxic relationships that can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy or reinforce harmful stereotypes about masculinity.
Furthermore, Coach Cotton advocates for men to embrace vulnerability as a strength rather than a weakness. He encourages men to open up about their struggles and emotions, which can lead to deeper connections and a more fulfilling life. Finding one's purpose is another key theme in the episode. Coach Cotton explains that having a sense of purpose can provide direction and motivation, helping men navigate life's challenges with resilience and optimism.
Finally, he emphasizes the importance of celebrating small victories. By acknowledging and appreciating these achievements, men can build confidence and foster a healthier emotional landscape. This, in turn, contributes to both personal and professional success, as a balanced emotional state enhances decision-making, creativity, and interpersonal relationships.
Overall, Coach Chris Cotton's insights offer a comprehensive guide for men seeking to improve their emotional well-being and lead more fulfilling lives.
Introduction to the Episode (00:00:12)
Coach Chris Cotton introduces the episode and its purpose in supercharging auto repair businesses.
Promise of Support (00:01:16)
Chris assures listeners he understands men's emotional struggles and aims to address them in this episode.
Understanding Men's Thoughts (00:02:24)
Exploration of the complexities behind what men are thinking and the burdens they carry.
The Challenge of Expressing Feelings (00:03:34)
Discussion on societal pressures that prevent men from expressing their emotions.
Emotional Bottlenecks (00:04:53)
Chris highlights how men are conditioned to suppress emotions, leading to overwhelming burdens.
Avoiding Conflict and Unhealthy Outlets (00:06:02)
Men often shut down or resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms instead of expressing feelings.
Lack of Tools for Emotional Expression (00:07:26)
Men struggle to find the language and tools to process their emotions effectively.
The Stigma of Vulnerability (00:08:43)
Fear of ridicule prevents men from opening up about their feelings to trusted circles.
Identifying Toxic Relationships (00:09:50)
Chris emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive rather than negative influences.
The Importance of Purpose (00:10:56)
Discussion on how having a purpose is crucial for men's emotional well-being and motivation.
Consequences of Losing Purpose (00:12:06)
Exploration of how a lack of purpose can lead to stagnation and negative behaviors.
Embracing Failure as Necessary (00:12:20)
Chris shares that failure is inevitable and essential for growth and success.
Building a New Narrative for Men (00:13:20)
Men need safe spaces to express vulnerability and support each other.
Finding the Right Support System (00:14:28)
Importance of seeking out positive influences and accountability in personal and professional life.
Practical Steps Toward Purpose (00:15:39)
Encouragement to evaluate emotional toolkits and relationships to foster personal growth.
Starting the Conversation (00:16:38)
Chris urges men to open up about their thoughts and feelings with trusted individuals.
Conclusion and Call to Action (00:17:35)
Final encouragement to find purpose, surround oneself with the right people, and embrace the journey.
Connect with Chris:
[email protected]
Phone: 940.400.1008
www.autoshopcoaching.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYoutube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae
#autofixautoshopcoaching #autofixbeautofixing #autoshopprofits #autoshopprofit #autoshopprofitsfirst #autoshopleadership #autoshopmanagement #autorepairshopcoaching #autorepairshopconsulting #autorepairshoptraining #autorepairshop #autorepair #serviceadvisor #serviceadvisorefficiency #autorepairshopmarketing #theweeklyblitz #autofix #shopmarketingpros #autofixautoshopcoachingbook
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
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