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slowtech

By slowtech
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slowtech Contributor

slowtech

Posted
Posted

Just got my e-mail on the latest forum topics. Out of 20 topics 7 are marketing ads from the same person. Also under popular forum topics of 5, 3 are ads also by same person of which no discussion took place. So how are these popular. I get a ton of advertising e-mail. Just didn't expect this from ASO. I do look into some ASO sponsor ads. But this is not necessary.

  • Like 3
ScottSpec Collaborator

ScottSpec

Posted
Posted

Slowtech,

I'm glad you posted this. I was just going down the list of topics in the weekly email thinking to myself that it looks like the forum is turning into more of an advertising platform. So I started going down the list and came across your post. So you are definitely not alone in your thinking. 

Scott 

  • Like 1
newport5 Enthusiast

newport5

Posted
Posted

I imagine the marketing ads help pay for maintaining the forum, so I don't mind too much.

What I don't like is the catchy title that links to a 3 minute pitch for a link to a "GREAT" webinar that ends up to be a 20 minute pitch (with no content) for a live seminar.

  • Like 1
ScottSpec Collaborator

ScottSpec

Posted
Posted
24 minutes ago, newport5 said:

I imagine the marketing ads help pay for maintaining the forum, so I don't mind too much.

What I don't like is the catchy title that links to a 3 minute pitch for a link to a "GREAT" webinar that ends up to be a 20 minute pitch (with no content) for a live seminar.

newport5,

I understand the need to have ads to generate revenue. Using the forum to make pitches with click bait, is not the proper use of a forum. I'm pretty sure no revenue is generated from these posts. It's someone abusing, and degrading the system to get free publicity.

Scott 

newport5 Enthusiast

newport5

Posted
Posted

Scott,

 

Here's what I meant about the forum making money off the guy posting the webinars about webinars.

He's a paid member, you and I are free,

Victor

  • Like 1
ScottSpec Collaborator

ScottSpec

Posted
Posted
13 hours ago, newport5 said:

Scott,

 

Here's what I meant about the forum making money off the guy posting the webinars about webinars.

He's a paid member, you and I are free,

Victor

Victor,

I see what you are saying now. I thought using the forum for marketing would be prohibited, but I just found out it is actually encouraged. I found this on the site while checking out the sponsored membership. 

"Sponsor Membership to AutoShopOwner for 1 year, which will renew annually. You will receive all the benefits of a Premium Membership. In addition, you will be able to market your business to our member base by posting about your business in our community forums, start your own blog, write articles..."

Scott

 

 

Wheelingauto Collaborator

Wheelingauto

Posted
Posted
6 hours ago, ScottSpec said:

Victor,

I see what you are saying now. I thought using the forum for marketing would be prohibited, but I just found out it is actually encouraged. I found this on the site while checking out the sponsored membership. 

"Sponsor Membership to AutoShopOwner for 1 year, which will renew annually. You will receive all the benefits of a Premium Membership. In addition, you will be able to market your business to our member base by posting about your business in our community forums, start your own blog, write articles..."

Scott

 

 

This is why these forums are quiet, not really active, and lame IMO. This is not about shops discussing issues and solutions or new ideas. Every post has some alleged Guru pushing their agenda so they can augment their social security income. They prey on the weakness of the inexperienced, new or struggling auto shop owner who needs car count with great ways to get cars in the door, and work the opportunity which usually ends up with high effort, high stress and little to no profits.

If they really wanted to make money they would open up their own shops, prove the concepts by having millions annually in sales, 20% plus in profits all while sitting on the beach and also taking a nice paycheck when in the office.

ScottSpec Collaborator

ScottSpec

Posted
Posted
1 hour ago, Wheelingauto said:

This is why these forums are quiet, not really active, and lame IMO. This is not about shops discussing issues and solutions or new ideas. Every post has some alleged Guru pushing their agenda so they can augment their social security income. They prey on the weakness of the inexperienced, new or struggling auto shop owner who needs car count with great ways to get cars in the door, and work the opportunity which usually ends up with high effort, high stress and little to no profits.

If they really wanted to make money they would open up their own shops, prove the concepts by having millions annually in sales, 20% plus in profits all while sitting on the beach and also taking a nice paycheck when in the office.

It seems to me that the forums have been much quieter. I'm not sure if that is correct or not, but I know when I get that email every week, and I see the topic list, I get turned off pretty quickly. Then I stop looking at them all together when they come.

Scott

  • Like 1
Alex

Alex

Posted
Posted
On 8/19/2018 at 11:02 PM, slowtech said:

Just got my e-mail on the latest forum topics. Out of 20 topics 7 are marketing ads from the same person. Also under popular forum topics of 5, 3 are ads also by same person of which no discussion took place. So how are these popular. I get a ton of advertising e-mail. Just didn't expect this from ASO. I do look into some ASO sponsor ads. But this is not necessary.

I've been watching this topic and appreciate the feedback. We definitely have an opportunity to send out the weekly newsletter/digest more refined I suppose. What happens is that the the topics that are listed in the email are the latest NEW topics and most of the ones that are started/created are by sponsor members who pay to be able to post in our forums and support the community. Here are our membership packages: https://www.autoshopowner.com/store/category/1-membership-packages/ 

That being said, we are going to change around the weekly email a bit starting this Sunday and break out the topics from the two forums where most of the marketing/coaching emails tend to reside and put them into their own block within the email. In addition to that, the new forum topics will now include new and updated topics, which should provide for a better read of activity when you open the email. 

 

Alex

Alex

Posted
Posted
On 8/29/2018 at 5:28 PM, ScottSpec said:

It seems to me that the forums have been much quieter. I'm not sure if that is correct or not, but I know when I get that email every week, and I see the topic list, I get turned off pretty quickly. Then I stop looking at them all together when they come.

Scott

Hopefully the topic email will be a little better categorized moving forward. It does get quieter in the summer every year and it really depends on member participation, which includes starting new topics and replying to existing ones to keep content fresh and going. We keep it very open here and at any time if anyone has any suggestions for forum category layout or additional features, please start a topic in our member feedback forum which I will move this topic to. 😁

ScottSpec Collaborator

ScottSpec

Posted
Posted
On 8/31/2018 at 7:59 PM, Alex said:

Hopefully the topic email will be a little better categorized moving forward. It does get quieter in the summer every year and it really depends on member participation, which includes starting new topics and replying to existing ones to keep content fresh and going. We keep it very open here and at any time if anyone has any suggestions for forum category layout or additional features, please start a topic in our member feedback forum which I will move this topic to. 😁

Alex,

I really like the improvements to the topic email.

Scott

  • Thanks 1
Alex

Alex

Posted
Posted
1 hour ago, ScottSpec said:

Alex,

I really like the improvements to the topic email.

Scott

Great to hear, thanks!

  • Thanks 1
  • 3 weeks later...
Wheelingauto Collaborator

Wheelingauto

Posted
Posted
13 hours ago, JustTheBest said:

Thought I would "chime-in" on this. I'm not vain enough to believe that the comments are just about my posts - however I have been posting regularly. I've taken a different direction in my business. Not taking on new clients at this time (thank you to each of my current clients) and decided to start a YouTube channel -CarCountHackers - to share the tips, tricks and strategies I use with my private clients. It's also an outlet to share questions I get from email subscribers and repair shop owners who contact me for help. 

If I've offended anyone - I'm sorry for the inconvenience. But just for the record - the videos are NOT about "Watch This - Buy That". In fact, the channel doesn't sell anything. Just free information about what I've been doing with shop owners over the last 20+ years - and you can get it all free - or not. It's up to you. 

Matthew Lee
"The Car Count Fixer"
Get More Car Count, Income & Profits at Car Count Hackers on YouTube

Another shameless pitch.....lol

  • Like 1

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  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

    • Joe Marconi
      The Toolbox is Last to Leave, First is the Heart
      By Joe Marconi in Joe's 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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      Tune in for another episode next week. Until then, go fill those bays!
      Talking Points


      General Topics for April:
      April showers bring may flowers - wiper blades, Aquapel, tires Continuing the theme from March Spring maintenance and cleaning Pot holes - winter damage Change back to summer tires Continue with the tax refund talk
      Days of the Year - Monthly Themes
      April is the first of the two National Car Care Months VEDA - Video Every Day in April


      Days of the Year - Weekly Themes
      National EMS Week


      Days of the Year - Daily Themes
      4/1 April Fools Day 4/2 National Ride Your Horse to a Bar Day 4/3 National Burrito Day 4/4 World Rat Day ⅘ International Pllow Fight Day ⅘ National Read a Road Map Day 4/12 National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day 4/15 National That Sucks Day 4/17 National Auctioneers Day 4/20 Easter 4/22 National Jelly Bean Day 4/28 Clean Comedy Day 4/29 Viral Video Day














      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 Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.
      Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.
      Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.
      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.
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • carmcapriotto
      Making Great First Impressions [E137] - The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast
      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
    • nptrb
      Maximize Your Tax Deductions With These Common Write-Offs
      By nptrb

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      This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.



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