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The Toolbox is Last to Leave, First is the Heart

By Joe Marconi in Joe's Blog
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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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By carmcapriotto

In this episode - our host Craig O’Neill welcomes (now) familiar friend of the show, Evan Wisner to have some fun telling a Halloween story. Evan and his brother both enjoy the art of story telling and in this episode we get a chance to hear a story that was based on Evan’s own experiences in the woods of Northern Michigan.
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Watch Full Video Episode
Join Our Virtual Toastmasters: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters
Thank You To Our Partners:
The Institute at WeAreTheInstitute.com. "Stop stressing over your business, you deserve a good night's sleep. The Institute’s coaching helps you achieve success and financial peace.
AutoFlow at AutoFlow.com. Your partner in technology, Autoflow consolidates your client interactions - before, during and after the visit to a single thread. Learn more at Autoflow.com
AutoLeap at AutoLeap.com. Are you tired of juggling multiple tools to manage your auto repair shop? Say hello to the streamlined efficiency of AutoLeap, the #1 all-in-one Auto Repair Shop Management Software!
Shop Dog Marketing at Shop Dog Marketing.com. "Want to see your auto repair shop thrive? Let Shop Dog Marketing be your guide. Our customer-first approach, combined with AI-driven creative content, ensures top rankings.
In-Bound at CallInBound.com. Cover your communication needs and revolutionize your auto repair business with AI-driven call analytics from InBound.
Contact Information
Email Craig O'Neill: [email protected] Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters
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/
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
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Talking Shop with Chris Cotton [E142] - Business By The Numbers
By carmcapriotto

Thanks to our partner, NAPA TRACS
Did you know that NAPA TRACS has onsite training plus six days a week support?
It all starts when a local representative meets with you to learn about your business and how you run it. After all, it's your shop, so it's your choice.
Let us prove to you that Tracs is the single best shop management system in the business. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at NAPATRACS.com
Thanks to our partner, Promotive
It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit www.gopromotive.com.
Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive Repair
Visit us Online: www.paarmelis.com
Email Hunt: [email protected]
Download a Copy of My Books Here:
Wrenches to Write-Offs Your Perfect Shop
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.
Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.
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.
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.
Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
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By carmcapriotto

Today, we’re diving into an essential topic—how to make your brand stand out from the competition. While you may already provide exceptional service, standing out in a crowded market requires a focused strategy. It’s not just about doing good work; it's about showing what makes your shop truly unique.
We’ll break down the key ways to differentiate your brand, from nailing your customer service to using your core values to your advantage. We’ll also talk about how paying attention to your shop’s appearance and maintaining an active social media presence can make a big difference in how customers see you.
If you're ready to learn how to make your shop rise above the rest and attract more customers, this episode is for you.
Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shops
Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)
Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller : https://storybrand.com/building-a-storybrand-book/
McCart’s Auto Center - Ratchet and Wrench : https://www.ratchetandwrench.com/shop-life/article/11464229/shop-view-mccarts-auto-center
https://shopmarketingpros.com/how-to-make-your-brand-stand-out-from-your-competitors/
Show Notes with Timestamps
Introduction to Brand Differentiation (00:00:10) Brian introduces the topic of brand differentiation for auto repair shops. Understanding Brand (00:02:26) Explains that a brand is more than just a logo; it embodies the overall customer experience. Customer Perception and Reviews (00:04:25) Discusses the importance of customer reviews in identifying what makes a shop unique. Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses (00:05:30) Encourages owners to focus on strengths while addressing weaknesses for better brand differentiation. Concept of a Four-Dimensional Shop (00:06:32) Introduces the idea of a four-dimensional shop, focusing on customer service, quality, timeliness, and price. Timeliness and Price Mindset Shift (00:08:29) Stresses the importance of communication and fair pricing in building a strong brand. RepairPal Sponsorship Mention (00:10:28) Thanks RepairPal for sponsoring and highlights its benefits for auto repair shops. Building Trust with Clients (00:11:26) Emphasizes the need to cultivate trust through social media and transparent communication. Core Values Integration (00:12:23) Explains how core values should be central to the brand and daily operations of the shop. Daily Recognition of Core Values (00:13:19) Describes the implementation of daily recognition for team members based on core values. Core Values and Brand Identity (00:15:19) Discusses how core values, like happiness, differentiate a brand and impact team morale. Outward Appearance of Shops (00:17:18) Emphasizes the importance of a clean and organized environment in shaping brand perception. Customer Perspective (00:19:28) Encourages shop owners to view their business from a customer's angle to identify areas for improvement. Impact of Shop Aesthetics (00:20:35) Explains how the physical appearance of a shop affects customer impressions and overall branding. Importance of Business Name (00:23:10) Highlights the significance of a shop's name in representing its identity and differentiating from competitors. Examples of Effective Names (00:24:03) Provides examples of shop names that effectively convey their unique selling propositions. Role of Logos in Branding (00:27:47) Discusses how a logo serves as a visual representation of a shop and its differentiation Logo Importance (00:28:53) Discussion on effective logo design and its impact on brand representation. Color Theory in Branding (00:29:48) Exploration of how colors influence perceptions and emotions related to a brand. Crafting Your Brand Message (00:30:55) Advice on creating a brand message that resonates with client concerns rather than just shop credentials. Understanding Client Problems (00:31:52) Emphasis on identifying deeper client issues to tailor brand messaging effectively. Book Recommendation: Building a Story Brand (00:32:44) Recommendation of Donald Miller's book for crafting impactful brand messaging. Differentiation in a Competitive Market (00:33:39) Final thoughts on the necessity of standing out in the auto repair industry. Call to Action for Marketing Help (00:34:37) Invitation for listeners to seek marketing assistance from Shop Marketing Pros. Acknowledgment of Sponsors (00:35:36) Thanks to RepairPal for sponsoring the podcast and supporting the auto repair community.
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