The Importance of Self-Reflection and Self-Improvement in Business [AW 158]
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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
Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive
Join Hunt Demarest, CPA from Paar Melis and Associates, as he dives into one of the most crucial aspects of financial planning for your business—forecasting for the year ahead. Whether you're setting your business goals or analyzing key performance metrics, Hunt provides actionable insights to help you simplify and strengthen your forecasting process.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why forecasting is essential for your business's growth and performance. Simple steps to start forecasting—even if you’ve never done it before. Tips on analyzing your current business performance to set realistic goals for 2025. How to use key financial metrics to identify areas of focus and improvement. Tools and methods to streamline your forecasting, from basic spreadsheets to advanced software. Discover how forecasting can bridge the gap between where your business is and where you want it to be. Start making data-driven decisions that drive profitability and success.
Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive
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. 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 carmcapriotto
Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Auto Care Focusing on the third part of a five-part 'Unstoppable Framework for Auto Shop Owners' series, Maryann Croce discusses strategies for optimizing processes and empowering teams. Mary Ann shares insights from her coaching experiences, including a case study of a client named Steve, who overcame burnout by streamlining operations and delegating tasks. The episode emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement, setting boundaries, and fostering a supportive team environment for business success. Maryann, Small Biz Vantage. Maryann’s previous episodes HERE. Show Notes Watch Full Video Episode Here's the link to the fillable download: https://bit.ly/409jaZV Unstoppable Framework for Auto Shop Owners Part 1: Core Values and Vision [RR 997]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e997/ Unstoppable Framework for Auto Shop Owners Part 2: Mastering Your Finances [RRR 1004]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e1004/ Unstoppable Framework Overview (00:01:12) The Goal of the Framework (00:02:13) Steve's Story: The Doing It All Trap (00:04:37) Creating Standard Operating Procedures (00:05:46) Impact of Delegation on Business and Life (00:08:30) Importance of Accountability (00:10:46) Steps for Creating SOPs (00:12:51) Encouraging Team Autonomy (00:16:13) Structured Onboarding and Continuous Learning (00:18:27) Feedback Loops and Open Communication (00:19:39) The Business Control Dilemma (00:20:38) Small Wins Matter (00:20:51) Breaking the Micromanagement Cycle (00:21:53) Setting Boundaries for Well-being (00:23:44) The Importance of Personal Time (00:24:42) Final Thoughts on Business Growth (00:25:42) Continuous Improvement Mindset (00:26:52)
Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Auto Care 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 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 carmcapriotto
In this episode, Brian Walker is joined by guest Hallie Wasinger to provide a behind-the-scenes look at how they tackled a major business challenge head-on. After two months of thinking everything was running smoothly, the team uncovered that website projects were falling behind and client communication had slipped. This significant issue required immediate action.
Hallie shares how she stepped in to take ownership, assessed each project, and led the team in establishing new, realistic launch dates. Together, Brian and Hallie discuss the importance of extreme ownership, providing structure, and delivering clear direction to get the team back on track. They also emphasize the value of staying calm when challenges arise, and the critical lesson that clients don’t expect perfection—they just want things made right.
If you’re navigating your own business challenges, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice on leadership, integrity, and making tough decisions.
Tune in now to discover how to keep your business on course, even when it feels like everything is going wrong.
Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for this episode. RepairPal will introduce your shop to new customers through repairpal.com, the largest site for auto repair. 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
How To Get In Touch With the Guest
Hallie Wasinger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hallie-wasinger-411706161/
Show Notes with Time Stamps
Introduction to the Episode (00:00:10) Brian introduces the podcast and guest Hallie Wasinger, setting the stage for the discussion. The Great Website Debacle (00:01:30) Brian introduces the topic of the "great shop marketing pros website debacle" and thanks sponsors. Agency Environment Challenges (00:04:39) Hallie describes the intense pace of working in an agency, likening it to "drinking out of a firehose." Hiring Challenges (00:05:20) Brian discusses the difficulties in hiring a suitable web project manager for their fast-paced agency. Trusting Your Instincts (00:05:56) Brian emphasizes the importance of trusting your instincts when sensing something is wrong in a project. Communication Breakdowns (00:07:04) Hallie notes that the team started feeling something was off, leading to a breakdown in communication. Reality Check on Project Status (00:08:49) Brian reveals the shocking reality of multiple projects being behind schedule and lacking communication. Lessons on Accountability (00:09:45) Brian discusses the need to dig deeper when issues arise and not just take someone's word for it. Transition of Responsibilities (00:10:42) Hallie expresses her eagerness to take over the web team after the previous manager's departure. Implementing Systems and Processes (00:11:28) Hallie highlights her focus on creating systems to improve the web team's efficiency. Taking Ownership of Projects (00:13:14) Hallie shares her approach of taking extreme ownership and communicating directly with clients about project statuses. Setting Expectations (00:14:34) Discusses the importance of clear communication with clients regarding their website project timelines. Team Structure and Trust (00:15:30) Hallie emphasizes the need for structure and realistic timelines to gain team trust and improve workflow. Leadership Style Reflection (00:17:42) Brian shares his leadership approach, focusing on empowering team members without micromanaging. Addressing Sacred Cows (00:19:17) Discussion on the pitfalls of sticking to outdated processes and the necessity of flexibility in business. Identifying Challenges (00:20:46) Hallie reveals ongoing issues she discovered after taking over the web team, highlighting the need for transparency. Client Communication (00:23:33) Brian and Hallie discuss the importance of communicating issues and realistic expectations to clients effectively. Team Collaboration for Success (00:26:24) The team collaborates to meet new launch dates, demonstrating collective buy-in and commitment to improvement. Integrating Outside Help (00:27:13) Hallie explains how they ensured outside help adhered to their established processes and standards. Building Future Relationships (00:28:28) Discussion on the potential for hiring effective outside developers as part of the internal team in the future. Consulting Your Network (00:28:49) The importance of seeking advice from peers or coaches during business challenges. Recognizing Reality (00:29:30) Understanding that situations are often not as dire as they initially seem. Integrity as a Core Value (00:30:23) Emphasizing the necessity of integrity in resolving client issues. Difficult Client Conversations (00:31:02) Sharing experiences of tough conversations with clients and the importance of transparency. Reputation Management (00:32:13) Discussing how challenges can impact reputation and the importance of honest communication. Trust Through Transparency (00:33:18) Building trust with clients by showing both positive and negative reviews. Making It Right (00:35:09) The significance of ensuring clients feel satisfied after resolving issues. Humanizing Client Relations (00:36:09) Meeting clients in person can strengthen relationships and ease past tensions. Listening to Your Team (00:37:01) Encouraging open communication within the team to address concerns effectively. Trusting Leadership (00:37:50) The importance of team trust in leadership decisions and actions during challenges.
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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