Episode 179 - Boosting Profits with Tire Programs and Road Hazard Services Featuring Chris Cotton - Podcasts, Webinars & Live Streams

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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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What It Means to Be the Best Shop in Town [E193] - Chris Cotton Weekly Blitz
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
**Podcast Episode Summary: The Weekly Blitz with Coach Chris Cotton**
In this engaging episode of "The Weekly Blitz," Coach Chris Cotton, a renowned auto repair business coach, delves into the essential elements that contribute to becoming the premier auto repair shop in your community. Coach Cotton begins by emphasizing the significance of establishing a culture of accountability within the workplace. He explains that when each team member takes responsibility for their actions and outcomes, it creates a foundation for success and continuous improvement.
Furthermore, Coach Cotton discusses the importance of fostering teamwork among employees. He suggests that a collaborative environment not only enhances efficiency and productivity but also boosts morale and job satisfaction. By encouraging open communication and mutual support, team members are more likely to work together towards common goals, ultimately benefiting the business as a whole.
Delivering an exceptional customer experience is another key focus of the episode. Coach Cotton points out that while having the latest tools and offering competitive prices are important, they are not the sole determinants of success. Instead, he argues that true excellence is achieved when every employee is committed to maintaining high standards and consistently exceeding customer expectations. This dedication to quality service helps build a strong reputation and encourages repeat business.
Coach Cotton also highlights the critical role of leadership in cultivating a positive and productive workplace culture. Effective leaders set the tone for the organization, modeling the behaviors and attitudes they wish to see in their team. By providing clear direction, support, and recognition, leaders can inspire their employees to strive for excellence in every aspect of their work.
Finally, Coach Cotton underscores the importance of building trust and loyalty with customers. He explains that every interaction with a customer is an opportunity to reinforce their confidence in the business. By consistently delivering on promises and addressing any concerns promptly and professionally, auto repair shops can establish long-lasting relationships with their clients, ensuring sustained success in a competitive market.

Introduction to the Episode (00:00:18)
Coach Chris Cotton introduces the podcast and its focus on supercharging auto repair businesses.
Podcast Recommendations (00:01:23)
Chris highlights other podcasts on the aftermarket radio network worth checking out.
Inspiration from Previous Episode (00:02:38)
Chris discusses insights gained from a previous episode with Cecil Bullard about being the best shop.
Creating a Culture of Accountability (00:03:56)
The importance of fostering accountability among employees to achieve the goal of being the best shop.
Defining the Best Shop (00:04:54)
Being the best shop is a commitment reflected in every operational aspect, not just tools or prices.
Employee Engagement and Culture (00:06:02)
The significance of a positive culture where employees thrive and contribute to customer experience.
The Role of Accountability (00:07:20)
Accountability is essential; employees must hold themselves to high standards for the shop's reputation.
Steps to Accountability (00:08:25)
Chris outlines practical steps for employees to demonstrate accountability in their roles.
Building a Standard of Excellence (00:09:31)
Establishing a standard of excellence leads to a desirable workplace and loyal customers.
Legacy of Excellence (00:10:29)
Being the best shop is about building a legacy and creating growth opportunities for employees.
Closing Remarks (00:11:33)
Chris thanks listeners and emphasizes the importance of a positive mindset in the auto repair business.

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
Are You Your Own Biggest Obstacle to Succeeding in the Auto Repair Business? [E192] - Chris Cotton Weekly Blitz
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
In this episode, Coach Chris Cotton from Auto Fix Auto Shop Coaching delivers an inspiring message aimed at empowering auto repair shop owners to break through self-imposed barriers and unlock their full potential as effective business leaders. Throughout the discussion, he emphasizes the critical importance of cultivating a positive mindset, maintaining accountability, and taking bold, decisive actions to achieve one's dreams within the auto repair industry. Chris underscores the notion that the most significant obstacles shop owners face are often internal rather than external, suggesting that self-doubt and fear can hinder progress more than any market condition or competition.

To combat these internal challenges, Chris advocates for the transformative power of coaching, which can provide fresh perspectives and a structured framework for accountability. He believes that having a coach can help shop owners see their businesses from a new angle, identify areas for improvement, and stay committed to their goals. This external support can be crucial in helping them navigate the complexities of running a successful auto repair shop.

The episode is sponsored by Shop Marketing Pros, highlighting the essential role that tailored marketing strategies play in supporting the growth and success of auto repair shops. By leveraging targeted marketing efforts, shop owners can effectively reach their desired audience, enhance their brand visibility, and ultimately drive more business. The sponsorship underscores the synergy between effective coaching and strategic marketing, both of which are vital components in the journey toward achieving sustained success in the auto repair industry.
Introduction to the Episode (00:00:20)
Coach Chris Cotton introduces the episode and its focus on empowering auto repair shop owners.
Sponsorship Acknowledgment (00:01:21)
Chris thanks Shop Marketing Pros for their support and highlights their unique marketing strategies.
Unlocking Your Potential (00:02:24)
Discussion on the importance of getting out of your own way to unlock personal and business potential.
Identifying Internal Barriers (00:03:30)
Chris emphasizes that the biggest obstacles are often self-imposed rather than external challenges.
Dream Big and Act Boldly (00:04:33)
Encourages listeners to let their dreams lead instead of being hindered by fear and doubt.
The Role of Coaching (00:05:50)
Explains how coaching provides perspectives and accountability to help overcome self-imposed barriers.
Mindset Reset (00:06:52)
Coaches help identify and reframe self-limiting beliefs to approach problems with confidence.
Defining Success (00:07:59)
Coaches assist in clarifying what success looks like beyond just financial metrics.
Actionable Strategies (00:08:59)
Discusses the importance of breaking down big goals into manageable steps for clarity.
Accountability in Coaching (00:09:59)
Stresses the need for accountability to prevent falling back into old habits.
Visualizing Your Dream Shop (00:10:13)
Encourages listeners to vividly imagine their dream shop and life to create a plan.
Taking Bold Action (00:10:13)
Calls for committing to one bold step today to move closer to the envisioned goals.
Finding Support (00:10:13)
Highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive peers, coaches, or mentors.
Conclusion and Motivation (00:11:13)
Chris motivates listeners to recognize their potential and take action towards their dreams.

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
“Finish Line Focus: Top Tactics for Wrapping Up 2024 and Charging into 2025” [E191] - Chris Cotton Weekly Blitz
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

In this episode of "The Weekly Blitz," host Coach Chris Cotton offers auto repair shop owners a wealth of valuable insights aimed at enhancing their businesses. He begins by emphasizing the critical importance of conducting thorough repair order audits. These audits are essential for ensuring accurate record-keeping, which in turn fosters customer trust and satisfaction. By maintaining precise records, shop owners can avoid potential disputes and demonstrate transparency to their clients.
Chris then shifts the focus to improving service advisor phone interactions. He underscores the significance of active listening and empathy in these exchanges. By truly understanding and addressing customer concerns, service advisors can enhance the overall customer experience, leading to increased loyalty and repeat business.
As the year draws to a close, Chris provides strategic advice on finishing 2024 strong. He encourages shop owners to maintain their momentum and begin planning for 2025 with clear, measurable goals. By setting specific objectives, businesses can chart a course for sustained growth and success in the coming year.
Throughout the episode, Chris highlights the significance of cultivating a positive work culture. He explains how a supportive and motivating environment can lead to increased employee satisfaction and productivity. Additionally, he discusses the numerous benefits of coaching, which can provide shop owners with the guidance and support needed to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.
The episode concludes with a heartfelt expression of gratitude to the listeners for their continued support. Chris also extends his thanks to the episode's sponsor, Shop Marketing Pros, for their partnership and contribution to the show's success.

Election Update (00:02:07)
Discussion on the recent elections and its impact on the business environment.
Importance of Repair Order Audits (00:03:08)
Emphasis on maintaining accurate records and conducting repair order audits for business health.
Customer Experience and Transparency (00:04:10)
The need for transparency with customers and sharing inspection results to build trust.
Technician Productivity Issues (00:05:15)
Challenges with ticket assignments affecting technician productivity and customer service.
Service Advisor Phone Calls (00:07:31)
The significance of mastering service advisor phone calls for customer relationships.
Finishing Strong in 2024 (00:09:47)
Encouragement to maintain momentum and finish the year strong despite holiday distractions.
Planning for 2025 (00:11:55)
Advice on setting goals and priorities for the upcoming year to ensure proactive growth.
Measuring Success (00:12:55)
The importance of setting measurable goals and tracking progress for accountability.
Closing Remarks (00:14:03)
Final thoughts on support for shop owners and the importance of a positive mindset moving forward.

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
Ghosting: The Silent Killer of Auto Repair Hiring Success [E190] - Chris Cotton Weekly Blitz
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

In this episode of The Weekly Blitz, Coach Chris Cotton from Auto Fix Auto Shop Coaching delves into the increasingly prevalent issue of "ghosting" within the auto repair industry's hiring process. Ghosting, a term that describes the sudden cessation of communication by either job applicants or businesses without any prior explanation, has become a significant challenge for both parties involved.
Coach Chris begins by examining the underlying reasons for this trend. On the applicant's side, factors such as receiving multiple job offers, feeling overwhelmed by the job search process, or simply deciding that a particular position is not the right fit can lead to ghosting. From the business perspective, a lack of structured follow-up processes, being inundated with applications, or changes in hiring needs can result in businesses inadvertently ghosting candidates.
The impact of ghosting is profound, affecting both job seekers and business owners. For job seekers, being ghosted by potential employers can lead to feelings of frustration, confusion, and a lack of closure, which can be demoralizing and impact their confidence in the job market. For business owners, ghosting by candidates can disrupt hiring timelines, lead to wasted resources, and create gaps in staffing that affect operations.
To address these challenges, Coach Chris offers several strategies aimed at mitigating the occurrence of ghosting. He emphasizes the importance of clear communication throughout the hiring process. This includes setting expectations from the outset, providing timely updates to candidates, and being transparent about the hiring timeline and decision-making process.
Furthermore, Coach Chris highlights the role of empathy in improving hiring practices. By understanding the pressures and challenges faced by job seekers, businesses can tailor their communication and engagement strategies to be more supportive and considerate. This approach not only reduces the likelihood of ghosting but also enhances the overall candidate experience.

The episode concludes with practical tips for auto repair shop owners to refine their recruitment processes. These include implementing structured follow-up procedures, utilizing technology to manage applications efficiently, and fostering a company culture that values open and honest communication. By adopting these strategies, auto repair shops can improve their hiring outcomes, reduce the frustration caused by ghosting, and build stronger, more reliable teams.

The Rise of Ghosting (00:01:05)
Discussion on the troubling trend of ghosting in the hiring process and its impacts.
Why Ghosting is Increasing (00:02:16)
Exploration of the reasons behind the rise of ghosting, including job market dynamics.
Employee Perspective on Ghosting (00:03:16)
Insights into why job seekers ghost employers, including feeling undervalued and overwhelmed.
Business Owner Perspective on Ghosting (00:05:41)
Challenges business owners face when candidates ghost them, including time and financial losses.
The Importance of Communication (00:08:03)
Emphasis on the need for better communication and transparency in the hiring process.
Impact on Business Reputation (00:09:00)
How consistent ghosting can negatively affect a business's reputation and public image.
Strategies to Reduce Ghosting (00:09:30)
Suggestions for both parties to improve communication and reduce ghosting occurrences.
Creating a Welcoming Interview Process (00:10:05)
Advice on how to create a respectful and engaging interview environment for candidates.
Follow Through After Interviews (00:11:05)
Importance of following through with candidates to maintain professionalism and opportunities.
Conclusion and Acknowledgments (00:12:03)
Wrap-up of the episode, encouragement for listeners, and thanks to the sponsor.

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