Autobytel narrows Q1 losses by 80%

AutoShopOwner News · 2009-04-24T16:17:00+0000

Autobytel Inc., a third-party lead generator for auto dealers and manufacturers, narrowed its first-quarter loss by more than 80 percent. View the full article

Available Subscriptions

See all Subscription Plans

Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

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.

Similar Topics

Preparing for February's Marketing [E129] - The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast
By carmcapriotto

Want to make your February marketing a win for your auto repair shop? Join Brian Walker and Caroline LeGrand as they share engaging, practical ideas for February’s marketing—from fun Valentine's Day campaigns that show love to your customers and vehicles, to creative ways to highlight your shop's culture.
Get tips on using National Days to boost engagement, from "Doggy Date Night" to “Random Acts of Kindness Week,” and learn how to connect with your local community, honor shop anniversaries, and run themed giveaways that your customers will remember. Whether you’re promoting winter maintenance, preparing for tax season, or tapping into February’s spirit, this episode has everything you need to make February marketing easy, effective, and engaging.
Tune in now and discover how to keep your shop top-of-mind this February and beyond!
Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shops
Are you ready to convert clients to members? App Fueled specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for professional auto repair businesses. Visit Appfueled.com to get started today. Keep your shop top of mind on the mobile device they love.
Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)
https://shopmarketingpros.com/126 - Preparing For January’s Marketing
https://www.daysoftheyear.com/
https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/ - Topics for February
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
Why Your Auto Repair Shop Needs Strong Leadership During A Transition
By Changing The Industry

Why Your Auto Repair Shop Needs Strong Leadership During A Transition
Unstoppable Framework for Auto Shop Owners Part 3: Optimize Processes and Empower Your Team [RR 1012]
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
Why PartsTech is My Go To for Auto Parts
By Changing The Industry

Why PartsTech is My Go To for Auto Parts
Modern Customer Engagement In Auto Service [RR 1010]
By carmcapriotto

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Auto Care Join the dynamic duo Uwe Kleinschmidt and Krista Eriksson of AutotechIQ! Uncover how data-driven processes are revolutionizing the automotive industry, explore the shifting landscape of customer behavior, and learn why transparency and education are essential for increasing approvals. Gain actionable insights into key aftermarket strategies, including maximizing the impact of digital vehicle inspections and employing innovative sales techniques. Uwe Kleinschmidt, CEO, AutotechIQ Krista Erickson, VP of Client Services and Marketing, AutotechIQ Show Notes Watch Full Video Episode Shifting Customer Expectations (00:01:19) Measuring Customer Engagement (00:02:12) Case Study on Service Advisors (00:03:27) The Role of Visual Aids (00:10:11) Empowerment Through Information (00:11:34) Building Trust with Customers (00:15:39) Standardizing Job Names (00:16:01) Declined Jobs Analysis (00:17:04) Actionable Transparency (00:18:21) Creating Urgency in Customer Interactions (00:21:51) Marketing Strategies for Service Offers (00:22:23) Follow-Up on Declined Services (00:23:07) Effectiveness of Visual Aids (00:23:29) The Brittany Process (00:25:31) Customer Education Through Layman's Terms (00:26:49) Work-Life Balance Challenges (00:29:35) Rebranding Technicians (00:31:35) Effective Communication in Service Advising (00:32:30) Growing the Certified Shop Network (00:34:00) AutoTechIQ DNA Concept (00:35:52) Importance of Preventative Maintenance (00:36:54) Technology's Role in Customer Engagement (00:37:39) Redefining Service Advisor Roles (00:39:13) Benefits of Specialized Roles in Shops (00:40:11) Introduction to New Generations of Listeners (00:41:35)
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