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Posted

You may have noticed that we have updated AutoShopOwner.com today. The layout is relitively the same. If you run into any issue, please post them in this thread so that we can correct it.

 

We've updated every section, and during the coming weeks, will finalize everything. ASO is back online and running smooth. The updates took around 6 hours to complete.

 

Explore the new layout. We welcome your suggestions and feedback. :D

Posted

Below are some of the new updates and features that I can remember off the top of my head:

 

1. Reputation system - Posts can now be rated, earning the author reputation points which can be highlighted with titles and badges.

 

2. Personal Conversations - Users can now create private topics, accessible only to themselves and anyone else they choose to invite. (replaces the default message system)

 

3. Mini Profile Popup - Wherever you see user_popup.png on your board (which is just about everywhere a member name appears), it can be clicked for a handy mini-profile popup. Send a PM, check reputation or find posts - without needing to leave the current page.

 

4. Social Network Icons - Social network icons added to the top of posts, to easily add content to your favorite network.

 

5. New Live Chat - Integrated new live chat system

 

6. Blog section Updated - various new blogging features

 

7. Photo Gallery Section Updated - various new photo features

 

8. Downloads section Updated - Layout and operation updated

 

9. Who visited today - Added a section that shows who visited the forum today. Located on the main page of the forum, at the bottom of the page

 

10. New Text Editor added

 

11. Log in with Facebook added

 

12. Status Updates added - Add "what's on your mind" to show on the forum home page and in your profile

 

13. Forum main page layout - new block additions, recent topics, etc. Right column can be closed or opened.

 

14. Event Calendar Updated - new features added. Add any events easier.

 

15. New Main Menu - Added new drop down main menu.

 

16. Synchronize FaceBook Account- Added the ability to sync your FB account to Autoshopowner. Go Here

 

This is the main list of features and changes as of right now.

Posted

Alex, you have been a busy guy. What did you do stay up all night Saturday evening and Sunday morning? Good job! :D

 

Pretty much...and lot's of coffee... :blink:

 

Added one more:

 

16. Synchronize FaceBook Account- Added the ability to sync your FB account to Autoshopowner. Go Here

Posted

I am liking the changes. Took me a while though to find the "New Posts" link. LOL. Having trouble with the reps though? First time I tried it, I was told I had surpassed my number of reps for the day? Hadn't even done one before.

  • Like 1
Posted

I am liking the changes. Took me a while though to find the "New Posts" link. LOL. Having trouble with the reps though? First time I tried it, I was told I had surpassed my number of reps for the day? Hadn't even done one before.

 

Should be working now. Thanks for the heads up. :P

Posted

Added "Latest Discussions" block in right side panel. Right side panel can be toggled on and off by clicking on the >> button above the status updae block.

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  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest 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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