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Posted

Last week we held two consumer clinics for women. Both were a huge success. I spoke about the importance of car maintenance, safety, what to do if you have a break-down and gave them many more tips. I expected the clinic to last about an hour or so, but went on for over 2 hours.

 

The clinic was so successful that I am already planning another one in July for teen drivers and students going back to college.

 

How did you promote it and how far in advance?

Posted

Last week we held two consumer clinics for women. Both were a huge success. I spoke about the importance of car maintenance, safety, what to do if you have a break-down and gave them many more tips. I expected the clinic to last about an hour or so, but went on for over 2 hours.

 

The clinic was so successful that I am already planning another one in July for teen drivers and students going back to college.

 

 

Questions:

Did you charge a fee to be at the class?

 

Was it entirely just women... or did some men come along?

 

Would this be something that might be incorporated into a drivers education class?

 

Could you see this as a monthly class, something that they could get more info each time they attend?

 

Did you have a lesson plan, and if so, could you share your class ideas?

 

I like the concept... great idea... Gonzo

Posted

Joe, I would like to have a copy of your plan. I also thought of new way to promote these clinics. One could put a clinic on for existing customers but make the price of admission that they have to bring along a friend who has never done business with your shop. That would guarantee an even mix of current and prospective new customers and would allow the customer to do the promoting. Just a though!

 

 

Now we're talkin business... send me a copy.

 

This is a great idea... and the fact that you tied the "needy families" into the mix... great effort!!!

 

You've proved to me again Joe,,, ya got it goin' on... Not bad for a fossil... (as my son would say...LOL)

Posted

I promoted it a number of ways. I made a generic TV commercial about consumer clinics what aired a month before the clinic date. I will use the commercial in the future, since I will be holding these on a regular basis, probably 4-6 times a year. I had 2 already. I also announced on the radio, it on my web site, a made a poster for the waiting area and I sent out an email newsletter a few time inviting people to come to all my customers and to all the local business groups in the area. We also asked the local papers to give us some free press. I also featured it my quarterly newsletter .

 

We started promoting it about 6 weeks prior to the first class and now it will be promoted on an on-going basis with classdates to be determined.

 

It was a women’s clinic only. We had one guy show up for the 2nd clinic (my daughter’s boyfriend).

 

There was no fee for the class but the clinics were actually fund raisers for local organizations that help needed families. Most women donated something.

 

We actually will be starting Defensive Driving courses at my shop also, but I would not incorporate the clinics with the driving course; two separate audiences and deferent massages. Plus the defensive course is a required 6 hours.

 

I do have a lesson plan: If anyone would like a copy let me know I could send you my notes.

Great Stuff!

 

I would love to see the lesson plan!

Thanks for the promo info as well.

Posted

Joe, I would like to have a copy of your plan. I also thought of new way to promote these clinics. One could put a clinic on for existing customers but make the price of admission that they have to bring along a friend who has never done business with your shop. That would guarantee an even mix of current and prospective new customers and would allow the customer to do the promoting. Just a though!

 

 

Great Idea!

Posted

I am going to edit the lesson play and "spell check it" and post it in a day or so.

 

Good work.

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  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest 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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