Quantcast
Jump to content

2012 and Beyond: Opportunity or Uncertainty?

Joe Marconi

By Joe Marconi
in AutoShopOwner Articles

 Share

Recommended Posts

Gonzo Grand Master

Gonzo

Posted
Posted

Ya got my attention Joe. There's no doubt the economy, consumer acceptance, and the technology are all issues as shop owners we need to deal with.

 

Getting the right tools, technical skills, and being more customer aware are all part of the way we will be doing business in the future.

 

I've been at this a long time and I've had to learn to adapt to the ever changing automotive world just like all of us have.

 

I read a post a few weeks ago that made me think of the changes. It went something like this:

 

The movie "Back to the Future" was about a scientist who developed a time machine that took Marty McFly 30 years into the past which put him back in the early 50's. If that movie would have been made today.... 30 years into the past would make the historical date .... 1982 .., the actual year the original movie was released.

 

How times have changed... from the 50's to the 80's and now the 80's to 2012....

Something to think about.

And... what will another 30 years bring??? :rolleyes:

FROGFINDER Rising Star

FROGFINDER

Posted
Posted

The Tech Bubble, Housing Bubble,The Middle Class Bubble, The Automobile Repair Bubble,The Gas Price Bubble Yikes. More and more people in America cannot afford our services or even a car if the truth be known. B)

  • 5 months later...
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Available Subscriptions

    See all Subscription Plans

  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

    • Joe Marconi
      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

    • carmcapriotto
      Poker Theory And Automotive Diagnostics With Rich Falco [E160] - Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z
      By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech
      Matt Fanslow welcomes mobile diagnostic technician Rich Falco to explore the intriguing parallels between poker strategies and automotive diagnostics.
      Show Notes
      Watch Full Video Episode Discussion on Poker (00:01:02) Evolution of Poker Strategies (00:02:22) Game Theory and Diagnostics (00:04:35) Common Misunderstandings (00:12:07) Real-World Diagnostic Scenarios (00:13:26) Electric Vehicle Training (00:15:46) Power Window Diagnosis (00:16:44) Poker Predictions (00:18:05) Understanding Poker Players (00:19:01) Reading Opponents (00:20:14) Experience in Diagnostics (00:22:03) The Importance of Training (00:23:22) Shop Culture Changes (00:26:09) Technology in Poker (00:30:21) AI and Diagnostics (00:31:08) Access to Training Resources (00:32:07) Young Technicians' Knowledge (00:33:05) Poker vs. Automotive Diagnostics (00:33:24)
      Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech
      NAPA Autotech’s team of ASE Master Certified Instructors are conducting over 1,200 classes covering 28 automotive topics. To see a selection, go to napaautotech.com for more details.
      Contact Information
      Email Matt: [email protected] Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel
      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
    • Joe Marconi
      Business Slowing Down? Before You Spend More Money On Advertising, do this...
      By Joe Marconi

      Premium Member Content 

      This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.

    • Changing The Industry
      Proactive vs Reactive Responses in Business #podcast #autorepairbusiness #automotivebusiness
      By Changing The Industry
      Proactive vs Reactive Responses in Business #podcast #autorepairbusiness #automotivebusiness
    • carmcapriotto
      Artificial Intelligence: We Have Some Concern! With Dan Vance [E016] - Speak Up!
      By carmcapriotto
      Our world is rushing head first into an A.I. future and we want to encourage our listeners to remain vigilant in these exciting times, as there is some legitimate cause for concern with the changes brought by A.I. Technology.
      Joining us as our guest is Dan Vance from Shop Dog Marketing.
      Craig has known Dan for a few years now and it was at ASTA in 2023 that he first heard Dan Speak Up on the topic of AI to a group of shop-owners on the promise and peril of AI…and he saw Dan deliver a presentation on the topic again at the MARS marketing conference with the Institute for Business Excellence in (beautiful) Ogde, UT earlier this year.
      In this episode Dan acknowledges many of Craig's concerns regarding AI, while they both align on the actual benefits. 
      Craig states regularly that the last skill machines should ever be able to take from us is our ability to communicate interpersonally and … but in some areas - A.I. is far more capable of outperforming certain tasks.  While that is happening - there remains a disconnect between AI’s ability to generate data and present the data in a way that can produce more effective interactions with real people. 
      Our listeners who may share in Craig’s concerns will no doubt appreciate Dan’s calm and reassuring thoughts on the topic.  
      Watch the YouTube Video
      Topics include:  
      Early AI and Machine learning The concept of Human Capital. Authenticity as a new focus Communication tendency becoming less synchronous Efficiency vs. Authenticity and what we lose AI Strengths and practical uses Social Proof - and a word on Reviews and AI Google quality rater guidelines - EAT - Experience Authority and Trust
      Join Our Virtual Toastmasters: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters
      Thank You To Our Partners:
      The Institute at WeAreTheInstitute.com.  "Stop stressing over your business, you deserve a good night's sleep. The Institute’s coaching helps you achieve success and financial peace.
      AutoFlow at AutoFlow.com. Your partner in technology, Autoflow consolidates your client interactions - before, during and after the visit to a single thread. Learn more at Autoflow.com
      AutoLeap at AutoLeap.com. Are you tired of juggling multiple tools to manage your auto repair shop? Say hello to the streamlined efficiency of AutoLeap, the #1 all-in-one Auto Repair Shop Management Software!
      Shop Dog Marketing at Shop Dog Marketing.com. "Want to see your auto repair shop thrive? Let Shop Dog Marketing be your guide. Our customer-first approach, combined with AI-driven creative content, ensures top rankings.
      In-Bound at CallInBound.com. Cover your communication needs and revolutionize your auto repair business with AI-driven call analytics from InBound.
      Contact Information
      Email Craig O'Neill: [email protected] Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters
      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/
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • carmcapriotto
      From Military Discipline to Automotive Leadership [RR 1005]
      By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network Recorded at the 2024 ASTA Expo, Carm Capriotto introduces Ryan Ragan, the newly appointed executive director of the Automotive Service and Tire Alliance (ASTA). The discussion dives into Ryan's diverse background in non-profits, biomedical fields, healthcare, and international trade associations. Ryan shares his observations on the automotive industry's challenges, particularly technician turnover, and outlines his plans to enhance training programs and engage younger generations. Emphasizing the importance of face-to-face interactions and community outreach, Ryan aims to foster a strong, supportive network within the ASTA organization. Show Notes Watch Full Video Episode ASTA EXPO: https://astaexpo.com/ Importance of Face-to-Face Interactions (00:02:01) Ryan's Background (00:03:30) Challenges in the Automotive Industry (00:05:09) Youth Engagement Initiatives (00:06:54) Perceptions of Vocational Training (00:08:36) Industry Outreach (00:09:26) Millennials and Career Paths (00:12:46) Future Plans for the Association (00:14:24) Transparency in the Automotive Industry (00:15:09) Military Background Impact (00:17:23) Observations from ASTA Expo (00:18:07) Member Engagement and Feedback (00:19:42)
      Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network Set your sights on Las Vegas in 2024. Mark your calendar now … November 5th-7th, 2024. AAPEX - Now more than ever. And don’t miss the next free AAPEX webinar. Register now at http://AAPEXSHOW.COM/WEBINAR NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/ Get ready to grow your business with the Automotive Management Network: Find on the Web at http://AftermarketManagementNetwork.com for information that can help you move your business ahead and for the free and informative http://LaborRateTracker.com Connect with the Podcast: -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 -Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters -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 X: 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


  •
    Joe Marconi

    Money Isn’t The Motivator We Think It Is

    By Joe Marconi, in Automotive Management,

    0 comments 83 views
    Joe Marconi

    Isn’t It Time We Rethink What a Master Level Technician Is?

    By Joe Marconi, in Automotive Industry,

    1 comment 119 views
    Joe Marconi

    Five Proven Tips to Improve Your Bottom Line

    By Joe Marconi, in Selling Automotive Repair,

    0 comments 105 views

  • Our Sponsors

Main Sections

More Sections

Discussion Forums

×
×
  • Create New...