The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast

In this episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast, hosts Brian and Kim Walker discuss the negative impacts of fragmented marketing on a brand. They stress the importance of a cohesive marketing strategy, consistent branding, and the role of a brand style guide. They share their experiences and the lessons they've learned in marketing their auto repair shop. The hosts also discuss the changing landscape of marketing, the importance of planning, and the role of a fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shopsShow Notes with TimestampsFragmented Marketing (00:00:56) Discussion on the concept of fragmented marketing and its negative impact on brand consistency and effectiveness.Defragging Your Marketing (00:03:29) Drawing parallels between fragmented marketing and the process of defragmenting a computer, emphasizing the need for aligning various marketing efforts.The Consequences of Fragmented Marketing (00:06:11) Exploring the confusion and lack of coherence that fragmented marketing creates for the audience, leading to a less effective marketing strategy.The Marketing Rule of Seven (00:08:06) Discussion on the outdated concept of the marketing rule of seven and the increase in the number of ads people see per day.The Importance of Cohesive Marketing (00:12:09) The significance of having consistent branding across different advertising platforms and the wasted effort if the message is not cohesive.The Need for a Marketing Plan (00:12:55) Emphasis on the importance of having a well-thought-out marketing plan to avoid marketing failures.The planning process (00:13:05) Discussion about the in-person planning session for marketing for the next year and the extra class in the Facebook group teaching how to create an annual marketing plan.Creating a marketing plan (00:14:05) Explanation of the guide to creating a real-world marketing plan and the steps involved in creating a practical marketing plan.Simplifying marketing efforts (00:17:10) Advice on simplifying marketing efforts and focusing on a few key platforms or strategies to ensure cohesiveness and effectiveness.The importance of a brand style guide (00:19:48) Discusses the significance of having a brand style guide to ensure consistency and cohesion in marketing materials.Having one person in charge of marketing (00:20:46) Emphasizes the need for one person to be responsible for overseeing the company's marketing efforts.Working with a minimum number of outside companies (00:23:41) Advises limiting the number of external companies involved in marketing to maintain simplicity and avoid confusion.The Chief Marketing Officer (00:26:17) Discussion about the role of a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) in an organization, whether they are fractional or full-time, and their responsibilities in guiding and directing marketing efforts.Overseeing Marketing Cohesiveness (00:27:03) Mention of two companies, Overdrive and Turnkey, that provide services to oversee and ensure cohesiveness in marketing efforts. Importance of having a plan and someone guiding and directing marketing for successful outcomes.Joining the Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind (00:28:19) Invitation to join the Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Facebook group, with over a thousand members, to share ideas, questions, and tips about marketing in auto repair shops.How To Get In TouchGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/bookInstagram - @shopmarketingpros Questions/Ideas - [email protected] Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)Blog: Fragmented MarketingTuesday Teaching in ARMM FB Group: Fragmented MarketingPodcast: What is a Brand?Podcast: A Shop Owner’s Story of Creating a New Logo w/ Don StardyGuide: How to Create a Real World Marketing Plan

In this podcast episode, Brian Walker and Kim discuss the importance of being ready for marketing in the context of auto repair businesses. They highlight four signs that a business may not be ready for marketing, including a high comeback rate, poor phone skills of service advisors, low Average Repair Order (ARO), and low or no profits. They stress the need to address these issues before focusing on marketing and business growth. They also discuss their experiences with clients and the importance of ensuring a good fit before starting a working relationship. Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shopsShow Notes with TimestampsFixing the cars first (00:03:58) Discussion on the importance of fixing cars with precision and expertise before investing in marketing.Reducing comeback rate (00:04:06) Exploration of the negative impact of high comeback rates on reputation and marketing efforts.Customer acquisition cost (00:05:01) Explanation of the expenses involved in acquiring new clients and the need to create loyal, long-term customers.Tracking Comebacks and Acceptable Rates (00:06:30) Discussion on tracking comeback rates and the acceptable percentage, and the importance of fixing problems if the rate exceeds 5%.Handling Comebacks and Customer Reviews (00:08:04) The significance of handling comebacks appropriately to avoid negative reviews and word-of-mouth, and the impact it has on the business.Investing in Service Advisor Phone Skills Training (00:10:02) The importance of investing in training for service advisors' phone skills before increasing marketing investments, and the need for shop owners to be aware of their advisors' performance on phone calls.Improving Phone Skills and Service Advisor Training (00:12:35) Discussion on the importance of fixing phone skills and training service advisors before increasing call volume.Importance of Average Repair Order (00:13:13) Explanation of average repair order (ARO) and the significance of having a high ARO for profitability.Challenges of High Car Volume and Low ARO (00:14:37) Discussion on the challenges and potential mistakes that can arise from having a high car volume and low average repair order, including the need for additional service advisors and time constraints.(00:19:11) Qualifying clients and ensuring a good fit for the team and return on investment.(00:19:49) The importance of client engagement and follow-through for successful marketing strategies.(00:21:23) Encouraging audience participation and inviting questions for future podcast episodes.How To Get In TouchGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/bookInstagram - @shopmarketingpros Questions/Ideas - [email protected] (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)Link to Episode 45 with Cecil Bullard - Phone Skills Amplify Your Marketing

In this episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast, host Brian Walker talks with Caroline Lagrand, Senior Messaging Strategist at Shop Marketing Pros. They discuss the importance of retention marketing in the auto repair industry, emphasizing the need to focus on existing customers rather than just acquiring new ones. Caroline shares insights on how to use social media, email marketing, CRM follow-up messages, and direct mail to keep customers engaged and connected to the business. She also highlights the role of customer experience and shop culture in retaining customers. The episode concludes with practical tips for businesses looking to implement retention marketing strategies.Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shopsShow Notes with TimestampsRetention Marketing (00:01:29) Importance of retention marketing and how it keeps customers coming back to the shop.Acquisition vs Retention Marketing (00:02:19) Differentiating between acquisition marketing (getting new customers) and retention marketing (keeping existing customers).Customer Experience and Shop Culture (00:05:47) The role of customer experience, shop culture, and leadership in retention marketing.Retention Marketing and Customer Experience (00:06:33)The importance of providing exceptional customer service and creating a positive experience to retain clients.Other Aspects of Marketing (00:07:26) Marketing includes more than just SEO and acquisition strategies, and highlights the importance of social media, video strategy, CRM, follow-up messages, and direct mail for customer retention.Engaging Social Media Content (00:09:11) The effectiveness of engaging social media posts, such as wishing someone a happy birthday, and emphasizes the power of video content in driving engagement and attracting new followers.The ability to build relationships through social media (00:12:55) Explains how social media allows businesses to continue building relationships with customers even when they are not physically present.Retention marketing through email and CRM (00:14:27) Discusses how email marketing and the use of a CRM can be effective for retention marketing, including sending customized emails and offering special incentives to existing customers.The effectiveness of email marketing and newsletter content (00:17:01) Highlights the effectiveness of email marketing for driving new business and emphasizes the importance of short and engaging newsletter content to generate customer response.Retention Marketing and Top of Mind Awareness (00:19:34) Discusses the importance of retention marketing and staying top of mind for customers through email campaigns and reminders.Engaging with Clients and Seasonal Cards (00:20:30) Explores ideas for retention marketing, such as hosting events and sending seasonal cards to clients, with examples of Christmas and Thanksgiving cards.The Difference Between Acquisition and Retention Marketing (00:22:00) Explains the difference between acquisition and retention marketing, highlighting the importance of building trust and relationships with existing clients for long-term profitability.Retention Marketing and Cost (00:25:34) Discusses the concept of retention marketing and its cost-effectiveness compared to acquisition marketing.Social Media as an Equalizer (00:27:39) Explains how social media can enhance other marketing efforts and build trust and familiarity with customers.Getting Started with Retention Marketing (00:28:22) Provides advice on utilizing CRM, implementing email newsletters, and posting on social media to start building customer relationships.How To Get In TouchGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/bookInstagram - @shopmarketingpros Questions/Ideas - [email protected] 

In this episode, Kim interviews two young ladies who have taken over the marketing roles in their families’ auto repair shops. Calla Bourdeau of Rowes Garage and Callie Grace Burris of Frog Pond Performance talk about their roles, the challenges they face, and what it’s like to be young marketers in the world of auto repair. They also give advice to other young professionals who may be considering a career in marketing.Thanks to our partner, RepairPal. Visit the Web HERECallie Grace's Shop and Marketing Journey (00:03:10) Callie Grace talks about her family's shop, Frog Pond Performance, and how she took over the marketing efforts.Calla's Introduction to Rose Garage (00:04:18) Calla shares how she got involved in her brother's business, Rose Garage, and the tasks she handles, including social media marketing.Callie Grace's Experience at ASTE (00:05:52) Callie Grace discusses her experience attending ASTE, the collaboration among industry professionals, and the classes she found helpful.Introduction of Callie and Calla and their ages, discussing their involvement in the shop (00:07:55)Discussion about family involvement in the shop, including siblings and in-laws (00:08:33) The transition into marketing roles and the reasons behind choosing marketing as a focus (00:09:25) Facebook Groups for Industry Connection: Discussion about the value of Facebook groups, particularly for women in the automotive industry (00:17:01) Marketing Gratification and Video Pet Peeves (00:20:16) Sharing the satisfaction of successful social media posts and content creation, along with the dislike of being on camera.Challenges with Voice and Video (00:22:01) Personal experiences of feeling self-conscious about voice and appearance in videos, and the realization of the importance of video in marketing.The importance of learning from marketing failures (00:23:49) Discussion on the experience of posting content that does not perform well and the importance of learning from failures to improve future marketing strategies.Recommendation: "The Ultimate Guide to Auto Repair Marketing" (00:25:42) Both speakers highlight the book as a helpful resource for marketing strategies in the auto repair industry.The significance of connecting with the target audience (00:28:38) Discussion on the importance of understanding and connecting with the specific audience of the shop's social media page to tailor the marketing message effectively.Callie’s pursuit of nursing (00:30:12) Deciding to pursue nursing while still being involved in marketing.Support and encouragement for the guest's career plans and future endeavors (00:30:49)Discussing uncertainty about future career paths and experiences gained so far (00:31:17)How To Get In TouchGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/bookInstagram - @shopmarketingpros Questions/Ideas - [email protected] Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)Frog Pond Performance - FB pageFrog Pond Performance - WebsiteRowes Garage - FB PageRowes Garage - WebsiteAmazing Women in Automotive Facebook GroupThe Ultimate Guide to Auto Repair Marketing Book

In this episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast, host Kim Walker and her team at Shop Marketing Pros discuss the importance of marketing security. They provide tips on securing marketing assets, managing passwords, verifying identities on platforms like Facebook and Google, and identifying spam and scams. They also emphasize the importance of knowing who has access to your accounts and regularly reviewing this access. The team encourages shop owners to be proactive in securing their digital assets.Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shopsShow Notes with TimestampsAccount Access and Security (00:05:27) Discussion on the importance of being the primary account holder for your website, email, and Google listing, and the potential issues that can arise if you don't have access.Different Types of Access in Facebook (00:06:53) Explanation of the different levels of access in Facebook's business manager, including partial access for specific tasks and full access that allows partners to act as page owners.Assigning Access to Facebook and Instagram Accounts (00:08:23) Further discussion on assigning partial or full access to team members, marketing agencies, or other partners for Facebook and Instagram accounts.The importance of owning your Facebook page (00:08:29) Discussion on the importance of being the owner of your Facebook page and how to assign different accesses.Properly storing passwords (00:11:02) Discussion on different methods for storing passwords, including using Google, writing them down, and using password management tools like LastPass.Benefits of LastPass for password management (00:12:10) Discussion on the features and benefits of using LastPass, including the ability to store and share passwords securely, organize passwords in folders, and access passwords on both browsers and mobile devices.Identity Verification on Google Ads (00:19:05) Discussion on the requirement to verify Google Ads accounts with documentation and ID to eliminate fake advertisers and ensure legitimacy.Google Business Profiles Verification (00:22:24) Exploration of the verification process for Google business listings, including submitting documentation and a video of the shop's interior and exterior.Importance of Security and Password Management (00:15:45) Emphasis on the need for strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and the use of password managers like LastPass for enhanced security.The Google Business Profile (00:23:41) How to find and claim a Google Business Profile for a business, including ownership access and management access.Facebook Ownership and Levels (00:26:19) The different levels of ownership and access on Facebook and Instagram, including the importance of having a meta business account and a business manager.Facebook Ownership Dispute and Resolution (00:29:06) The process of resolving ownership disputes on Facebook, including submitting proof of business ownership and working with Facebook support.The security levels of Facebook accounts (00:32:46) Discusses the different levels of access on Facebook accounts and the importance of being cautious with granting admin privileges.Securing personal Facebook profiles (00:34:43) Provides tips on securing personal Facebook profiles, including setting friends list to private and enabling two-factor authentication.Identifying spam and scams on Facebook and Google (00:37:49) Explains how to recognize and handle spam and scams on Facebook and Google, specifically related to fake messages, emails, and ownership requests.Spam and Scam Emails for Google Business Listings (00:38:10) Discussion on how to identify and handle spam or scam emails related to Google Business listings.Renewal Spam for Domains (00:39:52) Advice on recognizing domain renewal spam and clarifying that legitimate domain providers will not send paper mail for renewal.Facebook Spam and Scams (00:42:05) Explanation of the changing tactics used by scammers on Facebook, including fake messages from Facebook support and misleading product-related messages.Recognizing and handling marketing spam on Facebook (00:45:54) Tips on identifying and dealing with spam messages and fake reviews on Facebook.Beware of fake notifications from Facebook (00:46:43) Warning about fake notifications regarding disabled pages and how to differentiate them from genuine notifications.Importance of paying attention to domain and SSL certificate emails (00:51:15) Emphasizing the need to be aware of domain and SSL certificate expiration emails to prevent website downtime and loss of trust.Checking your spam folder (00:52:16) Importance of checking your spam folder for legitimate emails that may have been filtered incorrectly.Regularly reviewing access to accounts (00:53:16) Importance of regularly reviewing access to accounts, especially when switching marketing companies or hiring/firing new people.How To Get In TouchGroup - Auto R

Recorded Live at AAPEX 2023, Carm is joined in studio with Aftermarket Radio Network hosts Brian Walker and Matt Fanslow for milestone episode 900. Carm discusses the process of creating the podcast, the journey to expand to the Aftermarket Radio Network and how his daughter Tracy became a crucial part of the team, starting as an editor and eventually working full-time with him. Carm also reflects on the challenges he faced when starting the podcast, the importance of consistency, quality, and good editing, and the shifts he had to make along the way.Aftermarket Radio NetworkHunt Demarest, CPA, Paar Mellis and Associates, Business by the Numbers PodcastMatt Fanslow, Riverside Automotive, Red Wing, MN, Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z PodcastKim and Brian Walker, Shop Marketing Pros, Auto Repair Marketing PodcastChris Cotton, AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching, Chris Cotton Weekly Blitz PodcastShow Notes Watch Full Video RR 172: Giuliano Zuccato, Clay Sculptor – 1964 Mustang RR 243: Giuliano Zuccato – Chrysler Crossfire & Horse of Destiny Foundation The preparation process (00:01:51) The process of preparing for a podcast episode, including research, vetting ideas, and interviewing guests. Working with Tracy (00:06:38) Carmen shares how his daughter Tracy came to work with him on the podcast and the proposal he made to her to join the team. The success of the Aftermarket Radio Network (00:07:59) The preparation process for podcast episodes (00:08:29) Carmen discusses the things he had to learn and the podcast coach he hired before starting the podcast. The first interview (00:09:27) Carm talks about how he called Dave, a shop owner, to be his first interviewee for the podcast and how they connected. The evolution of the podcast (00:12:52) Carm reflects on the growth of the podcast, starting with the first episode and the decision to create additional shows like the Town Hall Academy and For the Record. The struggle of starting a business (00:18:22) Carm discusses the challenges he faced when starting his business, including finding sponsors and promoting his podcast. Becoming a better interviewer (00:22:09) Carm explains how he had to improve his interviewing skills, drawing inspiration from NPR and studying interviewers like Charlie Rose. Giuliano Zuccato (00:26:26) Carm tells the story of Giuliano, a guest on the podcast, who came from Italy and ended up working as a sculptor for auto manufacturers. Carm's visit to Giuliano's house and recording the episode on the crossfire (00:28:53) Carm visits Giuliano at his house in Detroit and records an emotional episode about Giuliano's work on the crossfire, despite his illness. Tractor envy and equipment (00:33:47) The future of the industry (00:35:27) Carm mentions that he is preparing an episode on the future of the industry and talks about the challenges and changes that may occur in the next five years. New shows on Aftermarket Radio Network (00:40:54) Carmen and Tracy are brainstorming ideas for new shows on Aftermarket Radio Network, aiming to grow the network and engage with the audience in new ways. Cherishing milestones (00:43:15) Carm discusses the importance of celebrating milestones, such as the 900th episode, as a way to improve personal and professional success in the automotive aftermarket.Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX and NAPA TRACSSet 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/WEBINARNAPA 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/Connect with the Podcast:-Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/-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-The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com-Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections

In this episode of The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast my guest is Hallie Wassinger, Digital Ads Manager for Shop Marketing Pros. Hallie talks about the first 90 days for a new Google Ads campaign and how important it is to have patience during that time period of machine learning and manual optimization.Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shopsShow Notes with TimestampsThe importance of patience with Google Ads campaigns (00:00:48) Setting realistic expectations and explaining the learning phase of Google Ads to clients.The learning phase of Google Ads (00:03:30) Explaining how Google takes time to learn about a business and optimize ads during the learning phase.Avoiding large-scale changes during the learning phase (00:05:31) Discussing the negative impact of making significant changes to campaign settings during the learning phase and the importance of stability.The importance of allowing time for large-scale changes (00:07:07)The need to give at least 30 days for large-scale changes to take effect and for Google to learn and optimize accordingly.Making changes to ad copy (00:08:07) Minor changes to ad copy can be made, but it's important to assess the performance of different headlines and descriptions over a period of 30 to 60 days.The impact of landing page optimization on Google Ads (00:09:07) Sending ads to landing pages optimized for targeted keywords improves user experience, ad quality score, and ad serving.The learning phase and large-scale changes (00:13:42) Discussion on the effects of making large-scale changes to a Google Ads campaign, such as splitting budgets between campaigns and changing ad destinations.Setting realistic budgets and increasing budgets (00:15:18) Importance of setting realistic budgets for Google Ads campaigns, assessing results during the learning phase, and considering budget increases for better results.The 90-day mark and seeing results (00:19:04) Expectations for the completion of the learning phase and the time it takes to see ads reach their full potential, along with the need for regular maintenance after the 90-day mark.The importance of patience with new Google Ads campaigns (00:20:47) Discussion about the need to trust the process and be patient with Google Ads campaigns, even beyond the 60-day mark.Setting realistic expectations for Google Ads (00:20:58) Exploration of the stress and anxiety clients may experience in the early stages of a Google Ads campaign, and the importance of managing expectations.Trusting the process and giving Google Ads time (00:21:48) Emphasizing the need to trust the process and give Google Ads campaigns time to show results, especially when working with a trusted marketing company.Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)Blog: Patience Is Key With New Google AdsHow To Get In TouchGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/bookInstagram - @shopmarketingpros Questions/Ideas - [email protected]

Inspiring story of a shop owner Kendall Warnock who went from growing up on a Native American reservation to successfully owning and operating a thriving business.Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shopsShow Notes with TimestampsGrowing up on the reservation (00:03:20) Kendall shares his experience of growing up on the Omaha Indian Reservation and the challenges he faced.Moving to Lincoln, Nebraska (00:05:20) Kendall talks about his move to Lincoln, Nebraska, a city with a population of 300,000, and his initial struggles to adapt.Breaking point and determination (00:07:08) Kendall recounts a pivotal moment in his life when he decided to make a change and stop using food stamps, showing his determination to create a better future.The turning point (00:08:00) Kendall discusses the moment when he decided to stop using food stamps and make a change in his life.Working in the automotive industry (00:08:23) Kendalls experience working at different shops and dealerships before starting his own business.Moving to downtown Lincoln (00:13:35) Kendall talks about the decision to move his shop to downtown Lincoln and the challenges and successes that came with it.The road construction project and downsizing (00:15:38) How a road construction project and their failure to downsize led to the demise of their shop.Moving back to Louisiana (00:16:47) Felt called by the Lord to move back to Louisiana after closing their shop and going through bankruptcy.The importance of coaching and getting support (00:19:33) The importance of getting coaching and support in orderto understand the business side of running a shop and improve as a business owner.Maintaining Relationships and Seeking Growth (00:22:36) Discussion on the importance of maintaining relationships but also recognizing the need to seek growth outside of one's comfort zone.Taking Care of Yourself for Business Success (00:24:26) Emphasis on the importance of prioritizing personal health and fitness to ensure the ability to lead and support a team.Core Values and Hiring Practices (00:27:19)Exploration of the company's core values, including integrity, pride, passion, giving back, humility, and consistent improvement, and how they inform hiring decisions and daily operations.Marketing with Billboards (00:30:16) Discussion of using electronic billboards to target specific audiences and track ROI.Radio Advertising (00:33:08) Exploration of the benefits and challenges of radio advertising, including a partnership with a local sports station.Authentic Social Media Presence (00:35:50) Importance of showcasing personal values, team dynamics, and family life on social media to build trust and connection with customers.Kendall's introduction to "How to Win Friends and Influence People" (00:37:54) Kendall talks about how he was introduced to the book "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie and how it has had a profound impact on his life.Offer to send the book to the first three people who email (00:40:28)In honor of Kendall, the host offers to send a copy of "How to Win Friends and Influence People" to the first three people who email their address, emphasizing the life-changing impact of the book. [email protected] To Get In TouchGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/bookInstagram - @shopmarketingpros Questions/Ideas - [email protected]

Maylan Newton, founder of ESI Seminars, has a chilling story of a day that started like any other day but ended in a year-long road to recovery that gave him a passion for helping shop owners be prepared for the worst case scenario. Maylan shares his story and gives tips to make sure your team and your loved ones aren’t left with a burden in the case where the day you hope never comes, comes.Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shopsShow Notes with TimestampsThe importance of having things in place for emergencies (00:01:06) Discussion on the impact of emergencies on businesses and the need to have contingency plans in place.The role of good staff and proper training (00:02:24) Importance of having trustworthy staff and training them properly to ensure smooth operations in case of emergencies.The need for comprehensive documentation and information sharing (00:03:13) Importance of documenting policies, procedures, passwords, legal and financial information to enable others to manage the business in case of emergencies.The stress of a technician's passing (00:07:19) The unfortunate passing of a technician and the resulting stress on the business and his wife.Lack of process for credit card machine (00:08:04) A story about a business losing money because they didn't have a process for batching out the credit card machine.Importance of planning for incapacitation (00:10:13) The importance of planning for incapacitation, such as strokes or heart attacks, and the impact it can have on the business and family.The doctor's plane crash (00:14:39) A doctor who survived a plane crash and the impact it had on his specialized medical practice.Realizing the gift (00:15:47) A conversation with his wife about his ability to inspire and motivate people, and the need to figure out what to do with his gift.Negotiating with God (00:17:14) Aconversation with God about his purpose and the request for pain relief and healing for himself and a friend.The phone calls (00:20:38) Maylan receives multiple phone calls from different associations asking him to talk about his company's survival and recovery.Committing to speaking engagements (00:21:24) Maylan commits to speaking engagements in Arizona, Las Vegas, and Kansas City to share his story.Encountering a young lady in a wheelchair (00:24:03) Maylan meets a young lady in a wheelchair and shares his philosophy of physical therapy and recovery with her.Planning for the Future (00:28:00) Discussion about the importance of creating a will and considering who will take over the business in the event of incapacitation or death.Passing on Ownership (00:28:24) Exploration of the potential issues that arise when passing on ownership of a business to someone who lacks knowledge or experience in the industry.Importance of Exit Planning (00:32:11) Emphasis on the need for business owners to have an exit plan in place and to prepare the business for succession to avoid chaos and problems in the event of unforeseen circumstances.Planning for the Unexpected (00:34:11) Importance of creating a plan for unexpected events such as illness, accidents, or death, and involving key stakeholders.Impact on the Business (00:35:37) Discussing the consequences for a business when the owner or key personnel are unable to work due to personal circumstances.Importance of Conversations and Professional Advice (00:38:20) Highlighting the need for open conversations with attorneys and professionals, such as insurance agents and real estate attorneys, to create wills, trusts, and buy-sell agreements.The importance of having a final wish (00:41:57) The realization of not having communicated their final wishes and the need to address this important topic.The comfort of having a succession plan (00:43:29) The peace of mind that comes with having a solid succession plan in place for one's business and the importance of reviewing it regularly.Planning for the future and leaving a legacy (00:46:25) The need to think beyond the day-to-day and paycheck-to-paycheck mindset, and instead focus on building businesses that provide stability for employees and leave a lasting legacy.The most powerful conversation (00:48:31) This topic discusses the significance of the conversation in this episode, emphasizing its value and the importance of taking action.The ripple effect of a traumatic event (00:49:01) TA personal story about the long-lasting impact of a traumatic event on their marriage and emphasizes the need for planning and thinking like big businesses.The importance of thinking like big businesses (00:49:30) The need for small businesses to adopt a mindset of big businesses and explains how it can lead to stability and success.Download from Maylan Newton - Shop Information Work Sheet HERE.How To Get In TouchGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Get the

This episode was born out of a question that was asked in our Facebook group, The Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind. The question was, “What are you doing to market around the slow times that happen around the holidays each year?” Join your host, Brian Walker, as he talks with Coach Chris Cotton about marketing through the slow times, time blocking, and taking care of yourself.Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shopsShow Notes with TimestampsMarketing Strategies for Slow Times (00:01:17) Discussion on marketing strategies for the slower months in the auto repair business.Importance of Car Count and Financial Stability (00:02:05) Highlighting the significance of optimizing car count and maintaining financial stability before focusing on marketing.Planning Marketing for the Year (00:06:20) Advice on planning marketing strategies for the entire year, considering the peaks and valleys in business throughout different months.Building equity in your marketing (00:06:52) Adjusting marketing strategies based on busy or slow times, focusing on SEO and trust-building tactics.Optimizing marketing year-round (00:07:48) Questioning the need for holiday-specific marketing if everyday marketing is not optimized, emphasizing SEO and Google ads.Lag time in marketing (00:10:09) Discussing the 60 to 90 day lag time in marketing campaigns and the importance of planning ahead.The importance of communication with marketers (00:13:46) Discussion on the difficulty of shop owners finding time to communicate with marketers and the impact it has on marketing results.Setting up appointments and follow-through (00:14:27) Conversation about the percentage of shop owners who make appointments but don't follow through, and the importance of timely follow-up for effective marketing.The significance of having a marketing plan (00:17:30) Explanation of the benefits of creating a real-world marketing plan, including the ability to anticipate and plan for events like state fairs and holidays.Planning for Business Growth (00:21:09) Discussion on the importance of having a plan for business growth, including factors like adding technicians and bays.Time Blocking for Marketing (00:21:53) Importance of time blocking for marketing activities and the need to set aside uninterrupted time for creating a marketing plan.Incorporating Workouts into the Workweek (00:26:21) The benefits of including workouts as part of the workweek, with examples of successful entrepreneurs who prioritize their workouts for better productivity and creativity.Putting marketing on the calendar (00:28:32) Importance of planning marketing strategies in advance, specifically mentioning Halloween as an example.Foundational marketing and business practices (00:29:41) Emphasizing the need to focus on foundational marketing and business practices before targeting specific holidays or times of the year.The importance of basics and foundations (00:30:42) Highlighting the significance of getting back to the basics and foundations of the business, such as answering calls, inspecting cars, and improving sales skills.How To Get In TouchGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/bookInstagram - @shopmarketingpros Questions/Ideas - [email protected] Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)Blog: How To Know When You’re Not Ready for MarketingBook: They Ask You AnswerGuide: Creating a real world marketing plan for an auto repair shop

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/autorepairmarketingmastermindIn this podcast episode, Brian Walker and Coach Chris Cotton discuss the importance of marketing in the auto repair business, particularly during slow times. They emphasize the need to address underlying issues in car count, average estimate, and average repair order before implementing marketing strategies. They stress the significance of consistent marketing throughout the year and suggest planning marketing activities on a yearly basis. They also discuss adjusting marketing strategies during peak and valley periods, investing in business growth, and the importance of timely communication with marketing teams. They highlight the benefits of time blocking and prioritizing marketing efforts, as well as the importance of self-care for business success.Planning Your Marketing Calendar [00:08:46] Discussion on when to start planning your marketing for the following year and adjusting your marketing during peaks and valleys.Knowing When You're Not Ready for Marketing [00:04:07] The importance of fixing business practices before focusing on marketing and how marketing isn't always the solution to business problems.Marketing for Slow Times [00:02:30] Introduction to the topic of marketing for slower months and the importance of maximizing car count and repair order before implementing marketing strategies.The importance of year-round marketing [00:10:51] Discussion on the significance of having a strong marketing strategy throughout the year, rather than relying on holiday marketing or slow times.Lag time in marketing campaigns [00:13:20] Exploration of the lag time required for marketing efforts to yield results, typically a 60 to 90 day cycle.Making time for communication with marketers [00:16:22] Emphasis on the need for shop owners to prioritize regular communication with their marketing team for optimal results.Planning marketing for state fair [00:21:38] Discussion on how the state fair impacts business and the importance of planning marketing strategies around it.Importance of time blocking and making a marketing plan [00:23:34] Emphasizing the need for shop owners to create a marketing calendar and plan ahead for events like state fair, Halloween, Thanksgiving, etc.Incorporating workouts into work week [00:30:49] Highlighting the significance of including workouts as part of the workweek and how it can enhance productivity and creativity.The importance of planning marketing in advance [00:33:31] The speaker emphasizes the need to plan marketing strategies well in advance to avoid being late.Foundational marketing and business practices [00:35:27] The discussion focuses on the significance of having strong foundational marketing strategies and efficient business practices.Continued commitment to learning and improvement [00:37:07] The speaker expresses gratitude towards the listeners' commitment to learning and improvement, and encourages them to continue seeking knowledge and growth in the auto repair industry.Connect with Chris:[email protected]: 940.400.1008www.autoshopcoaching.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYoutube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae #autofixautoshopcoaching #autofixbeautofixing #autoshopprofits #autoshopprofit #autoshopprofitsfirst #autoshopleadership #autoshopmanagement #autorepairshopcoaching #autorepairshopconsulting #autorepairshoptraining #autorepairshop #autorepair #autoops #onlinebooking #serviceadvisor #serviceadvisorefficiency #autorepairshopmarketing #theweeklyblitz #autofix

In this episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast, host Kim Walker discusses the topic of attracting college students as customers for automotive repair shops. She shares her conversation with Lucas Underwood, owner of L&N Automotive, who plans to send direct mail to college students offering a free oil change every other oil change they pay for. Kim emphasizes the importance of building trust with both students and their parents, and suggests conducting audience research to understand their preferences and expectations. Kim also offers strategies such as hosting car care clinics, creating digital business cards, and engaging with students through social media and events.Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for this episode. RepairPal will introduce your shop to new customers through repairpal.com, the largest site for auto repair. Learn more atRepairPal.com/shops.Show Notes with TimestampsAttracting College Students (00:01:16) Discussion on how a shop owner is reaching out to college students through direct mail and building relationships with them and their parents.Understanding the College Student Audience (00:03:51) Exploration of the college student population in the speaker's town and the potential research and survey methods to understand their preferences and expectations.Connecting with College Students (00:06:18) Suggestions on how to connect with college students, including finding out their interests, clubs, and organizations, and understanding their automotive knowledge and preferences.Teaching College Students Car Care (00:09:12) Discussion on the importance of teaching college students basic car care skills and ways to effectively educate them.Engaging College Students with Food and Coffee (00:10:26) Exploring the idea of using food and coffee as incentives to engage college students and hosting Q&A or mechanic tech talk sessions.Connecting College Students to the Local Community (00:15:08) Suggesting ways to partner with local businesses and organizations to help college students become familiar with and connect to their local community.Building Loyalty with Students (00:16:36) Creating an app-based oil change club and offering a buy one, get one free oil change to build relationships and loyalty with students.Creating a Digital Business Card (00:17:40) Using a QR code to create a digital business card that students can easily add to their contacts, making it convenient for them to reach out for automotive services.Engaging Students through Workshops and Social Media (00:19:50) Utilizing seminars, workshops, and a "what if" social media campaign to position the shop as experts and build trust with students.Sponsoring Events to Reach College Students (00:25:04) Discussion on sponsoring pizza nights, coffee mornings, and pool parties at apartment complexes to get your name in front of college students.Hosting Ladies Automotive Clinic (00:26:13) Exploring the idea of hosting a ladies automotive clinic for college students to learn more about vehicle and automotive care.Expanding Your Audience to College Students (00:27:23) Encouragement to consider attracting college students as an audience and offering to answer marketing questions related to this demographic.How To Get In TouchGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/bookInstagram - @shopmarketingpros Questions/Ideas - [email protected] Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)HiHelloSoutheastern Louisiana University - Auto 101 Clinic for StudentsWomens Auto Mechanic Nail Salon Shop - Girls Auto Clinic

Scott Rusnak is the author of “The Entrepreneurs’ Field Guide; Design Your Life Before Somebody Else Does It For You”. In this episode, Brian and Scott dig into actionable steps that business owners can implement to make sure they are living the life they want to live.Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shopsShow Notes with TimestampsThe importance of having a coach (00:01:10) Scott talks about the impact of having a coach in both cycling and surfing and how they pushed him to achieve more than he thought possible.The power of the five most important people (00:02:32) Scott discusses the concept of Dunbar's number and how having a strong inner circle of people who know your core values can help you achieve anything in life.Setting core values with a team (00:05:44) Scott shares his approach to guiding people in discovering and defining their core values, emphasizing the importance of a team exercise and referencing a Harvard Business Review article.Expressing Core Values (00:06:48) Discussion on the importance of having actionable core values and how they can guide decision-making.Gratitude and Core Values (00:08:55) Exploration of the role of gratitude in starting the day and how it can positively impact mindset and motivation.Planning Your Day (00:12:31) Explanation of the concept of the blue zone and the significance of starting the day with a positive mindset and gratitude.Transitioning into the Green Zone (00:13:17) The speakers discuss the importance of easing into the day with a clear plan and priorities.Workouts as Clarity Breaks (00:15:10) The benefits of scheduling workouts as a way to clear the mind and find solutions to problems.Living a Minimalist Lifestyle (00:17:35) The impact of living in a minimalist home and how it helps minimize distractions and simplify life.Following the Herd (00:20:04) Discussion on the concept of following the herd and the desire to live a life that is not dictated by societal norms.Finding Your Core Group (00:20:41) Exploration of the importance of finding a smaller, more intimate group within larger associations or organizations to support personal growth and alignment with core values.Health and Honest Conversations (00:21:39) Focus on the significance of having open, honest, and healthy conversations within teams and the impact it has on trust, vulnerability, and personal growth.The importance of scheduling fascinating moments (00:26:52) Scott discusses the importance of scheduling exciting events throughout the year to provide fun and fascination.Taking control of your time (00:27:32) Scott emphasizes the need to take control of your time and not let others dictate how you spend your day, week, month, and year.Designing your life intentionally (00:28:12) Brian and Scott discuss the importance of knowing what you truly want in life and designing your life intentionally to achieve those goals.How To Get In Touch With ScottWebsite: https://scottrusnak.com/The Entrepreneurs’ Field Guide: Buy on AmazonLagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)Book: The Five Dysfunctions of a TeamBook: TractionHow To Get In Touch with the ProsGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/bookInstagram - @shopmarketingpros Questions/Ideas - [email protected] 

In this episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast, host Brian Walker welcomes Coach Nate Bailey as his guest. They discuss "what do you really want?" and the importance of understanding one's desires beyond career goals. They delve into the challenges of identifying what one wants, the impact of societal stigmas, and the need for clarity and support in the process. Coach Nate shares his personal experience of admitting their desire for six-pack abs and the deeper motivations behind it. They also discuss the mindset of being a business owner and the potential for growth and success. Coach Nate emphasizes the power of shared experiences, pushing oneself to overcome challenges and the importance of self-care and self-awareness for leaders.Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shopsShow Notes with TimestampsThe theme of the episode (00:00:10) Introduction to the episode and the topic of "What do you really want?" with guest Coach Nate Bailey.The challenges of knowing what you want (00:01:49) Discussion on how people often know what they don't want rather than what they do want and the impact of the fast-paced, reactive nature of life.The importance of being honest about what you want (00:04:23) Exploration of the tendency to lie to oneself about desires and the need to stop complaining and take ownership of choices.Admitting the Desire for Six Pack Abs (00:06:05) Coach Nate discusses the difficulty of admitting the desire for six pack abs due to societal stigmas and the importance of being honest with oneself.The Journey to Achieving Six Pack Abs (00:07:08) Coach Nate emphasizes the hard work, discipline, and dedication required to achieve six pack abs and how it can translate to success in other areas of life.Celebrating Others' Success and Allowing Yourself to Succeed (00:10:43) Brian and Coach Nate discuss the insecurity and jealousy that can prevent people from admitting their desires and celebrating others' success and how changing this mindset can lead to personal success and support from others.The importance of clarity (00:12:25) The significance of having clarity in order to have a clear path towards achieving goals.Overcoming fear and past traumas (00:13:34) The difficulties of opening up and thinking big due to past traumas and failures, and emphasizes the need to let go and grow.Staying true to yourself and not worrying about others' opinions (00:15:25) Coach Nate discusses the challenge of staying true to oneself and not being influenced by societal expectations or other people's desires.The importance of profitability (00:18:32) Brian and Coach Nate the significance of being profitable as a business owner and the potential to serve more people and expand the business.Building a team and reducing stress (00:20:08) Exploration of the benefits of having a team to run the business, reducing the workload and stress on the owner.The process of growth and creating a plan (00:22:37) Encouragement to take the process of growth step by step, giving oneself grace and permission to take time to build a team and achieve goals.Realizing Your Potential through Team Building (00:24:19) The power of going through difficult experiences together as a team, forming strong bonds, and realizing one's true potential.The Importance of Self-care for Leaders (00:25:08) The importance of self-care for leaders, highlighting that taking care of oneself first is essential to showing up as a powerful leader for others.Connecting with Coach Nate Bailey (00:26:28) How listeners can connect. Coach Nate provides his website and social media channels as the best ways to reach out to him.Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)Coach Nate Bailey - https://natebailey.org/Unleash the Leader - https://natebailey.org/ulw-experience/How To Get In TouchGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/bookInstagram - @shopmarketingpros Questions/Ideas - [email protected] Aftermarket Radio Network

In this podcast episode, Brian Walker interviews Don Stardy from GLP Automotive, who shares his experience creating a new logo for his shop. Don explains that he wanted a logo that accurately represented his business and attracted more customers. He decided to run a logo design contest through 99 Designs and received a total of about 160 designs to choose from. After a difficult selection process, he, his family, and some trusted advisors narrowed it down to 5 logos and then eventually settled on their new logo. Don discusses the challenges of implementing the new logo into various aspects of his business. Despite the challenges, he is excited about his new logo and believes it will draw attention to his business.Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shopsShow Notes with TimestampsThe logo dilemma (00:02:11) Don discusses the need for a new logo after realizing that customers were confused about his business.Choosing 99 designs (00:05:08) Don and Brian discuss the process of using 99 designs to create a new logo for the shop.Including Lake Geneva (00:07:11) Don emphasizes the importance of incorporating Lake Geneva into the new logo and the challenges he faced in finding designers who understood the distinction between Lake Geneva in Wisconsin and Lake Geneva in Switzerland.The logo design contest (00:07:43) Discussion about the process of running a logo design contest and selecting a winning logo.Narrowing down logo choices (00:08:06) Explaining the multi-step process of receiving and narrowing down logo designs.Implementing the new logo (00:12:58) Challenges and considerations in implementing the new logo across various platforms and materials.The process of creating a logo (00:14:42) Brian shares his experience of creating his first logo and the importance of considering embroidery in the design.Implementing a new logo (00:15:30) Don mentions the process of implementing the new logo on various items, such as uniforms, and how it takes time and effort.The benefits of using 99 designs for logo design (00:16:55) The advantages of using 99 designs for logo design, including the ability to receive multiple design options and the subjective nature of logo preferences.Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)GLP Automotive: https://glpautomotive.net/ 99 Designs: https://99designs.com/ How To Get In TouchGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/bookInstagram - @shopmarketingpros Questions/Ideas - [email protected] Aftermarket Radio Network

Some years back I took part in a boot camp for businessmen where they physically and mentally beat us down. My big takeaway was to “stop stopping”. It doesn’t matter if we’re talking about marketing, coaching, growing a business, learning, dieting, working out, or whatever. We all need to stop stopping.Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shopsShow Notes with TimestampsStop Stopping (00:00:01) Brian introduces the topic of "stop stopping" in business growth and shares personal experiences from a boot camp for executives.The Roller Coaster of Marketing (00:02:04) The challenges of marketing for a local agency and the negative impact of starting and stopping marketing efforts.The Importance of Consistency (00:03:44) The need to stop stopping in various aspects of business, including marketing, inspections, and tracking KPIs.Stop Stopping (00:08:56) Brian discusses his struggle with weight loss and the importance of not stopping in order to achieve better results.Keep Going (00:09:48) The need to continue taking action in business and not stopping in order to achieve growth and success.Scaling Back (00:10:40) Brian suggests various strategies for handling an overwhelming amount of business, such as raising prices, expanding the shop, or opening a second shop.How To Get In TouchGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/bookInstagram - @shopmarketingpros Questions/Ideas - [email protected] Aftermarket Radio Network

In 2023 content is still king, but it’s hard to create content that hasn’t already been done by someone else. This keeps a lot of people from creating content. But different people are attracted to different people, and they say the same things in different ways. Maybe you are the person who can get through to someone with your own way of saying something or doing show-and-tell. That’s what this episode of the ARM Podcast is all about. Making it your own!Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shopsShow Notes with TimestampsContent Creation and the Fear of Repetition (00:00:10) Brian discusses the common fear of creating content that has already been covered by someone else and emphasizes that in the age of the internet, it is unlikely to find a topic that hasn't been covered.The Success of Alex Hormozi's Book Launch (00:01:12) Brian mentions the successful book launch event of Alex Hormozi, where he had half a million people join the event on YouTube. The speaker highlights that the content discussed in the event has been previously covered by Russell Brunson.The Importance of Making Content Your Own (00:04:23) Brian encourages content creators to make the content their own by adding personal experiences, details, and stories. They emphasize the significance of geographic relevance in the world of auto repair and building trust with the audience.How To Get In TouchGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/bookInstagram - @shopmarketingpros Questions/Ideas - [email protected] Aftermarket Radio NetworkLagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)Alex Hormozi’s Book Launch - https://www.youtube.com/live/k834E6OTGTM?si=Ma7i5V-CIS64gd92

We've got a fantastic panel of guests, including Jimmy Lee and Kent Bullard from The Institute, and Brian and Kim Walker from Shop Marketing Pros to discuss ASTE, the Automotive Service and Technology Expo in Durham, North Carolina.Kim and Brian Walker, Shop Marketing Pros, Auto Repair Marketing PodcastKent Bullard, COO, The Institute. Listen to Kent’s other episodes HERE.Jimmy Lea, The Institute. Listen to Jimmy’s previous episodes HEREShow Notes Watch Full Video Episode https://asteshow.com The Go Kart Event (00:05:26) Discussion about sponsoring the Go Kart event at the Automotive Service and Technology Expo (ASTE), and the excitement surrounding it. Prizes and Activities (00:06:38) Details about the prizes and activities at the event, including fastest lap and time, golf simulator, axe throwing, and more. Management Training and Effective Communication (00:10:11) Mention of various management training sessions, including effective communication, hybrid diagnostics, and marketing strategies for different personalities in the industry. Phone Skills Training (00:16:51) Discussion on the importance of having good phone skills before investing in marketing. Handoff from Marketing to Sales (00:17:32) Exploration of the issue of service advisors not properly handling phone calls and potential solutions. Training Programs for Staff (00:21:36) Importance of developing training programs for technicians and service advisors to ensure their growth and retention in the business. The importance of investing in training (00:24:37) Investing in training and taking care of your team is crucial for success in the industry. Networking and building relationships at events (00:26:06) The value of networking and making connections at events like ASTE cannot be underestimated. The significance of sharpening your skills (00:27:12) Attending training events is like sharpening your tools to become a better technician, shop owner, service advisor, or manager.Thanks to our Partner, Technician FindIf you are tired of struggling to find skilled automotive technicians for your independent auto repair shop, say goodbye to the endless search and let Technician Find be your solution. We are a 'Single Stop To Staff Your Shop.' http://www.technicianfind.comConnect with the Podcast:-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-The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com-Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections

The only way to ever have a truly successful business is to manage your money like a professional money manager. I’ve never been great at managing money, but despite that fact I’ve become very good about doing this thing that simply doesn’t come naturally to me, and it’s made an incredible difference in my business. I want you to do the same because I see the impact it has made on my life, my team, and our clients. It wasn’t easy, but it’s been worth it, and I continue to improve every day. Listen in and hear my plea for you to become an ace at managing your business’s money as well as your personal finances.Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shopsShow Notes with TimestampsThe importance of managing money (00:01:03) The significance of managing money in both business and personal life, and how it relates to the profitability of a business.Money mismanagement in a church (00:01:57) Brian shares a personal experience of money mismanagement in their church, highlighting the potential negative impact it can have on the overall purpose of the organization.Understanding the true financial health of a business (00:05:18) The limitations of relying solely on the profit and loss statement (P&L) to assess the profitability of a business, emphasizing the importance of considering other factors such as taxes, debt service, and assets on the balance sheet.Managing Money and Operational Expenses (00:07:11) Understanding the difference between operational expenses and assets, and the impact on profitability.Debt Service and Profit Margin (00:08:05) The impact of debt service on profit margin and the misconception of making money based on P&L.Profit First System (00:09:53) Implementing the Profit First system for better money management and its positive impact on the business.The importance of managing personal finances (00:14:50) The need to manage personal finances effectively and the benefits it brings to business owners.The role of a CFO in managing personal finances (00:15:48) How having a CFO can help in preparing reports and managing personal finances efficiently.The value of outsourcing accounting services (00:17:43) Brian encourages business owners to lean on outside services, such as accounting professionals, to handle financial aspects of their businesses.The importance of a 20% profit margin (00:20:37) The industry standard of maintaining a 20% profit margin and the significance of running a healthy business.Balancing profitability and employee raises (00:21:33) The challenge of giving employees raises while maintaining a 20% profit margin and the importance of making decisions that prioritize the health of the business.The benefits of running a healthy business (00:23:22) The positive impact of running a healthy business on employees, clients, and the ability to provide quality service and warranties.How To Get In TouchGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/bookInstagram - @shopmarketingpros Questions/Ideas - [email protected] Aftermarket Radio Network

The only way to ever have a truly successful business is to manage your money like a professional money manager. I’ve never been great at managing money, but despite that fact I’ve become very good about doing this thing that simply doesn’t come naturally to me, and it’s made an incredible difference in my business. I want you to do the same because I see the impact it has made on my life, my team, and our clients. It wasn’t easy, but it’s been worth it, and I continue to improve every day. Listen in and hear my plea for you to become an ace at managing your business’s money as well as your personal finances.Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shopsShow Notes with TimestampsThe importance of managing money (00:01:03) The significance of managing money in both business and personal life, and how it relates to the profitability of a business.Money mismanagement in a church (00:01:57) Brian shares a personal experience of money mismanagement in their church, highlighting the potential negative impact it can have on the overall purpose of the organization.Understanding the true financial health of a business (00:05:18) The limitations of relying solely on the profit and loss statement (P&L) to assess the profitability of a business, emphasizing the importance of considering other factors such as taxes, debt service, and assets on the balance sheet.Managing Money and Operational Expenses (00:07:11) Understanding the difference between operational expenses and assets, and the impact on profitability.Debt Service and Profit Margin (00:08:05) The impact of debt service on profit margin and the misconception of making money based on P&L.Profit First System (00:09:53) Implementing the Profit First system for better money management and its positive impact on the business.The importance of managing personal finances (00:14:50) The need to manage personal finances effectively and the benefits it brings to business owners.The role of a CFO in managing personal finances (00:15:48) How having a CFO can help in preparing reports and managing personal finances efficiently.The value of outsourcing accounting services (00:17:43) Brian encourages business owners to lean on outside services, such as accounting professionals, to handle financial aspects of their businesses.The importance of a 20% profit margin (00:20:37) The industry standard of maintaining a 20% profit margin and the significance of running a healthy business.Balancing profitability and employee raises (00:21:33) The challenge of giving employees raises while maintaining a 20% profit margin and the importance of making decisions that prioritize the health of the business.The benefits of running a healthy business (00:23:22) The positive impact of running a healthy business on employees, clients, and the ability to provide quality service and warranties.How To Get In TouchGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/bookInstagram - @shopmarketingpros Questions/Ideas - [email protected] Aftermarket Radio Network

People tend to think of a company’s brand as their logo, colors, and maybe some fonts. But there’s so much more to a brand. It goes so much deeper than visuals and marketing. That’s what we’re talking about in this episode of The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast.Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shopsThe Definition of a Brand (00:00:10) The hosts discuss the components of a brand and emphasize that it is more than just a logo, colors, and fonts.The Importance of Branding (00:01:25) The hosts highlight the significance of branding as the foundation of a company and its role in shaping how people perceive the business.Examples of Successful Brands (00:03:55) The hosts mention Harley Davidson and the 30A lifestyle brand as examples of brands that have successfully created a distinct identity and lifestyle for their customers.The power of a brand (00:07:12) Discussion on how a brand can evoke emotion and create a sense of identity for people.Chick-fil-A's brand and customer service (00:09:00) Exploration of Chick-fil-A's brand and its emphasis on warm, friendly, and welcoming customer service.Dirty Dicks' brand and intentional rudeness (00:12:08) Mention of a restaurant called Dirty Dicks, known for intentionally insulting and being rude to customers as part of their brand.Creating a Brand Identity (00:13:33) Discussion on the importance of creating a brand identity and how it goes beyond just designing a logo.Being Female Friendly (00:14:10) The hosts share their experience of creating a brand around being female friendly and the positive impact it had on their business.Building a Brand (00:16:43) Tips on building a brand, including the importance of self-promotion and defining the feelings and expectations customers should have.The importance of brand integrity (00:19:47) Discussion on how a strong brand identity requires living up to core values and maintaining integrity.Sticking to your brand essence (00:20:47) Emphasis on the need to commit to your brand and avoid negative changes that may compromise its essence.Sponsorship and conclusion (00:21:06) Acknowledgment of RepairPal as the sponsor and a closing message about the podcast and the Aftermarket Radio Network.How To Get In TouchGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/bookInstagram - @shopmarketingpros Questions/Ideas - [email protected] Aftermarket Radio Network

How do you know when to use Google Ads vs. when to use Facebook ads? The answer is rather simple but not always obvious. Join Kim and Brian as they explore the various situations when you would use each very effective digital advertising type!Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shopsTalking PointsThe difference between Google ads and Facebook ads (00:00:52) The speakers discuss the surface-level differences between Google ads and Facebook ads, with Google being used for search and Facebook for brand awareness.Using Google ads for retargeting (00:01:41) The guest shares a pro tip on using Google to search for products and then getting retargeted ads on Facebook from other potential companies.Using Facebook to find things (00:03:28) The speakers discuss using Facebook to find products or services by searching on Facebook Marketplace and getting targeted ads.The importance of Google ads (00:06:56) Google ads are effective for reaching people who are actively searching for auto repair services.The minimum budget for Google ads (00:07:34) A minimum budget of $1200 per month is recommended for Google ads to compete with other sponsored shops.The need for brand awareness advertising (00:10:47) Brand awareness advertising is necessary to replace lost customers and stay in front of potential customers.Staying in front of people and educating them (00:14:08) The importance of educating your audience about the services you offer and staying in front of them to retain clients.Facebook and Google ads for brand awareness (00:15:29) The differences between Facebook and Google ads for brand awareness and staying in front of people who are not necessarily looking for auto repair services.Targeting and geographic parameters for Facebook ads (00:19:00) The importance of setting geographic parameters and targeting correctly when running Facebook ads to avoid wasting money and getting poor results.Housekeeping and Engagement Opportunities (00:21:16) Housekeeping matters such as sending marketing questions, joining the Facebook group, and leaving podcast reviews.How To Get In TouchGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/bookInstagram - @shopmarketingpros Questions/Ideas - [email protected]

You may often think about the terms you want your auto repair shop’s Google Ads to display for, but do you ever think about the terms you DON’T want them to display for? Every day shops waste money on irrelevant clicks on their pay-per-click ads. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Listen in to this short episode about the power of negative keywords.Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shopsShow Notes with Timestamps(00:01:13) Explanation of the value and effectiveness of Google Ads for auto repair shops.(00:02:28) Explanation of negative keywords and how they can prevent ads from displaying for irrelevant search queries.(00:04:31) Discussion on the impact of ad quality score on the cost and placement of ads, and the importance of optimizing ads for better results.Negative Keywords and Ad Quality Score (00:07:37) Explains how negative keywords can improve ad quality score and prioritize ads based on relevance.Finding Negative Keywords in Google Ad Console (00:08:32) Discusses how to find negative keywords using the search query report in the Google Ad Console.Using Negative Keywords for Competitors and Brand Names (00:11:44) Covers the importance of using negative keywords for competitor names and brand names to avoid irrelevant ad displays.Customer Acquisition Campaign (00:14:14) Setting up a campaign to attract new clients to an auto repair shop and using negative keywords to exclude job-related searches.Hiring Campaign (00:14:14) Creating a separate campaign to target job seekers and using positive keywords related to auto repair jobs and careers.Importance of Checking Negative Keywords (00:15:04) The significance of regularly reviewing and discussing negative keywords with the person managing your Google Ads campaign.How To Get In TouchGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/bookInstagram - @shopmarketingpros Questions/Ideas - [email protected]

Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for providing this episode. RepairPal’s Certified Network of shops are trusted by millions of customers each month. Learn more at RepairPal.com/shops.Brian and Kim discuss upcoming automotive events and conferences in the fall of 2023. They share their excitement about attending these events and highlight the training and networking opportunities they offer. They conclude the episode by mentioning their plans for the end of the year and thanking listeners for tuning in.Show Notes with TimestampsThe Fall Conference Season (00:00:10) Discussion about the fall conference season and the opportunity for training in the industry.Marketing for Auto Repair Shops (00:03:35) Introduction to the MARS conference organized by the Institute for Automotive Business Excellence, focusing on marketing for auto repair shops.ASCCA Educational Conference (00:06:13) Information about the ASCCA Educational Conference in Costa Mesa, California, for members of the Automotive Service Council of California.ASTE Conference (00:09:00) Details about the ASTE conference in Raleigh, North Carolina, including the go-kart racing event and marketing classes.BIMRS Conference (00:13:03) Discussion about the BIMRS conference in Dallas for Euro shops.FLACA Accelerate (00:15:08) Discussion about teaching classes in Florida and attending the Florida Autocare Alliance's Accelerate conference in Orlando.TOOLS Conference in the PA (00:17:23) Details about the TOOLS conference held in the Pocono Mountains, including classes, speakers, and family-friendly activities.AAPEX and SEMA in Las Vegas (00:20:13) Brian plans to attend AAPEX and SEMA as a spectator, networking, recording videos, and podcasts, and visiting Joe's Garage.Super Saturday at Mid Atlantic Auto Care Alliance (00:23:49) Upcoming Super Saturday event in Pennsylvania and provides details about the dates and location.Plans for future trips (00:24:48) Discusses the possibility of attending future events and road trips, including a visit to the Northeast area.Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)Smart Passive Income - How to Start a Podcast 2023Simple Podcast Setup - VideoRode AI-MicroRode smartLav+Rode SC1 Extension CableHow To Get In TouchGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/bookInstagram - @shopmarketingpros Questions/Ideas - [email protected] 

Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for providing this episode. RepairPal’s Certified Network of shops are trusted by millions of customers each month. Learn more at RepairPal.com/shops.In this podcast episode, Brian and Kim discuss the benefits of auto repair shops having a podcast. They emphasize the importance of creating a podcast that focuses on topics related to the local community rather than solely on auto repair. They suggest discussing local events, leaders, and interesting stories to engage with the community and attract new customers. They also discuss the idea of featuring guests on the show, including influential people in the community. Brian and Kim highlight the value of planning and preparation for podcast episodes and recommend specific resources on how to start a podcast.Show Notes with TimestampsThe importance of consistency in podcasting (00:01:02) Discusses the need for discipline and consistency in producing podcast episodes regularly.Choosing the right topic for your podcast (00:05:38) Suggests that an auto repair shop's podcast should focus on local community events and topics rather than solely on auto repair.Promoting local events on the podcast (00:06:55) Highlights the example of promoting a local event called "Hot August Stroll" and how it can engage the local community.The importance of community-focused podcasts (00:07:09) Discussion on the need for podcasts in local communities and the potential topics that can be covered.Events and community topics (00:08:03) Exploration of the types of events and community happenings that can be discussed on a podcast.Interviewing local influencers and political candidates (00:10:02) Suggestion to invite influential individuals in the community, including political candidates, for interviews on the podcast.The sponsorship opportunity (00:14:11) Discussion on how a repair shop can sponsor their own podcast and promote their business during the sponsorship segment.The importance of a simple podcast name (00:15:19) Advice on not using cute or clever names for podcasts and businesses, and the example of a successful podcast with a simple name.Starting a podcast and equipment options (00:18:14) Recommendation to check out a free guide by Pat Flynn on how to start a podcast and a discussion on different equipment options, including a simple setup with lav mics and an iPhone interface.The downsizing of podcast equipment (00:21:21) Discussion about the decision to downsize podcast equipment for travel purposes.Advice on starting a podcast (00:24:24) Discussion on the factors to consider when starting a podcast, including the importance of enjoying the topic and its potential effectiveness for marketing.Promoting the podcast and closing remarks (00:26:14) Discussion on promoting the podcast, directing listeners to the website for episodes, and encouraging subscriptions, reviews, and sharing.Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)Smart Passive Income - How to Start a Podcast 2023Simple Podcast Setup - VideoRode AI-MicroRode smartLav+Rode SC1 Extension CableHow To Get In TouchGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/bookInstagram - @shopmarketingpros Questions/Ideas - [email protected] 

Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for providing this episode. RepairPal’s Certified Network of Shops are trusted by millions of customers each month. Learn more at RepairPal.com/shops.In this podcast episode, Brian and Kim interview Chris Jones, editor of Ratchet & Wrench magazine. They discuss their excitement about the upcoming Ratchet & Wrench Management Conference. Chris shares his interest in podcasting and video content creation, and they discuss the ease of incorporating video into podcasts using the abundance of modern streaming tools. They also discuss the passion and growth potential in the automotive industry and the importance of finding like-minded individuals and seeking coaching and consulting. The episode concludes with a discussion on the impact of brand presence on automotive repair shops.Show Notes With TimestampsMeeting for the first time in person (00:00:55) The speakers discuss their first in-person meeting and how social media played a role in their relationship.Chris Jones' career aspirations (00:02:56) Chris Jones talks about his career achievements and expresses interest in doing a YouTube show or live interviews.Passion for the Automotive Industry (00:06:52) The speaker discusses the passion and care that people in the automotive industry have for their work and customers.The Importance of Community and Support (00:08:12)The speaker talks about the sense of community and support within the industry, and how it can help shop owners feel less isolated and overwhelmed.Powerful and Inspiring Stories (00:11:41) The speaker mentions some of the impactful stories they have covered, including a diversity story, the journey of a shop owner named John Kerr, and the rebuilding of a company after COVID-19.Importance of Brand Presence (00:14:00) Discussion on how shop owners often overlook the impact of their brand presence on potential customers.Personalized Marketing for Auto Repair Shops (00:15:17) Exploration of the misconception that all automotive repair shops are the same and the importance of showcasing each shop's unique personality and culture.Restaurant Management Conference (00:18:50) Information about an upcoming conference for shop owners and managers focused on education, networking, and improving shop management skills.ChatGPT and its impact on editorial calendar (00:20:49) Discussion on how the launch of ChatGPT impacted the editorial calendar and the use of AI in the industry.Writing as a valuable skill for shop owners (00:23:40) Importance of writing and communication skills for shop owners, with personal experiences shared.Tips for learning copywriting (00:25:36) Recommendations for shop owners to learn copywriting, including starting with simple writing and utilizing dictation software.Writing and Editing Blogs (00:27:14) Discussion about the process of writing blogs, the role of editors, and the upcoming blog-turned-class.AI and Grammarly for Writing (00:28:22) Exploration of the benefits and potential dangers of using AI tools like Grammarly for writing content.Honor Your Processes (00:29:14) The importance of focusing on processes and systems to achieve business goals, with a mention of implementing EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System).Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)Ratchet & Wrench Management ConferenceGary Halpert on CopywritingR&W Article - Escape VelocityR&W Article - I am The IndustryR&W Article - John Cayer: 2022 R&W All-Star WinnerHow To Get In Touch with ChrisWebsite - https://www.ratchetandwrench.com/home/contact/11461922/chris-jones How To Get In Touch with Shop Marketing ProsGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Thanks to our partner, RepairPal. Visit the Web HERE

Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for providing this episode. RepairPal’s Certified Network of shops are trusted by millions of customers each month. Learn more at RepairPal.com/shops.Are you struggling to align your team and drive marketing success in your business? In this episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast, Brian, Kim, and Tim Stoll, an EOS Implementer, discuss how EOS can help businesses achieve their marketing goals. A valuable lesson from this podcast is the importance of using EOS to increase accountability and collaboration within the team, which ultimately leads to more successful marketing strategies and business growth. They highlight the key elements of a successful marketing strategy, including defining the target market, identifying unique selling points, establishing a proven process, and offering a guarantee. They also stress the importance of measuring progress through the scorecard and using the Vision Traction Organizer (VTO) to create a strategic plan for the business. If you're looking to take your marketing efforts to the next level, this podcast is a must-listen!EOS and Marketing (00:00:10) The speakers discuss how EOS can improve marketing and how it is an important component for any organization.Tim Stoll's Background and Becoming an EOS Implementer (00:02:06) Tim Stoll talks about his background in the chemical industry and how he became an EOS implementer.Quarterly Conversations and Accountability (00:04:44) Brian talks about how EOS and Profit First have been the difference maker in their business and how quarterly conversations have helped them solve issues before they become big problems.Improved team alignment and accountability (00:07:18) Brian and Kim discuss how implementing EOS has allowed them to focus on their strengths and delegate tasks to their team members, resulting in improved team alignment and accountability.Defining target market (00:09:29) The speakers discuss the importance of defining a target market in marketing and how EOS helps businesses to identify their ideal customers.Three uniques (00:13:52) The concept of three uniques is introduced as a term used in EOS. The speakers do not elaborate on this concept in this segment.Defining Your Uniques (00:13:56) The speakers discuss the importance of defining what makes a business unique and how it differentiates them from competitors.The Proven Process (00:16:34) The proven process is a one-page graphic that shows the relationship between a business and its clients. It helps to build loyalty and can be used in various marketing channels.The Guarantee (00:18:52) The guarantee is a way to take objections off the table and make it easier for customers to do business with a company. In the world of auto repair, it is usually an extended warranty or a nationwide warranty program.Accountability Chart (00:21:18) The accountability chart is a tool that defines who is responsible for what in an organization, beyond titles and positions. The marketing function is a key part of the chart, and its accountabilities depend on the company and industry.Meeting Pulse and Scorecard (00:25:26) The EOS system includes a meeting pulse that reduces the number of meetings while increasing productivity. The scorecard measures activity, not just results, and provides automatic accountability for achieving goals. The scorecard includes measures such as the number of pieces of content produced, the growth of a private Facebook group, and the number of leads coming in.Weekly Scorecards (00:29:05) The speakers discuss the benefits of using weekly scorecards to track marketing numbers and trends, and how it helps make data-based decisions.Rocks (00:31:48) The speakers explain what rocks are in EOS, which are 90-day goals that help businesses focus on important things to accomplish both at the company and personal level.Access to Implementer (00:34:41) The speakers emphasize the importance of having access to an EOS implementer in between sessions, and how they can help with questions and provide tools to use.Implementing EOS (00:35:56) The speakers discuss the benefits of hiring an EOS implementer for businesses and how it can improve team alignment and accountability.The Vision Traction Organizer (00:37:55) The Vision Traction Organizer is a two-page strategic plan that is revisited every quarter to ensure it is still relevant. The eight questions that are answered on the organizer are discussed.Ten-Year Target (00:41:41) The speakers discuss the difficulty of coming up with a ten-year target and the importance of having a big, inspiring goal that can be communicated to employees. They share their own ten-year target of being known as the best auto repair marketing company in America.Creating a Three-Year Picture (00:43:46) The speakers discuss the importance of creating a three-year picture for a business, including revenue and profit targets, and how it helps with team alignment and achieving goals.Defining Quarterly Rocks (0

The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast features Scott Pelava, founder of the Auto Shop Owners Group (ASOG), who shares his story of how he started the group to help shop owners connect and share their experiences. Scott talks about the challenges he faced when he first started ASOG and how the group quickly grew to almost 7,000 members. He also shares a powerful story about how ASOG saved a shop owner's life. The episode highlights the importance of community and collaboration in the auto repair industry and the impact that ASOG has had on shop owners and their communities.Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for providing this episode. RepairPal’s Certified Network of shops are trusted by millions of customers each month. Learn more at RepairPal.com/shops.Scott's Story and the Founding of ASOG (00:00:53 - 00:07:21) Scott shares his story of starting his own auto shop and struggling to make money. He then talks about how he founded the Auto Shop Owners Group (ASOG) after seeking help from other technicians on Facebook.Creating ASOG (00:08:25) Scott shares how he founded ASOG to connect shop owners and help them with technical aspects of business ownership.Managing ASOG (00:11:56) Scott talks about how he has managed to keep up with the changes in managing a Facebook group with the help of his team of moderators.Raising Professionalism (00:14:13) The group aims to raise the professionalism of the industry by maintaining a level of decorum and changing the industry for professionals.ASOG saves a life (00:16:23) Scott shares a story of how ASOG saved a member's life who was about to commit suicide.Impact of small businesses (00:20:26) Brian and Kim discuss the impact of small businesses on families, employees, and the community.ASOG scholarships (00:24:04) Scott talks about how ASOG started sending shop owners to training events and offering scholarships.Pre-registration (00:24:47) Scott talks about how they started doing pre-registration for their events to avoid leaving people foot in the bill for anticipated amounts.Scholarship for a shop owner in need (00:25:34) Scott talks about how they used the extra money from their event to create a scholarship for a shop owner in need, the Bunard family.ASOG Mastermind (00:29:13) Scott talks about how the ASOG Mastermind started as a group of people who wanted to do a mastermind, and how it evolved into a mentoring type thing with a leadership team made up of experienced shop owners.Feeling Defeated (00:32:52) Scott and Brian discuss their experience in a coaching group and how they felt defeated when they saw other agencies working with big companies like Coca-Cola and Walmart.Learning to Run a Business (00:34:06) Brian talks about how he learned to run his business like a business and the importance of coaching and relationships with other business owners.ASOG and Scholarship Program (00:37:11) Scott talks about how to get involved with ASOG through their Facebook page and website, as well as their scholarship program and upcoming dinner event.ResourcesWebsite - asog.siteFB group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/AutoShopOwnersGroup/FB group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/StartinganAutoRepairShop/ How To Get In Touch with Shop Marketing ProsGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Thanks to our partner, RepairPal. Visit the Web HERE

This episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast features guest Steven Fafel from AutoOps, an online scheduling tool that integrates with your shop management software. The discussion revolves around the benefits of a modern and engaging scheduling experience for customers and the importance of creating a frictionless scheduling experience. Auto Ops aims to provide an enhanced scheduling experience that sets shops apart and attracts more customers. Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for providing this episode. RepairPal’s Certified Network of shops are trusted by millions of customers each month. Learn more at RepairPal.com/shops.The Creation of AutoOps (00:01:23) Steven talks about the creation of AutoOps, an online scheduling tool that integrates with shop management software.The Importance of Integration and Customizability (00:03:00) The conversation touches on the importance of integration, availability, capacity, and customizability in creating a frictionless scheduling experience.Enhancing the Scheduling Experience (00:06:04) Steven discusses how AutoOps creates an engaging experience for customers by pulling their information into the tool and customizing reminders for drop-offs and waiters.User Experience (00:07:55) Discussion on the benefits of AutoOps' integration with client information and the frustration of repetitive form filling.Importance of Online Scheduling (00:10:45) The importance of online scheduling for all ages and the ease of use for customers on a shop's website.Enhanced Customer Conversion (00:15:30) AutoOps' focus on enhancing customer conversion and the importance of providing the best opportunity for customers to schedule appointments.Phone Skills and Online Scheduling (00:16:03) Discussion on the importance of online scheduling in bypassing poor phone skills and providing a great customer experience.Tracking Marketing with AutoOps (00:17:45) The benefits of using AutoOps in tracking marketing all the way through the scheduling process to the sale.Expanding Integrations and Future Features (00:22:10) AutoOps' current and future integrations with shop management systems and the upcoming feature of recommending declined work to customers.Marketing Benefits (00:24:57) The marketing benefits of using AutoOps, especially for shared Shop Marketing Pros clients.Upcoming Events (00:25:46) Auto Ops' plans to attend popular events such as ASTE and AAPEX, as well as smaller events in Pennsylvania and Tennessee.ResourcesWebsite - https://www.autoops.com/SMPHow To Get In Touch with Shop Marketing ProsGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/bookInstagram - @shopmarketingpros Questions/Ideas - [email protected] 

Brian and Kim talk with Kieran O’Brien, founder of ShopGenie, an AI powered CRM for auto repair. Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for providing this episode. RepairPal’s Certified Network of shops are trusted by millions of customers each month. Learn more at RepairPal.com/shops.Introduction and Sponsorship (00:00:01 - 00:00:39) The speakers introduce the podcast and thank the sponsor, Repair Pal.Kieran's Background (00:00:58 - 00:02:00) Kieran shares his story of starting his first business at 16, working in the automotive industry, and building a CRM with technology that established companies are not integrating.Opportunity in CRM (00:02:55) Kieran discusses the opportunity he sees in the CRM side of the auto repair industry.Starting a business at a young age (00:03:33) Kieran talks about how he started his first business at the age of 16 and how he found mentors in the automotive industry.Alternative paths to success (00:05:21) The hosts and Kieran discuss the idea that college is not the only path to success and how apprenticeships are viewed differently in Europe.Raising an entrepreneur (00:06:27) Kim talks about how her son grew up with two entrepreneur parents and how they have had discussions about his future and whether or not he needs to go to college.Parents' reaction to Kieran's success (00:08:49) Kieran talks about the contention between him and his parents regarding his decision not to go to college and how his success in business changed their relationship.The need to promote trade schools (00:09:24) Kieran discusses the need to change the narrative around college and promote trade schools to solve the problem of student loan debt and the technician shortage in the auto repair industry.Sponsorship message from Repair Pal (00:10:11) The hosts thank Repair Pal for sponsoring the episode and encourage auto repair shops to become Repair Pal certified to attract tech-savvy customers.Tenacity and Authenticity (00:11:06) Kieran's approach to promoting her product with authenticity and tenacity, without being pushy.Importance of Customer Experience (00:11:42) Kieran emphasizes the importance of building an incredible product, brand, and customer experience to attract and retain customers.Obsessive Customer Service (00:13:25) Kieran talks about the importance of obsessive customer service and recommends the book "Unreasonable Hospitality" for auto repair shop owners.The Ideal Auto Repair Shop (00:14:57-00:16:41) Kieran O'Brien discusses the ideal auto repair shop, which would be a specialty shop with a focus on customer service and the latest technology. The hosts compare it to the Ritz Carlton and Chick-fil-A.Shop Genie's Customer Experience Platform (00:16:54-00:17:44) Kieran O'Brien talks about Shop Genie's customer experience platform, which is an AI-powered platform for auto repair shops that handles marketing automation, reviews, online scheduling, and more. The platform aims to put everything under one roof and provide the best customer experience in the market.Dealing with Outdated CRM and Marketing Technology (00:17:44-00:18:19) Kieran O'Brien discusses how the CRM and marketing technology in the auto repair industry has been outdated for a while, and how Shop Genie aims to build a customer experience platform that integrates everything in one place, instead of having to deal with multiple software vendors.AI and Blue Collar Jobs (00:18:35) Discusses how AI is not taking over blue collar jobs, but rather replacing desk jobs. Talks about how technicians are getting paid more and how AI is useful for communication.Jasmine: AI Assistant for Auto Repair (00:19:19) Introduces Jasmine, an AI assistant built and trained on auto repair data. Explains how it can help with communication, responding to customers, and even writing marketing campaigns.AI and Service Advisors (00:20:03) Discusses how AI can give service advisors superpowers by reducing the time they spend on the phone and behind screens. Talks about how AI is there to help them focus on creating amazing customer experiences.AI replacing jobs (00:23:30) Kieran O'Brien shares her opinion on AI replacing jobs and how it can make people do things differently.AI making people more effective (00:24:16) Kieran O'Brien explains how AI can help people become more effective and better at their jobs, leading to better margins for businesses.Adapting to AI (00:24:49) Brian Walker talks about adapting to AI and becoming the best at using it for clients to stay competitive in the market.Adapting to AI (00:25:42) The speakers discuss the fear of adapting to AI and how it cannot replace human emotion and feeling. They emphasize the importance of using AI wisely and not letting it replace human interactions.AI and Blue Collar Jobs (00:28:18) The speakers discuss how AI may drive people to get into blue-collar fields and how it may reduce white-collar jobs. They also mention that blue-collar jobs are currently considered the safest jobs as AI is far fr

In this episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast, hosts Brian and Kim interview Chris Enright, owner of Enright Auto, about his success in using short-form video to build a following for his auto repair shop. Chris shares his process for creating content, his intended audience, and how he deals with haters and negative reviews. He emphasizes the importance of building trust with customers through video content and being authentic and transparent. The group also discusses successful auto repair video channels and the importance of keeping a shop clean for video shoots. Chris shares his advice for those looking to build a following through social media and encourages others to showcase their professionalism and expertise.Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for providing this episode. RepairPal’s Certified Network of shops are trusted by millions of customers each month. Learn more at RepairPal.com/shops.How Chris got started with video [00:01:10] Chris talks about how he got started with video and his first video about his top ten recommended Hondas.Chris's most successful video [00:03:38] Chris talks about his most successful video that has 37 million views and how it features him using a heat induction tool.Chris's decision-making process for creating content [00:06:39] Chris talks about how he decides what content to create and his decision-making process for choosing the sound and content of his videos.Creating Short-Form Videos [00:06:56] Chris Enright shares his process for creating short-form videos, including how he saves trending audios and records content throughout the week.Intended Audience and Dealing with Haters [00:07:50] Chris discusses his intended audience for his tool and shop-related videos, including technicians, shop owners, and DIYers, and how he deals with negative reviews and haters.Growing His Business Through Video [00:13:38] Chris talks about how his intention for creating videos was to grow his auto repair business, but it has now grown into its own business, including making YouTube ad revenue.Building Trust with Short-Form Video [00:14:22] Chris Enright discusses how his short-form videos help build trust with customers and increase customer retention.Time Investment for Creating Videos [00:15:08] Chris Enright talks about the time investment required to create short-form videos and how he dedicates time to scrolling and finding ideas.Equipment for Creating Videos [00:19:06] Chris Enright shares his equipment for creating videos, including using only an iPhone and a wireless mic to improve audio quality.Using the Right Sound Clips [00:22:25] Chris Enright talks about how he hacks the algorithm by following accounts that pay attention to what's going on with the platforms and how he learns what the various platforms are looking for that are allowing his videos to perform better than someone who would not know these things.Custom Thumbnails [00:25:50] Chris Enright explains how using one of the thumbnails that YouTube pulls performs better than your own custom thumbnail because it is the attention grabber that pulls new subscribers.Type of Content that Works Best for Driving New Clients [00:26:26] Chris Enright shares that people are always willing to watch and look at behind the scenes stuff, interview style, and commonly asked questions. He also recommends being real and authentic and cleaning your shop.Clean and Organized Shop [00:28:14] Chris Enright and Kim discuss the importance of having a clean and organized shop for auto repair businesses, and how it affects customers' perception of their work.TikTok and YouTube Channels [00:30:24] Chris Enright talks about the success of the TikTok channel "Royalty Auto Service" and the YouTube channel "South Main Auto LLC" in the auto repair industry, and how they create engaging content.Future of Video in Auto Repair Industry [00:34:47] Chris Enright shares his thoughts on the future of video in the auto repair industry, and how it will become more prevalent as streaming channels lose customers to free platforms like YouTube and TikTok.The Importance of Consistency [00:35:18] Chris emphasizes the importance of consistency in posting content and how it takes time to see results.Female Representation in the Automotive Industry [00:36:20] Chris talks about the advantage of being a female in the industry and mentions a female mechanic with over 100,000 followers on Instagram.Encouraging Positive Content [00:38:42] Chris encourages shop owners and mechanics to create more positive content to combat the negative perception of the industry.How To Get In Touch with ChrisYouTube - Enright Auto on YouTubeInstagram - Enright Auto on InstagramTikTok - Enright Auto on TiktocWebsite - Enright AutoLagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)Blog - Tapping Into YouTube To Promote Your Auto Repair ShopTikTok - Royalty Auto ServiceYouTube - South Main Auto YouTube - Trail MaterInstagram - KnuckleBuster NikitaHow To Get In Touch with Shop Mar

We recently had the pleasure of attending a customer appreciation event put on by Tim Chakarian of Bommer PHD in Pasadena, CA. Tim did such an amazing job with this event that we had to have him on to talk about it. Listen in to get inspired, and take plenty of notes for your own event!Talking PointsWhat made you want to host this event? This was not your first one.How to plan for an event - compare this event to your previous ones. Moving shop aroundGo visit another shop’s event - take ideas awayWho to connect with to pull off a great eventPartners?Vendors?Chambers?Professionals? (Renting tables/chairs, photographer, DJ, food, etc)Marketing the eventFliersEmailsSocial postsFB EventChamberWhat to do while you are at the event hostingDelegate and let others do their thingWhen folks arrive - orient them to what is going onIntroduction - what do you say?Prizes, Entertainment, Bounce HouseAnnouncements - what are you saying?Mingling - close conversations by introducing someone to someone else & thank them for comingIntroducing othersCleanup and reorganizationFollow-up - what to do after the event?Debriefing, review notesAnything you’d change/do differently?What’s your next event?How To Get In Touch with Cinch CRMWebsite - https://cinch.io/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/cinchplatform/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CinchPlatform/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@CinchPlatform How To Get In Touch with Shop Marketing ProsGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Thanks to our partner, RepairPal. Visit the Web HERE

More and more privately owned businesses have been the victims of ADA Title III compliance lawsuits than ever before, and a growing number of these lawsuits are due to lack of compliance on the business’ website.It’s more important than ever that your auto repair shop’s website is compliant.Join Brian in this episode to talk about what it means for shop’s website to be ADA compliant.Talking PointsI am not a lawyer and this is not legal adviceJust like your office door needs a ramp and bathroom needs handrails, your website needs to be able to be viewed by those with vision and hearing impairmentsThis is not just total blindness and deafness but any impairments including colorblindness, poor vision, and hard of hearing.There are 2 main reasons you need your website to be ADA compliantThe number of lawsuits happeningIt’s the right thing to doWhat makes a website ADA compliant?Over 100 factorsMost important factors are:Skip navImage alt textProper heading structureLabels on form fieldsContrasting colorsClear, easy to read fontsDescriptive link textSubtitles on videosWe use a free plugin with some nice featuresI won’t guarantee a website ADA compliantDo the basics and you’re probably good to go. Remember, I am not an attorney.Where to start - wave.webaim.org How To Get In Touch with Cinch CRMWebsite - https://cinch.io/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/cinchplatform/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CinchPlatform/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@CinchPlatform How To Get In Touch with Shop Marketing ProsGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Thanks to our partner, RepairPal. Visit the Web HERE

Hey friends! Welcome to our newest episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for providing you this episode. RepairPal is the key that unlocks more business for your repair shop. Learn More at RepairPal.com/shops.Talking PointsThis recent trip out west - taught me some things about being connectedOur own story of feeling like we were “on an island”Shop Owners are disconnected and feel the same wayIt doesn’t have to be that wayConversations that pointed me to the movie “Cast Away” We were not created or designed to be alone. We need community. Chuck Noland (in Cast Away) found a companion in “Wilson”. Who is your tribe?Other Shop OwnersFacebook Groups20 GroupsMastermindsWhat resources do you have? What do you have to give?CoachesIndustry groups/associationsIndustry EventsYou find what you’re looking for. So, look for connections. Take action. As we visited shop owner after shop owner, we found ourselves having similar conversations about this ‘island’. Now we’ve connected our shop clients to the industry, other shop owners, and resources.Be a giver, a connector, a helperHow To Get In Touch with Shop Marketing ProsGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Thanks to our partner, RepairPal. Visit the Web HERE

One of our listeners emailed in with the following question.I Always wondered why, when we have another marketing company review and grade our website, it always come out pretty crappy on the scorecard? From loading speed, to keywords, SEO, overall performance etc. I have used Lighthouse and some other things to gauge the performance, but the numbers never seem to match what the other party produces. I feel like some marketing companies use smoke and mirrors for selling their websites that really may not be any better than what we already have. I’m sure this is an issue for others too.We answer that question in this episode.Talking PointsThere’s a big difference between a solicited audit and an unsolicited auditThere are no standards in placeMuch of what is done in marketing is based on opinion or an internal belief systemTrust your “BS meter”How To Get In Touch with Shop Marketing ProsGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Thanks to our partner, RepairPal. Visit the Web HERE

One of the biggest complaints we hear from shop owners is they don’t trust the numbers from their CRM. They have good reason for this. In the world of marketing, we refer to the connection of dollars earned to the marketing channels that produced those dollars as “attribution”. This week we talk to Justin Rae, founder of Cinch CRM.  Justin talks with us about attribution and his passion for creating accurate numbers that the shop owner can trust.Talking PointsAttribution defined, and Justin’s history with creating trustworthy attributionHow long revenue be attributed to a single marketing actionMulti-channel attributionThe types of marketing actions can you give attribution to with a CRMHow To Get In Touch with Cinch CRMWebsite - https://cinch.io/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/cinchplatform/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CinchPlatform/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@CinchPlatform How To Get In Touch with Shop Marketing ProsGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Thanks to our partner, RepairPal. Visit the Web HERE

Marketing can do a lot to bring new leads to your auto repair shop, but it’s up to the people answering the phones to turn them into customers. We’ve seen quite a few times where one of our clients says their marketing isn’t working, but the numbers don’t lie. Their marketing was working but their phone skills were just plain bad. Good marketing with poor phone skills equals wasted money. Our guest today is Cecil Bullard from the Institute for Automotive Business Excellence. Cecil teaches phone skills to service advisors that make a tremendous positive impact on the shops they serve. Cecil shares some of his knowledge of how to turn shoppers into clients for life.Talking PointsThere is a point where marketing is handed off to salesHow to you set the tone for the phone callWhat to do when someone calls asking for a priceHow to handle callers who think they are calling the dealership or another shop?What to do with price shoppersHow to handle it when you’re on a call and get another callWhat to do when you’re on a call and you get a walk-inWhat information you should get from a callerHow to ask for the appointmentHow To Get In Touch with The InstituteWebsite - https://www.wearetheinstitute.com/ Online training - https://www.gearforshops.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Iforabe How To Get In Touch with Shop Marketing ProsGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/bookInstagram - @shopmarketingpros Questions/Ideas - [email protected] Thanks to our partner, RepairPal. Visit the Web HERE

If you know Kim and Brian, you know we run the wheels off of our motorhome. In usual fashion, we have another big trip coming up, and this time we’re headed to California. In this episode, we don’t even mention marketing. We talk about auto repair shops, but nothing that will help you in your business. This is simply a peek into one of our trips, what we’re doing, and a bit about how we plan our travels and stays. We hope you’ll listen in and get to know us a little better. Who knows… we may stop in at your shop during one of our upcoming travels!Thanks to our partner, RepairPal. Visit the Web HEREHow To Get In TouchGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/bookInstagram - @shopmarketingpros Questions/Ideas - [email protected]

In this world of cancel culture and tech giants that have more money than god, and literally don’t need you - it’s more important than ever to build marketing assets on platforms that you own. In this episode we give examples of ways people have lost marketing opportunities to this real problem, including us, and places you should be investing so that you always have marketing options that will work for you.How To Get In TouchGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/bookInstagram - @shopmarketingpros Questions/Ideas - [email protected] to our partner, RepairPal. Visit the Web HERE

Incorporating gifting with radical generosity into your auto repair shop can not only create a great relationship with employees and potential customers but also nurture those relationships. Kim is a gifter at heart and in this episode she shares the best and unusual times to gift as well as how to implement gifting into your auto repair shop.Talking PointsEmployee GiftsRandom DoorDashChristmasNew Baby/Home/MarriageJust becausePartner/Industry Friend GiftsDream 25 (clients + industry partners)After meeting at eventStaying in touchSeeing something on social prompts the giftSpecial Occasion GiftsHolidaysEmployee AppreciationClient GiftsNew clientsClient upgradesSpecial OccasionFavorite VendorsThe Basketry - personalized/customizedHoltz LeatherSmallwoodsDoorDashAmazonWe are just one of many podcasts a part of the Aftermarket Radio Network. You can find those at AftermarketRadioNetwork.com - go and give them a listen!Until next time - go fill those bays!THREELagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)Giftology BookThe Basketry - personalized/customizedHoltz LeatherSmallwoodsHow To Get In TouchGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/bookInstagram - @shopmarketingpros Questions/Ideas - [email protected] Thanks to our partner, RepairPal. Visit the Web HERE

You’re growing -a lot, but concerned about losing the company culture you’ve spent so much time, energy, effort, and money on building. In this episode, Kim Walker shares her thoughts, ideas, and strategies being implemented to be super intentional about maintaining company culture.Talking PointsWorked hard to define core values, build a team, processesYou’re getting great resultsYou’re growingBut fearful of losing momentum, culture, pace, etcKeep Core Values front & center. What we do:Hiring, onboardingFiring relates backIn the middle - reward + recognizeMake decisionsProcessDocumentedPracticed by allAppreciated + UnderstoodOnboarding. How do you do it? Is it documented? Can it be duplicated easily?Hire Slow, Fire FastGamesKim Games (Slack)JR’s Dad Jokes + PunsPlayfulness, laughter, joy. Happiness is a core value for us. Contests.SurprisesLetters to familyDoor DashTravel together/retreatTrainingMeaningfulEasily found for future referenceMentoringDay to Day ConnectionsSlackHuddlesProject Management software communicationHow To Get In TouchGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/bookInstagram - @shopmarketingpros Questions/Ideas - [email protected] 

This shop is too slow. This shop is too busy. This shop doesn’t know either way. It wasn’t long ago that we heard a good bit of chatter regarding shops who were experiencing slow days but most recently we have experienced shops on the other end of the spectrum. They’re too busy and have mentioned pausing their marketing. In this episode, we discuss what shops can do to shift their marketing instead of stopping all together.Talking PointsThe too-busy shop trend - sound crazy, but true.Mistake: stop marketing. Busy today does not mean busy tomorrow.Stopping all marketing creates a roller coaster effectEverything is great until one day it isn’tDo you own a business or do you own a job? It’s time to grow up.Never stop marketing; pivot instead.Change messaging to less sales/promotion and more cultureStart hiringFocus on brand buildingMessaging Shift to:More company cultureBrand awarenessGreat Place to workCustomer AcquisitionAdsCommunity RelationsSocial MediaSEOCustomer RetentionEmailsTextingSocial MediaThanks to our partner, RepairPal. Visit the Web HEREHow To Get In TouchWebsite - https://independentautodieselrepair.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/IndependentAutoandDieselRepairHow To Get In TouchGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/bookInstagram - @shopmarketingpros Questions/Ideas - [email protected] 

During Today's episode #104 The crew from SMP and I Talk About: What is a Chicken Flicker?Behind-the-scenes dirt on Kim & Brian from SMPWhat's the best part of your work day? What's the difference between a successful client and one that isn't? What would your advice be for a shop starting out that isn't able to hire someone like SMP?How cute is Dutton?Favorite Cartoon Character? What did you want to be when you grew up? What book are you reading now, if any?This episode is sponsored by AutoLeap. AutoLeap is a cloud-based all-in-one automotive invoice software that helps you supercharge your mechanic shop. Their customers have experienced:30% increase in revenue by improving transparency and trust50% reduction in time spent researching and ordering parts10% increase in profit margins through robust reportingClick here to learn more about AutoLeap and schedule a demo: http://bit.ly/3GRgO88Don't forget to rate and review us! Connect with Chris:[email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYoutube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae

Kim + Tracy Capriotto spend time in this episode laughing, chatting, and sharing about key moments in the industry, career transitions, and working with family. Tracy shares her battle with an internal dialogue. Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for providing you this episode. RepairPal is the key that unlocks more business for your repair shop. Learn More at RepairPal.com/shopsTalking PointsWorking with family. You’re either crazy or an angel. I think it’s an angel. What’s your top tip for working with family?what was it like watching your dad take on the automotive world with his podcast?at what point did you think you wanted in on that?what has the transition like for you joining your dad?let's chat about your Women in Auto Care involvement - what are your favorite events? what are you doing in that group? Your greatest lesson?your favorite podcast episode you've done so farfunniest edits + bloopersLagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)Tracy’s Women in Auto Care PodcastCarm’s Podcast Episode about their Adoption StoryHow To Get In TouchGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/bookInstagram - @shopmarketingpros Questions/Ideas - [email protected] 

Thanks to our partner, RepairPal. Visit the Web HEREThere are times in life when you get called to make big moves. Brian and Brittany Hemry experienced just this when they felt God call them to pack up their family from a comfortable home and job in Washington State and move to Tennessee where they would open Independent Auto and Diesel. Listen in to their inspiring story of obedience followed by a series of open doors.How To Get In TouchWebsite - https://independentautodieselrepair.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/IndependentAutoandDieselRepairHow To Get In TouchGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/bookInstagram - @shopmarketingpros Questions/Ideas - [email protected] 

Thanks to our partner, RepairPal. Visit the Web HEREMac Akram is the owner of Mac’s Complete Auto Repair in Chandler Arizona. Mac’s story is an amazing story of perseverance and making things happen. As a young child and teenager, Mac and his family lived in war-torn Baghdad, Iraq. Listen in on this episode to hear the inspiring story of Mac moving to America, learning to be an auto tech, and eventually opening a state-of-the-art shop in Chandler, Arizona.How To Get In Touch with MacWebsite - https://www.macsautorepairs.com/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/macscompleteauto How To Get In Touch Group - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/bookInstagram - @shopmarketingpros Questions/Ideas - [email protected] 

Talking PointsOctober 5, 2021 - Do you remember last year when Facebook/Instagram went down?Or on August 8, 2022, when Google Search, Maps, Drive, and YouTube went down. If you’ve got all your marketing eggs in the Facebook basket, or the Google basket, or worse you don’t even own your own website…. It would surely be nice to be able to send an email out to your customers. What about the day that Google wasn’t working?What is the one thing you need to open an account for anything?How do those organizations stay in touch?How often are you checking your email inbox?Email addresses are something you own. Great for slow-day marketing ideas.Email marketing that’s not tied to a service reminder - the more educational, helpful types of emails. Something short and sweet and simple just to stay in front of your customer.Showing up in their inbox.Use your CRM! It’s probably got an email feature built-in you are already paying for.Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)How To Get In TouchGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/bookInstagram - @shopmarketingpros Questions/Ideas - [email protected] Thanks to our partner, RepairPal. Visit the Web HERE

Being the auto repair shop for fleet customers requires a different way of marketing. You’re not going to gain fleet customers doing the same marketing you do for retail customers. In this episode, we share real-life marketing tips and strategies to help you land those fleet customers you want!Talking PointsThis is ALL about the relationshipDevelop your customer avatar for fleet customersMake your Dream 25 ListCreate a series of steps you want to take to create and nurture those relationshipsWhere are their watering holes? Go there. Become a regular.What traditional marketing should you do for fleets?Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)Book: Giftology - https://www.amazon.com/Giftology-Increase-Referrals-Strengthen-Retention/dp/1619614332 How To Get In TouchGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/bookInstagram - @shopmarketingpros Questions/Ideas - [email protected] Thanks to our partner, RepairPal. Visit the Web HERE

Talking PointsStatisticsThe way people search is very differentSearches are longerSearches are more conversationalYou need to answer questions in complete sentencesThis is one reason why blogs are so importantSearch queries are longer but your answers need to be short and conciseOptimize for featured snippetsWrite the way you talk - natural languageInclude questions in your content - long tail keywordsDumb it down - write it for a 10 year oldUse long content“Near Me” searches continue to increaseDo more video - featured snippets in videosLagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)https://backlinko.com/optimize-for-voice-searchHow To Get In TouchGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/bookInstagram - @shopmarketingpros Questions/Ideas - [email protected] Thanks to our partner, RepairPal. Visit the Web HERE

Talking PointsKathleen Long: One of the hardest working women in auto car. A woman of action and impact. She’s a big believer in the value of mentoring. Has a glass-break alarming laugh :) RepairPal is setting/ limiting what prices I can charge to my customers with their estimator.I don’t need RepairPal because I already have plenty of business and I get great marketing for free through word of mouth.Online customers like the ones that come through RepairPal are just annoying price shoppers.I have a relationship with my local CarMax store, so I don’t need RepairPal’s help.Many consumers haven’t heard of RepairPal so they cannot really help me to increase my car count.Kathleen Bio:Kathleen Long, Chief Revenue OfficerKathleen has built and developed award-winning marketing, sales, success, support and operations teams, centered on principles of authenticity, hard work and empathy. As Chief Revenue Officer at RepairPal, Kathleen leads all partner and consumer initiatives; including business development & strategy, operations, marketing, and IT. Kathleen is absolutely insistent on making a difference for people and businesses, by connecting them with disruptive, useful technologies, aided by humans who are given space to be themselves at work. Kathleen helped transition a startup through a successful acquisition exit, created revenue and monetization streams that supported another startup going public and grew her career from a chair in a call center employee to a seat at the executive table in 10 years (happily mentoring others to do the same). Kathleen is proud to stand for ethical principles, and to be a female executive in a male-dominated industry and is Women in Auto Care's Woman of Excellence, presented annually to a woman who has provided recent outstanding contributions to the auto care industry while demonstrating role model behaviors, leadership and commitment to the advancement of women.  She has been described by some as the literal voice of the company and has a laugh that once set off glass break alarms in a conference room.Kathleen holds a degree in General Studies and Philosophy from the University of Nevada, Reno.How To Get In TouchGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/bookInstagram - @shopmarketingpros Questions/Ideas - [email protected] Thanks to our partner, RepairPal. Visit the Web HERE