The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast

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

If you want to get a good fight started in the automotive industry, all you have to do is start a discussion about coupons or discounts. In this episode, we dig into the topic. Should you use coupons in your marketing strategy?Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for providing you with this episode. As shop owners, we were part of RepairPal’s Certified network, and you can learn more at RepairPal.com/shops.Talking PointsShould you use coupons in your marketing strategy?Will they bring you more clients?What type of client are you trying to attract?Are you good at converting “coupon customers” into lifelong customers?If you do use coupons, what are some promotions you can do?Can coupons be successful with high-end clients?If you don’t want to do discounts but do want to run promotions, what are some ideas?Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)$100M Offers by Alex HormoziHow 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

ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence bot by OpenAI. Lots of things get called disrupters, but this truly is a disrupter. We probably need a stronger word than that to describe what this may do to our industry and many others. Let’s talk about using AI in your shop’s marketing.Talking PointsWhat is ChatGPTOther AIs (Jasper/Jarvis)Does it just search the internet?The ChatGPT User ExperienceShould you use it in your marketing?WeaknessesHow else it may be used in auto repairLagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)OpenAI ChatGPT - chat.openai.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] Thanks to our partner, RepairPal. Visit the Web HERE

With the challenges of hiring post-pandemic in an industry where there is an actual shortage of skilled labor, it’s important that you do everything you can to get a leg up on your competition. Yet most shop owners pay zero attention to the careers page on their website. In this episode, we talk about how to build the perfect careers page that will help entice great technicians to come work for your shop.Talking PointsThis isn’t going to be easy. Commit to the time needed to do it rightYou need to meet with your team to learn what they really like about working for youCore values are important to people looking for a new work homeGather all assets before talking to your website provider - it will make the process go much fasterThe page needs to look great. Hire a designer. It’s an investment in your businessEntertain prospective team members even when you’re not hiring. Keep the pipeline full.Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)Blog: How To Create The Perfect Careers Page [insert link]Blog: How To Write a Technician Hiring AdPodcast: Using Marketing to Attract New Team MembersHow 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

As we approach 2023 I know a lot of people are concerned about what the year may bring from an economic standpoint. The financial gurus can’t seem to agree as to whether or not we’re in a recession, but my thought is this. If we are in a recession, choose not to participate. That’s what this episode is all about. We’ll call it “creating your own economy”You ever notice how no matter what’s going on in the world, some people thrive? Opportunities to buy equipment at pennies on the dollarOpportunities to buy up failing shopsOpportunities to hire great techniciansTalking PointsYou ever notice how no matter what’s going on in the world, some people thrive? Opportunities to buy equipment at pennies on the dollarOpportunities to buy up failing shopsOpportunities to hire great techniciansDon’t freak out. Don’t get back under your toolsDon’t “pause” your coaching - if you’re not working with a coach - startDon’t spend to reduce taxes - tell them about 2007Don’t stop marketing - double down if anything - your competition will stop - this is where the best “fall into” opportunitiesReaccess your core values and live by themBecome a professional money managerWrite more content, make more videos, and take some ownership in thought leadershipBecome a broken record about your business - personal social mediaGo all-in on providing the best customer experienceAudit your bank accounts and cancel unnecessary subscriptions, etcBe positive - infectiously positive. Be the light in a time of darkness.Be generous - if things are going well, which they will if you refuse to participate in a downturn, make sure the people who are taking care of you are also thriving.It’s not just about having money. It’s about having the right mindset.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

Today our guest is Chris Cotton, owner of AutoFix Auto Repair Coaching, and also the host of The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton - which is also part of Aftermarket Radio NetworkMost often when a shop owner starts seeking out marketing options they’re doing it because they perceive they have a car-count problem. There are certainly cases where that is true, but there’s more to revenue than car count. In fact, there’s much more to the success of a shop than revenue. Revenue definitely solves a lot of problems, but let’s talk today about some other ways to make your shop more successful.Talking PointsAverage repair order and profit margin need to be optimized before you try to fix a broken business with marketing.What is your average estimate?Your job as the shop owner is to drive processes and procedures.Good marketing isn’t cheap and will not provide a return if you’re not maximizing the cars you already have.Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)Podcast - Are You a Thermostat or a Thermometer?How To Get In Touch with ChrisWebsite - https://autoshopcoaching.com Email - [email protected] Phone - (580) 491-3519How To Get In Touch with Kim and Brian WalkerGroup - 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

What does it say to you when a business doesn’t use the product or service they sell? It’s not a good look. But many shop owners drive busted cars and have loaner cars that need service, and it shows. It’s time that you eat your own dog food.Talking PointsMarketing is anything that makes an impression on people about who your company isYour business is auto repairWhat condition are your loaner cars in? Do you have a shop truck? What condition is it in?What about your technician’s cars? Their wives' cars? Those BG and Wynns services that you sell your clients - are you using them?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

Hey friends! Welcome to our newest episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. When working with higher-performing shops, they aren’t always looking for more cars. We very often hear that they’re looking to attract higher-quality clients. But how do you do that with your marketing? We answer that question in this episode of The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast.Talking PointsHigher quality marketingYour marketing needs to reflect that you are a high-end shopThe overall brand itselfCommunity perceptionBrand style guideKnow like trust (going to record an episode on this)Concierge-like customer serviceAppearance mattersAppearance of the staffWaiting areaBathroomThe inside of the shopParking lot - (this is where they come to die)  Outside of the buildingAsk your best clients to refer their friendsPrice out the lower-end clientsLagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)EPISODE: 021 – Can Company Culture Have Anything To Do With Marketing?EPISODE: 012 – Relationships Matter; Because Nobody’s PerfectEPISODE: 011 – Is It Customer Service Or Is It Marketing?EPISODE: 009 – What’s Your Story? Talking Video With Patrick EganEPISODE: 004 – Does Your Community REALLY Know 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] Thanks to our partner, RepairPal. Visit the Web HERE

Do you struggle with saying yes to every "opportunity"? Is life controlling you or are you controlling it? Can you answer the question "Why were you created"? Kim shares her story of how living a life with intention and purpose can leave you feeling satisfied and fulfilled.Talking PointsWhat if your 3  year old asked you “do you have another one of those meetings tonight, mommy?” How would you respond? How the book “The Best Yes” by Lysa TerKeurst helped break the cycle of overachieving and overextending.Nehemiah 6:3 “And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?” Kim shares how this verse impacted her life and helped her to see the distractions in life that were causing her to not prioritize the best things.How the “My Life Purpose Guide” book by James Myers helped align Kim’s purpose with saying yes or no to “opportunities” she was given.A message from Kim’s pastor prompted her to start praying for their son in a very unique and different wayIs your life leaving a legacy? Nehemiah 13:30 “Remember me, O, my God, for good!”Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)Nehemiah 6:3Nehemiah 13:31The Best YesThe My Life Purpose Guide 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