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Talk It Out: Fixing Broken Communication in Your Auto Repair Shop [E215]

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Manage episode 493034108 series 2982170
Content provided by Chris Cotton. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Chris Cotton or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.

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/autorepairmarketingmastermind

To listen to more episodes, make sure and go over to iTunes and or Spotify.

Don't forget to rate and review us!

In this episode of "The Weekly Blitz," Coach Chris Cotton from Auto Fix Auto Shop Coaching dives deep into the essential topic of communication within auto repair shops, offering a wealth of practical strategies that shop owners and their teams can implement right away. Chris emphasizes that effective, transparent communication among technicians, service advisors, owners, and customers is the cornerstone of a successful auto repair business. He explains how fostering open dialogue not only streamlines workflow and reduces costly errors, but also leads to higher shop performance, increased revenue, and stronger relationships built on trust.

Throughout the episode, Chris shares a variety of actionable tips designed to address common communication challenges faced by auto repair shops. He highlights the importance of holding daily huddles to keep everyone on the same page, maintaining thorough and accurate documentation to ensure nothing falls through the cracks, and proactively educating customers about their vehicle needs to prevent misunderstandings and avoid lost sales opportunities. Chris also discusses how empowering staff to ask questions and clarify information can create a more collaborative and supportive work environment.

Sponsored by Shop Marketing Pros, this episode is packed with valuable insights and real-world examples that demonstrate the tangible benefits of improving communication at every level of your shop. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your team, enhance customer satisfaction, or drive business growth, Chris’s expert advice provides a clear roadmap for achieving your goals through better communication. Don’t miss this must-listen episode if you’re ready to take your shop’s performance and customer relationships to the next level.

​Introduction and Sponsor Message (00:00:07) Chris Cotton introduces the podcast, outlines its purpose, and highlights the episode sponsor, Shop Marketing Pros.

Series Recap and Episode Topic Introduction (00:01:18) Recaps previous episodes and introduces the focus on fixing broken communication in auto repair shops.

The Impact of Poor Communication (00:02:32) Explains how poor communication affects shop performance, KPIs, and overall business success.

Communication and Average Repair Order Example (00:03:35) Illustrates how unclear communication leads to lost sales and missed opportunities using repair order scenarios.

Technician Documentation Issues (00:04:40) Discusses vague technician notes and the importance of clear, detailed documentation and photos.

Advisor-Customer Communication Breakdown (00:05:56) Explains how lack of urgency and explanation from advisors can result in customer distrust and missed repairs.

Importance of Written Records (00:07:01) Stresses the need for written documentation of recommendations and declined services for accountability.

Where Communication Breaks Down (00:08:02) Identifies key breakdowns: tech-to-advisor, advisor-to-customer, and owner-to-team communication.

Advisor to Customer: Educate, Don’t Sell (00:09:21) Advises on educating customers with clear explanations, analogies, and visuals instead of technical jargon.

Owner to Team: Setting Expectations (00:10:25) Highlights the owner’s role in setting clear expectations and maintaining regular, positive communication.

Daily Huddles and DVI Protocols (00:11:26) Recommends daily team meetings and standardized digital vehicle inspection (DVI) processes for clarity.

Feedback Loops and Weekly Meetings (00:12:36) Suggests using feedback loops and weekly meetings to reinforce communication, review KPIs, and coach staff.

The Value of Communication as a Business Tool (00:13:42) Emphasizes that communication is a critical business tool, not just a soft skill, and outlines its benefits.

Call to Action and Closing Remarks (00:14:48) Encourages listeners to seek help with communication systems, thanks the sponsor, and closes the episode.

Sign-off (00:15:43) Chris Cotton signs off and wishes listeners a great day.

chris autofixsos.com

Phone: 940.400.1008

www.autoshopcoaching.com

Connect with Chris:

AutoFix-Auto Shop Coaching

www.autoshopcoaching.com

www.aftermarketradionetwork.com

940-400-1008

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoaching

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae

Email Chris: [email protected]

The Aftermarket Radio Network

Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.

The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level.

The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.

Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.

Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.

#autofixautoshopcoaching

#autofixbeautofixing #autoshopprofits #autoshopprofit

#autoshopprofitsfirst #autoshopleadership #autoshopmanagement

#autorepairshopcoaching #autorepairshopconsulting

#autorepairshoptraining #autorepairshop #autorepair #serviceadvisor

#serviceadvisorefficiency #autorepairshopmarketing #theweeklyblitz

#autofix #shopmarketingpros #autofixautoshopcoachingbook

  continue reading

221 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 493034108 series 2982170
Content provided by Chris Cotton. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Chris Cotton or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.

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/autorepairmarketingmastermind

To listen to more episodes, make sure and go over to iTunes and or Spotify.

Don't forget to rate and review us!

In this episode of "The Weekly Blitz," Coach Chris Cotton from Auto Fix Auto Shop Coaching dives deep into the essential topic of communication within auto repair shops, offering a wealth of practical strategies that shop owners and their teams can implement right away. Chris emphasizes that effective, transparent communication among technicians, service advisors, owners, and customers is the cornerstone of a successful auto repair business. He explains how fostering open dialogue not only streamlines workflow and reduces costly errors, but also leads to higher shop performance, increased revenue, and stronger relationships built on trust.

Throughout the episode, Chris shares a variety of actionable tips designed to address common communication challenges faced by auto repair shops. He highlights the importance of holding daily huddles to keep everyone on the same page, maintaining thorough and accurate documentation to ensure nothing falls through the cracks, and proactively educating customers about their vehicle needs to prevent misunderstandings and avoid lost sales opportunities. Chris also discusses how empowering staff to ask questions and clarify information can create a more collaborative and supportive work environment.

Sponsored by Shop Marketing Pros, this episode is packed with valuable insights and real-world examples that demonstrate the tangible benefits of improving communication at every level of your shop. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your team, enhance customer satisfaction, or drive business growth, Chris’s expert advice provides a clear roadmap for achieving your goals through better communication. Don’t miss this must-listen episode if you’re ready to take your shop’s performance and customer relationships to the next level.

​Introduction and Sponsor Message (00:00:07) Chris Cotton introduces the podcast, outlines its purpose, and highlights the episode sponsor, Shop Marketing Pros.

Series Recap and Episode Topic Introduction (00:01:18) Recaps previous episodes and introduces the focus on fixing broken communication in auto repair shops.

The Impact of Poor Communication (00:02:32) Explains how poor communication affects shop performance, KPIs, and overall business success.

Communication and Average Repair Order Example (00:03:35) Illustrates how unclear communication leads to lost sales and missed opportunities using repair order scenarios.

Technician Documentation Issues (00:04:40) Discusses vague technician notes and the importance of clear, detailed documentation and photos.

Advisor-Customer Communication Breakdown (00:05:56) Explains how lack of urgency and explanation from advisors can result in customer distrust and missed repairs.

Importance of Written Records (00:07:01) Stresses the need for written documentation of recommendations and declined services for accountability.

Where Communication Breaks Down (00:08:02) Identifies key breakdowns: tech-to-advisor, advisor-to-customer, and owner-to-team communication.

Advisor to Customer: Educate, Don’t Sell (00:09:21) Advises on educating customers with clear explanations, analogies, and visuals instead of technical jargon.

Owner to Team: Setting Expectations (00:10:25) Highlights the owner’s role in setting clear expectations and maintaining regular, positive communication.

Daily Huddles and DVI Protocols (00:11:26) Recommends daily team meetings and standardized digital vehicle inspection (DVI) processes for clarity.

Feedback Loops and Weekly Meetings (00:12:36) Suggests using feedback loops and weekly meetings to reinforce communication, review KPIs, and coach staff.

The Value of Communication as a Business Tool (00:13:42) Emphasizes that communication is a critical business tool, not just a soft skill, and outlines its benefits.

Call to Action and Closing Remarks (00:14:48) Encourages listeners to seek help with communication systems, thanks the sponsor, and closes the episode.

Sign-off (00:15:43) Chris Cotton signs off and wishes listeners a great day.

chris autofixsos.com

Phone: 940.400.1008

www.autoshopcoaching.com

Connect with Chris:

AutoFix-Auto Shop Coaching

www.autoshopcoaching.com

www.aftermarketradionetwork.com

940-400-1008

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoaching

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae

Email Chris: [email protected]

The Aftermarket Radio Network

Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.

The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level.

The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.

Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.

Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.

#autofixautoshopcoaching

#autofixbeautofixing #autoshopprofits #autoshopprofit

#autoshopprofitsfirst #autoshopleadership #autoshopmanagement

#autorepairshopcoaching #autorepairshopconsulting

#autorepairshoptraining #autorepairshop #autorepair #serviceadvisor

#serviceadvisorefficiency #autorepairshopmarketing #theweeklyblitz

#autofix #shopmarketingpros #autofixautoshopcoachingbook

  continue reading

221 episodes

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