Not shownotes. How To Get In Touch Group - Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Website - shopmarketingpros.com  Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros  Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/book Instagram - @shopmarketingpros  Questions/Ideas - podcast@shopmarketingpros.com Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)

At VISION 2024, Kim taught a class on customer loyalty. It was incredibly well received and we’ve decided to bring a conversation here in podcast form where she touches on a critical piece of business: creating loyal customers. Listen in for tips, strategies, and just real-talk! Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for providing you this episode. RepairPal will help you grow your auto business and you can learn more at RepairPal.com/shops. Show Notes with Timestamps Loyalty: strong feeling of support or allegiance What that means to me. Companies I am loyal to: Bear Mountain Bakery, Holtz Leather, The Basketry, Smallwoods Simon Sinek’s Ted Talk “Start with Why”: Your purpose, Your cause, Your beliefs We are lonelier & more apart than ever before Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Our Core Values We have an intense desire to feel a sense of belonging - even more with digital communication. Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara - Episode 89: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/episode/089 Create Loyalty by: Being thoughtful and intentional with all you do. Understanding the difference between service + hospitality. Service is black and white. Hospitality is full color. Having authentic connection: Southwest Airlines - the heart, Ciro - my Italian driver, 1st Phorm, Eleven Madison Park Restaurant’s hot dog story, Bear Mountain Bakery, The Basketry, Holtz Leather, Smallwoods. Knowing your clients, understanding them, being present, listening, and being considerate and generous (read the book: Gift*ology). Being a trusted resource. VISION’s speaker: Scott Stratten, said, “If you want to worry about the bottom line, you’ve got to focus on the front line.” (To obsess about how your customers feel, you must obsess about how your employees feel. Customer loyalty comes after employee loyalty How are you taking care of your team? Daily Stand-Up (gratitude and top priority) + a checkin/awareness for me.Team Outings. Letters/notes/recognitions. Mentoring. Schedule emails/slack messages/texts Too many companies leave the human behind. We live in a world where we have an opportunity - responsibility - to make magic in a world that is desperate for it. When you make magic you add to the layers of loyalty being created. Make this part of how you do business. A process. A time, place, a procedure/reminder. How To Get In Touch Group - Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Website - shopmarketingpros.com  Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros  Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/book Instagram - @shopmarketingpros  Questions/Ideas - podcast@shopmarketingpros.com Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc) Canva - Mood Boards

Top tier shops want to have personalized marketing but often don’t know how to take the photo from their camera roll and convert it into a graphic for social media that’s pleasant and professional. In this episode, Kim Walker shares top tips from the pros on how to efficiently and effectively use the widely popular tool Canva for creating eye catching graphics. Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shops Show Notes Canva: what it is, why you need it, how to find it, who uses it April 2, 2024 at 12pm in our FB Group Keep it simple. Less is more. Be consistent! Maintain branding: company colors, fonts, logos, tone. Keep your posts personal! Use YOUR own photos.  Create the “brand kit” in Canva. A place to store your logo, select the fonts, colors.  Stay organized. Create folders.  Save your designs in calendar order to make scheduling more efficient. (Be sure to lock designs so moving things around is easier). Use grid-view to get a birds-eye view and ensure branding consistency and that your designs are pleasing to the eye Use moving elements and animations to help create eye-catching graphics. Use templates for things like birthdays, anniversaries, and hiring to save time. Create a few for each to keep them interesting. Explore and don’t be afraid of Canva’s AI like Magic Media to create fun new photos and videos Create a “Mood Board”  - a collection of images, textures, typography, color palettes and description words - or an ‘inspiration board’ to help when the ideas are just not there.  Canva Design School How To Get In Touch Group - Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Website - shopmarketingpros.com  Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros  Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/book Instagram - @shopmarketingpros  Questions/Ideas - podcast@shopmarketingpros.com How To Get In Touch Group - Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Website - shopmarketingpros.com  Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros  Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/book Instagram - @shopmarketingpros  Questions/Ideas - podcast@shopmarketingpros.com  Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc) Canva - Mood Boards

Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shops How To Get In Touch Group - Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Website - shopmarketingpros.com  Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros  Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/book Instagram - @shopmarketingpros  Questions/Ideas - podcast@shopmarketingpros.com

Mike Ragsdale is the founder of the 30a Company, and he has an incredible story of being called out by his kids when they got tired of hearing him talk about his dream life without ever pursuing it. This is an incredibly inspiring episode that may result in you exploring how you can create a life you don’t need to escape from. Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shops How To Get In Touch Group - Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Website - shopmarketingpros.com  Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros  Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/book Instagram - @shopmarketingpros  Questions/Ideas - podcast@shopmarketingpros.com 

One of the most misunderstood types of marketing is geofencing. People often don’t know what it is, but they know they want it. It’s new, it’s sexy, it’s cool. But what is it? And will it work for an auto repair shop? Join Brian as he interviews Mary Ann Pruitt from Mosaic. Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shops How To Get In Touch Group - Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Website - shopmarketingpros.com  Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros  Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/book Instagram - @shopmarketingpros  Questions/Ideas - podcast@shopmarketingpros.com

This week on the ARM Podcast Brian talks about why stock website content doesn’t work. In this episode you’ll learn what he means by stock content, why it doesn’t work, whether or not it hurts you to have stock content on your website, and how to tell if you have it on your website. Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shops Show Notes with Timestamps What is stock content? Stock content is duplicate content Stock content is generic content Does stock content help? How do you know if your website has stock content? How To Get In Touch Group - Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Website - shopmarketingpros.com  Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros  Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/book Instagram - @shopmarketingpros  Questions/Ideas - podcast@shopmarketingpros.com

In this episode, Kim reviews the book “Unreasonable Hospitality” and talks about ways you can become so good at customer service and making your customers feel special, that the world would consider it unreasonable. This has quickly become one of Kim’s favorite books. Listen in to learn why and to get some ideas on how you can provide unreasonable hospitality to your clients in your auto repair shop. Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shops How To Get In Touch Group - Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Website - shopmarketingpros.com  Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros  Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/book Instagram - @shopmarketingpros  Questions/Ideas - podcast@shopmarketingpros.com

Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shops Kim’s Tips: Go with a plan - know who you want to meet. Pre-schedule these meetings.  Promote that you are there!  Use the event/conference app!  Schedule your post-conference debriefing meeting. Create a post-conference action plan See our Conference Planning Checklist! Brian’s Tips 1 - Register early and be strategic about the classes you take - stay at the hotel 2 - Establish a bedtime with a no-excuses policy 3 - Choose your team’s classes and make them teach it when they get back 4 - Visit the vendors - know/like/trust them - they subsidize your attendance 5 - Come with Friends How To Get In Touch Group - Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Website - shopmarketingpros.com  Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros  Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/book Instagram - @shopmarketingpros  Questions/Ideas - podcast@shopmarketingpros.com

Get to know Darrin Barney, the family man, Jeep Enthusiast, multi-business owner, and friend to many. Take away some helpful tips, but a ton of inspiration from the owner of Barney Brothers Off Road and Repair and Elite Worldwide. Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shops Show Notes Outdoor Adventures and Family Culture (00:00:53) The hosts and guest discuss their shared experiences in outdoor activities, particularly off-roading, and the impact of family culture on their businesses. Off-Roading and Team Building (00:01:35) The conversation shifts to the off-roading event where the hosts joined the guest's team, emphasizing the importance of getting out of the business environment to learn about people. Influence of Family Culture (00:02:24) The guest shares how his family's love for outdoor activities and off-roading has been integrated into their family culture, influencing their children's upbringing. Early Off-Roading Experiences (00:04:33) The guest reminisces about his early experiences with off-roading, starting with his father's 1946 Willys and how it shaped his passion for the activity. Off-Roading Environments (00:06:28) Discussion about the diverse off-roading environments, including the challenges of mud and the beauty of the landscapes where they engage in off-roading activities. Shared Love for Off-Roading Locations (00:08:44) The hosts express their admiration for a favorite off-roading location and share a personal anecdote about their experiences there. First Jobs and Passion for Customer Service (00:10:39) The guest shares his first paying jobs, including building tennis courts and managing a western wear store, emphasizing his passion for customer service and making a difference in people's lives. Barn Brothers Offroad (00:12:31) Darrin shares the story of how Barn Brothers Offroad came to be and the challenges they faced. Learning from Bob and Kim (00:13:21) Darrin talks about the valuable lessons he learned from the owners of Fort Collins 4x4, Bob and Kim, and the importance of connecting with customers. Starting the Business (00:14:07) Darrin discusses the initial challenges and the support from his family in starting the business. Growing the Business (00:16:13) Darrin reflects on the growth of the business, the need for coaching, and the impact of learning from mistakes. RepairPal Sponsorship (00:17:25) A discussion about RepairPal and its benefits for auto repair shops. Challenges of Owning a Specialty Shop (00:19:20) Darrin shares insights into the challenges of owning a specialty shop and the importance of being prepared for daily uncertainties. Recruiting Specialized Technicians (00:23:12) The conversation shifts to recruiting specialized technicians and the diverse range of tasks they may encounter. Specialty Shop Marketing (00:24:34) Discussion on marketing strategies for specialty auto repair shops and the importance of showcasing fun activities. Understanding Your Customer (00:25:00) Emphasizing the need to understand the customer's expectations and interests in marketing a specialty shop. Customer Excitement (00:26:33) Highlighting the difference in customer excitement between traditional auto repair and specialty off-road services. Off-Roading Adventures (00:27:07) The rewarding experience of participating in off-roading activities and the joy of helping customers achieve the unexpected. Passion for Coaching (00:30:33) The speaker's passion for coaching and the impact of coaching on their life and business. Freedom and Coaching (00:32:47) The speaker's goal to provide freedom and guidance to shop owners through...

Our first auto repair shop was named “Behind the Star.” That may make you want to stop listening right now as we clearly had no idea what we were doing. But if we learn from our mistakes, we have a more comprehensive education than most! Through the years as we’ve worked with many different clients, we’ve seen just about every problem a business could have with a name. In this episode, we share some things you’ll want to think about when naming an auto repair shop. Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shops Show Notes Naming Your Auto Repair Shop (00:00:10) Discussion about the importance and considerations when naming an auto repair shop. The Story of Naming Their Shop (00:03:14) Personal anecdote about the process of naming their auto repair shop and the challenges they faced. Putting a Particular Service in the Name (00:08:00) Advice on the potential pitfalls of including a specific service in the name of an auto repair shop. Using Street Names in Business Name (00:11:52) Considerations and examples of using street names in the business name, including potential challenges. Using Your Name in the Business (00:13:58) Discussion about the implications of using personal names in the business name and potential future challenges. Confusing Names and Search Engines (00:15:01) Using names that confuse search engines and examples of real-world consequences. Creative Naming and Spelling (00:16:14) The pitfalls of overly creative or misspelled business names and their impact on searchability. Spelling and Pronunciation (00:18:18) The challenges of hard-to-spell or hard-to-pronounce names, with specific examples from Louisiana. Domain Name Considerations (00:20:27) Tips for choosing a domain name, including avoiding confusion and competitor-related issues. Competitor Domain Names (00:24:26) The importance of checking closely related domain names to avoid confusion with competitors. Final Remarks and Contact Information (00:25:30) Summarizing the naming considerations and promoting engagement with the podcast and sponsor. How To Get In Touch Group - Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Website - shopmarketingpros.com  Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros  Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/book Instagram - @shopmarketingpros  Questions/Ideas - podcast@shopmarketingpros.com 

One topic we rarely talk about is radio, yet we have a story of very successfully using radio advertising to market our own auto repair shop. Radio was different back then, but our strategy can still work, and the idea works across all mediums. We hope you’ll listen in to the story of Jack Boston, Bill LuMaye, and Peak Automotive. Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shops Show Notes The beginning of radio advertising (00:00:01) Discussion about the emotional story and effectiveness of radio advertising, its cost, and tracking difficulties. Evolution of radio options (00:01:21) Comparison of traditional AM and FM radio with newer options like Sirius XM, Pandora, Spotify, and podcasts. Getting into radio advertising (00:03:20) The story of how a customer, Jack Boston, influenced the hosts to start radio advertising and the initial challenges. Selecting the right radio station (00:05:57) The importance of choosing the right radio station based on listener demographics and the impact of the chosen station on the audience. Transition to a new radio host (00:07:26) The unexpected transition from Jack Boston to Bill Lemay due to health issues, and the process of involving the new host in advertising. The impact of live endorsements (00:13:11) The effectiveness of live endorsements over pre-recorded ads, the influence of creative freedom, and the authenticity of the message. The importance of asking clients (00:14:29) Discussion on the significance of asking clients about their listening habits to tailor marketing strategies. Advertising on satellite radio (00:15:17) Exploration of advertising opportunities on satellite radio and the potential for targeted local advertisements. Tracking radio advertising effectiveness (00:16:28) Insight into tracking the effectiveness of radio advertising through dedicated URLs and phone numbers The impactful gift from a client (00:18:30) A heartwarming story about a client's gift and its impact during a challenging time. Closing remarks and sponsorship acknowledgment (00:19:27) Acknowledgment of the sponsor and closing remarks, encouraging listeners to engage with the podcast and its hosts. How To Get In Touch Group - Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Website - shopmarketingpros.com  Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros  Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/book Instagram - @shopmarketingpros  Questions/Ideas - podcast@shopmarketingpros.com

In a world where so many great lessons come from failing, people are afraid of failure. We see this a lot, especially when it comes to marketing. Every time you learn something that doesn’t work, it puts you closer to finding something that does. So why do people give up on marketing so early and build belief systems that certain types of marketing “don’t work” when the evidence points to the contrary? That’s what we talk 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/shops Show Notes The Aftermarket Radio Network (00:00:01) Introduction to the podcast episode and hosts' welcome. Talking about Failing Forward (00:00:41) Discussion about the concept of "failing forward" and its importance in learning and growth. Fear of Failure (00:02:16) Exploring the fear of failure and its impact on business decisions and actions. Financial Impact of Failing (00:02:56) Highlighting the financial challenges and impact of failure, including personal experiences. Adapting to Failure (00:04:43) Emphasizing the importance of adapting and learning from failures to become better. Marketing and Fear of Failure (00:05:53) Addressing the fear of failure in marketing and its implications for business growth. Marketing Strategies and Failure (00:07:53) Discussing the significance of failure in marketing and its role in building a successful business. Google Ads Failure (00:11:01) Sharing a specific failure related to Google Ads and its impact on marketing efforts. Diagnosing Marketing (00:13:45) Explains the analogy between diagnosing a car and diagnosing marketing issues, focusing on the importance of using the right keywords in Google Ads. Learning from Failure (00:15:42) Discusses the failure in the ad campaign, the learning process, and the importance of taking responsibility for mistakes. Marketing Adjustments (00:16:42) Highlights the significance of making small adjustments in marketing strategies and provides examples of how minor changes can impact results. Balancing Risk and Innovation (00:22:07) Emphasizes the need to balance risk with innovation and the importance of having foundational marketing strategies in place before adopting new techniques. Celebrating Success Stories (00:25:02) Acknowledges and celebrates the success of shop owners who have effectively implemented marketing strategies discussed in the podcast. Engaging with the Audience (00:27:22) Encourages listeners to share their marketing experiences and struggles, offering to provide guidance and create content based on their questions. Cultivating a Growth Mindset (00:20:17) Encourages a growth mindset and discusses the impact of beliefs on the success of marketing efforts. Sponsorship acknowledgment (00:28:00) Acknowledgment of RepairPal's sponsorship and a thank you to the listeners. Promotion of upcoming episodes (00:28:14) Encouragement to listen in next week and a promotion of other podcasts on the aftermarket radio network. Closing remarks (00:28:20) Closing remarks from the host, encouraging feedback and interaction with the podcast. How To Get In Touch Group - Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Website - shopmarketingpros.com  Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros  Get the Book -

In this episode, Kim and Brian talk about the conferences and other events they will be attending and teaching at in 2024. These conferences are great opportunities to network with other shop owners and auto repair professionals, as well as “sharpening the saw” and become a better business person. Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shops Show Notes The aftermarket radio network (00:00:01) Introduction to the episode and discussion about upcoming automotive industry conferences and events. Pros on the road 2024 (00:00:10) Discussion about the Pros on the Road 2024 event and the importance of attending automotive industry conferences. Sponsorship acknowledgment (00:00:21) Acknowledgment of the sponsors of the podcast and their importance in supporting the podcast. Recap of 2023 conferences (00:01:03) Discussion about the conferences attended in 2023 and the plan for attending conferences in the current year. Conferences and classes schedule (00:02:00) Listing the conferences and events planned for the year and the classes to be taught at these events. Fly with the Eagles event (00:03:53) Details about the Fly with the Eagles event in Dallas, including the topics to be discussed. Vision conference (00:04:13) Discussion about the Vision conference, the classes to be taught, and the importance of attending. MARS conference (00:05:20) Information about the MARS conference and the class on driving car count to be taught. World Pack Advanced Car Quest (00:05:46) Details about the World Pack Advanced Car Quest conference and its significance. Tools by RSP event (00:06:52) Information about the Tools by RSP event in Pennsylvania. AST conference (00:06:59) Discussion about the AST conference in September. Classes and workshops details (00:09:09) Details about the specific topics and classes to be taught at various conferences and events. Extended video workshop (00:13:28) Information about the extended video workshop to be conducted at a specific location and the unique aspects of the workshop. Creating Loyal Customers (00:15:45) Discussion about a class on making customers feel special and loyal. Working with Marketing Partners (00:16:21) Explanation of a class on collaborating with marketing companies for better results. Identifying Your Ideal Customer (00:17:35) Teaching a class on understanding and targeting the ideal customer for automotive repair shops. Facebook Marketing for Auto Shops (00:18:34) Introduction of a new class on Facebook marketing for auto repair shops. The Powerful Duo: Ads and SEO (00:19:13) Discussion about a class on the importance of ads and SEO in marketing for automotive businesses. Hiring Advantage and Video Advantage (00:20:17) Information about classes on hiring tactics and the use of video for marketing. Attracting Technicians Through Marketing (00:21:41) Announcement of a webinar-style class on attracting technicians through marketing. Upcoming Conferences and Events (00:22:23) Discussion about future industry events and conferences, including changes in schedule. Connecting with the Audience (00:23:09) Encouragement for the audience to share their conference plans and connect with the speakers. Podcast Sponsorship and Closing (00:24:02) Acknowledgment of the podcast sponsor and closing remarks. How To Get In Touch Group - Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Website -

As we approach the end of the year there have been many discussions and questions about annual marketing planning. In this episode, Kim chats with shop owners Matt Wagg and LauraLee Schmidt about their successful planning and execution of their shop’s annual marketing planning. We dissect what’s needed to prepare to plan, how to plan, and how to monitor and adjust. Show Notes with Timestamps Annual Marketing Planning (00:00:10) Discussion about the importance of annual marketing planning for auto repair shops and the introduction of the podcast episode. Realization of the Need for Marketing Planning (00:01:26) Explanation of how shop owners, Laura Lee Schmidt and Matt Wagg, realized the need for annual marketing planning and the challenges faced. Experience with Marketing Planning (00:02:30) Conversation about the experiences of shop owners Laura Lee Schmidt and Matt Wagg in implementing annual marketing planning for their respective businesses. Business Growth and Marketing Planning (00:05:24) Matt Wagg's experience in starting a new business and the role of marketing planning in business growth. Corporate Experience and Marketing Planning (00:08:08) Laura Lee Schmidt's experience in corporate marketing planning and its adaptation to small independent businesses. Budgeting for Marketing (00:11:31) Discussion about budgeting for marketing, including reverse engineering, tracking returns, and the percentage of sales used for marketing.. TV Commercials Tracking (00:13:45) Discussion on tracking ROI for TV commercials and direct mail using specific codes and QR codes. Budget Planning (00:14:11) Shop owners discussing their marketing budget planning, starting at 5% and aiming for a 7 to 8% increase. Marketing Budget Range (00:14:43) Exploring the range of marketing budget percentages, from 5% to 15%, for maintaining growth or aggressive expansion. Identifying Slow Times (00:15:25) Strategies for adjusting marketing budget during slow times and the impact of local events on business. May Sales Dip (00:18:17) Discovering the influence of graduation parties on May sales and adjusting marketing strategies to counter the dip. Event Marketing Success (00:20:26) A successful event marketing strategy during a historically slow month, leading to increased business. Intentional Marketing Planning (00:22:51) Importance of dedicating time to marketing planning and the need for forethought in shop owners' marketing strategies. Diagnosing Slow Times (00:23:50) Changing the mindset to diagnose and plan for slow times, emphasizing the need for intentional planning and measurement. Analyzing Monthly Performance (00:26:03) Discussion about tracking and comparing monthly performance to inform proactive marketing planning. Tools for Marketing Planning (00:27:22) Laura Lee shares her spreadsheet tool for budgeting and tracking marketing expenses. Marketing Tracking and Reporting (00:28:04) Laura Lee and Matt discuss the importance of tracking tools, reports, and analytics for informed marketing decisions. Reviewing Marketing Performance (00:29:10) Matt discusses reviewing reports, lead sources, and direct mail success for marketing planning. Evaluating Marketing Investments (00:30:48) The importance of tracking what works and what doesn't in marketing investments is emphasized. Coaching and Marketing Planning (00:32:13) Shop owners discuss the role of their coaches in advising and encouraging more aggressive marketing planning. Marketing Planning Timeline (00:35:27) Laura Lee shares her timeline for marketing planning, emphasizing the need for early planning due to inventory needs. Setting Time for Marketing Planning (00:36:59) Matt discusses finding unbothered time for marketing planning, highlighting the importance of focus and...

2023 was a great year for The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. There were 52 new episodes for you to learn from and be inspired by. As the hosts of the podcast, we love them all, but for you, we each went through the list and picked our 5 favorite episodes. If you haven’t listened to these, we’re sure you’ll enjoy them and pull some nuggets of wisdom to make your business and life better. Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shops Show Notes Brian’s Top 5 Episode 29 - Create Your Own Economy Episode 45 - Phone Skills Amplify Your Marketing w/ Cecil Bullard Episode 55 - How EOS Drives SMART Marketing w/ Tim Stoll Episode 62 - The Importance of Managing Your Money Episode 71 - Preparing For The Day You Hope Never Comes - w/ Maylan Newton Kim’s Top 5 Episode 37 - Escaping a War-Torn country to Becoming a Shop Owner in Arizona - Mac’s  Episode 42 - Radical Generosity - Power of Gifting Episode 48 - Getting Shop Owners Off The Island Episode 72 - Life After the Reservation  with Kendall Warnock - A1 Automotive Episode 79 - Hope After Bankruptcy with Rick White and Cecil Bullard How To Get In Touch Group - Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Website - shopmarketingpros.com  Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros  Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/book Instagram - @shopmarketingpros  Questions/Ideas - podcast@shopmarketingpros.com 

In this podcast episode, Brian and Kim welcome guest Caroline Legrande to discuss the concept of adopting an annual theme for business. They explore how a theme can shape marketing strategies and internal culture, reflecting on their own "slingshot" theme's positive influence on their goals and team dynamics. The episode also touches on the creative and fun aspects of integrating the theme into marketing, exemplified by their use of rubber chicken finger flickers. The conversation underscores the value of a unifying theme in directing a team's focus and energizing the work environment. Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shops Show Notes with Timestamps Laughter and rotator cuff surgery (00:00:57) Humorous exchange about the host's rotator cuff surgery and laughter. Choosing a theme for the year (00:02:18) Discussion about adopting a theme for the business and personal use. Implementing the theme internally (00:03:59) Explanation of how the theme is used internally and its impact on the business. Marketing and production focus (00:06:26) How the theme ties into marketing and production as an additional core value. The slingshot theme (00:08:30) Explanation of the "slingshot" theme and its application to business growth. Creating a new theme (00:12:29) Discussion about brainstorming and choosing a new theme for the upcoming year. Teasing the theme (00:14:48) Teasing the audience about the new theme without revealing it. SWOT Analysis (00:14:54) Importance of SWOT analysis in generating ideas for the team and company growth. Teasing the Theme (00:15:55) Discussion about the theme for 2024 and the anticipation around revealing it. Revealing the Theme: Magnetic (00:17:37) The hosts reveal the theme for 2024 and discuss its significance and potential applications in marketing. Incorporating the Theme in Marketing (00:18:18) Strategies for incorporating the theme "magnetic" into marketing efforts, including attracting the right customers and repelling the wrong ones. Utilizing the Theme Internally (00:20:36) Exploring ways to integrate the theme "magnetic" within the team and internally for promotional items and team engagement. How To Get In Touch Group - Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Website - shopmarketingpros.com  Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros  Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/book Instagram - @shopmarketingpros  Questions/Ideas - podcast@shopmarketingpros.com 

In this episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast, hosts Kim and Brian Walker discuss the topic of bankruptcy with industry coaches Rick White and Cecil Bullard. Each guest shares their personal experiences with bankruptcy, providing insights into the emotional and financial struggles they faced. They discuss the importance of learning from past mistakes, seeking professional advice, and maintaining open communication in relationships during difficult times. The episode emphasizes resilience, the power of education, and the importance of not letting fear or pride hinder business growth. The speakers also highlight the value of giving and receiving support and the significance of moving forward after failure. Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shops Show Notes with Timestamps The decision to file for bankruptcy (00:02:12) Discussion about the impact of bankruptcy on marriages and families, encouraging openness and sharing of experiences. Rick White's bankruptcy story (00:04:08) Rick shares his personal experience of going bankrupt in 1989, selling his shop to pay off debts, and facing the consequences of vendors going after him. Cecil Bullard's bankruptcy story (00:06:19) Cecil talks about his experience of owing the IRS and the state of California a significant amount of money while owning multiple shops in Palm Springs. The manager's financial troubles (00:06:38) The speaker discusses the financial troubles faced by the manager, including owing money to the IRS and having to sell off shops. Bankruptcy and starting over (00:08:16) The speaker shares their experience of declaring bankruptcy, moving to a new location, and starting over in their career. Overcoming adversity and finding success (00:09:06) The speaker talks about facing multiple challenges, including a severe injury, financial difficulties, and bankruptcy, but ultimately finding success and running a successful shop. The bankruptcy decision (00:14:15) The speaker talks about their experience with bankruptcy, the poor decisions made during a road construction project, and the stress levels they faced. Encouraging others after bankruptcy (00:15:56) The speaker discusses how they found peace and were able to encourage others who had also filed for bankruptcy. Different types of bankruptcy (00:18:35) The speaker shares their experience with Chapter 13 bankruptcy and emphasizes the importance of getting educated and seeking legal advice before making a decision. The Tax Bill and Financial Guidance (00:20:24) Discussion on the importance of being prepared for tax bills and the difference between a CPA and a CFO. Bankruptcy and Learning from Failure (00:20:52) Personal experience with bankruptcy and the lessons learned from failure and tough times. Importance of Making Mistakes and Financial Advice (00:23:35) Emphasizing the value of making mistakes, seeking financial advice, and the need to let go of pride and fear in business. The importance of learning from mistakes (00:26:37) The importance of learning from past mistakes and not allowing them to dictate future decisions. Taking care of yourself emotionally and mentally (00:28:17) How to take care of oneself emotionally and mentally during difficult times, and Speaker 5 shares his perspective and advice. Moving forward and starting over (00:31:36) The mindset shift and perspective change needed to move forward and start over after facing challenges and setbacks. The bankruptcy experience (00:33:21) Discussion on the perspective change needed when facing bankruptcy and the importance of not staying stuck in the pain. The importance of relationships (00:35:10) The significance of communication

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

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