Building Your Brand: More Than Just Creating A Logo
In the July/August 2011 issue, we reviewed the value of developing a brand for your company, built on the “promise of an experience.” Oftentimes, people assume that a brand is just a logo used on marketing materials. A brand goes far beyond having a logo.
Protecting Customer Information: The Safeguards Rule
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enacted Standards for Safeguarding Customer Information on May 23, 2003. By now, most repair shops should have implemented their information security programs and taken steps to ensure compliance with the Safeguards Rule. If you have not, we recommend taking steps to get in compliance immediately. If you have, it’s still important to periodically review and assess your program to ensure you remain in compliance.
Learning To Manage The Changing Workforce
If you’re like me, in the over-50 age bracket, it’s no surprise that you view the world a lot differently than the younger generation. On the other hand, people from the younger generation will struggle with many of the values and ethics of the older generation. When you consider the diverse demographics of today combined with a multi-generational workforce, it’s easy to see how the differences in values and behavior are having a profound impact in the workplace.
7 Steps To A New Shop Location: Strategies For A Successful Business Expansion
In July, I opened my 25th auto repair shop in Marietta, GA. The shop, which operates under the Service Street banner, is located on a busy highway, northwest of Atlanta. The store launched strong, posting the third-best opening, sales-wise, of all my shops. Once it matures, I expect it to be my top-performer.
Rotary Lift Expands Factory Training for Installers
Since 1989, Rotary Lift has provided regular factory training classes on proper lift installation and service for its Rotary Authorized Installer (RAI) network. Recently, the company added a third full day to its RAI training classes in order to thoroughly cover new products.
Staying Current Keeps California Shop Successful And Makes Great First Impressions With Customers
Training and technology updates help preserve West Escondido Automotive & Transmission’s status as a premier repair facility.
Integrity, Family Atmosphere: Formula for Success at Marshall Motors
As a shop owner, hiring a new technician can be daunting task: finding the right recruiting avenues, narrowing down the applicants and, then, hopefully, making the right choice. But for Thom and January Marshall, siblings and co-owners of Marshall Motors in Dallas, the process takes a unique turn to ensure the right person is hired for the job.
Good Interviewing Takes Time and Preparation, Part 2
In Part 1 of this article in the March/April issue, I discussed how investing ample time in the interview process can prevent hiring the wrong person for the job, as well as employee turnover, because you can get a more accurate assessment of a candidate’s qualifications. This article will continue with that discussion, zeroing in on how to properly assess a job prospect’s skill sets.
Tips for Female-Friendly Customer Service
Is your shop clean and inviting? Is speed of service a priority? Are your service and salespeople attentive and personable? If you answered no to any of those questions, you might be alienating at least half of your customer base.
Massachusetts Repair Shop Sells 1,705 $10 Oil Changes on Groupon
Mike Pederson, owner of Mike’s Automotive Services in Somerville, MA, has always tried to take advantage of all the latest marketing offerings that are available for small businesses. The shop has a website, a blog, a Twitter feed and a Facebook page. In October, the shop ran a coupon on Groupon for $10 oil changes. They sold 1,705 oil changes.
