Blog (Maryann Croce): The Secret to a Better Team is No Secret
The number one challenge shop owners tell me they face today is finding good help. I hear it from all areas of the country.
Coach's Corner
Blog (Maryann Croce): Leadership & your word
Each year I choose a word that represents what I will focus on that year. This year it’s “Self-Care.”
Blog (Maryann Croce): How does working with family work?
This is a topic I often have with shop owners. This is a controversial topic.
Blog (Maryann Croce): 10 business lessons I've learned
Whether you're a new shop owner or have been a shop owner for decades there are lessons to be learned at each of the 5 stages of business. The key word being learned.
Blog (Maryann Croce): It’s not your fault. Until it is.
The fact is you can’t grow your business alone without sacrificing another part of your life.
Blog (Maryann Croce): Is your business a resource or a hero?
I had a conversation with a client recently and they realized that they had positioned their company has a hero.
Blog (Maryann Croce): Solution to the auto industry 'silo'
I’ve been in the auto industry for over 20 years. As a shop owner and a coach, I’ve spoken with hundreds of people in the industry who are frustrated over the following. Technician shortage/wages…
Blog (Maryann Croce): Coach, consultant or trainer. How do you choose?
There is more to building, operating and growing an automotive business than most new business owners realize.
Blog: Is your business receiving the rewards of customer service?
Do you know what the #1 complaint is from people looking for a service from a trade business? When I speak to potential customers, people in local networking groups (people who are searching for trade business services), they all have…
Blog: How do you define success?
It’s easy to look at business and life from your own vantage point and get frustrated or feel stuck because you aren’t getting your desired results.
Blog: Your GPS for Business Success: 5 Stages of Business
Business success comes from focusing on the priorities at each stage. It’s about sequencing. Taking the steps needed to do the right activities at the right time. In the end we are all measured and held accountable to RESULTS.
How ‘meaningful’ work can motivate your millennial employees
Every day we face dilemmas and choices, or the all-important question from our wives, “What do you want for dinner?” Let’s be honest, the answer “I don’t know” is not going to lead to the successful outcome of getting dinner…
Technician pay – working the numbers to win the war for talent
Editor’s Note: The labor rates mentioned in this article are theoretical and should not be considered industry standards. Are you ready to face the most serious threat to your business? That is, the threat of your shop not having the necessary…
How excuses can identify opportunities to improve business
The automotive service and repair business is all about solving problems. In the case of vehicle maintenance, it’s about preventing problems. Shop owners have created a business around their ability to solve vehicle problems and their expertise in maintaining vehicles. When vehicles no…
Know what to say with customer price-shopping inquiries
Making the phone ring at your shop takes tremendous effort. It’s called marketing, advertising and brand awareness. Your business depends on people to respond to these efforts and reach out to you for help with their vehicle maintenance and repair needs .…
Two good reasons to answer the phone. Otherwise, don’t?
When asked why they answer the phone, most service advisers respond: “Because it’s my job.” I submit that many of the calls coming into shops are the result of service advisers failing to do their job. Let me share how service advisers…
How Promise Times Help Improve Your Processes
Continuing our journey toward better processes, I recently spoke with a frustrated shop owner about a point of pain in his business. His concern was the time he spent dealing with upset customers. His example was the day he had…
