Chris Cotton Weekly Blitz

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/autorepairmarketingmastermindFinish Strong Series: “People Season — Keep the Team Focused, Motivated & Appreciated”Presented by Shop Marketing Pros — the most trusted marketing agency in the automotive repair industry.Episode SummaryIn Part 2 of the Finish Strong Series, Coach Chris Cotton dives deep into the most important part of your shop’s success in December: your people. This episode unpacks the emotional reality of the holiday season, how burnout impacts productivity and customer experience, and the tactical steps leaders can take to lift their team, energize the shop, and create a culture that drives performance through the end of the year (and into the next).This is the leadership blueprint shop owners need — practical, human, and built around real-world behavior.What You’ll Learn in This Episode✔️ Why December Is “People Season”Understand the emotional and psychological load your team carries this time of year — and why your leadership matters more now than ever.✔️ The Real Causes of Burnout (It’s Not the Work)Hear why burnout comes more from feeling unseen than from being busy, and how to counter it with clarity and connection.✔️ The 5 Tactical Motivators That Actually WorkThings like:Personalized recognitionShorter Fridays or flex schedulesTeam-based appreciation routinesSpecific shoutouts that matterLeading with empathy and accountability✔️ Daily Huddles: The December LifelineHow 10 minutes of morning structure can transform your team’s focus, speed, and communication.✔️ Creating a December Theme That Pulls Everyone ForwardHow to set the tone with simple shop-wide focus points like “Zero Comebacks Month” or “Run Through the Line.”✔️ The Family Touch That Builds LoyaltyWhy acknowledging the people behind your employees has an outsized impact on morale and performance.Why This Episode MattersDecember is when your team needs leadership, clarity, and appreciation — not more pressure. This episode gives you the tactical tools and mindset to build culture, create momentum, and finish the year with a team that feels committed, energized, and ready for 2025.Sponsored By: Shop Marketing ProsA big thank you to Shop Marketing Pros for sponsoring this episode. They’re the experts in storytelling, branding, and digital marketing for auto repair shops. Learn more at ShopMarketingPros.com — where great shops get great marketing.To listen to more episodes, make sure and go over to iTunes and or Spotify. Don't forget to rate and review us! Connect with Chris:AutoFix-Auto Shop Coachingwww.autoshopcoaching.comwww.aftermarketradionetwork.com 940-400-1008Facebook: a...

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🎧 The Weekly Blitz — Episode 1 NotesFinish Strong Series: “The Final Push — Maximize December Without Feeling Desperate”Presented by Shop Marketing Pros — the automotive repair industry’s leading marketing experts.Episode SummaryIn Part 1 of the Finish Strong Series, Coach Chris Cotton breaks down how to turn December from a “slow month” into a strategic opportunity. Instead of coasting into the holiday season, Chris shows shop owners how to lean in, create momentum, and drive revenue without discounting, panicking, or looking desperate.This episode gives you the exact tactical playbook for ending the year powerfully and stepping into January with confidence, clarity, and cashflow.What You’ll Learn in This Episode✔️ The Myth of ‘Slow December’Why December isn’t slow — it’s chaotic — and how that chaos actually creates more opportunity for intentional shops.✔️ Stop Projecting Your Stress Onto CustomersMost shop owners talk themselves out of money. Chris explains how to stop assuming what customers will or won’t spend this month.✔️ How to Build DVIs That Actually Sell WorkThe December DVI blueprint: picture-heavy, story-driven, urgency-focused, and built around safety and travel needs.✔️ Same-Day Follow-Up: The December Secret WeaponWhy customers are more likely to say “yes” within 6–12 hours, and how to use this window strategically.✔️ Zero-Desperation MarketingWhy you shouldn’t discount in December — and what to send your customers instead.✔️ Scheduling Tactics for the Final PushHow to run December like a “say yes and figure it out” month: micro-jobs, flexible bays, promise windows, and elevated communication.✔️ How to Finish the Year — and Start the Next — With MomentumDecember is a psychological month for both owners and customers. Chris breaks down how to shape that momentum and avoid the common traps that derail shops.Why This Episode MattersMost auto repair shops lose December — not because the work isn’t there, but because their mindset is off. This episode teaches you how to shift your perspective, operate with confidence, and capture the opportunities other shops miss.Your year isn’t over.Your customers still need you.And your shop still has money on the table.Sponsored By: Shop Marketing ProsA special thanks to Shop Marketing Pros for making this episode possible. If you're ready to grow your car count, build trust in your community, and create marketing that actually works, visit ShopMarketingPros.com.They help great shops get seen, known, and understood.Connect With Coach Chris Cotton📧 Email Chris: chris autofixsos.comTo listen to more episodes, make sure and go over to iTunes and or Spotify. Don't forget to rate and review us! Connect with Chris:AutoFix-Auto Shop Coaching

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/autorepairmarketingmastermindSpecial Thanks to Our Sponsor:⭐ Shop Marketing Pros — helping auto repair shops tell their story, attract the right customers, and grow their business.👉 Learn more: shopmarketingpros.com​​📓 Show NotesTopic: Scheduling in auto repair shops Theme: Controlled flexibility—saying yes while staying efficient Key Points:Appointment-based industries struggle with no-showsOverbooking isn’t reckless—it’s strategicTeaching a “figure-it-out” mindset builds customer trustFlexibility is a skill, not chaosAction Steps:Review your average show rate and build a 10–15% overbooking buffer.Designate one “flex” bay per day.Empower advisors to say “yes” within reason.​Part of the Automotive Repair Podcast Network:🎙️ Remarkable Results Radio — Carm Capriotto📈 Business by the Numbers — Hunt Demarest🔧 Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z — Matt Fanslow💬 Speak Up! Effective Communication — Craig O’Neill🚀 Auto Repair Marketing Podcast — Kim & Brian Walker💥 The Weekly Blitz — Coach Chris Cotton​Thanks for listening to The Weekly Blitz, brought to you by Shop Marketing Pros. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow shop owner and help them figure it out too.Want to be on the show or suggest a topic? Email me at chris autofixsos.comTo listen to more episodes, make sure and go over to iTunes and or Spotify. Don't forget to rate and review us! Connect with Chris:AutoFix-Auto Shop Coachingwww.autoshopcoaching.comwww.aftermarketradionetwork.com 940-400-1008Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYouTube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0aeEmail Chris: chris@autofixsos.comThe Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open DiscussionDiagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.a...

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/autorepairmarketingmastermindSpecial Thanks to Our Sponsor:⭐ Shop Marketing Pros — helping auto repair shops tell their story, attract the right customers, and grow their business.👉 Learn more: shopmarketingpros.com​​Episode Summary: Coach Chris Cotton dives into how reality TV and shows like Friends shaped the way people connect with authenticity — and how those same emotional triggers apply in today’s auto repair world. Using lessons from They Ask, You Answer by Marcus Sheridan and Endless Customers by John Jantsch, Chris shares how shop owners can build deep customer loyalty through transparency, consistency, and storytelling.Key Takeaways:Authenticity beats perfection — customers connect to what’s real.“Know, Like, Trust” isn’t marketing jargon; it’s relationship math.Use video, blogs, and social to educate — not just sell.Highlight your team’s personalities; people buy from people.Deliver consistency — small promises kept lead to lifetime loyalty.​Part of the Automotive Repair Podcast Network:🎙️ Remarkable Results Radio — Carm Capriotto📈 Business by the Numbers — Hunt Demarest🔧 Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z — Matt Fanslow💬 Speak Up! Effective Communication — Craig O’Neill🚀 Auto Repair Marketing Podcast — Kim & Brian Walker💥 The Weekly Blitz — Coach Chris CottonTo listen to more episodes, make sure and go over to iTunes and or Spotify. Don't forget to rate and review us! Connect with Chris:AutoFix-Auto Shop Coachingwww.autoshopcoaching.comwww.aftermarketradionetwork.com 940-400-1008Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYouTube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0aeEmail Chris: chris@autofixsos.comThe Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open DiscussionDiagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.

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/autorepairmarketingmastermindWhen emergencies hit—like government shutdowns, road closures, or sudden slowdowns—most shops panic. Smart ones glide safely because they built a parachute plan. In this episode, Coach Chris Cotton walks you through how to identify your cash trigger point, protect your team, and create a survival strategy for your auto repair business.Timestamps: 0:00 – Opener 1:45 – Why every shop needs a parachute plan 4:20 – Determining your cash trigger point 8:00 – Identifying key team members 12:10 – Levels of emergency response 15:30 – Communication and leadership under pressure 19:00 – Final thoughts​​Special Thanks to Our Sponsor:⭐ Shop Marketing Pros — helping auto repair shops tell their story, attract the right customers, and grow their business.👉 Learn more: shopmarketingpros.com​​Part of the Automotive Repair Podcast Network:🎙️ Remarkable Results Radio — Carm Capriotto📈 Business by the Numbers — Hunt Demarest🔧 Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z — Matt Fanslow💬 Speak Up! Effective Communication — Craig O’Neill🚀 Auto Repair Marketing Podcast — Kim & Brian Walker💥 The Weekly Blitz — Coach Chris CottonTo listen to more episodes, make sure and go over to iTunes and or Spotify. Don't forget to rate and review us! Connect with Chris:AutoFix-Auto Shop Coachingwww.autoshopcoaching.comwww.aftermarketradionetwork.com 940-400-1008Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYouTube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0aeEmail Chris: chris@autofixsos.comThe Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open DiscussionDiagnosing 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

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/autorepairmarketingmastermindIf your coach tells you something you don’t like… that’s probably the exact thing you need to hear.In this episode of The Weekly Blitz, Coach Chris Cotton lays down some tough love for shop owners: stop running from the hard truths that will actually grow your business.Too many people hire a coach, hear something uncomfortable, and then go looking for someone who’ll tell them what they want to hear. That’s not coaching — that’s validation. And validation won’t get you better results.This week, Chris breaks down why we do this, how it’s killing your growth, and what to do instead.You’ll learn:✅ Why coaching isn’t supposed to feel good✅ How confirmation bias keeps shop owners stuck✅ What happens when you stop chasing agreement and start embracing accountability✅ The difference between “I want to feel better” and “I want to get better”👉 Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!Timestamps:00:00 – Intro: The uncomfortable truth about coaching02:30 – Why we resist hard feedback06:00 – The trap of validation-seeking09:45 – Real-world examples from the coaching trenches13:30 – How to sit in discomfort and trust the process17:30 – Key takeaways and closing thoughtsContact Coach Chris:📧 Email: chris autofixsos.com​Special Thanks to Our Sponsor:⭐ Shop Marketing Pros — helping auto repair shops tell their story, attract the right customers, and grow their business.👉 Learn more: shopmarketingpros.com​Part of the Automotive Repair Podcast Network:🎙️ Remarkable Results Radio — Carm Capriotto📈 Business by the Numbers — Hunt Demarest🔧 Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z — Matt Fanslow💬 Speak Up! Effective Communication — Craig O’Neill🚀 Auto Repair Marketing Podcast — Kim & Brian Walker💥 The Weekly Blitz — Coach Chris CottonTo listen to more episodes, make sure and go over to iTunes and or Spotify. Don't forget to rate and review us! Connect with Chris:AutoFix-Auto Shop Coachingwww.autoshopcoaching.comwww.aftermarketradionetwork.com 940-400-1008Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYouTube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0aeEmail Chris: chris@autofixsos.comThe Automotive Repair Podcast Network:

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 powerful follow-up to “You Can’t Win the Game If You Don’t Know How to Play It,” Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching takes you from awareness to action.This episode dives into what separates shop owners who know their business from those who dominate it — execution, accountability, and leadership.Learn how to: 🏈 Turn knowledge into consistent execution 🔥 Shift from playing defense to playing offense in your business 📊 Build daily habits that drive results 👥 Create a culture of accountability and competition 💭 Develop a winning mindset that moves your team forwardIt’s time to stop surviving and start competing. The only question left is — are you ready to win your game?​🔥 Remember: You can’t win the game if you don’t know how to play it.To listen to more episodes, make sure and go over to iTunes and or Spotify. Don't forget to rate and review us! Connect with Chris:AutoFix-Auto Shop Coachingwww.autoshopcoaching.comwww.aftermarketradionetwork.com 940-400-1008Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYouTube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0aeEmail Chris: chris@autofixsos.comThe Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open DiscussionDiagnosing 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

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 episode of The Weekly Blitz, Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching breaks down one of the biggest truths in business: you can’t win the game if you don’t know how to play it.Most shop owners are out there hustling every day — fixing cars, keeping customers happy, trying to make payroll — but they’re doing it without a playbook. In this episode, Chris explains what the real game of auto repair ownership looks like, what the rules are, and how to finally start winning it.Learn how to:Identify the real game you’re playing as a business ownerUnderstand your KPIs — your “scoreboard”Build a playbook your whole team can followShift from being the player to becoming the coachLead your team to victory week after weekWhether you’re running a one-man shop or managing a full crew, this episode will help you stop playing on defense and start calling plays that actually score.​🔥 Remember: You can’t win the game if you don’t know how to play it.To listen to more episodes, make sure and go over to iTunes and or Spotify. Don't forget to rate and review us! Connect with Chris:AutoFix-Auto Shop Coachingwww.autoshopcoaching.comwww.aftermarketradionetwork.com 940-400-1008Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYouTube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0aeEmail Chris: chris@autofixsos.comThe Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open DiscussionDiagnosing 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

To listen to more episodes, make sure and go over to iTunes and or Spotify. Don't forget to rate and review us! Visit ShopMarketingPros.com/chris to partner with a team that understands your business. Because every great shop deserves marketing that’s just as great. 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 ​Losing weight and running a profitable auto repair shop might sound like two totally different worlds — but they have more in common than you think.​ In this episode of the Weekly Blitz, Coach Chris Cotton celebrates a personal​milestone (30 pounds down!) while drawing powerful parallels between weight​ loss and shop coaching. From defining what a win really looks like, to trusting ​the process, to pushing through plateaus — you’ll discover why small, ​consistent changes create the biggest results. Whether you’re working on your​ health or your business, this episode will inspire you to focus on the ounces,​ because that’s how you win the pounds and the profits.​​What you’ll learn in this episode:Why small wins (ounces lost or percentage-point KPI gains) matter more than big, flashy goals.How the start-up phase of both journeys requires investment in tools, systems, and trust.The importance of trusting the process and leaning on your coach’s expertise.How to handle plateaus — whether on the scale or in your shop’s sales.Why accountability and consistency always beat quick fixes.The connection between scales and KPIs — and why both never lie.Coach Chris’s personal story of hitting a 30-pound weight loss milestone, and what that means for shop owners everywhere.Coach’s Challenge for Listeners:This week, identify your “ounce-sized win.”If you’re working on your health: skip one soda, walk 10 extra minutes, or go to bed earlier.If you’re working on your shop: track a KPI you’ve been ignoring, raise your ARO by $20, or complete one extra DVI per day.Closing Thought:“Whether it’s pounds or profits, the process works if you work it.”Connect with Chris:AutoFix-Auto Shop Coachingwww.autoshopcoaching.comwww.aftermarketradionetwork.com 940-400-1008Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYouTube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0aeEmail Chris: chris@autofixsos.comThe Aftermarket Radio NetworkRemarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open DiscussionDiagnosing 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...

Visit ShopMarketingPros.com/chris to partner with a team that understands your business. Because every great shop deserves marketing that’s just as great. 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 ​Episode Summary: Most auto repair shops leave thousands of dollars on the table every week because their service advisors are acting like order-takers instead of sales pros. In this episode of The Weekly Blitz, Coach Chris Cotton breaks down the mindset, skills, and systems that transform advisors into the growth engine of your shop.From real-world examples to proven scripts, you’ll learn how to boost closing ratios, raise ARO, and build trust with customers without being pushy. If your advisors are just “writing tickets,” it’s time to flip the switch and start creating true sales professionals.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The #1 mindset shift that separates order-takers from sales pros.Why confidence and tone matter more than price in customer decisions.How to use DVIs as storytelling tools that sell themselves.Four practical steps to help advisors close more work with integrity.The KPIs every shop owner should track to measure advisor success.Takeaway Challenge: Track one advisor’s closing ratio for five days. Then role-play one scenario to improve it by just 5%. That small change could add tens of thousands of dollars to your annual sales.Resources & Tools:​Introduction & Sponsor Message (00:00:08) Coach Chris Cotton introduces the podcast, highlights Shop Marketing Pros as the sponsor, and sets the episode’s focus.Identifying the Choke Point: Service Advisors (00:01:03) Explains the critical impact of service advisors, the difference between order takers and sales professionals, and their effect on gross profit.Order Taker vs. Sales Pro Example (00:02:18) Provides a practical example contrasting an order taker’s approach with a sales professional’s, emphasizing education and trust.Attention to Detail & Mindset Shift (00:03:21) Stresses the importance of precise communication, reframing the advisor’s role, and selling peace of mind, not just repairs.Confidence and Communication Skills (00:04:33) Discusses the need for confident language, tone, and regular coaching to improve advisor performance.Using DVI as a Storytelling Tool (00:05:48) Describes how digital vehicle inspections (DVI) should be used to visually narrate repairs and build customer understanding.Active Listening & Mirroring at Check-In (00:06:55) Highlights the importance of repeating customer concerns, slowing down, and ensuring customers feel heard during check-in.One-Minute R.O. Read Back & Update Scripts (00:06:55) Covers confirming details before the customer leaves and using consistent update scripts to build trust.Tracking Closing Ratios & Performance Metrics (00:08:03) Emphasizes tracking closing ratios over car count or average repair order, and the pitfalls of manipulating metrics.Daily Roleplay & Advisor Scoreboard (00:09:05) Recommends daily scenario practice, posting advisor performance metrics, and using visibility to drive improvement.Ongoing Training & Accountability (00:10:11) Advocates for regular training, coaching,...

Visit ShopMarketingPros.com/chris to partner with a team that understands your business. Because every great shop deserves marketing that’s just as great. 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 ​In this episode of the "Auto Fix Auto Show Coaching" podcast, Coach Chris Cotton dives deep into the parallels between running a successful auto repair shop and leading a championship football team. Coach Chris unpacks six essential lessons—energy, discipline, process, stepping up, hard work behind the scenes, and striving for greatness—that are crucial for building a high-performing, winning culture in any shop. He explains how bringing the right energy every day sets the tone for the entire team, while maintaining discipline ensures that everyone stays focused on their goals. Coach Chris emphasizes the importance of having solid processes in place, encouraging owners to step up as leaders and set the standard for their staff. He also highlights the value of the hard work that happens out of the spotlight, reminding listeners that true success is built on consistent effort and dedication. Throughout the episode, Coach Chris offers practical advice and motivational insights, inspiring shop owners to lead with passion, reject mediocrity, and execute with the precision and commitment of champions. By applying these lessons, owners can create a standout shop culture that not only attracts customers but also drives long-term success in a highly competitive market.​​In this episode of "The Weekly Blitz," Coach Chris Cotton shines a spotlight on the critical role that attention to detail plays in the success or failure of an auto repair shop. He breaks down how seemingly minor errors—such as incorrect repair orders, overlooked specifications, or lapses in communication—can snowball into significant issues, resulting in lost profits, increased comebacks, and dissatisfied customers. Chris emphasizes that these small mistakes are often the root cause of larger operational problems, and addressing them is key to building a thriving business.To help shop owners and managers tackle these challenges, Chris&nbsp...

Visit ShopMarketingPros.com/chris to partner with a team that understands your business. Because every great shop deserves marketing that’s just as great. 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 ​In this episode of the "Auto Fix Auto Show Coaching" podcast, Coach Chris Cotton dives deep into the parallels between running a successful auto repair shop and leading a championship football team. Coach Chris unpacks six essential lessons—energy, discipline, process, stepping up, hard work behind the scenes, and striving for greatness—that are crucial for building a high-performing, winning culture in any shop. He explains how bringing the right energy every day sets the tone for the entire team, while maintaining discipline ensures that everyone stays focused on their goals. Coach Chris emphasizes the importance of having solid processes in place, encouraging owners to step up as leaders and set the standard for their staff. He also highlights the value of the hard work that happens out of the spotlight, reminding listeners that true success is built on consistent effort and dedication. Throughout the episode, Coach Chris offers practical advice and motivational insights, inspiring shop owners to lead with passion, reject mediocrity, and execute with the precision and commitment of champions. By applying these lessons, owners can create a standout shop culture that not only attracts customers but also drives long-term success in a highly competitive market.​​Introduction and Sponsor Message (00:00:12) Coach Chris introduces the podcast, shares sponsor info, and sets up the football-business analogy.Why Run Your Shop Like a Football Team? (00:01:07) Explains the inspiration for the episode and draws parallels between coaching football and managing a shop.Lesson 1: Have a High Motor (00:02:19) Discusses the importance of energy, enthusiasm, and hustle in both football and shop leadership.Lesson 2: Losers Jump Offsides (00:04:18) Covers discipline, avoiding mistakes, and not giving away “free yards” in business operations.Lesson 3: Play Your Technique (00:05:26) Stresses the value of following processes and procedures consistently for success.Lesson 4: Be a Hero (00:06:35)Encourages stepping up in critical moments and seizing opportunities to lead and excel.Lesson 5: Work Your Ass Off When Nobody’s Looking (00:07:38) Highlights the importance of unseen hard work and preparation behind the scenes.Lesson 6: Be Pissed Off for Greatness (00:08:39) Motivates listeners to strive for greatness, avoid mediocrity, and hold themselves accountable.Personal Story: Effort Is Between You and You (00:10:03) Coach Chris shares his personal journey with self-discipline and effort, reinforcing the previous lesson.Ray Lewis Quotes and Final Motivation (00:10:54) Shares favorite motivational quotes and ties them back to business and personal growth.Closing and Sponsor Reminder (00:11:47) Wraps up with a summary, call to action, and another sponsor mention.To listen to more episodes, make sure and go over to iTunes and or Spotify. Don't forget to rate and review us! Connect with Chris:AutoFix-Auto Shop Coaching

Visit ShopMarketingPros.com/chris to partner with a team that understands your business. Because every great shop deserves marketing that’s just as great. 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 ​In this episode, Coach Chris Cotton from Auto Fix Auto Shop Coaching delves into the emotional challenges that clients often encounter when beginning their coaching journey. He discusses how feelings of vulnerability, uncertainty, and even anxiety are common among shop owners as they take the first steps toward change and improvement. Chris emphasizes the critical importance of empathy from coaches, explaining that understanding and validating these emotions helps build trust and rapport. He also stresses the need for clear, open communication and consistent reassurance, noting that coaches should be approachable and supportive, guiding clients through the process with patience and understanding.Drawing from his own experiences working with a variety of auto repair shops, Chris shares stories that illustrate the transformative power of coaching when both parties are actively engaged. He encourages shop owners to remain present and communicative throughout the coaching relationship, warning against the tendency to "ghost" their coach when challenges arise. According to Chris, active participation, honest feedback, and a willingness to confront difficulties head-on are all essential ingredients for achieving meaningful results and lasting success.Additionally, Chris highlights the pivotal role of leadership—not only within the coaching relationship but also in the day-to-day operations of an auto repair shop. He explains that effective leaders create environments where both clients and customers feel safe, respected, and valued. This sense of security fosters stronger relationships, higher morale, and better business outcomes.The episode is sponsored by Shop Marketing Pros, a company specializing in marketing solutions tailored specifically for auto repair shops. Their expertise helps shop owners attract new customers, retain existing ones, and grow their businesses through strategic, results-driven marketing campaigns.To listen to more episodes, make sure and go over to iTunes and or Spotify. Don't forget to rate and review us! Connect with Chris:AutoFix-Auto Shop Coachingwww.autoshopcoaching.comwww.aftermarketradionetwork.com 940-400-1008Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYouTube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0aeEmail Chris: chris@autofixsos.comThe 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: a...

To listen to more episodes, make sure and go over to iTunes and or Spotify. Don't forget to rate and review us!...

Visit ShopMarketingPros.com/chris to partner with a team that understands your business. Because every great shop deserves marketing that’s just as great. 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 In Episode 9 of "The Weekly Blitz," Coach Chris Cotton delivers a comprehensive overview of essential marketing and customer retention strategies specifically tailored for auto repair shop owners. He begins by stressing the importance of proactive marketing, explaining that waiting for customers to find you is no longer enough in today’s competitive landscape. Chris details how leveraging digital tools such as Google My Business, Local Service Ads, search engine optimization (SEO), and targetEd digital ads...

To listen to more episodes, make sure and go over to iTunes and or Spotify. Don't forget to rate and review us!...

Visit https://ShopMarketingPros.com/chris  to partner with a team that  understands your business. Because every great shop deserves marketing that’s just as great. Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/If you would like to join their private Facebook group go here: 

Visit ShopMarketingPros.com/chris to partner with a team that understands your business. Because every great shop deserves marketing that’s just as great. 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 ​In episode seven of "The Weekly Blitz," Coach Chris Cotton of Auto Fix Auto Shop Coaching delivers an insightful discussion on the essential role of shop safety and cultivating a positive work environment for auto repair shop owners and their teams. Chris begins by stressing that safety is not just a regulatory requirement, but a foundational element for long-term business success and employee satisfaction.Throughout the episode, Chris breaks down a variety of practical safety measures that every shop should implement. He discusses the importance of providing and consistently using personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, safety glasses, and proper footwear, to minimize the risk of injury. He also covers safe chemical handling procedures, including proper labeling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials, as well as the necessity of maintaining up-to-date Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and training staff on chemical safety protocols.Chris goes on to address the correct use of lifting equipment, emphasizing the need for regular equipment inspections, proper lifting techniques, and clear communication among team members to prevent accidents. Fire safety is another key topic, with Chris outlining steps like maintaining accessible fire extinguishers, conducting regular fire drills, and ensuring all staff are familiar with emergency evacuation routes. Electrical safety is highlighted as well, with reminders to inspect cords and outlets, avoid overloading circuits, and promptly address any electrical hazards.Slip, trip, and fall prevention is also discussed, with Chris recommending routine housekeeping, immediate cleanup of spills, and the use of anti-slip mats in high-traffic areas. He underscores the importance of emergency preparedness, encouraging shop owners to develop and regularly review emergency response plans, conduct safety meetings, and provide ongoing safety training for all employees.Beyond physica...

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/autorepairmarketingmastermindVisit ShopMarketingPros.com/chris to partner with a team that understands your business. Because every great shop deserves marketing that’s just as great. In episode six of "The Weekly Blitz," Coach Chris Cotton expertly guides auto repair shop owners through an in-depth, eight-step diagnostic process designed to improve shop consistency, profitability, and customer trust. Throughout the episode, he emphasizes the importance of clear communication with both technicians and customers, ensuring everyone understands the diagnostic procedures and findings. Chris highlights the necessity of thorough and accurate documentation at every stage, which not only protects the shop but also provides transparency for clients. He also stresses the value of charging appropriately for diagnostic work, explaining how this reinforces the professionalism of the shop and ensures technicians are compensated for their expertise.Chris delves into how implementing a standardized diagnostic approach helps prevent costly comebacks, reduces errors, and boosts technician confidence by providing a clear roadmap for every job. This consistency, he explains, leads to higher quality repairs and builds lasting, trust...

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: