Chris Cotton Weekly Blitz
Chris Cotton
Updated 5 days agoWeekly inspiration from automotive service business coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. www.autoshopcoaching.com Run Your Shop. Don't Let It Run You.
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Episodes (266)
Leadership Gold: Chapter 13 Don’t Manage Your Time, Manage Your Life! [E088]
AutoLeap Link: https://bit.ly/3n5qW2MDon't Manage Your Time, manage Your Life! Time for a change in perspective!Good Leaders Cannot Be Bad Self-ManagersPeople who manage themselves poorly are often guilty of the following 3 things:1. They undervalue their uniqueness doing what others want them to do. 2. They ryin their effectiveness by doing un-important things. 3. They reduce their potential by doing things without coaching or training. Application Exercises:1. Are you squandering your time?2. Are you getting help where you need it?3. How do you decide to spend your time?Coach Chris CottonAutoFix-Auto Shop CoachingVisit Auto Shop Coaching website HERE.940-400-1008Email Chris: [email protected] Link: https://bit.ly/3n5qW2M
My Gift to You on my 50th Birthday [E087]
Please take 7 minutes out of your busy schedule to listen to this one! This is my gift to you on MY birthday: Are you counting your marbles? Coach Chris CottonAutoFix-Auto Shop CoachingVisit Auto Shop Coaching website HERE.940-400-1008Email Chris: [email protected] Link: https://bit.ly/3n5qW2M
Year End Tasks! Looking Forward to 2023! [E086]
It’s time to reflect on how this past year went; what did you accomplish? What fell through the cracks and why. After you’ve done that, It’s time to think about what you want to accomplish in 2023 and set things in motion to ensure you achieve those things. Also, time to think about year-end evaluations for all staff members. Are there people that don’t need to be on your staff? If so, don't carry those people into the new year. Also, don’t be afraid to let those people go now. It’s not ok to keep them on the payroll just because you feel bad about letting them go “during the holidays”Also, when was the last time you did a labor rate analysis? When was the last time you raised your labor rate and adjusted it and your parts matrix for inflation?Also, time to evaluate Job Descriptions/Employee Handbooks/Training Programs etc….Tax Planning---Have you been talking with your accountant all year and or been making quarterly payments on your taxes? If not, do you have money set aside to pay your taxes?Next, let’s talk about Compliance and give you a checklist of things to do for your business at the end of the year. Coach Chris CottonAutoFix-Auto Shop CoachingVisit Auto Shop Coaching website HERE.940-400-1008Email Chris: [email protected] Link: https://bit.ly/3n5qW2M
Building a Great Mentorship Program in YOUR Auto Repair Business [E085]
Mentorship programs are a highly effective method of employee development. When done well, promoting mentorship within organizations can have a real positive impact. In fact, 88% of mentors and mentees agree that their productivity increased due to their mentoring experience.Let’s look at what makes mentorship programs successful and how you can set up a great mentoring program at your organization.Mentorship programs are structured learning relationships set up within an organization. They aim to provide employees with guidance from other employees with specific skills and knowledge. Types of mentorship programsWhy mentorship programs are so importantHow to create a successful mentorship programCoach Chris CottonAutoFix-Auto Shop CoachingVisit Auto Shop Coaching website HERE.940-400-1008Email Chris: [email protected] Link: https://bit.ly/3n5qW2M
Pride of Ownership, Building Company Pride [E084]
What exactly does the term ownership really say to us when we see it describe a house that's currently on the market and being sold? Well, to me, it means that the individuals living there had been proud to have been home owners and once you see the house, you'll realize how proud they really were. So, when someone says that a house shows "pride in ownership," we know that the homeowner has taken great care to maintain their house. Such as making sure that things are fixed as soon as they break, as opposed to years later when everything has begun to fall apart. 1. Satisfaction And Engagement2. Satisfaction With Leaders:3. A General Sense Of Fairness In The Organization4. The Organization Is A Good Corporate Citizen:5. Career Success, Growth And Development: Having a strong sense of pride in the organization you work for may seem trivial, but it can do much to impact bottom-line results. Proud employees are less likely to quit, more likely to recommend the organization as a good place to work, and often do an excellent job of marketing company products to others. You’ll also be hearing a lot less of the infamous and telling statement, “It’s not in my job description.”Coach Chris CottonAutoFix-Auto Shop CoachingVisit Auto Shop Coaching website HERE.940-400-1008Email Chris: [email protected] Link: https://bit.ly/3n5qW2M
Leadership Gold: Chapter 12 [E083]
1. Admit Your Own Mistakes and Weaknesses. 2. Accept Mistakes as the Price of Progress.3. Insist on Learning from Your Mistakes.4. Ask Yourself and Others, What Are We Missing? 5. Give the People Around You Permission to Push Back. Application ExercisesMentoring MomentCoach Chris CottonAutoFix-Auto Shop CoachingVisit Auto Shop Coaching website HERE.940-400-1008Email Chris: [email protected] Link: https://bit.ly/3n5qW2M
Leadership Gold: Chapter 11 [E082]
80/20 Principle! Finding The Main Thing1. I Determined Not to Know Everything2. I Determined Not to Know Everything First3. I Determined to Let Someone Represent Me4. I am Determined to Stay with My strengths and Not Work on my Weaknesses. 5. I Determined to Take Charge of What Took My Time and Attention"Genius is the ability to reduce the complicated to the simple"Application ExercisesMentoring MomentCoach Chris CottonAutoFix-Auto Shop CoachingVisit Auto Shop Coaching website HERE.940-400-1008Email Chris: [email protected] Link: https://bit.ly/3n5qW2M
Reach for Help – Stay In Business – Chris Cotton [RR 788] - Remarkable Results Radio Podcast
Why is reaching out for help so hard for so many people? Let’s break down the barriers and formalities and dive into what the first call to a business coach can be like. I’m with Aftermarket Radio Network host Coach Chris Cotton at ASTE 2022. Look, you don’t have a hobby you have a business that needs your attention to profitability. Never stop improving yourself and your business. Embrace accountability partners, peer groups, and coaching, and watch what you can do. Chris Cotton, AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching, Chris Cotton Weekly Blitz Podcast Key Talking Points People who don't reach out for help end up out of business or stuck not knowing what they need to know and not able to grow Chris asks a lot of open-ended questions on the first call and asks what prompted them to reach out and what struggles you have in your business. If you're not afraid to disappoint someone, then accountability does nothing Join peer meetings and start networking to grow as the industry evolves KPI is used to measure strategy and leadership improvements Motivate, connect, and teach the younger generation A lot of people use work as an escape or release. Show love within your organization Hug until the other person breaks the embrace- are people hugging longer these days? Take criticization as a stepping stone to level up Reset your mind to be ready for the next thing Connect with the Podcast: Aftermarket Radio Network Subscribe on YouTube Visit us on the Web Follow on Facebook Become an Insider Buy me a coffee Important Books Check out today's partners: Set your sights on Las Vegas in 2022. Mark your calendar now … November 1-3, 2022, AAPEX - Now more than ever. And don’t miss the next free AAPEX webinar. Register now at AAPEXSHOW.COM/WEBINAR. Shop-Ware: More Time. More Profit. Shop-Ware Shop Management getshopware.com
Employee Training, Where Are You Headed Next? [E081]
Employee Training, Where Are You Headed Next?Coach Chris CottonAutoFix-Auto Shop CoachingVisit Auto Shop Coaching website HERE.940-400-1008Email Chris: [email protected] Link: https://bit.ly/3n5qW2M
Trust Your Gut! [E080]
Shop owners making decisions on people procrastinate and hurt their business without listening to what their gut is telling them. Your people know!Coach Chris CottonAutoFix-Auto Shop CoachingVisit Auto Shop Coaching website HERE.940-400-1008Email Chris: [email protected] Link: https://bit.ly/3n5qW2M
Leadership Gold: Chapter 10 [E079]
Leadership Gold: Chapter 10, Don't Send Your Ducks to Eagle School! Three Reasons Not To Send Your Ducks to Eagle School1. If you send ducks to eagle school, you will frustrate the ducks. 2. If you send ducks to eagle school, you will frustrate the eagles. 3. If you send ducks to eagle school, you will frustrate yourselfKnow what you are looking for!Application ExercisesMentoring MomentCoach Chris CottonAutoFix-Auto Shop CoachingVisit Auto Shop Coaching website HERE.940-400-1008Email Chris: [email protected] Link: https://bit.ly/3n5qW2M
Leadership Gold: Chapter 9 [E078]
To see how the leader is doing, look at the people! The Leader is Responsible! Revealing Questions to ask about Followers:1. Are the people following?2. Are the people changing?3. ARe the people growing?4. Are the people succeeding?Application Exercises:1. Are your people follwing you?2. How do you keep score?3. Do you believe in your people?Coach Chris CottonAutoFix-Auto Shop CoachingVisit Auto Shop Coaching website HERE.940-400-1008Email Chris: [email protected] Link: https://bit.ly/3n5qW2M
Overcoming the Victim Mindset [E077]
Overcoming the Victim MindsetWhat is a victim mindset?A victim mindset is when someone feels that bad things keep happening to them no matter what. at the root of this mentality is that none of these circumstances or situations are their fault.What causes a victim mindset?----------No one is born a victim. A victim complex isn't a personality trait — it's learned behavior. In fact, victim syndrome could be considered a type of learned helplessness. Learned helplessness is a phenomenon in psychology where people who have traumatic experiences feel that they can't escape it, no matter what they do. Here are some circumstances that might result in developing a victim mindset as a coping mechanism:Trauma-------If a person has experienced a traumatic situation in their youth, they may feel like life is inherently difficult and there's nothing they can do to make it better. This is a key way that learned helplessness develops. Victims may feel that no one understands them or that they can't trust anyone to help them. Manipulation------Some people enjoy the attention and sense of control that victimhood brings. Even though they feel like they lack control over the circumstances in their life, they thrive on validation and sympathy from others. Being able to get other people to stop and help them — or at the very least, feel sorry for them — helps them retain a sense of importance and control. Lack of accountability--------People may respond to low standards or expectations by playing the victim. Whether because someone else has always stepped up to take responsibility, or because people don’t expect much, being “out of control” becomes comfortable. Victimhood provides anonymity and protection. When you’re never at the wheel, things are never your fault. Avoidance--------Sometimes we are more afraid of our own success then we are of our failure. Giving up responsibility for ourselves and our actions makes us feel like we don't have to be accountable for what we say we want. Chasing our dreams requires a degree of vulnerability, resilience, self-confidence, and willingness to grow — none of which you need if you just play the victim card.Take your life back into your hands----It can be hard to feel like your life is under your control when bad things keep happening. This is especially true when success feels slow — and failure feels overwhelming. Coach Chris CottonAutoFix-Auto Shop CoachingVisit Auto Shop Coaching website HERE.940-400-1008Email Chris: [email protected] Link: https://bit.ly/3n5qW2M
Solving the Technician Shortage, Once and For All! [E076]
I do not believe that anyone that works in the Automotive Service and Repair Industry would argue with the fact that there is a shortage of good technicians in our industry. In fact, 9 out of 10 shops that we work with today (or for that matter in our industry) need a good technician and I would also say that for 10% to 20% of those shops the lack of good technicians is a serious problem causing them to lose customers, profits and sleep. So Why are we in this position?That’s great Chris, Now what’s the solution?First: We make it cool to become a technician/mechanic and we dramatically increase the pay for every technician in the industry immediately. Second: We take $5 of the increase and make sure we have a full benefit package.Third: We take the other $5 of the increase and join a non-profit organization that will market to the mothers and fathers out there!Lastly, every shop owner books an appointment at a college, auto tech school or high school and ‘volunteer’ their time to talk to the students, teachers and administrators about our incredible industry.Coach Chris CottonAutoFix-Auto Shop CoachingVisit Auto Shop Coaching website HERE.940-400-1008Email Chris: [email protected] Link: https://bit.ly/3n5qW2M
Defining Moments In My Life [E075]
This is a tough one! Me talking about defining moments in my life. You're just going to have to listen to find out more. IF suicidal and or domestic violence situations could trigger you, then you may choose not to listen. Also, I use my everyday adult language..........if you need help, ask for it. There are people that can help you get what you need. I love you and wish you all the best.......................don't ever forget that! 988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), and is now active across the United States. https://988lifeline.orgNational Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233Coach Chris CottonAutoFix-Auto Shop CoachingVisit Auto Shop Coaching website HERE.940-400-1008Email Chris: [email protected] Link: https://bit.ly/3n5qW2M
Numbers Don’t Lie, They Also Don’t Tell the Truth [THA 290] - Remarkable Results Radio Podcast
The gang’s all here; we have the entire Aftermarket Radio Network together for an important episode inspired by the movie Moneyball. We all have experience with people who are not our top performers, but are we better to have them on the team than not? You know them; they are consistent, reliable, steady, and contributors. Are they worth replacing? Will they become the best or top performers, or do they help strengthen our overall performance? A great discussion among your peers. Watch the Episode on YouTube Hunt Demarest, CPA, Paar Mellis and Associates, Business by the Numbers Podcast Matt Fanslow, Riverside Automotive, Red Wing, MN, Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z Podcast Kim and Brian Walker, Shop Marketing Pros, Auto Repair Marketing Podcast Chris Cotton, AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching, Chris Cotton Weekly Blitz Podcast Key Talking Points What REALLY contributes to production? Simpson Paradox Simon Sinec points out that Navy Seal teams value Trustworthiness far, far more than Performance. VIDEO HERE Tech productivity is one of the most important aspects of business, but how can these numbers skew what that employee is really doing (helping others, sharing duties outside of production, etc.) Are there some numbers or metrics that actually can look too good, which could cause an issue for growth or retention Numbers don’t lie, but sometimes can be misleading. Do your numbers match up with what you are trying to do with the business? You have to have your head up and eyes wide open to make sure you can identify the "doers" in your group. Do you have a scorecard for success for your technicians? Pay plans; incentive greatness Who are your ‘support people' to contribute and make the whole picture better Culture is contagious Training when hiring-
Standing Up in YOUR Success! [E074]
Let’s start with: What is Success? The accomplishment of an aim or purpose. If you’re struggling to define what a successful life means, I have two pieces of good news for you:It’s never too late to start over.You get to write your own definition of success.1. What is success to you?2. Success has no deadline!!3. What does success mean to me?4. What does success mean to you?5. What does success look like?6. How do you define success?Coach Chris CottonAutoFix-Auto Shop CoachingVisit Auto Shop Coaching website HERE.940-400-1008Email Chris: [email protected] Link: https://bit.ly/3n5qW2M
The Rest of the Story [E073]
AutoLeap Link: https://bit.ly/3n5qW2MThe Rest of the StoryAs leaders, we always face criticism. We dish it out too. Some of it is helpful, and some of it is not. Like medicine, it all depends on administration and dose. But here’s the problem: If we’re quick to judge, we’re upping the odds that we’ll misdiagnose and seriously hurt someone.With that in mind, there are at least three reasons we should be slow to judge.1. WE SOMETIMES DON’T HAVE THE FULL STORY2. WE OFTEN PROJECT OUR OWN ISSUES3. WE USUALLY REGRET IT LATERCriticism is like medicine. It’s poison unless carefully administered at the right dose. Michael HyattCoach Chris CottonAutoFix-Auto Shop CoachingVisit Auto Shop Coaching website HERE.940-400-1008Email Chris: [email protected]
Proceed With Caution - Are You Ready For What is Next [E072]
The winds are changing, something’s coming, not sure exactly what just yet but let’s talk it out and see what we can do. I’m also trying to make a general statement about how shop owners seem to be doing really well right now and are maybe just a bit too big for their britches at this point. 1. As we're more successful and get a little fat and happy our expenses "creep" take a look at your expenses and get rid of "wants" and only keep the "needs". 2. Stop being distracted and focus on what got you through covid! All processes and procedures need to be scrutinized, improved and followed and you need to hold your employees accountable. 3. Credit.............I think the biggest issue will be people running out of money. We will have to have ways for customers to be able to pay us when all of their other ways have been exhausted.4. We have to be prepared to do things in new and inventive ways, don't get stuck in the: I've always done it this way! 5. Pay attention to the world around you: 6. Pay Off Existing Debt7. Understand Your Numbers8. Expand Your Customer Base9. Cut Expenses10. Set Aside Money11. Manage Inventory12. Diversify Your Marketing Channels13. Establish a success attitude! 14. How do you Think About Credit?Preparation Is Key! Preparation is the key to surviving a recession. Focus on these ways to ready your business for uncertain financial times. You want to employ strategies that will land you on top and allow your business to continue growing even during the most challenging economic periods.I’m challenging you to be a gorilla in a world of Monkees…………time to rise and grind everyone!! Coach Chris CottonSponsored by AutoFix-Auto Shop Coaching: AutoLeap Link: https://bit.ly/3n5qW2MVisit Auto Shop Coaching website HERE.940-400-1008Email Chris: [email protected]
Leadership Gold - A Leader's First Responsibility Is to Define Reality [E071]
Leadership Gold - A Leader's First Responsibility Is to Define RealityAutoLeap Link: https://bit.ly/3n5qW2MChapter 8: Leader’s First Responsibility is to Define RealityYou Can't Define What You Don't SeeQuestions to ask yourself to help you define reality. Guarding Against Unrealistic Thinking:Admit My WeaknessEmbrace Realistic PeopleAsk for Honesty From OthersInvite Fresh Eyes to Check You OutApplication Exercises:What kind of thinker are you?Who speaks the truth in your life?Where do you need a reality check?Coach Chris CottonAutoFix-Auto Shop CoachingVisit Auto Shop Coaching website HERE.940-400-1008Email Chris: [email protected]
Leadership Gold: Get In The Zone & Stay There! [E070]
Leadership Gold: Get In The Zone & Stay There! AutoLeap Link: https://bit.ly/3n5qW2MChapter 8: Leader’s First Responsibility is to Define RealityYou Can't Define What You Don't SeeQuestions to ask yourself to help you define reality. Guarding Against Unrealistic Thinking:1. Admit My Weakness2. Embrace Realistic People3. Ask for Honesty From Others4. Invite Fresh Eyes to Check You OutApplication Exercises:1. What kind of thinker are you?2. Who speaks the truth in your life?3. Where do you need a reality check?Coach Chris CottonAutoFix-Auto Shop CoachingVisit Auto Shop Coaching website HERE.940-400-1008Email Chris: [email protected]
Production Apprentice Program for Auto Shops [E069]
Production Apprentice Program for Auto ShopsAutoLeap Link: https://bit.ly/3n5qW2MWhy a Production Apprentice….1. We have to start somewhere and change the stigma etc….of just a lube tech2. We have to get these folks in a production mindset3. We have to make sure that our current producers are producing and the best way to do that is to eliminate the stops and starts that make them unproductive. 4. One of the top two reasons why people leave when asked on exit interviews is because they didn’t receive the training they thought they were going to get or they didn’t understand what their future looked like. Production Apprentice Daily Tasks: Make sure that everyone is set up for success every day.Walk in with a positive Can-Do attitude! We have no place for Can’t-Do’s in our business.Make sure to pull out all vehicles not needed in the shop. Make sure that your area is cleaned and ready to go. Check-in with the supervisor to see what is pressing and important and what direction you should move first. What is your daily schedule?Check with the supervisor for the To Do List for the day.To end the day make sure the shop is clean and ready for the following day.
Leadership Gold - The Best Leaders are Listeners [E068]
Leadership Gold - The Best Leaders are ListenersAutoLeap Link: https://bit.ly/3n5qW2MThe Best Leaders Are ListenersWhy Listeners Are More Effective Leaders1. Understanding People Precedes Leading Them2. Listening Is The Best Way to Learn3. Listening Can Keep Problems from Escalating4. Listening Establishes Trust5. Listening Can Improve the OrganizationApplication Exercises:1. Give Yourself A Listening Audit2. Who Doesn't Feel Listened to?3. What people have you neglected to seek out?Coach Chris CottonAutoFix-Auto Shop CoachingVisit Auto Shop Coaching website HERE.940-400-1008Email Chris: [email protected]
Leadership Gold: Follow Your Passion [E067]
AutoLeap Link: https://bit.ly/3n5qW2MFollow Your Passion, Creating A Breakthrough, Forget the Money, Follow Your Passion.Application Exercise:1. What is your true passion?2. How much passion do you have for your current work?3. How can you follow your passion?Coach Chris CottonAutoFix-Auto Shop CoachingVisit Auto Shop Coaching website HERE.940-400-1008Email Chris: [email protected]
Scorecard For Success [E066]
Link for AutoLeap: https://bit.ly/3n5qW2MScorecard for Success - Chris Cotton Weekly BlitzWhat is a Scorecard for Success?Step 1: This first step, in the beginning, is to begin!Step 2: Identify 5-Scorecard Categories and a maximum of 3 scorecards.Step 3: Put a weekly goal on each category.Step 4: Assign each goal to a department and the team members in that department.Step 5: Assign a Scorecard keeper.Step 6: Use the Scorecard each week.Step 7: Review the Scorecard.Coach Chris CottonAutoFix-Auto Shop CoachingVisit Auto Shop Coaching website HERE.940-400-1008Email Chris: [email protected]