Episode 132 - Shaping the Perception of Automotive Businesses with Nathan Bryant and Erich and Lauralee Schimdt

Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABEShop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your customer with a unique and immersive buying experience.Click here to schedule a free demo: https://geni.us/Shop-WareUtilize the fastest and easiest way to look up and order parts and tires with PartsTech absolutely free.Click here to get started: https://geni.us/PartsTechTransform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros! Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingPros In this episode, Lucas sits with Nathan Bryant, Erich Schmidt, and Lauralee Schmidt from the Ratchet and Wrench Management Conference 2023.They tackle the importance of branding and its role in the success of a business. They discuss the necessity of insurance and other requirements for starting a mobile business, with an interesting argument regarding the validity of these measures if a business doesn't have clients.Furthermore, Nathan shares a personal anecdote about a friend who faced criticism for charging a high labor rate. They explore the varying strategies to attract different types of customers and the pitfalls of servicing clients in poor financial shape.Topics Discussed: 00:04:23 Questions about branding and shop branding; argument over necessity of insurance and clients.00:09:45 Diversification and branding are crucial for success.00:12:48 Problem: lack of training and confidence in business. Technicians struggle as shop owners. Transitioning from technician to service writer. Customers don't understand the value of repairs.00:19:23 Facebook backlash on friend's high labor rates.00:25:35 Lost efficiency, and productivity transitioning to a large shop. Small shop strategies on discounting and lack of training.00:28:44 Outsourcing is crucial for long-term sustainability.00:35:43 Developing a vision for an organization's success.00:42:30 People in ASOG vary in response, some listen, some refuse to, and some are indifferent.00:47:30 Fix cars, feel better, don't eliminate problems.00:50:47 Seeking help and knowledge for better management.00:56:45 No linear progression in marketing; no shared focus.01:03:53 Big money, big problems, tough decision.