This post is kinda long but the payoff is worth it. I was on a conference call today with marketing legend Perry Belcher and he dropped that zinger on us. I searched my brain and of course, I've never seen a divorce attorney make a hard sales pitch. Perry explained why. Have you ever noticed that most people are crystal clear when you ask them what they DON'T want in life? I don't want my back to hurt. I don't want to be embarrassed when I smile. I don't want to show up fat to the reunion. I don't want my ex to raise my kids. Etc. But when you ask them what they DO want they are usually kinda fuzzy? Now we business owners and managers are trained to set clear, achievable goals so that's within our skillset. But have you ever asked your kids what they want out of life? Or your spouse? Or an employee? Crazy right? Most of the world is walking around knowing exactly what they DON'T want out of life in clear vivid detail. And they only have vague, amorphous ideas of what they might like to have... someday. Stick with me, I'm going somewhere. Perry says that the reason that divorce attorneys don't have to make hard pitches for their service is, by the time people are looking for a divorce attorney, they are in so much pain that they will do anything to get out! All the attorney needs to do is show them the way. I recently had a conversation with a client who sent me a help wanted ad they wrote for an open position. The ad was beautifully crafted, grammatically correct, factual, and detailed. However, there was one glaring issue: the ad focused almost entirely on what THEY wanted in a candidate, rather than what the CANDIDATE wants in a shop. It's a common mistake that many shop owners and managers make when writing help wanted ads. In an effort to attract top performers, they emphasize requirements like "dedication to excellence," "high performance," "fast-paced environment," and "looking for top performers." While these qualities are undoubtedly important, focusing solely on them can be intimidating to potential candidates.

Finding the right technician for your shop isn’t just about their technical skills—it’s about their ability to fit into your team and thrive in your shop’s culture. The secret? Ask the right questions. Open-ended and scenario-based questions give you a deeper understanding of a candidate’s thought process, problem-solving skills, and personality. Here are some examples to help you uncover true talent: 1. Technical Skills Questions • “Can you walk me through how you would diagnose and repair a no-start issue?” This question reveals their diagnostic process and critical thinking skills. • “What’s the most challenging repair you’ve worked on, and how did you handle it?” Look for creativity and persistence in problem-solving. 2. Cultural Fit Questions • “What’s your ideal work environment?” This helps you gauge whether your shop’s culture matches their preferences. • “How do you handle disagreements or conflicts with teammates?” Understanding their communication style is crucial for team harmony. 3. Situational and Problem-Solving Scenarios • “A customer returns a vehicle, saying the issue wasn’t fixed. How would you handle the situation?” This question tests their customer service mindset and professionalism. • “You’re working on a repair and discover it’s going to take longer than expected. What’s your next step?” This reveals how they manage time and handle unexpected challenges. Yes/no questions may confirm knowledge, but they don’t reveal how a tech thinks, collaborates, or reacts under pressure. Open-ended and scenario-based questions help you find candidates who bring more than just skills—they bring the right attitude and approach to succeed in your shop. What’s your favorite interview question to uncover top talent? Share it below! 👇 #TechRecruitment #HiringTips #InterviewQuestions #AutoShopSuccess

We've spotted a new phishing scam targeting Facebook page owners. The scammers pose as "BlueWave Media Solutions" claiming copyright violations and demanding quick action. How to spot it: - Vague claims about copyrighted "images, videos, and music" - Urgent 48-hour deadline to respond - Generic greetings like "Dear," - Suspicious PDF downloads - Pressure to click external links Stay safe: - Never download attachments from unknown senders - Don't click suspicious links - Check copyright claims directly through Facebook - Report suspicious emails to your email provider Real copyright notices will include specific content details and come through official Facebook channels. When in doubt, log into Facebook directly to check notifications. Share this post to help protect others! 🛡️ #ScamAlert #CyberSecurity #StaySafe

I just got a text from community member @Brandon Anderson who owns Aardvark Automotive in Amarillo, TX. Here's what he said: "...got my first application from what appears to be a 6 year vet rock star master tech from a local dealership. He is tired of dealership drama and said he has been searching the web for a great independent family shop, submitting an offer as we speak. Thank you Chris, after months of searching on my own and getting junior mechanics, I let Technician Find help my shop, and finally get a rock star to apply. I'll update you if I get the hire. God bless". I love hearing stories like this! But you know what I love even more? Sharing stories like this with the community. Wanna know why? Because every day there are hundreds, maybe thousands of techs somewhere in the United States who are sick and tired of the dealership drama who are looking for an independent family-owned shop to call home. I know this because I see it every day but I want the 276 shop owners and GM's in this community to know it. It's not just customers who are looking for a dealer alternative. Lot's of techs want one too. Now, get out there and let them know you exist!

ASE leadership recently participated in a congressional panel to discuss the technician shortage and training the next generation of automotive technicians. This is an important development for our industry. With lawmakers actively seeking solutions, we may see increased funding and support for automotive training programs in the near future. In my opinion, shops with apprenticeship programs that bring in and develop new talent are ahead of the curve. Unfortunately, not every auto repair business has the resources available to dedicate to this task. Investing in the future of our workforce is critical. While change won't happen overnight, this panel discussion is a positive sign. It's time for us to start thinking about how these potential legislative actions could impact our businesses. What are your thoughts? Will this make a difference? Read the full article to learn more about the specific proposals discussed: ASE Leadership Participates on Congressional Panel #automotiveindustry #technicianshortage #apprenticeships #automotivetraining