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Gary Gunn, AAM shares some examples of flexible auto repair hiring processes and how they can benefit automotive repair shops. Would you consider changing to four day work weeks, or even hiring only technicians who hunt or have farms? Gary provides examples of shops who did – and, believe it or not – these hiring practices for employees were huge successes for decades!

How could being more flexible in your hiring practices benefit your mechanics and service writers? What about you? Couldn’t you use less stress in your daily life as an auto repair shop owner? Can you think of any other benefits to attract quality mechanics and front of house staff? Don’t miss this video – it could save your automotive shop!

Hiring Process Discussion Recap

When this Working On It Tuesday clip opens, Gary quizzes Brian Pickens on what he’s learned from the class. Brian listed several areas of his automotive business that needed work. He admits he is currently understaffed and his people are burnt out. His previous hiring process proved ineffective and he needs to become more flexible in order to attract the right people.

When Gary polled the class about whether changing hours to help employees’ work-life balance would help, they agreed. Perhaps they should poll staff to see what would work for them. Brian added that he needed to put his foot down, because the current work environment was leading to squabbles between coworkers and grumpy customers.

Hypothetical Candidate Interview

Gary then paints a picture of an interview with a potential new technician. The candidate required a four day work week before he would accept the position, and that is unprecedented in your shop. Otherwise, he is the perfect candidate, and you need him. The next step is gathering your staff and making that four day work week possible. Gary and the callers all provided examples of how to make that happen, including many nurses’ three day work week working 12-hour days.

Flexible work schedules in auto repair are not a new phenomenon! Gary told a story about a shop he used to sell lifts to in Texas. They implemented a four day work week, and employed staff who only liked to hunt. Hunting was an important part of the culture in that area. Since the staff knew they wouldn’t have to work on certain days, they could all relax and bond over their common interest. Some of you reading may think that’s crazy, and it gives employees too much power. It worked out fine for the owner of that shop, who sold it after 27 successful years in business!

Learn More – Get Your FREE Strategy Session

Does your auto repair shop lack direction? Perhaps your business plan has stalled out, so you need an experienced automotive industry coach to help you. Then why not schedule a FREE business strategy session with Brian? You’ve got nothing to lose, so sign up today!

Photo by Cytonn Photography on Unsplash

Have you ever heard the phrase “Don’t burn your bridges”?

In business, nothing is more important than the relationships we foster. We are all familiar with networking and how critical it can be to success. On the other hand, negative networking can be even more critical. Like any school locker room, hair salon, or restaurant, nothing gets around faster than bad news!

In a worst-case scenario, one soured relationship could lead to an entire network of soured relationships. Your best bet is to treat everyone with equal respect. Good news gets around too, and before you know it, people will be recommending you as the go-to person for mentorship, advice, and service.

Which business relationships matter the most?

This is a trick question; they all matter! Why, you might ask? Because you can never predict or influence how one thing might affect another. We previously mentioned that with the phrase “burning your bridges.” If you outwardly show that you value one person or one relationship differently than another, you risk the chance of affecting things down the line. We highly suggest that you set a minimum standard for how you treat people. That means showing everyone respect. Go out of your way to ask them about their lives and interests, and request their help when you need it.

How do I build important business relationships?

That is an excellent question. It comes naturally for some people, but for others, it is a learned skill. We would like to urge you to look at this sector of your business development like you would any skill. Pour time, attention, and intention into it.

So, what does that mean? That means going out of your way to let people know how much you appreciate them. Reach out to them, ask if they need help, or request their help. Begin making emotional deposits with the individuals in your life; build up that bank account!

Business coaching with You Net Results

You Net Results can help you practice these skills and then plug you into a vast network of like-minded auto repair center owners. Our supportive and collaborative network of shops works together to build relationships and become the best version of ourselves. We do it for the industry because we know a stronger industry means more success for everyone!

Please contact You Net Results today for a complimentary consultation. Brian Gillis and his  team will help you build your business bridges and come out stronger on the other end, bringing you one step closer to your revenue dreams! Let’s make this summer the greatest summer of your business life!

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