Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound, Express

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In our episode today:

It was my pleasure to host a friend of mine, Mike Edge, who himself is a host on the “Gaining Traction Podcast.”

Mike interviews a lot of folks in the auto-repair industry, focusing mostly on tire businesses.

I settled on the title of our episode AFTER the conversation I enjoyed with Mike. It is based on one of Mikes favorite books he’s read, which we discuss at the tail end of our conversation.

It’s worth touching on now - as the book Acres of Diamonds is actually a lecture by Russell H. Conwell. It sets the framework for our entire conversation perfectly. The general theme of which is this: one does not need to look far and wide for success, those opportunities are often right beneath our feet!

We learn a lot about Mike in this talk - and that’s on purpose. Mike is normally the host - and rarely a guest! It was really fun for me to turn the tables on him!

Our first segment we focus a great deal regarding perceptions of the industry, challenges, and adoption of communication technology. A key thing we will hear about Mike is his innate and genuine curiosity. Curiosity makes Mike a fantastic and eager listener, and thus, a great communicator. Loyal listeners have heard me talk many times about curiosity.

For me - the real fun begins when he and I get to go a little deeper into the topics we both share a lot of interest in, like history and practical elements of our faith and seeking knowledge and truth. We talk about books, railroads, the shootout at the OK Corral, it’s all here.

I know you'll enjoy this conversation as much as I did - and am certain it will leave you thinking.

Sincerely,

Craig O’Neill

A link to the very short 54 page book By Russell H. Conwell:

WOTD:

Coalesce

verb.

To come together to form one group or mass. A common goal to coalesce around.

Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, AutoLeap, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound, Express:

The Institute at WeAreTheInstitute.com. "Stop stressing over your business, you deserve a good night's sleep. The Institute’s coaching helps you achieve success and financial peace.

AutoFlow at AutoFlow.com. Your partner in technology, Autoflow consolidates your client interactions - before, during and after the visit to a single thread. Learn more at Autoflow.com

Shop Dog Marketing at Shop Dog Marketing.com. "Want to see your auto repair shop thrive? Let Shop Dog Marketing be your guide. Our customer-first approach, combined with AI-driven creative content, ensures top rankings.

In-Bound at CallInBound.com. Cover your communication needs and revolutionize your auto repair business with AI-driven call analytics from InBound.

Express by Facepay myexpress.io. Keep your existing merchant processor and software at your service counter. Express is integrated into your workflow to make the experience better.

Contact Information

• Email Craig O'Neill: speakup@craigoneill.net
• Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club:

Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound, Express

Watch Full Video Episode

In our Episode Today:

I was sitting on hold for an active support ticket recently… the apple phone I’ve been using for three years started having an issue… and for some weird reason I made a connection to a book I read back when I was a teenager: “How to get out of a speeding ticket.”

I can’t remember the title exactly - but that may have been the title, I’ve failed to find the book and can only remember it was written by a police officer. It was a little tongue in cheek in some chapters - but it actually did have some pragmatic and thoughtful advice about how to treat officers with respect and potentially earn a better outcome than we deserve in the moment.

Topics I’ll discuss:

• Three simple principles to handle traffic encounters or support tickets the right way
• Actual tips to get out of speeding tickets… or get a lower ticket!
• Showing respect / Reducing fear
• Gratitude for human help in the world today.

Now.

I’m also a human - and make no claims to get my personal interactions right all the time… but that’s part of why I recognize the need for topics like this. It’s really easy to let the frustration we’re dealing with get to us - and allow it to shape our interactions.

For our listeners - I hope you’ll thing about the people you need help from at times - those part suppliers, the warranty adjudicators, upset customers… same principles apply.

The lesson today is that being right isn’t what gets you results. Effective communication gets you results.

Sincerely,

Craig O’Neill

Spoilter alert - despite my desire to get a resolution on my iphone… there was no help that involved anything other than a low trade in value and new iPhone…

I’m back- Team Android! Lets go!

Our Word of the Day today: Umbrage.

Used in a sentence:

Despite my appreciation for the support staff that tried to help me at Apple - I take umbrage at the fact that my device died a premature death so soon after my contract expired… so I switched devices and carriers.

Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, AutoLeap, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound, Express:

The Institute at WeAreTheInstitute.com. "Stop stressing over your business, you deserve a good night's sleep. The Institute’s coaching helps you achieve success and financial peace.

AutoFlow at AutoFlow.com. Your partner in technology, Autoflow consolidates your client interactions - before, during and after the visit to a single thread. Learn more at Autoflow.com

Shop Dog Marketing at Shop Dog Marketing.com. "Want to see your auto repair shop thrive? Let Shop Dog Marketing be your guide. Our customer-first approach, combined with AI-driven creative content, ensures top rankings.

In-Bound at CallInBound.com. Cover your communication needs and revolutionize your auto repair business with AI-driven call analytics from InBound.

Express by Facepay myexpress.io. Keep your existing merchant processor and software at your service counter. Express is integrated into your workflow to make the experience better.

Contact Information

• Email Craig O'Neill:...

Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound, Express

Watch Full Video Episode

I'm sharing a story I don't tell often - my first time attending AAPEX (Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo) in 2017.

At the time I first attend - I had just left the family business, was traveling on my own dime, and was a week away from starting a new job (which didn’t go quite as planned). Being alone in a city that doesn't appeal to me - but through providence, found a few good friends, wound up at a dinner with Matt Fanslow and Eric Ziegler.

The next morning - I caught a keynote speech from none other than Chris Cloutier… listen to how things unfolded from there.

This episode is about showing up when everything feels wrong. About checking your competitive assumptions. About one conversation that can change everything.

In this episode, I'm also sharing insights (with permission from Frank Strong) from Mark Bogdansky, VP at Auto Care Association. He has some keen perspective on our $2.3 trillion industry, the challenges ahead (talent shortage, technology), and why AAPEX is where the entire supply chain comes together to solve real problems.

AAPEX 2025 is November 4-6 in Las Vegas. Wayne Gretzky keynotes. 75+ training sessions. Thousands of opportunities to make the kind of connection I made in 2017.

If you've ever wondered whether AAPEX is worth attending - this episode is for you.

Register for AAPEX 2025. https://www.aapexshow.com/

Email me at speakup@craigoneill.net - let me know if I'll see you there. I'd love to record a quick conversation with you for a future episode.

Show up even if it's hard.

Sincerely,

Craig O'Neill

People Mentioned: Bob Greenwood, Chris Cloutier (CEO, AutoFlow), Matt Fanslow (Episode 59), Eric Ziegler, Mark Bogdansky (Auto Care Association)

Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, AutoLeap, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound, Express:

The Institute at WeAreTheInstitute.com. "Stop stressing over your business, you deserve a good night's sleep. The Institute’s coaching helps you achieve success and financial peace.

AutoFlow at AutoFlow.com. Your partner in technology, Autoflow consolidates your client interactions - before, during and after the visit to a single thread. Learn more at Autoflow.com

Shop Dog Marketing at Shop Dog Marketing.com. "Want to see your auto repair shop thrive? Let Shop Dog Marketing be your guide. Our customer-first approach, combined with AI-driven creative content, ensures top rankings.

In-Bound at CallInBound.com. Cover your communication needs and revolutionize your auto repair business with AI-driven call analytics from InBound.

Express by Facepay myexpress.io. Keep your existing merchant processor and software at your service counter. Express is integrated into your workflow to make the experience better.

Contact Information

• Email Craig O'Neill: speakup@craigoneill.net
• Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters