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Attention to Detail: The Habit That Prints Profits [E226]
Episode 22622nd September 2025 • Chris Cotton Weekly Blitz • Chris Cotton
00:00:00 00:11:20

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Visit ShopMarketingPros.com/chris to partner with a team that 

understands your business. Because every great shop deserves marketing 

that’s just as great. 

Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/

If you would like to join their private Facebook group go here: 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermindIn 

​In this episode of the "Auto Fix Auto Show Coaching" podcast, Coach Chris Cotton dives deep into the parallels between running a successful auto repair shop and leading a championship football team. Coach Chris unpacks six essential lessons—energy, discipline, process, stepping up, hard work behind the scenes, and striving for greatness—that are crucial for building a high-performing, winning culture in any shop. He explains how bringing the right energy every day sets the tone for the entire team, while maintaining discipline ensures that everyone stays focused on their goals. Coach Chris emphasizes the importance of having solid processes in place, encouraging owners to step up as leaders and set the standard for their staff. He also highlights the value of the hard work that happens out of the spotlight, reminding listeners that true success is built on consistent effort and dedication. Throughout the episode, Coach Chris offers practical advice and motivational insights, inspiring shop owners to lead with passion, reject mediocrity, and execute with the precision and commitment of champions. By applying these lessons, owners can create a standout shop culture that not only attracts customers but also drives long-term success in a highly competitive market.

​In this episode of "The Weekly Blitz," Coach Chris Cotton shines a spotlight on the critical role that attention to detail plays in the success or failure of an auto repair shop. He breaks down how seemingly minor errors—such as incorrect repair orders, overlooked specifications, or lapses in communication—can snowball into significant issues, resulting in lost profits, increased comebacks, and dissatisfied customers. Chris emphasizes that these small mistakes are often the root cause of larger operational problems, and addressing them is key to building a thriving business.

To help shop owners and managers tackle these challenges, Chris introduces five actionable micro habits designed to quickly elevate shop performance. These include practices like repair order read-backs, where technicians and service advisors confirm job details before work begins, and implementing a thorough seven-point quality control checklist to catch errors before vehicles are returned to customers. He also discusses the importance of consistent documentation, clear internal communication, and daily process reviews to ensure nothing slips through the cracks.


Beyond these habits, Chris provides leadership strategies and ready-to-use scripts that owners and managers can use to standardize procedures and foster a culture of accountability. He explains how setting clear expectations and modeling attention to detail can inspire teams to take pride in their work and deliver exceptional service every time.


To wrap up, Chris challenges shop owners to put these five micro habits into practice for just one week. He encourages them to track the results, promising that even this short-term commitment will lead to noticeable improvements in repair accuracy, reduced comebacks, and higher customer satisfaction. By focusing on the details, Chris assures listeners, shops can create a foundation for long-term success and a reputation for quality that sets them apart from the competition.

Introduction and Sponsor Message (00:00:09) 

Coach Chris introduces the podcast, highlights its focus, and promotes Shop Marketing Pros as the episode sponsor.

The Cost of Poor Attention to Detail (00:01:07) 

Explains how small mistakes in auto repair shops lead to financial loss, comebacks, and negative reviews.

Defining Attention to Detail (00:02:15) 

Clarifies that attention to detail is about repeatable precision, not perfectionism, and gives a scenario illustrating its importance.

Three Main Areas of Profit Leaks (00:03:34) 

Identifies check in/repair order, parts/spec verification, and quality control/communication as key areas where shops lose money.

Five Micro Habits for Better Detail (00:04:54) 

Outlines five actionable habits to improve attention to detail and reduce mistakes in the shop.

Daily Leadership Playbook (00:07:26) 

Describes daily routines like huddles, spot checks, and scorecards to maintain high standards and track performance.

Scripting for Consistency (00:09:26) 

Shares example scripts for advisors and technicians to standardize communication and processes.

Seven Day Challenge and Tracking (00:11:28) 

Encourages listeners to implement a week-long challenge, track results, and share improvements with the host.

Closing Remarks and Sponsor Shoutout (00:12:21) 

Wraps up with a reminder to maintain high standards, another sponsor mention, and a motivational sign-off.


The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops.

Click here to learn more about Top Tier Marketing by Shop Marketing Pros and schedule a demo: https://shopmarketingpros.com/chris/

Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/

If you would like to join their private facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermind


To listen to more episodes, make sure and go over to iTunes and or Spotify.

Don't forget to rate and review us!

Connect with Chris:

AutoFix-Auto Shop Coaching

www.autoshopcoaching.com

www.aftermarketradionetwork.com

940-400-1008

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoaching

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae

Email Chris: chris@autofixsos.com


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