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Marketing When You Are Not a Marketer [E151]
Episode 151 • 7th May 2025 • The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast • LSTN Media LLC
00:00:00 00:37:46

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You didn’t go to school for marketing, but here you are, running a shop and needing to fill those bays!

In this episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast, Kim Walker gets real about what it is like to jump headfirst into marketing when you are not a trained marketer. (Spoiler: it is scary at first, but it is doable.)

Kim shares her own story, from teaching school kids to promoting a growing auto repair shop, and breaks down the six key tips that helped her go from "what is marketing?" to "running the show."

You will learn why knowing your strengths and weaknesses matters, how to find your networking tribe, how to step outside your comfort zone without freaking out, and why sometimes just showing up is the real marketing win.

Packed with encouragement, real-world advice, and plenty of laughs along the way, this episode will inspire you to stop doubting yourself and start marketing with confidence.

Hit play, grab a notebook, and get ready to become the marketer your shop needs! 🚀

Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for providing you this episode. RepairPal will help you grow your auto business and you can learn more at RepairPal.com/shops.

Declined repairs don’t have to be lost revenue. AppFueled’s call center schedules follow-up calls and equips your team with everything they need to close the deal. Get started now at appfueled.com 

Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)

Clifton StrengthsFinder 2.0

Tony Robbins DISC

Kim and Brian Tell Their Story

Ed Mylett

Start with WHY by Simon Sinek

Show Notes with Timestamps

  • Introduction to Marketing Journey (00:00:10)  Kim Walker shares her background and transition into marketing for her husband's auto repair business.
  • First Steps in Marketing (00:01:25) Kim recounts her initial reluctance and confusion about taking on marketing responsibilities.
  • Support from Brian (00:02:47) Brian encourages Kim to join him in the auto repair world, emphasizing the need for marketing.
  • Overcoming Initial Fears (00:05:03)  Kim discusses her feelings of inadequacy and the mental challenges she faced when starting.
  • First Networking Experience (00:06:15)  Kim describes her first networking event and the nerves she felt as a newcomer.
  • Lessons from Networking (00:08:28) Reflecting on her experience, Kim realizes the importance of networking relationships.
  • Six Marketing Tips Introduction (00:09:41)  Kim introduces six tips for shop owners who need to handle marketing themselves.
  • Know Thyself (00:11:01) Kim emphasizes the importance of understanding personal strengths through assessments.
  • Strengths Assessments (00:12:04) She recommends taking the Clifton Strengths assessment to identify personal strengths.
  • Start with the End in Mind (00:15:26)  Kim advises envisioning future marketing goals and building on existing strengths.
  • Building a Network (00:16:34) She encourages listeners to connect with their community and industry for growth opportunities.
  • Finding Your Tribe (00:18:13) Importance of networking and connecting with others to create a supportive community.
  • Engaging with Local Organizations (00:19:29) Advice on joining local groups to enhance networking and marketing efforts.
  • Navigating Marketing Responsibilities (00:20:43) Managing marketing tasks effectively while balancing other business responsibilities.
  • Assessing Weaknesses (00:22:59) Encouragement to identify and improve personal weaknesses for better marketing.
  • Setting Aside Time for Growth (00:25:28) Importance of dedicating time for learning and personal development in marketing.
  • Utilizing Local Resources for Learning (00:26:31) Finding local classes and resources to enhance marketing skills.
  • Asking for Help (00:28:59)  Encouragement to seek guidance and mentorship in marketing endeavors.
  • Personal Growth Journey (00:30:05) Kim's transition from teaching to marketing and her growth through networking.
  • Overcoming Imposter Syndrome (00:33:34) Kim's experience of feeling unqualified yet being recognized for her marketing expertise.
  • Tips for Non-Marketers (00:35:58)  Kim shares actionable tips for those without marketing experience to effectively promote their businesses.
  • Community Engagement (00:36:10) Suggestions on how to engage with local communities, including blogging, podcasting, and joining local organizations.
  • Teaching and Mentoring (00:36:30)  Emphasizes the importance of mentoring and training team members as the business grows.
  • Final Thoughts and Contact (00:36:50)  Kim encourages feedback and provides her email for listeners to share their thoughts on the episode.
  • Next Episode Teaser (00:37:05)  Announcement of future episodes and encouragement to tune in for more insights.
  • Podcast Promotion (00:37:26)  Encouragement to follow the podcast and engage with Kim and Brian for topic suggestions.

How To Get In Touch

Join The Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Group on Facebook

Meet The Pros

Follow SMP on Facebook

Follow SMP on Instagram

Get The Ultimate Guide to Auto Repair Shop Marketing Book

Email Us Podcast Questions or Topics 

Thanks to our Partners,

RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shops. Quality Car Repair. Fair Price Guarantee.

App Fueled at appfueled.com. “Are you ready to convert clients to members? AppFueled™ specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for auto repair businesses. Build your first app like a pro.”

Aftermarket Radio Network

Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.

The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.

Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.

Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.

The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level.

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