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Retire These Phrases - Build More Trust [E074]
Episode 7422nd December 2025 • Speak Up! Effective Communication • Craig O'Neill
00:00:00 00:24:08

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

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In our episode today, I tackle something that's been bothering me for years - the phrases we use in automotive service that we THINK build trust, but actually destroy it.

As we get to the end of the year, it's a good time to reflect on habits we'd like to leave behind. I've chosen five common phrases that, in my strong opinion, need to be retired. You've probably said at least three of them this week without even realizing it.

The Five Phrases to Retire:

  1. "If it were my mother's car..."
  2. "To be honest with you..."
  3. "Trust me..."
  4. "I'm not trying to sell you anything, but..."
  5. "Like I said..."

Here's your challenge:

Pick ONE of these phrases this week.

Pay attention to how often you say it.

Then actively work to replace it with the alternative.

That's it. One phrase. One week. You'll be amazed how much more clear your communication becomes.

Word of the Day: Platitude - A remark or statement that has been used too often to be interesting or thoughtful; a cliché that sounds meaningful but is actually empty.

Sincerely,

Craig O'Neill

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

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.

Contact Information

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

The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/

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

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

Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/

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. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/

The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/

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