Pre-VisionKC 2025 Mailbag [E176] - Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z

About this episode

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech NAPA Autotech’s team of ASE Master Certified Instructors are conducting over 1,200 classes covering 28 automotive topics. To see a selection, go to napaautotech.com for more details.Contact InformationEmail Matt: mattfanslowpodcast@gmail.comDiagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel Key Topics Discussed:Blade Runner Monologue Appreciation:Matt opens the episode with a reflection on the iconic "tears in rain" monologue from Blade Runner.He shares the behind-the-scenes story of how Rutger Hauer improvised the line, making it one of the most memorable moments in cinema history.Matt expresses his love for behind-the-scenes stories and the genuine, unfiltered insights into success and creativity.The Role of Luck in Success:Matt discusses the often-overlooked role of luck in achieving success.He references the "iceberg" analogy of success, where hard work, talent, and drive are below the surface, but luck plays a significant role.He emphasizes the importance of giving credit where it’s due and acknowledging the contributions of others.Mailbag Questions:Do You Believe in Ghosts?: Matt shares his thoughts on ghosts, explaining why he doesn’t believe in them and how he finds the idea more exciting than scary.Fuse Testing: Matt dives into his preferred methods for testing fuses, emphasizing the importance of using a test light with an incandescent bulb and checking for corrosion, especially in rust-prone areas.Loss Leaders in Business: Matt discusses the concept of loss leaders (e.g., free diagnostics, cheap oil changes) as a marketing strategy. He explores the pros and cons, including the risk of devaluing services and setting unrealistic customer expectations.Cell Phones in the Shop: Matt shares his perspective on allowing cell phones in the shop, acknowledging their utility as tools for diagnostics and service information but warning against distractions.Upcoming Events and Classes:Matt teases his upcoming classes, including a hands-on Pico training session with Scott Shot and a key class with Andrew Sexton.He highlights Tech Talks featuring Garrett Jacobson on HP Tuners as a diagnostic tool and Zeb Beard on diesel diagnostics.Key Takeaways:Behind-the-Scenes Stories: Matt’s passion for genuine, unfiltered insights into success and creativity shines through, whether discussing Blade Runner or the realities of running a business.The Importance of Evidence-Based Diagnostics: Matt emphasizes the value of using data and evidence to support recommendations, whether in diagnostics or business decisions.Balancing Loss Leaders and Profit: While loss leaders can be an effective marketing tool, they come with risks, including devaluing services and setting unrealistic customer expectations.Cell Phones as Tools, Not Distractions: In the shop, cell phones can be powerful diagnostic tools, but they must be used responsibly to avoid distractions.Memorable Quotes:"All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in the rain." – Matt reflecting on the Blade Runner monologue."Luck plays an uncomfortably significant role in success, and people don’t like to hear it, but the data is overwhelming.""If you give away things, you start devaluing them." – On the risks of loss leaders."Cell phones are step one in us slowly becoming more and more cybernetic."Call to Action:Check out the Aftermarket Radio Network for more shows on business, marketing, and communication.Attend Matt’s upcoming classes to learn more about diagnostics and tools like Pico and HP Tuners.Share your thoughts: Do you believe in ghosts? What’s your take on loss leaders? Let Matt know on social media or via email.Links and Resources:NAPA Auto Tech TrainingAftermarket Radio NetworkBlade Runner (1982) – Watch the iconic "tears in rain" scene.HP Tuners – Explore this underutilized diagnostic tool.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/Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/The Aftermarket Radio NetworkRemarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open DiscussionDiagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.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. The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.