I got heckled at AAPEX! · Technician Find Community

I got heckled at AAPEX!

I've got a story for you.

Last week at AAPEX, during my presentation, there was a guy who kept interrupting me.

He asked where he could find the presentation slides in the workbook, complained about the cost of the class, asked if I was going to cover a topic that I just finished covering, and even had his phone ring three times during the session!

My friend Buck was in the audience and tried to explain things to him, but he just didn't get it.

After the presentation Buck said, "I wish I lived in his area. If he doesn't wake up, his shop will be for sale in 6 months!"

This experience got me thinking about a crucial aspect of attracting top talent: mindset.

We're often blind to our own shortcomings, and we don't know what we don't know.

It's important to surround ourselves with people who are doing what we want to do because it shows us what's possible and breaks down disempowering belief systems.

I know this stuff works because I've seen it succeed for over 100 independent shops all over the country.

Over the past 6 years, we’ve used this system to generate over 80,000 applications for every position you can imagine!

The problem is, even if we sent that heckler 77 applications from decent candidates, he would likely find issues with all of them.

And if by some miracle he found someone he actually liked and made an offer…it would be rejected.

I've seen it happen before!

So, what can you do to generate a consistent flow of high-quality applications from skilled technicians?

I believe there are three key things:

Use the right bait: Craft compelling job ads that showcase your shop's unique benefits and culture. These ads should invite techs into a story where they are the hero and you are the guide. This story should paint a picture of a new possibility where they can experience a transformation and enjoy a better quality of life.
Find the right fishing hole: Advertise on channels where top technicians hang out, even if they aren't actively looking for work.
Use the right strategy for reeling them in: Follow up promptly (the right way) with applicants, provide a smooth hiring process, and keep them interested and engaged until the toolbox drops.

Just like a skilled angler, shop owners who use the right bait, fish in the right places, and reel in their catch with finesse will always come out on top in the competition for top technicians.

What I'd really like for you to take away from this message is that if you have a well-run shop with a strong culture, there are only three things you need to do to take the pain out of finding high-quality technicians.

Now go out there and make it happen.

We're all counting on you because good techs do their best work when they link up with great shops, and we all benefit from safe and reliable vehicles.

Keep making an impact.

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