Speak Up! Effective Communication

A perfect compliment for an individual and for small businesses is to be a better communicator. Craig O'Neill exemplifies influence and leadership in helping people find their fullest potential as communicators. “Speak Up!” is a podcast that clearly focuses on learning to communicate more effectively so that we can influence positive change in all our interactions.

  1. Four Questions That Stop the Elevator Ride [E079]

    6D AGO

    Four Questions That Stop the Elevator Ride [E079]

    Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound Watch Full Video Episode In our Episode Today: I begin with a recollection of my grandfather, Pat O'Neill. When clients were trapped at a less-than-forthright shop (or any business) with increasing costs, he referred to this as "an elevator ride." This episode builds on our awareness that such rides are still a reality in the industry today. In episode 77 we discussed a values-based client education model that shops can adopt to avoid putting their clients through the stress of interactive subsequent approvals. This episode is about equipping clients with four questions to help protect themselves! Four Questions that STOP the Elevator Ride: Question 1: "Have you looked over the whole vehicle? Question 2: "Are there any other fnidings, or is this all you found in your inspection?" Question 3: "Are there any common problems on these vehicles you expect to find during this repair?" Question 4: "If you find something in the course of repairs, what will you do?"** or “Is this the final cost?” I explain how each of these is an important element to ask BEFORE you give your first “YES” for repairs. The key for our listeners is this- For Repair Facilities: Don’t withhold information. Be earnest and forthright on all things. For Motorists: Stopping the elevator ride isn’t about skepticism. It's about gathering patient information so you can give your best yes. Make an informed buying decision. Our Word of the day: Earnest Adj Definition: Proceeding from or characterized by an intense and serious state of mind. Sincere. Genuine. Not joking or playful. 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 Email Craig O'Neill: speakup@craigoneill.netJoin Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. a...

    26 min
  2. Social Media Detox with Tracy Capriotto [E078]

    JAN 19

    Social Media Detox with Tracy Capriotto [E078]

    Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound Watch Full Video Episode In our Episode Today: I’m joined by our producer, Tracy Capriotto! I’ve been in conversation with Tracy on the topic of the social media delete I did in the middle of last year, and I’ve been pretty happy with that choice! Fortunately, Tracy also managed a break from social media as well, and maintained it since her return from the “Carm Cruise.” She shared some valuable insights in her recent pull-back from social media applications - helped by a choice to abstain from the “internet package” while on the recent voyage! In our conversation, Tracy shares what she has learned in this time, now that she has engaged social media with far greater intentionality, self-discipline, and heightened awareness. The Word for the Day: Sovereignty Noun Definition: Complete authority and control over your own domain. In Context: We usually hear this word in political discussions—national sovereignty, territorial sovereignty. But today we're talking about personal sovereignty—specifically, sovereignty over your attention. Listen in particular to what Tracy says about her smart watch… I know you’ll find Tracy’s insights incredibly valuable, and it is my hope that she will inspire you to consider how you too can redefine the nature of your relationship with social media, and other technological distractions. 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 Email Craig O'Neill: speakup@craigoneill.netJoin 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. a href="https://remarkableresults.biz/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    43 min
  3. Values Based Client Education [E077]

    JAN 12

    Values Based Client Education [E077]

    Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, Shop Dog Marketing, InBound Watch Full Video Episode In Our Episode Today: I had some recent conversations that heightened my awareness to a sales approach that, I feel, give me as much discomfort as it does clients in any repair facility. I wanted to take the time to talk about my most hated experience in the transmission shop - having to call clients with subsequent findings AFTER they had already authorized initial repairs. My discomfort lately… was hearing about a sale approach that treated that scenario as an ideal, rather than a failure. My approach I feel is relatively unlabeled - but I would call it a values based client education model. I lay out the core elements of how I see our professional responsibility, how I communicate it, and how I see the most important closing ratio being measured by my own eye-lids when I go to sleep at night. Our Word of the Day: ASYMMETRY (noun) Definition: A lack of equality or balance between two things; when one side has more of something than the other. Used in a sentence: "Information asymmetry exists in automotive service because shops have expertise and diagnostic capability that customers don't possess—the question is whether you use that asymmetry to serve or to control." My hope - is that you wont take a “shortcut to yes” but instead you’ll stay on the straight and narrow path of professional responsibility - truly council and advise with all the information you can learn and share - and avoid painful surrpises for your clients. 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. InBound at CallInBound.com. Cover your communication needs and revolutionize your auto repair business with AI-driven call analytics from InBound. Contact Information Email Craig O'Neill: speakup@craigoneill.netJoin 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. a href="https://remarkableresults.biz/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    20 min
  4. Should We Encourage New Customers to Wait? [E076]

    JAN 5

    Should We Encourage New Customers to Wait? [E076]

    Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound Watch Full Video Episode In Our Episode Today If you're like most service advisors, you get uncomfortable when a first-time customer wants to wait. I get it - the pressure, the packed schedule, the preference for phone control. But that discomfort is costing you something massive: the chance to turn a visitor into a client for life. I'm going to share why proximity matters more than you think. You'll hear about transmission pans, cramped offices, and why some of my best client relationships started with a five-mile drive. I'll explain what I was taught early on about separating customers from their vehicles to create urgency - and why those shortcuts only create transactions, not loyalty. You'll learn what waiting should actually accomplish in those first 30-60 minutes, why shops spend thousands on waiting rooms but miss the entire point, and the operational reality you need to face if you want this to work. Most importantly, you'll understand why our relationship was too often with the car when it should have been with the person. Sincerely, Craig O'Neill Word of the Day: Proximity Noun. Nearness in space, time, or relationship. When a client is physically present at your facility, you have something you can't get over the phone - the ability to build a relationship through shared experience. 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 Email Craig O'Neill: speakup@craigoneill.netJoin 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...

    29 min
  5. Communicating Quality Control [E075]

    12/29/2025

    Communicating Quality Control [E075]

    Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound Watch Full Video Episode If you've tried to implement a quality control system before and it fell apart, you're not alone. Over 90% of shops I talk to have no documented QC process - and many who start out approached it excited… but then slowly lose momentum and revert back to old habits. I'm going to discuss why previous QC attempts fall flat. I'll explain why red marks on your inspection forms aren't failures - they're wins - and how documenting catches becomes your most powerful training tool IF we learn to communicate the outcomes constructively. You'll hear the story of a parking lot problem in Sydney, Australia that completely changed how I think about communicating quality control to clients. I'll share what NASA's 344 single-point failures intrigue me regarding systematic approaches, and why your repair processes will benefit from a quality checkpoint before the point of no return. Most importantly, you'll understand why clients don't know what you do unless you tell them - and how one simple text message can distinguish you from "their other mechanic." This is the quality control resolution that actually sticks. Sincerely, Craig O'Neill Word of the Day: Systemic Adjective. Relating to or affecting an entire system rather than isolated parts; problems or solutions that are fundamental to how something operates as a whole. Quality control issues in our industry aren't random - they're systemic, which means they require systematic solutions. Blog Referenced: https://autoflow.com/blog/they-have-systems-for-this/ Link to Curiosity Rover Mission Control “Safe on Mars” Moment: https://youtu.be/34voepoD_8Y?si=wgdTbAgLnuT2snxI&t=3537 Listen … after touchdown is confirmed: “Now we’ll see where our curiosity will take us.” 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 Email Craig O'Neill: speakup@craigoneill.netJoin Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters a...

    30 min
  6. Retire These Phrases - Build More Trust [E074]

    12/22/2025

    Retire These Phrases - Build More Trust [E074]

    Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound Watch Full Video Episode 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: "If it were my mother's car...""To be honest with you...""Trust me...""I'm not trying to sell you anything, but...""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 Email Craig O'Neill: speakup@craigoneill.netJoin 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. a href="https://remarkableresults.biz/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    24 min
  7. When Competitors Speak Down, You Speak UP! [E073]

    12/15/2025

    When Competitors Speak Down, You Speak UP! [E073]

    Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound, Express Watch Full Video Episode In Our Episode Today: Whether you're a business owner, client service advisor, manager, or mechanical specialist, you WILL eventually be confronted with negative talk from within our own industry. It's usually not blatant. It's often subtle. It always puts the industry in a bad light. It hurts ALL of us whenever it happens. How we conduct ourselves in these moments sets us apart as true ambassadors for the automotive service profession, and that's why it’s our topic today. I hope that our loyal listeners will see the cases where badmouthing happens against you as an opportunity to contrast your shop as the real professionals you are. Sometimes, it felt like our part of the industry was a constant struggle with undercutters that would attempt to blacken our good name. I'll walk you through what I learned across twenty years as a transmission specialist. How to acknowledge the client's real concern without getting defensive, and how you can't explain value until you've earned trust and respect. We’ll cover: APAC (APAC was introduced in Episode 31 with Dennis McCarron) in action even when the poison runs deep and a customer wants their car OUT. The hardest preventative move—walking into their facility to introduce yourself. And the dream scenario where other facilities call to say, "your client is shopping—we told them they're in good hands." Our word of the day: Magnanimous— Adjective. Showing generosity toward competitors. Gracious or forgiving, especially toward a rival or less powerful person. By maintaining professionalism, by being magnanimous, you win even if you do lose an occasional service order. Thanks for keeping your talk UP! Sincerely, Craig O'Neill Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, AutoLeap, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound, Express: 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. Express by Facepay myexpress.io. Keep your existing merchant processor and software at your service counter. Express is integrated into your workflow to make the experience better. Contact...

    29 min
  8. What to Do When a Customer Pushes You Past Your Limit [E072]

    12/08/2025

    What to Do When a Customer Pushes You Past Your Limit [E072]

    Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound, Express Watch Full Video Episode In our Episode Today: Have you ever lost your cool with a client? Many of us have been there. My story here is about a situation that was completely impossible for me to help with - but I was trying my best to help with - and the client remained defiant anyway… I’ve told this story many ways- and I remember the first time I ever won table topics at my home Toastmasters club was when I told a comical version of it. The story ends with the worst $200 payment I ever had to handle. While I can laugh at some facets of the story now, it is, in fact, a memorable moment in my most formative years in customer service, and it contains some serious lessons. I do believe if I knew now what I definitely didn’t know then, I would have circumvented some issues - but this is why we call it a communication journey, isn’t it? I will break down four lessons I took away from my frustrating case: Lesson 1 - Know your warning signs Lesson 2 - Tag out BEFORE you lose it Lesson 3 - Recognize when logic won't work Lesson 4 - What to actually say when you're at the edge. Our word of the day: Forbearance: Patient self-control when you’re being provoked. I hope you get a chuckle and enjoy the takeaways here! Thanks for listening - and be sure to let me know if you enjoyed this story! Sincerely, Craig O’Neill speakup@craigoneill.net Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, AutoLeap, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound, Express: 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. Express by Facepay myexpress.io. Keep your existing merchant processor and software at your service counter. Express is integrated into your workflow to make the experience better. Contact Information Email Craig O'Neill: speakup@craigoneill.netJoin Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the...

    21 min

About

A perfect compliment for an individual and for small businesses is to be a better communicator. Craig O'Neill exemplifies influence and leadership in helping people find their fullest potential as communicators. “Speak Up!” is a podcast that clearly focuses on learning to communicate more effectively so that we can influence positive change in all our interactions.

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