Episode 176
Pre-VisionKC 2025 Mailbag [E176]
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 Information
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 Training
- Aftermarket Radio Network
- Blade 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/
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 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.
