In this MACS Live Chat, Steve Schaeber and Dave Hobbs speak about the state of training in today's world and some tips for success
The Live Chat is hosted by Steve Schaeber, manager of service training and technical editor for MACS publications like ACtion Magazine and the MSR (MACS Service Reports).
Joining him today is DAVE HOBBS, Senior Field Trainer and Curriculum Developer with Delphi Technologies in Kokomo, Ind. Dave has been an active member of MACS for more than 20 years, and is a frequent contributor to ACtion Magazine and MACS Service Reports, writing many of our issues each year. He is also one of THE favorite trainers for attendees to see at the annual MACS Training Event and Trade Show.
In their discussion, they tackle:
— Travelling trainers training from home – an oxymoron or opportunity?
- Webinar lighting, sound, backgrounds. Everyone says “no problem, we all understand.” How to be professional on a budget
- Zoom, GoToWebinar, Webex, Microsoft Teams, etc. Which one to use?
- How do you hold up a part, be animated on a webcam?
— Technicians and E-training
– Haven’t we always rejected this?
- Financial and logistical effects on technicians wanting training and training providers
- HD heavy duty truck techs may not have the time
– Food trucks, medical supply trucks, UPS, Fed Ex, Amazon, etc. all driving like crazy
- Light Duty / Passenger car techs probably have the time – but slow business shop budgets only allow for free training
- Is all free training really just crap marketing?
- Why sign up and attend a webinar when I can watch a recorded version later?
- I fall asleep at my keyboard – even when the instructor is good!
— Customer Relations / Marketing
- Do you “dare” advertise A/C spring specials during a national emergency?
- Keep communicating with your customers – if you don’t someone else will!
-Ensuring your customers know you’re “praying for them” and NOT “preying on them”
- Your customers need encouragement as much as you do! - Education not Marketing Sells Best!
— Do you customers know that prolonged storage times are not the friends of;
- Compressor seals
- Battery longevity
-Gasoline quality
- Tires
- Motor Oil
— Remembering the #1 rule in being an expert; “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Teddy Roosevelt
— Making sure you customers feel safe in your shop. Christian Brothers Fisher Indiana video clip example
— Covid-19 Chaotic Compliance
- How to comply with stay at home orders and keep focused / sane
- Staying healthy working on unhealthy vehicles
- Your shop will get busy again and you will make good money again! Knowing there’s light at the end of the tunnel
- Managing the 24-hour news cycle that never ends
- God never closes – keeping the faith when your church is closed!
