Windshield Time
Windshield Time, formerly known as The Service Contractor Radio Show is a podcast dedicated to home service technicians and salespeople. Your host, Chris Elmore will be there for you during your windshield time (or whenever you have time to listen!) to give advice on managing customer expectations, obliterating objections and connecting with your customers on a deeper level in the home.
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Why Techs Accidentally Sell the Cheapest Option (And How to Stop)
06/18/2025
Why Techs Accidentally Sell the Cheapest Option (And How to Stop)
When a customer chooses the cheapest option, is it really because of price or because of how it was presented? In this episode of Windshield Time, Chris Elmore and James “J-Dub” Walker reveal why customers default to low-price decisions—and how techs unknowingly reinforce that bias. Packed with real-world roleplay and proven frameworks, this episode teaches you how to present pricing with confidence, educate customers without confusion, and protect the value of your premium work. You’ll learn how to: -Present prices top-down to anchor value -Avoid confusing customers with too many options at once -Leverage the psychology of loss aversion and consensus -Build trust while still selling premium -Reframe pricing conversations to highlight long-term value Mentioned in This Episode: → Only 18% of customers actually buy the cheapest option → Why techs often “lead the witness” toward low-cost picks → The importance of slowing down when presenting pricing → Robert Cialdini’s Influence → Real roleplay examples that build confidence in price delivery 📥 Download the FREE Objection Handling Playbook — loaded with scripts and strategies to help techs close more calls: FOLLOW + REVIEW Enjoyed this episode? Follow us and leave us a review. Then share it with a teammate who needs to hear it.
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Busy Season Chaos? Stick to the Process or Pay the Price.
06/11/2025
Busy Season Chaos? Stick to the Process or Pay the Price.
In the trades, busy season feels like chaos—calls stack up, the pressure ramps, and the temptation to rush is real. But here’s the truth: cutting corners doesn’t save time—it costs you. In this episode of Windshield Time, Todd Liles and Chris Elmore share why slowing down and sticking to the process is the fastest way to consistency, trust, and long-term wins. If you’re feeling the heat in your business right now, this episode is your reset button. You’ll learn how to: -Stick to full processes—even when you’re slammed -Avoid costly callbacks caused by rushed work -Present all options during peak season to boost value -Build trust between schedulers and techs with better communication -Use scarcity and urgency to increase perceived value Mentioned in This Episode: → Callbacks and the cost of cutting corners → Full option presentations—even during demand surges → Schedule trust: defining emergencies and honoring boundaries → Why speed without clarity breaks your team → The mindset shift that prevents burnout and boosts results 📥 Download the FREE Objection Handling Playbook — loaded with scripts and strategies to help techs close more calls: FOLLOW + REVIEW Enjoyed this episode? Follow us and leave us a review. Then share it with a teammate who needs to hear it.
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How Great Techs Present Findings Without Losing the Customer
06/04/2025
How Great Techs Present Findings Without Losing the Customer
Ever presented your findings… and watched the customer go quiet? In this episode of Windshield Time, Chris Elmore and James “J-Dub” Walker unpack what really causes that reaction—and how to prevent it. From the very first question you ask, you’re either setting context or setting a trap. If you want the customer to trust you when it matters most, you’ve got to build contrast early and deliver findings with clarity, confidence, and control. You’ll learn how to: -Ask better questions that build trust and uncover expectations -Use age, maintenance, and filtration to create context -Structure findings as a story—not a list of problems -Separate the “meaning” conversation from the “money” conversation -Keep control of the call while giving customers space to process -Turn presentation anxiety into confidence and clarity Mentioned in this episode: The “bomb blast” effect: why customers shut down The 7-step findings presentation framework How to avoid the “I also found…” death spiral The importance of linking symptoms to causes When to give customers space—and when to stay close Why you shouldn’t present findings with pricing attached 📥 Download the FREE Objection Handling Playbook — loaded with scripts and strategies to help techs close more calls: FOLLOW + REVIEW Enjoyed this episode? Follow us and leave us a review. Then share it with a teammate who needs to hear it.
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What Most Techs Don’t Realize About Price, Profit, and Staying in Business
05/28/2025
What Most Techs Don’t Realize About Price, Profit, and Staying in Business
“Why do we have to charge so much?” If you’ve ever asked that question—or had a customer ask it—this episode is for you. In this candid breakdown, Chris Elmore and James “J-Dub” Walker unpack what it really costs to run a service call, why pricing isn’t based on greed, and how to explain value when customers don’t understand what they’re paying for. This is the financial literacy episode every tech and salesperson should hear. You’ll learn how to: -Break down fixed costs vs. variable costs in simple terms -Explain why two water heaters are not the same job -Understand what it actually costs to acquire a customer -Protect profit without cutting corners or rushing the job -Use long-term value (like memberships) to stay profitable -Talk to customers—and owners—about price with confidence Mentioned in this episode: The 100 Pennies exercise for understanding margins True cost breakdowns: marketing, overhead, labor, materials Membership math: how repeat visits lower cost per call Why price is based on need, not greed The problem with "just knocking $500 off" FOLLOW + REVIEW Enjoyed this episode? Follow us and leave us a review. Then share it with a teammate who needs to hear it.
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How Familiarity Can Kill Trust (And How to Avoid It)
05/21/2025
How Familiarity Can Kill Trust (And How to Avoid It)
Just because you've been there before doesn't mean the process changes. In this episode of Windshield Time, Chris Elmore and James “J-Dub” Walker break down the common trap techs fall into with returning customers—skipping steps, rushing intros, and assuming too much. You'll learn how to: Because familiarity doesn’t excuse laziness—it demands excellence. -Adapt your intro without losing professionalism or control -Balance familiarity with structure for a better customer experience -Avoid lazy shortcuts that damage repeat trust -Stay consistent—even when the customer knows your name -Ask instead of assume, and elevate repeat visits with small details Mentioned in this episode: PRESS PLAY adaptations for return visits The “ERR” framework: Empathize, Reassure, Redirect The danger of familiarity: where techs often cut corners Customer loyalty stories (and where they break down) Why consistency > one-time excellence Real-world examples from the field—and a cocktail named Lady Hancock 📥 Download the FREE Objection Handling Playbook — loaded with scripts and strategies to help techs close more calls: FOLLOW + REVIEW Enjoyed this episode? Follow us and leave us a review. Then share it with a teammate who needs to hear it.
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Disarming Difficult Customers: The 3-Step Framework That Actually Works
05/14/2025
Disarming Difficult Customers: The 3-Step Framework That Actually Works
Not every objection is about price. Sometimes, customers are already frustrated the moment you pull up. In this episode of Windshield Time, Chris Elmore and James “J-Dub” Walker unpack the invisible minefields techs face—frustrated customers, callbacks, pre-diagnosed opinions, and homeowners who try to control the process. You’ll learn how to: -Navigate awkward customer situations without taking the blame -Use the “ERR” method: Empathize, Reassure, Redirect -Avoid apologizing for things you don’t own -Guide customers back into your process—without a fight -Stay calm, confident, and in control—even on callbacks or late arrivals Mentioned in this episode: The ERR framework: Empathize, Reassure, Redirect “Time, Crime, or Grime” — why customers don’t want you inside The danger of owning problems that aren’t yours How redirecting avoids conflict (and earns trust) Personality profiles and their role in tension Why every conversation is low-level negotiation 📥 Download the FREE Objection Handling Playbook — loaded with scripts and strategies to help techs close more calls: https://www.servextra.com/objection-handling-playbook-download/ FOLLOW + REVIEW Enjoyed this episode? Follow us and leave us a review. Then share it with a teammate who needs to hear it.
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Why Great Salespeople Read People, Not Scripts
05/07/2025
Why Great Salespeople Read People, Not Scripts
The best sales pros don’t just follow a script—they read the person in front of them. In this episode of Windshield Time, Chris Elmore and James Walker break down how understanding personality types (like DISC) helps techs adapt faster, build trust, and close more calls without sounding robotic. You’ll hear exactly how to spot a Driver at the door, how a Stable personality might hide their objections, and how to adjust your tone and questions to connect faster with each type. 📥 Download the FREE Objection Handling Playbook — loaded with scripts and strategies to help techs close more calls: https://www.servextra.com/objection-handling-playbook-download/ What You’ll Learn: Identify customer personalities using tone, pace, and body language Match your communication style to D, I, S, and C types Handle objections based on the customer's natural behavior Ask better questions that reveal who you’re dealing with Adjust your energy to connect faster and close with confidence Mentioned in This Episode: → DISC Behavioral Profile: Driver, Influencer, Stable, Compliant → How each personality type responds under pressure → Roleplay examples of matching tone and tempo FOLLOW + REVIEW Enjoyed this episode? Follow us and leave us a review. Then share it with a teammate who needs to hear it.
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The Truth Behind Multiple Bids and How to Win Anyway
04/30/2025
The Truth Behind Multiple Bids and How to Win Anyway
Ever been told, “I’m getting a few other bids” or “I want a second opinion”—and didn’t know what to say next? In this episode of Windshield Time, Chris Elmore and James Walker break down how to confidently handle process-driven objections like multiple bids or second opinions. You’ll learn how to avoid getting defensive, build credibility early, and ask the right questions to keep control of the conversation and close the sale without pressure. 📥 Download the FREE Objection Handling Playbook — loaded with scripts and strategies to help techs close more calls: https://www.servextra.com/objection-handling-playbook-download/ What You’ll Learn: Why multiple bids and second opinions are usually about trust, not price How to build credibility early and minimize objections before they come up What to say without sounding pushy or defensive Why rolling over and emailing the bid almost always kills the sale How to LEAP through the objection: Listen, Empathize, Ask Questions, Problem Solve Mentioned in This Episode: → LEAP Objection Handling Framework → The 3-Part Trust Filter: Value, Company, Installation → How to isolate what the customer really wants from a second opinion → Why credibility starts the moment you pull up in your truck FOLLOW + REVIEW Enjoyed this episode? Follow us and leave us a review. Then share it with a teammate who needs to hear it.
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How to Handle the Most Emotionally Charged Objection in the Trades
04/23/2025
How to Handle the Most Emotionally Charged Objection in the Trades
Money objections are tough, especially when you hear “I can’t afford it.” In this episode of Windshield Time, Chris Elmore and James Walker dive into one of the most emotional objections techs face in the field. You’ll learn why affordability objections feel so awkward, how to overcome your own money biases, and how to turn a vulnerable moment into a confident path forward. 📥 Download the FREE Objection Handling Playbook — loaded with scripts and strategies to help techs close more calls: https://www.servextra.com/objection-handling-playbook-download/ What You’ll Learn: The fundamental difference between “too expensive” and “can’t afford it” Why affordability is more emotional than other objections How to drop your own money biases before every call What to say before you offer financing The LEAP framework for guiding tough conversations Mentioned in This Episode: → LEAP Framework: Listen, Empathize, Ask Questions, Problem Solve → Smart ways to present financing without offending → Real stories from the field (including one with a hidden Ferrari) FOLLOW + REVIEW Enjoyed this episode? Follow us and leave us a review. Then share it with a teammate who needs to hear it.
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What to Do When Customers Say “I Need to Think About It"
04/16/2025
What to Do When Customers Say “I Need to Think About It"
Ever heard “I need to think about it” and watched your sale walk out the door? In this episode of Windshield Time, Chris Elmore and James Walker unpack one of the most common—and misunderstood—objections in the field. Learn what that phrase really means, why it’s usually a smokescreen, and how to respond without being pushy, salesy, or awkward. You’ll walk away with tools to turn vague brush-offs into confident conversations that move the sale forward. 📥 Download the FREE Objection Handling Playbook — loaded with scripts and strategies to help techs close more: https://www.servextra.com/objection-handling-playbook-download/ What You’ll Learn: How to decode “I need to think about it” The LEAP Framework for handling objections A 5–10 Minute Soft Close strategy Clarifying questions that uncover real concerns How to stay confident, calm, and in control Mentioned in This Episode: → LEAP Framework: Listen, Empathize, Ask Questions, Problem Solve → Clarifying Question Sequence → Windshield Time Sales Training for Techs FOLLOW + REVIEW Enjoyed this episode? Follow us and leave us a review. Then share it with a teammate who needs to hear it.
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From Shutdown to $4.75M: The Fix That Changed Everything
03/27/2025
From Shutdown to $4.75M: The Fix That Changed Everything
In today’s episode of Windshield Time, hosts Chris Elmore and guest Jack Arnold dive into the game-changing mindset shifts that helped turn a drowning electrical business into a $4.75 million success story. Jack was $250,000 in debt, working until 1 a.m., and ready to shut the doors—until one conversation flipped the switch. 🎧 Tune in to learn: The moment Jack knew he had to bet on himself Why offering flat-rate pricing and options changed everything The diagnostic tool that boosted revenue and technician confidence How clear systems turned good techs into top performers What most contractors overlook when trying to grow If you're stuck, scaling, or searching for a better way—this episode gives you the roadmap. FOLLOW + SHARE If this episode lit a fire under you, share it with another contractor who needs to hear it. And don’t forget to leave a review and follow Windshield Time so you never miss an episode. Go out and Turn Learning into Earning!
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How to Handle "I Need to Talk to My Spouse" Without Losing the Sale
02/28/2025
How to Handle "I Need to Talk to My Spouse" Without Losing the Sale
In today’s episode of Windshield Time, hosts Chris Elmore and Harold “J-Dub” James Walker Jr. tackle one of the most challenging and frustrating objections in the home service world — “I need to talk to my spouse.” They break down why this objection is so powerful, what it really means, and why many techs handle it the wrong way. Chris and James share practical scripts and techniques you can use today to follow your customer onto their sacred ground without getting shut down. If you’re looking for a nugget of wisdom to up your service game, this episode has it. Listen now and learn how to turn a roadblock into a trust-building conversation. Want to go even deeper? Download our free Ultimate Objection-Handling Playbook, packed with proven strategies and scripts for handling the five most common objections in the field. 👉 The coaches at Service Excellence have worked with over 1,000 service companies, learning to avoid costly mistakes and maximize sales performance. If you’d like to dive deeper into this topic or others, contact Chris or James directly! 📞 Chris Elmore: 254-733-7109 | ✉️ 📞 James Walker: 254-230-5266 | ✉️ Go out and Turn Learning into Earning!
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The Truth About Pricing Pushback: Handling Money Objections Right
02/13/2025
The Truth About Pricing Pushback: Handling Money Objections Right
In today’s episode of Windshield Time, hosts Chris Elmore and Harold “J-Dub” James Walker Jr. dive deep into one of the biggest challenges in sales—handling money objections like a pro. Whether a customer says, “That’s too expensive,” “I need to think about it,” or “I just can’t afford it right now,” how you respond can make or break the sale. Chris and J-Dub explain the difference between objections and denials, why price pushback isn’t always about money, and how to navigate these conversations confidently without sounding like pushy salespersons. They reveal key strategies for separating the real issue from the smokescreen, building trust, and presenting solutions that customers say yes to. If you’re looking for proven techniques to increase your closing rate and master sales conversations, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways. Don’t leave money on the table—listen now! The coaches at Service Excellence have worked with over 1,000 service companies, learning to avoid costly mistakes and maximize sales performance. If you’d like to dive deeper into this topic or others, reach out to Chris or James directly! 📞 Chris Elmore: 254-733-7109 | ✉️ 📞 James Walker: 254-230-5266 | ✉️ Go out and Turn Learning into Earning! 🎧 Download the Podcast!
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Getting 1% Better With Atomic Habits
01/29/2025
Getting 1% Better With Atomic Habits
In today's episode of Windshield Time, hosts Chris Elmore and Harold "J-Dub" James Walker Jr. explain the concept of 1% improvments, and why making them day in and day out compounds over time. They also pull from the James Clear's book "Atomic Habits" to explore how you can implement this idea today! If you're looking for a nugget of wisdom to up your service game, we may just have it here today. Take one small step and you can have it. Listen now! The coaches at Service Excellence have worked closely with more than 1,000 service companies and learned from them how to avoid every mistake that can be made. So, if you'd like to talk deeper on this subject and others, use Chris or James' contacts below! Chris Elmore: 254-733-7109 or James Walker: 254-230-5266 or Go out and Turn Learning into Earning!
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The Number One Thing To Do In The Home
01/15/2025
The Number One Thing To Do In The Home
In today's episode of Windshield Time, hosts Chris Elmore and Harold "J-Dub" James Walker Jr. pose the question, "What is the number one thing to do in the home?" Chris and James give great answers that range from establishing confidence to demonstrating professionalism. If you're looking for a nugget of wisdom to up your service game, we may just have it here today. Take one small step and you can have it. Listen now! The coaches at Service Excellence have worked closely with more than 1,000 service companies and learned from them how to avoid every mistake that can be made. So, if you'd like to talk deeper on this subject and others, use Chris or James' contacts below! Chris Elmore: 254-733-7109 or James Walker: 254-230-5266 or Go out and Turn Learning into Earning!
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Closing the Sale is Natural
12/25/2024
Closing the Sale is Natural
In today's episode of Windshield Time, hosts Chris Elmore and Harold "J-Dub" James Walker Jr. explore why closing is the natural conclusion to a well executed sales process by making the interaction less transactional and more relational. If you're looking for a nugget of wisdom to up your service game, we may just have it here today. Take one small step and you can have it. Listen now! The coaches at Service Excellence have worked closely with more than 1,000 service companies and learned from them how to avoid every mistake that can be made. So, if you'd like to talk deeper on this subject and others, use Chris or James' contacts below! Chris Elmore: 254-733-7109 or James Walker: 254-230-5266 or Go out and Turn Learning into Earning!
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Asking Great Questions With LEAP
12/04/2024
Asking Great Questions With LEAP
In today's episode of Windshield Time, hosts Chris Elmore and Harold "J-Dub" James Walker Jr. dive into the LEAP method of handling objections, taking a hard look at the "asking questions" phase. They explore how asking great questions can build trust and credibility and often solve client anxities and issues. If you're looking for a nugget of wisdom to up your service game, we may just have it here today. Take one small step and you can have it. Listen now! The coaches at Service Excellence have worked closely with more than 1,000 service companies and learned from them how to avoid every mistake that can be made. So, if you'd like to talk deeper on this subject and others, use Chris or James' contacts below! Chris Elmore: 254-733-7109 or James Walker: 254-230-5266 or Go out and Turn Learning into Earning!
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Three Ways Clients Pay: Money, Time, and Emotion
11/20/2024
Three Ways Clients Pay: Money, Time, and Emotion
In today's episode of Windshield Time, hosts Chris Elmore and Harold "J-Dub" James Walker Jr. explore the three ways customers spend with your company; money, time, and emotion. They discuss how these elements intertwine and affect the customer experience, emphasizing the importance of emotional connections in the transaction process. If you're looking for a nugget of wisdom to up your service game, we may just have it here today. Take one small step and you can have it. Listen now! Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Windshield Time Podcast 03:02 The Importance of Customer Experience 05:55 What’s Going Into Your Brain? 08:56 Understanding Customer Spending 12:00 The Role of Money in Customer Transactions 14:57 The Emotional Aspect of Customer Spending 19:00 Decision-Making: The Role of Information 20:28 Assessing Value: Time, Money, and Emotion 24:23 Commodities and Consumer Choices 27:17 Emotional Factors in Service Interactions 30:11 The Trade-off Between Time and Money 35:41 The Importance of Perceived Value 38:51 Navigating Emotional Seasons: The Holiday Effect Takeaways: 1) Customers spend money, time, and emotion with you. 2) People buy on emotion and justify with logic. 3) Consumers often choose based on perceived value rather than actual quality. 4) Commodities are often judged solely on price due to lack of differentiation. 5) The holiday season can amplify emotional spending and objections. The coaches at Service Excellence have worked closely with more than 1,000 service companies and learned from them how to avoid every mistake that can be made. So, if you'd like to talk deeper on this subject and others, use Chris or James' contacts below! Chris Elmore: 254-733-7109 or James Walker: 254-230-5266 or Go out and Turn Learning into Earning!
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Handling Objections, A Christmas Story
11/06/2024
Handling Objections, A Christmas Story
In today's episode of Windshield Time, hosts Chris Elmore and Harold "J-Dub" James Walker Jr. explore strategies to handle the objections you're sure to face in the upcoming holiday season, and how Ralphine from "A Christmas Story" can help you overcome these obstacles. If you're looking for a nugget of wisdom to up your service game, we may just have it here today. Take one small step and you can have it. Listen now! Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 11:39 Understanding the Holiday Objection 14:03 Ralphie's Sales Approach in A Christmas Story 19:32 Influencers and Decision Makers in Sales 21:52 Understanding Influencers in Decison Making 29:09 Ralphie's Strengths: Knowledge and Passion 37:46 Classic Mistakes in Sales: Ignoring Key Influencers 44:55 Lesson Learned from Ralphie's Journey Key Takeaways: 1) Avoiding weaknesses hinders progress and improvement 2) Knowing the personality types of decision makers aids in sales 3) Handle objections directly rather than resorting to tricks 4) Set clear timelines for follow ups and decisions 5) Using tools like ChatGPT can enhance knowledge and confidence The coaches at Service Excellence have worked closely with more than 1,000 service companies and learned from them how to avoid every mistake that can be made. So, if you'd like to talk deeper on this subject and others, use Chris or James' contacts below! Chris Elmore: 254-733-7109 or James Walker: 254-230-5266 or Go out and Turn Learning into Earning!
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Raising Awareness and the Prescription Pyramid
10/23/2024
Raising Awareness and the Prescription Pyramid
In today's episode of Windshield Time, hosts Chris Elmore and Harold "J-Dub" James Walker Jr. discuss raising the customer's awareness by utilizing the prescription pyramid to build a compelling case of services for the client. If you're looking for a nugget of wisdom to up your service game, we may just have it here today. Take one small step and you can have it. Listen now! Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 02:59 Personal Updates 06:00 Insights from Recent Industry Visits 08:56 Quotes and Their Impact 11:58 Raising Awareness and the Prescription Pyramid 14:45 The Stability of the Pyramid Structure 17:44 Understanding the Prescription Pyramid 19:46 The Importance of Awareness in Customer Engagement 23:59 General vs. Specific Awareness 28:17 The Role of Checklists in Raising Awareness 32:10 Buliding Trust Through Evidence and Awareness Key Takeaways: 1) Understanding customer language and building trust is key to building trust 2) Checklists are essential for thorough diagnostics and raising awareness 3) The difference between expectation and reality defines customer value 4) Technicians must be aware of common issues in their service areas 5) Effective communication involves both head and heart The coaches at Service Excellence have worked closely with more than 1,000 service companies and learned from them how to avoid every mistake that can be made. So, if you'd like to talk deeper on this subject and others, use Chris or James' contacts below! Chris Elmore: 254-733-7109 or James Walker: 254-230-5266 or Go out and Turn Learning into Earning!
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Is Creating Urgency Ethical?
10/09/2024
Is Creating Urgency Ethical?
In today's episode of Windshield Time, hosts Chris Elmore and Harold "J-Dub" James Walker Jr. differentiate between manipulation and influence in sales, emphasizing the need for authentic conversations and building context to create positive influence. They pose the question, "Is creating urgency ethical?" If you're looking for a nugget of wisdom to up your service game, we may just have it here today. Take one small step and you can have it. Listen now! Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Windshield Time Podcast 02:57 The Importance of Authentic Conversations 06:01 Life Stages and Family Dynamics 08:48 Understanding Customer Mindsets 12:01 The Role of Maintenance Calls 14:58 Creating Urgency in Service Calls 21:00 Defining Urgency and Its Importance 23:57 Manipulation vs. Influence in Sales 30:02 Building Context for Influence 36:02 Awareness vs. Action in Customer Engagement 42:04 Creating Urgency Through Positive Influence Key Takeaways: 1) Authenticity in conversations fosters trust with customers. 2) Understanding customer mindsets is crucial for effective service. 3) Creating urgency should be about awareness, not manipulation. 4) Influence is about mutual benefit, while manipulation is one-sided. 5) Building context is essential for effective communication. 6) Awareness comes from asking the right questions. 7) Urgency can prevent negative future outcomes. 8) Service calls should focus on educating the customer. 9) The relationship between technician and customer is vital. 10) Creating a positive influence leads to better customer engagement. The coaches at Service Excellence have worked closely with more than 1,000 service companies and learned from them how to avoid every mistake that can be made. So, if you'd like to talk deeper on this subject and others, use Chris or James' contacts below! Chris Elmore: 254-733-7109 or James Walker: 254-230-5266 or Go out and Turn Learning into Earning!
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Surviving the Slow Season
09/25/2024
Surviving the Slow Season
In today's episode of Windshield Time, hosts Chris Elmore and Harold "J-Dub" James Walker Jr. discuss the slow season that trades businesses experience in the winter and how you can best combat it! If you're looking for a nugget of wisdom to up your service game, we may just have it here today. Take one small step and you can have it. Listen now! Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction and Greetings 12:19 - Navigating the Slow Season 17:16 - Understanding Customer Attitudes 19:13 - Managing Company Fears and Anxieties 21:56 - Avoiding Hibernation and The Technician's Attitude 22:49 - Introduction and Bear Analogy 25:13 - The Slow Season and Springtime Wake-Up 26:11 - Avoiding Hibernation Mode 27:37 - The Contagious Nature of Attitude 28:58 - Following Your Process and Maintaining a Positive Mindset 31:32 - The Impact of Effort and Attitude on Company Culture 38:22 - Adapting to the Slow Season 43:23 - Conclusion and Contact Information Key Takeaways: 1) The slow season in the home service industry brings a change in attitudes for customers, companies, and technicians. 2) Customers may believe that it's not urgent to get work done during the slow season and may have other expenses to prioritize. This is an additional objection you'll have to solve for. 3) Companies may experience fear and anxiety about generating revenue and keeping their employees busy during the slow season. 4) Technicians should avoid hibernation-like behavior during the slow season and stay proactive in finding work and improving their skills. You must maintain a strong work ethic and positive attitude during the slow season. 5) Continue to follow your processes and don't change your mindset. 6) Attitude is contagious and affects customer interactions company culture. Be mindful of this! The coaches at Service Excellence have worked closely with more than 1,000 service companies and learned from them how to avoid every mistake that can be made. So, if you'd like to talk deeper on this subject and others, use Chris or James' contacts below! Chris Elmore: 254-733-7109 or James Walker: 254-230-5266 or Go out and Turn Learning into Earning!
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Training Like An Olympian
09/11/2024
Training Like An Olympian
In today's episode of Windshield Time, hosts Chris Elmore and Harold "J-Dub" James Walker Jr. explore the principles behind olympic weightlifting and how you can take these ideas into the home service field. Believe it or not, there are many similarities between these two worlds! If you're looking for a nugget of wisdom to up your service game, we may just have it here today. Take one small step and you can have it. Listen now! The coaches at Service Excellence have worked closely with more than 1,000 service companies and learned from them how to avoid every mistake that can be made. So, if you'd like to talk deeper on this subject and others, use Chris or James' contacts below! Chris Elmore: 254-733-7109 or James Walker: 254-230-5266 or Go out and Turn Learning into Earning!
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Handling Awkward Objections
08/28/2024
Handling Awkward Objections
In today's episode of Windshield Time, Harold "J-Dub" James Walker Jr. finds his way back to the Windshield Time studio to rejoin co-host Chris Elmore. Today the duo discusses how to deal with awkard and exceptionally confrontational objections, like religion or politics, while in the home. Yikes! If you're looking for a nugget of wisdom to up your service game, we may just have it here today. Take one small step and you can have it. Listen now! The coaches at Service Excellence have worked closely with more than 1,000 service companies and learned from them how to avoid every mistake that can be made. So, if you'd like to talk deeper on this subject and others, use Chris or James' contacts below! Chris Elmore: 254-733-7109 or James Walker: 254-230-5266 or Go out and Ignite the Power Within!
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Managing and Dealing With Client's Expectations
08/14/2024
Managing and Dealing With Client's Expectations
In today's episode of Windshield Time, Chris Elmore is joined again by guest host and Service Excellence coach Matthew Barbosa. Today they discuss managing customer's expectations, where they come from, and how to understand them. If you're looking for a nugget of wisdom to up your service game, we may just have it here today. Take one small step and you can have it. Listen now! The coaches at Service Excellence have worked closely with more than 1,000 service companies and learned from them how to avoid every mistake that can be made. So, if you'd like to talk deeper on this subject and others, use Chris or James' contacts below! Chris Elmore: 254-733-7109 or Matthew Barbosa: 214-878- 9672 or [email protected] Go out and Ignite the Power Within!
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Taking Care of Mind and Body for Success in the Field
07/31/2024
Taking Care of Mind and Body for Success in the Field
In today's episode of Windshield Time, Chris Elmore is joined by guest host and Service Excellence coach Matthew Barbosa to talk about the importance of technicians caring for their physical and mental health. Guys in the field must take of themselves before they can adequately take care of the client, and today we talk about how to do just that! So if you're looking for a nugget of wisdom to up your service game, we may just have it here today. Take one small step and you can have it. Listen now! The coaches at Service Excellence have worked closely with more than 1,000 service companies and learned from them how to avoid every mistake that can be made. So, if you'd like to talk deeper on this subject and others, use Chris or James' contacts below! Chris Elmore: 254-733-7109 or Matthew Barbosa: 214-878- 9672 or [email protected] Go out and Ignite the Power Within!
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The Service Call Timeline
07/03/2024
The Service Call Timeline
In today's episode of Windshield Time, Chris Elmore and Harold "J-Dub" James Walker Jr. talk about the timeline of the service call, which spans from the dispatch to saying farewall to the client and includes everything in between. If you're looking for a nugget of wisdom to up your service game, we may just have it here today. Take one small step and you can have it. Listen now! The coaches at Service Excellence have worked closely with more than 1,000 service companies and learned from them how to avoid every mistake that can be made. So, if you'd like to talk deeper on this subject and others, use Chris or James' contacts below! Chris Elmore: 254-733-7109 or James Walker: 254-230-5266 or Go out and Ignite the Power Within!
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Understanding Input and Output KPIs
06/19/2024
Understanding Input and Output KPIs
In today's episode of Windshield Time, Chris Elmore and Harold "J-Dub" James Walker Jr. discuss the importnace of establishing and understanding both input and output KPIs within your business. Output KPIs are lagging indicators that show results, and input KPIs are activities that drive those results. Have you fallen victim to only tracking the outputs of your busienss? If you're looking for a nugget of wisdom to up your service game, we may just have it here today. Take one small step and you can have it. Listen now! The coaches at Service Excellence have worked closely with more than 1,000 service companies and learned from them how to avoid every mistake that can be made. So, if you'd like to talk deeper on this subject and others, use Chris or James' contacts below! Chris Elmore: 254-733-7109 or James Walker: 254-230-5266 or Go out and Ignite the Power Within!
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Using Scripts as a Guide
05/08/2024
Using Scripts as a Guide
In today's episode of Windshield Time, Chris Elmore and Harold James Walker Jr. discuss the push back owner's can recieve when suggesting their team members use scripts while talking to clients. What many in the home service industry do not realize, however, is that scripts are not meant to be regurgitated word for word; they're meant to stand as guide for your language. A script is not a track you must stay on, it's a path with boundaries you stay within! If you're looking for a nugget of wisdom to up your service game, we may just have it here today. Take one small step and you can have it. Listen now! The coaches at Service Excellence have worked closely with more than 1,000 service companies and learned from them how to avoid every mistake that can be made. So, if you'd like to talk deeper on this subject and others, use Chris or James' contacts below! Chris Elmore: 254-733-7109 or James Walker: 254-230-5266 or Go out and Ignite the Power Within!
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Curing Maintenance-Itis
04/17/2024
Curing Maintenance-Itis
In today's episode of Windshield Time, Chris Elmore and Harold James Walker Jr. discuss the concept of 'maintenance itis' that technicians often experience during the slower seasons. They explore the symptoms and challenges of maintenance itis and how it affects the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical trades while also sharing personal stories and anecdotes related to chronic conditions and the importance of regular maintenance visits. The conversation highlights the need for technicians to approach maintenance visits with a proactive mindset and provide value to customers! If you're looking for a nugget of wisdom to up your service game, we may just have it here today. Take one small step and you can have it. Listen now! The coaches at Service Excellence have worked closely with more than 1,000 service companies and learned from them how to avoid every mistake that can be made. So, if you'd like to talk deeper on this subject and others, use Chris or James' contacts below! Chris Elmore: 254-733-7109 or James Walker: 254-230-5266 or Go out and Ignite the Power Within!
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