The Mirror Moment You’ve felt it. That quiet tension in a room full of women. Same goals. Same drive. Same fire for what we do. But instead of ease, there’s a little static in the air. We smile. We complement. We trade a few kind words. But under the surface, something else hums. Comparison. It’s subtle. Nobody says it out loud. But it’s there in how we measure each other - who’s leading, who’s getting attention, who’s “further ahead.” Why do we do that? Why do we keep competing when collaboration could take us all further? The truth is that most of us were raised in a culture of scarcity. Somewhere along the line, we learned there’s only room for one woman at the table. That if someone else gets the spotlight, ours fades. So we protect our place instead of opening the circle. We talk about women supporting women, and I believe we mean it. But too often, we don’t fully trust each other enough to follow through. Not because we don’t care, but because this pattern was built long before us. It’s cultural. It’s habitual. And maybe that’s the first truth we have to face if we’re ever going to rebuild the sisterhood. This isn’t judgment. It’s honesty. Because until we name it, we can’t change it. Where the Cracks Start We didn’t create this pattern, but we’ve been living inside it for a long time. Most of us grew up watching women fight for one seat at the table. The message was clear: there’s only room for one of us, so guard your spot. Keep your head down. Don’t share too much. We were taught to compete for approval, not community. To be the best woman in the room, not the one who made room for more. And somewhere along the way, being called “the exception” started to sound like a compliment. But that kind of praise is a trap. It isolates us. It teaches us to measure success by how far we’ve pulled ahead - not by how many we’ve pulled up. What if success didn’t have to be a solo climb? What if it could be shared - the kind where one woman’s win lights the path for the next? Because that’s where the cracks start to close, not when we compete for the top, but when we build the staircase together. The Lesson from María Fernanda María Fernanda Erazo Gallegos saw it firsthand. She noticed how hard it was for women in her field to truly trust each other - even when they were fighting the same uphill battles in a male-dominated industry. The irony wasn’t lost on her. They were all trying to earn respect in a space that rarely gave it freely, yet still hesitated to lean on one another. Then something shifted At an AWiA event, another woman, our very own coordinator, Tiffany Scherado, did something simple but rare. She followed through. She said she’d help, and she did. No agenda. No half-promises. Just action. That small gesture cracked something open for María Fernanda. It was the first time she’d seen what real sisterhood in this industry could look like - women who actually show up for each other. It wasn’t loud or performative. It was steady. And it changed her. Because support isn’t a slogan, it’s a practice. It’s answering the email. Making the introduction. Showing up when it counts. It’s proving with your actions that you meant what you said. That’s what rebuilding the sisterhood looks like - one follow-through at a time. The Hidden Cost of Competition When we compete instead of collaborating, nobody wins. We burn so much energy trying to prove we belong that we forget to build what’s next. We hold our ideas tighter, guard our progress, and tell ourselves it’s protection - but really, it’s fear. I’ve felt that fear up close. There’s a woman in my professional circle who smiles in meetings and trades pleasantries, but behind the scenes, it’s a different story. I’ll hear about dinners after they’ve happened, jokes made “in good fun” as I walk into the room, overhearing quiet digs disguised as humor. Once, after a speaking engagement, she looked me straight in the eye and called me a name I won’t repeat - then later denied it ever happened. It took me a while to understand what was really going on. It wasn’t about her, and it wasn’t about me. It was about the story we were both handed - the one that says there’s only room for one woman at the table, so the safest way to survive is to keep the others out. That’s the hidden cost of competition. It doesn’t just bruise feelings. It builds walls. And while we’re busy proving ourselves, the next generation is watching. They see us standing alone and think that’s what success looks like. They learn that to rise, you have to do it solo. But that’s not leadership - that’s survival. And survival keeps us small. Competition can sharpen us - but comparison shrinks us. Collaboration is what multiplies impact. It’s what builds momentum that no single person can create on her own. Because when one woman opens the door, it doesn’t just let her through - it lets the light spill out for everyone. And maybe that’s where the healing starts - when we finally stop guarding the door and start holding it open. How We Rebuild Here’s the good news - this isn’t too far gone to fix. We can rebuild the sisterhood. But it starts small, in the day-to-day moments that show what kind of women we want to be for each other. Name it We can’t heal what we won’t say out loud. The only way to break old habits of competition is to call them what they are - fear and scarcity dressed up as ambition. Naming it doesn’t make you weak. It makes you aware. And awareness is where change begins. Celebrate without comparison Another woman’s win doesn’t threaten yours. It expands what’s possible for you. Her success is proof that there’s room for more - and when you cheer her on, you remind the room that there’s space for everyone. Follow through Support isn’t something you post about. It’s something you practice. It’s consistent, not convenient. Send the message Make the call Do what you said you’d do That’s how trust grows. Build bridges, not silos Introduce her. Recommend her. Repeat her name in the rooms she’s not in. The most powerful thing we can do is talk about each other in the right spaces - the ones that make a difference. Clean our own house Before we can fight the external battles, we have to fix the mistrust between us. The judgment. The quiet competition. The side-eye that keeps us separate. This isn’t about blame - it’s about building something stronger together. What would our industry look like if women trusted each other as much as we trust our own grit? Maybe that’s the question we start asking at every table we sit at from here on out. The Bigger Vision AWiA was built for exactly this - a space where connection replaces competition. Where collaboration isn’t rare, it’s the norm. It’s a place where women like María Fernanda remind us that strength isn’t about standing alone. It’s about standing together. Her story isn’t the exception - it’s the invitation. When one woman follows through, it changes what’s possible for all of us. It reminds us that the glass ceiling isn’t the only barrier worth breaking. The invisible walls between us matter too. Because when we link arms instead of cross arms, we stop waiting for permission. We start building the future we’ve been asking for - one shared win, one open door, one act of follow-through at a time. That’s what rebuilding the sisterhood really looks like. The Challenge and the Hope Before we can break the glass ceiling, we have to stop cutting each other on the shards. Rebuilding the sisterhood doesn’t start with slogans or panels. It starts right here - in how we show up for the women beside us. ~ Send the text ~ Share the contact ~ Cheer loudly ~ Follow through Because when women choose collaboration over competition, we don’t just rise - we lift the whole damn industry with us. And that’s the kind of legacy worth fighting for. Amazing Women in Automotive Every day, I meet women in this industry who are breaking new ground - not just by turning wrenches or leading teams, but by choosing to lift the people around them. That’s what Amazing Women in Automotive is all about - connection over competition. Real stories. Real growth. Real women who show up for each other and prove that strength shared is strength multiplied. If you’re part of this industry, you’re part of this movement. Keep telling your stories. Keep cheering for the women beside you. Keep rebuilding the sisterhood one act of follow-through at a time. We invite you to join us at AmazingWiA.com! With gratitude and grit, ~Melissa “Birdie” Patterson brings 29 years of shop-tested experience to her work as an organic marketer and transition strategist for the automotive industry at www.BirdsiSocial.com. She carries forward The Maylan Method - real leadership, clear communication, and culture that lasts.

Neuroinclusivity in the Bays

Let’s be honest. If you're an independent shop owner, you probably wear more hats than a mannequin in a western wear store. One minute, you're managing payroll. The next, you're explaining to a customer why a 6-month-old tire is bald (spoiler alert: it’s not your fault). By 4 p.m., you’re elbow-deep in QuickBooks, trying to remember what “reconciliation” even means. You’re not lazy. You’re not unmotivated. You’re just maxed out. And the truth is, if you don’t learn to delegate, burnout isn’t just a possibility. It’s a guarantee. "But no one can do it like I do..." I’ve heard it. I’ve said it. It’s the classic line of a burnt-out owner-operator stuck in the daily grind. And I get it. You’ve built your business with your own two hands. You’ve got a standard. A pace. A feel. And letting go of control feels like a risk. But here’s the kicker: holding on to everything is the bigger risk. Because when everything depends on you, everything can fall apart because of you. What happens if you get sick? Or you need a break? Or, heaven forbid, you want to take a Friday off without your phone buzzing every 15 minutes? This isn’t just about freedom. It’s about building a business that can breathe without you. One that works with you - not only because of you. Signs You're Headed for Burnout Let’s do a little self-check. If any of these sound familiar, it might be time to hit pause and take a closer look at how you’re leading: You're constantly putting out fires instead of planning ahead You skip lunch more often than not You don’t trust your team to handle anything without you You wake up already exhausted Your to-do list never ends- it just rearranges itself You secretly fantasize about selling everything and opening a taco stand in Cabo (no judgment) Burnout doesn’t always show up as a meltdown. Sometimes, it creeps in like a slow leak. Quiet. Dangerous. And if you're not paying attention, it'll flatten you. Delegation Isn’t Dumping - It’s Developing Here’s what most people get wrong: Delegation doesn’t mean handing off the junk you don’t want to deal with. It means training someone to succeed. You’re not just giving tasks - you’re growing people. One of Maylan’s favorite truths was this: “You didn’t buy a business. You bought a job - if you have to be there all the time.” And he was right. The real test of your shop isn’t what happens when you’re there. It’s what happens when you’re not. When you delegate well, you do three big things: You free up your time for leadership. Strategy. Vision. Growth. That’s your job - not counting oil filters. You build team confidence. People want to know you trust them. Give them a lane, and they’ll learn to drive it. You protect your peace. There’s no badge of honor in burnout. You can't lead on empty. What Should You Delegate? Glad you asked. Here’s a quick list of what you can start letting go of - without letting go of quality: ✅ Daily Operational Tasks Parts ordering Scheduling Inventory checks Drop-off/pick-up coordination ✅ Customer Communication Follow-up calls and reminders Review responses Social media comments and DMs ✅ Marketing Posting to social Replying to messages Updating your Google Business Profile Blog writing (hi, that’s us!) ✅ Admin Payroll prep Receipt filing Email sorting Look, you don’t have to give it all away at once. Start with one thing. See how it goes. Then try another. “But What If They Mess It Up?” They might. That’s part of the process. Delegation requires patience, coaching, and expecting a few bumps along the way. You’re not just offloading work - you’re investing in your people. When someone drops the ball, you don’t snatch it back and say, “Forget it - I’ll do it myself.” You teach. You adjust. You lead. That’s how real businesses grow. Not through perfection, but through progress. Delegate with Purpose: 5 Quick Tips Let’s make this practical. If you’re ready to dip your toe in the delegation pool, start here: 1. Pick the Right Person Give the task to someone whose natural strengths match the work. Don’t give data entry to your tech who can't sit still. 2. Be Crystal Clear Vague instructions = disappointing results. Take 10 minutes to clearly explain the goal and the steps. Bonus points if you write it down or record a short video. 3. Set a Follow-Up Time Don’t just toss the baton and run. Schedule a check-in. It keeps you both accountable. 4. Encourage Ownership Let them know you’re trusting them - and you’re not hovering. Give room to figure things out. 5. Praise Progress, Not Perfection If they got 80% right and missed a few details? That’s still a win. Celebrate effort, guide improvement. The Long Game: From Owner to Leader Imagine this... It’s 4:30 on a Thursday. You’re not stressed. Payroll is handled. Marketing is humming. Phones are ringing - and someone else is answering them. You’re sipping coffee, reviewing next month’s goals, maybe even planning a real weekend away. That’s not a fantasy. That’s what delegation makes possible. You didn’t start your shop to become its prisoner. You started it to build something lasting. Something that could support your family, serve your community, and give you freedom. But freedom doesn’t show up when everything’s perfect. It shows up when you let go of what’s holding you back. So today, ask yourself: What am I doing that someone else could do - with training Then make a move. Because if you don’t delegate, you will burn out. And your shop - your team - needs more than your hands. They need your mind. Your vision. Your leadership. You can build a business that runs without burning you out. And if you’re ready to get the ball rolling but not sure where to start? Shoot us a message, and we’ll help you find your first delegation win!:)

Let’s start with a quick gut-check: When was the last time you Googled your own shop? Not to see if the internet still knows you exist, but to actually look at your listing, your photos, your reviews, your hours. At how a brand-new customer might see you for the very first time. For a lot of shop owners, the answer is... “uh, maybe never?” That’s a missed opportunity. Because when someone types “auto repair near me,” your Google Business Profile (GBP) is front and center. It’s the front porch to your shop online - and if it’s a mess, outdated, or missing altogether, you’re not just invisible. You’re losing cars before they ever pull in the lot. So, let’s fix that. Here’s a practical, no-fluff checklist of local SEO tips to help your Google listing actually work for you - and bring in the right customers without spending a dime on ads. 1. Claim It. Own It. Keep It Updated. First things first; make sure you’ve claimed your Google Business Profile. If you haven’t done that yet, stop reading and go do it right now. Seriously. We’ll wait. Once you’ve claimed it, don’t just “set it and forget it.” Your profile needs regular check-ins. ✅ Are your hours current? ✅ Is your phone number correct? ✅ Do you have holiday hours scheduled? ✅ Have you added a short, clear description that explains what kind of shop you are and who you serve? If your listing still says “Call for hours” or has a blurry photo from 2023... we can do better. 2. Use Keywords, But Keep It Human Google scans your profile for keywords to help decide when to show your shop in search results. That means your business description, services, and even photo captions can all give you a little ranking boost—if you write them with intention. 🚫 Don't keyword-stuff like a robot. ✅ Do include phrases like: “Auto repair in [your city]” “Brake repair specialists” “Family-owned diesel mechanic” Write like a real person talking to a customer. Because that’s who it’s for. 3. Photos That Actually Show Who You Are Here’s where most shop listings fall flat: the visuals. They either don’t have any photos, or they upload 37 shots of valve covers and timing belts. (I get it. You’re proud of your work. But customers aren’t trying to hire a parts catalog.) What they do want to see: The front of your building (so they recognize it when they drive by) Your team in action (bonus points for smiles!) Your waiting area A couple clean, finished cars Any family-friendly or unique touches (mascot dog? community board? donut day?) Aim for at least 10 solid photos. Update them every few months so your listing feels alive - not forgotten. 4. Get Those Reviews Flowing (and Respond to Them All) Reviews aren’t a “nice to have.” They’re trust currency. Most people aren’t clicking on a shop with two stars and no responses. And they’re not going to trust a place with perfect 5.0 stars and only three reviews from the owner's family members either. You want steady, recent, real reviews; and yes, you can ask for them. 📢 Pro tip: Train your team to spot the “thank you” moments in customer conversations. That’s when you say: “We really appreciate that. If you have a minute, would you be willing to share that in a Google review? It helps more than you know.” And once that review goes live? Always respond, even if it’s just “Thanks so much for the kind words, we loved working on your Jeep!” Got a negative review? Don’t panic. Breathe. Reply calmly, own what’s real, and show you care about making it right. That response says more to future customers than the bad review ever could. 5. Use Posts to Stay Fresh Did you know you can post updates directly to your Google listing? Most shops don’t use this feature, but it’s free, visible, and helps show Google that you’re active. You can post: Seasonal specials Holiday hours Customer shoutouts Blog links (like this one!) Reminders like “Book early before school starts” Keep it short, visual, and relevant - just once a week is a great rhythm. 6. Answer the Questions Before They’re Asked There’s a “Q&A” section on your profile where people can ask questions... and anyone can answer them. Here’s the hack: Ask your own FAQs and answer them yourself. Example: Q: Do you work on diesels? A: Yes! We specialize in diesel repair, including Ford Powerstroke, Duramax, and Cummins systems. Now, when someone types “diesel mechanic near me,” guess who just got a visibility bump? You. Wrapping It Up Google isn’t magic. It’s math, strategy, and consistency. And your shop doesn’t need to outspend anyone - you just need to show up smarter. 📍 Claim your profile 📷 Keep it updated with real photos ⭐ Build review momentum 🛠️ Post weekly, answer questions, and use keywords like a human You’ve already built a business people can trust. Let’s make sure your Google listing reflects that. Need help writing your listing? Want me to audit it with fresh eyes? That’s what we do. 👋 Drop us a message and let’s make sure your shop is getting found first- organically, authentically, and in a way that actually works. #BirdsiSocial #LocalSEO #GoogleBusinessTips #AutoRepairMarketing #ShopLeadership #FixCarsGrowBusiness #BirdieSays

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What is Apple Business Connect?

In today's digital landscape, community engagement has become a cornerstone of successful marketing strategies for businesses, including independent auto repair shops.