Editor's Notes 2.0: Cocktail, Anyone?

Editor’s Notes 2.0: Cocktail, Anyone?

It’s always interesting when I go to cocktail parties and people ask, “What do you do?” What I usually tell them is, “I write about body parts.”

I’m baaaaaack! Welcome to Editor’s Notes 2.0, an online-only post written by BodyShop Business Editor Jason Stahl that will consist of rants, ravings and random thoughts on the collision repair industry. You know never when one will pop up, but when it does, you can be sure it will entertain, give you food for thought and possibly make you nuts. Enjoy!

It’s always interesting when I go to cocktail parties and people ask, “What do you do?” It’s kind of like when people talk about the weather, right? It’s just something to say to strike up a conversation and kill the awkwardness.

What I usually tell them is, “I write about body parts.” Ha ha. If they don’t look at me like I have two heads and slowly move away for more shrimp, I know I’ve got ‘em hooked.

“What do you mean?” they say.

“Collision,” I say.

“Collision? What’s that?”

“Auto body.”

“Oh, now I get it!”

Few people know what “collision” means, but they do understand auto body. That’s a good tip when you’re working on SEO and trying to get more business from web searches!

They usually then ask what all my job entails, and I get into that, but then ultimately I get into industry talk and try to educate them on things they probably don’t know. That’s when their eyes glaze over and they start looking around for an escape. Hey, they asked for it!

What do you tell people when they ask what you do? Drop me a line, I’d like to know! And now, back to my body parts…

You May Also Like

The Digital Blitz

We talk so much about how much collision repair is changing, but so is the world of media!

We talk so much in the pages of BodyShop Business about how rapidly the collision repair industry is changing, but the world of BodyShop Business is changing drastically too — the world of media, that is. Change is everywhere! Is there anything that is not changing? Change, as they say, is inevitable. I liken it to a freight train that will steamroll you unless you get on board.

Auto Body Shops: Building a Foundation for the New Year

For the new year, it’s important to conduct a thorough audit of your finances to look for areas of opportunity and things to change.

Auto Body Consolidation Update: There’s a New Buyer in Town

The good news for shops that want to sell but do not fit a consolidator’s
profile is that there is a fresh pool of new buyers.

Is Your Auto Body Shop a Hobby … or a Business?

So you want to provide safe and properly repair vehicles to your customers … even at a financial loss?

BodyShop Business 2023 Executives of the Year

Greg Solesbee was named the Single-Shop Executive of the Year, and Charlie Drake was named the Multi-Shop Executive of the Year.

Other Posts

Taking on the Auto Body Tech Shortage

I-CAR’s new digital marketing campaign promotes to young people the abundant career opportunities available in collision.

This Could Be Your Last Text

A sign I saw on the highway that said “This Could Be Your Last Text” reminded me of my son’s recent car wreck.

SUNY Morrisville Auto Body Program Makes Students, Cars Shine 

A 1997 Mustang Cobra is getting the chance to shine again, thanks to students in Alexander Graf’s auto body technology classes.

3 Strategies to Improve Your Insurance Protection

If you’re looking to improve your shop operations and set yourself up for success in 2024, remember these three insurance strategies.